Shoppers in Folkestone are fearful 'the town will die' after it was announced that the High Street Debenhams store is among 22 earmarked for closure.

The department store chain announced earlier today that four Kent stores are listed to potentially close next year as part of debt restructuring plans, which have put around 1,200 jobs at risk.

The chain fell into administration earlier this month and has today announced details of two controversial company voluntary arrangements, allowing it to reduce rents with landlords and close shops.

Other locations expected to shut in the county are Ashford, Canterbury and Chatham if proposals are approved by its creditors, in what has been described as 'a devastating blow' for the town centres.

KentOnline reporter Rachael Woods went to hear what shoppers in the town centre thought of the announcement.

Jane Andrews, 42, a sales administrator from Dymchurch said: “Debenhams used to be one of the biggest retailers until shops like Primark, which are a lot cheaper, came along.

"It used to be a trendy name years ago but it isn’t now to me so it definitely won’t be for the younger generation."

Patrica Freeman, 80, from Folkestone said: “Debenhams is our biggest shop and when I first moved here there was an M&S.

“All our big shops have gone, even Next has closed and they are not being replaced with food shops. It’s going to be a ghost town here.”

Ted Dunne, 50, from Sandgate said: "It’s sad because Debenhams is an institution - a bit like M&S.

“The high street has to develop and we can’t stay as we are.

“Whilst it’s sad it’s an indictment of what’s happening in retail. The astronomical lease charges made by landlords don’t help."

Shirley Andrews, 59, from Capel added: "I think it’s terrible that Debenhams is closing.

"The town will die.

“There are lots of empty shops and charity shops already.

“It’s sad that all the staff will lose their jobs and the building will be such a big building for fill.”

Samantha Allen, 54, from Lyminge felt strongly about the situation: “It’s absolutely disgusting and appalling.

“Folkestone should be the hub of the south-east with its connections to London and France.

“All those jobs are being lost and I don’t know what will be done with such a big building.

“Something will have to be done or the town will die.”

Their concerns were echoed by former a Folkestone town centre manager.

Rob Woods said: "I'm shocked and horrified that four Debenhams stores in Kent are earmarked for closure as well as Eastbourne.

"It’s a major blow for Folkestone and especially, for Ashford and the County Square management with M&S closing as well."

In the past, bosses have denied closure rumours for the Folkestone store.

The store hit headlines earlier last year following safety concerns after a sign from the building facade cascaded to the ground onto the path of shoppers below.

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