Another Kent branch of the BHS chain will close this weekend.

All 163 BHS stores will close by August 20, it has been announced, but the Gravesend store in New Road will shut its doors for the very last time this Sunday.

A statement released today said: "Philip Duffy and Benjamin Wiles, joint administrators of BHS, have informed employees that the remaining stores will commence closure sales from today.

"It is anticipated that failing any last minute rescue attempt the last stores will cease trading by Saturday, August 20. There are no specific dates for the closure of stores yet."

However, a spokeswoman confirmed the Gravesend store would close this Saturday. No date has been set for the closure of the other Kent stores in Hempstead Valley, Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells.

Kathleen Costello, 74, said: " I live in Dartford but my son lives in Gravesend so I visit quite often. Marks and Spencer's has gone, this is going, [I worry] next it will be Debenham's.

"They're all being replaced with cheaper discount stores which is a big shame. It's alright for the youngsters but what about us older people who have always shopped here?"

Sid, from Gravesend, said: "It's a shame, but if you ask me they're still too expensive."

Ann, from Gravesend, said: "I'm disappointed because I've always liked and shopped in BHS and M&S. There's not a lot left in Gravesend now."

The store manager of BHS Gravesend declined to comment but confirmed the shop would close this weekend.

Ashford's BHS store in County Square shut at 5.30pm last Saturday after more than a decade in the town centre shopping centre.

A closing down sale had been taking place for the past few weeks, with even mannequins, clothes racks and display stands being sold off. All the fixtures and fittings of Ashford's BHS store are also being sold.

Last month, administrators announced they had failed to find a buyer for the ailing retail chain, and would be closing all 163 stores with the loss of more than 11,000 jobs altogether nationwide.

When the company went into administration in April, administrator Duff and Phelps said multiple offers were received but none were able to complete a deal that met the capital needs of the business, which has a pension deficit of more than £570 million.

Gravesham council's lead member for business development Cllr Samir Jassal promised his team would do all they could to fill the store.

Speaking after the retailer's liquidation was announced last month, he said: “This is extremely disappointing news for the retail business and it will be a great loss to the town.

“It has been one of the larger units in the town for many years. It is devastating news for the staff who will be losing their jobs.

“As one door closes, another opens, and B&M has announced it will be making a long-term commitment to Gravesend as it plans to move into the former Marks & Spencer building.

“Let’s hope another company can look at the BHS unit in the same way and with the same commitment and that the store will be filled quickly.

“Our team here at Gravesham council will work with the administrators and potential new owners to achieve a positive outcome as soon as possible.”

• What do you think of the closure of BHS? Are you one of the BHS employees losing your job? If so please email us at gravesendmessenger@thekmgroup.co.uk or call our newsroom on 01474 564327.