The future of the Go Outdoors chain hangs in the balance after owners confirmed it had started the process of putting it into administration.

The outlet, which has stores in Canterbury, Chatham and Tonbridge, specialises in camping and outdoor pursuits.

But the financial pressure caused by the pandemic and store closures has weighed heavy on the firm which had struggled over recent years.

JD Sports Fashion Plc, the group which owns Go Outdoors, this morning confirmed that while no administrator had yet been appointed, the process had begun.

In a statement, it confirmed it had filed a 'notice of intention to appoint adminstrators' for the Go brand.

It added: "The group can confirm that it has considered a number of strategic options for Go and that Go's directors have lodged the notice in court.

"This notice creates an immediate moratorium around the company and its property which lasts for ten business days. During this moratorium, Go's creditors cannot take legal action or continue with any existing legal proceedings against the company without the court's permission.

"Administrators have not yet been appointed and the group will make no further comment at this time."

JD Sports acquired Go Outdoors for £112million in 2016.

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