Debenhams' decision to close four of its Kent stores has been described as "a devastating blow" to town centres across the county.

Yet many shoppers have said they are not surprised at the chain's troubles, claiming it is "dated" and "hasn’t kept up with the times".

Politicians have also lined up to express their disappointment at the closures, with Chatham and Aylesford MP Tracey Crouch calling it "desperately sad", while Medway Labour's Cllr Vince Maple said he would see if the company would reconsider the closure.

Shops in Ashford, Canterbury, Chatham and Folkestone face closure next year under restructure plans announced by the company today.

Canterbury shopper Sarah Barnes, 36, said: “I’m not surprised, to be honest.

"It’s quite a dated store as quite a lot of the Debenhams stores are.

"It is a shame, but it hasn’t kept up with the times. It will affect me slightly because I do come here mainly for children’s toys and clothes.”

Julie Kersey, 65, who was alos shopping in the city, said: “I wasn’t surprised. I was expecting it.

"So many of the high street shops are shutting.

"With [furniture store] Nasons also shutting recently, it’s terrible for the town.

"It’s difficult because so many people go online to buy things now, but you do like to go in the store to see things, not everybody wants to do it online.

"It’s sad for the city to have so many shops shutting. I live in Deal, so I haven’t choose between coming here and Westward Cross.

"Westward Cross is good because you park for free and have all the shops around you. It’s ideal for a quick shop there.”

Medway Labour leader Cllr Vince Maple, who represents the ward where Debenhams in Chatham is based, said: "It's a devastating blow for Chatham, it's incredibly sad.

"There are people who come to Chatham just to use the Debenhams.

"The footfall onto the high street will be impacted and that is something I am very concerned about, and how that will impact the other shops on the High Street."

He added: "I'm going to make some urgent calls and ask Debenhams if there is any way they can reconsider the closure, I understand that is very unlikely.

"Also I will be looking out for Debenhams takeover bids, which we could encourage to move into the space.

"But at the moment my thoughts are with all the staff who are going to be made redundant.

"It's a huge store. I imagine the number of people losing their jobs will be three figures.

"We need to try and support them during this time."

Shoppers in Ashford fear the closure of the store will have a wider impact on the town.

However, some experts have suggested the huge location of the store would be ideal for a retailer like Primark to move in.

Barbara Jeffrey, from Tenterden, said: "It's very bad, especially if Marks is closing as well. There's nothing to come here for.

"I am concerned. I'd have to go to Maidstone or Tunbridge Wells and that's quite a long way.

"Debenhams is a good shop, and a lot of women feel the same way as I do - that no one will come here any more if these two shops go."

Daniel Latter from Kennington said: "It's a shame. What are we going to get there, that's the problem.

"They keep closing these shops but you have so many barbers, estate agents and cafes in the town. What are they going to put in there?

"I think there'll be a hole in the town centre. Not everybody uses online shopping, especially the older generation. People used to come and have a look around the whole shop.

"The town is growing well. I was born here and it was just a little market town. It's growing and growing and they should have the shops to represent that."

Read more: Medway reacts to the closure plans for Debenhams in Chatham

Read more: Business leaders say Primark would be ideal for Ashford Debenhams site