Uncertainty hangs over the future of Kent staff at Mothercare after the troubled retailer announced plans to close 50 stores as it tries to restructure its debts.

The company announced this morning it also plans to seek rent reductions on 21 of its stores as it tries to secure "a viable and sustainable future".

It is not clear which Mothercare stores are under threat from its restructure plans, which includes a refinancing package worth £113.5 million.

It employs about 3,000 staff across 137 outlets, including three locations in Kent at Bluewater, Canterbury and Maidstone.

Its store at Royal Victoria Place in Tunbridge Wells closed earlier this month.

Stores in Ashford and Sittingbourne have also shut in recent years.

A spokesman for Mothercare confirmed no details on which locations are at risk have been released and it not yet known when they will be revealed.