SHOPPERS at the Dockside Outlet Centre are to miss out on a new Marks & Spencer store.

The retail giants withdrew plans to open a store at the centre in Chatham Maritime recently, despite beginning a recruitment campaign last year.

The high street store announced it would not go ahead but was unable to give a reason.

The store had planned to make a move away from its usual high street operation to stand alongside the centre’s 50 discount shops and restaurants, but all plans have been withdrawn.

The U-turn has come as a major blow to the managers at the centre who hoped the clothing store would open in the Grade II listed centre by the end of the year.

A spokesperson for Marks & Spencer said: "Owing to circumstances beyond our control, we were unable to secure a release."