by business editor Trevor Sturgess

Loss-making travel firm Thomas Cook is to close three branches in Kent with the loss of 15 jobs.

The long-established company made losses of around £400m last year and has been hit by internet sales, the eurozone crisis and the Arab Spring.

It announced yesterday that it would close at least 100 branches nationwide over the next two years with the loss of more than 650 jobs. Job losses could eventually reach a thousand.

The firm operates high street branches under three brands – Thomas Cook, Going Places and Co-op Travel.

Two branches in Ashford – Thomas Cook in Park Mall, and Co-op in Tesco – and one in Tonbridge – Thomas Cook in 13 High Street – are scheduled to close. The Co-op Travel branch at 24 High Street, is to remain open.

The closures will affect four jobs in each Ashford branch and seven in Tonbridge. A spokesman said that during a 90-day consultation, some staff may be offered work elsewhere in the company.

Thomas Cook operates 40 branches across the county employing a combined workforce of 240.

Ian Ailles, Thomas Cook UK Mainstream CEO and chairman of the Retail Joint Venture, said: "We've undertaken a comprehensive review of our retail network and our proposals will ensure that as the UK's leading high street travel retailer we have the right stores in the right places for our customers.

"We'll now be consulting with those affected colleagues and looking at redeployment opportunities.

"Our high street stores are a popular way for customers to book with us and are an essential part of our multi-channel approach alongside our websites and sales centres."