THE FACE of one of Gravesend’s shopping centres is changing again as a women’s fashion store closes down.

Evans in the St George’s Centre will be closing its doors to Gravesham shoppers on Saturday, September 20.

The reason behind the closure is not clear and it is not known if its eight staff have been offered other positions or a redundancy package.

Since the start of the year the shopping centre has witnessed the closure of Savers and Mrs Masons Sweet Emporium.

Despite the closures St George’s Centre manager Nicky Blanchard revealed the shopping centre is continually welcoming new retailers to the area.

She said: "We understand the decision has been made by Evans not to renew their lease at St George’s Centre which is clearly disappointing, but is no reflection of any negotiations held with Edinburgh House.

"We are sad to lose such a retailer, but overall it has been a positive year for the centre as a whole. We also hope to welcome new retailers in the immediate future."

According to the centre footfall has increased to date since 2007 and two new retailers, Warehouse and Eastern Vibes, have recently set up in the centre in addition to Julian Graves, Coffee Republic and Beaumont Beds which opened earlier in the year.

What do you think of the closure? Will Gravesend be losing a valuable store? Write to us at Gravesend Messenger, 7 High Street, Gravesend, DA11 OBQ or email gravesendmessenger@thekmgroup.co.uk