Thomas Cook is likely to close eight stores across Kent

by business Editor Trevor Sturgess

Eight Thomas Cook stores across the county are likely to close with the loss of nearly 40 jobs.

The travel agency confirmed today its own brand branches in Dartford, Birchington, Faversham, Margate and Sandwich are earmarked for closure.

A further three agencies under the Co-operative Travel name - in Gillingham High Street, Dartford Priory Centre, and Sittingbourne High Street - are also on the hit list.

Thirty-nine jobs are at risk, including five in Sittingbourne, 11 in Dartford (eight in the Thomas Cook agency and three in the Co-op Travel), four in Birchington, five in Faversham, five in Gillingham High Street, five in Margate, and four in Sandwich.

They are among 195 stores in the country expected to shut, but leaving nearly 900 still operating, including up to 20 in Kent and Medway. Around 2,500 jobs will be lost as the struggling firm admitted that some stores did not "meet performance targets".

The business has been hit by a switch to online holiday bookings, although Thomas Cook has a strong online presence.

It says it remains committed to a high street presence, but wants to eliminate "under-performing" stores. In some areas, there is duplication of outlets, or competition with its sister business Co-operative Travel.

Joanna Wild, managing director of the Thomas Cook Co-operative retail network, said: "As a large retailer we regularly review our network to make sure we have the right stores in the right places for our customers and regrettably there are occasions where we need to close certain branches.

"Following careful consideration, we have announced that eight stores is proposed to close in the Kent region and we are working with those colleagues who are affected.

"We'd like to thank both our colleagues and customers for the commitment and understanding during this process. 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."