The future of Wilko stores across Kent and the jobs of hundreds of staff have been thrown further into doubt today after the chain officially collapsed into administration.

The retailer, which has 13 branches in the county, has failed in its search to attract emergency funding.

The budget homewares firm has stores in Ashford, Canterbury, Folkestone, Sittingbourne, Maidstone, Rainham, Gillingham, Chatham, Strood and Tunbridge Wells.

Despite previous reports of “significant levels of interest” among potential investors, the firm’s boss Mark Jackson confirmed the news this morning.

Speaking to reporters, Mr Jackson said management had made every effort to save the business.

“We left no stone unturned when it came to preserving this incredible business but must concede that with regret, we’ve no choice but to take the difficult decision to enter into administration,” he said.

It is understood that the firm had been in talks with the Gordon Brothers – the owners of Laura Ashley - as well as Bensons for Beds owner Alteri.

However, it has now appointed PwC in a move that puts about 12,000 jobs across the country at risk.

Last week, customers at one town’s Wilko spoke of their dismay at the potential loss of yet another store in a shopping centre – saying the area could become a “ghost town” if it does close.

Shoppers in Ashford’s Park Mall said there was already little to come to the high street for.

“There is no one here,” Claire Murray added.

“This is the first time I have come to Wilko in the past six years. I rarely come to town unless it is for a sunbed or a bit of fruit and veg but the town centre is dead, it is a ghost town.

“Maidstone and Canterbury are heaving – Ashford is not. There needs to be more put into the town.

“There are no clothes stores – it is all barbers, bookies and charity shops. The rest of the town being dead has a knock-on effect to stores like Wilko.”

Emma Sorrell added: “I think rents are possibly too high which is why we are losing a lot of the shops. We can see two other empty units in Park Mall.

“If Ashford Borough Council (ABC) were to lower the costs of rent, I think a lot more shops would open and it would be more of a bustling town.

“It would be a shame to lose Wilko because they are a good store and do good prices and sell everything pretty much you need. But, it is a big store so I imagine the costs are astronomical.”