An independent store which has been running for more than 30 years has permanently closed.

The unit that was once occupied by Maidstone Health Foods in the Royal Star Arcade has been listed to let.

The shop, on the ground floor of the centre, was established in 1988 and sold a variety of vitamins, minerals and herbal supplements.

It also catered for vegans and vegetarians, as well as stocking allergy-friendly foods.

It claimed to be Maidstone’s oldest independently-run health food store and was rumoured to have closed in April.

There is no message of goodbye on the company’s Facebook page, with the last post being from February 2022, however it does say it is permanently closed.

The number for the store goes to a short voicemail message saying: “It has not been possible to connect your call, please try again later.”

The unit has recently been listed on Harrisons Chartered Surveyors website to let for £25,000 a year.

It details that the 806 sq ft building is “suitable for a food retailer” and has the potential to be split into two, if not all of the space is needed.

At the end of last year several businesses unexpectedly and suddenly closed in the shopping centre for a number of reasons.

In June, The Canopy Bar shut its doors just a year after opening due to the cost of living crisis and problems in the town.

A few months later, both Royal Star Cafe and Ohm Picked vape store were forced to close after being repossessed by their landlords.

Maidstone’s only vegan restaurant, Rainbow Skull vegan grill also shut in December, citing rising energy and food costs.

Despite this, owners Richy and Nic Williams of Pad Thai Live recently opened The Beach Bar last month.

Richy says he is excited to expand his portfolio, even though there are some empty units.

At the time he said: “There seems to be somewhat of a resurgence here with talk of new businesses moving in.”

All enquiries and interest in the unit formerly occupied by Maidstone Health Foods should be directed to Harrisons Chartered Surveyors.