by Anna White

awhite@thekmgroup.co.uk

A family-owned store has fallen victim to crippling costs after more than 40 years’ trading.

Bosses at C&H Fabrics, in Week Street, Maidstone, say it has to close after failed negotiations with their landlord over the rent and high business rates.

In a leaflet being given out to customers, Bryan Hamblin, chairman of the chain, said: "We are sorry we are being forced out of Maidstone. The decision has not been an easy one."

The store, which sells haberdashery goods, is one of Maidstone’s oldest shops.

Customers are upset it is going and have left messages in a book of condolences kept in the store.

Arthur Baker, who has been visiting the restaurant with friends ever week for many years, said: "We always go there – there is nowhere else like it, and nowhere else in town that sells fabrics and cotton.

"I was shocked when I heard. Maidstone is going to become a derelict town."

A council spokesman said: "The borough council and Maidstone Town Centre Management have played leading roles in promoting Maidstone town centre retail and the council was a key partner in the Fremlin Walk development.

"For more than 20 years the council’s planning policies have actively discouraged out of town shopping.

"Business rates are set nationally, based on rental values, which are in themselves an indication of the prosperity and success of an area."

C&H Fabrics will close in late March. The chain’s six other branches will remain open, including its shop in Tunbridge Wells. There are plans to open another store but the location has not been revealed.

Read this Friday's Kent Messenger for the latest reaction to the closure.