Jobs could be at risk at the town’s Homebase branch after the company announced it is in talks to close the DIY shop.

Employees at the store in St Peter’s Street are waiting to hear whether their positions will be safe while discussions are held about the outlet’s future.

A spokesman said: “Over the next few weeks Homebase will be holding consultation meetings with colleagues over the proposed closure of our Maidstone St Peter’s store to review a series of options. Homebase is unable to comment further during this consultation period.”

It is not known how many people work at the earmarked branch.

The home and garden chain has a bigger unit in South Aylesford Retail Park, off Mills Road, which was rebuilt in 2010 after an arson attack the year before caused damage of about £8million.