by Angela Cole

acole@thekmgroup.co.uk

Jobs could be axed as a result of the closure of the Chequers Travel Shop run by Arriva in The Mall, Maidstone, next month.
Last week the Kent Messenger revealed that the shop will close on Saturday, November 17, and has learnt that up to three compulsory redundancies are expected.
Although managers were reluctant to give details of the affect on jobs, Maidstone borough councillor David Pickett (Lib Dem) said: “I am very concerned to hear that the Arriva bus ticket office and shop is to close. Not only does this mean staff redundancies but a further loss of an information service in the town centre. The staff in the shop do a great job, not just selling tickets but giving travel advice, first aid, and local information on Maidstone for visitors. This is another blow to the town centre, especially as the main visitors’ centre is located in the museum which most people cannot find.”
Arriva’s regional publicity manager, Richard Lewis, said “I can confirm that the staff currently employed in our Travel Shop will not be transferring to the new location.” He added that the closure was a result of the expiry of the lease and information and tickets would be made available at the Maidstone Gateway in King Street.