Parking issues, traffic, festivals and events and a "cafe society" have forced a shop owner to quit a town after more than 16 years.

Businessman Peter Everett, whose military equipment and clothing specialists Platoon Stores, has traded at three shops in Rochester High Street, is moving to an industrial unit on the Medway City Estate.

Mr Everett, 58, said shopping habits had changed since lockdown and he was now focussing on an online operation and getting more "tech savvy".

He added: "We are a destination shop. People come to us for a reason. Rochester has changed over the years. It has become a cafe society.

"If you don't get here before 10am on a Saturday you can't find anywhere to park, especially during festivals and events. I have people call me saying they are stuck in traffic."

He described the move to the Spectrum Business Centre in St Anthony's Way as an "evolution".

He said: "It's exciting. We've been here (Rochester) since 2006, and this is a whole new chapter.

'What will I miss about Rochester? Not much, perhaps a sandwich shop.'

"We need to be accessible to our customers and move with the times."

"This caters for our needs and our customers' needs. There are places to park and it's free."

Mr Everett, who is also director of Boot Camp Stores, said they would still be operating as a shop where people can come in, peruse and buy.

They will also be continuing their click and collect service which took off during lockdown.

He said: "What will I miss about Rochester? Not much, perhaps a sandwich shop. But I'm told there's some decent sandwich shops on the estate."

The last trading day at 70 High Street was Saturday and he hopes his new venture will be up-and-running at the beginning of next month.

The business specialises in military, survival outdoor equipment and fully-tested firearms.