A leading councillor believes a Debenhams store in his area is "probably" facing the axe after the struggling retailer plans to close 50 shops.

Cllr Vince Maple, the leader of the Labour group on Medway Council, said he thinks the site on Chatham High Street is likely to be one of those axed after the company announced losses close to half a billion pounds yesterday.

This was the biggest annual loss in the firm's 240-year history.

It was also revealed at the business support overview and scrutiny committeeMedway Council had contacted Debenhams’ head office in at attempt to find out whether the retailer is closing its Chatham High Street store.

Cllr Maple said: "If the language and narrative from their chief executive is anything to go by, it says the Chatham store is probably on that list of 50.

“This would have a huge impact for Chatham’s economy, Medway’s economy, and – frankly – for the council’s chief finance officer’s expectations around business rates.

“I dread to think the potential business rates loss for that particular site, because it’s a big site.”

In the year to September, the group lost £491.5 million, against profits of £59 million the year before.

Cllr Vince Maple talks about Debenhams in Chatham

Chief executive Sergi Bucher has suggested stores likely to be closed are the ones whose financial performance was likely to deteriorate over time.

Medway Council’s deputy chief executive Richard Hicks told committee members the unitary authority has been in contact with the company regarding the announcement.

He added: “That is concerning, and we are in touch with Debenhams as well as ascertain the degree to which there will be impact for Chatham.

“There’s a wider debate going on currently around the changing face and nature of our high streets – that’s a national issue – and we are looking to see how we can mitigate any negative impacts there may be as a result.”

Debenhams also has stores in Ashford, Canterbury, Folkestone, Gravesend and Westwood Cross.