Potential investors are already in discussion over the Tesco site in Chatham.

The supermarket giant closed its branch in The Brook on Saturday, but this week officers told Medway Council’s Overview and Scrutiny Committee that positive early stage discussions were underway.

Councillors welcomed the news, but the potential loss of 121 jobs at the site remains a concern, not least for those who have worked there since the 1980s.

Tesco is investigating the possibility of redeploying staff in other stores, while further support is being offered by Job Centre Plus and the National Careers Service.

Cllr Vince Maple, Leader of Medway Labour Group and Chatham Central Councillor said: “Clearly the loss of this store is a huge blow to both the employees and the wider Chatham community who value the store.

“It is positive to hear there are some initial discussions ongoing which I hope will bring the right outcome for Chatham.”

The committee agreed to further review the situation in six months time.