Staff at Chatham’s WHSmith branch, which is shutting down at the end of April, will be “redeployed where possible”.

Company bosses have confirmed the closure of the shop in the Pentagon Shopping Centre.

But they would not say how many jobs would be lost, or reveal plans for its other stores in Gillingham High Street, which also houses the town’s main post office, and Hempstead Valley.

A spokeswoman for the business said: “Unfortunately, we are unable to continue to trade viably from this location and the decision has been taken to close the store at this time because of the forthcoming lease expiry.

“We always look to redeploy staff where possible.”

The Pentagon store has helped local people like Pialy Mallik, from Rainham, over the years.The singer-songwriter published her first children’s book, The Emerald Island, in 2014 and the Chatham store agreed to sell it.

Shoppers took to Facebook to discuss the news. Julie Phillips wrote: “I don’t believe this, there will be nothing left in Chatham soon!” Carrie Walker said: “I used to have a treat of a book when I was small, almost 40 years ago. So sad.”

Kirsty Grainger said: “All that will be left is Poundland type stores, betting shops and charity shops there will be no point in the High Street if it carries on.”

Tony Maund: “Sad but inevitable given the state of trade in Chatham and the growth in online shopping. It’s not as if WHSmith has cauliflowers you need to examine in person to gauge their freshness.”

Sallyanne Rose: “Oh dear, poor old Chatham. It’s a sad shadow of its former self nowadays.”

Rob Taylor: “I bet quite a good few people moaning about another shop closing down, shop online. I buy lots of music, none of it online. I go to HMV in Maidstone or Bluewater. I could probably save money on line but I like shopping. But before long there will only be virtual shops and that will be a sad day.”