Another town centre shop is set to close.

Nickel Books, a fixture in the High Street for five years, will cease trading on October 16.

It has left owner, mum-of-one Andrea Don, “absolutely gutted and devastated”.

She said: “Unfortunately, people aren’t coming in and spending money any more. Things improved for a week in March, but it’s been back to normal since then.

“The last two years have been absolutely awful. It’s a shame because I consider books to be essential to people’s way of life and children’s education.

“We’ve ploughed everything we’ve got into this business. Now we’ve got to pay money to repay the debts we’ve managed to accrue.”

Mrs Don, 37, from Stanhope Avenue, Sittingbourne, said she hoped to shift the majority of the store’s 8,000 books before the business closes.

She said the online arm of Nickel Books will continue to trade.

When she finally shuts up shop, Mrs Don said she will dedicate her spare hours to helping Sittingbourne Retail Association in the run-up to the town’s regeneration.

She said she will also spend more time at home with her eight-month-old daughter Eleanor.

She added: “I won’t be starting another business for a few years. I’m going away to lick my wounds for a bit.”

Nickel Books’ demise continues the run of recent town centre shop closures. Stadium Sports, Brittain and Hobbs, Clinton Cards, D and A Toys and Bare Bones are among large and independent retailers that have pulled out since the economic downturn.

Sioux Peto, of the recently-formed town management team, said: “Sittingbourne High Street’s really lovely and I think slowly and gradually there’s a changing of attitudes within the retail association.

“People are shopping more locally and more events are being held in and around the high street.

“These things take time and unfortunately Andrea at Nickel Books wasn’t able to hold on any longer.”