A high street store has been forced to close after asbestos was found on its premises.

Fashion retailer Peacocks in Tonbridge High Street is now shut until spring, it is believed.

A Peacocks spokesman has confirmed the store is temporarily closed and the aim is to reopen in the new year.

He added that customers can still shop online or at nearby branches in Maidstone and East Grinstead.

Leader of Tonbridge and Malling council, Cllr Matt Boughton, took to social media to let shoppers know about the closure.

He said the store cannot reopen until asbestos is “removed or encapsulated and full air clearance confirmed”.

“Many shops are starting to put up Christmas advertising,” he continued. “Unfortunately one shop which won't be trading this Christmas is Peacocks.

“At the moment the council has been informed this could be March/April 2024 but will be dependent on the asbestos removal.”