Closing down sale signs have been put up at Kent branches of a troubled clothing retailer.

Bonmarché announced earlier this month that 100 stores would be closing if a new owner couldn't be found.

It now appears at least four stores in the county could be at risk as the brand enters administration.

Ashford's branch in the County Square Shopping Centre and Ramsgate's on the High Street have had banners erected, as has the Isle of Sheppey's Sheerness location.

KentOnline reporter Lydia Catling visited Maidstone's Chequers Shopping Centre, where the Bonmarché branch is also announcing sales.

She said: "I went to the store and there were a lot of people in there browsing the items. I witnessed some sales too. There were only select items actually marked down in price.

"There were tops, including T-shirts and longer tops for £5 and under, trousers in a variety of styles and sizes as well as dresses and swimwear marked 'up to 30% off' and a range of skirts with a variety of discounts including £28 down to £20, £18 to £9 and £20 to £16."

The brand currently has 318 shops nationwide and employs 2,887 staff.

Staff have suggested that it's not certain the Ashford and Ramsgate branches will be closing as the company has four weeks in which to find a buyer.

The Folkestone store, on Sandgate Road, would neither confirm nor deny whether it had any 'closing down sale' signs in its windows.

Meanwhile, the Bonmarché outlet at the Wyevale Garden Centre near Canterbury and another in Tonbridge High Street store confirmed they have not erected any such banners.

It is not yet known which specific sites will be shut in the county.

Bonmarché has been approached for comment.

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