Customers are taking to a shop's window to show their upset over its sudden closure.

The charity Sense has had a store in Park Mall for the past four years, however, they found out last Friday, April 6, that they would have to be out of the space, which is owned by Ashford Borough Council (ABC), before the end of the month.

The shop sells donated items to raise money for deafblind people and those with complex communication.

Andrea Sutton, the manager, said: "We are all gutted. We were told on Friday and were so shocked and upset because we've had a really good year.

"Sense started as a pop-up shop about four years ago and every year has got better. The company was really happy with us as we've raised such a large amount of money for the cause.

"It's my livelihood, I've been here from the beginning and watched it grow."

On Monday, Ms Sutton placed handwritten signs on the window informing customers that they are closing down due to 'unpopular demand' and 'circumstances beyond our control'.

The loyal, and unhappy, customers at the store have also been adding their own thoughts to the closure, by adding their own comments to the window: "It is such a shame to lose an integral part of Ashford" and "I'm shocked that the council are kicking a charity out of this shop. There are so many empty shops in Ashford, why do they need this shop when Sense are so much part of the community."

They are now desperately trying to get sell as much stock as possible before they have to leave.

Ms Sutton continued: "It would have been nice to have been given more notice. Its become a mad rush now trying to sell all the items and get rid of everything before we have to close as well as to try and find a new job.

"Its also sad because we have so many regular customers come in now to donate items or but them and then come and have a chat with us, they've become friends."

Sense is due to close on Saturday, April 21 - they do not yet have a new store to move into.

Ashford Borough Council have confirmed that a new store will be renting the premises, which is spread over two floors.

Cllr Graham Galpin, portfolio holder for the town centre, said: “Due to the changing nature of Park Mall there is more commercial demand for space within the centre which will make it a more vibrant and popular destination.

“With more interesting independent stores opening we have seen increased footfall, demonstrating our success in turning its fortunes around.

“The increased demand for longer term space shows how popular the centre is becoming and we will have some exciting news in due course on the new tenants for this unit.”