Closing down sales are now being advertised at Debenhams stores across the county.

It was announced in April that four Kent department stores would be among the 22 national closures - Ashford, Canterbury, Folkestone, and Chatham.

The high street staple has since continued to operate, with no specific leaving date set.

Yet today, signs have appeared in the Ashford, Canterbury, and Folkestone branches offering a reduction of up to 30% on its products.

Ashford's has served as the anchor store for the County Square Shopping Centre since the mall's extension in 2007, and its grand size has left question marks over which brands could fill the space.

The town's residents have often called for a Primark to be brought into the area, and Invicta Chamber of Commerce's chief executive Jo James suggested the unit would be big enough to accommodate the clothing chain.

The shopping centre is still reeling from the loss of another key tenant - Marks and Spencer - which closed in May but remains on the market to this day.

Residents in Folkestone created a petition to save their branch, garnering 1,250 signatures over the campaign's duration.

However, the effort proved futile when, in July, Debenhams re-stated the store would be closing.

Ambitious plans were released earlier this month, showing how Canterbury's Debenhams site could be regenerated with a £25 million investment after its departure.

Debenhams has been contacted for more information about when the four Kent stores will close.

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