A major high street chain is set to close one of its Kent stores prompting fears it will “rip the heart out the High Street”.

Stationery giant WHSmith’s Ramsgate store will shut its doors for good in January next year.

News of the closure has sparked sadness from Ramsgate Mayor Pat Moore, who said: “We already have too many boarded up empty shops and the prospect of losing a big one like this is quite depressing.

“It’s awful news for the town - it will rip the heart out of the high street.”

Bosses from WHSmith have revealed that they “are unable to continue to trade viably from the location”.

Cllr Moore says most of the investment, both private and public, had been poured into the harbour and seafront which was thriving.

"Unfortunately, the fortunes of our High Street started to go downhill when Westwood Cross opened," she said.

Smith’s has a location at the Thanet shopping centre and has 23 stores across the county.

The Labour representative added: "I shall be raising it with fellow councillors because it is obviously quite a concern for the town."

It is not the only branch to close recently, as shops in Gravesend and Gillingham shut down last year.

The lease for the High Street unit is up for sale on Rightmove for £1791 a month and the new tenant will be able to move in from February 7.

With more than 2,500ft of floor space, the landlord is willing to split the sale into two separate properties.

A WHSmith spokesman stated: “We can confirm that the WHSmith store in Ramsgate will be closing at the start of next year.

“Unfortunately, we are unable to continue to trade viably from this location and the decision has been taken to close the store in January 2024.

“We are extremely grateful for the commitment of our in-store colleagues who we will support with this transition and redeploy to nearby stores, where possible.”