Chamber of trade groups have agreed the chances of former M&S stores now being filled are 'minimal'.

This week marks one year since the retail giant closed its shops in Deal and Ashford, as part of its programme to re-shape its UK store estate.

While there was optimism that new life could be injected into the sizeable High Street units - and M&S say they remain committed to doing so - the outbreak of coronavirus has cast further doubt over the likelihood.

Now, chamber groups say they must focus on ensuring existing businesses can survive the pandemic and then be open to other options for the space, rather than a like for like replacement.

Chairman of Deal and Walmer Chamber of Trade Peter Jull says there is still no indication of what business, if any, could move into the space.

He said: "Until this dichotomy between retailers who can't survive if they have to pay rent and landlords who can't survive if rent is not paid, there is minimal prospect of a new tenant in M&S.

"For now the chamber is concentrating on ensuring that all the smaller retailers and leisure businesses that are due government grants do get them, and quickly, so that they are still there when the lockdown ends.

"It is the units at the larger end of the size range that are probably most likely to join M&S in being empty if there is no relaxation soon."

M&S in Deal closed on Saturday, April 27 after 82 years of trading. A petition against the proposal gained 3,000 signatures in 24-hours.

A total of 40% of the 45 staff at that branch were redeployed to other M&S stores including St James' at Dover.

Ashford's store in County Square closed the following week on May 4, 2019. It had been in the town since 1934.

Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce chief executive Jo James said it's hard to measure the impact the closure of Ashford's store has had on the town.

Particularly, as it was followed by the departure of Debenhams on January 24 and more recently the pandemic.

She said: "I'm not surprised it hasn't been filled.

"Before the pandemic we were seeing a dip in retail. We were seeing store closures.

"It's another challenge the High Street really didn't need.

"Naturally all the partners have been looking closely at the town centre and its changing shape.

"Now, we need to look at repurposing the town centre, not necessary as a retail hub.

"We shouldn't be looking for something like for like. We need to see what else we could do to make this a community space, perhaps something in the leisure or service industry."

M&S told KentOnline in August that negotiations over the future of the Deal building were at “advanced stages”.

In November, the lights appeared on sparking speculation that change was afoot, but nothing materialised.

A spokesperson for M&S said: “We are committed to finding a future use for our former sites in Deal and Ashford, however we do not have an update at this time. We will update the community when we can.”

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