Home Bargains looks poised to fill the gap soon to be left by a closing Morrisons superstore.

It was confirmed in July this year that the supermarket in North Lane, Faversham, would bring down the shutters for good on September 17, shocking many members of the community.

But there are hopes the building will not stay empty for long, as it appears Home Bargains could open up at the site by the end of the year.

Meanwhile, all those Morrisons staff at the Faversham branch who requested redeployment have now been found alternative roles within the company.

Home Bargains declined to comment when approached today.

But an email from Morrisons bosses, seen by KentOnline, reveals plans are in place to sell the site to the discount store.

It also says Home Bargains expects the new branch to open by the end of 2023.

Labour town councillor Rob Crayford told KentOnline: “I think this is great for the staff in Morrisons who are being given the chance to be redeployed – and Home Bargains coming in is good for jobs and good for Faversham as a whole.

"Faversham doesn’t have anything quite like Home Bargains. We know people travel to Canterbury for Home Bargains or B&M, so hopefully it attracts those people too.

“Overall, I think it’s good there’s a retail opportunity that provides jobs and helps the local economy.”

Home Bargains has more than 500 sites around the UK, growing rapidly since it first opened in Merseyside 47 years ago.

There are currently 10 in Kent with nearby Sittingbourne, Canterbury and Whitstable all offering customers what the company calls “top brands, bottom prices”.

The news will come as a relief to residents who feared the site could be turned into housing.

Speaking in July, a Morrisons spokesperson said: “Following a thorough review of the Faversham store's operation, unfortunately we do not believe performance is sustainable.

“We are therefore announcing we have made the difficult decision to sell the store.”