The Blockbuster store in Gravesend is among those to close

by business editor Trevor Sturgess

Blockbuster stores in Gravesend and Dover are to shut in the latest round of closures at the ailing DVD and video games rental chain.

The two Kent stores, which employ an estimated 10 staff between them, are among a further 164 scheduled to close in the next few weeks.

Last month, administrators at Deloitte said 129 stores would shut, including Rainham. Branches in Ashford and Sevenoaks were already on the hit list in an earlier announcement.

But other Kent stores have been spared the axe - Maidstone, Chatham, Tonbridge, Folkestone, Tunbridge Wells and Margate. These stores will continue to trade as usual while administrators continue talks with possible bidders.

Lee Manning, joint administrator, said: "We have continued to review the performance of individual stores since our appointment a month ago and have concluded that further closures are necessary in order to restructure the company for sale."

He added: "We are in discussions with a number of parties interested in purchasing all or parts of the business and will update on progress in due course."

Blockbuster followed other high street retailers such as Comet, Jessops and HMV into administration.

Earlier today, it was joined by fashion retailer Republic. Blockbuster has faced fierce competition from online operators and digital downloads.