The shutters could be coming down on another store in Sittingbourne High Street.

Closing signs have been posted in the window of soft furnishing specialists, Ponden Home. Formerly known as Rosebys, it has been a town centre fixture for nearly 20 years. The branch employs two full-time and three part-time staff.

Manager Zoe Jeffries says the firm is in rent negotiations with the building’s landlords as its lease is about to expire.

She said: “It’s a long process that needs to be gone through. If an agreement can be reached over the price, we’ll stay open, if not, we’ll close.

“We could be told on the day we’re closing, or it could be that we’re given a few months’ notice.”

“We could be told on the day we’re closing, or it could be that we’re given a few months’ notice.”

If the shop were to shut, it is thought staff could be transferred to branches in Folkestone and Tonbridge.

It’s possible demise could continue a run of town centre shop closures. Stadium Sports, Brittain and Hobbs, Clinton Cards, D and A Toys and Bare Bones are among large and independent retailers that have pulled out since the economic downturn.