A shop is closing down earlier than anticipated.

WHSmith in Chatham’s Pentagon Centre was due to close at the end of April, but it will actually shut its doors for the last time on Thursday, April 15.

Bosses planned to move staff to others roles in different stores where possible, but would not say how many jobs would be lost, or reveal plans for its other stores in Gillingham High Street, which also houses the town’s main post office, and Hempstead Valley.

A spokeswoman for the business said: “Unfortunately, we are unable to continue to trade viably from this location and the decision has been taken to close the store at this time because of the forthcoming lease expiry.

“We always look to redeploy staff where possible.”

April also sees the closure of Chatham’s Tesco, due to shut for the last time on Easter Saturday.