John Lewis store WILL reopen

Ashford’s huge John Lewis store has escaped the chop and will reopen later this month.

The two-storey ‘at home’ branch has remained closed since lockdown was eased, sparking fears it would stay permanently shut.

But bosses now say the Fougeres Way shop, which created 125 jobs when it opened in 2013, will welcome customers again on Thursday, July 30.

However, eight other stores – including two full-size department stores in Birmingham and Watford – will not reopen, putting 1,300 jobs at risk.

Four ‘at home’ shops in Croydon, Newbury, Swindon and Tamworth will also remain closed, as well as two travel hub shops at Heathrow and St Pancras.

Sharon White, chairman of the John Lewis Partnership, said:

“Closing a shop is always incredibly difficult and the announcement will come as very sad news to customers and partners.

“However, we believe closures are necessary to help us secure the sustainability of the partnership – and continue to meet the needs of our customers however and wherever they want to shop.

“Redundancies are always an absolute last resort and we will do everything we can to keep as many partners as possible within our business.”

Ashford MP Damian Green is pleased to hear the Drovers roundabout shop will reopen.

He said: “I’m delighted, particularly when John Lewis has had bad news for lots of other places that are much bigger than Ashford like Birmingham.

“I do think it’s a good vote of confidence in Ashford.”

Ashford’s John Lewis is to reopen on July 30