YOUR REACTION

who lives in St Michaels, says the closure is a blow.

He said: “I do appreciate the need for businesses to cut costs when particular branches aren’t trading as they should.

“I have worked for M&S in the past, at the head office which was based in Baker Street.

“I’m very sad that the branch has been considered for closure in Ashford, it will be a loss to the community.

“I come to Ashford frequently and always pop into M&S, I think it is a loss.”

74, from

South Ashford, said: “I use it all the time and the Foodhall by Sainsbury’s is a pain because if you’ve got no transport, how are you supposed to get there?

“Everything’s shutting down. What is going on with this town?

“We’re supposed to be regenerating it and it will have a very big impact.

“All they’re doing is building houses and flats and nobody’s got anything to do.”

of Magazine Road, said: “I remember going in the old store on the high street and it’s honestly unbelievable.

“The one at the outlet is a miserable place.

“I really can’t get my head around it, it has always been there in the town centre.” Ashford’s town centre Marks & Spencer store is set to close – putting more than 40 jobs at risk.

The retail giant, which has an 85-year association with the town, made the announcement on Tuesday at around the same time it told staff.

Forty-one workers are at risk at the High Street shop, with more than 1,000 under threat nationwide.

Jo James, chief executive of Sevington-based Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce, says the closure will hurt the town.

“I think it’s going to be a real blow to the town centre, it’s been in Ashford for many years,” she said.

“Despite having other stores nearby, it’s been an anchor store and with the other recent closures I think it’s really sad.

“It will be a massive blow and will give people less reason to come into the town centre.”

The proposed closures are part of M&S’s programme to reshape its UK store estate, with its Deal shop also under threat along with 15 others across the country.

Last May, the company confirmed it would close about 100 stores across the country by 2022.

The latest plans will affect 1,045 staff nationwide.

Mrs James says breaking up the Ashford store to accom-

Marks & Spencer announced this week its Ashford town centre store is to end trading, which first began in 1934, pictured right