High Street retailer Clarks shoe shop have confirmed it will be closing its store in Ashford town centre.

The future of the store had been uncertain after Nationwide Building Society submitted a planning proposal to change the shops services from retail to financial or professional services.

A decision whether to accept the proposal is likely to be announced in September.

A Nationwide Spokesman said: “We are looking to improve the experience our members have in our local branch.

“At this stage we are exploring our options and one aspect of this is seeking planning permission on a nearby alternative site.

“ In the interim, we’ll continue to meet the needs of our members locally from number 75 High Street.”

Clarks follows other high profile retailers to close on the high street, a list which includes Pizza Hut, Blockbusters and Jessops.

A spokesman from Clarks’ head office confirmed the news: “The lease on this premises is coming to an end and we have made a business decision not to renew it.

“We have no further comment to make at this time.”