Bosses of Kent's only Disney Store have announced it will shut for good next week.

A notice has been put up at shop in the Bluewater Shopping Centre in Greenhithe confirming the closure.

It reads: "Thank you for being our guest. This store will close on or before Sunday, September 5.

"You'll still be able to buy items from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, National Geographic plus lots more items at shopdisney.co.uk."

A member of staff confirmed the news to KentOnline and said the reason for the closure was a "business decision".

The shop stocks Disney merchandise, including toys, clothing and gifts and providing interactive experiences for children of all ages.

There have been reports circulating that Disney will close all its UK stores, except the flagship Oxford Street shop in London.

A national petition was launched by Sam Cummins to keep the stores open, which has been signed by more than 14,000 people.

"Disney is planning to close all their UK Disney stores except for their flagship store in Oxford Street and go fully online," it states.

"The stores will all be closed by September 2021. This means all of the magical Disney stores that have been on our high streets for many years will soon disappear.

"Not everyone is fortunate enough to live near the Oxford Street store and the UK doesn't have its own Disney Park. The closest being Disney Land Paris.

"These stores are our gateway to the magical world of Disney. It allows the people of the UK to experience the Disney magic first hand!"

The petition can be viewed here.

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