When non-essential shops were allowed to reopen in Sheerness the town looked different to how it was before the last coronavirus lockdown.

The Bonmarche store, which valiantly battled against Covid restrictions and national financial problems at its parent company, has been stripped of stock and closed for good. It is now up for sale for £400,000 or can be rented for £35,000 a year. The owners say the upstairs can be converted into flats.

The woman's fashion chain had been under threat since October 2020.

Its former sister shop Peacocks has fared better. After having 'closing down' posters in its windows it has been saved. Both companies were part of the Edinburgh Woollen Mill Group once owned by Philip Day's retail empire.

But the lease is up on New Look next door. Estate agents Cradick Retail are asking £39,500 a year rent.

The Tui travel firm has already given up the fight and its premises are now up to let at £18,000 a year next to Superdrug.

The Aldi store in Millennium Way, which was put on the market for £2m when the supermarket chain decided to build a new story at Neats Court, is said to be under offer.

In all, there are five empty shops in the town centre but there is light at the end of the tunnel.

Mum mum Hayley Stock, 55, has opened a new business as Let's Get Crafting at 159 High Street.

The grandmother of two said: "I have spent years running other people's businesses so I thought it was time I started my own. Sheerness needs something like this bring adults and children back into the town."

Once Covid restrictions are eased further she is planning to hold craft workshops at the back of the premises.

Another independent business to open in new premises is YouWomen. The clothing shop has moved from 18 Broadway to a unit near the clock tower where it all started 21 years ago.

The family firm is run by Marisa Pieri, known by customers as Minnie, Michelle Gobbi and Charlotte Webster. Minnie said: “We’ve had to overcome many obstacles in our time including this devastating pandemic but it makes us more grateful to be here. It’s been in our blood since our mother started the business doing clothes parties.”

Phil Crowder, who chairs the Sheerness Town Team, regretted the loss of Bonmarche but insisted: "Our high street still has lots of independent stores. They need people to shop local. But please remember we still need to social distance, wash hands and wear masks so shops can stay open."

More than 40 city centre businesses have closed down in the last 12 months in Canterbury too, as the retail and hospitality sectors were ravaged by the pandemic.

But with 25 new outlets having opened and streets once again bustling with shoppers, business leaders are optimistic the tide is now turning.

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