East Kent hit as Zavvi close Ashford store

Troubled music, games and DVD chain Zavvi have closed 22 of the firm's stores with immediate effect - costing 178 jobs - including their store at the Ashford Designer Outlet, Ashford with the loss of 8 staff. The chain is also axing its Chatham, Kent store with 13 staff losing their jobs there.

The remaining 92 stores will stay open say administrators Ernst & Young. Zavvi The administrators of music, games and DVD chain Zavvi have closed 22 of the firm's stores with immediate effect - costing 178 jobs.

The remaining 92 stores will stay open, with a sale of up to 50% off beginning on Friday, Ernst and Young said. Zavvi was formed after a management buy-out of the Virgin Megastore division of the Virgin Group in September 2007.