The D&A toy store is set to move after 50 years in The Pentagon after concerns that it would be forced to close.

The local toy store has been in the centre since it opened in 1975 and will now move to the old Carphone Warehouse near the high street entrance.

A large number of businesses located on the top floor are having to move downstairs because the top floor of the building has been earmarked for a healthy living centre.

Chatham is due to have a great deal of planned improvements over the coming years. Medway Council have received a fund from the Future High Streets Fund Grant. This includes The Paddock, High street , Waterfront and The Pentagon Shopping Centre.

The shop holds fond memories for many and have sold toys to many different generations. They are currently having a clearance sale of all old stock before they are due to move in a few weeks.

 Chris Francis, local fabric shop owner believes this is an “extremely uncertain time” for the businesses which remain on the top floor. A majority have been open a similar amount of time as D&A and could have to leave Chatham completely.

Over the years they have sold various toys and the store has seen many different toy trends come and go including China dolls.

D&A Toys is very popular around Halloween as families come to centre to purchase costumes and accessories.

The independent business has done well over the last few years. Since the Covid-19 outbreak many independent businesses in Kent have struggled to continue trade.

D&A being located on the bottom floor will encourage families to spend at other stores in the centre.

Toni Barnes , local sweet shop owner believes the move will encourage customers to purchase from her as “toys and sweets go hand in hand”. She has shopped at the store personally for her 6 grand-children and is pleased they will not be closing for good.