A community-run charity in Strood High Street has been forced to close permanently.

The Strood Community Shop, which has served the town for 10 years, closed its doors for the final time today (30 November) after being given notice by the landlord.

In an emotional Facebook post seen by dozens of devastated customers, the charity explained it will enter liquidation due to struggles to pay a sudden rent increase.

The Facebook post stated: “Every 5 years our landlord is allowed to increase the rent. This was supposed to happen in 2019 but the landlord delayed and didn’t finalise the increase until January 2024, but backdated the increase to 2019.

“So despite paying our rent on time for ten years, we found ourselves with £23,000 of rent arrears. Just a few months later we had the next rent increase for 2024.

“We have managed to pay the increased rent, and made a start on repaying the arrears.

“Despite this, last Wednesday [20 November] our landlord served on us demanding we clear the remaining arrears in 21 days. We simply don’t have £20,000.”

The post went on to thank customers for their support, saying: “we couldn’t have done any of it without you.”

Over the last decade the town centre shop became an important community asset, providing services such as a food bank, training skills, and benefits and welfare advice.

It also featured a meeting place, known as the Chatty Corner, offering weekly activities and opportunities to socialise.

The charity came close to shutting down in 2018 amid financial troubles, but it was rescued by local residents Steve and Bebe Long, who had been helped by the charity themselves.

In September this year, the charity had agreed a ten-year lease with the landlord to secure its long term future.