Residents have voiced their disappointment following news that sporting goods giant Decathlon is set to close its Crawley store later this month, with some fearing the town centre is in decline.

The world's largest sporting goods retailer is due to shut its Queens Square branch on July 24, ending a decade in Crawley. A closing down sale is currently underway.

Although a sign outside the store now states that Decathlon Crawley is ‘permanently closed’, the shop remains open for the time being as customers take advantage of clearance discounts.

The notice reads: "Thank you for being a loyal customer! You can still find us online at www.decathlon.co.uk or come see us at our Croydon and Brighton stores."

Global sporting goods retailer Decathlon will permanently close its Queens Square store, on July 24, after ten years in Crawley. A closing down sale is underway. Photo: Sussex World

placeholder image — Global sporting goods retailer Decathlon will permanently close its Queens Square store, on July 24, after ten years in Crawley. A closing down sale is underway. Photo: Sussex World

The closure has prompted a wave of reaction on social media, with many residents describing the loss as another blow for Crawley's town centre.

Observer reader Mon Mon wrote: "Crawley is becoming a ghost town…"

Mark Higgins added: "Be nothing left in Crawley except coffee shops barbers and vape shops."

Robert J Meldrum commented: "Very, very, very Sad. It was the kind of shop Crawley needed. Why not concentrate on the quality again instead of the quantity?"

Crawley borough councillor Duncan Crow – Conservative Group leader and former West Sussex county councillor for Tilgate & Furnace Green – described the closure as a ‘huge loss’ for the town.

He said: "Really sad news that Decathlon are pulling out of Crawley after ten years of being at Queens Square.

"Hearing it will be open until the 24th of July and then gone permanently. It's a huge loss for the town centre which, outside of County Mall, appears to be an increasing struggle for retailers."

Decathlon, founded in France in 1976, operates more than 1,900 stores across 82 countries and regions. The Crawley branch has served shoppers for around ten years, offering sportswear, cycling equipment, camping gear and fitness products.

The planned closure also follows the recent, unexplained closure of the Millie's Cookies and Baskin-Robbins store inside County Mall, adding to concerns among some residents about the future of retail in Crawley's town centre.

Decathlon has previously confirmed the Crawley store will close on July 24, with customers encouraged to continue shopping online or visit its Brighton and Croydon branches.