Kentish Express Ashford & District
Barn among sites at risk of being lost
An historic barn is among 28 sites which have been added to a list of listed buildings considered to be at risk of being lost.
Mersham Court Barn was built in the 15th century and is a rare timber-framed threshing barn which is Grade-II listed.
It has been added to Historic England’s “at risk” register because the building is suffering from water damage from a leaking roof and structural movement since it has fallen out of agricultural use.
A spokesman for Historic England said: “The barn’s roof tiles have recently been removed and although the roof has been temporarily protected with plastic sheeting, this covering is not comprehensive and will not last indefinitely.
“Solutions are being sought which will allow the barn to be restored and a new use found for it.”
For more about the listings and Historic England, visit www.historicengland.org.uk. A new toy superstore has started trading in Ashford in time for the run up to Christmas.
Smyths Toys opened to the public with a packed car park on Wednesday of last week at Ashford Retail Park in Sevington.
Shoppers at the launch were able to meet characters, try free face-painting, candy floss and free giveaways.
The retailer first announced the move into the 15,000 sq ft store at the retail park last April.
It occupies the former PC World store, with parent company Dixons Carphone announcing that staff working at the computer store would be moved to the other PC World outlet on the Gallagher Retail Park, in Norman Road, South Ashford.
In June Ashford Borough Council’s planning officers granted Smyths Toys permission to change unit five, in Barrey Road, and to put up new signs.
Talking about the new store opening, shop manager Natalie Piper said: “It was really good, it went really well.
“I think it will definitely be a great area for us.”
The shop is stocked with a range of toys and video games, as well as and outdoor equipment like trampolines and swings and is part of the company’s bid to compete against retailer Toys R Us.
Smyths has 21 stores in the Republic of Ireland and 74 across the United Kingdom, including outlets at the South Aylesford Retail Park, near Maidstone, and at Westwood Cross, in Thanet.
The store is open 9am to 8pm Monday to Friday, 9am to 7pm on Saturday and 10am to 4pm on Sunday.