Kentish Express Ashford & District
Controversial store opens for business
A controversial new convenience store has opened on an estate in Ashford.
Bosses at Marrons Planning gained planning permission to build the Co-op in Loudon Way on Godinton Park last year.
But their plans were met with criticism by angry neighbours, who feared extra cars parking at the shop could cause accidents.
Costas Constanti, who runs the New Chimneys pub next to the store, says it is already proving popular with shoppers.
“It is the biggest change we have seen on the estate since I came here,” he said.
“We had a huge car park before but it was used by lorry drivers, learner drivers and youths used to race around it, so it has tidied it up a little bit. “It has been very busy.” Mr Constanti, who has run the pub for 12 years, says he is not connected to the Co-op, which has 15 car park spaces.
“A lot of people think I own the Chimney’s, but I don’t, I lease it from Punch Taverns,” he added.
“People think I am involved and I had negative comments when the place was built, but I do not have anything to do with it. “I do not profit from the Co-op.” The shop, which has taken up eight parking spaces and used part of the pub’s former garden, opened last Wednesday.
It is being run by the Southern Co-op company and is open from 6am until 11pm every day.
Godinton Playschool has been selected as the store’s charity partner, and has already received a £1,000 donation from Co-op managers.
What do you think? Write to Kentish Express, Unit 4, Park Mall shopping centre, Ashford, TN24 8RY or email kentishexpress@thekmgroup.co.uk