New owners of a dated out-of-town shopping centre are having to “scramble last minute” to fix its leaky roof before businesses are forced out for good.
Significant repairs are needed to the ceilings of various shops in the run-down New Ash Green Shopping Centre which dates back to the 1960s.
Among those worst affected in The Row is The Village Pharmacy where, alongside tallying up patient prescriptions, staff are forced to work around buckets collecting dripping water.
KMP Solutions, who purchased and took over management of the tired precinct near Longfield in July, said it is working hard to fix issues and the roof leaks are its top priority.
Cllr Laura Manston, who founded the New Ash Green Shopping Centre Preservation Group to protect the interests of the complex after it was sold last year, says the issue has been going on for almost two years.
The Green group leader at Sevenoaks council said: “The new owners have made some minor improvements, including repairs to crumbling steps and faded signage, which is very welcome and appreciated.
“However, this major and very concerning repair is yet to be addressed.”
Cllr Manston, who represents Ash and New Ash Green, added: “We're very concerned for the safety of staff in our village pharmacy.
“In addition to the obvious danger, there has been asbestos found in other ceilings in The Row.
“Furthermore, if the pharmacy is forced to close, that will have worrying consequences for residents.
“We have been asking for these much-needed repairs for a long time now. We sincerely hope that the new landowner will expedite a long-term fix."
A spokesman for the new management company said: “The roofing matter at New Ash Green Shopping Centre, is by far our most focused agenda item.
“Of course we are trying to make general improvements to enhance the aesthetics of the shopping centre and create a more attractive experience for the locals, but the roof is where our attention is right now.
“It is an underlying matter that requires priority.
“There are various sections of the roof which require attention and each one with its own problems.
“We have consulted many a roofer and drain specialists here and have recently proposed a route forward.
“We have prioritised the residential roofs with immediate instruction already given to the necessary contractors.”
The owners say the commercial aspects are being split into multiple phases given “the amount of works required” which it blamed on years of neglect.
“It is unfortunate that the centre was left to deteriorate by our predecessors and that proper maintenance was not cared for,” they added.
“It leaves us in the unfortunate position of ‘having to scramble last minute’ to rectify multiple issues at once.
“But we rise to every challenge and exceed at what we do.”
Other shops affected by leaking ceilings include pet supplies shop Pets Pantry & Hardware and the Clocktower Gym.
The New Ash Green Shopping Centre features building structures dating back to the 1960s and is in dire need of rejuvenation having not been invested in for some time.
After purchasing the site for an undisclosed amount at auction last year, the new owners promised the community to “get this right” as they set about creating plans for its future.
They previously told KentOnline: “We are aware that the shopping centre has been left undermanaged for years (perhaps decades) and we are aware that in many aspects it is the heart of the community.
“Therefore it is very important to us that it is dealt with with caution and respect.”
