Primark opening in Ashford .... we're afraid NOT!

Yes, as many of you realised the story was an April Fool. Here's how it read:

The wishes of thousands of Ashford residents could finally become a reality.

The Kentish Express understands that Primark is considering opening a branch in the former Multisave store at the bottom of the lower High Street.

Neither Primark nor Ashford Borough Council (ABC) would comment this week on the rumour but it is believed an announcement could be made today (Friday).

But the KE has it on good authority that the bargain clothes chain sees Ashford as a good trading opportunity and we’ve produced this artist’s impression of the Primark sign on the currently empty building.

It is thought that the company has been impressed with the frequent comments made on Facebook and other social media from Ashford residents calling for Primark to open an outlet in the town.

The large former Multisave unit has been closed since the summer of 2014 when the store stopped trading just 12 months after opening.

The shop, which opened in the former Blockbuster video shop, sold a range of household items, including cleaning products, kitchen supplies, garden equipment, DIY accessories and toys.

Businessman Iqbal Ahmed said he had no choice but to shut up shop following a combination of low sales and high rents.

Since then letting agents have been looking for a new occupier in what is seen as a prime site at the junction of the lower High Street and Station Road.

Primark - which has over 290 stores across the UK, Ireland, Europe and the USA - is owned by Associated British Foods (ABF).

It already has stores across Kent, in Canterbury, Chatham, Dartford, Folkestone, Gravesend and Maidstone.

Primark say they never comment on potential new store sites and ABC also declined to discuss the potential of Primark coming to Ashford.

Expect an announcement later today (Friday, April 1).