A council-run car park 'left to rot' since September is expected to finally reopen this summer with new number-plate recognition cameras.

Ashford Borough Council (ABC) was planning to open the 300-space Park Mall facility, previously run by NCP, in May after buying the site last year.

However delays pushed back the opening, leading to fears it might stay shut for good.

But cleaners have been spotted jet-washing the ground floor this week, something retailers in Park Mall say is a promising sign although some still remain sceptical.

Kati Ramsden, owner of Bare Bazaar in the shopping centre, said: "Times have been really hard for retail and there is far less footfall than there normally was around here.

"It has had a knock-on effect on all our businesses so if they are reopening it, that's a good step but I'm still a little bit sceptical."

Russell Geen, owner of The Little Teapot, added: "It needs to open because it's affecting business, not just mine but everyone's.

"People won't park in the Edinburgh Road car park because I know customers who have got stuck in the lift.

"If people park in County Square or Elwick Place, they won't come up here because it's too far.

"Are they cleaning it just to make it look nicer because it's an eye-sore?

"I don't think it will reopen because nobody seems to know what's going on."

Earlier this month, ABC launched a public consultation ahead of the opening which runs until June 27.

A council spokesman said: “Following ABC taking responsibility of Park Mall car park, in order to carry out its car park management duties, it is necessary to carry out a public consultation.

"Maintenance works are currently being carried out on the site and we hope to open the car park to the public this summer.”

Vince Monticelli, owner of The Record Store in Park Mall, said: "We are thrilled to hear it is going to reopen, in fact it was very noisy where they were doing work this week so it's a good sign things are moving forward.

"They seem to be offering free parking after 3pm which helps so hopefully that will stay."

Malgorzata Krakowiak, owner of Park Mall's 'Sowa' Poliski Sklep, says having the car park back in use will be hugely beneficial for customers who currently have to carry heavy shopping bags elsewhere.

She said: "It will be great for it to reopen because many people park at Lidl now and customers coming here must also go to Lidl and do shopping there so they can put their number plate in.

"Some people buy too much heavy water and can't get it back to their cars.

"First it was May, then it was delayed so I hope it is soon."

The car park closed with just 32 hours notice last year after its operator NCP decided to shut the site.

When the car park does reopen, it will feature automatic number-plate recognition cameras (ANPR) similar to those seen at Elwick Place.

Customers will be encouraged to pay by card, using the RingGo app or by an online account.

When ABC revealed its plans for the car park earlier this year, it said prices would be slashed to encourage shoppers.

Before the car park shut in September it cost £1.60 to park hourly, but ABC says it will cost £1 per hour up to four hours under its control.

If the ANPR pilot is successful the Edinburgh Road car park will also become cashless.

It will cost the council just under £53,000 to install the system at Park Mall, which would rise to £137,500 if Edinburgh Road is upgraded.

ABC has owned the shopping centre, which was built 35 years ago, since 2015.

In its ‘long-term vision’ for the town centre, the authority has already said it plans to convert the shopping centre into residential, with existing independent businesses moved to Bank Street.