The opening of a legal high shop in Ashford town centre has sparked a fierce debate.

UK Skunkworks, which opened its first shop nine years ago, has opened it 19th premises, in Bank Street.

The franchise chain sells legal highs, herbs, smoking accessories associated with cannabis and other paraphernalia linked to drug use.

A statement on the firm’s website said: “UK Skunkworks has been trading for nine years with stores located all over the South of England.

“Between us all we have a wealth of knowledge and experience in high quality smoking paraphernalia.

“All of our products are completely legal in the UK as they do not fall under the misuse of drugs act.”

The group has hit the headlines over the years including in October, when a mother claimed her son died after taking a legal high bought in its Chatham branch.

And Canterbury MP Julian Brazier wrote to Home Secretary Theresa May that month to call for a change in the law after 17-year-old Matt Ford from Whitstable claimed he nearly died after suffering a heart attack from taking a legal high.

But the news has split opinion on the Kentish Express Facebook page, with the balance of comments tipping slightly in favour of the shop.

What do you think?

For the full story, see this week's Kentish Express, out on Thursday.