A new cafe which bosses hope will help tackle social isolation has opened its doors.

Kennington Cafe has filled the former Bockhanger Barbers unit in Bockhanger Square, Ashford, which has been empty since last year.

Owner Nihat Kaygan came up with the idea after looking for ways to tackle loneliness and social isolation, something he says has become an issue, particularly for older people living nearby.

A team of builders have spent the past four months renovating the unit which has created six new jobs and welcomed customers for the first time on Monday.

The new space can cater for 58 people, has an outdoor seating area and offers a takeaway service.

Mr Kaygan, who also owns the Charcoal Grill in the same parade of shops, said: "It has taken a long time but now we are here.

"We have done what we can for the community and the public.

"We want to bring more people here because there is nothing going on.

"Everyone who has come in so far has been happy."

Before becoming a barbers in October 2020, the unit had been a Post Office for 16 years but closed due to lack of custom.

In 2019, the nearby Bockhanger Community Centre was demolished after surveys highlighted the building was in poor condition and had spiralling upkeep costs.

Cllr Diccon Spain (Lab), who represents Bockhanger on Ashford Borough Council, says he is pleased the area now has the community space it has been crying out for.

He said: "Bockhanger is centred on this square so to have something like this is absolutely brilliant, it has been a long time coming.

"Before the pandemic when I was knocking on doors, one of the things people said was that there was nothing to do, and nowhere to go since the Joe Fagg Centre closed in town.

"Then Mecca Bingo closed down and the community centre in Bockhanger closed down.

"I think this cafe will start to get really busy as people discover it.

"Just having a space for people to meet up, have discussions and start groups over a cup of coffee is the key, this is the space where that can happen."