Ashford’s County Square Shopping Centre has announced record levels of visitors during 2009.

The end of year total was five million visitors, making it the highest figure since records began.

The centre is starting the new decade with a new centre manager, in the shape of Fran Burt, who has worked at the centre since 2001, she has recently been promoted to the role of centre manager.

She said: “I am looking forward to a challenging year. I very much hope to grow on the success of last year and further develop the community relationships already forged.”

She joined the County Square team in 2001 as administrator, responsible for tenant liaison, promotional bookings and general paperwork.

In July 2006 she was promoted to commercial manager, where, as well as her previous duties, she took on responsibility for the centre’s advertising and marketing.

She was heavily involved in County Square’s extension, which doubled the size of the centre in March 2008.