Fears have been raised over the safety of a town centre car park due to water dripping from the ceiling – just months after repairs were carried out to fix the issue.

Pictures and video clips show slippery patches on the floor of the Park Mall facility in Ashford.

The water has fallen to the ground from stalactites – mineral formations that hang from the ceiling of caves, hot springs, or man-made structures such as bridges.

Work to remove them was carried out two months ago by owners Ashford Borough Council (ABC).

But Vince Monticelli, owner of The Record Store in the Park Mall shopping complex, says the problem has not been fixed as puddles can be seen on the floor, which could be a slip hazard.

“I thought the council closed the car park because there was an element of it not being safe,” he said.

“It has also remained shut on the top floor.

“I assumed that it not being safe in part was because the lime is coming out of the cement above which forms stalactites.

“They then drop onto the cars below – this is still happening and the stuff is horrible when it gets on your car.”

Park Mall car park has had a troubled history since former operator NCP pulled out from running the facility in September 2021 with just 32 hours notice.

ABC then took over the running of it, and after 10 months shut, it reopened July 2022.

During the closure, traders in Park Mall said the vacant site had been a magnet for anti-social behaviour.

It then closed again in April this year for maintenance after reports of stalactites dripping from the ceiling.

After two months, the bottom floor of the facility reopened in June.

A council spokesperson said at the time: “We are pleased to confirm that Park Mall car park has now reopened following some essential maintenance work to remove stalactites from the roof and improve lighting.”

The top floor, which was cordoned off earlier this year in a bid to stamp out anti-social behaviour, remains closed with no clear plan for what might happen in the future.

Mr Monticelli says the situation with the site is a double-edged sword - as people want the facility open, but not if there are ongoing issues.

He added that the car park is not as busy as it used to be since its closure in April.

“It used to also have people parking upstairs but now there are just spaces all over it,” he said.

“It is a double-edged sword – we want the car park open, it is vital, but of course if it is going to drop stuff on people’s cars then they will get more complaints.

“I do not know what the best thing to do is.”

The council was approached for comment.