Tenants in a shopping centre earmarked for demolition have been granted an extra four months at the site following a huge backlash.

Those based in Park Mall in Ashford were initially told they needed to vacate by the end of August before bulldozers moved in early next year.

This was in preparation for the site and adjoining Edinburgh Road multi-storey being replaced with an interim surface-level car park, while plans to build flats on the land remain in the pipeline.

But Ashford Borough Council (ABC) has today revealed tenants will now be able to stay until January 9 2026, which the authority says is a result of “ongoing discussions to facilitate a smoother transition and allow trade to continue through the festive period”.

The authority’s chief executive, Tracey Kerly, said: “We have been actively engaging with all tenants and listening to the feedback.

“Several said they needed more time, so we hope this extension will assist tenants in their search for new premises, and, coupled with the support we are already offering, it means they can successfully relocate their businesses.

“We fully understand that this represents a difficult and uncertain time for our valued tenants and appreciate the services the businesses provide to residents and visitors of the town centre.

“We remain fully committed to working with them during the relocation period.”

ABC, which is run by an Ashford Independents/Green Party coalition, added that in the decade since acquiring the leasehold of Park Mall, the authority has sought to support local traders.

But a declining retail sector, the loss of anchor tenants and escalating maintenance costs have resulted in the centre running at a “significant, unsustainable loss”.

Alongside the extended vacancy date, ABC is also offering a £10,000 empty premises grant to assist with relocation inside the town centre and a rent refund for the final three months of traders’ leases.

ABC says tenants also have the flexibility to leave before January 9, with no rent charged from the date they leave the premises.

Previously, furious traders had hit out at the council’s decision to grant them a “brutal” six-month deadline to vacate Park Mall.

They feared their livelihood was at stake after being blindsided by the decision.

One business owner who spent £300,000 renovating his town centre shop also called for compensation after being ordered to leave.

In recent years, the shopping centre suffered the loss of Wilko, after the retail giant fell into administration, with no new tenants taking over the vacant unit.

It is currently unknown exactly when demolition of Park Mall will begin, with ABC stating it will get underway early next year.

The authority, which recently obtained the freehold of the site, says the next step in its future is the appointment of contractors to schedule the works.