Residents have united to create a vision for their newly sold shopping precinct, including a children's skate park, a better choice of unique shops and a variety of food outlets.

The suggestions came as more than 200 people crammed into New Ash Green Village Hall to voice their concerns and aspirations for the future of New Ash Green shopping centre after it was sold last month.

A mystery buyer snapped up the area, which includes Ash Green Village Pharmacy, Partners Cafe and Gift shop, Ash Green Fish and Chips and Spice Village – some of whom have been in the village for more than 20 years.

It also includes the flats above them, with the exception of the Co-Op’s supermarket and its upper floor.

Laura Manston, who founded the New Ash Green Shopping Centre Preservation Group ahead of the sale, suggested the forum as a way of ensuring residents could have their voices heard.

Despite initial fears the site could be demolished and replaced with housing, Laura is now looking forward to working pro-actively to create a vision for the area that will benefit everyone, and is positive about the future of the 1960s building.

She said: "Given the awful state of the village centre, residents and shop owners are keen to see improvements and welcome the attention from the new owners. They are hopeful that they will bring about the long-needed improvements."

Laura is hoping the vision document will give the new owners the insight and local knowledge the developers need to create a successful planning application.

She said: "I'm positive the vision document will assist the new owners by saving them time, money and effort on a potentially unsuccessful planning application.

“We have been calling for much needed investment in our village centre for decades and we’re optimistic that this could be the light at the end of the tunnel that we’ve been waiting for.

"We all agree our village centre needs change but we’re keen to ensure it’s the right change.

"We’re really hopeful to develop a positive relationship with the new owners so we can work together for the best possible outcome for all stakeholders and create a prosperous village centre.”

Ideas put forward by the residents include facilities to reduce anti-social behaviour, such as a skate park, an outdoor gym or an entertainment centre.

As well as suggestions of ways to combat loneliness, including community seating or a small children's play area for youngsters to gather and parents to meet.

There were also appeals for more independent shops and the possible introduction of market stalls.

The early community engagement will continue via the group’s website.

The final vision will be produced in the coming weeks.