BUSINESSES in Folkestone have welcomed news that Asda is to have a store in the town's new shopping centre.

Developers Bride Hall are expected to submit a planning application to Shepway District Council within weeks and it is hoped the centre will be open for Christmas shopping next year.

Bride Hall and Shepway District Council unveiled the shopping centre plans to the business community at a meeting at Shepway Business Centre. They had previously been revealed to the public at a press conference held at the civic centre in Folkestone in January.

Peter Hobbs, chief executive of Shepway Chamber of Commerce, said: "Everything is now gathering pace and the challenge for business is how we begin to harness our collective strength and help drive this regeneration agenda.

"This and other meetings over the months ahead will allow business to play a more active role and contribute with ideas and creative solutions to many of the problems that surround the plans for Folkestone."