Additional reporting by Elli Hodgson

Traders have welcomed the arrival of a town’s new B&M which has brought much-needed footfall to a shop precinct previously dubbed a “ghost town”.

The popular discount brand opened its new branch at Rainham Shopping Centre on February 29 after moving into the former Wilko branch.

Wilko had closed its doors for good in September after the pick ‘n’ mix retailer fell into administration and shut up shop nationally.

In the wake of the “devastating” departure, shoppers expressed fears there would be “nothing left” in the town without the discount chain.

Medway Council sought to assure visitors it would continue to invest in its town centres and the precinct would remain “vibrant” despite Wilko’s exit.

But town traders KentOnline spoke to feared the loss of the iconic store made the precinct more dangerous and less safe, as well as contributing to a significant reduction in footfall.

But a fortnight on since B&M took its place and the surrounding businesses already say they have seen a positive impact.

Caroline Cobb, who runs Ascot florists at the shopping centre, has felt the benefits but has also noted some issues.

She said: “It was rammed for the first official week, but it has since died down a bit.

“In the car park, it was chaos; people honking their horns at one another. It is already a cramped car park as it is but during the week it would block the worker’s car park.”

And although the early crowd rush is said to have died down, Caroline has noticed a change in footfall since the store’s opening.

She added: “We’ve had Mother’s Day so it’s been pretty busy anyway, but I have sold more plants recently and that can be put down to the footfall.

“We’re hoping people now realise there is a florist this side of town now.”

Another business to have been positively impacted by the new brand’s arrival is the Centre Café just outside B&M’s main entrance.

Owner Erkan Gonul said: “It brought a lot of people to the area for the first week.

“It was manic on opening day with people queuing outside. It was massively busy which meant so were we.

“We still get our regulars coming in but it's nice to see some new faces too since the opening of the store.

“It’s good for the local area too as before people would travel to Chatham and beyond if they needed something from B&M but now they know this is here.

“That means more people may want to stay for a coffee.

“It’s only a positive thing for the shopping precinct, especially this side. Before it was dark and like a ghost town but now safety-wise and for business it is great it’s here.

“It’s also good it’s a big brand store as that means it is more likely to stay.”

One customer, Dawn Crouch, 63, from Twydall, shared her excitement for the stores opening.

She said: “I’m very pleased there is a shop here again, it was very sad when Wilko’s closed but I am very impressed with B&M.”

“I only went in to have a browse, £34 later I’ve come out with some impulse buys and some bargains.”

While Dawn said the parking had been busier she stressed “there is still plenty of space to park.”

Meanwhile, B&M employee Kelly Sharp, 47, said the store had been “hectic but brilliant” since its launch.

She said: “It was manic on opening day and it has been manic since we opened, from 8am it’s been chaos and as you can see its non-stop.

“The carparks are full and it’s been brilliant, I am loving it.”