Customers and traders have been left astonished by a lack of Christmas decorations in a shopping centre this year.

Lee Richman, who runs D&A Toys, accused Chatham’s Pentagon centre management of “skimping” on festive lights and garlands in a bid to save money.

Mr Richman said traders have been told that it costs £50,000 to rent the display.

He said: “It should not be all about money at this time of year. It is a lot of money, but I don’t understand why we hire them every year.

“Christmas comes just once a year and people expect to have the festive atmosphere that comes with it.”

A shop worker, who did not wish to be named, added: “I have worked here 21 years and I’ve never seen it looking so bland. It’s particularly disappointing for children. There’s not even the usual Santa’s grotto.”

But others said the “no show” decs had not affected business or made a difference to the ambience.

Natasha Hughes, a team supervisor at Wilkos, said: “Customers are spending exactly the same they do every year. The decorations are a waste of money.”

"Our energies and budgets would be better committed to creating reasons for shoppers to visit the centre...” Jay Kent, Pentagon manager

And Jade Goodsall, a manager at New Look, said: “ I wasn’t working here last Christmas, but nobody seems to have commented on this.”

Pentagon manager Jay Kent said the centre was “taking a fresh approach” this year.

He said: “The contract for Christmas displays inside the centre matured in 2017 and in light of the need to reduce costs for retailers this contract was not renewed.

“The centre has scheduled more festive, community and charity events this year to attract and entertain shoppers over the festive period.”

Mr Kent added: “We know that Christmas is a key time for both our shops and shoppers and we have made changes in the way we are marketing the centre to deliver the maximum impact for the public whilst looking after the bottom line for our stores.

“We know that our store displays will once more celebrate the festive season and decided that our energies and budgets would be better committed to creating reasons for shoppers to visit the centre.”