A gran who has been selling ice creams for more than 30 years from her shopping centre kiosk has accused bosses of pulling the plug on her business – literally.

Tracy Heyburn, who has served generations from her Ice Cream Stall at Hempstead Valley Shopping Centre, was told she had to move to make way for sandwich giant Greggs which opened in October last year.

But she claims she was unable to operate at her new site because it did not have adequate power for her freezers and other appliances.

An extension lead was attached across the busy outlet's floor, which Tracy believes was a safety hazard for shoppers and caused power cuts over the festive period.

Since then a dispute has broken out between Tracy and centre's retail management who say Tracy had served notice to quit her tenancy in December, which she strongly denies.

A spokesman said: "Hempstead Valley confirms the occupier served notice to leave the centre in December and welcomes discussions with new or existing tenants who wish to trade at the centre."

Tracy said she had indicated in a "verbal agreement" with a manager that she would like a break and would return in April with a revamped new look.

She said: "This was agreed and I was offered a spot near the Body Shop, which I was happy with. But I got nothing in writing."

Tracy is fighting the matter through the courts and her solicitor says neither party appears to have signed a formal written document.

Since then, the 54-year-old, who is one of the centre's longest-serving tenants, says more than 4,000 people have signed a petition supporting her stay.

The Walderslade-born businesswoman said: "I feel upset and disappointed. After 30 years of being here and bringing in customers, they have blanked me."

She said things came to a head when she was asked to leave while serving a customer on the afternoon of January 6 having just returned from the Christmas break.

She said: "It was embarrassing. I was speechless. I did not know what to do. It was a Friday and too late to call a solicitor.

"It seems they just don't want me there.

"I have been overwhelmed with support.

"We put smiles on people's faces, older people and children.

"Some people say we are the only reason they come to the centre, so they will be losing footfall if we go."

Tracy employs between five to 10 people depending on the season. Her daughter Ellie, 30, helps out and six-year-old granddaughter Maisie is a regular customer.

She said: "When we were moved from our spot I invested in a couple more units. But the move meant we could have less seating."

She specialises in her frozen yoghurts, healthy fat-free ice creams and milkshakes.

If Tracy is not allowed to return she will be looking at pop-up shop alternatives in Faversham, Greenwich or the Dockside Outlet Centre in Chatham.

She said: "If I can get reopened then I will have a morning where I can give away free ice creams as a thank you."