Town traders and shoppers are feeling the absence of a former discount chain shop which has been left to flood “for months” since its sudden closure.

Wilko in Rainham Shopping Centre closed its doors for good on September 26 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 now, more than two months on, shoppers have noticed a steady decline in its facade – including a large pool of water “left to linger” inside the front window of the former retail branch.

Rainham resident John Miller, who visits the precinct often, told KentOnline: “I was walking past the shop with my wife when we noticed it.

“It looks like a river about four inches wide running the length of the shop floor.

“That was about a month ago, but it looks worse now.

“I have tried to find the owner because if I had a leak like that in my home, I would want to know about it.”

Alison Tindall, a staff member of Ascot Florists opposite said it was an issue that predates the store’s closure.

She said: “The staff used to mop it up every morning. It’s been going on for years.

“Now the shop has closed it has been left to linger.

“The leak hasn’t affected us, but the store’s closure has.

“There’s not as much footfall now and it’s so dark when we lock up at night. You can’t see who’s about.

There’s not as much footfall now and it’s so dark when we lock up at night

“We hope a new business moves in soon.”

Just up from the florist is Erkan who runs The Centre Café. He was not aware of the leak but as soon as he saw it, he was concerned.

He said: “You can see the front of the shop, but the back is so dark you can’t see all the way.

“People have been going in recently looking around. I can’t say if they have seen it but if they have, they need to take action really.

“It’s near the cashiers and electrical equipment, after seeing it I would be worried.”

Alison said she has seen people in the store over the last few weeks with “clipboards and tape measures” and Erkan explained how some came into his café for breakfast one morning last week.

Neither could say why they were in the building but the businesses in the centre believe the empty Wilko branch has been earmarked to become a B&M store – although this has not been confirmed.

Both Alison and Erkan heard it from people the other side of the centre who all share a landlord with the former Wilko.

A Medway Council spokesperson said: "We are aware of minor repair work needing to be carried out to the unit, and understand all relevant parties have been informed."

"Rainham Shopping Precinct is an important aspect of the town and a place many residents enjoy visiting, with a good choice of shops and businesses.

“We remain committed to continuing to improve and invest in all of Medway’s town centres and supporting local businesses as much as possible.”

Wilko is poised for a return to the high street in some form after the homeware retail chain The Range struck a multimillion-pound deal to buy the brand. It is not yet known whether any stores will be in Kent.

KentOnline has contacted the landlord of the Rainham Shopping Centre unit for comment.