One of the biggest stores at Thanet's Westwood Cross shopping centre has been forced to close its ground floor as it carries out checks and repairs after subsidence fears.

Primark clothes store has shut the floor to carry out precautionary repairs after a sink hole appeared in the car park at the Broadstairs retail complex. It is believed the subsidence may relate to old army practice tunnels.

Bosses say trading is continuing on the first floor while work continues.

In a statement, the company said: "Primark is carrying out precautionary remedial building work at its Westwood Cross store, due to possible subsidence underneath its store.

"This possible subsidence is in relation to a sink hole which was formed in the car park next to the building, as a result of what is believed to have been old practice tunnels which were used by the army.

"The store has been fully surveyed and inspected by engineers and there is no safety risk for staff and customers.

"Primark is working hard to ensure these works cause as little disruption as possible to Primark customers and staff. Works are expected to be completed mid-summer."

It is understood that some of the tunnels in the area date back to the First World War in addition to former air raid shelters.

According to Facebook page Thanet Hidden History, the air raid shelter hidden under Westwood Cross shopping centre was sealed a few years ago.

It caused subsidence and was discovered by chance, but had to be sealed to stop further damage.