A petition has been launched to urge college bosses to rethink the closure of a popular farm shop.

The award-winning Hadlow College Farm Shop at Faulkners Farm on Ashes Lane in Hadlow closed for the final time at the end of July - leaving regular shoppers dismayed at losing a valued local store.

Anne Waddingham, who lives in Golden Green south of Hadlow, says the decision to shut the doors for good came as a shock to its loyal customers.

Now she has launched a petition calling on North Kent College - which is in the process of taking over Hadlow following its fall into administration - to reconsider the axing of the shop.

She said: "For years the farm shop in Ashes Lane, and formerly on Tonbridge Road, has played a vital role in the community, especially recently.

"Its staff have gone above and beyond to ensure that basics are supplied to those in need, delivering to local homes and keeping the shop well stocked with commodities that were often in short supply elsewhere.

"Its home delivery service has been a lifeline, especially for the vulnerable, and has won it many new fans who have discovered the benefits of fresh, local produce over supermarket fare.

"At a time when we are being encouraged to ‘shop local’, it has been a welcoming venue within a few minutes’ walk, cycle or drive."

More than 500 people have added their names to her online petition calling for the closure of the shop to be reversed.

Comments left on the petition by upset customers describe the store as "a valuable community resource" and criticise the decision to close it as "very short sighted".

A spokesperson for Hadlow College and West Kent College said: "A decision has been taken that, with effect from July 31, the Farm Shop and related wholesale business will permanently close.

"All customers and suppliers have been notified separately."

View and sign the petition at tinyurl.com/hadlowpetition

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