A local cafe owner's future is uncertain as a neighboring shopping center's closure has significantly impacted her business. Ayten Yilmaz, the owner of By The Tank Cafe, has witnessed a dramatic decline in trade since the closure of Park Mall and the adjoining Edinburgh Road car park.
"I've been here for over two decades, and now we're struggling to survive day by day," she says, expressing her frustration and worry.
The cafe, known for its traditional British cuisine and cozy atmosphere, has always thrived due to its location within St. George's Square, right next to the bustling Park Mall. However, with the mall's closure and the complete blockage of its access points, the cafe's customer base has taken a hit.
"It's like the life has been sucked out of the town," Miss Yilmaz explains. "Our older customers, who used to pop in after their mall visits, now find it difficult to access us. Even the delivery drivers are avoiding the area due to the inconvenience."
While the Ashford Borough Council (ABC) reports an increase in footfall in the area, Miss Yilmaz and other local traders paint a different picture. They believe the closure has "killed the town's culture" and affected their businesses significantly.
But here's where it gets controversial: ABC plans to demolish Park Mall and replace it with an interim car park, followed by new developments in the future. While this may bring long-term benefits, the short-term impact on local businesses is a cause for concern.
Miss Yilmaz, who works tirelessly seven days a week, feels let down by the lack of communication from the council. She worries about the timelines for the demolition and the potential disruption it will cause to her cafe, especially with the popular outdoor seating area.
"It's like we're in limbo," she says. "We can't plan for the future when we don't know what's happening. I understand change is necessary, but it's happening too fast, and we're not being supported enough."
And this is the part most people miss: the impact of such developments on the local community and small businesses. While the council focuses on the overall growth and rejuvenation of the town center, it's the small, independent businesses that are suffering.
A spokesman for ABC acknowledges the impact of change and the need for disruption, but the figures they present show a different story. They claim footfall in the town center is up, but local traders like Miss Yilmaz and Beata Krakowiak, who recently moved her Sowa Polish Shop out of Park Mall, beg to differ.
"Less people are coming to the town center now," Ms. Krakowiak says. "We're trying to adapt, but we have no idea what the future holds."
The council's spokesman further emphasizes their support and guidance for businesses, but it seems the local traders feel left in the dark. They are encouraged to engage with free marketing tools and promote themselves, but without clear communication and support during this transitional period, it's a challenging task.
As enabling works begin at Park Mall, with the interim car park opening later this year, the future remains uncertain for these local businesses. The impact of such developments on the community and small enterprises is a topic that deserves more attention and discussion.
What are your thoughts on this situation? Do you think the council is doing enough to support local businesses during this transition? Feel free to share your opinions and experiences in the comments below!
