A second Greggs is set to open in Ashford, filling a former Carphone Warehouse store on the Ashford Retail Park.

The popular bakery chain, which already has a branch in the high street, is looking to move into the empty unit between Hobbycraft and Costa.

It is not yet clear when it will open but bosses say it is expected in the 'coming months'.

Last week, plans to install signs and digital screens at the unit were submitted to Ashford Borough Council.

The plan has split opinion among shoppers on the estate, which is home to numerous businesses – including TK Maxx and Argos – and becomes badly congested at times.

Pao Wong, 36, from Willesborough said: "There's not many places you can get hot food other than Costa so I think it will do well."

Bridgefield resident Michelle Wickens, 40, agreed, saying: "It's different, they sell pastries and sausage rolls that Costa doesn't sell.

"My kids will love it when they come over here."

Sylvia, 68, and Chris Manuell, 74, who live nearby and regularly walk to the retail park, feel it will be a good addition to the area.

"We don't usually have Greggs but it's probably a good idea," Mr Manuell said.

"It's easy for people and businesses nearby to come and use it and the lorry drivers from the park over the road always walk over here so they will probably like it."

But one 71-year-old shopper worries a Greggs will make traffic and parking much worse on the estate.

"It gets so congested here anyway so I think it will add to more traffic," she said.

"It's one thing we don't need when there is a Costa; I would prefer to see a newsagent or a book store."

Another shopper said the retail park is not the type of place people to visit for food and questioned the need for it when people typically pay quick visits.

In 2018, Greggs was looking at opening a bakery off Canterbury Road in Kennington, but discount supermarket chain Aldi now owns the former Houchin sports and social club site and is working on plans for its third store in Ashford.

A Greggs spokesman said: “We can confirm we’re looking to open a new shop in Ashford Retail Park in the coming months, and will share more information in due course.”