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An abandoned nursery next to a dangerous “alleyway from hell” is set for a major overhaul.
Since Precious Times in Folkestone shut in 2018 an adjacent underpass has remained plagued with hypodermic needles and squalor.
But now, the distinguished Cheriton Road building will be revamped into a convenience store after Folkestone and Hythe District Council (FHDC) recently approved plans.
Yet eyebrows have been raised over the prospect of increased footfall in the area, where hundreds already pass each day, with the easily accessible “drug den” beneath Middelburg Square.
Folkestone Town Sprucer Peter Philips, who regularly clears the tunnel off a busy path near to Asda, says it has become “hellish”.
Speaking on how a convenience store on the corner might not be the best location, he said: “We go down to clean it every couple of months and there are always needles everywhere.
“There is a door at the end which is supposed to be shut but kids use it as a run-through to get to the car park.
“It’s dirty all the time and kids go down there and deal drugs.
“We only checked it two weeks ago and it was trashed and we only cleaned it a month before.
“I don’t think it is a good idea to put a convenience store there, it would be next to a drug den.
“People could end up trying to go down the subway and getting confused - it's hell down there.
“It is also on a busy road so I should think it’s better off somewhere else.”
The site has been an issue since 2017 when KentOnline first reported on the danger, prompting the district council to clear up the waste, but the problem persists.
Its location on Cheriton Road is also something Folkestone Town Council objected to saying the site is “not suitable for a shop” as it is “on a busy junction with no parking”.
But despite concerns, the application for sliding doors and condenser units was approved and work to convert the building can now start.
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Documents submitted to FHDC by Sanaa Designs on behalf of the applicant show the upgrades to the building will include removing an existing window, installing a new automatic sliding door, and adding three condenser units.
It will be known as Shalu Mini Mart Ltd and will be open from 6am until midnight Monday to Saturday, and 7am to 11pm on Sundays and bank holidays.
A Kent County Council spokesperson said: “The infill and closure of the Middelburg Square subway is currently being explored as part of the Folkestone - A Brighter future project, funded through Levelling Up Fund Round 2.
“It is hoped that this will be completed along with the main works."