A town centre pub is set to remain closed for good.

The John Wallis in Ashford, formerly The Man of Kent, will not be reopening tomorrow as lockdown measures continue to ease.

Owner Shen Sen says the Middle Row pub would not be profitable with the government’s current safety requirements.

He said: “We are not opening on Saturday for sure because of all the coronavirus restrictions in place.

“But to be honest, with the state of the town as it is at the moment, I do not think I will open it again.”

Mr Sen, who owns numerous businesses in the area including the Fish Inn in Brookfield Road, snapped up the pub at a Clive Emson property auction in 2017.

Last month, he was critical of Ashford Borough Council's decision to raise car park prices in the district.

He added: "The pub has been around for decades but residents have complained recently to the point where my customers aren't allowed outside with a pint after 8pm or 9pm."

In March, Mr Sen gained planning permission to turn the first and second floors into guest accommodation.

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