Primark at Westwood Cross has today re-opened its ground floor after subsidence fears forced its closure.

Primark clothes store shut the floor to carry out precautionary repairs after a sink hole appeared in the car park at the Broadstairs retail complex in May.

It is believed the subsidence may have related to old army practice tunnels.

Primark continued trading on the first floor while work was carried out on the ground floor.

In a Facebook post, a Westwood Cross spokesman said: “We are delighted to let you know that Primark will be fully re-opening at Westwood Cross following the partial closure of the ground floor while essential building works took place.

“Both floors will be open again to customers from MONDAY (31st July).

“We, and Primark, would like to thank all our customers and staff for their patience while these works were carried out.”

It is understood that some of the tunnels in the area date back to the First World War in addition to former air raid shelters.

According to Facebook page Thanet Hidden History, the air raid shelter hidden under Westwood Cross shopping centre was sealed a few years ago.

It caused subsidence and was discovered by chance, but had to be sealed to stop further damage.