Complaints to the Advertiser about the mall's state spiked in recent weeks following bad publicity about the Fairmont, which was likened to TV's Fawlty Towers.

Wealthy Chinese businessman Wai Hing Kwok, also known as Michael, and Helen James made headlines last month after Fairmont guests complained of unwashed sheets, bad service and a general look of decay at the once-premium resort.

The couple, believed to be married, run Minto Mall, Miller Shopping Centre in Liverpool, Greystanes Shopping Centre and a centre at Dee Why under different company names.

Ms James did not return the Advertiser's calls on Friday or Monday.

The decline of the once vibrant Minto Mall was evident when the Advertiser visited on Friday it was a ghost town when other centres are brimming with shoppers.

Lighting was dim with some globes out and some stores closed.

The manager of an outlet, who asked not to be named, said trade had been ``fantastic'' until KAPB took over about five years ago.

``It's a dump,'' the shop manager said.

``The owners don't do anything about it.

``When it rains we have to put buckets out because the roof leaks.

``I wouldn't be surprised if the roof caves in.

``So many shops have gone because they're not making any money, there is not enough promotion and they've put the rent up too high for what we get ... we haven't got one customer that comes here and says this is a nice place to shop.''

Shoppers standing nearby agreed, stating: ``We don't like coming here''.

Another store owner dubbed an expansive Big Lot bargain store that opened recently a ``Big Lot of rubbish''.

The Minto community have called on Campbelltown Council to intervene but the council is hamstrung because the matter is largely out of its jurisdiction.

The council's acting general manager, Jeff Lawrence, said it had received enquiries over Minto Mall, with concerns including waste bin management and the state of amenities.

He said the matters had been resolved by centre management and the council was not aware of any outstanding issues ``where it can take any further specific action''.

``Should any complaints be received, council would be pleased to investigate those matters,'' Mr Lawrence said.

Local resident Robyn Stafford said: ``The people of Minto deserve somewhere decent and clean to shop ... management at Minto Mall have let it go to the extent that it will be very hard to come back from.''