OFFICIALS at Canterbury Cathedral have predicted that visitor numbers will be 30 per cent down over the next six months due to the American terror attacks. Spokesman Chris Robinson said figures were already down before the attacks, due to foot and mouth, the high value of the pound and the end of cheap ferry crossings.

"This American business has exacerbated a situation that was already quite bad," he said. "We have had cancellations since September 11, and not just from Americans.

"It would be nice if we were wrong but we are anticipating that revenue will be down 30 per cent over the next six months."

Mr Robinson said he had no idea of the financial implications of this projection. He also said there had been more people at Sunday services since the disaster.

Fears of a chemical attack on the city sparked a run on gas masks. Simon Cash, of Goldings Army surplus store, Palace Street, said there had been an increased demand.

"We have nearly sold out," he said.

The cause of low-level night flying over Canterbury and other parts of East Kent since the attacks remained a mystery this week. Both the Civil Aviation Authority and the Ministry of Defence denied there had been any changes in flight paths or an increase in low-level flying. A spokesman for London Manston said there had been other reports of night flights along the south coast, but that they had not originated from Manston.