Fears that shops in Sandwich will suffer from next year’s golf Open championship have been voiced the same week that tickets go on sale.

Some say Sandwich may become a ghost town, with dips in trade because of reduced access for normal traffic.

Town clerk Tracey Ward said there will be no "re-entry" passes for spectators who want a break from the competition.

Instead they must stay within the Royal St George’s complex or leave early without being allowed to return to the golf course.

Cllr Paul Carter said: "I just feel upset that once again, we’ve not been listened to. The vendors on site will be the only ones to benefit."

Chairman of the Sandwich Chamber of Commerce Dominic Parker said: "Although I can understand why they do this, it is a concern.

"The council is aware of our feelings that bringing people into town is for the benefit of Sandwich which, during the day, will become a ghost town because there will be no access into town.

"We already expect there will be a dip in normal takings because of this," he added.

To read the full story, see p9 of this week's Mercury, priced 70p.