The brother of a young father-of-four whose funeral was held this week says pub landlords in Faversham should be "ashamed" after they closed their doors to them.

There were extra police on the streets and the majority of pubs in the town centre were on "lockdown" on Tuesday, closing to mourners following the wake of Michael Shepherd, 27, who was tragically killed in a crash on New Year’s Day.

Police and landlords said it was in a bid to avoid trouble - but officers later admitted there were no reports of any disturbances.

Wetherspoons, The Vaults, The Bear, the Railway Hotel and The Limes shut their doors and turned off the lights at around 3pm and remained closed for most of the evening.

Michael’s brother, Jake Shepherd, said: "It is completely out of order and so unexpected. It upset a lot of people.

"The pubs closing after Michael’s funeral makes him look like a bad person. But that couldn’t be more wrong.

"He has never caused trouble in those pubs. The people who used to own The Limes when it was The Chimney Boy were even at the funeral itself, and we had the owners of the Brents Tavern there too, which did stay open for us.

"There wasn’t any trouble at all yesterday. Everyone was just having a nice time, having a laugh and remembering Michael.

"A lot of us have said we no longer want to use those pubs that closed. They should be ashamed."

Michael was killed in a crash in Teynham in the early hours of New Year’s Day, alongside 23-year-old Karl Buchan.

The driver remains in hospital in a serious but stable condition.

Hundreds attended Michael’s funeral at Charing Crematorium, with more than 80 having to stand outside because it was so packed.

"A lot of us have said we no longer want to use those pubs that closed. They should be ashamed" - Jake Shepherd

When the heartbroken congregation arrived back in town, they found their favourite pubs closed.

Landlord of the Vaults David Thompson said: "Police didn’t ask us to close - we took that decision due to a large funeral in town.

"Some of the people attending are barred from the pub, and we wanted to avoid any unpleasantness on what must be a very sad day for the family."

The Leading Light Wetherspoons had a sign in the window which read "closed due to maintenance issues. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause".

But spokesman for the pub Eddie Gershon said afterwards: "A decision was taken to close the premises after receipt of information from police regarding an event taking place in the town which they were expecting to attract large numbers of people.

"We apologise for any inconvenience caused to our customers on the day."

Landlord of the Dover Castle in Teynham, Phil Hope, which is opposite where the accident happened, said he closed for a different reason.

He said: "I put up a notice to say we were shutting out of respect for Michael Shepherd and his family, friends and loved ones.

"Because of where it happened, it’s personal to us, so that’s why we closed."

“Everyone has to run their business as they see fit, but I think it is a bit disrespectful to just shut down the town because of a funeral." - Brent Tavern landlady Angie Simmons

Landlady of the Brents Tavern Angie Simmons stayed open.

She said: “Michael used to drink here and his friends and family do.

"A group of his friends came here after a memorial walk to Teynham after the accident, so we expected to have people back here after the funeral.

“They were not any bother at all after that walk, and they were not any bother on Tuesday.
“Of course they were a little loud but they’re young and we are a pub, we expect that. They were as good as gold. There was no aggro at all.

“The police rang us to advise us and asked us what we would be doing.

“I told him we are a pub, we open every day, and we would be continuing as usual.

“Everyone has to run their business as they see fit, but I think it is a bit disrespectful to just shut down the town because of a funeral."

“Some were very upset. It just shows what the pubs and police think of the youngsters in Faversham.

“But a lot of them are lovely, respectful people.

“I was saddened to hear that they were treated in this way when they were just trying to pay their respects to their friend and family member.

“Our regulars were in here at the same time and so were the quiz team, and everything worked fine.

“We brought out some sandwiches and crisps for them and we think they had a nice time.”

Police spokesman Steve Knight said: "Division-wide officers were in Faversham town centre on Tuesday to support local officers and help provide a visible policing presence."