A frustrated pub boss says he feels like he has been the victim of a witch-hunt after backtracking on plans to sell seats on his balcony during the air show.

Ian Morbin, 32, planned to charge customers £10 a head to sit on The Ship Inn’s decking during next Sunday’s spectacular event.

But after facing a barrage of criticism from residents on Facebook, Mr Morbin has now decided to tape off the area at the Central Parade venue.

He told the Herne Bay Gazette: “We thought it would be a nice spot for some people to come and watch it for the day.

“But it felt like a bit of a witch-hunt on Facebook.

“It certainly was not the intention to profit from other people’s hard work.”

Mr Morbin, who lives at the pub, took over as manager in February.

He said the pub has been unable to offer sponsorship to air show organisers BayPromoTeam as the business was left in a “critical state” when he took over.

Among the comments on Facebook, Stuart Blackledge wrote: “Do not agree with that. Unless of course they are donating it to the show.”

Helen Scandrett added: “Wow, what a cheek! I hope BayPromoTeam get the money for that as it is a free event that is costing thousands to put on.”

In response to the posts, Mr Morbin said: “It has cast a bit of a shadow on the whole event.

“I do not like to be thought of as someone who was trying to make profit off other people..." - Ian Morbin

“I do not like to be thought of as someone who was trying to make profit off other people.

“We are a small, family-run business and it is just unfortunate that cash flow is a serious problem.”

Mr Morbin added that money raised from the decking would have been donated to the Wildwood Trust.

Air show organiser Gerald McCarthy said: “It is a storm in a teacup to be honest.

“He has taken the view on Facebook as views of the BayPromoTeam, but there has been no formal involvement with us – it is just local people having an opinion.

“We realise businesses run on revenue and we have got a fantastic relationship with every business we come across.

“We want them to do well with the show.”