A proposed Costa Coffee shop in New Romney will alter the character of the High Street and threaten trade of existing cafes.

So fear about 60% of residents who have come out against Costa Coffee’s plans for the former New Inn site.

The comments are part of a consultation by Shepway council on the application, which followed the closure of the historic pub earlier this year.

The pub’s last landlady, Caroline Carruthers, said: “I am against the New Inn being de-licensed.

“It has been a coaching house for hundreds of years. Please keep our children’s heritage.”

Another objector, Peter Butterworth, wrote on the website: “Costa will be another franchise that isn’t needed or supported by the town.”

But others who support the plans say the old pub needs to be used to save it from further decay.

Jodi Plant suggested the pub should become a much-needed clothes shop.

For the full story see today's Romney Marsh edition of the Kentish Express.