Greggs may face the same issue as Subway and struggle to attract customers when it opens its first bakery on Romney Marsh, traders have warned.

Business owners in New Romney say residents "like their local shops and cafes" – and may not support the pastry giant when it fills an empty building next to Esso in the high street next month.

Sandwich franchise Subway pulled out of the town in 2011 after just two years, reinforcing a belief among some that large chains don't fit into an area of independent shops.

The manager at The Coach House, a Mediterranean-inspired cafe in Church Close, told KentOnline she is unsure whether Greggs will suit the Marsh.

"New Romney is a small town - I think it will be popular for a minute but then dip," she said.

"It might be okay because it is at the petrol station, but Subway came here before and didn't last long.

"People like their local shops and cafes here."

Lynn Light, of New Romney Pet Shop, says her colleague is very excited for Greggs to open, but she is unsure the location is right.

"We're happy about it and more jobs is always a good thing," she said.

"I think once people know it is here, they may be tempted back more often.

"The only thing that concerns me is that it is a bit far out of the high street – I'm wondering what it will do with the traffic and the garage."

Meanwhile, Tina Newman and Louise Douglass, from That Pet Shop, believe the bakery's arrival is welcome news.

"It will be creating lots of jobs," they said.

"Anything that brings more jobs to the high street is a good thing."

A spokesperson for Greggs confirmed the site is set to open soon.

"We are due to open a new shop in New Romney next month operated by our franchise partner, MFG," they said.

"We look forward to welcoming Greggs fans and new customers to come try our range of tasty bakes, hot drinks and sweet treats."

There is currently no date confirmed for the bakery to open but bosses say it will be in March.