Concerned residents fear a Kent village could soon become a "ghost town" as every traditional pub in the area is now up for sale.

The City Of London, The Ocean Inn and The Ship Inn in Dymchurch have been put on the market, sparking speculation over the future of the sites.

It leaves just one micropub in the village – The Hidden Treasure – as well as the members-only Royal British Legion.

The City Of London closed its doors earlier this year as the freehold was listed on the market for £295,000.

Since then, the leasehold for The Ship Inn and The Ocean Inn have also been listed for £125,000 and £250,000 respectively.

The potential sales have left residents worried for the future of their pubs.

Elderly couple Derek and Susanne Coppin moved to the village six years ago from Maidstone because of all the facilities it had to offer.

Mrs Coppin said: "I think it's disgraceful. You get so many people come down here in the summer - where is everybody going to go?

"I'm concerned the village could become a bit of a ghost town.

"We moved here originally because it had everything that we wanted.

"Now the butchers has recently closed and you have all of these pubs up for sale."

The Coppins are not alone in feeling anxious by the news.

Martin and Diane Petken, who live in neighbouring St Mary's Bay, often visit Dymchurch during the summer time.

"I can't believe that. I heard rumours and thought that can't be right," Mrs Petken said.

"We use The Ship and The Ocean quite often so we would hate to see anything happen to them.

"It is a worry I think. The village relies on these businesses to help keep the place alive.

"I get it is a seasonal place, but it has always been like that. It shows people are struggling at the moment."

Owners of The Hidden Treasure micropub, Andrew and Marluce Clark, spoke to KentOnline about their thoughts on the future of Dymchurch and told of their struggles over the winter months.

"Pubs closing is a trend at the moment, so it is definitely a concern for us," Mrs Clark said.

"As Dymchurch is such a seasonal place, to survive the winter months we have only been opening on Friday, Saturday and Sunday."

The couple opened the high street micropub back in 2019 and remain hopeful but nervous about the year ahead.

Mr Clark added: "The rising utility bills mean that it's not worth us opening during the week.

"Our bills have tripled in price this year.

"The idea for us is to try and make our money in the summer and that buffers us for the winter.

"My fear is that this year we might not get that buffer."

Mr Clark, from Lewisham, moved to Dymchurch with his wife in 2013 and had the dream of opening a pub in the area.

While the couple found the Covid-19 pandemic challenging, they believe the cost-of-living crisis is hitting businesses much harder.

"We have to find the right balance between increasing our prices and keeping it affordable for people. It is a real challenge," he added.

"Covid was a tough time, but the increase in everyone's bills currently means we are not getting as many customers."

'I don't want it to change from its current format...'

Despite the hardships, the couple are still optimistic they can make things work.

"As an independent we have a lot more freedom than other pubs," Mr Clark said.

"We like to think we provide something different to the community and we hope people still come and support us!"

As uncertainty surrounds the pubs in the village, Mark Lilly, the owner of The Ship Inn, has reassured residents the pub will remain open as he awaits the sale of the leasehold.

"I think the current managers are just ready to leave and run their other pubs," he said.

"The Ship Inn will remain as a public house and we have no reason to close during the changeover.

"I don't want it to change from its current format."

The City Of London currently remains under offer and no further update has been provided from owners at The Ocean Inn.