Costa Coffee’s plans to come to Sandwich have stirred up strong feelings in the town.

Costa says it will create up to 10 jobs when it opens in July but many fear it will take trade from the independent cafes and shops.

Developers confirmed last week the coffee house planned to open in the former Whites of Kent building in New Street.

Costa says it will make the cafe a hub for the community and it will be run by a local person.

A spokesman said: “Costa, the nation’s favourite coffee shop, are pleased to announce that we are opening a brand new store in Sandwich in July, bringing 8-10 new jobs to the local area.

“The store will be run by one of our franchise partners, a local business person to the area who will do all that they can to integrate the new store with the local community, getting involved with events; providing the store as a meeting place and helping with fundraising.”

John Hennessy, who lives in Sandwich, feels the town has enough food and drink outlets.

He said: “The majority of these are small independent operations owned and operated by local people which are in keeping with the nature of our unique medieval town. What the town can ill afford to lose is yet another retail space. We have lost several such spaces to conversions to accommodation in the past six months so we really don’t need to lose any more especially to yet another coffee or light refreshment shop.

“The varied retail side of the town – which is its life blood for the future and vital to those of us who actually live here – is gradually being eroded shop by shop.”

Gillian Hardy, who runs the Lady Elegance shop in King Street, is another opponent.

She said: “I think this is appalling and detrimental to this quaint medieval town and should be stopped. We have many small independently owned coffee and sandwich shops in Sandwich and to have such an establishment here is going to have such an adverse effect on these businesses.

“This is a preserved town and I was under the impression that this meant that no chain stores could open here.

“They have applied for an illuminated sign. I am having enough trouble getting a sign for my shop which is Grade II.

“We need to preserve these small medieval towns and retain their uniqueness.

“I hope many Sandwich people feel this way so hope something can be done to stop this chain business.”