Next year's jazz concert in Sandwich hangs in the balance after criminal damage cost the organisers thousands of pounds.

Sandwich Festival Association chairman Mark Moorhouse blamed a "selfish minority"of entrance fee dodgers for his proposal to suspend the jazz concert element of next year’s festival.

He said: "Following vandalism to Gazen Salts Nature Reserve costing the Sandwich Festival Association £1,500 in 2010, extra security counter-measures were undertaken this year to prevent a repeat." More vandalism to the nature reserve during last week’s festival will cost the association another £650.

He will propose to suspend the jazz concert for 2012 at the committee evaluation meeting meaning top musicians like the Ben Toury Corporation (pictured) will miss out on playing in Sandwich.

It is believed the damage is caused by people breaking into the reserve to avoid paying the £5 entrance fee.

Mr Moorhouse added: "It is clear that the behaviour of a small minority poses a significant threat to public safety and property.

"The Sandwich Festival Association cannot be seen as sponsor of anti-social behaviour."

The annual August Bank Holiday event costs £11,500 to host including fireworks.

"I offer my sincerest apologies to the majority of concert-goers of all ages that will be deprived of a popular event due to the actions of a selfish minority."

For the full story, see this week's Mercury.