The appearance of a yet another coffee shop in a town centre has split opinion.

Esquires Coffee is getting ready to launch in Paddock Wood High Street, with some saying it will be the ninth venue in the area offering coffee.

The high street already features a Costa Coffee, Woodies Café, The Village Café, The Snack Shack, Greggs, Barsley’s Café, and Babyccino, which opened in January.

Further afield in Paddock Wood, there is also a community centre and garden centre with a café, as well as a Waitrose which has a coffee point.

Now, some residents are asking “why do we need another coffee shop?” Instead, they’ve expressed a desire for a franchise restaurant, an additional pharmacy or a book shop.

Andrea Ray, 52, of Bramley Gardens said: “It’s nice to see a high street that doesn’t have vacant shops.

“But we’ve got a lot of charity shops, tanning booths and coffee shops – so it’s a shame there’s no real diversity.

“One thing we could benefit from is a franchise of something like Ask Italian, or a proper family eatery where you can go and get some decent food.”

This feeling was echoed by Philippa Garrott who was concerned Esquires Coffee could negatively impact the other similar independent businesses.

The 42-year-old, who has lived in Paddock Wood for four years, said: “I wish the new enterprise all the best, but can't help fearing that this may take away business from the already-established coffee outlets in Paddock Wood.

“What the town really needs is an Italian or Chinese sit-in restaurant, a cosy book shop like a Waterstones, or a Boots/Superdrug, and not another coffee shop.”

However, some people were looking forward to the new addition to the high street.

Alison Canning, who has lived in the town for 19 years, said: “I am looking forward to Esquires opening as their Maidstone branch is lovely.

“I welcome any independent or local small chain to Paddock Wood – it will be nice to have another option.”

Despite this, one local is concerned the new arrival will threaten the newly-opened Babyccino’s.

Caroline Delahunt, 57, said: “It’s not fair on them and I really feel for them. Chains like Costa will always survive.

“I think it’s wrong for another coffee shop to open – a nice Aldi would be a good edition.”

Despite this, the owners of Babyccino, Georgia and Ruh Alam, said it was “good news” an empty unit would be filled and added: “We’re looking forward to welcoming new neighbours.

“We’re hopeful that it will mean the high street becomes busier adding to the hustle and bustle and brings new faces to the area.

“Whilst they do serve coffee, like us and many others, our offering is unique.

“We wish them every success in the exciting journey that awaits.”

Andrea said it was a “shame” other restaurant franchises were not attracted by the town’s large footfall, which has visitors from neighbouring Brenchley, Horsmonden, Five Oak Green and Marden.

“I’d rather see something there than nothing but why do we need another coffee shop?” she added.

A Paddock Wood Town Council spokesperson said: “Empty shops are a blight on our town centres.

“The council likes to see a vibrant and prosperous town centre. The council does not comment on individual businesses.”

Esquires The Organic Coffee Company was founded in 1993 and serves premium coffee and a complementary range of food.

The company has been contacted for more information on the Paddock Wood franchise.