A plan for a micropub in King Street in Sandwich has sparked fears that it could be “a rowdy bar”.

The former Lady Elegance shop at 6 King Street has been empty since owner Gillian Hardy expanded her business and moved to 4 King Street.

Now an application has been submitted for change of use to a micropub called The Laurel and Hardy Real Ale House.

A worried Mrs Hardy said she didn’t want a rowdy bar next door to her shop.

“I just hope it doesn’t have an adverse affect on shops. I think it should be a street for retail shops really.

“I wish them good luck but I’m not sure if the centre of Sandwich is the right sort of place for something like that.”

Mrs Hardy had doubts about the viability of a micropub, saying the recent closure of the Fleur de Lis showed that not all drinking establishments in Sandwich can survive.

She added: “A new bar, the Hop and Huffkins, has just opened in New Street and the Fleur de Lis has closed down – that hasn’t been very successful.

“We’re out of tourist season now so that same footfall isn’t there.”

Town councillors are also worried, fearing drinking in the street outside the pub.

Some residents have received an anonymous letter opposing the venture which sparked a discussion on social media.

However, views on Facebook have been fairly positive, with many saying a micropub would be a welcome addition to the town and much better than an empty shop.

Discussing the application at the Sandwich Town Council meeting on Monday, councillors expressed their concerns with Cllr Paul Carter believing it should be recommended for refusal.

He said: “It’s the wrong premises, it’s very small. It could cause a lot of problems with people arriving and leaving and drinking outside.”

“I just hope it doesn’t have an adverse affect on shops." - Gillian Hardy.

Cllr Joe Trussler shared this concern that people would be drinking in the street when they need to smoke.

He added: “A small drinking establishment in King Street would not be beneficial for the town.”

It was decided that the council would not refuse the application but recommend a condition to say that there can be no drinking off the premises.

It will be up to the district council to make the final decision.

The applicant could not be contacted as the Mercury went to press.