CHILHAM Castle, which last changed hands for a reported £1.5 million, is being sold to a local man for an undisclosed sum.

The new owner will be Stuart Wheeler, of Dane Street, Chilham.

When Greek businessman George Petrou bought the castle in 1997 he ended Lord Massereene's practice of opening it to the public which had attracted coach parties to the village. Since then tourism has slumped.

The castle is a Grade I listed building and there was concern in the village when repairs were begun by Mr Petrou without planning permission. English Heritage, the Government's adviser on historic buildings, was called in and Mr Petrou successfully applied to Ashford council for planning permission for the work.

Mr Wheeler's wife, Tessa, said this week that she did not expect they would be re-opening the gardens to the public. The sale was still going through and she did not wish to comment further.

Ben Glancy, assistant manager of the White Horse pub in Chilham's square, said: "I have lived in Chilham a long time and as long as whoever lives in the castle is part of our community, I am happy for them to be there."