A pub's new owners have announced they are going cashless, prompting an outcry from residents who have vowed to boycott the venue.

The Powell Arms in Birchington-on-Sea, which reopened under new management yesterday, confirmed on Facebook only card payments will be accepted.

The decision was taken to "protect staff" according to owner Byron Hayter.

But the policy has been branded "utterly disgraceful", with one local vowing: "I will never return to your premises again".

Others have called for people to "boycott this business" in The Square.

Villager Daisy O'Donnell said: "Of all the places I wouldn’t have chosen to do this is the village of Birchington - a place where almost everyone still uses cash."

Resident Morena Sanguigni added: "I won’t be coming.

"I used to be a regular visitor a few times a week for food, but now there's absolutely no way.

"There’s lots of elderly in the village who prefer to use cash.

"Very disappointing."

Lisa Stanley, another villager, added: "Oh well, we won’t be going there again.

"If my cash is not good enough, I will take it somewhere where it is welcomed.

"There are plenty of other businesses that want to stay open."

Another social media user commented: "Utterly disgraceful!

"There's lots of other places to spend my cash fortunately.

"I hope you don't live to regret this ridiculous decision."

Another added: "If you go out of business you've only got yourself to blame."

Someone else called the decision "business suicide".

"There’s lots of elderly in the village who prefer to use cash. Very disappointing..."

However, owner Mr Hayter said there was a "good reception" to the policy at the pub's opening yesterday, which was an "amazing night".

He told KentOnline: "The biggest reason for going card-only was staff safety as it reduced the temptation for theft.

"It also makes life easier.

"It will be easier when cashing up at night."

He insists there will be no minimum spend on transactions for punters wanting to pop in for a quick drink.

The 38-year-old also owns seafood restaurant Chapmans in Canterbury, and took up the new venture with business partner Dhvani Patel.

He said: "Food is the best part of life and opening The Powell is about bringing the heart back into the community."

KentOnline's pub spy The Secret Drinker visited last year, and rated the venue highly under the previous owners - noting the older clientèle.

The inn will be serving "traditional British food with a Byron twist", with the menu changing every two weeks.