Littlestone sweet and gift shop, New Romney. Ellen James, owner of the shop pictured with the letter sent by the school.

by Jess Banham and Dan Bloom

The owner of a new sweet shop says her takings have collapsed after a local school told students to avoid "unsuitable" snacks.

Ellen and Paul James, who own the Littlestone Sweet and Gift Shop, were horrified when the nearby Marsh Academy sent a letter warning students off “caffeine drinks, brain lickers and super large gobstoppers and lollipops†in the early mornings.

A staff member had visited the shop - which is yards from the school gates - before sending the letter.

Assistant principal Luke Magee then wrote to parents: "These sweets and drinks are not suitable for breakfast and cause hyperactivity, which is not helpful in the classroom."

But since the message went out in March - just a few weeks after the shop opened fully - business has flagged.

Mrs James, 42, said things came to a head on Saturday when two young customers voiced fears they were not allowed in wearing school uniform.

The mother-of-three added: "My pre-school takings have dropped by two thirds and at the end of the day I'm running a business. I have bills to pay and I have my own children to feed.

"If this carries on, we can't provide the children with the specific items they want because we won't be able to afford to buy them in. That will have a dramatic impact on our income."

Mrs James, who until last year ran the Cheriton Sweet Shop in Folkestone, did initially complain to the school but never heard back.

This week Marsh Academy head of school Marion Emptage defended the letter.

She said: "The choice is still there. We haven't physically stopped the children going in there.

"We didn't seek any more than co-operation - it's not coercion. We merely pointed out to parents that this was happening."

She added sugary sweets were a problem, adding: "We did it from a healthy eating standpoint."

But Mrs James said: "You're talking of children that are of secondary school age. They are quite capable of thinking for themselves.

"I will only not sell something to somebody if it's unlawful. If I'm made aware by the child or their parent that there's certain products they can't have, then I respect that."

What do you think? Write to Kentish Express, 34-36 North Street, Ashford, Kent TN24 8JR or email kentishexpress@thekmgroup.co.uk .