Local barmaid Sandra White, 41, said: ‘I thought it was April 1 when I was told about this. All I can say is I hope they like hoodies, muggers and junkies – there are enough of them around here. Mind you, I suppose it might remind them of the Bronx.’

Mechanic David Ferndale, 33, said: ‘I would recommend any American thinking of booking up a trip over here to Google the place first.

‘Have a look at the local paper – there are stabbings and shootings all the time. You might as well be done with it and book two weeks all-inclusive in Kabul.’