A visitor to Ashford says she was furious the managers of a town centre pub refused to tackle a crowd of drinkers who were using abusive language in front of children.

Sarah Preece, 29, and her 50-year-old partner Kate Phizackerley visited Ashford to see her parents, Jean and Cyril Preece, who live in Hamstreet.

However, Miss Preece has vowed to never return to the The County Hotel pub, which is owned by Wetherspoon, after she claims their family lunch was ruined by a group using obscene language.

"Families are staying away from Wetherspoons now because the management allow foul mouthed yobs to swear in front of children and other families..." - Sarah Preece

She said: "Families are staying away from Wetherspoons now because the management allow foul mouthed yobs to swear in front of children and other families who are sat there peacefully just trying to eat a meal.

"The language was not aimed at anyone in particular, but was general and ongoing among the group of yobs who where swearing at each other.

"We moved away, but you could still hear it. My mother found it very uncomfortable when she went outside for a cigarette. It wasn't just us, other customers were getting frustrated."

Miss Preece, who lives in Croydon, claims the management of the pub in the lower High Street did nothing to quieten the loud and abusive crowd.

"When approached, the duty manager seemed to not be concerned at all by the behaviour of those using foul language," added Miss Preece. "It isn't nice when you sit in the family garden with kids around and then certain customers are shouting 'C' this and 'F' that. What example does that set?

"I don't intend to go back there, and neither do my parents. I've visited that pub for the last 10 years."

Miss Preece added she has complained to Ashford Borough Council's licensing committee and has been told it will be investigated.

Wetherspoons spokesman Eddie Gershon said: "The manager at the pub has checked with members of staff, however no one is aware of this particular incident.

"However, if someone is swearing or misbehaving at one of our pubs, then we would ask them to stop.

"If they carried on, they would be asked to leave there and then and in some cases would be barred."