Complaints have been made that groups of people have been using Ashford town centre’s Memorial Gardens as a summer party venue.

Residents have reported that people have been playing loud music and having barbecues in the park off Church Road as temperatures soar.

Ashford Memorial Gardens is an area of remembrance for fallen soldiers and is also home to a memorial garden for the families of babies who have died.

Ashford Borough Council has now issued a reminder that the area should be treated with respect and is a place for families to reflect and remember their loved ones.

ABC’s portfolio holder for community safety Cllr Michael Claughton said: “We appreciate that the gardens are a popular meeting place in the summer, and we want people to enjoy them.

“But they should remember that it is an area of quiet reflection and respect, and it is not the place for barbecues or large noisy groups of people.

“Many people come to these gardens to remember lost loved ones, including the families of stillborn infants, and park is also very close to several residential properties for the elderly.

“People are more than welcome to use and enjoy the gardens, we simply ask that they are respectful of its significance.

“North Park and Victoria Park are very close to the town centre and are much more appropriate for people wanting to play games or meet larger groups of friends.”

In January, vandals targeted the baby memorial garden and stole 50 leaflets giving information about the Stillborn And Neonatal Deaths charity (SANDS).