A CCTV camera will be installed in Ashford's Memorial Gardens after a bin went up in flames.

Fire crews were called to the site last Tuesday after a resident spotted an “orange glow” and smoke in the bushes.

Ashford Borough Council described the incident as “unfortunate vandalism” and says action will be taken.

“The bin will be replaced this week and, utilising some of the Safer Streets funding received, a CCTV camera will be installed that will cover the area,” a spokesman said.

“It is very sad that the actions of a tiny minority in our community threaten to spoil the enjoyment of one of the town centre’s most beautiful tranquil spaces.”

The Safer Streets fund was awarded to Ashford by the Home Office in 2021 in a bid to improve the safety of the town, particularly for women and girls, in the wake of the murder of Sarah Everard.

Earlier this year, a share of the £550,000 pot was used to pay for mirrors in a number of alleyways in the town centre, including Taylors Passage between the high street and Park Street.

Part of the fund also went towards creating a new Ashford Streetwise app which launched in May.

The app shows ‘Safe Spaces’ in the town that residents can go to if they need any help as well as the safest walking routes through the town.

Made in Ashford and The Craftship Enterprise in Park Mall shopping centre are two of several safe spaces in the town.

Melissa Dawkins, founder of The Craftship Enterprise, said: "It's a really good scheme; I like that there are signs on the windows so people know that they can come in here and ask for help.

"And with the CCTV, if there are any future incidents in the Memorial Gardens, then whoever needs to respond to those can do it quicker. so it would definitely make me feel more safe going through there so I think it's a really good idea.."

"I think there have been lots of meetings with the council and members of the community to consult them and see what people think the best course of action would be."

"I think it's really valuable that they've done this and got all the feedback together on what they're going to spend their money on."

But Michelle Krawczyk, a trustee of the Ashford Central Community Forum, says she would prefer to see a 24-hour police presence in town.

"While I think CCTV has its place and can be effective to help deter some types of crime, I stand by my viewpoint that what is really needed in Ashford is a more significant and consistent police presence."