Activists and councillors are showing concern as a horse field is increasingly flooded.

Horse lovers have been complaining for years about the treatment of animals on the paddock next to Sheepfold Lane.

However the recent rain has made their pleas for aid more urgent, as the Ashford field becomes increasingly waterlogged.

Now, the borough's Green Party members are taking a stand as they hope to raise awareness of the conditions.

Its leader, Mandy Rossi, said: "The RSPCA won't do anything because their ribs aren't showing, and that they have patches of dry land - but they're stuck on little islands surrounded by dirty water.

"With the high amount of mud there's suction, so there's concern they won't be able to get themselves out of it. In particular there's a foal which doesn't look like it would have the strength to pull itself out.

"While the horses do look quite well-fed, the horses' owner has a responsibility to find somewhere for them to be over winter.

"If you know it's going to flood, you have to do something to stop the flooding or move them elsewhere.

"I know it could be costly but there are plenty of people and groups, for example The Retreat Animal Rescue Farm in High Halden, who would be more than happy to help."

Green Party Ashford Borough councillor, Steve Campkin, said: "It's only going to get worse as time goes on.

"People are annoyed because it feels like nothing's being done. You can't just take them as there has to be a legal process - Ashford Borough Council did do that for this site in 2014, so there is a precedent."

The pair also noted the water trough was filled with empty plastic water bottles, and that fences around the field - which run adjacent to a 70mph dual carriageway - have been severely damaged.

Ms Rossi continued: "The police have said they'd act immediately if a horse escaped onto the road.

"Why can't they do something about it now? It'll literally be a case of locking the gate after the horse has bolted."

In the meantime activists on social media are running an awareness campaign, especially now that the issue of flooding has become more prominent.

Fredericka Vann has long campaigned for the welfare of horses around the borough.

She said: "These four horses are apparently abandoned but they are not.

"It is 75% under water, any green bits that aren't are covered in poo.

"I went to the back of the field and the fence is completely down. Within a minute and a half of walking it backs right on to the dual carriageway.

"What about when one of the horses gets out and one of our family members gets killed.

"My interest is in animal welfare, I'd never forgive myself."

The Green Party members have consulted with Ashford Borough Council, who are now looking into the issue.

Heavy rainfall is expected to continue over the weekend.

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