A museum curator has criticised Ashford Borough Council for “overlooking” the Queen’s 90th birthday because the town does not have a beacon.

Ian Sharp raised his concerns on Facebook after surrounding villages and Tenterden marked the occasion by lighting their own beacons last Thursday.

He said: “I just can’t understand Ashford not having a beacon. There are plenty of places in Ashford which could have one but there is nothing there.

“Tenterden has got one, which they use all the time for children and families to see it being lit and take a picnic.

“The 90th birthday was the prime opportunity because Her Majesty might not live to see her 100th birthday.

“It was as if everybody was celebrating apart from Ashford. The council are looking at refurbishing Victoria Park. They could easily include a beacon in their plans, and it would be used for all the future royal occasions.

“I know that in the past the beacons were brought in during the reign of Elizabeth I to warn of the threat of the Spanish Armada along the coast, and that Tenterden as a Cinque Port would have one.

“But it wouldn’t cost a lot and once it’s there, it’s there. It would be used for Charles, William and George.

“I do support the council because they do a good job, but somewhere along the line the Queen’s birthday has been overlooked.”

Mr Sharp, who is the curator for Ashford Museum, says sites such as Victoria Park, the Memorial Gardens or the field outside the council offices in Tannery Lane would be ideal for a future beacon.

Last Thursday saw beacons lit in Tenterden, Charing, Warehorne, Aldington, High Halden and scores of towns and villages across Kent.

Responding to Mr Sharp's comments, Ashford Borough Council said the Queen's birthday will "not go unnoticed in the borough".

They pledged to host events in May and June at the bandstand in the town centre in partnership with Revelation St Mary's.

"We do appreciate that residents have expressed their views that it was a shame we do not currently have a town centre beacon" - Ashford Borough Council

An event in June would coincide with Her Majesty's official birthday. A council spokesman also said that nine new oak trees will be planted this autumn.

The spokesman said: "We do appreciate that residents have expressed their views that it was a shame we do not currently have a town centre beacon.

"I can tell you that we are to have a civic beacon, which will be sited in North Park adjacent to the Civic Centre.

"I hope to be able to report back in due course on this important matter."