A residents’ association has complained that a memorial bench to a murdered couple is being misused.

The seat is in memory Terry and Vera Martin, killed in their home in Abbey Street, Faversham, by Brett Clifton two years ago.

It has been placed outside the Phoenix pub in Abbey Street but could be moved after some residents have claimed it attracts drinkers and encourages bad behaviour.

Amanda Mannering, secretary of The Abbey Street Residents’ Association, has written to Swale Borough Council asking if the bench needed a licence.

She said: “This bench is in effect a free smoking and drinking bench for patrons of the pub and any other members of the public who may buy their drink elsewhere and want somewhere to sit and consume it.”

~For full story and reaction, see this week’s Faversham News, out on Thursday.