by Beth Robson

Demonstrators in Deal forced a charity to close its doors to the public yesterday (Saturday).

Deal Maritime and Local History Museum could not open because a peaceful protest was held outside the building in St George's Road in the town.

Chairman of the trustees, Deryck Murray said: “It is ironic that the demonstrators have chosen today, Armed Forces Day, to threaten a Museum which houses material about the IRA’s bomb attack on the Royal Marines Band which was based in Deal.”

The protest is to pressure the museum's trustees to take down a 4ft fence that was built around the home of a widowed pensioner, Kathleen Thomson, who lives next door.

The museum has always maintained it erected the fence under the advice of police to ensure the property and artefacts remain safe.

Chrissi Clifton, who organised the protest, said: "We marched up there chanting at 11am and staged a peaceful protest outside the museum.

"It was already closed and there was a sign on the door saying they weren't opening today because of 'mob rule' and 'bullying tactics'.

"The police were called and said we were okay to be there so long as we did not cause an obstruction."

A petition, asking the museum to take down the fence, has been mounted and today it collected about 700 signatures, Mrs Clifton said.

"Some people put white feathers through the letter box with writing on saying 'Shame on you'.

"There was no swearing or jibing because we had elderly people and children with us," she added.