The owners of a car allegedly refused to move from in front of a war memorial, despite being told a commemorative service was due to take place.

Standard bearer for Staple Royal British Legion, Mick Burr, says he was left “gobsmacked” when he requested the driver of the black Saab move elsewhere out of respect for the occasion in Sandwich.

A woman, thought to be in her 70s, was accompanied by a man of a similar age and allegedly responded by stating that she was a blue badge holder and could “park where she liked”.

It came just minutes before the start of the Battle of Britain commemoration and wreath laying ceremony organised by the town council on Saturday morning.

The obstruction forced the 100-strong crowd to assemble to the left side of the memorial while the Rev Canon Mark Roberts positioned himself in the road. Those laying wreaths had to walk around the car.

Angered by the ordeal, Canon Roberts began the service blasting their behaviour an “absolute disgrace”, to which people applauded.

He said: “I had wondered whether to mention it but I begun by saying it was an absolute disgrace and very disrespectful, considering the nature of the occasion.

“It was parked directly in front of the memorial and blocked the way, but we did go ahead.

“I couldn’t stand where I’d usually stand. Instead I was in the road and people had to walk around it.

“I think parking in front of the memorial on these civic occasions should be given more attention.

“It would be good if Sandwich Town Council or the parking authorities could investigate if there’s anything more than can be done on these occasions.”

Mr Burr was dressed in uniform when he approached the driver.

He said: “She didn’t want to know. She said we’re blue badge holders, we can park where we like.

“I was gobsmacked. They showed total ignorance. It was very upsetting.”

The Mayor of Sandwich Cllr Jeff Franklin, who was in attendance, said: “I’ve never come across anything like it in my 28 years I’ve been attending the commemoration.

“It was so disrespectful, terrible.

“It shows no respect at all for the fallen and all the brave young men who fought in the Battle of Britain.

“The battle was here, right above our heads, not somewhere up the country. It’s special to this area and there are still people in the town who remember it.”

Chairman of Sandwich Royal British Legion, Paul Graeme said: “Despite being spoken to very politely by the parade marshal and the standard bearer for Staple RBL, it’s inexplicable why they didn’t take on board the importance of the occasion.”

Sandwich resident Richard Linning who laid a wreath, said: “It was disgraceful behaviour. People were very angry.”

A spokesman for Sandwich Town Council said: “I can confirm that a vehicle was parked in front of the war memorial during the Battle of Britain Commemoration on September 14.

“The councillors and staff of Sandwich Town Council did not have any contact with the driver/owner; the vehicle was parked when we arrived at the war memorial and stayed there until when the event had finished.”

Read more: All the latest news from Sandwich