Bench left blackened by barbecue

A vest- wearing picknicker caught on camera cooking up a barbecue on a community bench has been branded “thoughtless and stupid” by park lovers.

The man was photographed in Kingsmead Field preparing a feast on the wooden seat, which was left blackened and scorched by the disposable tin.

The Friends of Kingsmead Field is now urging users of the field to act responsibly.

Sian Pettman, a member of the community group, said: “It was just thoughtless and stupid, but unfortunately when I spoke to the person manning the barbecue, he didn’t seem to think he was doing anything wrong, although some of the people with him were more understanding.

“The bench seat has been quite badly charred, which is a great shame, although when asked, he did say he would repair it.”

Installed as a riverside amenity by residents, the bench was one of three paid for with a grant from county councillor Graham Gibbons and made by Cllr Ash- ley Clarke.

Mrs Pettman said: “We do have a problem in the field with people using these portable silver foil barbecues which often cause scorch marks on the grass and are just left because they remain too hot to take away.

“Not only are they unsightly when discarded, but they can be a danger to wildlife which gets attracted by the meat traces left behind. With the recent hot weather, more people are having barbecues but all we are asking is that they act responsibly, be careful where they put them and takeaway the remnants afterwards.”

What do you think? Email kentishgazette@thekmgroup. co.uk or write to Gazette House, 5-8 Boorman Way, Wraik Hill, Whitstable, CT5 3SE.

A bench in Kingsmead Field was left charred after a visitor used it for his portable barbecue