Restrictions on Deal blast garden

A memorial service is held in the garden every year

Concerns have been raised over the misuse of a memorial garden for 11 Royal Marines musicians killed in an IRA bombing in Deal, Kent, in 1989.

Families of the victims said plaques had appeared in memory of marines who did not die in the tragedy.

Dover District Council said it was looking into locking the gates at night-time in order to "preserve the garden", based in Canada Road, Walmer.

The bomb exploded on 22 September 1989 at the School of Music barracks.

Steve Misson, who is involved with a memorial bandstand on Walmer Green, said the garden was specifically for the 11 IRA victims and "not for any other Royal Marines or indeed any other Royal Marines musicians".

A 15lb bomb exploded as the bandsmen were practising

"There's going to be a padlock put on the gate leading into the garden of rest and a new pathway and car park will be made by Dover District Council.

"The garden will be opened up at dawn and locked at dusk, with a notice up saying that any other people interested can draw a key to visit out of hours."

The aim is for the council and the Royal Marines Association to be able to monitor who uses the garden.

"The families will be given a key so they can visit any time they want to," added Mr Misson.

A statement from Dover council read: "We would remind people that the garden is maintained in memory of the 11 bandsmen and is dedicated to them."