Coronavirus-denying graffiti has appeared on a landmark roundabout in Ashford – sparking anger among passing motorists.

'Covid hoax' has been scrawled in yellow spray paint on the five-armed 'tank roundabout' in Chart Road.

Vandals have targeted the much-loved military vehicle that sits in the centre of the junction and the black and white chevron signs that surround it.

Although affectionately known as the 'tank roundabout', it is in fact home to an armoured fighting vehicle which served in Germany during the Cold War.

It was then deployed on Operation Granby during the first Gulf War before being sent to Bosnia during the crisis there.

It has sat on the centre of the junction for many years and was restored in 2014 by teams from the 133 Field Company REME (Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers) based at the town's Army Reserve Centre.

Cllr Bernard Heyes (Con), who represents the Repton ward, described the graffiti as "sheer vandalism and completely untrue".

"It's disgraceful for people to make statements like that and on something like the tank that reflects the town's military history," he said.

"I know Kent County Council will be responsible for the road itself, but I am not sure who would look after what's on the roundabout.

"If it is Ashford Borough Council's responsibility, I will see what we can do about it."

Earlier this year, McDonald's dropped plans to open its fourth restaurant in Ashford next to the roundabout.

Bosses at the burger giant had hoped to build a 136-seater site on a plot of undeveloped land off Chart Road.

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