71681-03WHEN Kathryn Akerman went to the Town Gardens with her children and some friends to enjoy the sunshine the last thing she expected was to be shouted at and told to leave the park.

But that is what she claims a caf proprietor did.

Mrs Akerman and her friends were intending to spend the day relaxing in the Town Gardens while their children played nearby. But they were left feeling angry and shocked when she says caf proprietor Mark Johnston hurled abuse at them.

Mrs Akerman says he accused the group of six adults and 16 children of consuming their own food and drink at his caf, even though they had spent around £25 there.

Mrs Akerman, a mum-of-two who lives in Pleydell Road, said: "The only person eating their own food was a child in our party who has to follow a special diet.

"The other children were drinking water we had bought from the cafe out of our own cups. The owner saw us and just assumed we had brought our own drinks."

He arrived when they had finished most of their food and then told them he thought they were being rude by using his tables and chairs .

Mrs Akerman says that even when the mothers had proved their innocence Mr Johnston did not apologise.

She says he continued to shout at them and threatened to call the police before speeding out of the park in his car, even though two mothers were queuing to buy more food.

Mrs Akerman said: "He hadn't checked with the man at the kiosk whether we had purchased any items.

"He refused to listen and continued this angry tirade about how he had warned us before about eating our own food and drink at his tables."

She added that the party was determined not to let him spoil their day, and stayed in the park.

They returned to the cafe later to purchase more food and drink but were told they could not be served.

"We had nothing more controversial in mind than a pleasant day in the park," said Mrs Akerman. "His behaviour in front of the children was out of order."

Mr Johnston said he had not banned the mums from his caf, which he rents from Swindon Council. He said: "They have not been banned but they have to get it into their heads that they're not allowed to bring their own food and drink.

"They're trying to cause trouble. If this continues, I will ban them. I'm not letting them get away with it."

Emma-Kate Lidbury