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Pubs in Maidstone town centre close ahead of funeral for Johnny Cash and Johnboy Cash, who died in crash on Lenham road

Several pubs are closed in Maidstone, as hundreds are expected to travel to the town from across the country for a father and son's funeral.

Four members of the same family died in a crash near Headcorn in the early hours of October 10, leading to heartbreaking tributes from their loved ones.

The victims of the car crash, from L-R: Johnboy Cash, 'Smiler' Cash, Jacko Cosgrove and Jonny Cash
The victims of the car crash, from L-R: Johnboy Cash, 'Smiler' Cash, Jacko Cosgrove and Jonny Cash

Johnny Cash, 44, and his son Johnboy, who himself had just become a father, will be laid to rest tomorrow morning, at a church on the outskirts of the town.

The funerals of Miles 'Smiler' Cash, 25 and Jacko Cosgrove, 18, will take place separately.

The group lived in Martin's Gardens, close to the scene of the crash in Lenham Road.

Hundreds are expected to travel from across the country to Maidstone to pay their respects.

Several pubs are closed today, as well as a restaurant and bar.

Some landlords cited community guidelines for the decision to close while one councillor said it was down to police advice.

It is understood it is never Kent Police policy to advise businesses to shut due to a funeral.

However, other pubs in the town, will serve customers tomorrow.

Wetherspoons pubs The Society Rooms, Week Street, and The Muggleton Inn, High Street, will be open.

George Collins, manager at The Society Rooms said: “We’re 100% planning on opening tomorrow, same as always, no problems at all.”

The Brenchley, High Street, will also be open.

Pictures are held aloft ahead of a mass for four men who died in crash, on October 10, near Headcorn
Pictures are held aloft ahead of a mass for four men who died in crash, on October 10, near Headcorn

Tomorrow's funeral follows a mass held yesterday, at St Frances Church, in Maidstone, for the four men.

Mourners watched as the their coffins were taken into the building, as large pictures of the deceased were carried behind.

The group died after their Toyota Hilix truck crashed on Lenham Road, near Headcorn. A 15-year-old, Jerry Cash, was seriously injured and remains in hospital.

Following the tragedy, hundreds of tributes were left at the scene of the crash, a cross has been erected and the names of the victims carved into a damaged tree.

Jacko, the youngest, had been a member of Tenterden Amateur Boxing Club and had recently learned his wife was expecting.

Johnboy had become a dad just six weeks ago.

His wife Grace left a tribute of lilies by the side of the road "In Loving Memory of a Dear Husband".

She wrote: “To my Baby. I love you so much and your baby Bridie loves you, too.”

One family member visiting the scene of the crash said: “They were all lovely men. It is so sad. It is a shame so many lives have been lost in one time.

“It has affected wives, kids, brothers and cousins. So many have been hurt at once. They are never going to get over this.”

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