A memorial event for a man who died in a car crash has been thrown into doubt after a community hall was closed.

Enfield Borough Council changed the locks at the Kempe Hall, on the Elsinge Estate, in Enfield, after it repossessed the hall this morning.

The council cited the discovery of an arms cache and concerns about recent parties at the hall.

But the closure has led to uncertainty over a memorial to Ashley Jones, who was one of three boys killed in a car crash in November 2012.

Jack Boyton and Harry Ferrand, both 17, also died during the crash.

The event was due to take place tomorrow to mark the birthday of Mr Jones, who would have been 22 had he lived.

Tracey Woodward, treasurer of the Kempe Hall Community Association, told the Enfield Independent that the decision has caused “uproar”.

She said: “We have worked hard to restore Kempe Hall. We have been through training, got all the finances in check and gained a premises license.

“We arrived at 7.30am this morning to find that the locks had been changed and the council had repossessed the site.

“This has caused uproar as we might have to cancel the memorial event for Ashley. Members of his family are meant to be travelling down from Canvey Island for tomorrow.”

An Enfield Council spokesman said: “Following a number of serious incidents, Enfield Council has re-possessed Kempe Hall with immediate effect.

“This follows the discovery of a catchment of arms in the vicinity of the building and rising concerns expressed within the community about a number of parties that have been held at the hall in recent months.

“This action has been taken to ensure the safety of residents both in the premises of the hall and in the surrounding area.

“The council remains committed to ensuring that the building is used by the whole community and is working with residents to ensure it is available to meet their requirements.”