A controversial £9.1 million car park - which a council admits is "no doubt divisive" - has opened for the first time.

Ever since plans for a multi-storey in Station Road West, Canterbury, were hatched by the city council, there has been long-running criticism from those questioning its hefty price tag and necessity.

But following repeated calls for the project to be scrapped, the authority has now completed the scheme and opened the 380-space site next to Canterbury West station.

Spokesman Rob Davies says the council is pleased the car park is at last in operation and believes it will help the city's economic recovery.

"This has been a divisive initiative, no doubt, but our view remains that this is an important piece of transport infrastructure for the city," he said.

"Despite the opposition, there are many people who support it and welcome it.

"Clearly times are very different now compared to when this project kicked off, but as Canterbury begins its recovery, the new car park will have a role to play in this process."

Currently, the council is offering a temporary £3.50 all-day rate for motorists using the car park.

The cheaper price - also on offer at Castle Street multi-storey and Holmans Meadow - has been introduced to help shop workers following the closure of the city's three park and ride sites.

Earlier this year, critics branded the car parks "cheap as chips" and Station Road West resident Carole Zepler labelled it "the ugliest building in Canterbury" as she highlighted fears that thousands of pounds have been wiped from the value of her house as a result of the new-build.

Twenty electric vehicle charging points are currently available but the council says the capacity could double if demand requires.

A purpose-built hand sanitiser station has been installed on site.

The car park operates automatic number plate reading technology (ANPR), meaning motorists pay when they leave instead of having to purchase a ticket upon entry.

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