A towering art installation in Dover has left residents puzzled, and joking it looks like a bouncy castle or even a “pop-up McDonald’s”.

The 9m high, vibrantly coloured piece at Clock Tower Square was completed on Friday, and has since caused a buzz on social media.

The structure is made from scaffolding frame and is coverered in yellow, green, pink and orange printed netting. The highest block lights up at night.

It is intended to resemble a lighthouse, says Dover Arts Development, a not-for-profit company.

After a photo of the eye-catching piece was sharing on the Dover for Dovorians (original) Facebook page, Eric Futcher quipped: “I think it’s a pop up McDonald’s, they haven’t got one on the seafront.”

Sue Timmins said: “I thought it was a bouncy castle.”

One person described the work as “horrid”, while another said it was “ugly”.

Ginette Scrivens said: “It's colourful, hope it doesn't get blown away in the strong winds we are getting.”

Some instantly welcomed the structure, with Troy Galt writing: “Its fantastic, a great installation, well done for all involved.”

Margaret Shelley said: “I applaud the thoughts behind it.”

Samantha Lee told complainants: “We have to accept that what some people like and enjoy is not necessarily what others like, so stop the moaning and ruining it for others.

‘Stop the moaning and ruining it for others...’

“Also the moaning and complaining will stop potential organisers from bothering in future.”

Dover Arts Development also commented, explaining the artwork promotes the You Can Reach The World From Dover 2023 festival, which continues until October.

The object is called I’m looking Out for You and is a take on historic lighthouses.

Charles Holland from DAD told the Facebook commentators: “We believe art has an important role to play in Dover.

“We love the town and we want to add something positive to it.”

He added: “Don’t worry if you don’t like it - it’s there for three months only and then it will be gone!

“Maybe it will leave some nice memories. In the meantime I hope it’ll serve its purpose as a place to gather and as a focus for our other events.”

Festival events include film screenings, talks, workshops and exhibits. For the full programme of events for the festival click here.