The siting of a 80ft mobile telephone mast in a town centre car park has sparked a mixed reception.

An operator for the EE and Three networks has been granted an 18-month licence for a temporary mast in Faversham's Central Car Park while it identifies a permanent site in the town.

Previously, it had a mast on the former Woolworths store, now Multi Save, but the lease has expired.

Its new, albeit temporary, location has not been welcomed by Swale Council, which attempted to find an alternative site.

Cllr Richard Palmer, cabinet member for community at the council, said: "We were approached by EE to install a temporary mast at Central Car Park in Faversham, but we didn’t think this was the right location.

"Despite our efforts to find an alternative site, the legislation allows phone companies to place masts on public and private property so we had no alternative than to sign an agreement for up to 18 months."

The location of the towering mast has divided opinion on social media.

Writing on the Faversham Residents Group, some have welcomed an improvement to phone signal.

Vanessa Heard wrote: "About time - had [bad] signal since January. Need the phone to keep in touch with older relatives."

Joanna Pointer added: "Thank god! Honestly though, I pay 70 pounds a month! No compensation for inconvenience."

Others on the group have questioned the location of the mast.

Jane Deeson posted: "Is that the only site they could find to put it? In the centre of the historical town of Faversham!"

Tracey Packman added: "To think I wasn’t allowed a dorma window in my loft as it would spoil the view from the car park!

"That said, I’m on EE and something needed to happen. This is the most stupid place possible I think."

EE has been contacted for further information.

Read more: All the latest news from Faversham