TOWN centre chiefs expect the return of the controversial floral sheep to bring visitors flocking to Maidstone. The "love-it or hate-it" icon will soon adorn a grassy space close to the Chequers Centre after Maidstone council gave planning approval.

David Spink, town centre manager, said: "It's good news. There's an enormous swell of support for it. "Anything that gets us on the front page of the newspapers and creates a visitor attraction has got to be good. We've got enough nasty things happening in this world and this harmless little sheep is a really positive thing."

He declined to say how much it was costing the town. "It has cost a lot of money over the years but isn't going to cost that much for the next three years," he said. The sheep, to be unveiled in its new floral clothing in May or June, will be mounted on a concrete plinth and face Wat Tyler Way. It will be clearly seen from cars using the shopping centre car park.

The sheep caused a stir when first placed by the cannon in Maidstone High Street. It was there for five summers. People argued passionately over whether it was good or bad to have the county town represented by a sheep. But many fought for its return after owners Grafty Green Garden Centre removed it.

Maidstone's Town Centre Management Initiative team has now agreed a three-year year deal with garden centre owner Pauline Parkinson. The TCMI won the sheep in the face of offers from a number of rivals, notably the New Zealand High Commission.

"We've had several offers but this is the one that appeals to us the most," said Mrs Parkinson. "Traditionally, it belongs to Maidstone and we are part of Maidstone ourselves. The more people who come to Maidstone town centre is good for Maidstone, good for business and good for promoting the town."

Grafty Green Garden Centre will continue to look after the sheep. "All we will do is check for pests and diseases and make sure it's a credit to the town," Mrs Parkinson said.

The grassy area where the sheep is to be placed will be landscaped and the surrounding fence painted. "It's another part of Maidstone that will look a lot better than it does now," said Mr Spink. "It was in a wonderful spot by the cannon but it's now going to a spot that's much busier."