Worrying rumours about the future of the breast screening unit at Tesco Extra at Westwood Cross are unfounded, say supermarket bosses.

They have today provided reassurances in the wake of fears circulating via social media, including Facebook and Twitter.

The move to a position nearby on Tesco’s site is on the cards to enable a major store refurbishment.

A Tesco spokesperson said: “The mobile screening unit has been in our car park at Broadstairs Extra for more than a year, and we know customers appreciate this convenient service.

“We haven’t charged them rent for the use of the car park in the past, and it’s not something we’re considering for the future.

“However, the store is about to be refurbished, and because of that we have warned the team who run the unit that they may need to move to a different position within the car park.”

One concerned Facebook user described how her mum had gone to the unit run by the NHS breast screening service for Kent for a routine mammogram. The screening revealed a cancerous lump which has been removed by lumpectomy. Her mother is due to start treatment soon.

She added: “This unit saves lives, including I hope my mum’s as they caught it early thanks to the screening unit.”

The Tesco spokesperson added: “We are aware of the social media messages and our customer service team will be following them up.”

Rose Cunningham, chairman of the charity East Kent Unit for Breast Screening (EKUBS), said: “The NHS service at Tesco is very good because it comes to the people rather than them having to go to Canterbury or further afield for a breast screen.”

On Saturday, EKUBS is opening its charity shop for a week in York Street, Ramsgate, from 10am to 4pm each day, apart from Sunday when it will be 10am to 1pm. It will close at noon on Saturday, October 19. There will be an EKUBS coffee morning at North Foreland Golf Club, Broadstairs, on Wednesday, October 16, from 10am, with raffle, a quality clothes rail, books, bric-a-brac and other stalls. Entry will be £2.50.

EKUBS provide screening for women between 40 and 47 for £35 on Tuesdays from 9am-3pm and Thursdays from 9am-12.3pm at QEQM hospital in Margate or Kent and Canterbury hospital, by appointment on 08452 666609.

For more, see: www.ekubs.org.uk