A petition has been launched calling for money raised by the council, from selling an asset at seven times its expected price, to be used on improving community facilities.

A former toilet block, lift shaft and shelter in Viking Bay, Broadstairs was expected to go for between £40,000 - £50,000 at auction, but in the end was sold for £350,000.

Roy Irving, who set up the petition, said: "I started it because I believe the unexpected windfall gained from the sale of a Broadstairs asset should be re-invested in Broadstairs.

"The state of the public toilet facilities in Broadstairs is not good, especially at the beach.

"These facilities are very important and upgrading to reach a standard that reflects people's expectations in 2017, it will also ensure these facilities present a positive image of a popular coastal resort.

"As the asset sold was on the beach and as originally it would have belonged to Broadstairs before TDC formed, I felt the money should be re-invested in Broadstairs infrastructure."

The unusual lot went under the hammer in the Clive Emson auction held in Maidstone on Monday, October 30.

With more than 60 signatures already, the petition runs until Thursday, December 14