It really is good to talk – after months of discussions, a viral post prompted the sudden u-turn in dispute between villagers and a telecommunications service.

BT and Loose Amenities Association had locked horns after an application to erect a new village sign on a small patch of land was going to cost the charity £800 a year.

Since the previous sign was removed earlier this year, the villagers had been pondering a new site, finding the perfect one outside the telephone exchange on Loose Road, Maidstone.

The association had suggested they would maintain the land, owned by BT, at their own costs and, as the site – opposite the Walnut Tree pub – was becoming a bit of an eyesore, the villagers believed a makeover would be a great way to welcome visitors.

BT have since decided to remove the fee, which was said to be to fund the license and pay for solicitors.

The decision comes after a Facebook post, uploaded to the Loose Amenities Association (LAA) page by Catherine Kenny, reached over 8,000 people.

The post highlighted the hard work the charity does in the village and the agreement made with BT, but unfortunately stated that LAA was unable to foot the annual bill.

After receiving contact from the association, BT sent an email apologising for any confusion, insisting they had no intention to make financial gain – therefore revoking the fee.

The statement said: “We’d like to apologise for any confusion around charging to place a village sign in front of the telephone exchange.

“We have made sure that the piece of land in front of the exchange is now included on our regular ground maintenance routines and we would be happy to work with the Amenities Association around any proposals they may have for boxed planting in the area to enhance its appearance.”

Membership secretary, Catherine Kenny, said: “We’re delighted with the outcome, absolutely blown over by the support we’ve received and are just thrilled BT have seen that it will be beneficial to both parties. We won’t hang around in getting it all sorted.

“Power to the people, and Facebook, is all I can say.”