A new coffee wagon which has divided opinion at a historic beauty spot is now being powered by solar and gas to win over its critics.

Hog & Bean's mobile café, run by Louise Hogbin, at Sandown Castle in Deal had attracted criticism from residents and visitors for its noisy generator.

The Rev Dr Stephen Young believes it is a 'thoughtless and ill considered' addition to the 'unique space' while Gregory Holyoake said it 'destroys the ambience of the tranquil site'.

But following a two week trial to ensure the business was viable, Ms Hogbin has ditched the generator and invested in solar energy and gas to provide hot refreshments such as coffee and sausage rolls.

She said: "We've only had two complaints and we've acted on them straight away.

"One was for the generator and we've put in solar panels and gas so we're totally off the grid and there's no noise."

The seven-day a week unit has allowed the cafe business, also based in Victoria Road, Deal, to get back up and running after the pandemic, and introduce two furloughed members of staff back into work.

Local historian Gregory Holyoake believes the mobile unit isn't suited to the site, and also has concerns over litter.

He said: "The noise from the generator, litter from discarded wrappings and the prominent siting of the coffee wagon detract from the beauty of the intricate planting.

"It totally destroys the ambience of this tranquil site.

"You can no longer even take a photograph of this colourful garden without the inclusion of the gaudy coffee wagon.

"As a Deal resident, I question the integrity of turning this historic site into profit."

Writing to the East Kent Mercury, The Revd Dr Stephen Young said: "I am sure I am not alone in daily appreciation of the tranquility and natural beauty of this local beauty spot and site of historic significance.

"The community garden is not only a beautiful and peaceful space for quiet reflection it is also an attraction for many species of local fauna.

"In a time when conservation is of supreme importance to our environment the siting of a coffee wagon and noisy generator in the heart of this unique space seems to me both thoughtless and ill considered.

"We need more space for peace and quiet reflection on the natural world, not less."

Sandown Castle ruins have in recent years been transformed into an attractive eye-catching attraction, thanks to the hard work of Sandown Castle Community Garden Group.

The award winning gardens were masterminded by Linda and John Ford, who have backed the vendors.

Mrs Ford said: "We've been trying to get something like this up here for a long time and we're very happy to have it here.

"The generator was part of a two-week trial to ensure they had a viable business.

"It's proved so popular with only two complaints from around 400 daily visitors.

"It's not only supporting the garden but people to leave their homes especially the elderly who have been shielding."

She has highlighted that a café was previously located at the site from 1931 to 1992 and that it is no greasy or smelly food is being sold.

Jill Burford has been walking from Walmer to enjoy the sights at the castle ruins. She said: "I think it enhances the view and is much in character."

Deal town councillor Sue Beer said: "I am delighted to see Hog & Bean here; a local business using fresh local products and now a quiet eco-friendly power source.

"Walkers, cyclists, visitors and residents can enjoy the pleasures of Sandown Community Garden with the added pleasure of a fresh tea or coffee."

Read more: All the latest news from Deal