A sweary digital billboard on Kingston’s Eden Street last week appears to have divided residents over whether it is appropriate.

The digital sign, which carries the slogan '‘Bollocks to Brexit" with the strapline "It's Not A Done Deal", was put up on October 8 by the owner of Pimlico Plumbers to campaign for a people's vote.

Cllr Jon Tolley, portfolio holder for resident engagement, published a photo of the billboard on Twitter this week and defended it.

A tweet published from his account on October 14 reads: "if you think this is offensive, just wait till you hear about the Farage immigrants poster or what Boris thinks of business."

Another tweet reads: "Imagine how much worse the town will look with all the empty shops as no stores can get their stock in and everyone goes bust."

Speaking to the Comet, the Liberal Democrat councillor said: “It’s not how I would have worded it. It’s possibly rude, but it’s not as rude as Boris saying f*** business.

“For whatever reason, the advertising company thought that it passed but if you are going to be offended by things be offended by things that are actually offensive.

“I am offended the government thinks stockpiling medicine is a correct way of doing things.”

James Giles, a local campaigner from New Malden, said: “As kids do, they pick up language from their surroundings.

"As a child, I was told it was an inappropriate word to be using. I hold by that to this day, and I suppose the point I’m trying to make is that to many, the word bollocks is offensive.

"Whatever your thoughts on Brexit, it isn’t necessary to resort to language like that, and I don’t feel it has any place in our Royal Borough.”

Charlie Mullins OBE, CEO of Pimlico Plumbers, said: "Brexit is certainly a subject that tends to divide opinion.

“It wasn’t our intention to outrage residents, but it is true that given the gravity of the current political situation, in relation to the European Union, we definitely set out to grab people’s attention with our '‘Bollocks to Brexit" message.

“As a businessman, father and grandfather, I see Brexit as a hugely detrimental threat to our country, it’s economy and security, not to mention the United Kingdom’s future international standing.

"I would urge all the readers of the Surrey Comet to come to the People’s Vote March, starting on Park Lane at midday on Saturday, October 20.”