Shops step in as public toilets shut

Visitors to Ashford town centre will soon have more choice on which loo to use as a new “community toilet scheme” is introduced.

This month sees the introduction of the system by Ashford Borough Council, in conjunction with town centre businesses.

Participants allowing the public to use their toilets, free of charge, include County Square, Debenhams, McDonald’s and Pizza Express.

Ashford council says the aim is to improve the provision of safe and hygienic public toilets in the town centre after the decision to close the much vandalised Vicarage Lane car park toilets.

The council will provide stickers for shopfronts to indicate participating businesses and specify the type of facilities available.

The information will also be shown on posters will be displayed around the town.

Locations include County Square, Debenhams, Muffin Break, McDonald’s, Stag Coffee, Little Tea Pot, The Phoenix, Pizza Express, Paper Duck, the Civic Centre, Ashford Gateway Plus and New Rents.

Further businesses are likely to join the scheme in due course.

The public conveniences in Vic- arage Lane will close as the community toilet scheme is introduced in the town centre.

Ashford council’s New Rents toilets will remain open but their future will be reviewed later.

The public toilets currently close at 5pm, whereas businesses in the community toilet scheme – which get paid to par- ticipate – can keep facilities open for longer. Maidstone Borough Council has also introduced a similar scheme.

What do you think? Write to Kentish Express, 34-36 North Street, Ashford TN24 8JR or email kentishexpress@thekmgroup.co.uk

Picture: Gary Browne FM2466111 The New Rents toilets will remain open, but their future will be reviewed