Old portaloos set to go in £20k bowls club upgrade

Chiefs apply for permission to take club into the 21st century

A village bowls club has applied for a new toilet block as bosses hope to replace 10-year-old portaloos.

Biddenden Bowls Club submitted its application for the new building in December following months of discussion and fundraising.

It is hoped the £21,500 project will revitalise and help expand the club, which started in 1992 and is based on the Gordon Jones playing fields off Tenterden Road.

Kim Buggins, the club’s secretary, said: “The existing ‘temporary’ toilet facilities comprising two aging portaloos were installed more than 10 years ago and were expected to be used for just a few years.

“There is very poor disabled access with no level entrance and handwashing facilities are basic with a trickle of cold water only.

“The hand washing foot pump is difficult to operate and virtually impossible for younger visitors.

“The proposed 21st century facility will provide a clean, safe and properly functional toilet block with an expected life span of 20 years or more.”

Kent Design Studios, based in Biddenden, has refined the plan’s sketches and submitted the planning application without charging for their professional services. A donation of £1,000 was given by Ashford Borough Council’s deputy leader Cllr Neil Bell (Con) as well as Kent County Council’s Cllr Mike Hill who put in the same amount.

Biddenden Parish Council pledged £4,000, with the Biddenden Village Halls and Sports Committee restricted reserve fund matching the donation, while the Ashford Borough Council community fund put in £10,000.

If successful, the work is set to be completed by March ahead of its grand opening at the start of the bowls season, which begins in April.

The club is in the heart of the village and, right, the existing portaloos