New Community Toilet Scheme stickers placed throughout Ashford Town Centre

Eagle eyed visitors may have spotted the rollout of new Community Toilet Scheme stickers around Ashford Town Centre, directing them to places where they can use toilet facilities free of charge and without purchasing anything.

These directional arrow stickers have been placed on bins, signposting people to their nearest free toilet facility.

For years now, Ashford Borough Council (ABC) has been working with local businesses to help provide safe and hygienic toilet facilities to residents, beyond the designated public toilets.

Businesses who enrol in the scheme have a sticker displayed in their window to make residents aware they can use their facilities at any point.

These facilities are then checked periodically by ABC staff to make sure they are still functional and up to the standards our visitors would expect.

Some of the businesses already involved are McDonald’s, Lidl, The Stour Centre, County Square and Coachworks.

“These stickers are of great use, because people may not be aware of the facilities in question or that they can use them at no cost and with no obligation to buy anything,” said Cllr Steve Campkin, Deputy Leader of the Council and Portfolio Holder for Climate, Environment and Sustainability. “The Community Toilet Scheme is a fantastic initiative that goes a long way to ensuring visitors feel comfortable when visiting the Town Centre.

“I encourage other businesses within Ashford Town Centre to sign up to the scheme, as it really does make a difference.”

To see a map and a full list of businesses involved with the Community Toilet Scheme, please visit the dedicated page on our website.