A train company has apologised for the ‘inconvenience’ caused to a councillor after he found more than half of on-board toilets during a journey out of service.

Cllr Bernard Heyes (Con), Ashford Borough Council’s portfolio holder for transportation, highways and engineering, has accused Southeastern of cutting corners when it comes to servicing and maintaining their facilities.

He said: “It is a very big problem. I use trains once or twice a week and I find they are out of order quite a lot, especially on the high speed, where you pay a premium.

“A few people have mentioned this to me. I think it’s unacceptable.”

Cllr Heyes said on one trip he made from Tonbridge to Ashford, two out of the three of the train’s toilets were out of order.

“They are cutting corners and need to employ more people to maintain the facilities.” - Cllr Heyes

The councillor, who didn’t need to use the bathroom himself, said: “There were seven carriages and more than 50% of the toilets were locked, including the disabled toilet.

“Which means someone in a wheelchair couldn’t go to the toilet throughout the journey.

“I’ve mentioned this several times over the years to Southeastern and I’ve never been satisfied with their response, nor have I seen any improvements.

“They are cutting corners and need to employ more people to maintain the facilities.”

Cllr Heyes has invited a representative from the train giant to attend the next Transportation, Highways and Engineering Advisory Committee, to explain the company’s policy.

A statement released ahead of the meeting from Southeastern’s public affairs executive Benjamin Ward said that toilets are checked at the start of the working day, but can sometimes be ‘locked out of use’ during service.

He also noted improper use and vandalism are the main cause for the loos to be closed.

He said: “I’m very sorry for the problems you experienced when you travelled from Tonbridge to Ashford.

“I understand that two out of the three toilets on this train were out of use. This is disappointing and I regret any inconvenience this may have caused you.”

The meeting will be held tomorrow at 7pm at the Civic Centre in Tannery Lane, Ashford.