A shopper has spoken of her disgust over the state of an alleyway in Ashford town centre.

Diane Wilkins often uses Taylors Passage, which links Ashford High Street to the taxi rank outside Wilkinson.

But the mother of two says that an unpleasant build-up of dirt and rubbish in the cut- through has been getting progressively worse over recent weeks.

The Lenacre Street, Eastwell, resident said: “It’s absolutely disgusting, and it smells pretty bad down there.

“I’ve seen pigeon droppings, overflowing drains, vomit, graffiti, and cages full of cardboard from the nearby supermarket. Personally, I think it’s a health hazard.

“Recently I was stopped by a German couple in the High Street who were looking for a taxi, and I felt embarrassed to have to point them down there.

“It’s obviously not a very good impression for visitors to the town.”

Ashford Borough Council have said that access to the alleyway has been difficult, due to parked cars and the cages.

A spokesman added: “Taylors Passage is on our Town Centre Action Team (T-CAT) hit list.

“There have been difficulties for the council in cleaning this area, but a visit to adjoining businesses on Tuesday has hopefully addressed the access problems being caused by private rubbish cages being left in the alley and parked cars.

“We are pleased to say the businesses have responded positively and we hope to get back to the alley this week to give it a thorough clean in true T-CAT style.”

If you know of an area in the town centre which needs a clean, contact T-CAT. Email tcat@ashford.gov.uk or call 01233 331111.

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