A man has branded the early closing time of public toilets in Ashford “disgusting”.

George Galdies, 79, often visits the town centre with his wife to go shopping and leaves his car in the Vicarage Lane car park.

However, he says that the loos in the lot, which are owned by Ashford Borough Council, are closing earlier and earlier, meaning he can’t use them when he returns from the town.

Mr Galdies, of Boxley, South Ashford, said: “We finish shopping at 5.30pm, but by the time we return to the car park they are already closed.

“What is the sense of closing the toilets before the shops are shut?

“I take water tablets so when I need the loo I have to go.”

The grandfather said that on one trip the facilities were shut by 4.10pm.

He added: “Is it disgusting. People can’t wait until they get home.”

Ashford Borough Council say the loos are closed in the afternoon due to the anti social behaviour and vandalism that takes place in them.

A spokesman said: “Owing to vandalism and anti-social behaviour public toilets are being closed each evening between 4pm and 5pm.

“On rare occasions toilets may be closed earlier owing to maintenance issues.

“We are looking into solutions to address these issues to enable the facilities to remain open for longer.

“Until then, accessible, alternative toilets are available nearby in the town centre.”