Ashford Borough Council

29/05/2026

As residents will be aware, there have been ongoing intermittent water issues and South East Water are doing all they can to resolve the situation.

However, may we please ask residents to avoid calling 111 in this situation. We appreciate it's difficult for those affected, but 111 is strictly for urgent medical problems that are not immediately life threatening.

Instead, please refer to South East Water directly, or look at their website to see the latest updates. We also have a more general update on the homepage of our website. The link for their website is in the comments.

If you are still affected, please be aware that there are two bottled water stations open, one at Challock Village Hall (TN25 4AU) and the other at Kingsnorth School (TN23 3EF). These are open from 12pm-9pm.

In addition, The Julie Rose Stadium, The Stour Centre and Tenterden Leisure Centres are offering free showers for those in need.

The Julie Rose is open from 7am-8:30pm Monday to Friday, 8am-4pm on Saturday and 8am-2pm on Sundays.
The Stour Centre is open 6:30am-10pm Monday to Friday and 8am-8pm at the weekend.
Tenterden Leisure Centre is open 6:30am-9:30pm Monday to Friday and 8am-6:30pm at the weekend.

We do understand how disruptive this is for our residents and we'd like to thank you once again for your patience.

29/05/2026

Want to win a magical evening of wine and jazz or a family safari day out? Don’t forget to enter the competitions featured in our Ashford For You magazine by 31st May for your chance to win!✨

There is the chance to win four tickets to An Evening with the Wine Garden of England for an unforgettable evening of wine, food & live jazz! This is a perfect opportunity to try some outstanding English wines from leading Kent and Sussex vineyards, perfectly paired with elegant artisan canapes from Eastwell Manor 🍷

Or, if you’d prefer a family day out, there is also the chance to win a family ticket for up to five people to Port Lympne Safari Park. This prize includes a journey through the park’s famous safari, where you’ll come face-to-face with giraffes, rhinos, zebras, gorillas and many more!🦓 🦍 🦏 🦒

📧 To enter, either email the editorial team at [email protected] and put PORT LYMPNE or WINE GARDEN OF ENGLAND in the subject heading and include your full name, postal address and email as well as a contact phone number.

OR

✉️ Send a postcard or sealed envelope with your name, address, email and contact phone number to
Ashford For You magazine,
Communications,
Ashford Borough Council,
International House,
Dover Place,
Ashford,
TN23 1HU

Please write PORT LYMPNE or WINE GARDEN OF ENGLAND competition on the card. We will contact the winner to request consent to provide your contact details to enable you to claim your prize

For more information, please visit page 22 of Ashford For You Magazine: https://orlo.uk/UVptk

29/05/2026

Don't forget to look before you book! 😋🍽️

Congratulations to the latest or recently reinspected businesses, awarded with a level 5 food hygiene rating in our borough:

• Ashford Hockey Club, Kennington
• Burger and Chips, Tenterden
• La Dolce Shed
• The Coffee Corner, Repton Avenue
• Simply Good Food, Hothfield Common, Maidstone Road
• Asda
• Kiddie Kapers Nursery, The Willow Centre
• Esso MFG Hothfield Service Station
• Grow 19, Singleton Village Hall
• The Nibble Nook
• Morish

29/05/2026

Come along to the Phoenix Dementia Choir🎼

Run by the very talented & colourful Carla, expect uplifting songs for carers, family members & their loved ones living with dementia.

📅 Every Tuesday during term time
⏰ 10-11am
📍 Studio space, JV Home, Creative Enterprise Quarte, Javelin Way, Ashford TN24 8FN

The studio is fully accessible with lots of parking and a cafe on site.

For more information, please email [email protected]

28/05/2026

In light of the ongoing water issues, Julie Rose Stadium, Stour Leisure Centre and Tenterden Leisure Centre are allowing those in need to use their shower facilities for free.

The Julie Rose is open from 7am-8:30pm Monday to Friday, 8am-4pm on Saturday and 8am-2pm on Sundays.
The Stour Centre is open 6:30am-10pm Monday to Friday and 8am-8pm at the weekend.
Tenterden Leisure Centre is open 6:30am-9:30pm Monday to Friday and 8am-6:30pm at the weekend.

For a brief update on the water issues, head to the homepage of our website. For a more in depth update, please click the South East Water website link in the comments.

28/05/2026

Fly‑tipping isn’t just illegal - it damages Kent’s countryside, harms wildlife and turns public spaces into eyesores.

Clearing dumped waste costs taxpayers millions each year - money that could be spent on important local services. Most residents care deeply about where they live and want to keep their local area clean and safe 💚

When paying someone to dispose of your waste, always check that they have a Waste Carriers Licence via the Environment Agency website, ask for a Waste Transfer Note (so you know where it’s going) and jot down their vehicle registration.

By choosing legal disposal routes and doing the right checks, you’re helping to protect your community and the places we all value 🤝

For practical tips on how you can check if a waste carrier is legit, follow the link in the comments ⬇️

27/05/2026

Do you live in a TN17, TN18 or TN23 to TN40 postcode and want to enjoy endless days out with just one ticket purchase? Then we have just the offer for you!🚂

Adults and Seniors can enjoy unlimited travel after purchase on regular services between Tenterden and Bodiam from 11th April to 25th October (excluding 16th &17th May) - and up to three kids travel free with any adult or senior!

Just take photo ID and proof of address to the booking office. Pay once then use your special discount code to claim free tickets to travel again as often as you like between Tenterden and Bodiam.🎟️

Find out more here: https://orlo.uk/LffKu 🚂

27/05/2026

WATER UPDATE

We are aware of others areas in Ashford having water issues and this has been relayed to .

In the immediate short-term, a second bottled water station has opened up at Kingsnorth School (postcode TN23 3EF) for those that may need it. This is open from 12pm midday today.

The other bottled water station is based at Challock Village Hall (TN25 4AU).

Again, we fully understand how disruptive this is and thank residents for their patience. We will share any further updates as and when we have them.

There will also be updates posted via the South East Water website, which you can access by clicking the link in the comments.

27/05/2026

Hotter temperatures have driven a significant increase in water demand, leading to some temporary supply issues in Ashford and surrounding areas.

South East Water is working to restore services, and residents are asked to use water for essential needs only to help protect local supplies.

A bottled water station remains open at:
📍 Challock Village Hall, TN25 4AU

This weekend saw the hottest May day on record and demand for water across our network has surged.

We know some customers have experienced intermittent supplies during the hot weather and we are incredibly sorry. Our teams are working around the clock to fix leaks and bursts, move more water around the network and support customers most affected.

If you currently have water, please help us protect supplies in your area by only using water for essential use such as drinking, washing and cooking.

Please avoid:
💧Hosepipes
💧Sprinklers
💧Jet washes
💧Non-essential water use

Small changes now can help keep taps flowing locally while temperatures remain high. We’ve increased water production across our treatment works, have tankers operating 24/7 and are supporting vulnerable customers, hospitals and care homes where needed.

Thank you for your support and patience.

For updates on supplies in your area, please visit: https://www.southeastwater.co.uk/service-updates/across-supply-region-spring-heatwave-2026-25-05-2026/ or https://aqualerter.southeastwater.co.uk

[Image description: photo of a South East Water employee sat in the driver's seat of a South East Water branded van]

27/05/2026

Looking to meet new people while building healthier habits?🚶

Why not take part in the Kent Wildlife Trust’s Nordic Walking programme? This 12-week programme will take place from the 2nd June to the 25th August in Hothfield Heathlands as you learn how to Nordic Walk safely and confidently to develop your strength💪

Nordic Walking uses to specially designed poles to engage up to 80-90% of your muscles, compared to 50-70% during regular walking. It’s a great wait to improve cardiovascular health, improve balance and reduce joint stress!

For more details on how to join,
💻 Visit: https://orlo.uk/GipN8
📞 Phone: 01622 662012
💌 Email: [email protected]