QUIRKY outdoor launderettes which automatically text customers when their washing is finished have popped up across south Essex and are proving a huge hit.

The outdoor launderettes, set up by the Wash.Me group, have been installed in four locations in south Essex and are self-service and require no physical employees.

The most recent machine was installed in the Purdey’s industrial estate, in Rochford, and has been praised by neighbouring businesses as well as residents.

Businesses have revealed the laundrettes are a massive boost in keeping residents on the industrial longer and increasing passing trade.

As part of the scheme, residents take their dirty washing to the outdoor laundrette, open the machine and pay to use it and then the machine will automatically text you when the load is complete.

Echo: Louise ClaydonLouise Claydon (Image: Louise Claydon)

Louise Claydon, a Rochford resident who works opposite one at The Factory Shop, said: “I have used it for larger duvets.

“I have a washing machine and dryer, but it is not as big, and it is makes a terrible noise when I put the duvet into it.

“It is mainly about the ease of parking, people come into the Purdey’s industrial estate, park and go on with their day, going into shops and into town.

“People come into our store with massive laundry bags, their washing machine could be broken so they are using the machine to do their ordinary washing.”

Other outdoor launderettes are at the Shell garage on the A127, close to the Nevendon turn-off, in Southchurch Road, Southend, and in Church Road, in Benfleet.

Carl Cantor, who runs the Factory Shop in Purdey’s Estate, added: “There is a benefit for businesses, since you pop to use the machine and then go to the Factory Shop.

“When you put your washing in there, it does text you so you can go to the gym, go for a shop, and could look to utilise that time to do other things to avoid wasting time.

“We have even seen a football team, rugby team and netball team using it.

“People are using it, it takes a massive load and if they have 30 muddy kits they can throw into it, it is more convenient, even dog beds are being washed in it.”

Rochford District and Rayleigh town councillor, Danielle Belton, added: “We are seeing people used them more, time is precious, and people want more convenience.

“It can save people time and more importantly, it is cheaper than running a machine at home.”