A major Trowbridge retail centre has launched a new ‘wash while you shop’ convenience service for its customers.

Shoppers using The Shires shopping centre will now be able to leave clothes to wash and dry at three laundrette machines next to the Asda superstore.

The first customer has already used the three laundrette machines that have been installed near the Asda upper level exit at The Shires.

Centre manager Sarah Moore said: “We had our first customer at 12.14pm just after they went live.

“Shoppers will be able to wash while they shop and the machines can take large capacities.

“Customers will be able to use them for heavy loads such as horse blankets and football or rugby team kits.

“You just program it all in and you can then go away and do your shopping or whatever you want to do and then come back."

The Shires is providing the additional service to attract potential customers and increase footfall in the shopping centre.

Supplied through Revolution and KISWASH Laundrettes, shoppers will be able to use them to wash and dry clothes while visiting Asda or the centre’s retail shops.

 The operator has installed three machines of different sizes, able to take loads from 8kg, 13kg and 18kg with users able to select different temperature settings.

The self-service wash and dry machines will cost shoppers £2, £4 or £8 depending on what type of service they need. Users will be able to pay using coins, debit or credit cards or by contactless payment methods such as Apple Pay.

The machines will be available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, but shoppers should note The Shires car parks are closed at 7pm.

The operators say: “Equipped with high capacity washing machines, this laundrette is ideal for washing large or heavy loads such as duvets, blankets and pillows in a record time of 30 minutes per cycle.

“This is ideal to combine shopping and weekly laundry.”

The machines are also disability-friendly, with touchscreen pads at the legally-required height for wheelchair or mobility scooter users.

They will use an eco-friendly washing liquid from a built-in pump to provide the “ideal quantity” for each washing cycle and reduce waste. Service users will also be able to use a fabric softener as an optional service if they wish.

The machines will also spin at a high speed at the end of each cycle to ensure quicker drying time and ease of handling, the operators said.