Following the Hirst Ward By-Election held on Thursday 18th December, Ashington Town Council is pleased to share the official Declaration of Result, with Jessica Appleby and Melanie Fox duly elected to serve as Town Councillors for Hirst Ward.

As we gather with family and friends this Christmas and look ahead to 2026, I want to take a moment to reflect on what has truly been an extraordinary year for our town. 2025 has been a year of celebration, community spirit, and remarkable progress – and it is you, the people of Ashington, who have made it so special.

Thank you to everyone who made Ashington High Street sparkle this festive season! We’ve been blown away by the creativity, effort, and festive spirit shown by all our participants.

The Town Council office will be closed from 4:30pm on Tuesday 23rd December 2025 and will fully re-open at 9:00am on Monday 5th January 2026.

Community spirit shines through as 650 visitors brave the elements for magical celebration at Hirst Park

Residents of Hirst Ward are reminded that a by-election for two Town Councillor positions will take place on Thursday 18th December 2025.

Polling stations at Hirst Welfare Centre, Alexandra Road, will be open from 7:00 am to 10:00 pm.

Seven candidates are standing for election: Jessica Appleby (Reform UK) Melanie Tuesday Fox (Labour Party) Andy McGregor (Liberal Democrats) Michelle Suzette Roberts (Reform UK) Sophie Willamina Robinson (Independent) Carla Louise Thompson (Independent) Graeme Wright (Labour Party) Eligible voters will receive their poll cards and can find their polling station details on the Notice of Poll linked below.

Council-funded initiative returns for school holidays to promote health and activity

Ashington Town Council welcomes Northumberland County Council’s commitment to a dedicated 22-week programme to clean and maintain highway gullies across the town. From Monday to Thursday each week (weather permitting*), NCC Highways teams will be working systematically through Ashington’s streets to improve drainage capacity and strengthen the resilience of the highway network.

This proactive, town-wide approach will help mitigate localised flooding, reduce standing water on the roads during heavy rainfall, and prevent small blockages from escalating into more serious issues. It also supports safer road conditions during the winter months, when persistent rain places greater pressure on drainage systems. NCC Highways have a structured plan to catch up on outstanding gully maintenance and restore routine cycles of cleansing across the county.

Residents may, at times, be asked to move parked cars to allow access to gullies. Ashington Town Council kindly asks for support wherever possible, as clear access enables Highways teams to work efficiently and deliver the maximum benefit for the community.

Ashington Town Council, Finance & General Services Committee Meeting meeting is being held on Tuesday 9th December, starting at 6:00pm. The meeting is held in the Town Hall, Council Chamber, 65 Station Road, Ashington, NE63 8RX.

Ashington Town Council is delighted to announce the release of the official video capturing the magic and community spirit of this year’s Christmas Light Switch-On and Fairies & Elves Themed Lantern Parade.