Over a year after Ashington Town Council unanimously objected to a proposed 186-unit housing development on land west of Wansbeck Road, the developer Banks Group has officially withdrawn their outline planning application.

The decision comes after Northumberland County Council, the local planning authority, indicated that they would recommend refusal.

Inevitable? is an unfiltered, funny, and thought-provoking theatre show exploring a universal part of life: becoming an adult.

A special train journey, along the new Northumberland passenger rail line, took place today (21st February 2024).

The Ashington community has lots of family-friendly events to look forward to in the coming months. Save the date for these local events happening around town.

The Town Council is pleased to announce that the safety surface at Paddock Wood Play Area has been refreshed with new bark chippings in preparation for the upcoming spring and half-term holidays. This was a great team effort involving Town Council staff (Alan, Stephen and Mark), Northumberland County Council (NCC), and contractors Scot Bark UK.

To allow the contractor’s large vehicle access to the play area, NCC staff helpfully provided a tractor to temporarily move a large boulder that had previously limited vehicle access. The contractor’s powerful 130m boom lorry, one of only a few in the country, was then able to reverse close to the play area and blast the new bark chippings into place.

Unfortunately, due to the recent wet weather, the lorry did churn up a small section of grass next to the pavement during the works. The County Council tractor will return tomorrow to replace the boulder which is again large wheels onto wet grass. Town Council staff will reseed the churned-up grass to fully reinstate the area as quickly as possible.

Ashington Town Council want to recognise the exceptional work of Gary Holmes, Administration Assistant, who has gone above and beyond in his commitment to serving the Council and local community.

While the Council often shares news about improvements to public assets, play areas, funding, and events, the unsung efforts that allow these successes frequently go uncelebrated. On this occasion, the Council wishes to honour Gary’s outstanding contributions.

Gary joined the Council nine months ago, demonstrating an eagerness to find solutions and lighten the load for his colleagues. When the Council recently took on the direct management of several allotment sites, it created a significant administrative burden to organise and regulate allotment data. With little prior knowledge, Gary took the initiative to teach himself and build an all-encompassing database system from scratch.

Ashington Town Council gave their full support at last nights Finance and General Services Committee Meeting for an exciting initiative

Located in the heart of town near the sports centre and Main Street, Reiverdale Scout Group offers fun and enrichment for Ashington young people ages 4-14.

The Returning Officer has issued a Notice of Poll for the election of a Parish Councillor for Ashington Central Ward. The by-election will be held on Thursday 7th March 2024.

Three candidates have been nominated:

Andy McGregor (Liberal Democrats) Elaine Peverley (Independent) Paul Richard Wright (Labour Party) Polling stations will be open from 7:00am to 10:00pm on election day. See the Notice of Poll for the assigned polling station locations and which electors are assigned to each station.

Announcing the return of Creative Mondays in 2024, a collaboration between Mortal Fools and YMCA Northumberland. This engaging programme offers participants a safe and nurturing environment to develop their artistic talents and build confidence under the guidance of experienced youth workers.