News

With summer in full swing, it can be tempting (and easy!) to buy single-use plastics. But there are ways we can make the most of summer without impacting the planet

Our Neighbourhood Services Team have been working hard to keep the flowers blooming during this unprecedented hot spell.

Groundwork NE & Cumbria have a flagship project which has just begun rolling out in Northumberland. Green Doctors offers an independent energy advice service. It has been running successfully in other parts of the North East, offering residents telephone support and home visits which includes installing practical energy saving measures in people’s homes, giving free debt support which reduces energy bills, and cutting energy emissions. The result is saving money and energy, and contributing towards carbon saving, net zero goal too. 

Behind the scenes, Ashington Town Council has been working with award winning, local garden designer and horticulturist, Sean Murray, to bring sustainable planting solutions to Station Road and the Gateways into the town.

As well as being the future, young people are the trailblazers when it comes to environmental responsibility, and the Council was keen for schools to be involved in this project. Pupils from Bishop’s Primary, Castle School and James Knott Primary have created ‘Work in Progress’ signs to inform of and celebrate the sustainable beds to come.

Sharon Parmley, the Council’s Senior Administration Officer, designed a brief that captured the imagination of school pupils and their commitment to the environment. We received bees and butterflies aplenty and some very positive messages about what people should do to look after Ashington.

Following a meeting of the Full Council last night, Tuesday 28th June 2022, Ashington Town Council formally agreed the Climate Change and Environmental Committee.

Ashington Town Council has been left sad and dismayed by the vandalism of young trees in Paddock Wood at Seaton Hirst.

The trees were planted in 2020 as an extension to the commemorative project marking the 75th Anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day. A total of 75 trees were planted around the town, and the five planted at Paddock Wood have been destroyed, in what can only be described as wilful and mindless vandalism.

Cllr Jim Lang, Chair of the Climate Change group and ward Cllr for the area was at a loss as to why anybody would do this, he said:

 “An individual or group sadly went to some effort to break these young trees and to try and destroy the hard work that is being put into this community. Paddock Wood is there to be enjoyed by people of all ages.”

The incident has been reported to the Police and the Council’s CCTV is being checked. However, if anyone saw anything or knows who was responsible, please contact the Police or email the Council at clerk@ashingtontowncouncil.gov.uk

Ashington Town Council sent a clear message that climate change and the environment is at the top of their agenda when it agreed to elevate the Climate Change and Environment Group to a standing committee of the Council. The committee will include all eighteen members of Ashington Town Council and it is expected to have fully delegated powers of decision-making when the terms of reference are agreed in July.

With all councillors and officers on board, the Council hopes to be able to raise the profile of the committee, as well as raising awareness and building support to act.

Walk to School Week starts today!

Council funding is now available to help community groups take action on climate change.  

This year Ashington WI have collaborated with Ashington Climate Champions, Full Circle Food and Bothal Primary for their annual #showthelove campaign offering.