News

Ashington Town Council and Northumberland County Council are working together on an exciting new trial aimed at improving how Ashington looks and feels for residents and visitors alike.

Since 2014, Ashington Town Council has invested directly in local neighbourhood services, using funds collected from Ashington taxpayers to enhance the frontline services delivered in our town through a Partnership Agreement with Northumberland County Council. Whilst these are statutory services delivered by NCC, the Town Council welcomes the opportunity to work collaboratively on how they are delivered locally. We recognise that frontline services across local government have been affected in recent years, and the Town Council wants to be part of the discussion and part of the solution - helping where we can to maintain and improve services for Ashington residents. Whilst there is always an argument for investing more money in services, the Council wants to ensure that the funding provided delivers the best possible results for the Ashington community.

Running from 1st December 2025 to March 2026, this trial represents a fresh approach to tackling the competing demands of maintaining our town’s appearance - balancing litter collection, fly-tipping removal, grounds maintenance, and the everyday visual aspects that residents see and experience.

Ashington Town Council has unanimously agreed to formally adopt the National Association of Local Councils (NALC) Civility and Respect Pledge, demonstrating strong leadership on standards in public life.

The motion, proposed by Councillor Kerry Davison, was agreed in full at the council meeting, with members speaking openly about their commitment to creating a working environment free from bullying, harassment, and intimidation.

The council has committed to:

Formally adopting the NALC Civility and Respect Pledge Arranging comprehensive Civility & Respect training for all councillors Reviewing and strengthening existing policies on councillor conduct Publicising the commitment to residents and stakeholders

Ashington Town Council is spreading festive cheer this December with a magical community event offering free reindeer food to families!

Following the cancellation of the Ashington Christmas Market originally scheduled for Station Road on 14 November, organisers have announced an exciting new partnership that will bring festive cheer to the community on 7 December 2025.

Ashington (Hirst Ward) Town Council Election - Notice of Nominations Election Date: Thursday 18 December 2025

The Returning Officer has published the Statement of Persons Nominated for the Ashington (Hirst Ward) Town Council election.

This election is for two vacancies on the Town Council.

It is important that Hirst residents make their voices heard and choose who they want to represent them on Ashington Town Council.

The following candidates have been validly nominated:

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

Unique Compass Feature and Pollinator-Friendly Planting Create Welcoming Community Space in Haydon Ward

Ashington Town Council is pleased to share news of a significant environmental enhancement project at Doves Corner in the Haydon Ward, which was completed in late summer and has been creating a more welcoming, accessible, and sustainable community space for residents to enjoy.

The project, which responded to longstanding calls from ward councillors for improvements to this well-used area, has transformed what was previously a tired seating area with overgrown features into an attractive, low-maintenance green space that will benefit residents and wildlife alike.

Ashington Town Council has expressed its strong support for Project Shield, a pioneering initiative working to tackle youth anti-social behaviour.

At a recent Council meeting, members heard an encouraging presentation from the Project Shield team led by Ian Stephenson, highlighting the significant impact the programme has made since its deployment in Ashington.

Ashington Town Council, Full Council Meeting meeting is being held on Tuesday 25th November, starting at 6:00pm. The meeting is held in the Town Hall, Council Chamber, 65 Station Road, Ashington, NE63 8RX.

Community Spirit Shines Through as Festive Celebration Marks Start of Holiday Season

Northumberland County Council has published the Notice of Election for two Town Councillor positions in Ashington’s Hirst Ward.

The nomination deadline is Friday 21st November 2025 at 4pm. Prospective candidates must hand-deliver their nomination papers to the Elections Office at County Hall, Morpeth, Northumberland, NE61 2EF between 9am and 4pm on any working day, excluding bank holidays.