The draft Neighbourhood Plan document is now complete and in the hands of HDC. They are doing a ‘healthcheck’ on it to make sure it is complete and that it fully complies with District and National Planning Policies. We have used the services of a Planning Consultant throughout the process so that the Plan is robust. After the HDC healthcheck we then enter several rounds of consultation and amendments, ending up with a parish referendum.
In other Parish Council news we are looking for residents’ opinions and some volunteers to take part in a ‘memorial garden’ project in the village. We have some grant funding from the Armed Forces Covenant and are buying a commemorative bench for the village. We need ideas on locations and designs and welcome anyone who wants to get involved.
The Annual Village Litter Pick will take place on Saturday April 13th. This is where we ask residents to help ‘spring clean’ the village. It’s typically just a few hours in the morning. All equipment will be provided and you just need to turn up in some old clothes. Details of times and meeting place will be on noticeboards shortly.
Ashington PC is not increasing its council tax this coming year. We have been able to maintain our budget due to: prudent long-term financial planning; securing grants towards the cost of the Neighbourhood Plan and commemorative bench and other cost saving measures. The Council is also able to resurface the skatepark ramps shortly and ongoing assistance to the Community Centre with play area maintenance costs.
Please visit our Facebook page ‘Ashington Parish Council’ and website ashingtonpc.org.uk for up to date news on village issues. Karen Dare is back as Parish Clerk – clerk@ashingtonpc.org.uk 07851 009655. www.ashingtonpc.org.uk
