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Improvements are under way at the Bothal Gateway feature on the A197 Morpeth Road, one of the main routes into Ashington. While the work is still in progress, people travelling along Morpeth Road may already have spotted some changes.

A new boundary wall has been built by a local contractor, Stuart Howard, funded by ward councillors Scott Amery, Lynne Grimshaw and Bob Walkinshaw through the ward environmental enhancement budget.

The Town Council created the ward environmental enhancement budget in 2023/24, with funding allocated to each ward in that year and again in 2024/25. Wards with funding remaining have carried their balances forward. The Bothal Gateway is a piece of land the Town Council already maintains, so the scheme was a straightforward way to make a visible difference. Where ward councillors want to create new spaces or take on new areas of responsibility, those proposals come to Council for approval.

Since then, Ashington Town Council’s Neighbourhood Services Officer, Ryan, has prepared the ground ready for planting in the spring, added some new stone features and returned suitable plants to the site.

There’s still more to do, and the gateway will really come into its own once it is fully planted up next year. In the meantime, keep an eye out for the bulbs, which will add a welcome splash of colour until then.

The Finance and General Services Committee meeting on Tuesday 10th November 2026 at 6.00pm in the Council Chamber, Town Hall, 65 Station Road, Ashington.

400 Red Riding Hood tulips planted by families, young people and community champions alongside Ashington Town Council.

Ashington’s Memorial Garden was alive with colour, laughter and plenty of busy hands this morning as families, young people and community volunteers joined Ashington Town Council for a morning of joyful community planting.

Together, everyone planted 400 Red Riding Hood tulip bulbs – chosen for their striking red blooms, a fitting tribute in the garden that honours the town’s fallen – along with a scattering of hyacinths, all ready to burst into colour next spring.

Those planting were supported by Ryan, the Town Council’s Neighbourhood Services Officer, Tim and Sean from Northumberland County Council, and Cllr Louis Brown, who all rolled up their sleeves and got stuck in.

Civic Head Cllr Caroline Ball joined celebrations at Woodhorn Museum to mark 20 years since its landmark 2006 redevelopment, celebrating two decades of welcoming visitors, supporting communities and preserving Northumberland’s rich industrial heritage.

Residents in the Bothal Ward now have five new seats to enjoy, installed by Ashington Town Council with funding from County Councillor Scott Amery.

New seats have been installed at Holy Sepulchre Church, Booths Road and Bothal Cottages (two seats). A fifth seat has been moved to a better spot in the ward. It previously sat close to the road on uneven ground at Booths Road/First Row and is now on the path running from High Market down to Holy Sepulchre Church, where it can be used safely and comfortably. The much-loved “Happy to Chat” bench at Holy Sepulchre has also been replaced in its familiar spot.

The new seats are more accessible, with armrests that make sitting down and getting up easier. They are also more durable and need less maintenance, so they will serve residents well for years to come.

Ashington Town Council’s Finance and General Services Committee met on Tuesday 20th October 2026. Councillors took decisions that will shape the town’s streets, events and accountability.

Saturday 21 November 2026, 2pm to 5pm, Station Road and the Masonic Hall, Ashington

Ashington’s Christmas Light Switch On is moving to a Saturday afternoon. After many people asked at last year’s event for a Saturday instead of the usual Thursday night, organisers have made the change.

This year’s event also features a new Christmas tree, chosen by the public after last year’s tree divided opinion, with people either loving it or hating it. Once again, lighting installations will be supplied by Blachere Illuminations, a leader in the field.

“I’m delighted to be switching on the lights this year, and it’s wonderful that the event is now on a Saturday afternoon so more families can join in. There’s something for everyone, so I’d encourage everyone to come along, bring the children, support our local businesses and help us start the festive season in style.” Cllr Caroline Ball, Civic Head

The Finance and General Services Committee meeting on Tuesday 20th October 2026 at 6.00pm in the Council Chamber, Town Hall, 65 Station Road, Ashington.

Following the Hirst Division County Council Election held on Thursday 1st October, Ashington Town Council is pleased to share the official result, with Melanie Fox duly elected as County Councillor for Hirst.

Ashington Town Council has a busy October half term lined up for families.