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Ashington’s Civic Head, Councillor Caroline Ball, visited Wansbeck Valley Food Bank on Wednesday 19 August to learn more about the vital support it provides to people across Ashington and the wider Wansbeck area.

Hirst Ward – County Council By-Election

Northumberland County Council has now published the Notice of Election for the election of a County Councillor for the Hirst Ward.

A casual vacancy arose following the former councillor’s failure to attend any meetings of the Council, its committees or sub-committees for a consecutive period of six months. Their last recorded attendance was on 18 February 2026. The vacancy was formally declared by Northumberland County Council on 19th August 2026.

The Notice of Election confirms that one County Councillor is to be elected for the Hirst Division.

Key dates Friday 4 September 2026, 4pm – deadline for delivery of nomination papers. Tuesday 15 September 2026, midnight – deadline to register to vote. Wednesday 16 September 2026, 5pm – deadline for postal vote applications, amendments or cancellations, and proxy vote amendments or cancellations. Wednesday 23 September 2026, 5pm – deadline for applications for a Voter Authority Certificate and for new applications to vote by proxy. Thursday 1 October 2026 – polling day, if the election is contested.

Hirst Division – Notice of Vacancy

Northumberland County Council has published a Notice of Vacancy for the office of County Councillor for the Hirst Ward.

A casual vacancy has arisen following the former councillor’s failure to attend any meetings of the Council, its committees or sub-committees for a consecutive period of six months. Their last recorded attendance was on 18th February 2026.

The vacancy has now been formally declared by Northumberland County Council under Section 86(1)(c) of the Local Government Act 1972.

A by-election will be held within 35 days, excluding Saturdays, Sundays and bank holidays, of the Council’s declaration of the vacancy. The Returning Officer will confirm the date of the election in the formal Notice of Election tomorrow.

Ashington’s mining heritage was honoured on Thursday 13 August as the town marked the 110th anniversary of the Woodhorn Colliery disaster.

Ashington, 6 August 2026 – Civic Head of Ashington Town Council, Councillor Caroline Ball, joined clients, volunteers and guests at Ashington Social Care Centre on Thursday 6 August for a special beach-themed party.

Ashington Town Council is pleased to announce the outcome of its latest Small Grants scheme second round,

Ashington Town Council’s Civic Head, Cllr Caroline Ball, visited Ashington Rugby Cricket Club on 31 July to see the new wicket cutter purchased with support from the Council’s Annual Grant Aid fund.

Wonderful news – Janet Murphy MBE, founder and CEO of ESCAPE Family Support, has been named a finalist in the North East Charity Awards 2026, in the Charity Leader of the Year category.

Ashington Town Council’s Civic Head, Cllr Caroline Ball, was delighted to attend Reiverdale Scout Group’s awards ceremony on Wednesday 15 July 2026, celebrating the achievements of the Squirrels, Beavers, Cubs and Scout sections.

Ashington’s Civic Head, Cllr Caroline Ball, joined Full Circle Food Project for their annual BBQ, meeting volunteers and visitors as the community group marked another year of bringing people together over good food.