05 December 2025
Ashington Town Council welcomes Northumberland County Council’s commitment to a dedicated 22-week programme to clean and maintain highway gullies across the town. From Monday to Thursday each week (weather permitting*), NCC Highways teams will be working systematically through Ashington’s streets to improve drainage capacity and strengthen the resilience of the highway network.
This proactive, town-wide approach will help mitigate localised flooding, reduce standing water on the roads during heavy rainfall, and prevent small blockages from escalating into more serious issues. It also supports safer road conditions during the winter months, when persistent rain places greater pressure on drainage systems. NCC Highways have a structured plan to catch up on outstanding gully maintenance and restore routine cycles of cleansing across the county.
Residents may, at times, be asked to move parked cars to allow access to gullies. Ashington Town Council kindly asks for support wherever possible, as clear access enables Highways teams to work efficiently and deliver the maximum benefit for the community.
Insect populations in the UK have suffered drastic declines, with far-reaching consequences for both wildlife and human well-being. As pollinators of one-third of our food crops and a critical component of food webs, the continued loss of insects poses a grave threat to biodiversity, ecosystem health, and ultimately our ability to address climate change effectively.
Recent reports indicate that 41% of the Earth's remaining five million insect species are now threatened with extinction, with the UK experiencing losses of 50% or more since 1970. This alarming trend is exacerbated by habitat loss, pesticide use, and other environmental pressures, many of which are linked to climate change.
Ashington Town Council has a unique opportunity to take immediate action to support insect populations and promote biodiversity. This report proposes a comprehensive set of measures, including:
1. Making a public commitment to help insects and other wildlife thrive.
2. Signing up to The Wildlife Trust's 'Take Action for Insects' initiative.
3. Embedding considerations for insect recovery into all maintenance and environmental decisions.
4. Creating and restoring insect-friendly habitats on council-managed lands.
5. Investigating and reducing pesticide use on allotment sites and in grounds maintenance.
6. Promoting public awareness and engagement through citizen science initiatives and educational campaigns.
To view the full Emergency Action for Insects Motion click here
05 December 2025
Ashington Town Council welcomes Northumberland County Council’s commitment to a dedicated 22-week programme to clean and maintain highway gullies across the town. From Monday to Thursday each week (weather permitting*), NCC Highways teams will be working systematically through Ashington’s streets to improve drainage capacity and strengthen the resilience of the highway network.
This proactive, town-wide approach will help mitigate localised flooding, reduce standing water on the roads during heavy rainfall, and prevent small blockages from escalating into more serious issues. It also supports safer road conditions during the winter months, when persistent rain places greater pressure on drainage systems. NCC Highways have a structured plan to catch up on outstanding gully maintenance and restore routine cycles of cleansing across the county.
Residents may, at times, be asked to move parked cars to allow access to gullies. Ashington Town Council kindly asks for support wherever possible, as clear access enables Highways teams to work efficiently and deliver the maximum benefit for the community.
