27 November 2025
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.
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
27 November 2025
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.
