27 June 2026
Ashington Town Council’s Civic Head, Cllr Caroline Ball, joined civic and military dignitaries this week for the Armed Forces Day Thanksgiving Service, organised by the Ashington Branch of the Royal British Legion (RBL).
The service was attended by Deputy Lord Lieutenant Julie Cordon and Ian Lavery MP, who laid floral tributes alongside the Civic Head and President of RBL Ashington, Mr Al Vaziri. Ms Cordon was accompanied by her brother, Mr John McConville, Chair of the charity Brainbox. Both spoke with Cllr Ball about the charity’s work supporting children and young people affected by acquired brain injury, and their families, across Ashington and Northumberland. Veterans, members of the public, the Army Cadet Force and Ashington Sea Cadets stood proud throughout a fitting service led by Padre Major (Retired) Philip Gray, MBE, whose address reflected on the origins of the day. He noted that what is now Armed Forces Day began life in 2006 as Veterans’ Day, introduced at a time when British troops were heavily committed in Iraq and Afghanistan and investment in, and recognition of, the Armed Forces was widely felt to be low. The day was created, the Padre explained, to motivate troops serving at the time by showing them that the nation stood behind them — a message that resonates as strongly today as it did at its inception. The observance was renamed Armed Forces Day in 2009.
Ashington Town Council meets bi-monthly. In addition the work programme of the Town Council is discussed and considered by the Finance & General Services Committee, which meets monthly, covering the three following items:
Finance
Dealing with all matters relating to the general day-to-day administration and financial management of the Council.
Dealing with matters specifically referred by the Council or any other designated Standing Committee and with all matters not specifically referred or delegated to any other Standing Committee.
Dealing with the Terms and Conditions of Service and Pension arrangements of the Town Council’s staff and making appropriate recommendations relying on, where appropriate, the Scheme of Conditions of Service of the National Joint Council’s and the National Association of Local Councils.
Giving consideration to, agreeing and making appropriate a recommendation to Full Council in respect of the Town Council’s budget estimates and final accounts and emerging Council financial strategies and policies.
Dealing with financial issues within existing budget provision, except that in an emergency 20% of general reserves could be used
Budget Monitoring and Final Accounts.
Approving the Monthly Payments Schedule.
The consideration of Contracts, Leases and Service Level Agreements.
The making of annual subsidies and small grants and donations from the Town Council’s revenue funds to organisations, for the encouragement and support of the work of those organisations concerned with cultural, charitable ,sporting and leisure activities within the Town.
The facilitation, management and financial administration of all Working Groups including Annual Fayre Day and Christmas Lights Switch-On events.
Planning & Regeneration
The making of representations to Local Planning Authorities on applications for planning permission which have been notified in accordance with the Local Government Act 1972, Section 20, Schedule 16 and other relevant legislation.
The making of representations in respect of appeals against the refusal of planning permission.
The making of recommendations to the Planning Authority regarding street naming.
To consider and monitor the Town and other developmental plans and the making of all appropriate representations.
The making of representations to the appropriate Planning Authority in respect of other planning matters not otherwise referred to in Terms of Reference i.e. Tree Preservation Orders, Public Rights of Way etc.
The making of representations to the appropriate authority in respect of all highways matters.
The making of representations to the appropriate authority in respect of public transport services.
The facilitation and support of all economic development and regeneration initiatives for Ashington, including schemes specifics to the major redevelopment and promotion of the Town Centre and High Street.
The facilitation and support of all development and improvement schemes and initiatives for Ashington Market.
Environment & Amenities
The consideration and planning of all matters relating to the direct provision of environmental and local neighbourhood services, including, but not restricted to:
The consideration and planning of all matters relating to the provision of direct services for general amenities including, but not restricted to:
Planning and organisation of the Annual Gardens Competition.
The planning and development of all appropriate environmental initiatives including Anti-Litter campaigns, Keep Britain Tidy initiatives and “Big Tidy Up” clearance schemes.
27 June 2026
Ashington Town Council’s Civic Head, Cllr Caroline Ball, joined civic and military dignitaries this week for the Armed Forces Day Thanksgiving Service, organised by the Ashington Branch of the Royal British Legion (RBL).
The service was attended by Deputy Lord Lieutenant Julie Cordon and Ian Lavery MP, who laid floral tributes alongside the Civic Head and President of RBL Ashington, Mr Al Vaziri. Ms Cordon was accompanied by her brother, Mr John McConville, Chair of the charity Brainbox. Both spoke with Cllr Ball about the charity’s work supporting children and young people affected by acquired brain injury, and their families, across Ashington and Northumberland. Veterans, members of the public, the Army Cadet Force and Ashington Sea Cadets stood proud throughout a fitting service led by Padre Major (Retired) Philip Gray, MBE, whose address reflected on the origins of the day. He noted that what is now Armed Forces Day began life in 2006 as Veterans’ Day, introduced at a time when British troops were heavily committed in Iraq and Afghanistan and investment in, and recognition of, the Armed Forces was widely felt to be low. The day was created, the Padre explained, to motivate troops serving at the time by showing them that the nation stood behind them — a message that resonates as strongly today as it did at its inception. The observance was renamed Armed Forces Day in 2009.
27 June 2026
Ashington Town Council’s Civic Head, Cllr Caroline Ball, joined civic...
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