We, together with community leaders and local groups across our town, are taking a clear stand on recent events in Ashington.

Over the past few weeks, we have witnessed flags being illegally attached to public assets, divisive protest marches with inflammatory chanting, vandalism of street signs and road markings, and everyday conversations poisoned by hostility. This behaviour does not represent Ashington. We do not support these actions.

These actions are being driven by a small group, not by the town as a whole. These actions spread hatred and unrest. They divide rather than unite. They damage the reputation we have all worked to build.