News

Ashington Town Council’s bold investment in state-of-the-art CCTV has proven instrumental in enhancing community safety, which we hope will be even more welcomed during the festive season. Installed in April 2024, the system, managed by local contractor Asset Watch, is already yielding results, helping Northumbria Police and other enforcement agencies detect and deter crime while fostering a stronger sense of safety.

“This CCTV network underscores the Council’s commitment to making Ashington a safe and welcoming community,” said Cllr Mark Purvis, Chair of Ashington Town Council. “As we enjoy the festive season, we hope residents feel reassured knowing this system is in place to protect them.”

The cutting-edge cameras, strategically positioned across the town, offer 24/7 monitored coverage and utilise advanced technology to ensure privacy protection while maintaining effective surveillance. Regular reviews of footage and close collaboration with enforcement partners ensure the system is optimised for crime prevention and community safety.

The Alexandra Road Play Area remains closed following multiple incidents of deliberate vandalism, significantly extending repair timelines.

Initially closed in August due to damage to the play safety surface, costing over £5,000, the facility has since suffered further deliberate destruction. This combined damage now requires a comprehensive repair approach, effectively resetting our progress.

Despite existing CCTV coverage, authorities were unable to identify those responsible in August. However, ongoing investigations continue, with current CCTV footage under thorough review.

We strongly urge anyone with information to assist in identifying those responsible.

Our dedicated officers continue to work tirelessly to maintain and keep our play areas safe and accessible. Unfortunately, these persistent vandalism incidents have prolonged the closure of this important community facility, preventing children and families from accessing the space.

For inquiries, please contact the Town Council office at (01670) 624521

(Photograph shows Alexandra Play Area when it was installed in November 2022)

The Enhanced Neighbourhood Services Partnership between Ashington Town Council and Northumberland County Council aims to make ongoing improvements to keep the town’s streets and estates clean and litter free, and to improve the environment by providing a pleasant and safe place to live. These are two of the four priorities of Ashington Town Council.

Overall, the collaborative approach is to ensure those resources being invested are towards activities that will visibly improve Ashington’s environment and appearance.

Ashington Town Council have just had a new phone system installed. 

Exciting plans are progressing to redevelop the play areas within the Orchid Meadows Estate, at Epsom Drive and Aintree Close.

Like the racecourses the streets and play areas are named after, we are galloping ahead and have received confirmation from our play partner Kompan that they will be installed in advance of the summer holidays.

The great news on these play areas is that they have been developed in consultation with local people, they feature accessible equipment, and Kompan’s Greenline range has been chosen, confirming the Council’s commitment to taking action to reduce the effects of climate change.

Ashington Christmas Light Switch-On is taking place this year after a three-year break, it will be coming back with more Christmas Lights than ever!

Ashington’s Christmas Lights and Tree will be installed in the town centre in the next two weeks. However, due to continuing Covid-19 concerns a decision has been taken to cancel this year’s Christmas Lights Switch-On event.

Activities have taken place as part of the Great Big Green Week last week (18 to the 26 September).