News

Leading colleges from across the North East were joined by Mayor Kim McGuinness at a strategically focussed roundtable marking the launch of a powerful new partnership designed to drive economic growth, advance social justice, foster innovation, and place a sustained spotlight on the collective impact of the region’s further and higher education colleges.

​​​​​​​Great news! Ashington Town Council is working with KOMPAN to create a brand-new play area at North Seaton Colliery, and we need YOUR help to make it perfect!

Ashington Town Council is once again preparing to light up the town with a dazzling display of festive cheer – and this year promises something truly special, as we welcome a brand-new lighting partner and move forward into an exciting new era of Christmas displays.

Please be advised that the Union Flag is not currently being flown in the Memorial Garden in accordance with established practice. The flag has historically only been displayed on specific commemorative occasions, or special events.

June 2025 - The Northumberland Line project continues to make significant progress, with passenger services now running between Ashington and Newcastle Central while construction advances on three additional stations expected to open later this year.

Ashington Town Council is pleased to announce the completion of comprehensive legal arrangements for all play areas under its responsibility, accompanied by the installation of striking new signage across the facilities.

Following extensive work behind the scenes, the Council has successfully established proper legal frameworks for its play areas, addressing gaps that existed from previous arrangements. This important administrative work ensures that Ashington Town Council operates with full legal clarity and proper due diligence in managing these valuable community assets.

The Council secured formal transfers of the play areas at Seaton Vale, Epsom Drive, and Aintree Close from their respective developers last year, establishing clear ownership and responsibility. The long-term leases with Northumberland County Council for the play areas at Alexandra Road, Peoples Park, Paddock Wood, and North Seaton Colliery have just been completed.

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.