News

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.

Your Right to Inspect the Accounts

Each year, the Council’s AGAR must be reviewed by an external auditor appointed by Smaller Authorities’ Audit Appointments Ltd. The unaudited AGAR for 2025/26 has now been published. As it has not yet been reviewed by the appointed auditor it remains subject to change as a result of that review.

Any interested person has the right to inspect and make copies of the accounting records for the year, along with all books, deeds, contracts, bills, vouchers, receipts, and other related documents. These will be made available for inspection on reasonable notice.

The period for the exercise of public rights runs from Thursday 25th June 2026 to Wednesday 5th August 2026.

Ashington Town Council, joint Full Council and Finance & General Services Committee Meeting meeting is being held on Tuesday 23rd June, Full Council starting at 6:00pm and Finance and General Services Committee starting not before 6:20pm. The meeting is held in the Town Hall, Council Chamber, 65 Station Road, Ashington, NE63 8RX.

Ashington Town Council has confirmed a number of key appointments for the forthcoming year following its Annual Meeting of the Council held last night.

Ashington Town Council is planting its colours firmly to the mast this summer with a bold red and white floral display across the town’s towers and planters — a nod to England’s World Cup campaign and a proud tribute to the town’s most famous footballing sons.

Ashington Town Council, Finance & General Services Committee Meeting meeting is being held on Tuesday 12th May, starting at 6:00pm. The meeting is held in the Town Hall, Council Chamber, 65 Station Road, Ashington, NE63 8RX.

Ashington came together on Saturday 2nd May to mark International Workers’ Memorial Day 2026, honouring those who have lost their lives, been injured, or suffered illness as a result of their work.

Ashington Town Council, Finance & General Services Committee Meeting meeting is being held on Tuesday 14th April, starting at 6:00pm. The meeting is held in the Town Hall, Council Chamber, 65 Station Road, Ashington, NE63 8RX.

The town that sent the Pitman Painters to Broadway is now bidding to become UK Town of Culture 2028 because this town has always had a story worth telling.

Ashington Town Council, Full Council Meeting meeting is being held on Tuesday 31st March starting at 6:00pm. The meeting is held in the Town Hall, Council Chamber, 65 Station Road, Ashington, NE63 8RX.