Seasonal Message from the Chair of Ashington Town Council, Cllr Mark Purvis
As we approach December, I want to reflect on the year so far. Our town has demonstrated remarkable resilience, creativity, and community spirit in 2024.
Our dedicated team takes immense pride in the day-to-day management of our town – maintaining benches, bus shelters, play areas, and working in partnership with allotment associations, and managing allotment sites. Our team manages critical community assets including speed signs, defibrillators, memorials, and horticultural spaces, striving to improve the environment and providing a pleasant and safe place to live. Much of this is done in collaboration with Northumberland County Council, and we extend our heartfelt thanks to the NCC team for their ongoing support and partnership in serving our community.
We've been working closely with Ashington Cricket Club on an important memorial project to recognise those lost during World War II, with the full memorial to be unveiled next May. Our commitment to safety and community improvement continues through initiatives like the cutting-edge CCTV installation on Station Road, helping to keep our residents secure, and make them feel safer.
The exciting regeneration of Wansbeck Square and Portland Park represents a vision for Ashington's future – a vibrant, dynamic space that will bring our community together. With the new rail line set to open in the coming year and the new Ashington College taking shape, we're seeing transformative developments that will unlock new opportunities for our town. We stay actively involved in these plans that will shape Ashington's landscape and future, and we are excited for the future. You can read more on the Northumberland County Council website in the link below:
Northumberland County Council - Ashington Regeneration
Our new Ashington Youth Forum gives young people a voice, while events like the Pride Picnic, Family Fun Day, and Walking Football Tournament, and our annual Fair Day have highlighted our commitment to inclusivity and community. We’ve also introduced Easter, Halloween, and Christmas trails for families, as well as free family swims—a first for Ashington—delivered in partnership with Places Leisure and Ashington Leisure Centre. We've supported 31 different organisations with over £70,000 in grants, ensuring that community initiatives continue to thrive. These remarkable community groups and the individuals that make them are the heartbeat of our town – their passion, creativity, and dedication bring our community to life. From volunteer-led initiatives to grassroots organisations, these groups symbolise the spirit of Ashington, transforming local challenges into opportunities for connection, support, and positive change.
Our environmental efforts have been equally impressive. We've created 440 bird boxes, planted bulbs and wildflowers, and hosted the Great Big Green event, as well as organising the Great Big Spring Clean. Our Climate Change poster competition in schools and recycling schemes on allotments demonstrate our commitment to creating a sustainable future for Ashington. As we look ahead to 2025, we are excited to expand our environmental impact by welcoming like-minded community groups to join our Climate Change and Environment Committee. We believe that collaborative efforts and different perspectives are key to developing innovative solutions and driving meaningful change for our town's sustainable future.
I would like to extend a special thank you to our incredible staff – Alan, Gary, Mark, Ryan, Sarah, Sharon, and Stephen and my fellow council colleagues, whose hard work and dedication make all of this possible. We also remember with great sadness our colleague Councillor Vicki Brown, who passed away in 2024.
We understand that the festive season can be challenging for many. If you're experiencing loneliness, grief, or hardship, please know that you're not forgotten. We encourage everyone in our community to reach out - check in on neighbours, friends, and colleagues who might be struggling. If you see someone who seems isolated or in need of support, a simple gesture of kindness can make a real difference. Neighbours, community groups, and local support services can provide vital connections. Whether you're able to offer support or need support yourself, remember that our community is strongest when we look out for one another. Whether you celebrate a holiday or simply see this as a time of reflection, we want you to feel supported in our community.
As we look forward to 2025, we remain committed to making Ashington a great place to live.
Take care and all the best!
Cllr Mark Purvis
Don't forget to join us for our Christmas lights switch-on on Thursday 28th November from 3:30pm – check our website for all the festive details!
