Kerb Appeal Trial Update: Real Results, Real Teamwork
Ashington Town Council is pleased to share an update on the Kerb Appeal Trial, which has been underway since 1st December 2025 — and the results are beginning to speak for themselves.
What has been happening?
Working through the Enhanced Neighbourhood Services Partnership Board, Ward Councillors from Ashington Town Council have been identifying the priorities that matter most in their wards. NCC's dedicated Partnership Team has then worked through those priorities on the ground, delivering visible improvements across a range of streets and spaces that — in some cases — had not received this level of focused attention for many years.
The before-and-after photographs from Phase 1 and Phase 2 of the trial tell their own story, some of which we've shared. From grass edging and pavement clearance to weed removal and the tidying of neglected spaces, the impact has been striking. Feedback received directly on the streets has been overwhelmingly positive, and the Partnership Board has been genuinely encouraged by what has been achieved by the dedicated NCC Team.
How does it work?
The Partnership Board brings together Ward Councillors — Cllr Marjorie Chambers (Chair), Cllr David Coyle (Vice-Chair), Cllrs Jessica Appleby, Louis Brown, Kerry Davison and Jim Lang — alongside officers from Northumberland County Council and the Town Council's Clerk. It is through this Board that all Ward Councillors are directly driving the priorities for their areas, ensuring that the work on the ground reflects what residents actually see and experience day to day. The close working relationship between Ashington Town Council and Northumberland County Council is central to making this happen, and that collaboration is delivering real results.
What comes next?
Phase 3 of the trial is due to begin shortly, with a fresh set of ward priorities agreed from Ward Councillors. The team will work through each ward area in turn — spending focused, concentrated time in each location before moving on — so that the effort and the results are felt right across the town. We are looking forward to another round of impressive outcomes.
This is not a quick fix. Transforming how Ashington looks and feels is going to take sustained effort over time, and the partnership is committed to that. But the early evidence is encouraging and the momentum is building.
How can residents help?
The difference being made by the Partnership Team is real, but it cannot be maintained in isolation. Residents have a huge part to play:
- Respect where you live. Take your litter home, or use the bins provided.
- Don't fly-tip. It is costly to clear, it blights our town, and it undermines the work being done.
- Pick up after your dogs. Dog fouling remains a problem in parts of Ashington and is not acceptable.
- Look after your own space. This makes a real difference to the whole street.
- Make reports. Issues with litter, fly-tipping, or bins can be reported via NCC Fix My Street
Tell us what you think
The feedback received so far — from residents stopping to thank the teams on the street, and from Councillors relaying comments from across their wards — has been genuinely heartening. We want to hear more. If you have noticed a difference in your area, please tell us. And if there is a street or space you think deserves some attention, get in touch with your ward Councillor or contact the office directly.
