Ashford Borough Council

Parks face threat of decline with severe consequences

26 April 2017 0 Comments

The Communities and Local Government (CLG) Committee report on public parks warns that parks are at a tipping point and face a period of decline with potentially severe consequences unless their vital contribution to areas such as public health, community integration and climate change mitigation is recognised.

Councils should publish strategic plans

The Public parks report highlights considerable challenges for the sector including reduced council spending, with parks management budgets cut by up to 97 per cent, the need for parks to compete with other services for funding, and planning policy not giving them enough weight, particularly as a result of pressures to increase housing supply.

The Committee call on councils to publish strategic plans, which recognise the value of parks beyond leisure and recreation and set out how they will be managed to maximise their contribution to wider local authority agendas, such as promoting healthy lifestyles, tackling social exclusion and managing flood risk. It is hoped these plans will open up parks to support and funding beyond their usual budgets and service areas.

Ashford Borough Council (ABC) has included improvement to parks and open space in its corporate plan
www.ashford.gov.uk/the-five-year-corporate-plan-for-aspiration-action-and-achievement-2015-2020

The Victoria Park and Watercress Fields Masterplan was adopted by ABC’s Cabinet on 10 March 2016 
https://southashford.org.uk/index.php/2016/03/04/victoria-park-masterplan/
(more…)

Ashford Borough Council, Environment, Heritage, News, Victoria Park

Victoria Way development decision confirmed

11 April 2017 0 Comments

Ashford Borough Council (ABC) have granted the permission, that the Council’s Planning Committee agreed in October / November 2016, for the development at the Junction of Beaver Road and Victoria Road.

The decision was subject to the developers entering into a Section 106 agreement for the development. The Landowners, HCA, and Developers, HDD Ashford, have now signed the Section 106 agreement with Ashford Borough Council and Kent County Council.

The agreement for the residential part of the development includes a contribution of £ 150,000 toward the Victoria Park improvement project. This will be combined with contributions from other recently permitted developments. (more…)

Ashford Borough Council, News, Planning and Development

Cllr Harold Apps

10 April 2017 0 Comments

It is with regret that we inform you that Councillor Harold Apps passed away in the early hours of this morning.

Councillor Apps, Ashford Borough Council member for Victoria Ward had been a a member of the Council for over 40 years.

Until a by-election has been held, residents of Victoria Ward who have matters that they would like to raise with their Borough Councillor should contact Cllr. Dara Farrell. Alternatively, for residents in the South Ashford part of Victoria Ward, use the Contact Form on the South Ashford website southashford.org.uk/index.php/contact-us-2/, to contact South Ashford Community Forum, who will try to direct your query to the appropriate council officer.

 

Ashford Borough Council, News

Line-up for Create Festival announced

3 April 2017 0 Comments

Create Tree Logo
The line-up for Create 2017 is as follows:
Ashford College Main Stage:
The Paul Dunton Orchestra
Salvation Jayne
We Are Bandicoot
Origami Heart
The Step
Silent Crowd
Albert Man
Only Sun
Riskee & the Ridicule
The Selecter
The Revelation Ashford Stage
Hannah Richards
A Million Little Pieces
Charlie Tophill
Himali Blues
Rosie Pennie
Arcelia
The Scorchers
Chilè
The Gallerys
The Bay Rays
The County Square Community Stage:
Ashford Oaks Primary School Choir
Nini Westwood
4×4 Bhangra
Freya Cook
Ashford Community Choir
Jump Singers
4×4 Bhangra
Invicta Ukulele Club
4×4 Bhangra
Ashford Concert Band
Ashford Rock Choir

The line-up for Create Music Festival’s 22nd year has been announced.

Create 2017 is already lining up to be a big year with ska legends, The Selecter, announced as the headliner. More bands and acts have now been added to the packed programme of musical indulgence on Saturday 22nd July in Victoria Park.

The Create Main Stage, which is sponsored by Ashford College, will include popular local favourites Riskee & The Ridicule, Salvation Jayne, and the Paul Dunton Orchestra. They will be supported by a team of Ashford College Music Technology students who will be working behind the scenes.

Premier music and arts venue, Revelation Ashford, has once again programmed in an eclectic mix of high quality independent music for their stage, supporting some of the best bands, singer-songwriters, and emerging young folk artists emanating from Kent.

Headlining the Revelation Ashford stage are Kent’s garage rock band, The Bay Rays, who come fresh from their recent BBC Radio 1 Maida Vale session with Huw Stephens, as well as their smash show at Revelation Ashford earlier this year. Also supporting this stage are The Scorchers, The Gallerys and Ashford’s Himali Blues.

The brand new County Square Community Stage will also showcase a whole host of local talented groups such as Ashford Rock Choir, Invicta Ukulele Club, Bhangra Dancers, and ‘Jump’ Singers.

Fans will have noticed that announcements are yet to be made for the legendary Create DJ stage, but can rest assured that an awesome line-up will be laying down the very best of house, EDM and club anthems.

What’s more, following on from last year’s memorable performance from David Live, the David Bowie tribute act will return for a special two hour show at Revelation Ashford the night before Create.

Create Festival Organiser, Chris Dixon, said: “We are delighted with the line-up so far.  Our ‘apply to play’ request once again exceeded all expectations, attracting hundreds of applications from all over the world.

“We believe this line-up is a good mix of high quality local bands, a few up and coming artists from further afield who have a genuine interest to play here, as well as providing a platform for some individuals to play in front of a crowd for the very first time.”

Ashford Borough Council 03 April 2017
www.ashford.gov.uk/news/lineup-for-ashford-create-festival-2017-announced-3rd-apr-1588/

Ashford Borough Council, Entertainment, News

SACF drafts response to LGBCE proposals

17 March 2017 0 Comments

ABC warding proposal for South Ashford

LGBCE Draft Recommendations for wards in South Ashford

South Ashford Community Forum (SACF) have reviewed the Draft Recommendations for wards for Ashford Borough Council, produced by the Local Government Boundary Commission for England (LGBCE), and have drafted a response.

SACF is concerned because the LGBCE Draft Recommendations fail to address issues raised by them regarding the pattern of wards serving South Ashford. They also believe that inadequate provision has been made for new development in South Ashford and the town centre.

SACF has produced alternative proposals which address these matters. SACF’s response can be viewed on the South Ashford website under Local Information/Representation/Electoral Review and will be discussed at their meeting on 22nd March.

 

Ashford Borough Council, Democracy, News

Tackling domestic abuse

20 February 2017 0 Comments

silhouette of figureAshford Borough Council’s Cabinet has agreed to continue to provide funding for invaluable domestic abuse work in the Ashford borough and to make permanent the post of Domestic Abuse Co-ordinator.

The domestic abuse annual report highlights an increasing demand on services as more victims are gaining the confidence to come forward and seek help.

It also praises the work of professionals across the health, police, fire, voluntary, local authority and charitable sectors in dealing with an increasing workload in spite of some reductions in resources.

The charity Ashford Domestic Abuse Forum (ADAF) leads services across the borough and created the One Stop Shop; a weekly drop in centre where victims can receive advice and support.

Ashford has one of the busiest One Stop Shops in the county but can boast a high level of staff attendance and good reputation for partnership working, thanks in part to the appointment of a full time Domestic Abuse Co-ordinator. (more…)

Ashford Borough Council, Crime, News, Safety, Wellbeing

Proposal for Elwick Road Car Park

17 February 2017 0 Comments

Ashford Borough Council (ABC) have submitted a planning application, to their own planning department, for creation of a temporary car park in Elwick Road. Part of the site comprises land that was included an outline application submitted by Stanhope plc for residential development, as Phase 2 of the planned cinema complex on the old Ashford Market site.

The application states that the “car park is intended to replace spaces lost at Dover Place during construction and to assist parking on the new K College campus which is opposite the site”. The car park will have a maximum of 107 spaces, which may reduce during its life.

It is ot envisaged that the works will have a life longer than three years.

ABC planning case references:

Case Ref: Description Posted on
17/00201/AS Creation of a new temporary car park on redundant land. Change of use from the previous B1 use to Sui Generis proposed car park 17th February 2017
15/01282/AS Outline application for development of up to 200 residential units with access to be considered at this stage (Phase 2) 12 October 2015

Ashford Borough Council, News, Planning and Development, Transport

‘One You’ health shop comes to Ashford

31 January 2017 0 Comments

The start of a new year often brings resolutions for people to get fitter and healthier, so it’s perfect timing that Ashford has teamed up with Kent County Council and the NHS to open a brand new health hub where people can kick-start their journey to becoming more healthy and active.

Ashford Borough Council has joined forces with KCC Public Health and its service provider Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust (KCHFT) to open ‘One You’; a health shop located in Ashford town centre.

The new health shop, which is set to open on Friday 10th February, is part of Public Health England’s national campaign of the same name which encourages people to quit smoking, lose weight and be more active.

Located in Unit 7 of Park Mall, One You will provide support and advice on how to lead a healthier lifestyle.

Services will include: stop smoking support, healthy weight advice for adults and children, on-the-spot blood pressure checks, a weigh-in service plus support and advice on a range of lifestyle issues.

One You offers a friendly and welcoming environment where people are encouraged to pop in, ask questions and take advantage of the free health services on offer. Visitors can either drop-in or arrange a scheduled appointment.

Visitors are invited to the opening launch of One You on Friday 10th and Saturday 11th February between 9am and 5pm where they can pop in and get a free NHS Health Check or health MOT, as well as take part in interactive games. People can jump on the smoothie bike and using pedal power, whizz up a healthy fruit smoothie, guess how much sugar is in everyday drinks, adorn a fat suit to experience carrying around extra weight and much more. (more…)

Ashford Borough Council, Health, Kent County Council, News, Wellbeing

Cracking down on Blue Badge parking abuse

27 January 2017 0 Comments

Ashford Borough Council is reminding those who have disabled blue badges to use their permits correctly to avoid facing a hefty fine or having the badge taken away.

Ashford Borough Councils’ Parking Enforcement Officers have been working closely with Kent County Council’s (KCC) Blue Badge Internal Audit and Fraud Team; as a result our Civil Enforcement Officers together with KCC will be cracking down on blue badge parking abuse.

Ashford Borough Councils’ Civil Enforcement Team will be carrying out a two month warning phase to crack down on those who misuse their badge, fraudulently use it, or who park where it would cause an obstruction or danger to other road users.

An education programme will take place between 30th January and 30th March. During this time, any drivers caught parking illegally and not complying with the rules will be issued with a warning notice. This approach will highlight to drivers the consequences of abusing the use of a Blue Badge by parking illegally or dangerously in the borough.

Following the warning phase, the council will begin enforcing where appropriate, and those who receive a Penalty Charge Notice will have their details passed directly onto KCC’s Blue Badge Audit and Fraud Team. (more…)

Ashford Borough Council, Disability, News, Transport