Ashford Borough Council

Interested in leasing an allotment?

12 January 2016 0 Comments

allotment photoAshford Borough Council (ABC) currently have several vacant plots at Musgrove Farm, Musgrove New and Christchurch Road Allotments. If you would be interested in taking on a plot at either of these sites please contact Eileen Law of ABC on 01233 330528 as soon as possible as these plots will be let on a first come first served basis.

As part of ABC’s approach to healthy living they have a number of allotment sites, with over 400 plots throughout Ashford, that residents find very popular. Plot sizes are approximately 125 sq m (around 5 perch) and currently cost in the region of 22p per sq m (£5.50 per perch or £27.50 per year per 5 perch plot). The exact cost of a plot is determined by its size. ABC offer a concessionary rate of 50% off for the first 5 Perch and full price thereafter to residents claiming certain types of benefit and for those residents in receipt of state pensions. All our allotment sites have water points. (more…)

Ashford Borough Council, Environment, Health, News

ABC Warn of bogus calls

11 January 2016 0 Comments

Warning of bogus calls - 11th Jan

Be aware that there are currently bogus callers in operation, claiming to be from Ashford Borough Council’s legal and accident investigation team.

They are saying that they are contacting you following an accident.

If you receive one of these calls hang up immediately. Do NOT give them any information as they are not genuine.

Please share with friends and family.

Ashford Borough Council 11th January 2016

There have been reports of similar calls for other authorities, such as the KCC scam we reported on in September

Kent County Council phone scam

If you receive one of these scam telephone calls please report it to Kent Trading Standards or telephone the Citizens Advice consumer service on 03454 04 05 06.

#scamaware

Ashford Borough Council, Crime, News

Your views sought on ABC draft budget

8 January 2016 0 Comments

ABC CrestFollowing the Ashford Borough Council’s (ABC) December cabinet meeting the Council has formally proposed a draft budget.

The budget will be considered by the council’s Overview and Scrutiny Committee as part of the democratic process and, ultimately, will be considered by full council in February 2016. However, there is now an opportunity for residents to express their views.

ABC say that the draft budget has been put together at a time of continued uncertainty for local government. The comprehensive spending review took place in late December and the details are still being analysed. It is clear however, that the traditional way that central government has funded local authorities is being phased out.

This emphasises why the Council has stated its ambition to seek to be independent of government grant by the 2018-19 financial year, or as soon after as is possible. Initiatives such as the council’s property acquisition strategy, securing additional revenue streams, and innovations such as the creation of two companies wholly owned by the council, are helping to bridge what would otherwise have been gaps in budget. (more…)

Ashford Borough Council, Finance, News

Christmas Recycling & Refuse Collections 2015/16

17 December 2015 0 Comments

recyclingAll refuse and recycling should be out for collection by 6am over Christmas and New Year. Please note collections may take place up to one day later than shown, with possible extra collections on Saturdays.

There will be NO garden or bulk collections for two weeks; w/c 28/12/2015 and w/c 04/01/2016 (except for those due for collection on Friday 25 December, which will be collected on Monday 28 December instead).

During the festive period, your recycling and refuse collections may take place on different days. … 2015/11/18/christmas-recycling-refuse-collections-201516/

Ashford Borough Council, Environment, News

Estate inspection changes

15 December 2015 0 Comments

ABC CrestAshford Borough Council are changing the way they carry out estate inspections to make sure they are as thorough as possible. They will be carrying out one estate inspection per month which will enable them to spend more time assessing and improving each area in the borough.

Please let them know at the end of the month before your area is due to be inspected of any particular issues you would like us to look at. They will continue to send out review letters to you after the inspection if you have already registered an interest in this.

Below is a list of when areas in South Ashford will be inspected – please look online at www.ashford.gov.uk/housing or contact your area manager for further details or to register to receive feedback for your area.

  • January – Brookfield West and North
  • February – Hillbrow, Clockhouse
  • August – Woolreeds
  • October – Hampden, Brookfield East, Godfrey Walk and Forrester Place

Ashford Borough Council, News

Community Council Decision

10 December 2015 0 Comments

ABC CrestFollowing a ‘lively’ debate, Ashford Borough Council have this evening (10th December), as expected, decided not to create a Community Council in South Ashford, Central Ashford or North Willesborough., they did however, vote to create Community Councils in Kennington and South Willesborough and Newtown.

South Ashford Community Forum will continue to to represent the views of people living and working in South Ashford and to help communicate those views to Ashford Borough Council, Kent County Council and other statutory organisations.

Ashford Borough Council, Community Councils, Democracy, News

Elwick Place to go before planning committee

9 December 2015 0 Comments

Elwick PlacePhase one of the proposals for the old Ashford Market site and adjacent land will be considered by Ashford Borough Council’s Planning Committee on 16th December.

Committee Agenda

Previous posts relating to this site:

Ashford Borough Council, News, Planning and Development

Community Council News

4 December 2015 0 Comments

Ashfored Borough CouncilAshford Borough Council’s Selection and Constitutional Review Committee have recommended that the Council follow the Community Governance Review ballot outcome; creating Community Councils in Kennington and South Willesborough and Newtown, not in South Ashford, Central Ashford and North Willesborough. The final decision will be taken at a full Council Meeting next Thursday, 10th December.

The Minutes of the meeting will be available on the ABC Committee page

Ashford Borough Council, Community Councils, Education, News