Ashford Borough Council

Council tax support consultation

1 December 2015 0 Comments

Ashfored Borough CouncilCouncil tax support has now been in place for three years. Following extensive consultation back in 2012, Ashford Borough Council introduced a localised council tax support scheme to replace council tax benefit, which was phased out by the government. The principle of the council’s scheme is to support working-age claimants to return to employment.

The existing scheme, which is based on a countywide scheme with local variances, has worked well and council tax collection rates have remained at over 98%. Following the consultation, Ashford Borough Council adjusted its proposed scheme and is proud to be the only borough in the county offering additional protection to disabled claimants and carers. (more…)

Ashford Borough Council, News

Ashford Town Centre Conservation Area Review

19 November 2015 0 Comments

Ashfored Borough CouncilAshford Borough Council (ABC) have appointed a consultant to undertake a review of the Conservation Area (CA) of Ashford Town Centre. This includes an updated appraisal of the CA which describes the history and character of the area as well as discussing enhancement opportunities in a new management plan. The document is in draft form and ABC would like the views of local residents on the content. You can view the draft appraisal and proposals through this online consultation, where you can make as many comments as you wish.

Public exhibition

ABC are also holding a public exhibition in St Mary’s Church Hall on Saturday 28th November from10am-1pm for residents and business owners to come along and view the documents in person. (more…)

Ashford Borough Council, Consultation, Environment, Heritage, News, Planning and Development, Planning Policy

Christmas Recycling & Refuse Collections 2015/16

18 November 2015 2 Comments

recyclingDuring the festive period, your recycling and refuse collections may take place on different days. Check our calendar below – and read on for tips on how to recycle more this Christmas!

Week Normal Collection Day Revised Collection Day
REFUSE Mon 21 Dec Mon 21 Dec (no change)
Tues 22 Dec Tues 22 Dec (no change)
Wed 23 Dec Wed 23 Dec (no change)
Thurs 24 Dec Thurs 24 Dec (no change)
Fri 25 Dec Mon 28 Dec
RECYCLING Mon 28 Dec Tues 29 Dec
Tues 29 Dec Wed 30 Dec
Wed 30 Dec Thurs 31 Dec
Thurs 31 Dec Sat 2 Jan
Fri 1 Jan Mon 4 Jan
REFUSE Mon 4 Jan Tues 5 Jan
Tues 5 Jan Wed 6 Jan
Wed 6 Jan Thurs 7 Jan
Thurs 7 Jan Fri 8 Jan
Fri 8 Jan Sat 9 Jan

Normal collections resume on Monday 11 January.

All 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. (more…)

Ashford Borough Council, Environment, News

Waiting Restrictions and Street Parking Places

18 November 2015 0 Comments

Ashfored Borough CouncilNOTICE is hereby given that the KENT COUNTY COUNCIL acting as local traffic authority and in exercise of its powers under sections 1(1), 2(1) to (3), 3(2), 4(1) to (3), 32(1), 35(1), 45, 46, 49, 53 and 124 and Part IV of Schedule 9 to the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 and of all other enabling powers, intends to make the above Order, the effect of which will be to amend The Kent County Council (Various Roads, Borough of Ashford) (Waiting Restrictions and Street Parking Places) Consolidation Order 2015′ (as amended), the
effect of which will be:
In the Town of Ashford (listing only the changes in South Ashford)

  • Beaver Lane: Introduction of Double Yellow Lines round the entrance to No’s 113 to 127 Beaver Lane.

This Order will also make administrative changes to certain parts of The Kent County Council (Various Roads, Borough of Ashford) (Waiting Restrictions and Street Parking Places) Consolidation Order 2015′ (as amended), which will not change the extent of any restrictions as they presently appear on the ground (listing only the changes in South Ashford).

  • Arlington: Administrative amendment to improve accuracy of description.
  • Bowens Field: Amendment to times of restriction to match on street signage.

A copy of the proposed Order and supporting documents may be inspected on line at www,ashford.gov.uk/parkingconsultation or in hard copy format at Ashford Gateway Plus, Church Road, Ashford, Kent TN23 1AS between 9am and 6pm Monday to Wednesday, 9am and 8pm Thursday, 9am and 6pm Friday and 9am and 5pm Saturday. A copy of the proposed Order will also be available at the main reception of Sessions House, Maidstone, Kent ME14 1XQ between 8am and 6pm Monday to Friday.
Any objections or other representations relating to this Order must be made in writing to: Engineering Services, Ashford Borough Council, Civic Centre, Tannery Lane, Ashford, Kent, TN23 1PL or by email to consultation@ashford.gov.uk. Any objection must specify the grounds on which it is made.

Objections or other representations to this Order should include return address details and quotereference “2015/Am7”, but must be received by no later than midnight on Thursday 10th December in order to be considered.

Barbara Cooper, Corporate Director; Growth, Environment and Transport; Kent County Council; County Hall; Maidstone; Kent ME14 1XQ

Dated Thursday 19th November 2015

 

Ashford Borough Council, Consultation, Kent County Council, News, Transport

Community Council ballot outcome

9 November 2015 0 Comments

Even though we are aware that, as stated in the original literature sent to residents, the results of the ballot (for and against) are non-binding on the Council and are one part of the consultation process, we are disappointed with the voting, .

Whilst we appreciate that the Borough Council were trying to maintain neutrality, they could have been more informative regarding the precept. Many people saw the top figure quoted of £88 pa and assumed that the Community Council precepts could be similar. The Council’s literature didn’t indicate why Tenterden’s precept is so large and hence not likely to be representative of the urban areas. This fuelled ill informed statements made against the creation of Community Councils. The situation was not helped by the minimal coverage in the local press, despite this potentially being the biggest change in local governance, in the Borough, since 1974.

If the Borough Council do not create a Community Council for South Ashford, South Ashford Community Forum will continue do its best to represent the views of the residents and will seek increased support from the Borough Council to enable us to do this more effectively.

South Ashford Community Forum 9th November 2015

Kentish Express 12 November 2015

Kentish Express p27

Ashford Borough Council, Community Councils, Democracy, News, Press, SACF

Last week for Community Council comments

25 October 2015 1 Comment

Ashfored Borough CouncilThose who, haven’t done so, and wish to comment on Ashford Borough Council’s Draft Recommendation, that propose a Community Council for South Ashford have until this coming Friday, 30th October, to submit their comments.

The draft recommendations can be downloaded from Community Governance Review page on the Council’s website.

You can use the links below to respond to the consultation.

Consultation on proposed community councils

Or submit your comments by email to review@ashford.gov.uk

or write to the Council at:

CGR
Legal Services
Civic Centre
Tannery Lane
Ashford
Kent
TN23 1PL

Read more about Community Councils

Ashford Borough Council, Community Councils, Democracy, News

Don’t get left in the dark, visit the community advice drop-in shop!

23 October 2015 0 Comments

Ashfored Borough CouncilHalloween and bonfire night are just around the corner so it’s a good time to think about your personal safety and that of your family to ensure these two favourites keep the emphasis on the fun!

With this in mind the community advice drop-in shop is returning to County Square during the half term week from Thursday 29th to Saturday 31st October. (more…)

Ashford Borough Council, News, Safety

Victoria Park – Suggestions please!

13 October 2015 0 Comments

Following his presentation to South Ashford Community Forum on 16th September, Chris Dixon of ABC is asking for suggestions to improve Victoria Park. The outline of the presentation is attached to the Minutes of the Meeting, available from our Minutes and Agendas page.

 

Ashford Borough Council, Environment, News, SACF