News

How ABC spends the Borough’s money

2 June 2017 0 Comments

Ashford Borough Council is now making available its annual accounts for inspection for the financial year 2016-17.

Those accounts are available for members of the public to view between 9am and 4.30pm from 5th June until 14th July 2017 at the Civic Centre in Tannery Lane, Ashford, or online at www.ashford.gov.uk/budgeting-accounts.

During this period anyone may inspect or make copies of the accounts, books, deeds, contracts, bills, vouchers, receipts and other related documents of the Council for that financial year, which ended on 31stMarch 2017.

This is in accordance with Section 25 of the Local Audit and Accountability Act 2014.

An appointment must be made before anyone inspects the accounts. To do so, please contact the council’s Head of Finance & IT on 01233 330540.

Anyone wishing to raise objections to the accounts as presented should address their concerns to the auditor Elizabeth Olive, Grant Thornton UK LLP at Grant Thornton House, Melton Street, London NW1 2EP

A guide to your rights can be found at: www.nao.org.uk/code-audit-practice/council-accounts-a-guide-to-your-rights/

Ashford Borough Council 02 June 2017
www.ashford.gov.uk/news/showing-you-how-we-spend-the-boroughs-money-2nd-jun-1631/

Ashford Borough Council, Finance, News

Make sure donations go to genuine charities

28 May 2017 0 Comments

Generous public should make sure donations go to genuine charities supporting the victims in Manchester

Charity Commission and partners issue advice on safer giving

The Charity Commission, together with organisations helping the victims, have issued advice on safer giving in the wake of the terrorist attack in Manchester. The action follows steps taken by the Virgin Giving website after the Westminster attack, to suspend payment to site users until they had verified that the money would go to those for who it was collected.

The Charity Commission is encouraging people wishing to support the victims of this week’s terrorist attack in Manchester to donate to a genuine charitable appeal.

It says that the great British public are always generous in their support for charities and this has already been reflected via the many giving sites set up to support the victims and families of the appalling attacks in Manchester.

The Charity Commission, Greater Manchester Police, the British Red Cross, and the Lord Mayor of Manchester are urging people wishing to help to give to the We love Manchester appeal, launched by the Lord Mayor of Manchester’s Charitable Appeal Trust or to other registered charities. (more…)

Charity, Crime, News, Security

Electrical safety outdoors

27 May 2017 0 Comments

Long summer days mean sunbathing, sizzling barbeques and pottering in the garden. Although electricity makes gardening much easier, wet conditions and contact with the ground means that the risk of injury or death from electric shock is much greater than the risk from using electrical equipment indoors. Read Electrical Safety First’s tips to ensure that the only thing sizzling this summer will be the sausages!

Although electricity makes gardening much easier, wet conditions and contact with the ground means that the risk of injury or death from electric shock is much greater than the risk from using electrical equipment indoors.

Electricity and water don’t mix, so whether it’s pouring from the heavens or there’s still dew on the ground, don’t use electrical equipment outdoors until it is dry.

By following simple safety rules every time you work in the garden, you can easily avoid a serious accident. (more…)

News, Safety

Warm weather fire risks

26 May 2017 0 Comments

Enjoy the warmer weather but be aware of fire risks

If you are out and about enjoying the warmer weather over the Bank Holiday weekend, Kent Fire and Rescue Service (KFRS) asks that you keep safety in mind.

Whether you are going camping, having a barbecue with friends and family or just out and about enjoying the great outdoors, please be mindful of how quickly a fire can start.

Smouldering cigarette butts thrown from car windows or dropped onto grass verges are a common cause of grass and heath fires. The sun’s rays magnified through broken glass or even the heat from a vehicle parked in the long grass of a make-shift field car park can spark a blaze.

Nearly 40 per cent of all the fires KFRS attended were outdoor fires including woodland, grassland, crops, etc. Sixty per cent of these (around 1000 fires) were believed to have been started deliberately and 45 per cent of these by youths (10-17 year olds).

KFRS Area Manager, Mark Rist explains: “Every year, outdoor fires destroy acres of countryside and wildlife habitats. Whether started accidentally or deliberately these types of fires spread much quicker than expected, particularly when vegetation is dry. They cause a great deal of damage and also tie up valuable firefighting resources which could be saving lives elsewhere.

“A number of outdoor fires are started deliberately, often by children and young people who think its harmless fun but what may have been intended to be just a small fire, can quickly spread out of control. Starting fires on purpose is dangerous and a waste of time and money. With half term approaching, we’re asking parents to talk to their children to make sure they understand they could be putting lives at risk, including their own.”

  • Tell-tale signs that your child could be starting fires include:
  • Do their clothes smell of smoke?
  • Are they using or carrying matches and lighters for no particular reason?

If you are concerned in anyway contact the KFRS’ Firesetters team on 01622 692121 or email firesetters@kent.fire-uk.org for advice on how to deal with the problem.

Mark ended: “We would like local people to help us by reporting suspicious behaviour to CRIMESTOPPERS anonymously on 0800 555 111 or the Police on 101. If you spot a fire, please help us by reporting it immediately, rather than presuming someone else has already made the call. Give as much information as you can including location and nearby landmarks to help our crews respond quicker and to minimise the amount of damage that these devastating fires can cause.”

Kent Fire and Rescue Service 26 May 2017
www.kent.fire-uk.org/news/news-releases/may-2017/enjoy-the-warmer-weather-but-be-aware-of-fire-risks/

Crime, News, Safety

Scammers taking advantage of global WannaCry attack.

24 May 2017 0 Comments

Action Fraud has received the first reports of Tech-Support scammers claiming to be from Microsoft who are taking advantage of the global WannaCry ransomware attack.

One victim fell for the scam after calling a ‘help’ number advertised on a pop up window. The window which wouldn’t close said the victim had been affected by WannaCry Ransomware.

The victim granted the fraudsters remote access to their PC after being convinced there wasn’t sufficient anti-virus protection. The fraudsters then installed Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool, which is actually free and took £320 as payment.

It is important to remember that Microsoft’s error and warning messages on your PC will never include a phone number.

Additionally Microsoft will never proactively reach out to you to provide unsolicited PC or technical support. Any communication they have with you must be initiated by you.

How to protect yourself

  • Don’t call numbers from pop-up messages.
  • Never allow remote access to your computer.
  • Always be wary of unsolicited calls. If you’re unsure of a caller’s identity, hang up.
  • Never divulge passwords or pin numbers.
  • Microsoft or someone on their behalf will never call you.

If you believe you have already been a victim

Get your computer checked for any additional programmes or software that may have been installed.
Contact your bank to stop any further payments being taken.
Report fraud and cyber crime to http://actionfraud.police.uk

Action Fraud 23 May 2017

Crime, News

Create Festival Scoops Kent Culture Award

23 May 2017 0 Comments

Create Tree LogoThe Create Music Festival, held annually in Victoria Park, scooped Cultural Event of the Year at the 2017 Kent Creative Awards on Friday 19th May.

The gala ceremony, hosted at Ashford School, recognises creative individuals, projects and organisations for their worthwhile contribution to Kent Culture. Upon receiving the Kent Culture award, organiser and council officer, Chris Dixon, gave thanks to all those who have contributed to the festival over its 22 year history.

Create is now one of the South East’s biggest free music festivals, taking place every July in Victoria Park, and is set to get even bigger! This year, Create will be like no other year, as it branches out to launch Create Platform, a new week-long programme of events across Ashford that leads up to the big day.

Create Platform promises uniquely themed exhibitions, concerts and street entertainment in spaces you would least expect them. Prepare to Dance in the Streets with Bowie, Take the Ska Train with Teflon, picnic with Mr Harper, get arty with a latte, and get scribbling with The Doodle Man!

Other Ashford award winners and successes on the night were Revelation Ashford who achieved Cultural Venue of the Year, and Derek Himsley, based at Evegate Art Gallery, who received a special mention for producing outstanding work and for having a particular impact within the community.

Christina Fuller, Head of Culture for Ashford Borough Council, said: “All these local achievements is a recognition of all the efforts that go in to building the cultural offer in Ashford, and the council is confident we will see even more success in the future as the town and the borough continues to grow.”

For more information about Create Festival and the new Create Platform programme, please visit www.createfestival.co.uk

Ashford Borough Council 23 May 2017
http://www.ashford.gov.uk/news/create-festival-scoops-kent-culture-award-23rd-may-1624/

Ashford Borough Council, Entertainment, News

Election campaign literature

23 May 2017 0 Comments

We noticed a number of comments on social media regarding the lack of information relating to the candidates for the recent Kent County Council Election.

We have asked all of the parties fielding candidates for the Ashford Constituency for the General Election and the Ashford Borough Council By-election for the Victoria Ward to provide us with pdf copies of their campaign leaflets. Those that have been provided can be viewed from the links below.

Neither South Ashford Community Forum nor the South Ashford website supports any of the candidates nor their parties for either election, nor do we accept any responsibility for, nor necessarily agree with, the information provided by the candidates.

General Election
Name of Candidate Party Literature
GATHERN Sally Labour Party Not yet available
GEE-TURNER Adrian John Liberal Democrats View
GREEN Damian Conservative Party Not yet available
O’BRIEN Gerald Michael UKIP View
ROSSI Mandy Green Party View

By-election
Name of Candidate Party Literature
GALLOWAY James Angus Liberal Democrats View
GOLDENBERG Serge UKIP View
PIZZEY Maria Ann Green Party View
ROBEY David Conservative Party Not yet available
SUDDARDS Charles Labour Party Not yet available

As we do not want this website used for political debate, comments are disabled on this post.

Ashford Borough Council, Democracy, Government, News

Last chance to register for elections

22 May 2017 0 Comments

Your vote matters - don't lose itIf you want to vote in the General Election or
the Victoria Ward by election
you must be registered by 11:59pm tonight.

Register now:

Online

You will need to provide your national insurance number to register. This can be found on your national insurance card if you have one, or on paperwork such as your payslip, letters about benefits, tax credits and some pension documents. Please make sure you enter it correctly as it will be checked before you can be registered.  If you do not have a national insurance number you can still use the website to make an application but it will ask you to give a reason and you may be contacted for more details.
www.gov.uk/register-to-vote

Telephone

the Electoral Services Office on 01233 330402,

Write to

Electoral Services
Ashford Borough Council
Civic Centre
Tannery Lane
Ashford
Kent
TN23 1PL

Am I already registered?

It is not possible to check online whether or not you are already registered. You can contact Electoral Services on 01233 330402 if you want to discuss any issues around your registration or call into our offices to view the current electoral register. Please note Electoral Services will not discuss your registration with anyone else including family members.

Electoral registration

About My Vote www.aboutmyvote.co.uk/register-to-vote

gov.uk www.gov.uk/register-to-vote

Ashford Bourough Council www.ashford.gov.uk/electoral-registration

#YourVoteMatters

Ashford Borough Council, Democracy, Government, News

Gateway Church takes over Wyvern School building

20 May 2017 0 Comments

The Gateway Church have acquired the Wyvern (Riverside) School building in Clockhouse. The New Frontiers Church have for many years met at the North School. For some time they also ran the furniture project in Dover Place and still undertake activities at “The Hub” in Park Mall in Ashford town centre.

The Riverside building has been vacant for some years following the relocation of the Wyvern School to its current building to the north of Brookfield Road.

We understand that the Church expect to have the “Riverside Centre” operational in September of this year.

church, Community, News

Voters with no fixed address

19 May 2017 0 Comments

Your vote matters - don't lose itYou can still register to vote even if you do not have a fixed address. This may be because you are:

  • A patient in a mental health hospital
  • Homeless
  • A merchant seaman
  • Part of the gypsy or travelling community
  • Living on a boat or other moveable residence
  • A person remanded in custody

If you are staying at an address for an extended length of time then you can be considered as residing there and can register for that address. This could be a hospital, hostel, prison facility or similar place.

You can register online at gov.uk/register-to-vote.

If you do not have a permanent address, you can register at an address where you spend a substantial part of your time or have some connection. This could be a previously permanent address, shelter or similar place.

You can register by filling in a form called a ‘Declaration of local connection’. You can download a Register to vote form (no fixed address) from gov.uk. There are two forms – one for people in England and Wales and one for people in Scotland. Alternatively, you can get the form from your local electoral registration office:

Telephone

the Electoral Services Office on 01233 330402,

Write to

Electoral Services
Ashford Borough Council
Civic Centre
Tannery Lane
Ashford
Kent
TN23 1PL

You can read more detailed information relevant to you on the Your Vote Matters website
www.yourvotematters.co.uk/can-i-vote/registering-to-vote-with-no-fixed-address

You must register to vote by the coming Monday, 22 May, to vote in the General Election or the Victoria Ward By-election

Ashford Borough Council, Democracy, Government, News