News

ABC Cabinet recommends £ 4.55 Council Tax increase

17 February 2016 1 Comment

ABC CrestLast Thursday night Ashford Borough Council’s cabinet members considered new options put to them by central government about the level at which council tax can be set for the financial year 2016-17.

Ashford’s element of council tax is the lowest in Kent. Indeed, as it sets one of the lowest precepts in the country, Ashford has been given special dispensation by central government to raise its element of council tax by up to £5 a year for the forthcoming financial year, without triggering a referendum.

The news that the borough council was to have this option came last Monday afternoon, when the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, Greg Clark MP, addressed the House of Commons. He stated that this option was open to “the most economical authorities” which includes Ashford Borough Council.

However, cabinet members took the view that it would not recommend raising council tax by the full £5 but by £4.55 per year. If full council approves this approach on 18th February it means that the average charge for a band D property for the 2016-17 financial year in Ashford will be exactly £150. The average district council tax for Kent is set to be £190.35 for 2016-17. (more…)

Ashford Borough Council, Finance, Kent County Council, News

Parents reminded to use Health Help Now

12 February 2016 0 Comments

Ashford CCGParents and carers across east Kent are being reminded about where to go if they need NHS help for themselves or their children over the school half term.

The February school break is a busy period for NHS services and it is important that people use the right service when they are ill or injured.

Dr Navin Kumta, Chair of NHS Ashford Clinical Commissioning Group, said: “There is nothing more frustrating than not knowing what to do when you or your children are poorly. (more…)

Children, Health, News

Create Festival – Saturday Date

12 February 2016 0 Comments

Create Tree LogoAshford Borough Council have announced that the 2016 Create Music Festival will be held on Saturday 23rd July in Ashford’s Victoria Park. ABC say in their announcement “due to public demand, Create will switch from its usual Sunday slot, hoping to encourage an even bigger festival feel for the town”.

The new Saturday date falls on the 175th birthday of George Harper, the man who kindly gifted the exuberant Fountain to Victoria Park in 1912. To mark this, festival organisers will be introducing a new “Fountain Stage” showcasing young local talent and community music groups. It will however prevent an event similar to last years Mr. Harper’s Birthday celebration which was attended by a large number of younger children. (more…)

Ashford Borough Council, Entertainment, News

Return to all-night lighting

12 February 2016 0 Comments

Streetlights-LEDFollowing the announcement on 5 February, Kent County Council has now agreed to an optimised all-night street lighting policy with the introduction of new energy-efficient LED lights.

At a meeting of the Environment and Transport Cabinet Committee this afternoon, members agreed to introducing all-night lighting – with the ability to dim individual lights so that it is right for every street – once work has been completed on installing the new LED lamps. (more…)

Environment, Kent County Council, News, Transport

Warning of upsurge in text scams

11 February 2016 0 Comments

Fraud WatchConsumers are being warned of a recent upsurge in spoof text message which appear to be sent from their bank or a government department in a bid to steal their personal or financial information.

The scam text messages claim that there has been suspicious activity on the recipient’s account or that their account details need to be ‘updated’ or ‘verified’. The recent rising trend has been reported to Financial Fraud Action UK.

The fraudulent texts encourage people to visit a website or call a number, often claiming the matter is urgent. However the website or telephone number is actually controlled by the fraudster, enabling them to steal security details which can be used to access the victim’s bank account and take money. (more…)

Crime, Finance, News

Public invited to CCG engagement day

10 February 2016 0 Comments

Ashford CCGPatients and members of the public are invited to help shape a new public and patient engagement strategy for NHS Ashford Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG).

The CCG’s draft one year plan and five-year vision will be shared and there will be the opportunity to discuss how the CCG can work with patients and the public more closely.

The event is being held at the Singleton Environment Centre, Wesley School Road, Ashford, TN23 5LW, on Wednesday 30 March. Coffee from 9am, starting 9.30am to 4.30pm.

The invitation is open to patients, voluntary sector organisations, patient participation groups, parish councillors or any interested member of the community.

For further information or to register to attend, please email Maureen.thomas1@nhs.net or phone 03000 424815 or fill in an invitation http://www.ashfordccg.nhs.uk/EasySiteWeb/GatewayLink.aspx?alId=431026.

NHS Ashford Clinical Commissioning Group 9 February 2016 http://www.ashfordccg.nhs.uk/news/blog/?blogpost=8297#.Vrus0ll31L0

Communications, Health, News

Safer Internet Day 2016

9 February 2016 0 Comments

Safer Internet Day Masthead

Play your part for a better internet!

Today is Safer Internet Day!

Safer Internet Day 2016 is taking place today, on the 9th February, with the theme Play your part for a better internet!

Coordinated in the UK by the UK Safer Internet Centre the celebration sees over a thousand organisations get involved to help promote the safe, responsible and positive use of digital technology for children and young people. (more…)

Communications, News, Safety