News

Learn to Fix your Bicycle

13 January 2016 2 Comments

cycle repairs photoCycleWorkshops offer beginners the opportunity to learn the basics of bicycle maintenance – bike setup, puncture repair, brake and gear adjustment.  The relaxed 4-hour sessions are delivered at Cycle Circle’s workshop in Norfolk Drive, Ashford (TN23 4FB).

The cost is subsidised by Active Ashford – just £20 (and redeemable against tools on the day).

You can book one of the dates via Cycle Circle’s website http://cyclecircle.co.uk/cycleworkshop/

  • 13th February, 2016
  • 9th April, 2016
  • 4th June, 2016
  • 10th September, 2016

All of the workshops run from 10.00 – 14.00

We have added these dates to our calendar

Education, Health, News, Transport

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

Kent urged to keep warm and well

11 January 2016 0 Comments

Kent County CouncilWith cold and wintry weather predicted over the next few days, families across Kent are being urged to follow a few simple measures to keep their loved ones safe and healthy.

Prolonged cold weather can be a risk for anyone although vulnerable people, including the elderly and children under five, are particularly at risk and common sense advice can help in severe weather, both at home or out and about. (more…)

Health, Kent County Council, News, Safety

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

Big Garden Birdwatch

11 January 2016 0 Comments

House SparrowTake part in the RSPB’s Big Garden Birdwatch and contribute to the world’s largest wildlife survey! Count birds for an hour and tell us what you see.

More than half a million people from across the UK are set to take part by counting the birds in their gardens over the weekend of 30-31 January, 2016. They’ll also make a record of the other wildlife they see throughout the year, providing a vital snapshot of UK nature. Request a FREE pack or simply register your details to save time on the weekend and get £5 off your next purchase in our shop.*

Big Garden Birdwatch will bring you closer to nature. It takes just an hour and is suitable for all ages and abilities.

(*Must be 18 or over. Terms and conditions apply.)

Royal Society for the Protection of Birds

Environment, 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

Are you willing to pay £5 for additional firearms officers

8 January 2016 0 Comments

Kent Police and Crime Commissioner
Kent Police and Crime Commissioner Ann Barnes says that she has to put 37 more firearms officers on the books here in Kent so has launched a consultation about raising an average family’s policing precept by £5 for the year to help pay for them.

She says that her current plan takes into account a 2% increase in the council tax precept but the Government has made it clear that it is assuming Police and Crime Commissioners will increase their precepts as far as they are allowed. In the case of Kent that is by £5 per year (3.4%) because Kent has one of the lowest policing precepts in the country. She would like the people of Kent to make their views known by taking part in an online poll.

She says that Kent is the border to Europe and she has a duty to make sure that the Chief Constable has the resources he needs to keep us as safe as possible in these difficult times.

The consultation closes on Friday 15 January 2016

Kent Police and Crime Commissioner

Crime, News, Safety

Kent parents encouraged to get Sugar Smart

7 January 2016 2 Comments

Sugar Smart by change 4 lifeA new campaign has been launched, encouraging Kent parents to get “Sugar Smart” and take control of their children’s sugar intake.

The Change4Life campaign follows revelations that four-to-10 year olds consume an estimated 5,500 sugar cubes a year (22kg), weighing the same as an average five-year-old.

Currently, 22.5% of four to five-year-olds are overweight or obese in Kent, increasing to 33% in 10 to 11-year-olds. This means they are more likely to become obese adults who are more prone to a range of serious health problems, such as heart disease, some cancers and Type 2 diabetes. Nationally, there are now 2.5 million people suffering from Type 2 diabetes, 90% of which are overweight or obese.

A new Sugar Smart app has been launched nationally to help parents to see how much sugar there is in everyday food and drink. The free app works by scanning the barcode of products and revealing the amount of total sugar it contains in cubes and grams. (more…)

Health, Kent County Council, News