Onlooker Report – Ash Parish Council Ordinary Meeting 1 September 2025
The Parish Council reconvened on 1 September after the summer break, and there’s lots to share from our latest meeting.
Remembering Nina Vallack
We were saddened to hear of the passing of Nina Vallack, who served on the Parish Council for many years. Her dedication to Ash will be long remembered.
Welcome New Councillors
We’re thrilled to welcome Lynn Gambrel and Annette Rose to the Parish Council. Both bring great energy and a strong commitment to our community. Their co-option brings our numbers to 10 Councillors as we also say goodbye to Derek Richford, who has stepped down. With thanks to Derek for his contributions, particularly for his work on footpaths around the Parish.
Dover District Council Updates
Cllr Trevor Bartlett shared news of successful summer grant applications. Congratulations to Ash Rugby Club, Ash Wildlife Friendly Village, and 1st Ash Next Sandwich Rangers – all worthy recipients!
The next round of Community Grants, focused on Cost of Living support, opens on 17 September. We will share details in due course and would encourage all local groups to apply.
Looking for Work?
Free job support sessions are available across the district. No booking needed—just drop in for help with CVs, applications, and interview prep:
Dover Charlton Centre: 1st Monday monthly, starting 1 Sept, 10am–1pm
Deal Welfare Club: 4th Friday monthly, starting 26 Sept, 12pm–3pm
Sandwich Jubilee Centre: 3rd Friday monthly, starting 19 Sept, 12pm–3pm
Volunteer with Kearsney Parks
Interested in volunteering? Email email hidden; JavaScript is required to join their database and get involved.
Meet Cllr Peter Evans
We welcomed our new Kent County Councillor, Cllr Peter Evans, to his first Ash Parish Council meeting. He represents 11 parishes and is working hard to attend as many meetings as possible.
Devolution Update
Cllr Evans and Cllr Bartlett shared that more detailed updates on the proposed Government plans to devolve more powers to local authorities is expected in November.
Spring Bulb Planting
We’re proud to support Ash Wildlife Friendly Village’s upcoming bulb planting events in October and November. This initiative aligns with the Ash Neighbourhood Development Plan’s goals to protect and enhance our village’s character and biodiversity. Keep an eye out for ways to join in from Ash Wildlife Friendly Village.
Highway Improvement Plan – Have Your Say
We’ll be launching a resident consultation this month to help shape our Highway Improvement Plan for 2026–27.
There’ll be an online survey and a drop-in session at the Village Hall. Details coming soon. Whilst resident views and feedback are key in this process, the final decisions on any improvements will rest with Kent County Council.
Recreational Facilities Update
Our Community Caretaker, Duncan, has been busy with maintenance across village spaces.
A tree health survey will be carried out at the recreation ground and Pound Corner to ensure safety.
The hedge along Queens Road and around the tennis court will be trimmed in the coming weeks.
The Play Area 2 project is progressing. The Council has approved the tender specification, which will now be posted on the Government portal.
Planning Enforcement Feedback
We’ve submitted feedback to the Kent Association of Local Councils (KALC) ahead of their meeting with Dover District Council. We highlighted concerns around under-resourcing, procedural complexity, and legal loopholes in the current planning enforcement system. These issues affect public trust and fairness. We await the outcome of the meeting.
