Onlooker Report – Ash Parish Council Ordinary Meeting – 2 March 2026

/in News/by Clerk

The Parish Council met on Monday 2 March with a full agenda…

Public Contributions

  • Guilton sinkhole: Residents raised concerns about the recent sinkhole and the lack of urgent action. It was also noted that road users have been moving safety barriers and continuing to drive over the pothole.
  • Following the sad passing of much loved and long-time resident of Ash, friends are exploring ways to honour his many years of service to the community, especially his work with the Scouts.

Parish Council Business

Play Area 2 – Work Starting Soon

We’re delighted to confirm that the contract for Play Area 2 has been agreed. Work is expected to begin 20 April and finish in early June. Funding has come from S106 developer contributions, Parish reserves, and generous support from the Jack Foat, Frank Kingsland and Cartwright Godfrey and Kesley Trusts. More details will follow as the start date approaches.

Highways & Transport

  • The 20mph consultation is now open until 31 March. This follows long‑standing concerns about speeding in the village.  Please complete the survey which can be done online or by returning the form here:  20mph Speed Limit – Have your say! – Ash Parish Council A formal KCC consultation will follow.
    Please note: Parish funds cannot be used for road or pavement repairs—this is the responsibility of KCC Highways.
  • A257 pedestrian warning signs are scheduled for installation on 31 March.

Meeting Dates Changing

From May, Parish Council meetings will move to the 1st Thursday of each month in the main Village Hall.

  • 13 April meeting: Library (as usual)
  • 7 May meeting: Main Village Hall, 19:00

Other items to note

  • Recreation Ground toilets are being redecorated and will reopen on 1 April.
  • The 2026/27 precept demand has been submitted.
  • The Parish Grant Scheme will reopen for 2026. Local groups will be invited to apply—details will be shared on the website and Facebook page in due course.
  • Events at the Recreation Ground

The Ash Carnival Association has submitted an event notification, which the Council supports in principle pending further details.
If you’re planning an event, please contact email hidden; JavaScript is required.

  • Future S106 Funding

The Parish Council has been asked by Dover District Council to outline future priorities for S106 contributions to support long‑term improvements in Ash.

Annual Parish Meeting – Save the Date

29 April, St Faith’s School – 19:00 for a 19:30 start
This is a community meeting rather than a formal council session. It’s a chance for residents, groups and organisations to share updates, celebrate achievements, and meet representatives from DDC, KCC and the Parish Council. Refreshments provided. The agenda will be published at least 10 days beforehand.

Ash Village Hall Open Day

Councillors will be attending the Village Hall Open Day on Sunday 22 March, hosted by the Village Hall Management Committee. We hope to see many of you there.

Kent County Council Update

  • KCC’s budget has been approved with no cuts to frontline services, achieved through renegotiated contracts.
  • Potholes: A new contractor takes over on 1 April. Until then, only emergency potholes are being addressed.
  • Cllr Evans continues to work with KCC on safety concerns along the A257.

Dover District Council Update

  • A proposed 2.9% increase in the DDC portion of Council Tax for a Band D property in 2026/27 (£6.57 per year).
  • REACH Awards 2026: Nominations are open for:
    • Little Picker of the Year (18+)
    • Junior Little Picker of the Year (under 18)
    • Community Project of the Year
    • Green Organisation of the Year
      Closing date: 29 March.
  • Community Governance Review: Residents are invited to take part in the consultation on parish arrangements. Complete the online form via DDC website by 2 April
  • £100k in community grants will be available this year—details coming soon.
  • Great British Spring Clean: Ash’s event will take place Saturday 14 March, 13:00–15:00, meeting at Ash Village Hall. Equipment provided—everyone welcome.  Events are being held district wide if you are unable to join us in Ash

Kent Police

No report was received this month. Residents are encouraged to sign up to My Community Voice for updates on local police drop‑in sessions and other safety information.