Onlooker Report – Ash Parish Council Ordinary Meeting 3 November 2025
Here’s your monthly round-up of updates from Ash Parish Council, including progress on highways, community safety, and local initiatives.
Highway Improvement Plan 2025–26
Thank you to everyone who responded to the consultation—8% of residents took part. Based on your feedback, the following priorities have been agreed (subject to feasibility and further consultation):
- 20mph Speed Limit within the Village of Ash
This was the most requested intervention across nearly every location.
A public consultation will be carried out next year to obtain your views on this. - Extended Waiting Restrictions and a Keep Clear/Yellow Box Junction at The Street, Pound Corner and Chequer Lane junction
Visibility and access issues were raised about this village centre location. - Reduction of Speed Limit from National Speed Limit to 50mph on A257 (Ash Bypass)
The A257 was repeatedly cited as a major safety concern due to perceived excessive speeds and poor junction visibility.
Parking & Enforcement – What You Told Us
Residents voiced strong concerns about:
* Long-stay parking in The Street car park
* Illegal parking on double yellow lines and junctions
* Lack of enforcement causing unsafe conditions
The Parish Council will continue to engage with DDC to explore solutions.
Recreation Ground Updates
Fencing Grant Application
A grant has been submitted to Dover District Council under the Rural Prosperity Fund to replace fencing at the Recreation Ground.
Toilet Vandalism
Sadly, the newly reopened toilets have been vandalised. Please report incidents to Kent Police. Toilets are now closed for winter and will reopen on 1 April.
Dog Owner Reminder
Ash welcomes responsible dog owners. Please ensure your dog is under control at all times.
A dog is considered dangerously out of control if:
* It injures a person
* It causes someone to fear injury
* If your dog injures another animal or causes fear during an incident, this may be an offence. Report concerns to Kent Police on 101.
Football
The Council has been approached by a local football team to use the dormant pitch at the Recreation Ground and has agreed to temporarily host them until the end of the 2025/26 season. More information to follow if this goes ahead.
Defibrillator Request
A resident proposed installing a fifth defibrillator near Pound Corner, supported by a British Heart Foundation grant. Ash currently has four defibrillators, but only two (Village Hall & Pavilion) are accessible 24/7. The Parish Council supports the proposal in principle, pending further details on installation and maintenance. This will be discussed further in December.
Date for your diary
All welcome to come and view our plans for the new play area at Ash Recreation Ground on Saturday 6 December at Ash Village Hall, 10am to 12pm.
If you’d like to raise an issue or get involved in local initiatives, please contact the Parish Council or attend a future meeting. Your voice matters.
Kent County Council (KCC) Updates from Cllr Peter Evans
Adult Education Cuts
Cllr Evans reported that central Government has reduced the Adult Education budget by £520,000, with North Kent expected to feel the greatest impact. The revised focus will be on equipping residents with skills to re-enter the workforce.
Eurostar Campaign Gains Momentum
Thanks to a public campaign with over 82,000 signatures, hopes are rising for Eurostar’s return to Kent. As of 30 October, new competition rules allow other operators—potentially Virgin Trains—to bid for access to the line, with Ashford among the proposed stops.
Workplace Placements Needed
East Kent College in Dover is struggling to secure local work experience placements for students. If you run a business and can help, please contact the college on 01304 244332. An Open Day is scheduled for 24 November.
A257 Bypass Safety
Cllr Evans has secured a meeting with the KCC Highways Portfolio Holder to discuss safety concerns on the A257 Ash Bypass and explore potential improvements.
Burford Alley Repairs
Following resurfacing earlier this year, the gravel section of Burford Alley was damaged in June’s heavy rain. This has been raised with KCC for repair.
Dover District Council (DDC) Updates from Cllr Trevor Bartlett and Cllr Martin Porter
Parking & Potholes
Cllr Bartlett met with DDC’s new Parking Services Manager to raise concerns about potholes in village car parks and general parking issues. A request for more frequent enforcement has been submitted.
Anti-Social Behaviour
Reports of drinking and disruptive behaviour at The Street bus stop were noted. Residents are reminded to report incidents—however minor—via Kent Police on 101 or online. Proper reporting ensures action.
Goshall Valley Solar Farm
The planning application is expected to go before DDC’s Planning Committee on 27 November (subject to agenda confirmation).
Streetlamp Repairs
Two faulty streetlamps on The Street have been reported and are scheduled for repair.
Staple Parking Concerns
Residents have raised concerns about inconsiderate parking at Guilton and Durlock Road. Please park responsibly to ensure safety and access for all.
