Onlooker Report – Ash Parish Council Ordinary Meeting 7 July 2025

/in News/by Clerk

July’s Parish Council meeting welcomed two prospective councillors who joined us to observe proceedings, alongside several members of the public who raised a range of local concerns. We received updates from Dover District Council and Kent Police, though we continue to await regular representation from Kent County Council (KCC). We’ll be writing again to request either attendance or a monthly report. 

Parish Updates 

As ever, the Parish Council’s action list remains full! Here are some highlights: 

  • Allotments: All plots are now fully let—and we have a long waiting list. 
  • Litter Reduction: A new public waste bin has been approved for Westmarsh Village Hall and will be installed as soon as Dover District Council can fulfil the order. 
  • Recreation Ground Toilets: We’re pleased to report that, barring a few final snagging issues, the toilets should be open again very soon! New steel doors have been fitted, safety checks completed, and a deep clean carried out. Redecoration is planned during the winter closure period. These facilities were closed due to repeated vandalism—please help us keep them clean, safe, and open by treating them with care. We will update once they are open for use. 

Remembering Ray Hooker 

Many residents will remember Ray Hooker, a much-loved member of our community who tragically lost his life while crossing the A257. The Parish Council has been approached about how best to honour Ray’s memory using the remaining funds from the collection raised at the time.  

Public Correspondence & Community Matters 

  • Parish Vision: A resident raised a thoughtful question about the long-term strategic direction of the parish. This is something we’ll be exploring further. 
  • Havelock Place Safety: Residents expressed concern about poor visibility when exiting Havelock Place onto The Street, worsened by parked vehicles and nearby construction. A request has been made for a mirror at the Street End bus stop to improve sightlines—this will be investigated with KCC. 
  • Girlguiding Milestone: Ash Girlguiding celebrates its 105th anniversary on 11 October. Councillors have been invited to join the celebrations 
  • Trustee Appointment: Cllr Porter has agreed to serve as a trustee for the Cartwright Godfrey and Kelsey Charitable Trust, alongside Peter Chandler who continues as the Chairman. 

Nature & Biodiversity 

Ash Wildlife Friendly Village (AWFV) has proposed two exciting initiatives: 

  • Pollinator Pockets: These small, nectar-rich planting areas support bees, butterflies, and other pollinators—boosting biodiversity and enhancing our green spaces. 
  • Ecological Study: A detailed survey of the western end of the village is being considered to better understand and protect local habitats. 

Both initiatives align with Objective 1 of the Ash Neighbourhood Development Plan (ANDP), which seeks to promote green spaces and reduce biodiversity loss. Work will continue over the coming months to identify suitable sites and move these projects forward.  The ANDP can be viewed on the Parish council website 

Recreation Ground News 

  • Play Area Project: Unfortunately, the long-awaited improvements to the Recreation Ground play area have been delayed and are now expected in Spring 2026. While disappointing, this is a major project that must be done properly to ensure it serves future generations. We remain committed to delivering it as soon as possible.
    A heartfelt thank you to the Jack Foat Trust, the Frank Kingsland Trust and the Cartwright Godfrey and Kelsey Trust for their generous pledges toward Play Area 2. 
  • Bylaws Review: The Recreation Ground bylaws, originally set in May 1999, were reviewed against the Government’s model bylaws. After discussion, the Council resolved to retain the current bylaws and revisit them in a few years. These will be publicly displayed at the Recreation Ground. 
  • Tree & Hedgerow Policy: A new policy has been adopted to guide responsible tree management, ensuring risks to people and property are identified and addressed. You can read the full policy on our website. 

Footpaths & Highways 

  • Footpaths: The Footpaths Working Group continues to liaise with residents and KCC. Recent issues include: 
  • Overgrown hedges on Footpath EE111 (formerly managed by the Jack Foat Trust) 
  • Potholes on Footpath EE117 
  • Confusion over access on EE81 at Hoaden where a rerouted path now crosses land marked “Private” 
  • Highways Consultation: We’ll be launching a public consultation this October to gather feedback for the next Highways Improvement Plan (HIP). Expect an online survey and an in-person drop-in session—details to follow. 

VJ Day 80 

Village plans are underway to commemorate the 80th anniversary of VJ Day on 15 August. Keep an eye out for more information in the coming weeks. 

Library Update 

Plans to install a new projector screen at the library have unfortunately proven unworkable due to retrofit challenges, so this will not proceed at present. 

There is no Parish Council meeting in August, so we wish you all a wonderful summer and look forward to seeing you at our next meeting on 1 September.