Onlooker Report – Ash Parish Council – Summary of the 11 June 2026 Meeting

/in News/by Clerk

June is a key month for Parish Council finance and governance, and councillors worked through several important annual requirements.

Finance & Governance

The Council received and approved the Internal Audit Report, which confirmed no issues. Councillors also reviewed and approved:

  • The Internal Controls Statement
  • The Annual Governance Statement
  • The Accounting Statements

The Exercise of Public Rights will run from Wednesday 17 June to Tuesday 28 July. During this period, any interested person may inspect the Council’s accounts and related documents. To arrange access, please contact email hidden; JavaScript is required.

Additional updates:

  • A VAT refund of £6,450.34 has been received for the last financial year.
  • Earmarked Reserves were noted as at year‑end.
  • The 2026/27 budget was agreed.

New Parish Councillors

The Council noted the resignation of Ashley Stevenson and thanked him for his valued contribution, particularly his work on Play Area 2.

We are pleased to welcome Terance Dickson and James Donaldson, who have been co‑opted onto the Council.There are currently 3 vacancies. If you would like to help shape the future of Ash, please contact email hidden; JavaScript is required.

Recreation Ground & Village Updates

  • Play Area 2 – Work is now underway on the new play area, with completion expected in around four weeks.  Key an eye on our Facebook page for updates!
  • Ash Carnival Committee Summer Fayre – The Council is pleased to support the event planned for 11 July at the Recreation Ground.
  • Ash Guides & Rangers have planted a commemorative tree in the Recreation Ground to mark 105 years of Guiding in Ash. This demonstrates Community action for the Guides & Rangers which is a key part of their promise & Guide laws.
  • Public Toilets – Unfortunately these have been vandalised twice in recent weeks. Opening hours will be reduced to 8am to 5pm daily minimise opportunities for further damage.
  • Recreation Ground & Allotment Inspections – Scheduled for 24 June.

20mph Speed Limit Consultation

Kent County Council is consulting on the introduction of 20mph limits on various roads in Ash.  The consultation runs from 12 June to 6 July.

Residents are encouraged to share their views via the KCC website:
Various roads, Ash in the District of Dover – Amendment 8: Speed Limit | Let’s Talk Kent

Dover District Council Updates

  • Walmer Paddling Pool is now open for the summer.
  • Free After‑School Sports Sessions for ages 5–18 take place in Pencester Gardens, Dover, 3.30–5.30pm.
  • Lego Brick Tour comes to Dover on Sunday 28 June, 10am–12pm – rare sets, activities and competitions.
  • Community Governance Review – Draft recommendations are out; consultation closes Friday 7 August at 5pm.
  • Kearsney Abbey Play Area – Temporarily closed on 26 May for upgrades, reopening in time for the summer holidays.
  • The Parish Council has asked DDC to tidy The Street car park and urgently address the dilapidated garages near James Close.

Kent County Council Updates

  • A new Kent Water Resilience Partnership is being established to address water supply and sewerage issues.
  • A Fly‑Tipping Conference will take place in July, bringing together councils, enforcement bodies and landowners. Kent sees 2,500 tonnes of fly‑tipped waste each year, costing £345,000 to clear.
  • A new library has opened in Folkestone — the first in Kent for 14 years — marking the start of a countywide refurbishment programme.
  • Repairs to the A299 begin in early June to address long‑standing geological issues.

Kent Police

Upcoming Drop‑In Session
📍 St Nicholas Church, The Street, Ash
📅 Thursday 18 June 2026
⏰ 11:00–13:00