The Public are very welcome to attend
Click HERE for October 2019 PC Minutes
Next Parish Council Meeting on Thurs 21st November 2019 in the Church Hall at 7.30pm.  CLICK HERE FOR THE AGENDA
ASHFORD COMMUNITY EVENTS
Check each section in the Leisure in Ashford menu for the upcoming programme of events
ASHFORD WEATHER FOR OCTOBER 2019 - very interesting reading: click here for details
Rainfall for October 2019
Another exceptionally wet month which produced well over twice the average October rainfall. The 5 year average for September and October combined is 136mm, 2019 records for these 2 months show 308mm.

Future dates for your diary:
Wednesday 6th November: Focus on Remembrance Evening - Church Hall 7:30pm
Friday November 8th - “Stories and Anecdotes” – share your favourite memories, stories and tales. True, tall or otherwise – Church Hall at 7.30pm
Friday 15th November: Pop Up Pub at Marwood 7:30pm  10:30pm
Friday November 29th - “Cheese and Wine Tasting” (back by popular demand)
Church Hall at 7.30pm
Friday 20th December: Pop Up Pub at Marwood 7:30pm  10:30pm
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TO BOOK THE CHURCH HALL - Contact Serena Hughes 01271 345378
Interested in learning how to ring Church bells? Practices at St Mary's Church in Pilton: Tuesdays at 8pm
Billy Vaughan the Ashford postman who retired after 37 years service is very appreciative of the generous retirement gift from villagers.
Thanks to everyone who donated to his leaving collection and who attended Billy's farewell. Thanks to Dr Alan Bosley for the video showing Geoff Holder's (Chairman of Ashford Parish Council) valedictory speech and for the photographs of the event.
13.1.19 Invitations to join the Play Area Steering Group  READ MORE HERE
13.1.19 Braunton Rural Newsletter  HERE
30.12.18 RING O'BELLS - SAVE OUR PUB Click HERE for an update
30.12.18 Air Ambulance News HERE

​20.10.18 Telephone Kiosk Library Birthday:
 The Village library received it's annual re-vamp with re-stock of new books and donation of the old stock to charity. An afternoon tea part was held for villagers.
24.9.18 Red Box Project: DETAILS HERE
17.9.18 Gas Week: Make sure you know how to keep yourselves safe : READ HERE
25.7.18  Devon Remembers  Read HERE about how communities can research local stories from the First World War, and to commemorate the sacrifices made by the people of Devon between 1914 and 1918.
15.7.18  Ashford Parish Council Meeting Minutes 21.6.18 HERE
 12.7.18  Ashford Parish Accounts Year End 31.3.18  HERE     Ashford Parish Declaration of Payments over £100 in 2017-18  HERE
Explanation of financial variances HERE   Letter to external Auditors re. Ashford Parish Accounts 2017-18 HERE   
​Ashford Parish Annual Governance Statement 2017-18  HERE          Registration of Councillors responsibilities 2018-19 HERE
CHIVENOR SHARED HOUSING OPPORTUNITIES FOR ASHFORD PARISHIONERS
CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS
HAVING PROBLEMS WITH BROADBAND SPEEDS IN ASHFORD?
Please advise any Councillor so that they pass on to County Councillor Mrs C. Chugg

Potholes - Blocked public drains - Overgrown undergrowth - General hazards in our locality
​act now!
Do you need to report an infrastructure problem to your local authority service provider?
Click HERE to report a local problem.
NORTH DEVON COUNCIL COMMUNITY MESSAGE:
As 2018 draws to a close, North Devon Council is thanking residents for their efforts in recycling this year, and reflecting on the improvements made to its waste and recycling service over the last 18 months.
In June 2017 the council introduced a weekly food waste collection service across the district, and started a recycling trial in a small part of the district.
Recycling trial
3,400 properties were included in the trial of three-weekly black bin collections and unlimited recycling and the results have been very successful, with recycling rates in these properties doubling! The council measured the volume of waste going to landfill and the amount being recycled in the trial area:
  • before the trial 23% of household waste was recycled whilst 77% of waste went to landfill
  • since the trial started 51% of waste is now recycled whilst 49% of waste goes to landfill
The increase in recycling includes the impact of introducing weekly food waste collections. Decisions will soon be made by the council about the future of the trial.
Weekly food waste collections
North Devon Council is currently collecting up to 60 tons of food waste a week; waste which would otherwise have gone to landfill. Food waste is taken from your kerbside to the council’s recycling centre at Brynsworthy, and later transported to an anaerobic digestion plant in Holsworthy, where it is converted into energy. Next year efforts will be made to encourage households to cut down on the amount of food being wasted through education and awareness campaigns, helping North Devon get even greener and hopefully cut down those food bills!
New waste transfer station
Deep Moor landfill site is full, so Devon County Council is constructing a waste transfer station in Brynsworthy. From 11 February the district’s black waste will be taken to the transfer station, then compacted and directed to another plant, where it will be converted into energy rather than buried in the ground.
Northern Devon plastic consortium
Together with Torridge Council and a range of local organisations, charities and businesses, North Devon Council has formed the Plastic Free Northern Devon consortium. The group aims to collectively and individually eradicate single-use plastics in northern Devon. Lots of progress has been already been made and efforts will continue next year and beyond.
The council is reminding residents to keep up the good work and ensure they continue recycling throughout the festive period. Waste and recycling collections are different over Christmas and New Year, so make sure you know when to put your bins out over the festive period. Check the council’s website northdevon.gov.uk/collectiondates, where you can also download a collection calendar specifically for your property.
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Bonfires in Ashford - read Devon Police response HERE
Welcome to Braunton Rural Police’s monthly news letter
Click HERE to read the SEPTEMBER 2019 issue
Do you need to report a highway problem? 
Click HERE for a direct link
Phone 0345 155 1004 or 0845 155 1004
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​Ashford Church Yard Grass Cut Project 2019
Mark Watson is once again kindly leading on this - if you can help (even on the odd occasion) please email him HERE to let him know your availability


​Proposed Schedule:     Friday August 23rd 10.00 – 11.30am      Thursday September 12th 10.00 – 11.30am    Friday September 27th   10.00 – 11.30am*      Thursday October 10th 10.00 – 11.30am*    Friday October 25th  10.00 – 11.30am      Thursday November 7th  10.00 – 11.30am      
*These dates are optional but if you would like to come and just do the path edges and whatever small scale tidying you feel is necessary, then that would be fine.
ASHFORD PARISH
WILDLIFE WARDEN:
Councillor Mike Moss has been appointed by the APC as Wildlife Warden with immediate effect: Click HERE to read more about his role.
29.8.19 Read about Overwintering Birds on the Taw/Torridge Estuaries
August 2019 Newsletter 1 CLICK HERE
October 2019 Newslettter 2 CLICK HERE
​Report from Mike Moss following the Devon Community Action for Natural Wildlife - 'inspire, challenge, action' Conference 6.7.19 HERE
The Agenda also gives an interesting insight into the topics discussed
Community Insight Survey
The Community Insight survey is running until 22nd December and is capturing a snapshot of life in Devon for our diverse communities. We’re asking people whether they: can get around easily, access green spaces, look after themselves, feel safe, can access community resources and adult learning etc. We’re also asking about their health and wellbeing and social connectivity alongside views on fly tipping/cleanliness, decision making, whether they feel listened to and whether they think council tax should increase.
In order to reach all Devon’s communities, I’d be grateful if you could publicise this in your local areas.
Click Here for the link to the survey
Initial results will be available early in the new year and will be shared with partners, including District Councils. Further analysis (age, disability, locality etc) will be available by the Spring.
NOTICE OF SHORT PUBLIC MEETING
THE ASHFORD PARISH COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE WILL MEET ON WEDNESDAY, 16 OCTOBER 2019 AT 6.30PM IN THE CHURCH HALL TO REVIEW PROGRESS ON AN ASHFORD PARISH COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS NETWORK FOR THE VILLAGE AND THE ASHFORD PARISH COUNCIL WEBSITE AND TO TAKE DECISIONS ON THE:
EMAIL NETWORK
Domain name licence and associated costs
Server host and costs
Procedure for, and content of, the invitation letters
Printing
Free-post replies and reminders
Security and data protection measures
WEBSITE
Information update
Committee members: Dale Hall (Chair), Geoff Holder and Vaughan Lawson.
ASHFORD WEATHER!
1.11.19 What a wet October! CLICK HERE for detailsRainfall comment for October 2019: Another exceptionally wet month which produced well over twice the average October rainfall. The 5 year average for September and October combined is 136mm, 2019 records for these 2 months show 308mm.
1.10.19 Mike Moss continues to update the breakdown of our weather statistics over the past 7 years HERE
Rainfall comment for September ‘19I have recorded a total of 157 mm for September, which is a little over twice the 5 year average for the month. Even this may be a little shy, as I came back from a week’s holiday towards the end of the month to find the rain gauge full to overflowing!
Rainfall August 2019
The 96mm of rain which fell during August was pretty much in line with the 5 year average of 100 mm. Comparison of recent summers (June/July/Aug) is interesting, with totals of 256 mm this year, only 152 mm in 2018 and a 5 year average (2012 to 2017) of 227 mm. Last year really was dry. However, take away the 107 mm that fell in the first two weeks of June this year and the rest of this summer was just as dry as 2018. That’s certainly what it felt like watering the garden.
Rainfall July 2019
Another dry-ish month, with only 47 mm of rain compared to the July 5 year average of 67 mm. Watch out though, August is traditionally pretty wet!
Rainfall - June 2019
A month of two halves, with 107mm of rain falling in the first 15 days and then only 6mm in the second 15. The June total of 113mm was almost twice the 5 year average (60mm) and swamps last year’s figure of only 4mm!
Rainfall – May 2019
It will not be a surprise to hear that rainfall in May was remarkably low, only 25mm (1 inch), compared to the 5 year average of 69mm. What did surprise me was that the spring total (March/April/May) was slightly above the 5 year average, 188mm this year compared to 176mm average. It seemed drier than that! Check out the chart for the full story.
Rainfall in April
A glance at the rainfall chart will show that April is often the driest month of the year, with a monthly average of only 36 mm of rain over the last 5 years. This year’s April rainfall of 68 mm therefore represents quite a lot. However, no complaints! After a lengthy warm dry start to the month, my garden was very pleased to have a decent drink and the rain butts are once again full.
Rainfall in March 2019: The 95 mm of rain that fell during March was slightly higher than the 5 year average (71mm), but still well below the March 2018 figure of 134mm.
A dry second half to February completed a dryer than average winter. The 5 year average for Dec/Jan/Feb is 331mm, compared to this winter’s 221mm, so almost exactly two-thirds.
Click HERE for BBC daily forecast
Peter Heaton-Jones MP
North Devon Member of Parliament
​LINK HERE for latest Newsletter​www.facebook.com/PeterNorthDevon
NEED TO REPORT POTHOLE IN OUR ROADS? Click HERE for a link or telephone:- 0345 155 1004 ​or 0845 155 1004
WOULD YOU LIKE TO  SHOPPING BUT FIND IT DIFFICULT TO GET AROUND? 
IF THE ANSWER IS YES THEN YOU MAY LIKE TO USE THE 
Ring & Ride bus service.
Go North Devon Ring & Ride is a door to door minibus service, giving people who have mobility problems; people with disabilities and those who are isolated in the community without transport, the freedom to access a supermarket or the main shopping centre in Barnstaple.We offer a weekly service on Monday from Georgeham and Ashford to Barnstaple Town Centre or Tesco.
FOR MORE DETAILS OR TO BOOK CALL 01271 328866
OPENING HOURS 9.15AM-4.00PM Monday to Friday (Closed Bank Holidays)
​The Shopmobility Centre, Albert Lane, Barnstaple EX32 8RL
In addition to this Ashford Parish Website there is also a regular monthly 'Pilton with Ashford' Parish Magazine. Marion Sanders email: marannsan@btinternet.com is the Editor and is always looking for contributions and/or new subscribers. The publication also includes adver6s for many Parish based reliable tradesmen who by their regularly advertising finance each publication.
ASHFORD PARISH COUNCIL ​
​COMMUNITY DEFIBRILLATOR
​IS SITUATED ON THE WALL OF
THE CHURCH HALL,  ADDER LANE. EX31 4BY
SAFE DRIVING IN ASHFORD: Modern life seems to mean we are always rushing around in order  to complete our daily pursuits but please do remember that our roads are narrow and that almost all the junctions to side roads and many house drives have poor visibility. FOR THE SAFETY OF ALL USERS OF OUR VILLAGE ROADS ALWAYS KEEP YOUR SPEED APPROPRIATE TO THE TYPE OF ROAD YOU ARE DRIVING ALONG AND OBEY SPEED LIMIT WARNINGS AT ALL TIMES.
Check the latest planning applications affecting the Parish by visiting the website's dedicated planning application section which can be found by clicking on the Parish Council header on this home page.
Ashford has a regular email newsletter which circulates some village and local information and alerts residents to Parish Council Meeting agendas and minutes, and to planning applications for new dwellings in the village. If you would like to receive this email please contact ashforddevon.comms@gmail.com 
​or phone Sarah Bleach on 01271 267716. ​

South West Water Helpline 0344 346 2020 - for general enquires and emergencies.  You may also phone this number to report any strong sewage smells from the Ashford Sewage Treatment Works, and when this is a problem the more calls they get the more they are likely to quickly rectify the problem.
NOTICE OF PUBLIC RIGHTS AND PUBLICATION OF UNAUDITED ANNUAL GOVERNANCE & ACCOUNTABILITY RETURN
Details HERE and recorded in the Parish Council documents page.
The Herbert Protocol 
The Herbert Protocol is a simple risk reduction tool to be used in the event of an adult with care and support needs going missing.
​Read more HERE
UPDATE - HORSEY ISLAND BREACH
​In her capacity as Clerk to Braunton Marsh Drainage Board our Parish Clerk updates us HERE
DEVON AND CORNWALL ALERT.
Devon and Cornwall Alert is a two-way community messaging system operated by Devon and Cornwall Police. Devon and Cornwall Alert helps us to connect with our communities.  it tells you what is happening in your area and allows you to respond directly with information for the police.
Chose what information you receive...                   Crime: Specify what time of day messages will arrive  
Anti-social behaviour: Email, text or telephone
Witness appeals: Police, Action Fraud, Crimestoppers, Neighbourhood Watch
Missing person appeals: Free:  no contract, cost or obligation
Community events: Devon, Cornwall and Scillies
Local good news                                   
Register online at alerts.dc.police.uk
AIR AMBULANCE VOLUNTEERS REQUIRED ....
Could this be you?
Click HERE for more details
ST PETER'S CHURCH YARD MAINTENANCE
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!!
Mark Watson has kindly agreed to co-ordinate a group of volunteers to maintain the grounds of St Peters Church - maInly grass cutting, strimming and general tidying up verges and paths. This will be a monthly task May - September, If you can offer your services, even on an occasional basis your help would be greatly appreciated.
​Mark can be contacted as follows: Mobile 07917290299, Landline 01271 343833, and email ms.watson@hotmail.co.uk.
Concerned about School Funding in Devon?
Click HERE to support the campaign for fairer funding
ASHFORD is a small settlement 1.5 miles from the main north Devon town of Barnstaple and when the last Register of Electors was prepared, had an adult population showing 241.

The village faces South and has very pleasant views of the River Taw as it flows along the estuary to it's confluence with the Torridge river and the Atlantic Ocean
Ashford has a different origin to other place-names called Ashford, the origin being "ash-tree enclosure" Old English æsc "ash tree" and worō / worth "enclosure".
The name was recorded as Aiscawurde in 1182.
 
The OS grid reference is SS5335.
It is served by North Devon Council as the Local Authority and Devon County Council.

Police:                    Devon and Cornwall
Fire:                        Devon and Somerset
Ambulance:           South Western

The Parish Church is dedicated to St Peter. Church and village events, including monthly Parish Council Meetings, are held in the Church Hall.