Ashwell Parish Council Draft Minutes from 2nd September 2026 Meeting

C​lick here for Draft Minutes

A​shwell Springs

After receiving complaints from parishioners regarding the use by the public at Ashwell Springs during the Summer months, the Parish Council wish to advise the following:

Advice from Natural England is that an SSSI site is not a playground and ask that members of the public observe the following:

1. Please keep dogs on a lead and out of the water. Dogs in the water can be harmful to aquatic life especially through flea and tick treatments.

2. Please do not climb the banks as this can erode the chalk face.

3. Please do not use fishing nets as they can disturb the rare flatworms which include Crenobia alpina and Polycelis felina.

4. Please be aware that sun cream can be harmful to aquatic life.

The Environment Agency (EA) is responsible for regular monitoring of the ecological and water quality status and flow rates in relation to the SSSI and to ensure that water abstraction under licences granted do not adversely affect these.

The EA is required to have back-up plans in place to ensure that flow rates are maintained.Information data is available on the National River Flow Archive website, (see 33040-Rhee at Ashwell Section US Wendy) : Link to Environment Agency - River Rhee

D​ouble Yellow Lines in three locations in Ashwell - work scheduled for 7th September 2026

H​ighways have informed the Parish Council that after required consultation three areas in Ashwell will be painted with double yellow lines these are:

H​odwell (to ensure there is a clear route for emergency vehicles and refuce lorries)

H​igh Street by Church Lane (due to safety issue of vehicles pulling out into the High Street)

W​est End (to enable clear visibility and avoid vehicles pulling out into the middle of the road).