His arrival coincided with an upturn in Town's fortunes in the league. Boss Gary Peters had been keen to secure Ashton's future and now his work has come to fruition.
Shrewsbury even had to resist a late attempt from Port Vale, a league above, but were still able to grab Ashton on a permanent deal.
It appears that the deal was due to go through in July, but the cash interest from Port Vale has seen the versatile youngster head to Gay Meadow less than 24 hours after Town's other new signing Jay Denny.
Ashton has already proved he can be effective at this level and is also young enough to learn from Peters and assistant Mick Wadsworth.
*Former Town winger Sam Aiston has signed a one-year deal with Darlington. The move sees him return to his northern roots after five years with Town.