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01 May 2024
Northampton town centre could soon have a more pleasant environment thanks to a new policy which would deal with unsightly bin storage.
The town is undergoing extensive regeneration with multi-million-pound projects taking shape including Market Square, and Abington and Fish Street, with further schemes set to start in the coming months.
Businesses would need to make sure their bins are appropriately stored and put out only when they’re due to be collected, or face enforcement.
The area covered would extend to the inner ring road, bounded by Mounts, Campbell Square, Broad Street, Horse Market, St Peter’s Way, Victoria Promenade, Cheyne Walk and York Road. The pilot might be extended to other areas of West Northamptonshire in due course.
“The new policy reflects our commitment to creating a cleaner and more welcoming environment for those living and working in, or visiting Northampton town centre.Cllr David Smith, Cabinet Member for Community Safety, Engagement and Regulatory Services“There is a huge amount of work going on to improve the centre of town, with a new-look Market Square, new street scenes and lots of high-quality residential properties.
“It’s incredibly important that we deal with some of the inappropriate bin storage that goes on in the area, thereby improving the environment for everyone.”
The Northampton Town Centre Environmental Policy would, along with new leisure facilities and the current improvements, elevate the town centre's appeal encouraging more people to use it, as well as making the town centre safer to access for our residents and visitors.
- Key highlights of the proposed policy include:
Timed waste collections: Designated waste collection windows to ensure bins are set out for collection only at specific times - Business support: Guidance to help businesses adjust to the changes
- Clear labelling policy, identifying which bin belongs to which business
- Enforcement measures: following an initial education phase, enforcement action to ensure compliance with the policy.
“To breathe new life into our town centres, it's essential for businesses, the community, and local authorities to collaborate.Cllr Daniel Lister, Cabinet Member for Economic Development, Town Centre Regeneration and Growth“Revamping areas into flourishing spaces by tackling issues like indiscriminate bin placement is a key aspect of this.
“Regeneration isn't just about financial investment; it's about cultivating community pride and creating a distinct sense of belonging.”
The policy has undergone extensive consultation with stakeholders, including the Northampton Town Centre BID, Northampton Town Council, commercial waste providers and the Northampton Forward Board. More than 400 town centre businesses were engaged with directly during this time.
“Ranks of bins on the street are a blight on the street scene. They are also a magnet for fly-tipping and anti-social behaviour.Cllr Phil Larratt, Cabinet Member for Environment, Transport, Highways and Waste“A lot of taxpayer’s money is being invested in improving our town centre and these bins detract from the enhancements we are striving to deliver.
“It’s vital that we do something about these bins to improve the town centre environment for our residents and visitors to Northampton.”
The implementation of this policy would align with the council's broader ambitions for a cleaner and greener environment, contributing to the wellbeing of the community and enhancing the overall quality of life in Northampton Town Centre.
Cabinet will discuss the proposed policy on Tuesday 7 May and further details can be found in the report on the council website. If approved by Cabinet, work with businesses to help them comply will begin in June.
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01 May 2024
West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) has launched a new grant scheme which aims to support local people to develop their learning and skills and help them get into work.
The Skills for Communities grant scheme is open to community, voluntary and social enterprise organisations that operate, or are prepared to operate, within the geographical area of West Northamptonshire and must be used to provide support to residents aged 16+ who are no longer in full-time education and who would like to develop existing or learn new skills.
Local voluntary and community organisations including registered charities, community interest companies and social enterprises are invited to apply for the grants of between £10,000 and £300,000.
Funded using £500,000 of UK Shared Prosperity Funding (UKSPF), a central part of the Government’s Levelling Up agenda, this grant funding will be available over the 2024/25 financial year and will be awarded to organisations who address an identified local need by supporting people to enter the world of work, including voluntary work.
Examples of how the grant can be used include:
- delivering training towards qualifications or building life skills
- improving communication skills and social skills
- increasing confidence, work experience, coaching or other support
- supporting literacy and digital skills
The Skills for Communities grant scheme compliments WNC’s existing Multiply programme which is already delivering numeracy skills to local people. The grants cannot be used to fund activity already supported through other funding streams such as the Education and Skills Funding Agency.
“The Skills for Communities grant scheme is one of many ways in which we are actively investing in local people and communities to make West Northants the perfect place to live, work, visit and thrive.Cllr Daniel Lister, Cabinet Member for Economic Development, Town Centre Regeneration and Growth“This grant funding will help to boost core skills and support those aged 16+ to progress in work whilst encouraging innovative approaches to reducing adult learning barriers, both of which will help more people into employment and support a thriving economy here in West Northants.
“I encourage all eligible Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise Organisations to submit an application for this funding.”
For more information email [email protected] The guidance document and application forms will then be sent to you electronically.
The deadline for submitting your completed application to WNC is 5pm on Friday, 24 May 2024.
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30 April 2024
West Northamptonshire residents are invited to mark the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT) to raise awareness of the work still needed to end discrimination towards lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) people.
An event will take place at midday on Friday, 17 May, in the Guildhall Courtyard, Northampton, and will include speeches from the Chairman of West Northamptonshire Council (WNC), Cllr John Shephard and the Co-Chair of West Northants LGBTQ+ and Allies Forum, Matthew Toresen MBE.
The theme for the 2024 edition of IDAHOBIT is “No one left behind: equality, freedom and justice for all". The event will conclude with a ‘Minute of Noise’ to commemorate all those who have suffered LGBTQ hate and discrimination and for all those who cannot have their voices heard. The LGBTQ+ flag will also be raised at WNC’s office buildings in Daventry, Towcester and Northampton from 8am to 8pm.
Q Space and The Lowdown charity will also be present to provide information and advice about the local LGBTQ+ services and support services they offer, and refreshments will be served in the Court room following the event.
“Our LGBTQ+ residents are an important part of our West Northants communities and have a right to live happily and free from discrimination.Cllr David Smith, West Northamptonshire Council's Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Engagement“This important day reminds us that we must continue progressing towards a society where all residents feel safe, included and accepted, regardless of gender, sexual orientation or race, and reminds us of the importance of tolerance and respect.
“Together, we can break down stigmas and create a safe and respectful community. I invite all residents to join us to make some noise as we stand in solidarity with our LGBTQ+ friends.”
The date of May 17 was specifically chosen for IDAHOBIT to commemorate the World Health Organisation’s decision in 1990 to declassify homosexuality as a mental disorder.
“IDAHOBIT reminds us that equality isn't a given, and needs to be fought for and supported. We gather on this day to show LGBTQ+ and ally communities around the world that we know there is still much work to do.”Matthew Toresen MBE, Co-Chair of West Northants LGBTQ+ and Allies Forum
People can help spread awareness about IDAHOBIT by sharing the social media hashtags #IDAHOBIT #IDAHOBIT24 #diversityandinclusion.
The Lowdown charity offers support to anyone struggling including counselling, wellbeing and emotional support, sexual health and contraception. Find out more on the Lowdown website.
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29 April 2024
West Northamptonshire Councillors are set to discuss plans at next week’s Cabinet meeting regarding distribution of the £2.4 million funds to households in need of financial support.
The Council has received £2,465,491.77 as part of the fifth tranche of the Household Support Fund (HSF) provided by the UK Government, following the Government’s announcement of a sixth month extension to the scheme, offering additional financial support to vulnerable households.
The proposal builds upon the successful partnership with local voluntary and community organisations developed during previous HSF tranches to best support West Northants households who are facing financial hardship with daily living costs such as; food, clothing, and utility bills. This is in line with the work underway as part of the joint Anti-Poverty Strategy and looks to provide financial support to residents who are most in need and may not be identified through the benefits system.
For the six-month extension period, from April 2024 to September 2024, the recommendation includes:
- Around 12,700 families with children will receive school meal vouchers over the summer holidays at the cost of £15 per child, per week. In addition, families will also be given a further £30 voucher to help towards school essentials such as uniforms.
- Continuing to work closely with our trusted partners to provide tailored support to residents from; debt and money advice, energy saving advice, practical energy saving measures and practical household support.
- Approx. £690,000 in the form of grants for voluntary and community organisations to apply for to increase the dedicated and tailored support that they offer to residents.
To provide a longer-term offer of financial wellbeing, all awards and funding will be complimented by wrap around support schemes with the view to help transition households from crisis support to more sustainable support.
“It is important we continue to work closely with our voluntary and community sector organisations following such an effective model of distribution during HSF4 to identify those individuals or households that may not otherwise receive support. During the last tranche of funding, a high percentage of funds allocated were successfully distributed to individuals and households by these organisations and we hope that we can continue to build on this method further.Cllr Matt Golby, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Public Health at WNC“We also know that supporting families with school meal vouchers is a really valued helpline and we are keen to continue this throughout the summer holidays, whilst providing a wider range of support and advice that will help these families longer term”.
Following Cabinet approval, work will commence with working closely with community partners for distribution of the funds.
To view the cabinet report please visit this Agenda for Cabinet
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29 April 2024
On Thursday, 2 May, voters across Northamptonshire will head to the polls to elect their Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner (PFCC).
The Police Fire and Crime Commissioner is elected to oversee local policing and fire and rescue services, manage the police & fire and rescue budget, set council tax rates for policing, and ensure transparent communication about police activities in the community. They will also make key appointments of the Chief Constable and the Chief Fire Officer for the Northamptonshire area.
Here's everything you need to know to take part in this important local election.
The candidates are as follows:
Voting
Polling stations will be open from 7am until 10pm.
The details of your polling station will be printed on your poll card. You do not need to take your poll card with you in order to vote, but you must bring a valid form of Voter ID.
Accepted forms of Voter ID
By law, you must present a valid form of photo ID at the polling station in order to vote.
You can use an expired photo ID, as long as the image on the ID remains a good likeness to you. You only need to bring one of the documents to the polling station to vote in person, but it must be the original document.
You can use:
- Passport (UK, EU/EEA, Commonwealth issued)
- Driving licence (including provisional licences) (UK, EU/EEA issued)
- Blue Badge
- Certain older/disabled people concessionary travel cards
- Identity card with PASS mark (Proof of Age Standards Scheme)
- Biometric Immigration document
- Defence identity card
- Certain national identity cards
More information is available on our Voter ID page
Returning your postal vote
If you wish to hand in your postal vote to the Council Offices or the Polling Station you will now need to complete a Postal Vote Return form which will be provided to you when handing in your vote.
If you post your postal vote through a council letter box, it will be rejected. This is due to a change in the law. For more information visit The Electoral Comission website.
Results
The votes will be counted from 1pm on Friday, 3 May, with the result posted on our X and Facebook pages as soon as they are announced.
The result will also be posted on our Elections Results page
Find out more
More information about this election and the candidates can be found on the Choose My Police and Crime Commissioner website.
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