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09 July 2025

Multidisciplinary artists Bridie Cheeseman and Jake Williams – collectively known as Studio Studio have been appointed by West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) and Fermynwoods Contemporary Art (FCA) to design and deliver a landmark mural on St Andrews Road, Northampton.
The organisations issued an open call to invite artists to design and deliver a mural on this prominent site in the town. This attracted submissions from as far afield as Switzerland and Mexico, highlighting global interest in Northampton’s rich heritage.
Spanning approx.90 feet, the mural will commemorate the former Northampton Castle and key events that have shaped the town’s identity. Situated on a key commuter route beside the future Castle Park, the artwork will become an eye catching gateway, inviting residents and visitors to connect with Northampton’s past and future.
Works on the future Castle Park are underway with the castle themed play equipment and fencing installed to the playground and the heritage timeline poles and archways, depicting the height of the castle walls being created. Storyboards telling the history of the area will be fitted to the poles. The park will also feature open green space, landscape planting and community gardens. Castle Park is funded through £1.6m from Governments Towns Fund with further contributions from Section 106 monies and West Northamptonshire Council.
“We knew the town’s history would spark wide interest, but Bridie and Jake’s proposal stood out. Their track record of large scale, historically rooted murals - produced in partnership with local authorities - combined with a genuine commitment to community led design made them the perfect choice. And with such a huge wall, having two artists on board is an advantage!”James Steventon, FCA Director
“This mural is a key part of our wider regeneration plans for this area of Northampton, and we’re proud to see it taking shape alongside the development of Castle Park. By transforming this prominent site into a vibrant celebration of our town’s rich history, we’re not only creating a striking visual landmark but also delivering much-needed green space for the community. It’s about honouring our heritage while investing in a healthier, more connected and inspiring environment for residents and visitors alike.”Cllr James Petter, Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Local Economy, Culture and Leisure at West Northamptonshire Council
Studio Studio will lead two free workshops, inviting local residents to help shape the mural through storytelling, visual exploration and hands on design. These sessions will dive into the fascinating timeline of the castle - from the trial of Thomas Becket to the enduring brickwork that forms many of the town’s buildings to this day. The sessions will take place at:
Wednesday 16 July 2025 18:30 – 20:30 Castle Hill URC, Doddridge St, Northampton NN1 2RN
Thursday 17 July 2025 15:30 – 17:30 Castle Hill URC, Doddridge St, Northampton NN1 2RN
Expect creative experimentation, collaboration, and an opportunity to help shape a mural that reflects our shared heritage.
No prior skills are required. Places are free but limited - register at www.fermynwoods.org/wall.
Following engagement with community groups and local schools, Studio Studio are aiming to complete the mural in August 2025.
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10 July 2025

A yellow heat health alert has been issued for the East Midlands from 9 July until 15 July by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and the Met Office, with temperatures predicted to reach the high 20Cs.
The warmer weather poses a much greater risk to the most vulnerable in our community, such as the very young and older people.
Residents are advised to remain cautious and seek advice from 111 if non-emergency health advice is required. 999 services should be used in emergencies only.
The top ways for staying safe in the heat are to:
- Look out for those who may struggle to keep themselves cool and hydrated; older people, those with underlying conditions and those who live alone are particularly at risk.
- Close curtains on rooms that face the sun to keep indoor spaces cooler and remember it may be cooler outdoors than indoors.
- Use cool spaces if going outdoors.
- Drink plenty of fluids and avoid excess alcohol.
- Never leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle, especially infants, young children, vulnerable adults, or animals.
- Try to keep out of the sun between 11am to 3pm, when the UV rays are strongest.
- If you have to go outside in the heat, walk in the shade, apply sunscreen and wear a wide-brimmed hat.
- Avoid physical exertion during the hottest parts of the day.
- Make sure you take water with you if you are travelling.
Stay up to date with by visiting our hot weather web pages.
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10 July 2025

Schools across West Northamptonshire have once again been recognised for their outstanding efforts to improve the health and wellbeing of pupils through the Healthy Schools Award programme. This year, even more schools have achieved or are working towards Bronze, Silver, or Gold awards, reflecting their continued dedication to creating healthier, happier learning environments.
This year, a total of 65 schools have either achieved or are working towards Bronze, Silver, or Gold awards:
- Bronze: 50 achieved / 15 working towards
- Silver: 32 achieved / 11 working towards
- Gold: 6 achieved / 22 working towards
In a significant development for 2025, WNC has introduced the Digital Innovation Award. This new category celebrates schools that creatively use digital tools or technology to enhance health and wellbeing outcomes as part of their Healthy Schools journey. From wearable fitness trackers and wellbeing apps to AI-powered tools and gamified learning platforms, schools are finding innovative ways to engage pupils and embed healthy habits.
The award criteria focus on originality, impact, collaboration, and sustainability, encouraging schools to think creatively and inclusively about how digital solutions can support mental health, physical activity, and healthy lifestyles.
“It was a absolute pleasure to join schools in celebrating their incredible commitment to health and wellbeing. The celebration event isn’t just about awards, it is about recognising a shared vision where every child can thrive physically, emotionally, and socially. From healthy lunches to mental wellbeing initiatives, every effort matters. What stood out most was the spirit of collaboration between schools, families, and communities working together to build a culture of care and inclusion. Thank you to everyone involved for your dedication and innovation. Together, we’re making health and learning go hand in hand.”Cllr Laura Couse, Cabinet Member for Adult Care, Public Health and Regulatory Services at WNC
“Our schools are doing incredible work to embed health and wellbeing into everyday learning. The Healthy Schools Awards not only celebrate their achievements but also help drive continuous improvement. The new Digital Innovation Award is a fantastic addition that highlights how digital tools can empower pupils and staff alike.”Cllr Kathryn Shaw, Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Education at WNC
"We’re incredibly proud to have achieved the Healthy Schools West Northamptonshire Gold Award. This is a testament to our whole-school commitment to health and wellbeing and recognises the collective efforts of staff, pupils, families, and volunteers in transforming our outdoor spaces and embedding healthy practices into daily learning. Every child has benefited, with a notable rise in participation from children special educational needs. Our Community Days have further strengthened our shared vision with more than 40 local support joining us to share a healthier lifestyle."Sarah Smith, Headteacher at Croughton All Saints Church of England Primary School
Click here for more information about the Healthy Schools Award Programme and service.
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10 July 2025

Following a successful public vote, five local charities have been selected to benefit from a new doorstep recycling service launched earlier this year by West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) in partnership with Anglo Recycling.
The initiative, which began in April, allows residents to book free collections of unwanted clothing, shoes, books, and other items for reuse and recycling. In addition to helping reduce waste, the service raises funds for local charities chosen by the community.
After over 3,500 votes were cast, the five charities with the most votes to receive donations from the scheme for 2025/26 are:
- St John’s Ambulance
- Animals in Need Northamptonshire
- Northamptonshire Domestic Abuse Service
- Northamptonshire Search & Rescue
- Cynthia Spencer Hospice
All funds raised since the launch have been held in a dedicated pot by Anglo Recycling and will soon be distributed to these charities.
The Council will refresh the list of eligible charities annually, giving more organisations and residents the opportunity to participate in future rounds.
“This initiative is a fantastic example of how small actions can make a big impact. By simply donating items you no longer need, you’re not only helping the environment through responsible recycling—you’re also directly supporting local charities that make a real difference in our communities. The response from residents and charities has been brilliant and we’d like to thank everyone who took part in the vote.”Cllr Nigel Stansfield, WNC’s Cabinet Member for Environment, Recycling and Waste
The recycling service offers a convenient way for residents to declutter while ensuring that every donation is either reused for its original purpose or responsibly recycled. It also empowers the community to directly support causes they care about.
For more information about the recycling service and how to book a collection, visit: Clothing collections | West Northamptonshire Council
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11 July 2025

Residents are being advised that the overnight closures due to take place this weekend (Friday 11 and Saturday 12 July) and upcoming changes to traffic management measures from Sunday, 13 July have been postponed.
Due to utility cables previously undiscovered underneath the road surface, steps need to be taken to ensure the safety of the workforce. New dates for any closures and changes to the flow of traffic will be communicated in due course. We apologise for any inconvenience and thank motorists for their patience, whilst we work to deliver this project to improve the interchange.
People can get in touch at [email protected] or visit Major highways projects | West Northamptonshire Council for more information on the scheme.
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