16 December 2025

The Queen Eleanor Interchange improvement project continues to progress toward its goal of increasing capacity, improving traffic flow, and reducing congestion at this key junction.

The timeline on the project, delivered in partnership between West Northamptonshire Council and National Highways, has been extended due to the requirement of additional work.

It was originally scheduled for completion by Christmas but a critical element – the extension of the subway – must undergo further construction. This issue is being addressed as a matter of urgency.

Additionally, the construction of the concrete cantilever parapet extension - a protective barrier projecting outward from the main structure - is delayed following a necessary redesign.

As a result, the subway extension work is now expected to be completed by spring 2026, subject to weather conditions.

Once this phase is complete, follow-on activities will resume on Mere Way and London Road, including:

• Installation of a new kerb line
• Creation of a grass verge
• Carriageway resurfacing
• Road markings
• Final traffic signal installation
• Vehicle Restraint Systems (VRS) for enhanced safety

For safety reasons, temporary traffic management will remain in place throughout the Christmas and New Year period, including concrete protection barriers on Mere Way and London Road.

Work is scheduled to recommence in early January 2026, with all remaining activities planned for completion in spring 2026.

At that point, temporary traffic management will be removed, and the interchange will revert to a fully signalised junction.

This upgraded interchange will deliver significant benefits for all road users, including:

• Enhanced safety for drivers and pedestrians
• Increased lane capacity
• A fully reconstructed carriageway built to modern standards

Cllr Richard Butler, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, said: “We know this work has been incredibly disruptive and we appreciate everyone’s patience and understanding as we work to complete these essential improvements.

“We’re expecting those who use this interchange to see noticeable improvements as a result of the extensive work currently taking place.”

17 December 2025

Travel across Northampton just became easier after West Northamptonshire Council officially opened the North West Relief Road (NWRR).

This new route connects the A428 Harlestone Road with the A5199 Welford Road creating a much-needed link over the railway line to deliver an essential part of the Local Transport Plan and to support economic growth in Northampton.

The project included:

• The construction of 1.5km single carriageway which will be named Gorse Valley Way
• 400m of causeway – raised road across flood plain
• A new rail bridge in partnership with Network Rail
• A new bridge over the River Nene in partnership with the Environment Agency
• Five culverts
• Two roundabouts plus flood relief and storage

The NWRR was completed within the anticipated timescale despite significant hurdles such as the impact of inflation, Covid 19, the war in Ukraine and two extraordinary events of exceptional flooding in 2023 and 2024.

“Today’s opening of the North West Relief Road is a major achievement which will be of great benefit to motorists and businesses in West Northants.

“We are very pleased that our partners took great pride in supporting us to deliver within the agreed programme and budget.

“They have had to use inventive solutions to address a whole host of challenges encountered throughout this incredibly complex scheme.

“It will ease pressure on our local roads, supports economic growth, and improve people’s journeys.”

Cllr Richard Butler, Cabinet aid: Member for Highways and Transport

Environmental protection was prioritised from the outset with measures including silt fencing which stopped sediment seeping into the River Nene, footpath realignment to preserve mature trees, and a ditch designed around a 200-year-old oak to protect its roots.

Ecological mitigation included fish rescue and relocation during the River Nene diversion, saving between 600 and 700 fish across several species.

The North-West Relief Road was funded through a successful partnership of SEMLEP (now the South Midlands Authorities), developers’ contributions, and Council’s investment. It was delivered within the allocated budget of £57.4m.

The northern section was constructed by Balfour Beatty on behalf of the Council whilst the southern section, which was completed in August, has been built by Persimmon Homes and Barratt David Wilson, as part of the new Harlestone Grange development.

Key benefits include:

• Reduced congestion in north-west Northampton,
• Improved access to the M1 and local business parks, including Lodge Farm and Round Spinney
• Enhanced journey times and reliability for motorists, public transport users, cyclists, and pedestrians

This scheme was subject to planning permission including planning conditions that have been discharged. Some of these conditions required mitigation of the anticipated impact this new road would have at key junctions and locations, as well as in Boughton where traffic calming measures have recently been implemented within a new 20mph zone.

17 December 2025

West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) has today given the Home Office a 21-day deadline to provide information about its use of three hotels as asylum accommodation before it considers next steps in the planning enforcement process and following legal advice and support.

The Council has written to the Home Office, in line with its planning enforcement protocol, seeking clarification about their use of the three hotels and requesting information about their current and future requirements.  This follows on from the Appeal Court ruling which clearly points to the need for the Home Office to provide information to ensure a robust process.  

WNC, in its role as the local planning authority, believes a breach of planning control may have occurred at the hotels and the letter is the first step in collating information before deciding whether enforcement action is required.

Having already issued Planning Contravention Notices to the owners of the three hotels in September, the Council continues to actively work through the complex legal process for using formal planning enforcement powers, whilst also continuing to gather evidence to ensure it has a robust case. It recently put together a taskforce of senior officers to continue to progress the work as it remains resolute in pursuing action on behalf of its residents.

“We remain committed to pursuing our case against the use of these hotels for housing asylum seekers on behalf of our residents, who share our concerns about the unreasonable strain they are placing on our local communities.

“This letter to the Home Office is the latest step in the correct planning process and they have 21 days to respond to us with the information we require clarifying their use of these hotels. Whilst we wait their response, we will continue our work on building a robust legal case.”

Councillor Mark Arnull, Leader of the Council

17 December 2025

Christmas is a time for coming together over good food, whether it’s the big dinner, a Boxing Day buffet, or a table full of snacks for New Year’s Eve.

But nothing spoils the holidays faster than a bout of food poisoning.

Warm rooms, long evenings, and busy kitchens all make it easier for bacteria to grow, especially when food is left out for too long.

A few simple steps can help keep everyone safe and well.

• Put out only the amount of buffet food you expect people to eat, and top it up from the fridge as needed.
• Move any leftovers into the fridge within 4 hours.
• Plan your menu with care, smoked fish, soft cheese and cold meats can carry listeria, which multiplies quickly at room temperature.
• Cool leftovers quickly by spreading them out on a cool plate, letting them stand in a cooler spot, and putting them in the fridge within 90 minutes.

Enjoy the celebrations, share the food, and keep everyone safe around the table this Christmas.

15 December 2025

Major investment plans for social housing in West Northamptonshire will be discussed next week as part of proposals for the 2026/27 Housing Revenue Account (HRA) budget, outlining significant investment in council housing and key steps in the transition to bring housing services back under direct Council control from April 2026.

The HRA is the ring-fenced budget that funds the management, maintenance and improvement of more than 11,000 council homes. The draft budget sets out how WNC will continue to invest in safer, better-quality housing, strengthen compliance, and support the long-term sustainability of the service as responsibilities transfer back into the Council.

The proposed investment includes £78.6 million through the HRA capital programme, supporting new build housing, estate improvements, heating upgrades and disabled adaptations. By 2031, the Council will have delivered £359.6 million in housing investment, ensuring sustained improvements to homes, estates and community facilities across West Northamptonshire.

As part of the housing services transition, Cabinet will also consider the proposed management fee for Northamptonshire Partnership Homes (NPH) for the final year of the current arrangements, ensuring funding is in place to support the move of enabler services back in-house. This includes investment in new systems, strengthened oversight and the foundations needed for a modernised, directly delivered housing service.

“We are entering an important period as we move housing services back under the direct control of the Council. This draft budget ensures that we can continue to invest substantially in our homes, meet our responsibilities to tenants, and strengthen the long-term resilience of the service. Delivering safe, high-quality and sustainable homes remains a fundamental priority for West Northamptonshire.”Cllr John Slope, Cabinet Member for Finance

The draft budget also includes a planned £2.7 million contribution to HRA reserves to support future investment and maintain financial stability during this period of transition.

In line with the Government’s Rent Standard, the proposals include a 4.8% increase to average social rents from April 2026, alongside a 4.8% rise in service charges, garage rents and commuter surcharges. These increases ensure continued investment in essential housing services and help maintain a sustainable long-term financial position for the HRA.

If approved for consultation, the proposals will be open for public feedback from 23 December 2025 to 3 February 2026. Cabinet will then consider the final budget in February, before it goes to Full Council for approval. Full details and consultation information will be available on the WNC website.