13 January 2025

Efforts to reduce air pollution within West Northamptonshire continue as two Air Quality Management Areas (AQMAs) that have seen significant improvements are removed.

West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) produces an Annual Status Report detailing data for the area in line with government guidance which is consistent across the country. The West Northants Air Quality Action Plan (AQAP) was submitted and was then approved in October by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. This was shaped with the help of local residents, businesses and stakeholders and outlines a series of actions to reduce pollution.

WNC monitors air quality across the area and levels are generally improving, which is supported by the removal of two AQMAs in Northampton which have seen a reduction in pollution over the last three years.

The first AQMA being removed is between J15 and J15A on the M1 and the other is located near the A45 and London Road near Wootton.

The main causes of air pollution within West Northants are from vehicles and fuel burning. Local initiatives introduced, as well as changes to the way we travel for work and leisure including technological advancements, have all helped improve air quality and support the health and wellbeing of our residents.

Monitoring in the Bradshaw Street area of Northampton has shown that a new AQMA is required near to the North Gate Bus Station, where levels at a single monitoring location have been slightly above the national air quality objective level.

A series of initiatives are underway to improve the quality of air not just in the 7 AQMAs but across the whole of our area, including:

• In respect of Bradshaw Street, Government funding has been secured which will see 51 electric buses deployed on the Northampton network, which should have dramatic result in the bus station area quite quickly.
• The adoption of the West Northamptonshire Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Strategy.
• A Local Transport Plan for the area which is set to be published in the coming months following public consultation which seeks to improve existing public transport and encourage active travel.
• We’re also carrying out research into domestic fuel burning habits locally to understand what people are burning and how often. The survey is open until 31 January.

The Council also recently published a Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA) that explores the causes and health implications of poor air quality within our communities and identifies ways to improve it. The document has been developed with healthcare professionals and partners and focuses on the importance of good indoor air quality particularly for those with health conditions and our vulnerable residents.

“We are committed to working with our partners and stakeholders to improving air quality across the area and improving the health and wellbeing of our residents, and the removal of two AQMA’s is a significant step forward.

“The introduction of an AQMA in Bradshaw Street Northampton is due to vehicle emissions and as an authority, we’re working on a range of actions and initiatives to reduce pollution in that area, and wider West Northants.

“We are also pleased to have been included in the government pilot looking at the impact of fuel burning. This information will help peoples understanding and enable them to make informed decisions for their household."

Cllr Matt Golby, WNC’s Cabinet Member for Adult Care, Public Health and Regulatory Services

More information as well as advice and guidance on reducing pollution outdoors and within the home can be found on our Air Quality webpages.

13 January 2025

The NHS in Northamptonshire has stood down the Critical Incident declared on Tuesday 7 January 2025, but the system remains extremely busy.

“Although the Critical Incident has now been stood down, our services, particularly our hospitals and ambulance service remain extremely busy.

“We thank local people for helping us so far but continue to ask them to assist the NHS by only accessing the Emergency Department (A&E) or 999 in a true emergency and using alternative NHS services where possible such as your local pharmacy, GP, Corby Urgent Care Centre, and 111.nhs.uk can offer 24 hour help and advice, especially if you feel your symptoms are becoming worse.” 

Dr Naomi Caldwell, Deputy Chief Medical Officer NHS Northamptonshire ICB added: “We are still seeing high prevalence of flu, respiratory conditions and winter bugs in our communities, and we would continue to urge local people who are eligible but have not yet been vaccinated to continue coming forward for their flu, COVID-19 and RSV vaccinations. Vaccines provide vital protection and help prevent developing serious illnesses and ending up in hospital.

“In most cases flu and norovirus can be successfully treated at home by resting, drinking lots of fluids and taking paracetamol. If you unsure or feel your symptoms are becoming worse, please seek advice from your local pharmacy or NHS 111. Please help us not to spread these viruses across the community by remaining at home, where possible, and not attending hospital if you have symptoms.”

Maria Laffan, Chief Nursing Officer NHS Northamptonshire ICB

Where to go if you need help 

Winter wellness advice 

The colder months can have a detrimental impact on our health, especially if you have an underlying health condition that affects your lungs such as COPD or asthma. Staying warm at home is one of the ways you can reduce your risk of falling ill but we understand this isn’t always possible for everyone. 

Our wellbeing website page has advice about the steps you can take to stay well during the colder months and advice about the warm and welcoming spaces available across the area. 

NHS 111 

Anyone who needs urgent care should use 111.nhs.uk to be assessed and directed to the right care for them. If needed a healthcare professional will call you back and this option can save you time in waiting areas. 
 
If you do not have internet access or you are contacting 111 about a patient aged 5 or under, please call 111 instead. 
 
Corby Urgent Care Centre 

Corby Urgent Care Centre is open every day between 8am and 8pm and can help with minor injuries/ illnesses such as lacerations, sprains, strains, minor burns or scalds. 

Local pharmacy 

Your local pharmacy can help with minor illnesses like coughs, colds and red eye. They can also offer care for a number of conditions through the Pharmacy First scheme including sore throat, ear infections, sinusitis, impetigo, shingles, infected insect bites and uncomplicated urinary tract infections. Our support from your pharmacy page has further information about eligibility criteria and participating pharmacists. They are open late and no appointment is needed. 

General Practice 

GP practices continue to be open, including the out of hours service but are also likely to be extremely busy. Please continue to contact your GP practice if you need GP services and the out of hours service can be reached via 111.nhs.uk Remember you can also book appointments and order repeat prescriptions online or by using the NHS app. 

Not sure where to go? 

Patients who need medical help or advice but are unsure where to go, should contact NHS 111 online unless it unless it is a life-threatening emergency when you should still call 999. 

10 January 2025

Residents, businesses and organisations are being encouraged to get involved in shaping a new partnership vision for making West Northamptonshire the ‘beating heart of England’ by 2030. 

A six-week consultation launches today (10 January) seeking people’s views on the draft One West Northamptonshire Plan, a new joint strategy for how local partners and organisations can work more closely together over the next five years to help communities flourish and businesses prosper. 

The draft plan will bring together and build upon the key joint strategies and plans West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) and its partners have already developed during the first three years of the new unitary area, setting out a shared approach to addressing key priorities such as housing, wellbeing, economic growth, and improved services. 

People living and working in West Northants as well as local groups, organisations and businesses are encouraged to complete a survey by 20 February to help shape the draft plan so that it can then be finalised by the end of March. They can do this on the Council’s website or by visiting any of WNC’s libraries, as well as also providing their comments by email or post. 

Local groups and organisations are also encouraged to help spread the word by sharing the draft plan within their own networks, with resources and materials available to support their discussions if required by emailing [email protected]  

Cllr Adam Brown, Leader of West Northamptonshire Council, said: “The One West Northamptonshire Plan is about everyone working together on a single overall vision for the future, harnessing the opportunities for growth, creating a distinctive and thriving place with thriving people in our ambitions to make our area the beating heart of England by 2030. 

“We know all partners have both the desire and drive to work more closely together in achieving combined ambitions for the communities we all serve, and the plan will capture the things we think will make the biggest difference to improving people’s lives across our area. 

“But we can’t do this without ensuring it reflects the priorities and aspirations of our communities and businesses which is why it’s so important for people to join in and give their feedback on the draft plan. I would encourage everyone, whether a resident, business, partner or community group, to get involved and have your say to help us shape this Plan together.” 

Find out more, get involved and give your feedback on the draft One West Northamptonshire Plan on the WNC website 

10 January 2025

Efforts to tackle littering and other environmental crime across the area continue as West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) enters into a new contract to crack down on those who break the rules.

The new three-year contract with Kingdom Local Authority Support will cover the whole of West Northants, whereas the previous one only covered the Northampton area. The will ensure consistency, increase visibility and provide reassurance, as the Council along with residents are keen to see action taken against those who commit offences and will therefore help to keep our communities clean and green.

Following a robust procurement process, Kingdom Local Authority Support will be able to issue fixed penalty notices (FPNs) for littering, graffiti and other environmental crimes on behalf of WNC and will complement the work of the Council’s neighbourhood wardens.

It will also support the enforcement of the Public Space Protection Order for the area which aims to encourage responsible dog ownership and bans smoking in some public areas, and there’s scope to extend to other environmental services in the future.

The partnership comes at no cost to WNC. The service is self-financed through the revenue generated from fines issued for offences, making the initiative both effective and economical. The Council however monitors the performance of the contract to ensure that the process is fair and in line with contract conditions.

“We know that our residents are keen for us to tackle these sorts of crimes across our communities and this partnership will help to strengthen the great work our officers and neighbourhood wardens already do.

“Kingdom Local Authority Support will be able to issue FPNs on behalf of the Council, increasing our visibility and providing a stronger deterrent against environmental offences. We would like to thank the members of our community who take a responsible approach to disposing of their litter and waste, but for the small minority who don’t behave responsibly, we will ensure that appropriate enforcement is carried out.”

WNC’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Adult Care, Public Health and Regulatory Services, Matt Golby

“We are pleased to be partnering with West Northamptonshire Council over the next three years to support their efforts in tackling environmental crime across the area. Our team will continue to work closely with the Council's in-house staff, as we have over the past years, to deliver a comprehensive service that complies with the 4 E's of Engagement, Education, Encouragement, and Enforcement. This means we can effectively address the small minority who litter, graffiti, and commit other waste offences, ensuring consistency and visibility throughout all areas of West Northamptonshire.

“At the heart of this partnership is our shared commitment to making a real difference for local residents. We’re here to support the Council’s mission to keep public spaces clean and green, and we’re ready to play our part in creating a cleaner, healthier future for all. As part of our efforts, we will deliver school visits to show the effects of littering to future generations and install stations for poo bags in green spaces to support those who want to do the right thing.”

John Roberts, Chief Operating Officer at Kingdom Local Authority Support

Residents can continue to support this work by reporting littering, graffiti and other environmental crime via the West Northamptonshire Council app or on our website.

10 January 2025

Visitors to Northampton’s Market Square can enjoy a day of free winter ice skating and activities between 11am and 6pm on Saturday, 18th January. Children will also have the chance to try out the sport of curling on a separate lane.

Other activities taking place will include New Year Party sessions in The Silent Disco Project’s tent and Arts Development organisation Lemonpop Workshops will be offering ‘Make and Take’ activities, plus budding artists can colour in a section of the ‘Winter Wonderland in Northampton’ community canvas.

Northampton Town Council have partnered with West Northamptonshire Council and Northampton Town BID to organise this one-off event, after the Becket’s Park Winter Wonderland date was cancelled due to bad weather in the lead-up to Christmas.

“It’s a quiet time of year, so we’re delighted to offer this free day of skating and activities to help beat the January blues.

“The newly refurbished Market Square now doubles up as a fantastic events space and this is the first of many that we’re looking forward to hosting there this year alongside our partners.”

Cllr Jane Birch, Chair of the Community Services Committee at Northampton Town Council

"We’re thrilled to partner with Northampton Town Council and Northampton BID to bring this exciting event to the newly revitalised Market Square.

“This space has been transformed into a vibrant hub for the community and is perfect for hosting events just like this that the whole family can enjoy.

“We’re proud to see it being used to support local businesses and boost the town’s economy, especially during the New Year period. We look forward to welcoming everyone to this fantastic day of free skating and activities."

Cllr Dan Lister, Cabinet Member for Local Economy, Culture, and Leisure at West Northamptonshire Council

“We’re looking forward to seeing families embracing the chilly weather and enjoy a day of winter activities in the Market Square.

“With plenty of bargains to be snapped up, January is a brilliant time to come shopping and support our retailers. Shopping local throughout the year can have a really positive impact on the local economy so we’d urge everyone to wrap up warm and come out to show their support for the businesses that have made Northampton their home.”

Mark Mullen, operations manager of Northampton Town Centre Business Improvement District (BID)

All events are free of charge, but booking is required for The Silent Disco Project sessions. More information can be found on the Northampton Town Council website.