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November 30, 2023

‘Tis the season to recycle 

Bins, recycling and waste 30 November 2023 With the festive season fast approaching, we are advising residents of the arrangements for waste and recycling collections over the Christmas and New Year period. Waste and recycling collection crews will be working throughout the festive season to make sure services are delivered on time and with no delays. You can keep on top of bin collections throughout the year by downloading the West Northamptonshire Council app from Google Play or the Apple App Store You can also download a bin calendar with information about waste and recycling arrangements for your area Collection day changes Due to the public holidays, some properties will have a change in the day of their collections over the festive period. Daventry area collections due to take place on Monday 25 December will instead take place on Saturday 23 December, while collections due on Tuesday 26 December will take place on Sunday 24 December. Collections due on Monday 1 January will take place on Saturday 30 December. All other collections will take place on their normal days. Northampton area collections due on Monday 25 December will instead take place on Saturday 30 December. All other collections will take place on their normal days. South Northamptonshire area collections due on Tuesday 26 December, will instead take place on Saturday 23 December. All other collections will take place on their normal days. Garden waste Those subscribed to the service are advised there will be a short break in collections from 23 December until 5 January. Real tree collections Crews will collect real Christmas trees between 8 and 19 January. You do not need a garden waste subscription to take advantage of this. Residents in the Daventry and South Northants areas should put real Christmas trees out on the day garden waste is due to be collected in their area. In the Northampton area trees should be put out next to recycling bins, while those on sack collections can present trees beside their recycling boxes on their collection day. Please ensure trees over 6ft tall are cut in half so they fit in the lorries safely. They can also be taken to your nearest Household Waste Recycling Centre Food waste Food waste bins will continue to be collected on their usual weekly schedule . Please remember you can recycle leftover raw and cooked foods, including veg peelings, egg shells, out-of-date food, plate scrapings, solid fats, meat and fish bones. Do not put any liquids in the caddy. Household Waste Recycling Centres These are open as usual throughout the festive period except for Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Year’s Day, when they will be closed. Centres will also close early on Christmas Eve, at 2pm. Additional recycling If you have more recycling than your bin can handle, you can put it in clear plastic bags or boxes and present it alongside your recycling bins or boxes. You can also take this to your nearest HWRC. Find out more Find more information about collections together with top tips for reducing your waste and making the most of your recycling service this Christmas Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

November 30, 2023

Lord-Lieutenant of Northamptonshire plants Coronation oak for National Tree Week

30 November 2023 The Lord-Lieutenant of Northamptonshire marks National Tree Week 2023 (27 November - 4 December) by planting a Coronation oak tree. A commemorative oak tree was planted in Abington Park on Thursday, 30 November by James Saunders Watson Esq, His Majesty's Lord-Lieutenant of Northamptonshire to commemorate the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III on 6 May 2023. The Friends of Abington Park, the council’s grounds maintenance contractors Idverde and the park’s rangers arranged the planting close to the park’s cafe and were joined by the Leader of the West Northamptonshire Council (WNC), Councillor Jonathan Nunn, the WNC Chairman, Councillor John Shephard and Councillor Phil Larratt, Cabinet Member for Environment, Transport, Highways and Waste and dignitaries from across West Northamptonshire. It is an immense honour for the Northamptonshire Lieutenancy to plant this tree at Abington Park creating a sustainable, living legacy marking His Majesty’s Coronation. This oak tree is the perfect addition to the park, and I hope visitors will enjoy the stunning blossom every spring for years to come. James Saunders Watson Esq, His Majesty's Lord-Lieutenant of Northamptonshire The King’s Coronation in May was a once-in-a-lifetime event, and what better way to honour that than by contributing to cleaner air and an improved natural heritage that can be enjoyed by future generations. Councillor Jonathan Nunn, Leader of the Council Abington Park is extremely popular and is steeped in history – it opened to the public in June 1897 in celebration of the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Victoria - so it was fitting to plant an oak tree at the park in honour of the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III. Councillor John Shephard, the Chairman for West Northamptonshire Council This ceremony was followed by a tree planting event led by Councillor Phil Larratt to mark the start of the work on Tree Strategy for West Northamptonshire. Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

December 01, 2023

West Northants comes together to raise awareness of Worlds Aids Day

01 December 2023 Residents are invited to join in a one-minute silence and reflection event to mark World Aids Day this Friday (1 December 2023) as people across the globe come together to join the movement in the fight against HIV and AIDS. Worlds Aids Day is an important date in the calendar that aims to show strength and solidarity against HIV and AIDs stigma, as well as raise awareness of the illness and remember the lives lost. To mark the date of remembrance, West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) and partners are holding an event at the Guildhall in Northampton on Friday 1 December, from 12noon to 1pm where a minute's silence will be held to remember those who have been affected by an AIDS-related illness. Red ribbons will be available in exchange for a donation to the National Aids Trust and free testing and information will be available from Northamptonshire Integrated Health and HIV service (NISHH). We invite people to join us on this national day to raise awareness around AIDS and remember all those who’ve been affected by this illness. There is still much discrimination and stigma attached to HIV and AIDS but thanks to science and treatments, people with the condition can still live a normal life span. Cllr David Smith, Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Engagement, and Regulatory Services at WNC This World Aids Day, teams at West Northants Council and partners urge residents to be aware of the transmission of HIV to help stay protected and safe. The transmission of HIV can be through unprotected sexual intercourse, needle sharing, childbirth and breast feeding. The HIV virus weakens the body’s ability to fight off infections and can lead to the development of AIDS, a life-threatening condition characterised by severe weakening of the body’s ability to fight of infections. Simple steps can be taken to prevent catching HIV such as; the use of condoms during sexual intercourse and avoid sharing of needles. In addition, there are testing facilities available to those who may be at a higher risk of catching HIV infection such as those with multiple sexual partners, men who have sex with men, and those who share needles or have concerns about their HIV status. It is really welcoming to see this event taking place to mark this awareness day – I hope partners, stakeholders and residents can join us. It is only by raising awareness of the illness, early diagnosis and breaking the stigma of HIV and AIDs that together we can continue to share information, and safety advice for those who need it as well as remembering the lives lost. I encourage everyone to come along today to access the free testing available from Northamptonshire Integrated Sexual Health Services or find their nearest testing service on the NHS website. Cllr Matt Golby, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Public Health said at WNC By taking these steps, residents can protect themselves and others. For more information about HIV and AIDS support or to find a local testing facility, please visit HIV and AIDS - NHS Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

November 29, 2023

Northamptonshire Serious Violence Alliance brings organisations together to tackle serious violence and knife crime in Northamptonshire

Community, safety and emergencies 29 November 2023 Over 75 representatives from partner organisations, community groups and voluntary sector organisations attended an engagement event hosted by the Northamptonshire Serious Violence Alliance (NSVA). The event marked a significant step forward in fostering collaboration to develop a joint response to tackle serious violence and knife crime across the county. As part of the Serious Violence Duty, the NSVA was formed to develop a joint approach to tackling the root causes of serious violence. NSVA partners include Northamptonshire Police, Northamptonshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service, Youth Offending and Probation Services, Northamptonshire Integrated Care Board, North Northamptonshire Council and West Northamptonshire Council. Attendees engaged in three insightful workshops focusing on identifying strategic priorities outlining communications and engagement strategies and approaches to communicate with young people and adults, and the ways in which partners can collaborate to prevent youth violence and knife crime. The insights gained from these workshops will actively support this year’s Strategic Needs Assessment and inform the Serious Violence Reduction Strategy. We will only begin to make a difference to violent and knife crime if we work as one. It was powerful that partners across Northamptonshire came together for this event, to share and learn. The voice of the community will be at the heart of everything we do to tackle knife crime. This opportunity to listen and share is an important step towards a Strategy that will really make an impact and reflect the views of the people who best understand what works in the communities we serve. Stephen Mold, Northamptonshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

November 30, 2023

Protect yourself this winter by getting your flu vaccination!

Health and wellbeing 30 November 2023 NHS in Northamptonshire and Public Health teams at West and North Northamptonshire Councils are calling all residents under 65 years old who have an underlying health condition to receive their free flu and COVID-19 vaccination and stay protected this winter. Flu is a very infectious disease which can easily spread to other people and can lead to serious complications. People with underlying health conditions, such as Diabetes, COPD, heart disease, kidney disease or who are immunosuppressed are at a higher risk of developing severe complications which could lead to hospitalisation. It is strongly encouraged that all residents who have an underlying health condition get vaccinated ahead of the winter months to help protect themselves and reduce these complications from developing. The flu vaccination is free and doesn’t take long, it can be easily arranged through your GP practice or a participating local pharmacy. Across West Northamptonshire 67% of eligible people aged 65 years and under who are clinically at-risk have not yet been vaccinated against flu. We are beginning to see an increase in respiratory infections in the area and as we move further into winter this is likely to get worse. I strongly advise anyone who is eligible to take up the opportunity to get vaccinated and keep themselves and those around them protected. Dr Annapurna Sen, Consultant in Health Protection for West Northamptonshire Council Speak to your GP surgery or specialist if you have a health condition and you're not sure if you're eligible. Most of those with underlying health conditions which make them eligible for the flu vaccination will also be eligible to get the COVID-19 vaccination. Conveniently, these can be safely administered at the same appointment, sometimes known as co-administration. Please don’t put off having your vaccinations. Asmat Nisa, Public Health Consultant in Health Protection for North Northamptonshire If you are eligible and have not yet been vaccinated against the Flu, contact your GP practice or speak to your local pharmacy for more information. Your local pharmacist can give treatment advice or recommend flu remedies. Find out more information about flu and other respiratory illnesses Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

November 29, 2023

West Northants financial management earns national awards success

Finance 29 November 2023 Hard work and a fresh approach to managing public finances and pensions in West Northamptonshire have received major recognition with two national excellence awards. The accolade of Finance Team of the Year was awarded to West Northamptonshire Council at the CIPFA Public Finance Awards last night, reflecting the outstanding efforts of the organisation’s finance colleagues in balancing the books, creating a ‘can do’ culture and addressing the young unitary authority’s financial challenges. And, in a double celebration at last night’s ceremony, Cambridgeshire and Northamptonshire Pension Fund – which is managed by West Northamptonshire and administers the Local Government Pension Scheme, also won the award for Achievement in Financial Reporting and Accountability. WNC’s finance team, initially brought together from the old councils when WNC was created just over two years ago, was recognised for taking a pragmatic and prudent approach to tackling a range of financial challenges as the Council embarked upon a fresh start in the aftermath of the former county council’s financial failings and local government reorganisation. This included working tirelessly to close down 10 sets of outstanding accounts from the previous authorities, unpicking and splitting budgets into the two new unitary authorities, then later working proactively to tackle WNC’s finance pressures, bridging budget shortfalls in 2022/23 and 2023/24. Award judges also praised Pension Fund colleagues. The CIPFA (Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy) is the accredited and standard-setting body for organisations, accounting firms and other professional bodies who work with public funds. I am absolutely delighted for our talented and dedicated finance and pension colleagues who have achieved these prestigious awards – it’s testament to all the hard work and commitment they put in to manage the public purse and balance the books in the face of many challenges. Cllr Malcolm Longley, Cabinet Member for Finance at West Northamptonshire Council Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

November 30, 2023

Free family fun at Northampton’s market this Christmas

30 November 2023 People across Northampton are invited down to Northampton’s Market at Commercial Street to join in free ice-skating and curling this Christmas. Taking place on 9 and 10 December and 16 to 22 December between 10am and 4pm, people are advised to put on their skates and join in the festive fun. Northampton BID has kindly sponsored this year's curling lane event. West Northamptonshire Council is working with market traders to deliver a free events programme to offer something for everyone. Following the summer of fun throughout the summer holidays, we’re pleased to extend this throughout December. All skates and equipment are provided free of charge. To help support with access to the market’s temporary location at Commercial Street, WNC is working with Bounds to offer free journeys for the bus station to the market. Simply press a button at either location and a free taxi will be called to take you to or from the market. To find out more about the local produce, gifts and services on offer at the Northampton Market, visit Love Northampton Market on Facebook. Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

November 30, 2023

Have your say on future environmental proposals in Northampton town centre

Bins, recycling and waste 30 November 2023 Businesses and residents are being asked for their thoughts on proposals to introduce a new Environmental Policy for Northampton Town Centre. West Northamptonshire Council is seeking to implement a policy which will help improve environmental standards and set out the way that businesses handle their commercial waste. This will be trialled in central Northampton before being considered for roll-out across the wider West Northamptonshire area. The consultation opens today (30 November), closing on 28 January. and will ask public opinion to shape parts of the policy around waste from businesses in the town centre and help the Council to understand if there are any obstacles that businesses face in respect of their waste collections. This will form part of a wider project of engagement with Northampton town centre businesses. There are several environmental issues which affect our residents and businesses, and as a Council we’re committed to tackling these head on. By developing a policy, we can help to understand the current challenges and how we can put measures in place to improve the environment for our community. We will look to trial this in Northampton and then consider implementing a policy for wider West Northamptonshire which seeks to support businesses with their waste and create a greener, cleaner space. Cllr David Smith, Cabinet Member for Community Safety, Engagement and Regulatory Services at WNC All organisations have a responsibility for ensuring that any waste arising from their activities is handled, stored and disposed of in a responsible manner as defined by the Environmental Protection Act 1990 (section 34) and the Environmental Protection (Duty of Care) Regulations 1991. After consultation, a waste policy shall apply to the town centre of Northampton for the management of all commercial waste generated by businesses. People can view the plans at: Give us your views on the draft Northampton Town Centre Environmental Policy - West Northamptonshire Council - Citizen Space Feedback from the consultation will be collated and analysed and will help the council to prepare and shape the Northampton Town Centre Environmental Policy which will be considered by Cabinet in May 2024. Prior to coming into effect, the Council will be working with businesses within the town centre to do a soft launch of the policy, in doing so we will be able to advice and signpost businesses for any assistance they may need to be able to work within the policy. Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

November 29, 2023

Help shape the development of the West Northamptonshire Tree Strategy

Country parks, parks and open spaces 29 November 2023 Work to create a new comprehensive Tree Strategy for West Northamptonshire is underway – West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) is inviting those who live or work in the area to help shape it. The Strategy will provide a clear framework for managing the council’s trees, as well as a strategic and proactive vision and action plan for maximising the benefits of trees into the future. The views of people and organisations across West Northamptonshire will help to ensure that the policy reflects the needs and aspirations of the local community. In celebration of National Tree Week 2023 (November 27 - December 4), and to mark the commencement of this important project, WNC has launched a public consultation giving residents, businesses and other stakeholders a chance to have a say. The consultation launched on 29 November will run until 1 January. Also marking this landmark project, Cllr Phil Larratt, Cabinet Member for Environment, Transport, Highways & Waste, will be joined by Friends of Abington Park to plant a majestic redwood tree within the scenic grounds of Abington Park on Thursday 30 November. We are delighted to launch this consultation to seek the views of our communities on how we manage existing trees and plant the right new tree in the right place across the area and implement a tree strategy for West Northamptonshire. National tree week provides the ideal opportunity to launch this, and commemorate the occasion by planting a new tree. It highlights the importance of creating a diverse and resilient treescape for the future, as well as the import role played by volunteers and all those who dedicate their time caring for our natural environment. Cllr Phil Larratt, Cabinet Member for Environment, Transport, Highways and Waste at WNC The feedback from the consultation will help to inform the next steps and a further survey in the new year. To have your say, visit our consultation hub. Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

November 28, 2023

West Northamptonshire Council launches Stage One Consultation for Community Governance Review

28 November 2023 Stage One Consultation for Community Governance Review Residents, parishes, and businesses in West Northants are invited to actively participate in shaping future electoral and governance arrangements for parishes within the area. West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) launched today (Tuesday, 28 November) the Stage One consultation for the Community Governance Review that will run until Wednesday, 31 January 2024. This consultation aims to seek views and proposals from residents, parishes, and stakeholders regarding existing parish boundaries, numbers of parish councillors, and potential changes to parishes. Before starting the consultation, the Council sought requests from parishes that wanted to make certain changes to their parish arrangements. The outcome of this pre-review consultation, in addition to the recently concluded Local Government Boundary Review, has determined the identified parish areas for inclusion in this consultation. The Community Governance Review is more than a process—it's an invitation for you to bring positive change to your local community by getting involved in shaping the future of West Northamptonshire. I encourage all residents to have your say through the consultation, as your input will contribute to building local parish and town council arrangements that best reflect your local community and that will stand the test of time. Councillor Jonathan Nunn, the Leader of West Northamptonshire Council Proposals from the Stage One consultation will be refined through the Stage Two consultation launching in April 2024. New parish arrangements resulting from this review will take effect at the May 2025 local elections, providing long-term benefits for the community and ensuring an efficient and representative governance structure. For more information, please visit the Community Governance Review webpage , Residents can submit their feedback online or request a paper form by contacting [email protected] . Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

November 28, 2023

West Northants businesses celebrated in run up to Small Business Saturday and all year round

28 November 2023 Businesses in West Northamptonshire are continuing to be celebrated in the run up to Small Business Saturday with many local businesses taking home awards in this year’s Northamptonshire Business Awards, which took place on Thursday (23 November) at the Northampton Town Centre Hotel. Acorn Analytical Services were the proud winners of the West Northamptonshire Business of the Year award, while Sedgebrook Hall were crowned winner of the West Northamptonshire Sustainability award, with both categories being sponsored by West Northamptonshire Council (WNC). Other West Northants winners and finalists on the night included Hi-Force Limited, Gilt Edged Promotions, and Postworks Limited. This award means the world to us and is particularly special as it comes within our 10th anniversary year. West Northamptonshire is our home. Many of us grew up here and went to school here so it made sense that our business should be based here too. Now, we are able to employ the next generation of local talent as they embark on their own careers within the asbestos industry. Acorn Analytical Services Director, Ian Stone In the spirit of celebrating and supporting local businesses, it’s less than one week to go until Small Business Saturday, which celebrates its 11th anniversary on Saturday 2 December. Everyone is encouraged to hit their local area to ‘shop local’ and support small businesses across West Northamptonshire. With over 19,000 local businesses, there’s plenty to choose from. The national day itself takes place on the first Saturday in December each year, but the campaign aims to have a lasting impact on all small businesses across the UK. To help support businesses in West Northamptonshire, WNC is expanding free parking in the area by removing charges in all Council owned multi-storey carparks in Northampton Town Centre for the whole day so that shoppers won’t have to worry about the cost of parking. On-street charging in Northampton Town Centre and all other parking restrictions still apply, please ensure you read the signage before leaving your vehicle. West Northamptonshire is home to so many amazing businesses and I’d like to offer a huge congratulations to all those who were recognised in this year’s Northamptonshire Business Awards. Small Business Saturday is a fantastic way to shine a light on the great small business offer we have in West Northamptonshire and we are truly passionate about helping our local economy to thrive. This is a priority of ours all year round and we have a dedicated team offering free business support and funding to help every local business to achieve sustainable business growth in West Northants. We recognise the benefits for the whole community when everyone thinks locally and supports local employers, and that’s why we strive to support and champion our small businesses 365 days of the year and implore everyone to join us. Cllr Daniel Lister, WNC’s Cabinet Member for Economic Development, Town Centre Regeneration and Growth The Council’s Economic Growth and Inward Investment Team offer wide-ranging support for businesses throughout the year including: Business growth Accessing funding Employment, skills, and recruitment Help to start a new business A Business Toolbox packed with useful documents Businesses can visit the Small Business Saturday page or contact [email protected] or on 01327 322230 to find out more. To ensure that residents and visitors can explore every West Northants business, all employers are urged to register on the free Explore West Northants app . The app showcases everything to enjoy all year round in West Northants, from independent businesses to cultural attractions and local events. You can find more information and sign up to Small Business Saturday nationally via the Small Business Saturday website. Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

November 27, 2023

Mysteries continue to be unearthed at Northampton Market Square

Northampton Market 27 November 2023 In September this year, fragments of medieval shoes, textiles, pot fragments, dating back to the 13th-14th century, animal bones and wood, and the remnants of several structures were uncovered underneath Northampton Market Square. Since these discoveries the Museum of London Archaeology has been monitoring the historical finds that have been taking place on the site of the Market Square regeneration. On 26 October MOLA made an incredible and exciting discovery whilst proceeding with the groundworks for the surface renovation program of the Market Square. During the surface works an underground cellar was exposed at the site and with archaeological supervision of the excavation of a shallow trench for electrical cables along the western perimeter of the site, the structure was revealed. The unearthed cellar is part of the wider cellar network. The row of buildings between the Market Square and the Drapery, including the cellar, was constructed after the Great Fire of Northampton in 1675, possibly during the 18th and 19th centuries. During the excavation, several post-medieval sherds also were found, providing valuable insights for dating purposes. While opening the trench, one of the blocks was damaged, allowing a rare peek inside this piece of Northampton’s history. To much surprise, the entire cellar was filled with concrete almost up to its ceiling. The only visible feature beyond the concrete layer was a small fragment of a possible door frame leading into the Market Square building. Fragments of the textile material, sometimes used to stop spillage during the concreting process, were also found on the opposite wall, suggesting that some relatively recent work on this cellar was undertaken, possibly dating back to the 1970s when parts of Market Square were redeveloped. The discovery of this hidden cellar not only adds a new chapter to Northampton's history but also underscores the intricate layers of the Town’s past waiting to be uncovered. It is incredible to see even more historical artefacts and structures being uncovered during the regeneration of the Market Square. MOLA continue to unearth and study Northampton’s rich and mysterious history and we welcome any more discoveries they make. The continued effort to bring a new and energised public space to Northampton Town Centre will make such a difference to the town’s future and will be a new entry in our history books. Cllr Dan Lister, Cabinet Member for Economic Development, Town Centre Regeneration and Growth at WNC The Market Square regeneration is just one part of the Northampton Forward Town Investment Plan to transform Northampton town centre. The works on Market Square will create an accessible space for everybody including families, tourists, young professionals, and the elderly. The newly rejuvenated area, opening in the summer of 2024, will offer new permanent market stalls for traders, high-quality seating and planting, a flexible event space, and a new water feature to activate the area. To find out more about this exciting regeneration project and other transformation projects happening across Northampton visit the We are Northampton Website . Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

November 27, 2023

Help spread Comfort and Joy in West Northants this Christmas

Community, safety and emergencies 27 November 2023 People in West Northamptonshire are being asked to help spread comfort and joy this Christmas by donating items to those in need. Organised by the Community Safety team at West Northamptonshire Council (WNC), the Comfort and Joy campaign aims to provide gifts, treats and essential items such as food and toiletries to help vulnerable families and those staying in refuges. Many women, men and children who flee domestic abuse do so quickly and may have no personal items with them at all. The campaign is asking for donations to bring comfort and joy to those vulnerable families this Christmas. Donations can be made at West Northamptonshire Council’s offices at the Abbey Centre in Daventry, The Forum in Towcester, and the receptions at The Guildhall and One Angel Square, as well as at Daventry Police Station. The deadline to donate items is 12pm on Friday, 16 December. All of the items donated will go directly to local people living in refuges and other vulnerable families in West Northamptonshire this Christmas. These donations will be distributed between Northamptonshire Domestic Abuse Service (NDAS), Eve and Home Start. It’s a really sad reality that not everyone is going to have a merry Christmas. In fact, the season can heighten the anguish of domestic abuse or trauma. The donations can be practical, they can be whimsical, but most of all we want them to send a message that your community wants to support you at this special time of year. Please get involved and help to spread a little comfort and joy this Christmas. Cllr David Smith, WNC’s Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Engagement, and Regulatory Services All donations must be brand new and unwrapped. Suggested donations include: Comfort donations soap body wash shampoo and conditioner (for adults, children and babies) deodorant sanitary products nappies and wipes toothbrush/paste for adults and children Joy donations perfume/aftershave hats and scarves make-up toys books arts and crafts Food donations mince pies tea and coffee chocolates cereal dry pasta baby food Northamptonshire Domestic Abuse Service 24 hour helpline - 0300 0120 154 . Eve – 01604 230311 Voice – 0300 303 1965 In an emergency please call the police on 999 . Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

November 27, 2023

Towcester relief road reaches key milestone

Roads and paths maintenance 27 November 2023 The construction of the spine road that will provide relief to traffic in and around the town of Towcester, has marked a key milestone. The road, which will eventually link the A5 with the A43 and therefore negating the need for traffic to pass through the centre of the town, has today seen the official opening of the A5 roundabout. The project has experienced a number of delays during its construction but thanks to renewed efforts by local MP Andrea Leadsom, Persimmon Homes, West Northants Council and National Highways, a key milestone has been reached. It will come as a huge relief to many residents that the A5 Roundabout is finally open. Whilst there is still more landscaping work to do, this is a positive development and I am assured that there will be no further closures to the A5. I will continue to push all the stakeholders involved in building the Towcester Relief Road to get this project done as soon as possible. Andrea Leadsom, MP We appreciate the concerns of local residents regarding the delays that been experienced with the construction of this road. However, today marks a significant milestone and my team and I are committed to delivering the relief road as soon as possible. The technical approval process for the A43 roundabout is nearing completion and we hope to be starting on site in spring next year with completion in 2025. Zac Hurst, Managing Director at Persimmon Homes Midlands I’m delighted to be here to celebrate the opening of the new roundabout, which is a significant step forward in the delivery of the relief road. We will continue to work closely with Persimmon Homes and other stakeholders to ensure the A43 roundabout is also delivered as quickly as possible. The A5 in Towcester has had longstanding issues with high levels of traffic passing through the historic town centre. By alleviating traffic from the heart of the community the relief road, together with our proposals for traffic calming through Towcester, which are currently in development will support economic growth and wellbeing by making the high street a more attractive place to visit and preserve the history and identity of the town. Andrew Jinks, National Highways Thank you to all residents and road users for the continued patience during this project. I am really pleased to join our partners to celebrate this milestone as the essential works to relieve traffic congestion on the A5 are complete. As works begin on the next stage, I look forward to the road being opened through to the A43 in due course, and the positive impact this will have to Towcester Town Centre. Cllr Phil Larratt, Cabinet Member for Environment, Transport, Highways and Waste at West Northamptonshire Council Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

November 27, 2023

RIBU one year in

27 November 2023 “The team is really cemented and comfortable with each other. It’s just day to day now because we are one big family.” The Turn Furlong Recovering Independence Bed Unit team recently celebrated their first birthday having had a busy yet incredibly successful year working as one team with NHFT providing clinical staff and West Northamptonshire Council providing social care staff at the Northampton site. The residential rehabilitation centre was formally a specialist care centre and delivers short-term care for people who are not quite ready to return home after a hospital stay. Combining WNC social care and NHFT clinical teams as a joint workforce was a new concept but has been fully embraced by both teams and the 51-bed unit is continuously occupied with patients, with 336 admissions between Nov 22 to Oct 23 and 328 discharges. Turn Furlong’s joint leadership team had a vision to build a great overall team culture. This has been achieved with the team now working incredibly well together and even hosting social events including a summer fete and having meals out together. Because of the unique staffing model, an MDT meeting takes place once a week, which is a holistic discussion with health and social care teams all in one room. This way of working is incredibly effective and allows individual care plans to be looked at and reviewed. In addition, the changes has enabled a supported discharge of people back into the community with Reablement WEST, where they benefit from further rehabilitation from the team and therapists in their own familiar surroundings. An important team development activity that has taken place over the past year is staff training. Training that teams are taking part in has included wound and pressure care, stoma care, mental capacity act (MCA), delirium, and falls training. The team of reablement support workers from WNC have been upskilled as well. All the training that the team has undertaken has meant that as well as the day-to-day efficiencies and camaraderie, when there have been emergencies in the unit – the team has handled them well through working and learning from each other. Friendships have formed and there is a sense that you can ask anyone anything. “We adapt, and we are good at embracing change, and keeping this going with the enthusiasm to improve.” A great example of how the RIBU provides the right care at the right time was recently with a patient who had a recent dementia diagnosis. They had been discharged, but after they returned home it became apparent that being at home was not going to be sustainable as they needed more support. The patient was assessed and then referred to the RIBU where an individualised care plan was promptly arranged. The RIBU provides rehabilitation with a personalised care plan that is goal-led for individuals. For this patient, their main goal was to get home and be able to use the stairs safely. With this in mind, and having on-site therapy team members, daily physio was introduced as well as carrying out stairs assessments and focussing on functional activities with the Occupational Therapist. Ensuring the patient walked to get breakfast and lunch and to sit in the lounge and walk around the garden were other everyday activities that were carried out as part of the rehabilitation plan. As a result of the quick assessment and the subsequent rehabilitation plan, the patient progressed from being immobile to walking with a walking stick in less than 35 days. If the patient had not been able to have the personalised rehabilitation care that the RIBU offered, the alternative would have been a care package at home which would have taken longer to achieve the patient’s goals and there would have been no rehabilitation input. Recent implementations and innovations The team has been working with local GPs to look at Venous thrombosis assessment and the team is looking at what they can do in terms of VTE assessment and protocol to prevent this from happening. What patients eat and drink is also being continuously reviewed and working with the kitchen to develop menus with more protein to encourage tissue healing in them is one such innovation. There has also been a hydration drive – with hydration stations set up to keep this at the top of the staff members’ minds. New mattresses have been introduced to help with pressure ulcers and wooden floors have replaced carpets in patients’ bedrooms which are much more efficient to clean. There is also lots of new equipment on site such as, floor beds and falls alarms, lifting equipment. Both teams have worked together to identify what is needed and to train each other on how to use it when it arrives. Running a 51-bedroom facility is busy, and so volunteers from NHFT have been introduced to help with capacity and further help patients with dementia by reminiscing about their lives and walking in the garden. These activities make a huge difference to patients and using volunteers helps the team a great deal. Champions have been introduced in specific areas such as end of life and Infection Prevention Control - with staff taking on an extra responsibility by volunteering to do this. There has also been engagement and fundraising with the local Northamptonshire Health Charity and plans to connect with local schools. Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

November 27, 2023

Illicit vapes seized from Northampton stores

27 November 2023 A joint operation between Northamptonshire Police and West Northamptonshire Trading Standards saw more than £9000 worth of illicit vapes seized in Northampton last week. On Thursday, November 23, the teams visited two stores in Wellingborough Road and Abington Square, seizing £4650 worth of illicit vapes from one and £4570 worth from the other. Whilst licensed, regulated vapes can be a useful tool to help adults quit smoking, the illicit vape trade is exceptionally dangerous - often containing harmful, psychoactive substances that can have serious health issues. These vapes often make their way into the hands of young people who have no idea how dangerous they really are. Protecting people from harm is one of the core roles of the police and this comes in many forms. By taking these items off our streets, we are not only safeguarding people from consuming dangerous substances, but also disrupting serious and organised crime, which is often associated with these types of seizures. I’d like to thank our partners at Trading Standards and know there are many operations of a similar nature to come. Aaron Dilley, Neighbourhood Policing Sergeant Last week’s operation follows one in Kettering at the beginning of the month which saw three stores visited and £80,000 worth of illicit tobacco, cigarettes and vapes found and seized. We are committed to working collaboratively with Northamptonshire Police to prevent illegal vapes and cigarettes from being sold to young people and residents across the area illegally. Our trading standards team are working proactively with the police to tackle this head on, and I am pleased that together we’ve prevented £9000 worth of illegal vapes being sold to our residents. Cllr David Smith, Cabinet Member for Community Safety, Engagement and Regulatory Services at WNC Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

November 25, 2023

Residents urged to sweep and maintain chimneys after recent fires

Northamptonshire residents are being urged to make sure that they check their chimneys and maintain them properly after a growing number of fires in recent days. As temperatures get colder during winter, the use of chimneys increases as families relax in front of the fire – but this also makes it one of the busiest times of the year for firefighters to be called out. Over an eight-day period between November 11-19, Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service was called to five chimney related incidents. This is a much higher rate than usual, where on average we are called to between 50-60 chimney fires over the course of 12 months. One of the recent incidents included a fire last week in Towcester, where a blaze started in a chimney flue that had not been cleaned in over a year. Fire crews from Towcester and Mereway managed to contain the fire to the flue before extinguishing it and recommending that the homeowners get their chimney professionally swept before its next use. Chimneys should be cleaned four times a year if you are using wood, twice a year if you are using coal, and at least once a year if you are using smokeless fuels, oil or gas. Tina Collett, a Prevention Team Leader at Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: “We know during winter that people start to consider using the fireplace for the first time in a while, but it is important that chimneys are well swept before using them for the first time this winter. “Getting a professional chimney sweep to clean it will be a worthwhile investment and help to keep your home safe. Chimney fires can end up being absolutely devastating if they spread to the rest of your home, and during winter and ahead of Christmas we want to make sure that those risks are not ignored.” Here are some top tips for avoiding a chimney fire: Keep your chimney and flue clean and well maintained Ensure any fire is extinguished properly before leaving the house or going to bed Never interrupt the air supply by blocking air vents or air bricks Install smoke alarms on every level of your house and test them regularly If you have a chimney fire, remember the following: Your first option should be to get out, stay out and ring 999 If it is safe for you to do so however, shut all air vents and flue dampers to reduce oxygen supply Move flammable materials such as furniture away from the fireplace For more tips on how to stay safe for Christmas, visit our winter safety page

November 23, 2023

Born 2 Perform help celebrate the achievements of disabled people in West Northants

23 November 2023 Born 2 Perform, Britain’s Got Talent Golden Buzzer winners, will help celebrate the achievements of disabled people in West Northamptonshire during the International Day of People with Disabilities (IDPWD) on 1 December. Alongside delivering a captivating performance, Born to Perform will also be talking about living with a disability at the event scheduled to take place between 1pm and 3pm at Sport4Fitness, Fernie Fields Sports & Social Club, Fernie Field, Moulton, Northampton NN3 7BD. Organised by the West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) Disable Person’s Forum, the information filled virtual event will be hosted by our very own Paul Meadows who represents his Sends4Dads charity and will see himself and people within the community share their personal stories of living with disabilities. There will be a selection of partners such as Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service (NFRS) offering free home safety checks, and WNC will be there providing Cost of Living advice. Representatives from Adapt Ability, Northamptonshire’s Childrens Trust, Moulton Leisure Centre and Saints Wheelchair Rugby Team will also be among the many promotional stand holders. I am delighted to announce that WNC is marking IPDWD for the fourth consecutive year. People with disabilities are integral members of our diverse communities and contribute significantly to the richness of our lives. I encourage everyone to take part in the celebrations, taking the opportunity to engage with and reflect on the experiences of disabled people. Cllr David Smith, WNC's Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Engagement, and Regulatory Services Highlights from the event will be available to watch later via the Council's YouTube channel Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

November 23, 2023

Council’s commitment to tackling vaping in West Northamptonshire

23 November 2023 West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) shows its onward commitment to tackling youth vaping and smoking, as it welcomes the Government’s current consultation on creating a smokefree generation. WNC share the concerns of many other organisations and authorities on the impacts of vaping for children and young people and how proposals, and further enforcement can help to tackle this rising issue. Over the last six months WNC’s trading standards team has seized 5,000 illegal vapes that contravene the regulations for the maximum permitted quantity. 32 underage test purchase attempts have also been made resulting in 17 sales to a volunteer under the age of 18 years old, showing the extent of work already underway to tackle this issue. Services across the Council are working collaboratively to prevent vapes and cigarettes from being sold to young people illegally and address the significant health concerns these pose to young people. I would urge all residents to consider responding to the Government’s consultation regarding the sale of the vapes and ensure their views are taken into account. Cllr David Smith, Cabinet Member for Community Safety, Engagement and Regulatory Services at WNC Working together with local partner organisations, plans are underway to drive forward, how together the Council can tackle youth vaping by ensuring the voices of children and young people are heard to help shape next steps and implement sustainable solutions in line with the outcomes of the Government consultation. Developing a multi-agency approach the Council will deliver a ‘summit’ in February to drive these conversations forward. Work is already underway as WNC is working closely with schools to provide them with information to teachers and parents, as well as developing guidance to best support children and young people vaping. This is a huge priority for us as a Council as well as the Tobacco Control Alliance for Northamptonshire – we know this is a huge issue that we need to tackle and we are committed to doing this, working closely with teams across WNC, key partners as well as hearing from children and young people themselves. Like other areas nationally, we are seeing vaping as a rising issue amongst our young people and this is a huge concern. I strongly encourage all residents to take part in the consultation. It is really important to share your thoughts and views to help shape next steps on this important issue. Cllr Matt Golby, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Public Health at WNC The Government consultation is live until 11.59pm on 6 December 2023 and encourages all residents to get involved and have their say on the proposed action to protect future generations from the harms of smoking, as well as on proposals to crack down on youth vaping and ensure the law is enforced. To take part in the consultation please visit: Creating a smokefree generation and tackling youth vaping: your views - Department of Health and Social Care (dhsc.gov.uk) Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

November 22, 2023

Improvements continue in Children’s services

Children and families 22 November 2023 The journey to improve children’s social care and the outcomes for our children across Northamptonshire continues to make encouraging progress, with more positive feedback from Ofsted inspectors during their latest visit. Last month Ofsted carried out a focused visit to the ‘Front door’ services within countywide children’s services – this is where all safeguarding referrals are received and reviewed to consider the level of need and urgency, ensuring children and families get the support that they need. In the first focused visit since the full Ofsted inspection in autumn last year inspectors have continued to see ongoing improvement, reflecting the closer working between Northamptonshire Children’s Trust and North and West Northamptonshire Councils as they prioritise improving outcomes for children. In a findings letter published on Ofsted’s website today (Wednesday, 22 November) inspectors said, ‘the positive culture alongside a successful workforce strategy, has resulted in the front door workforce being more stable than it has been in years.’ Inspectors added that staff having a manageable workload meant that ‘social workers in the Duty and Assessment Teams can build positive relationships with children’ and ‘many skilfully do this’. They also said: ‘Collaborative, strengths-based social work practice is having a positive impact for many families.’ Leadership was also highlighted as a strength, with Ofsted saying senior leaders have ‘maintained a firm focus on improvement through external reviews, quality assurance processes and a realistic improvement plan.’ They added: ‘Leaders know their front door service well. They understand the service’s strengths, in particular, an increasingly stable workforce and improvements in the quality of social work interventions and assessments.’ Since the inception of Northamptonshire Children’s Trust three years ago, a positive change in culture has been noted throughout Ofsted inspections. In this latest visit, inspectors found ‘social workers across front door services are very positive about working for NCT’, describing a supportive, strengths-based culture’. They added that ‘staff are motivated, and, like their leaders, they are committed to improving the lives of children in Northamptonshire.’ Ofsted inspectors also noted there were still improvements to be made but that leaders were acutely aware of addressing these issues, such as improving consistency across the partnership in decision making, further work around continuing to improve initial responses to children at risk of exploitation and who go missing, further development of early help provision and improving current IT systems. Actions to address these areas are already under way. We are very pleased that Ofsted continue to see the improvements that we are making with our partners. Critical to the journey are our valuable workforce and alongside a strong stable leadership team, they are committed to improving the lives of children in Northamptonshire. We welcome the commitment and support that we receive from North and West Northamptonshire Councils and collaboratively we can achieve the best possible outcomes for children, young people and families in the county. Julian Wooster, Chair of Northamptonshire Children’s Trust The councils and Trust are committed to working closely together on the positive journey of improvement whilst tackling significant challenges, also facing children’s services nationally. Among the national factors contributing to the challenges in Northants is the increase in the number of children and young people in care, high inflation driving up placement costs and a shortage of suitable placements due to a rise in the number of children with complex needs. The Councils and NCT are working together to find solutions whilst also continuing to improve the service in line with Ofsted recommendations. One example of this is the procurement and implementation of a new case management for the fostering service which was an Ofsted recommendation- this makes it easier to view the progress and outcomes for children supported by the service. The councils are supporting the Trust to further improve current IT systems as recommended in this latest inspection and the process for buying for this is already underway. Another key initiative - the Circle 2 Success project (Valuing care) – is beginning to reap benefits for children and young people in care. It involves working closely with social workers and practitioners, spending time assessing and identifying children who with support could step down from a high-cost residential placement to a foster placement or return home. This work prioritises improving outcomes by considering the individual needs of every child and young person and ensuring they are safe and supported whilst also supporting our financial position by ensuring placements represent good value. We are committed to improving the lives of children in North Northamptonshire and therefore committed to supporting Northamptonshire Children’s Trust (NCT) to continue their positive journey of improvement. Cllr Scott Edwards, Executive member for Children, Families, Education and Skills Improving the life chances of our children and young people and ensuring they receive the best support and opportunities to help them thrive is a top priority for both us and our Children’s Trust. Our collaborative progress on this journey has been significant and we continue to move upwards in a positive direction. The implementation of the new case management system and recent focused visit to the Front Door is a great example of this, highlighting some strong areas of practice, helping us to achieve a safe and effective Front Door. Despite our challenges, there is lots of good work underway. There is no quick fix, but the work happening is innovative and with our strong workforce, can make a difference. Cllr Fiona Baker, Cabinet Member for Children, Families, Education and Skills at West Northants Council Read the reports: North Northamptonshire West Northamptonshire Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

November 22, 2023

Welcoming spaces open this winter as residents are urged to stay connected

Winter wellbeing 22 November 2023 West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) are pleased to be working with a wide range of partners including our community and voluntary organisations to support over 88 welcoming spaces for our residents this winter period. Following the success of our warm spaces initiative last year, which saw over 64,000 visits to 47 grant funded spaces, together with partners, WNC are relaunching the initiative ahead of this winter to provide friendly and safe places for residents across West Northants. Rebranding the initiative as welcoming spaces emphasises the importance of social connectedness and encourages residents to utilise these spaces to meet and socialise with new people, find out about what support is on offer as well as access a friendly, warm space in their local neighbourhood. Working with many community partners helps to make welcoming spaces local to all residents across West Northants, as part of the Council’s aim to tackle social isolation and prevent loneliness in communities. Alongside providing a place for people to meet and socialise, some welcoming spaces will have information about support services available to residents providing information on topics such as the financial support available or signposting to mental health services, with others offering gardening groups, knitting together or simply a place for a hot drink and a chat. The centres are open to everyone and include libraries, community centres, community hubs and other places offering a warm welcome and free to use for anyone struggling to heat their home. Some venues will also offer hot drinks, activities, and other services such as free Wi-Fi. We know from last year’s usage that these spaces are very much needed for residents – whether it’s to get out the house, have someone to talk to, stay warm or access some of the social activities on offer. We know that the winter months can be a challenging time for many – whether it’s due to financial worries, struggling with household bills, or feeling lonely – that's why we’re keen to be supporting a similar initiative this year. I really encourage residents to go along to their local welcoming space and join in with this initiative as it continues to build on the impact of last year. Cllr Matt Golby, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Public Health at WNC The Council has created a map of venues across the Daventry, Northampton, South Northamptonshire areas as well as a number of others further afield in the county that are providing free spaces that you can go to during the colder months. To learn more and find your nearest Welcoming Space, please visit the Welcoming Spaces webpage on the Cost of Living Hub. Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

November 20, 2023

Taking steps to keep yourself well this winter

Winter wellbeing 20 November 2023 As the winter season approaches, it brings with it not only chilly temperatures but also the feeling of being run down or even unwell for many. This time of year can be busy and full of distractions that make it easy to put looking after yourself on the back burner, however staying well during the winter is essential to enjoy the season to the fullest. Despite daily distractions, there are some simple steps we can all take to help keep ourselves and those around us stay winter well. To help with this, together with public health colleagues we have pulled together lots of tips and information together into one place to give you lots of ideas you can do over the next few months. You can find all the information you need on our winter well page from eating well, stay active to opportunities to meet new people, start a new hobby or access financial support if you are struggling. We really hope that you share these with colleagues, friends and relatives to help encourage those around you to stay winter well both physically, mentally and financially. In this article, we'll explore some ways you can stay healthy, happy, and active throughout the colder months. Financial support The rising cost of living is challenging for us all, however help is available to vulnerable and low-income households through the Government’s Household Support Fund, and our Council is working with a range of partners to distribute this money to those who need it most. The package of support on offer this winter allows people earning £400 a week or less to apply for a £300 payment, and more information can be found on our Cost of Living Support page. Stay connected Social relationships are an important part of supporting our wellbeing, so spending time each day to develop and nurture relationships can be very beneficial. Our Council works with partners to offer a number of Welcoming Spaces across West Northamptonshire, providing the perfect opportunity to meet new people or catch up with friends over a hot drink and a biscuit. Find your nearest on our Cost of Living Support page. Keep bugs at bay If you are eligible for a free COVID-19 vaccine and flu jab, it’s vital you come forward to top up your protection. The vaccines can be administered together in one appointment at dozens of pharmacies and GP practices across Northamptonshire, and can be booked online on the NHS website or by calling 119. Look after your mental wellbeing Looking after your mental health and wellbeing is just as important as looking after your physical health. There are several steps we can take that are proven to support our mental health and wellbeing and help us to keep mentally well. The Action for Happiness charity has set out 10 Keys that tend to make life happier and more fulfilling. View them and find out more on the Action for Happiness website. Enjoy some exercise As little as 30 minutes of movement each day can do wonders for your mind and body. Leisure Centres across West Northamptonshire offer a range of exercise classes and other opportunities to keep fit and active, but our many parks and open spaces also offer opportunities to get out in the fresh air and enjoy nature. Find out more on our Sport and Leisure page. Look out for others The winter period can be difficult for a great many people, and helping those who are vulnerable or in need can be a rewarding way to spend your time. It could be a simple call or check-in with a vulnerable neighbour or relative, but there are also winter campaigns to get involved in. WNC’s annual Comfort and Joy campaign seeks donations for vulnerable families staying in refuges as a result of domestic abuse at Christmas. Our library service also works with the Northampton Hope Centre on the Fill the Box campaign to provide food donations. Look out for donation boxes at your local library. Wash your hands and catch your sneezes It may sound simple, but washing your hands several times a day for at least 20 seconds with soap and warm water can help prevent you from getting sick and spreading bugs further. Got the sneezes? Be sure to catch them in a tissue, bin it and kill the germs. Keep warm for less Cold weather can have a serious impact on health, and it is important to keep warm. Try to maintain a room temperature of 18°C, ensure windows are closed during cold nights, have your heating system checked to make sure it is safe to use, and wear lots of layers of thin clothes to help stay warm. Tips for improving the energy efficiency of your home can be found on the Government website. Get help with money worries Money worries can have a significant impact on your wellbeing, but there is help available. The Community Law Service has a team of specialist debt advice caseworkers who can provide a full range of debt counselling, including liaising with creditors and advising on insolvency. The service is free, independent and confidential. They offer drop-in services our One Stop Shop at The Guildhall, as well as at The Forum in Towcester, or you can call 01604 621038 or visit the Community Law Service website. Food essentials Food larders offer a great way to buy groceries at heavily discounted rates for a small annual membership cost. A list of providers can be found on the Good Food West Northants website. Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

November 20, 2023

Council launch £950k grants scheme to support community transport services in West Northants

20 November 2023 West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) has launched a new £950k grants scheme to create new and support existing community transport initiatives in West Northants, as well as support the expansion of current grant funded transport projects and services. This grant funding will be available over the financial years 2024/25 and 2025/26 for eligible community transport projects from 1 April 2024, following £547,181 funding from Central Government via the Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF) and £60,337 from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), in addition to £342,000 of Council funding. The grant funding will be allocated to community transport projects and services that meet identified needs and assist the Council in achieving one or more of its corporate priorities , including improving accessibility to employment, healthcare, leisure and education services; addressing unmet needs where there are gaps in the commercial bus network provision; and connecting rural communities to the locations they need to access. The types of community transport projects or services that will be considered for the grant funding will also play a crucial role in enhancing the wellbeing of individuals and communities by addressing the various transport-related challenges they face including: Increasing accessibility and inclusion by providing access to transportation for individuals who may have limited mobility, disabilities, or live in areas with inadequate public transport options Reducing social isolation by enabling independent living especially among young people, older adults, and individuals with disabilities who may otherwise be confined to their homes due to a lack of suitable transport options Providing access to healthcare by providing reliable community transport that is critical for individuals to access healthcare services Enabling safer transport by prioritising safety and the training of drivers, community transport providers will understand their users’ needs to make transportation a safer option, especially for vulnerable individuals Supporting economic opportunities by helping people access employment opportunities, education and training and contributing to economic development, economic empowerment, and self-sufficiency Assisting in the maintenance of sustainable communities by connecting rural communities to the services they need and providing dependable travel resulting in well-connected places Providing environmental benefits by using more sustainable and eco-friendly vehicles or limiting car mileage, contributing to reduced greenhouse gas emissions and a cleaner environment helping us to reach net-zero by 2045 Relieving traffic congestion by providing alternative transportation to reduce the number of individual vehicles on the road, thus alleviating traffic congestion in urban and suburban areas Providing a cost-efficient alternative to existing transport services, particularly for users who might find traditional private transportation unaffordable Building communities by promoting a sense of community, bringing people together and facilitating social interaction. Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise Organisations that operate within the geographical area of West Northamptonshire and the Town and Parish Councils within the area are invited to submit an expression of interest form for this Community Funding Grant. We are delighted to be inviting providers to bid for this funding to support our communities and help improve transport provision across West Northants. This funding will help to alleviate transport challenges for some of our most vulnerable residents as well as those who live in rural communities. We are looking for providers who share our ambition for accessibility and inclusivity and are particularly interested in providers that can deliver sustainable and environmentally impactful approaches to community transport. Cllr David Smith, Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Engagement, and Regulatory Services It is an important factor in people’s wellbeing that they have options for safe, comfortable and affordable travel to meet their everyday needs, and we are committed to supporting this where we can for all our residents. Transport providers have a big role to play in providing people with an alternative option to the car, and to encourage people to travel more sustainably we will aim to support the provision of reliable, efficient and affordable alternatives which meet the needs of our communities and that are accessible to everyone. We’re keen to work with community transport providers who understand their communities’ transport needs and who share our commitment to making a sustainable West Northamptonshire a reality. Those who are successful at bidding for funding will receive a one-off grant to introduce or enhance local transport schemes in their communities. Cllr Phil Larratt, Cabinet Member for Environment, Transport, Highways and Waste We are grateful for the UK Government’s support in enabling us to deliver this REPF and UKSPF funding to local community groups and help improve the lives of residents across West Northamptonshire. As a Council, we’ve worked hard to carefully plan how to use this funding to realise our growth aspirations for our area and ensure it has a beneficial impact on the whole community. We have a comprehensive range of projects, initiatives and activities taking place between now and March 2025 which aim to deliver impactful interventions and continue to raise the profile of West Northants as an area where everyone can thrive. Cllr Daniel Lister, Cabinet Member for Economic Development, Town Centre Regeneration and Growth Further information and the full criteria for applications can be found on the WNC website and in the Council’s Community Funding Grants Framework . If you would like to speak to the Community Funding Grants Team about your project or your eligibility to apply for this grant, email: [email protected] including your contact telephone number, as a telephone conversation can sometimes clarify a question more efficiently. More information on the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) and Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF) can be found on the Gov website . Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

November 19, 2023

Team Award presented to Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service for protecting the county’s most vulnerable residents

Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service’s Home Safety and Safeguarding Team has won the top Team Award at the National Fire Chiefs Council Prevention and Protection Awards ceremony this week, recognising the extensive and complex programme of work carried out to protect the most vulnerable people of Northamptonshire. The Team Award, which was collected by Prevention Team Leader, Tina Collett, was awarded in recognition of the programme of Home Fire Safety Visits (HFSV), including enhanced visits to residents with the most complex needs and risks, and their collaborative working with carers and other social care organisations to deliver the best possible outcomes for those people who require the most support or care. The Team has also delivered multi-agency training to frontline staff from safeguarding organisations and integrated healthcare providers. They have been raising awareness of the direct links between neglect or self-neglect and fire safety in the home and have helped those people with caring responsibilities to recognise and reduce the risk of fire in their clients’ homes. Business Manager for the Northamptonshire Safeguarding Adults Board (NSAB), one of the partner agencies the Prevention Team works with, said: “NFRS is a valued partner with Tina and her team being highly valued colleagues supporting NSAB to deliver against their strategic plan. “They have delivered several virtual learning events for NSAB, promoting our joint tools such as the Hoarding Framework and generating good multi-agency discussions to support learning and professional development. The Home Safety and Safeguarding Team are a pleasure to work with, they are enthusiastic, supportive and always work with integrity and compassion.” Lisa Bryan, Prevention, Safeguarding and Partnership Manager at Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service said: “This team are truly focused on positive outcomes. They are productive, impactful and contribute to improvements within the Service and beyond. “The number of outgoing Home Fire Safety Visit referrals has doubled in the last three years but the person-centred approach taken by the Prevention Team has enabled many vulnerable people across the county to remain living safely and independently in their own homes. “Their vital work in our communities around safeguarding and reducing risk was also recognised by the HMICFRS in the July 2022 inspection and is again testament to how effective their interventions and prevention work is across Northamptonshire. I am extremely proud to have them within my wider Prevention Department.” The NFCC Prevention and Protection Awards 2023 were established to celebrate the exceptional work and achievements of Prevention and Protection teams across the fire and rescue sector.

November 17, 2023

Partners in West Northants take a stand against gender-based violence

17 November 2023 Residents and businesses are invited to join the West Northamptonshire Community Safety Partnership (CSP) in taking a stand against gender-based violence and abuse during 16 Days of Activism which runs from 25 November to 10 December. The partnership will be holding a diverse programme of virtual and face-to-face activities to raise awareness of one of the world’s biggest campaigns around preventing violence against women and girls and promoting the local support services available to women and girls who have experienced physical or sexual violence or domestic abuse. The campaign will start with a Reclaim the Night march organised by Northamptonshire Rape Crisis on Saturday, 25 November at 6.45pm. The march will start from Wellingborough Road in Northampton, meeting in the Co-op car park on Barry Road at 6.30pm and continuing to All Saints Church, where a candlelit vigil will take place from approximately 7.10pm. During the 16 days, the Community Safety Partnership will be distributing leaflets, posters and information to venues, workplaces and retailers across West Northamptonshire. Businesses will also be asked to place stickers in their windows, in support of the campaign. In addition, the partnership will be holding several pop-up support stands, where agencies such as Northamptonshire Domestic Abuse Service, Eve, Voice, Serenity and Northamptonshire Rape Crisis will be on hand to provide advice and guidance. Locations include: Kingsthorpe Children’s Centre Thorplands Children’s Centre Blackthorn Children’s Centre Brixworth Library Towcester Library Daventry Library The Grosvenor Centre Northampton University We must let women and girls know that they are not alone and make it clear to perpetrators that gender-based violence and abuse will not be accepted. Together we can add our voices to the clarion call for violence against women and girls to end and make the world a safer place for all. Domestic abuse can be terrifying and unfortunately, it is the reality for far too many women and girls. The Sixteen Days of Activism is one small way in which, we, as West Northamptonshire Council and our partners can empower victims to start the journey towards becoming a survivor. We hope that, by highlighting this campaign it will encourage people to come forward and open up about these issues and raise awareness about the various support and services available in West Northants. Cllr David Smith, WNC's Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Engagement, and Regulatory Services Tackling violence against women and girls is a matter of priority for Northamptonshire Police. No-one should have the fear of abuse or violence hanging over them. There is absolutely no excuse for violent, abusive, or controlling behaviour and we will pursue the perpetrators. I hope the 16 days campaign will encourage victims to not suffer in silence and to come forward and report incidents. We will believe you and do all we can to help. Detective Inspector Nina Agg from the Northamptonshire Police Domestic Abuse Investigation Unit Information, advice and guidance will be shared during the 16 days via West Northamptonshire Council‘s (WNC) social media pages . Further advice and support can be found on the West Northamptonshire Council website Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

November 17, 2023

Northampton hub for businesses wins award for ‘fostering innovation’

17 November 2023 Vulcan Works, a serviced workspace hub for startup businesses in Northampton, has won an award for innovation at the Northamptonshire Business Excellence Awards (NBEAs). West Northamptonshire Council and the Vulcan Works centre management team were jointly presented with the Innovation Award for the innovative but sympathetic renovation of derelict council buildings to create an incubation space for startup businesses in the creative and digital industries – sectors that were identified in data as important, growing sectors in Northamptonshire. The £14 million construction project was also a finalist in the Land and Development Award category, which recognises a construction project that has had a significant impact on the Northamptonshire community or economy. Judges praised Vulcan Works, which opened in the Cultural Quarter area of Northampton in February. Comedian Rob Beckett reiterated this when announcing Vulcan Works and West Northamptonshire Council as winners of the Innovation Award. He said: “The judges were blown away by what the winner has done to support both local businesses and the community. They have fostered innovation and at the same time proven they are very good at what they do.” Centre Manager at Vulcan Works, Garrick Hurter, said: “We were over the moon to win the Innovation Award against such stiff competition from other well-deserving innovators in the county. To be finalists in the Land and Development category too was just fantastic. “The Innovation Award means a lot to us especially, as we are always looking for innovative ways to help new and growing businesses to flourish. The concept of Vulcan Works is a brave and bold one that has already had such an impact on our local business community and we have plans to do so much more.” Cllr Dan Lister, Cabinet Member for Economic Development, Town Centre Regeneration and Growth, added: “I was delighted to see Vulcan Works win the Innovation Award at the Northamptonshire Business Excellence Awards. “West Northamptonshire has a high number of new businesses starting up every year, which need support to nurture and grow their business. This led to the innovative idea to create and deliver the Vulcan Works. The space provides a home for businesses, with on-site support to help them thrive. To see these derelict but characterful council properties transform into a busy ecosystem for startups is hugely rewarding.” For more information on Vulcan Works, see vulcanworks.co.uk . Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

November 17, 2023

Northamptonshire's tourism treasures highlighted in £10 days out winter campaign

17 November 2023 A campaign has been launched to showcase Northamptonshire as a brilliant destination for experiencing great value days out in November and December. Focusing on all the county offers to winter visitors, ranging from well-known experiences like Winter Tours at Silverstone and a Victorian Christmas at Rockingham Castle, to a whole host of hidden gems visitors can discover for the first time, with 20 suggestions for experiences for under £10. Encouraging families to enjoy great experiences at great value, and promoting Northamptonshire’s accessible location, the campaign highlights family-friendly places to visit, stay and eat, with special offers and days out for £10, all available during November and December. Northamptonshire is rich in natural beauty, culture and history with vibrant destinations that people can enjoy visiting time and time again throughout the year. In West Northamptonshire, we have unique Christmas markets in Brackley, Daventry and Towcester, along with bustling Northampton at the heart of the County. In addition to the area’s rich cultural offer, there are also some fantastic opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors such as the Winter Tours at Silverstone, a canal walk at Stoke Bruerne, Delapré Abbey and many more. Northamptonshire is a place that genuinely has something for everyone. Our Economic Growth & Inward Investment Team are dedicated on growing the visitor economy, supporting local attractions and driving increased footfall and spend within the local area. Cllr Daniel Lister, Cabinet Member for Economic Development, Town Centre Regeneration and Growth at West Northamptonshire Council With shorter days and colder weather, it can be tempting to stay at home throughout the Winter months. But this campaign encourages you to get out and about to explore the wonderful attractions we have across the local area, there are so many seasonal activities being hosted, it would be a shame not to spend time with friends and family, and these low-cost days out certainly help. There is so much to see and do right on your doorstep from Wicksteed Park and Stanwick Lakes through to Adrenaline Alley and the Chester House Estate. Cllr Helen Howell, Deputy Leader of North Northamptonshire Council and Executive Member for Sport, Leisure, Culture & Tourism at North Northamptonshire Council Let's wrap up warm and get out there! Northamptonshire offers incredible experiences, hospitality and food and drink to visitors during the winter months. We look forward to continuing our efforts to help sustain and grow the local tourism sector and are grateful to the North Northamptonshire and West Northamptonshire Unitary Authorities for funding this campaign. Rachel Mallows, Chair, Northamptonshire Britain’s Best Surprise This winter campaign has been funded by both North Northamptonshire and West Northamptonshire Councils as part of their shared commitment to supporting the local visitor economy and is being delivered by Northamptonshire Britain’s Best Surprise. The initiative shines a spotlight on great value days out and experiences including: Chester House Estate Northamptonshire’s oldest (but newest!) visitor attraction. Nationally significant site demonstrating 10,000 years of heritage, open daily throughout November and December. Free entrance and free parking all winter. Wicksteed Park Get ready to have a blast at Wicky’s Crackers Christmas Party! Dec 22, children from £8, adults from £2. Catch Father Christmas' grand entrance and a gift for every child. For those that need car parking, a £7.50 all day charge applies. Delapré Abbey Enjoy great days out for all the family at Delapre this Christmas. Christmas Fair Dec 1-3, £5 entry. Santa’s Grotto Dec 1-3, 8-10, 15-17. £10 per child. Lamport Hall Grade I historic house with beautiful, family friendly gardens to explore and Garden Season Tickets for £10. Mini Heritage Explorers tickets also £10 per adult, with all children free. Evenley Wood Garden A beautiful, 60-acre privately owned woodland set in the heart of Northamptonshire countryside near Brackley. Adults - £8.50, children aged 4 to 16 - £1.50. Stanwick Lakes 50-acre countryside attraction with imaginative play areas, open spaces and paths that families, walkers, cyclists and nature lovers can explore. All day parking plus two hot drinks for £10. Pop into the visitor centre and quote 'Surprise' for this offer. 78 Derngate £9 entry this winter to the recently extended Charles Rennie Mackintosh House at 78 Derngate. Kirby Hall History making days out from £9.50. Enjoy a great day out at Kirby Hall, exploring the beautiful grounds and rich decoration of one of England’s greatest Elizabethan and 17th-century houses. Holdenby House Christmas family fun at Holdenby, December 2-3. Adults £9, children free of charge. 10am to 8pm daily. Adrenaline Alley Europe’s biggest action sports venue. Late session £10 for gold members this winter. Lyveden Intriguing Elizabethan lodge and moated garden, adults £9 entrance this winter. Northampton Museum & Art Gallery Northampton's flagship museum and art gallery in the heart of the Cultural Quarter. Home to the world's largest shoe collection with exhibitions and events for visitors of all ages. Free to enter although donations are welcome. Nene Wetlands Nature Reserve Water, meadows, wet woodland, reed beds and a visitor centre. Home to species including kingfishers, dragonflies, grass snakes and otters, and destination for thousands of migratory birds each year. Admission and parking are free. Barnwell Country Park, Oundle and Oundle Museum A great, free day out. 37 acres of lakes, riverbank and meadows to explore, close to the historic market town of Oundle, where you can admire beautiful stone-built architecture dating back more than 300 years and visit the award-winning museum. Iron Pit Woods Adventure Two adults plus two children adventure golf for £10 this winter. Quote BESTSURPRISE when booking. Stoke Bruerne Canal walk and Canal Museum Housed in a historic corn mill, the country’s first canal museum highlights the history of Britain's canals. It offers a fascinating insight into a rich waterway heritage and the Grand Union Canal. Admission is free. Car parking £3 for up to four hours. Jeyes of Earls Barton Much loved museum, shop and tea room in the heart of Earls Barton Village. All breakfast and lunch options under £10 this winter. Holiday Inn, Corby An IHG hotel. Gym & Swim for £10 this winter. No advance booking needed, quote ‘Surprise’ at the welcome desk for £4 off the standard day pass price. Hampton by Hilton, Corby Conference room hire for £10 per person in Boughton, Kirby or Rockingham suites. Quote £10 room hire when calling to book. A full list of family friendly attractions, accommodation and events is available at: Northamptonshire surprise . Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

November 17, 2023

First West Northants Choir Festival announces special guest Royal wedding performer and more of the award-winning line-up

17 November 2023 Royal Wedding Choir Director, Karen Gibson MBE, will exclusively perform alongside West Northants based Northampton Male Voice Choir, Queen Eleanor Choir and Northants Sings Out (West) – with more acts yet to be announced. Here’s what we know about Collide: A ChoirFest Experience so far. 2 billion people worldwide watched in awe as the celebrated Kingdom Choir director delivered an unforgettable performance of Ben E King’s 1962 hit, “Stand by Me” at the wedding of The Duke & Duchess of Sussex. What followed included a record deal with Sony Music UK, a debut album, plus sell-out UK and USA ;tours. Now, Karen Gibson MBE will be sharing the stage with 200 West Northamptonshire voices at COLLIDE: a ChoirFest Experience. Taking place at Northampton’s prestigious Royal & Derngate Theatre on Saturday, 30th March 2024, the artist will appear as a special guest during this ambitious musical experience fused together by Artistic Direction. The show is set to celebrate creative and cultural collaboration through much loved genres such as pop, rock, jazz, and gospel colliding with classical and orchestral to create a perfectly blended show for all. Who is Karen Gibson? Known as “Britain’s Godmother of Gospel”, award-winning conductor Karen Gibson MBE is an internationally recognised powerhouse of inspiration and one of the UK’s most respected choir conductors, credited for her passion for embracing communities through singing together. Karen founded The Kingdom Choir in London over 20 years ago. I am excited and honoured to be taking part in ChoirFest 2024! I love the joy, community and inspiration of choirs and can't wait for what will be an unforgettable weekend of singing and performance. I guarantee that there will be something for everyone, and strongly encourage all who can come to do so. They will not regret it! Karen Gibson MBE Karen received a call from one of King Charles’ staff whilst travelling on a bus, requesting the choir perform at the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. The momentous occasion was cited as the most diverse ceremony of the British royal family in recent history. In the aftermath of their captivating performance, Karen Gibson and The Kingdom Choir have garnered even more international acclaim. Their hit debut album entitled Stand By Me, which featured renditions of Beyonce’s Halo and Stormzy’s Blinded By Your Grace Part 2, stormed the UK and international charts. With Karen at the helm, The Kingdom Choir’s success has continued, with performances at the closing ceremony of the 2018 Invictus Games in Sydney and on the hit BBC show Call the Midwife plus ad campaigns for British Airways, Coca – Cola and Skoda UK 2020. Karen will now share an exclusive performance at ChoirFest. Boasting an eclectic line-up including Northamptonshire Local Music Awards 2023 Community Choir of the Year award nominees The Northampton Male Voice Choir and Queen Eleanor Choir and Northants Sings Out (West), the West Northamptonshire Council led production will also include performers from an array of artistic disciplines who will be announced shortly, completing the line-up for this innovative production. Featuring specially arranged mass ensemble pieces created and conducted by award winning Northants-raised Music Director Gareth Fuller, the evening is set against a backdrop of an all-star live band and string quartet plus full production crew all credited with supporting A-list music artists at iconic international venues and festivals. Who is Gareth Fuller? Gareth Fuller is a well-respected and much-loved figure across the Northamptonshire music community and learnt his musical craft at Northamptonshire Music and Performing Arts Trust (NMPAT) before continuing his training at the prestigious Trinity Music College in London. It is an honour to share the stage with Karen Gibson at Collide: A ChoirFest Experience, which promises to be an extraordinary production showcasing the amazing music across West Northants. Karen and The Kingdom Choir have put the international spotlight on the high calibre UK choir industry, paving the way for so many in the process. I am sure the 200 voices performing will agree that ChoirFest is a unique, exciting opportunity for West Northants talent, one I am most definitely delighted to be part of. Gareth, Choir Director at Liam Gallagher’s sell out Knebworth shows attended by over 160,000 I am thrilled that West Northamptonshire is the chosen destination for such big household names to deliver what is set to be a showstopping musical production – taking place right in the heart of Northampton’s Cultural Quarter. This event is the perfect opportunity to showcase the array of unique talent we have in our county, and I urge everyone to buy your tickets now to avoid disappointment. Councillor Adam Brown, WNC’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Housing, Culture and Leisure Tickets for Collide: A ChoirFest Experience are on sale now, available from the Royal and Derngate website. Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

November 17, 2023

West Northamptonshire Council steps up financial support for care leavers

17 November 2023 Young adults leaving care in West Northamptonshire will receive automatic discounts on their Council Tax bills under new plans agreed by councillors this week. West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) is introducing a local discount of up to 100 per cent directly into the Council Tax accounts of Care Leavers aged 18-21. The decision by members of the Council's Cabinet last night aims to ease the financial burden on young individuals during their initial years of independent living after moving out of care. Starting from April 2024, a discretionary Council Tax discount will be automatically applied to the accounts of eligible Care Leavers aged 18-21, after considering other applicable discounts and exemptions. Under WNC’s current Local Council Tax Reduction Scheme, care leavers can receive assistance covering up to 100 per cent of their Council Tax liability if they submit an application and provide the necessary documentation. This initiative aims to provide additional support to young people leaving care by eliminating the need for them to apply for the Local Council Tax Reduction making sure that the right support is being provided to them during a pivotal time in their lives. We recognise that care leavers face unique challenges as they embark on their journey towards independence as they don’t always have the same access to supportive networks or the ‘parental’ guidance that many other children or young people might have access to. Managing finances and adapting to life outside of care can be particularly daunting. The Council Tax debt can quickly become an additional challenge, hindering their ability to establish stable and self-sufficient lives. This step is another positive move forward in supporting our care leavers to lead independent lives. Cllr Fiona Baker, Cabinet Member for Children, Families, Education and Skills By offering a discretionary reduction of up to 100 per cent in Council Tax liability, we want to provide a safety net for care leavers within the West Northamptonshire area, enabling them to focus on developing lifelong skills and building secure futures. Councillor Malcolm Longley, Cabinet Member for Finance at West Northamptonshire Council The Council's commitment to care leavers is extended through this new initiative, which will provide them with the necessary support to thrive. The Care Leaver Covenant, signed by the Council last month, outlines the various forms of support available, such as council tax and housing assistance, training and employment opportunities, work experience, and partnerships with local businesses. Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

November 15, 2023

Cabinet approves plans to temporarily close Northampton town centre walkway

15 November 2023 West Northamptonshire Council’s (WNC) Cabinet has approved plans to temporarily close Emporium Way in Northampton at their meeting last night (14 November). The walkway, which is located off Northampton Market square and provides shortcuts to Sheep Street and the nearby Mayorhold and Newlands carparks, has become a hotspot for anti-social behaviour and crime including loitering, urination, muggings, fighting, drug dealing and other illicit activities. Over the past six months Northamptonshire Police has noted a significant rise in crime and anti-social behaviour in the walkway, including 3 recent serious sexual offences, and additional police presence has been introduced. Crime Data shows 20 recorded crimes from September 2021 to August 2023 in Emporium Way, increasing from 4 crimes between September 2021 to August 2022, to 16 crimes in the same period the following year. In addition, during the same two-year period 19 incidents were also recorded consisting of 6 incidents between September 2021 and August 2022, to 13 incidents for the same period the following year. The results of a recent public consultation with residents and businesses showed that 58 percent of respondents voted in favour of gating Emporium Way, 60 percent felt that anti-social behaviour and crime are an issue in the walkway, and 36 percent have witnessed or experienced either one or more issues of anti-social behaviour or crime there. The Council will now make a Public Spaces Protection Order to close the public highway 24 hours a day, seven days a week until the market square redevelopment is complete, using its powers under the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014. Access to all adjoining areas will be available via alternative routes and fire exits and access to bin storage will still be available for businesses adjoining the walkway. For many years, Emporium Way has been used as a place to conduct illicit activities, away from the eyes of passing pedestrians and other capable guardians such as the Police and wardens. Due to the low ceiling height in the underpass and layout of the alleyway, CCTV coverage is very limited and often vandalised, at great cost to the taxpayer. I am confident that temporarily closing Emporium Way will have a positive impact on crime and anti-social behaviour in Northampton town centre and will help create a better environment for residents, shoppers and local businesses who invest here. Cllr David Smith, Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Engagement, and Regulatory Services This will be Northampton’s sixth Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO), following the implementation of orders across the Town Centre, Dunster Street, Marble Arch, Jeyes Jetty and Francis Jetty. The cost of the hoarding and installation will be funded by West Northamptonshire Council with support from the Office of Police Fire and Crime Commissioner (OPFCC). We have heard about the issues in this alleyway from the people who are affected by it, and so I was pleased to support the temporary closure to prevent further crime and anti-social behaviour. “I want people to feel safe and confident as they use the town and am pleased to be able to work together with the local authority to tackle crime. Northamptonshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Stephen Mold Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

November 15, 2023

West Northamptonshire urged to recycle their electricals with launch of a new campaign

Bins, recycling and waste 15 November 2023 West Northamptonshire Council has launched a new communications campaign to encourage residents across the area to recycle their electricals. HypnoCat, the Recycle Your Electricals pink fluffy cat, will be hypnotising residents to recycle their electricals and he will appear in social media advertising across Northampton. The project will encourage residents to recycle small domestic electrical items, including toasters, kettles, sandwich makers, hairdryers, irons and other items alongside their household collections. Small items of waste electrical equipment, which will fit inside a carrier bag should be placed on top of your domestic waste bin as follows: Daventry area residents: on top of the black general waste bin Northampton area residents: on top of the blue-lidded recycling bin South Northamptonshire area residents: on top of either bin Residents can recycle their single-use vapes at Household Waste Recycling Centres or return them to where they purchased them from. Please do not place them with your household waste collection. This is one of over 40 UK projects funded by Material Focus, the not for profit organisation leading the Recycle Your Electricals campaign who have provided £20,000 worth of funding. This will lead the way in West Northamptonshire, joining other projects around the country in making it easier for 10 million UK residents to recycle their electricals. The aim of the nationwide Electricals Recycling Fund is to significantly reduce e-waste and its environmental impact by making it easier for consumers to recycle their electricals. The projects that have been funded by Material Focus include a variety of recycling methods, from kerbside collections to more drop-off points in schools, community centres, and bring banks. Overall there will be over 400 new collection points plus kerbside collections for 5.5 million UK residents. Recycle Your Electricals research has shown that 80% of consumers believe recycling is a good thing, and many of us already recycle things like paper and plastic. Research has also shown that most of us have unwanted electricals we want to get rid of, even if it’s just a drawer of cables - millions of electrical items are hoarded in UK homes. And yet 39% of people bin electricals rather than recycle them because they think it’s simply too hard to recycle. The aim of these projects is to overcome these issues by making it easier to recycle electricals. With technology evolving at such a fast pace these days, older electrical and electronic items are often made redundant, so waste electrical and electronic equipment is the UK’s fastest growing waste stream. While they might have been replaced by the latest model, many of these items contain valuable plastics and metals which can be recycled. The good news is that it couldn’t be easier to recycle these items via your kerbside collection service. Using the service not only helps the environment, but it also reduces the risk of fires in our bin trucks and waste facilities. Cllr Phil Larratt, Cabinet Member for Environment, Transport, Highways and Waste We are thrilled to support the new project from West Northamptonshire Council that addresses the pressing issue of e-waste. By investing in improved collection and drop-off services and we are taking a significant step towards creating a more sustainable future by making it easier for 10 million more people to recycle their electricals. Scott Butler, Executive Director of Material Focus More information about recycling electrical items and batteries can be found at www.westnorthants.gov.uk/weeerecycle and www.recycleyourelectricals.org.uk Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

November 16, 2023

Plans move forward for West Northants Waste and Resources strategy

Bins, recycling and waste 16 November 2023 Proposals for the future of waste and recycling services in West Northamptonshire have taken a step forward as West Northamptonshire Council’s cabinet agree to adopt the strategy which sets out the approach for improving local waste and street cleansing services. WNC collects and empties more than 21 million wheelie bins, sacks and caddies every year and provides essential street cleansing services to keep our areas clean and green. WNC’s recycling centres receive more than 500,000 visits from West Northamptonshire resident’s each year. The Council wants to continue improving these services and ensure they align with Government proposals to change waste policies nationally, so it has developed a Resources and Waste Strategy that sets out its long-term vision. Following a public consultation held over the summer, which saw over 3000 responses, the strategy has been tailored to further improve the alignment with our communities’ priorities and values. This feedback and the updated strategy were presented to cabinet this week. The strategy consists of a set of 10 principles, these principles will guide the development of the Council’s waste services over the next 15 years – informing decision making enabling WNC to create sustainable waste and street cleaning services. I would like to thank all residents who provided feedback on our waste strategy. We are grateful for the response to our public consultation and for resident’s input on the waste strategy, this has helped inform the strategy so that it can best suit the needs of people living in West Northants. As current waste arrangements expire, we have an exciting opportunity to develop a fair, consistent, harmonised and sustainable waste service for the future that delivers value-for-money and meets the needs of all our residents and businesses. Cllr Phil Larratt, Cabinet Member for Environment, Transport, Highways and Waste at WNC As the existing current waste arrangements come to an end, the Council will create a harmonised and sustainable service covering all of West Northamptonshire. This service will see a prioritisation of waste reduction, reuse and recycling to minimise the environmental impact of waste. In order for WNC to achieve its recycling targets, and also reduce the cost of waste services, West Northamptonshire residents will be empowered to be ‘responsible consumers’ through an increased emphasis on education and awareness of sustainability. Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

November 16, 2023

Preferred candidate for Chief Fire Officer in Northamptonshire announced

Nikki Watson QPM has been announced as preferred Chief Fire Officer for Northamptonshire. Following a two-day interview process, Northamptonshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Stephen Mold has said that Nikki Watson, who has recently retired as Deputy Chief Constable of Avon and Somerset Police, is the preferred candidate for the role. Following a 36-year career in policing, Nikki Watson is an experienced senior leader in the emergency services and in public safety. Nikki is a skilled civil contingencies gold commander and is a qualified leader in events; counter terrorism; public order; CBRN; roads policing and strategic firearms command. She has also been lead officer for Prevention and Protection. Nikki was the Chair of the Avon and Somerset Local Resilience Forum for five years, where she led on multi-agency collaboration and emergency preparedness. Nikki was awarded the Queen’s Police Medal for her work during the Covid-19 pandemic, when she led Avon and Somerset Police’s local response and was also part of the national team responsible for liaising with the Home Office on the development of Covid legislation and then preparing guidance for police forces across the country in enforcing changing regulations. The appointment is now subject to the outcome of a Police, Fire and Crime Panel confirmation hearing that will take place in December 2023. Northamptonshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Stephen Mold said: “Nikki’s commitment to public service shone out, and the interviewers were extremely impressed by her enthusiasm for leading Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service and making a difference to the people of this county. “I am confident that Nikki has the skills and qualities to take our Service into the future and that her passion for public safety matches the dedication shown by our own firefighters and staff. “Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service has achieved so much over the last few years, and I am genuinely excited by the fact that Nikki will be a great fit with the existing chief officer team and together, they will consolidate and build on the improvements that have already been made.” Nikki Watson said: “Throughout my career I have worked hard to make a difference to people and communities, and I am committed to doing my best for Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service and for the county as a whole. “I am looking forward to working alongside the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, my colleagues and our local communities, and supporting the firefighters and staff, who are so passionate about the work they do, for the people of Northamptonshire.”

November 15, 2023

Care leavers and veterans among those to benefit from new housing allocations scheme in West Northants

Housing 15 November 2023 People with real housing needs including members of the Armed Forces, veterans and their families, care leavers, and victims of domestic abuse will benefit from a new housing allocations scheme approved by Councillors at West Northamptonshire Council’s (WNC) Cabinet meeting last night (14 November). The scheme, which will be adopted from April 2024, has been developed following a 10-week public consultation and will provide an aligned and harmonised approach to ensuring that the area’s valuable housing resources go to those most in need. The scheme will operate through a choice-based lettings system which enables residents to make choices about which properties they are interested in, making the provision of social housing fairer, clearer and more consistent across the West Northamptonshire area. The proposed Scheme sets out who is eligible to apply for social rented housing, how the Council will prioritise applicants, and the basis on which accommodation will be allocated. It will replace the existing schemes operating in Daventry, South Northants, and Northampton and recognise people with a local connection to West Northants by residence, employment or close family in the eligibility criteria. There are currently over 4000 applicants registered to and active on the existing three housing allocations scheme across West Northamptonshire. The new scheme has the potential to have a positive impact on existing and future applicants’ prospects of securing accommodation by providing a greater number of available properties across West Northamptonshire. Existing housing register applicants will be contacted in the coming weeks with further information on what will be required to register for the new scheme. We believe that having a decent home is a fundamental human right and as a council, we have a statutory duty to ensure that social and affordable housing is available to those who need it most. This new scheme recognises people with the greatest need including those experiencing homelessness, those with complex health and welfare needs, victims of domestic abuse and those subject to exploitation, and also prioritises people who have a genuine connection to the area through employment or family. By harmonising the existing policies we can ensure a fairer and more efficient service for people across the whole West Northants area and use our resources as effectively as possible to improve life chances for residents and continue to make West Northants a great place to live, work, visit and thrive. Cllr Adam Brown, Deputy Leader of West Northamptonshire Council and Cabinet Member for Housing, Culture and Leisure The Housing Allocations Scheme Cabinet Report can be viewed on the Council website . Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

November 14, 2023

Winners at a top night, Celebrating country-wide achievements!

14 November 2023 The Northamptonshire Business Excellence Awards, in association with All Things Business and hosted by top comedian Rob Becket, proved to be a fantastic night – not just for the county, but for 78 Derngate – The Charles Rennie Mackintosh House! Held at Northampton’s County Cricket Ground, it was a dazzling evening celebrating many achievements across Northamptonshire’s wonderful business community. 78 Derngate proudly accepted an award in the Land & Development category, sponsored by Moore Chartered Accountants, which serves to fully recognise the significance of the major project undertaken. So many people were behind the success of the award-winning extension, from local architects MWK Ltd and building contractors, Cornerhouse of Earls Barton, family-run firm Haddonstone, which supplied some of the steps and copings, all our fantastic volunteers who remained resilient throughout the extensive build and kept us open to the public, to the huge injection of money from The Towns Fund via West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) and the Regeneration team in particular, without which it could not have been achieved. I was both surprised and extremely pleased to receive this significant award on behalf of the whole team behind this huge project and recognise that it is important not only for The Charles Rennie Mackintosh House @ 78 Derngate, but for the town and wider county as a whole. Mick Young, Chairman of the 78 Derngate Trust We’re delighted to see 78 Derngate pick up this well-deserved award. This is an internationally significant venue which attracts visitors from all over the world. A huge congratulations to all those who helped bring the impressive redevelopment works to life and enhance the museum for visitors to enjoy for years to come. Cllr Daniel Lister, Cabinet Member for Economic Development, Town Centre Regeneration and Growth at WNC Congratulations to all involved! Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

November 14, 2023

Have your say on 2025 -26 school admission arrangements

Schools and education 14 November 2023 Residents of West Northamptonshire are being asked for their opinion on the school admission arrangements for schools run by academies and trusts which are planning changes. Every year, academies, governing bodies and trusts who act as their own school admission authorities must review the way places are allocated at their schools. If changes are planned, they have to first be consulted on. Monday 13 November, West Northamptonshire Council’s (WNC) School Admission Team have opened a formal consultation on the admissions arrangements for any mainstream schools whose admission authorities have asked us to co-ordinate their consultation for them. The consultation will take place between Monday 13 November and Sunday 31 December 2023 I really encourage all parents, carers and guardians who may have a child at primary or secondary school to have their say in this consultation. The way in which places are allocated at a school is important to get right and that can only be achieved with the views and comments of those who have to go through the process included in the final decision making. Cllr Fiona Baker, WNC’s Cabinet Member for children, families, and education Following the consultation period, admission authorities will review their proposed admission arrangements for 2025 and determine them by 28 February 2024, ensuring they are published on the schools’ websites by 15 March 2024. To view the list of schools consulting this year and to respond to the consultation, please visit our consultation page. Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

November 14, 2023

Nick represents Northamptonshire in remembrance parade at Cenotaph

A firefighter who took part in the Remembrance Day march at Whitehall this weekend has said the humbling experience was the ‘honour of his life’. Station Manager Nick Gayton was selected to represent Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service at the ceremony and parade at the Cenotaph on Sunday (November 12) – one of more than 150 members of the Civilian Services Contingent made up of people from across the fire service, police, ambulance, prison service, coastguard and more. Nick has worked for Northamptonshire Fire & Rescue Service for 15 years, and works countywide in the Joint Operations Team alongside colleagues from Northamptonshire Police. He has had since August to prepare himself for the event when he was notified that he had been selected, but said the experience was even more memorable than he could have imagined. He said: “I’ve represented the Fire Service at local ceremonies before, but nothing on this scale, and it’s the first time I had been to London for the Remembrance Parade. “It’s difficult to describe in words what the experience was like, words cannot do justice to the mixture of emotions that come over you during the ceremony. “You try and take everything in as it’s happening, and there are parts that you do that you can remember seeing happen on the TV, but when the silence hits you it’s incredibly emotional – you could hear a pin drop in Whitehall during the ceremony.” Nick had arrived in London on Saturday evening, where he took part in a few practice drills and a two-hour briefing on how the ceremony would be conducted. Sunday morning was an early start, leaving for Whitehall by coach at 6.30am and taking part in drills for much of the morning. From there he took part in the march to the Cenotaph as part of the formal guard of honour, before the Ceremony, where wreaths were laid by King Charles III and Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. The Civilian Services Contingency were the last to leave the Cenotaph, with Nick eventually relieved of his duties at 1pm. His appearance at the Cenotaph marks the end of a successful few weeks for Nick, who was recently given a Chief Fire Officer Commendation for helping to rescue an elderly lady from a fire that was engulfing her bungalow in Burton Latimer last November. Nick was also proud to take part in the ceremony due to his family links to the military. He added: “My brother-in-law has just left the Navy, my grandfather was a serving Grenadier Guard, and I did also have distant relatives who fought and died in some of the wars that we remember. “All I can say is that it was the honour of my life to take part in the ceremony, and I’m massively humbled by the whole experience.”

November 13, 2023

Save the date and enjoy free parking across town centres this Small Business Saturday!

Culture and tourism 13 November 2023 Small Business Saturday is back again and celebrating its 11th anniversary on Saturday 2 December, and to support local businesses we are offering free parking across all Northampton town centre carparks on this day. Small Business Saturday aims to highlight small business success and encourages consumers to ‘shop local’ and support small businesses in their communities all year round. The national day itself takes place on the first Saturday in December each year, but the campaign aims to have a lasting impact on all small businesses across the UK. To help support our local businesses West Northamptonshire Council is offering free parking across Northampton town centre carparks so that shoppers won’t have to worry about the cost of parking when supporting our local businesses. On-street charging in Northampton Town Centre still applies. All other parking restrictions still apply, please ensure you read the signage before leaving your vehicle. Small Business Saturday is a fantastic way to shine a light on what a great small business offer we have in West Northamptonshire, and to show that we are truly passionate about helping our local economy to thrive, we are funding an extension to our free parking offer to Northampton town centre for this important day. We have something for everyone – outstanding independent retailers, creative start-up businesses, family-owned restaurants, pubs and cafes, and a wealth of visitor attractions and activity centres across our entire area. We want to make sure we are championing our small businesses all year round, not just on Small Business Saturday, and recognising the benefits for the whole community when everyone thinks locally and supports local employers. This creates local jobs, it results in benefits to the economy, and it helps our town centres and wider areas to thrive, benefitting everyone. For this reason, we are also encouraging businesses to utilise all the free support and funding available through our Economic Growth & Inward Investment Team to continue to grow locally. Cllr Dan Lister, WNC’s Cabinet Member for Economic Development, Town Centre Regeneration and Growth The Economic Growth and Inward Investment Team offer wide-ranging support for businesses throughout the year including: Business growth Accessing funding Employment, skills, and recruitment Help to start a new business A Business Toolbox packed with useful documents We would urge all business owners to visit our Small Business Saturday page or contact us at [email protected] or on 01327 322230 to find out more. To ensure that residents and visitors can explore every West Northants business, all employers are urged to register on the free Explore West Northants app . The app showcases everything to enjoy all year round in West Northants, from independent businesses to cultural attractions and local events. You can find more information and sign up to Small Business Saturday nationally via the Small Business Saturday website. Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

November 13, 2023

West Northants Council to invest millions into business growth and sustainability

13 November 2023 West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) has launched a competitive commissioning round to identify partners to deliver key elements of its multi-million-pound investment plan which will benefit the local economy and support businesses’ sustainability goals. The Council is inviting suppliers to submit tenders to deliver two leading projects; Decarbonisation and Growth & Innovation. Both projects have been allocated £625k from the Council’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF). The Fund, which is managed for the Government by the Department of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities supports the Government’s levelling up agenda. Among the plans for the UKSPF funding include providing business support and revenue grants up to the value of £20,000. The fund will encourage businesses to innovate and understand how they can grow their sales, profits, workforce and business as well as supporting employers to understand their energy usage and the measures they can implement to reduce emissions, increase efficiencies, and save on energy costs. The chosen supplier for the Decarbonisation project will distribute grant funding and work with local businesses to develop sustainability plans which specifically outline how they can achieve a Net Zero future and utilise Government funding to address carbon emissions: having a beneficial impact on their business, the local area and the planet as a whole. The chosen supplier for the Growth & Innovation project will distribute grant funding and work directly with businesses to deliver measures to help progress their growth journey and implement actions to increase productivity, including 121s, training, webinars and dedicated expert advice. In addition, over £800,000 of Rural England Prosperity Funding (REPF) will soon be available to support businesses in eligible rural areas. Across the three projects activities will target investment in supporting the drive to net zero, increasing business productivity and growth, and capital investment to support transformative rural initiatives. We are a local authority that recognises local employers as the lifeblood of our economy and it is for this reason, we are thrilled to be delivering the majority of our UK Shared Prosperity Fund to support local employers, improve and create jobs, boost the local economy and raise the profile of West Northants as an area where everyone can thrive with the support of a Council which is dedicated to strengthening business growth and potential. As a Council, we’ve worked hard to carefully plan how to use this funding to realise our growth aspirations for our area and ensure this funding has a beneficial impact on the local economy whilst addressing specific challenges and opportunities as identified from the data and consultation which informed our UKSPF Investment Plan. We have a comprehensive range of projects, initiatives and activities taking place between now and March 2025 which aim to deliver impactful interventions that will benefit the whole community; from public realm improvements to voluntary grants, to business support and upcoming funding dedicated towards supporting local people and enhancing skills. We are looking for delivery partners who share our ambition for inclusive and resilient growth in West Northants and are particularly interested in suppliers that can provide innovative and creative approaches for both the Growth & Innovation and Decarbonisation projects. Cllr Daniel Lister, Cabinet Member for Economic Development, Town Centre Regeneration and Growth We are delighted to be investing this UKSPF funding into local businesses. We want our funding to be inclusive and to really make a difference, to benefit the many thousands of businesses we have in this area to prosper. These projects will not only help to grow our local economy and future-proof employment by creating a more inclusive market which is resilient to the impacts of climate change, they will also enable local businesses to diversify and invest in new technologies and energy saving measures which save them money and work towards reaching West Northants’ sustainability goals. We strongly believe that by working together to implement sustainable practices, initiatives, and investments and considering the small but vital steps we can all make, together we can achieve our shared mission to become Net-Zero by 2045. Cllr Jonathan Nunn, Leader of West Northamptonshire Council The tender closing date for the Decarbonisation and Growth & Innovation projects is Friday, 8 December 2023. Projects are expected to commence in spring 2024 and will run to the end March 2025. Further details and information regarding the tendering process can be found on the WNC website . Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

November 09, 2023

West Northants’ Heritage Open Days most successful so far!

09 November 2023 A visitor feedback survey has revealed that this year’s Heritage Open Days event was the most successful in West Northamptonshire yet following peak engagement, brimming attractions and glowing feedback. The survey captured highlights from residents, visitors and attractions who took part in the 10-day festival, which took place between 8 and 17 September, as they discovered and explored cultural and historical attractions across the area. West Northamptonshire is rich in culture and heritage, with dozens of stately homes including Sulgrave Manor, Lamport Hall and Canons Ashby; buildings of historic interest including 78 Derngate and Weedon Royal Ordnance Depot; and museums and places of worship, which all took part in the annual festival organised by the National Trust. Many attractions not normally accessible to the public were opened up for visitors to explore and special guided tours, walks and open days took place in Daventry, Northampton and South Northants, all free to attend. Many venues were also connected by Northampton Transport Heritage buses, enabling visitors to get between attractions in vintage style for free. Feedback from the survey revealed that 74% of people felt the event made them feel prouder and more part of their local community while 87% said they learned something new about their local area from attending a Heritage Open Days event. Users commented on the friendliness and professionalism of the event staff, the variety of workshops, exhibits and events, and the overall organisation of the event and free Heritage bus service. We are dedicated to growing the visitor economy within our area, so I am thrilled that West Northants’ Heritage Open Days event saw such a great turnout once again. For many, the event provided a unique opportunity to access places they may have thought were off-limits or may not have even known existed – all for free! Through the event, residents and visitors were able to learn about West Northamptonshire’s rich history and culture, gaining new perspectives on the area’s past; from exploring behind the scenes in historical buildings to hearing tales about residents’ fascinating lives and getting stuck in with creative activities, there was something for everyone and I am delighted that so many of our local venues took part. Cllr Adam Brown, Deputy Leader of WNC and Cabinet Member for Housing, Culture and Leisure Heritage Open Days is a colossal community effort – thousands of organisations, community groups and individual volunteers come out in force to share their enthusiasm, passion and love for the places and spaces they introduce visitors to every year. We’re delighted to see that it went so well in West Northants this year, so many brilliant places opened up their doors and so many people were able to access history and culture for free over the 10 day period. Liam Montgomery, Heritage Open Days Marketing & Projects Manager Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

November 09, 2023

New programme launches for aspiring entrepreneurs in Northamptonshire

09 November 2023 A new incubation programme has launched to support would-be entrepreneurs in Northamptonshire. Funded by West Northamptonshire Council and utilising £40,000 of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), Vulcan Creatives is a free, six-month programme run by the team at the Vulcan Works flexible workspace in Northampton. It aims to support ambitious individuals with their business idea by developing the concept further, creating a business plan and teaching the skills needed to succeed in the world of entrepreneurship. The programme will be led by Vulcan Works’ on-site business growth manager, Darren Smith, an entrepreneur who has started and sold businesses and worked in mentoring roles over the last 20 years. It aims to support a minimum of 40 entrepreneurs in becoming enterprise-ready over the next two years. It is open to residents of Northamptonshire aged 18 and above with an interest in exploring their own business ventures and an openness to new ideas and growth ambitions. Participants need to commit to a minimum of two days per week for the programme and actively engage in 1:1 business support and coaching activities. The programme commences with its first cohort in January 2024, with applications being invited from today and closing in December. Preference will be given to those looking to set up a creative business. Those who take part in Vulcan Creatives will also receive free access to the Vulcan Works facilities during the course of the programme and up to 50% off workspace in the building after graduating. I am hugely excited to open applications for the first cohort of Vulcan Creatives. As a Vulcan Works is a creative hub, this scheme is aimed at new businesses in the creative sector, or those with creative ideas for new businesses. As an exciting and dynamic sector, with many interrelated sectors, we’re hoping that many entrepreneurs will benefit from this programme. I look forward to working with local creative visionaries to bring their business idea to life and guide them through the process of exploring, validating and developing their idea into a fully-fledged business plan. Together, we will cultivate entrepreneurial skills that will enable this exclusive group of Vulcan Creatives to build a like-minded community of business owners who can confidently lead their very own enterprises to success. Darren Smith, Business Growth Manager at Vulcan Works We are invested in enabling the creation and growth of start-ups, entrepreneurs and local businesses. We are thrilled to allocate our UKSPF funding to this scheme that is focused on supporting creative entrepreneurs to start within West Northants. This scheme is in addition to the ongoing activities of our Economic Growth & Inward Investment Team who endeavour to support every local resident and employer to thrive in West Northants. The Vulcan Creatives programme will see new start-ups receive the support they need to grow and flourish, which has the potential to make a real positive change to our local economy. Cllr Daniel Lister, Cabinet Member for Economic Development, Town Centre Regeneration and Growth at West Northamptonshire Council For more information on Vulcan Creatives and how to apply for a free place on the first cohort starting in January, go to https://vulcanworks.co.uk/vulcan-creatives/ . The closing deadline for applications is Friday 8 December 2023. Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

November 10, 2023

Please see below an update on Boniface House care home

10 November 2023 Work to relocate residents of Boniface House care home to more comfortable accommodation has been successfully completed this week. The move to alternative accommodation means the residents can continue to receive quality care in an environment that will better meet their needs. Members may recall the announcement regarding the closure of Boniface House following public consultation. The decision was made by Cabinet due to the care home being significantly under-occupied. The outdated design of the care home also meant it was no longer able to provide facilities to meet the needs of people who require residential care. Earlier this week we issued a statement to counter false information in circulation suggesting that the building is set to accommodate asylum seekers - which is not true. The Council is still in the process of considering the future use of this building and will provide an update when this decision has been made. To be clear, there is no agreed plan in place for the use of this building. I would like to extend a huge thank you to all the staff at Boniface, as well as to the residents and their relatives. Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

November 09, 2023

Over £94K awarded to community groups to mitigate youth violence and knife crime in West Northants

09 November 2023 Grants of up to £10,000 have been awarded to Voluntary and Community Sector organisations for projects that aim to alleviate youth violence and knife crime in local communities by promoting community safety, deterring potential offenders, and providing support and resources to at-risk individuals or groups to prevent their involvement in violence and crime. Projects which have been awarded funding include Northampton Town FC Community Trust’s Anti-Crime Ambassador project which will deliver sessions across Primary and Secondary Schools on anti-social behaviour, youth violence and knife crime. The Secondary School sessions will also look to develop youth ambassadors who can help carry on the project’s messages. Northampton’s Rough & Ready Boxing Academy have been awarded funding to deliver their Knifes Down Gloves Up programme which provides boxing training for young people who have been through the Youth Offending Service deterring them from carrying knives as a means to address real-life situations. Daventry Youth Hub has also been awarded funding to deliver sessions to 10–18-year olds on exploitation, youth violence, knife crime and how to de-escalate situations, and provision and diversionary activities will be delivered by South Northants Youth Engagement in Brackley and Towcester. We’re thrilled to be awarding this funding to help organisations continue their great work with young people to mitigate violence and knife crime in West Northants. These initiatives are a testament to our commitment to building safer communities, by working with partners to empower local people to become actively involved in developing solutions to protect and improve our communities. Cllr David Smith, WNC's Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Engagement, and Regulatory Services Working with community groups to make the county safer is at the heart of my Police, Fire and Crime Plan, and these grants are a shining example. Local community groups have an enormous role to play in supporting young people and tackling crime at the earliest stage. The successful organisations have come forward with some really exciting programmes that I am certain will be a real investment and a powerful tool in tackling violence. Northamptonshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, Stephen Mold Projects awarded funding, include: ASSIST Trauma Care- Guiding Young Minds for Streetwise Trilogy Active for Talk and Sport Future Challenges for Youth Leadership Ambassador Emmanuel Group of Churches for Emmanuel Community Youth Groups Safety Centre (Hazard Alley) Ltd for Knife Crime Prevention through Safety Education The University of Northampton Students’ Union and Niger Delta Youth Association for Anti-Knife Crime & Youth Violence Concert Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

November 08, 2023

Cabinet set to discuss next steps for West Northants housing policy

Housing 08 November 2023 Councillors will meet next week to consider the final draft of the West Northamptonshire Housing Allocation Scheme following the conclusion of a 10-week consultation with service users and stakeholders. The scheme has been developed to provide an aligned and harmonised approach across West Northants which will help in meeting the housing needs of West Northamptonshire’s most vulnerable residents whilst ensuring that the area’s valuable housing resources go to those most in need. The proposed Scheme sets out who is eligible to apply for social rented housing, how the Council will prioritise applicants, and the basis on which accommodation will be allocated. If adopted, the policy will replace the existing schemes operating in Daventry, South Northants, and Northampton and will operate through a choice-based lettings system which enables residents to make choices about which properties they are interested in. Key proposals to the scheme include improving access to social housing for members of the Armed Forces, veterans and their families, care leavers, and our most vulnerable residents; including those experiencing homelessness, those with complex health and welfare needs, victims of domestic abuse and those subject to exploitation. People with a local connection to West Northants by residence, employment or close family will also be considered under the new criteria. Ensuring those with the greatest need have access to social rented housing is a top priority for the Council and I am pleased that veterans and young people leaving care, as well as other more vulnerable groups will be recognised in the proposed scheme. Through the 10-week public consultation we have had an opportunity to hear from a wide range of people and organisations to gain an understanding of the issues surrounding the current policies and the way social housing is allocated and this feedback has been incorporated within the proposed scheme. The revised scheme aims to prevent and tackle homelessness and support strategic housing priorities to provide a much fairer and more sustainable approach to housing provision in West Northamptonshire as well as considering those with a local connection to the area. Cllr Adam Brown, Deputy Leader of West Northamptonshire Council and Cabinet Member for Housing, Culture and Leisure The report will be considered by West Northamptonshire Council’s Cabinet on Tuesday, 14 November. The full report can be viewed on the WNC website . Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

November 08, 2023

Thousands of those aged 65 and over urged to get their flu vaccination

Health and wellbeing 08 November 2023 Those who are aged 65 years and over are being encouraged to get their free flu vaccination this winter to help them stay well. Flu is a highly contagious infection that anyone can catch, with many experiencing unpleasant symptoms such as a high temperature, body ache, headache, and sore throat. However, for vulnerable people which includes those aged 65 and over, flu can lead to serious complications such as pneumonia, and can even be fatal. Those in this age group are also eligible to receive the free COVID-19 vaccine which can safely be administered with the flu vaccination, at one appointment. In Northamptonshire we are seeing a slight increase in respiratory infections across all age groups therefore we urge our residents who are eligible to get their free flu and COVID-19 vaccinations and stay protected this winter. Almost 38% of our population ages 65 and above have not yet received their flu vaccination putting them at risk of being infected with flu and developing complications. It is important that we all take steps to look after ourselves and protect our loved ones, especially over the colder months when we know illnesses spread more easily. If you are eligible to receive a free vaccinations to please take up this opportunity as soon as possible, ahead of the winter months. The vaccinations not only protect you but also those around you who may be vulnerable and at high risk of being infected. Cllr Matt Golby, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Public Health at West Northamptonshire Council Older adults are more likely to suffer complications from flu due to their naturally weaker immune systems. This is why over 65s are given an ‘adjuvanted’ flu vaccine, one which improves their body’s immune response. Getting this protection means that over 65s can play an important part in lightening some of the health burden that seasonal flu places on the NHS. So, I’m urging over 65s to please get your vaccinations, to help reduce the need for GP appointments and hospitalisations this Winter. Cllr Helen Harrison, Executive Member for Adults, Health and Wellbeing at North Northamptonshire Council If you have not yet had your appointment, please speak to your GP or a participating local pharmacy to book an appointment. Flu symptoms can come on very quickly and can include a sudden high temperature, an aching body, tiredness or exhaustion, a dry cough, sore throat and headache, among other symptoms. If you have flu, there are some things you can do to help get better more quickly – rest and sleep, keep warm, take paracetamol or ibuprofen, and drink plenty of water. A pharmacist can give treatment advice and recommend flu remedies. You can find further information about flu and other respiratory illnesses, and how they can be treated, at www.nhs.uk/conditions/respiratory-tract-infection/ Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

November 08, 2023

Northampton based company appointed to carry out works to 24 Guildhall Road

08 November 2023 Chartered Building Contractor Steele and Bray Ltd, based in Northampton, have been appointed by West Northamptonshire Council to carry out the second phase of improvement works to 24 Guildhall Road. NN Contemporary Art and West Northamptonshire Council are working in partnership to transform this historic building into a major new cultural centre in the heart of Northampton’s cultural quarter. The £4.7 million project will see the five-storey heritage building transformed into a vibrant creative community, with a contemporary art gallery, affordable creative studios and public space. Through extensive regeneration, the building is being brought to life to provide a gallery and artists spaces alongside cultural-commercial opportunities. The second phase of works started on site in October and consist of installing new heating and electrical systems, improvements to the expansive upper floors and detailed refurbishment to NNCA’s space. We are delighted to be working with local based contractors Steele and Bray to carry out the second phase of work to deliver this ambitious project. Once open, 24 Guildhall Road will offer a unique cultural hub in the heart of the Cultural Quarter in Northampton, complementing the ongoing redevelopment of this part of town. Working in partnership with NN Contemporary Art and SEMLEP, we are able to combine our vision to regenerate this central building and offer a space for artists and entrepreneurs across our county and beyond. We look forward to continuing to offer local jobs as we enter into the second phase of redevelopment works, supporting our local economy. Cllr Daniel Lister, Cabinet Member for Economic Development, Town Centre Regeneration and Growth at WNC To find out more about the regeneration of Northampton Town Centre visit www.wearenorthampton.com Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

November 08, 2023

Life-saving efforts and loyal service receive recognition at annual Fire Service awards

An off-duty firefighter who rescued a distressed man on a dual carriageway, and a Station Manager that carried a 95-year-old woman to safety from her bungalow, are among those to have been commended for their lifesaving efforts. The annual Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service awards ceremony took place in Northampton on Friday (November 3) and saw firefighters and fire staff commended for their actions as well as their long service. In what was his first ceremony with the Service, Acting Chief Fire Officer Simon Tuhill handed out a number of commendations during the event – awarded to individuals, crews or teams that had helped to either save life or delivered an outstanding service to the public. Firefighter Alfie Pendred, who is stationed at Rushden, was one of those commended (pictured above). While off-duty last December, Alfie, who was just 19 at the time, noticed a distressed man climbing over a bridge above the A45, and acted swiftly and calmly to prevent the man from jumping into the oncoming traffic. He then helped raise the alarm for emergency services to arrive while offering assistance to the man. In his written commendation, ACFO Simon Tuhill said that Alfie had ‘demonstrated the qualities and attributes that make the Fire and Rescue Service so highly regarded within our community’. CFO Simon Tuhill with Station Manager Nick Gayton Station Manager Nick Gayton (above) was also commended for rescuing a 95-year-old woman from a house fire in Burton Latimer. He managed to gain entry to the home, find the woman, and safely lead her away from the smoke-logged property. CFO Simon Tuhill with Steve Corcoran and Tony Labrum, who stopped a fire at Northampton General Hospital from spreading Crew Manager Steve Corcoran and firefighter Tony Labrum were rewarded for successfully extinguishing a challenging fire that had engulfed the basement at Northampton General Hospital back in March, stopping it from spreading to other parts of the hospital. And Blue Watch at the respective stations of The Mounts, Mereway and Moulton were collectively commended for rescuing a woman from a flat fire in Newnham Road, Northampton in August 2022. CFO Simon Tuhill commends various members of Blue Watch from Mereway, The Mounts and Moulton Watch Manager Jason Sorbie was also recognised for his rescue of a man from an assisted living complex that was on fire in Kettering in February earlier this year. CFO Simon Tuhill and Jason Sorbie The last CFO accommodation was awarded to Station Manager Mark Layer, Watch Manager Mick Titcombe, and firefighters Paul Maher and Murray Wainwright for their respective roles in helping to rescue fellow firefighters, who had been injured while tackling a blaze at a commercial premises in Rushden in May. CFO Simon Tuhill with Paul Maher, one of the crew who carried out a rescue of fellow firefighters As well as commendations for lifesaving efforts, the awards ceremony recognised achievements from across the Fire Service. This included the day shift crew at Rushden being given an award for the work they had carried out in the community – including public safety events at Rushden Lakes, Stanwick Lakes and holding blood donation events at the station – as well as rewarding the Brackley on-call crew for providing the best availability for cover within the county. CFO Simon Tuhill commends the Brackley crew for best on-call availability A number of individuals, both firefighters and fire staff, were also rewarded for their long service and good conduct over 20 and 30 years of service. Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Stephen Mold congratulates the Rushden crew for their community work They are as follows: Long Service and Good Conduct Medals, awarded for 20 years of service, were given to: FF Michael Bending, WM Jodi Brown, CM Graham Dexter, FF Christopher Dix, FF Christopher Evans, WM Philip Jones, WM Christopher Lane, WM Jamie Law, CM Lindsey Ramsay, FF Simon Reedshaw, FF Stephen Saddington, FF Tracy Turner, WM Lee Vanderhoeven, FF Philip Verity, FF John Wadsworth, WM Casey Waldock, WM Lee Dawson, CM Andrew Ilsley, FF James Moore, CM Mark Reeve, CM Richard Riddell and WM Darren Whitaker. 30-year Service Pins were awarded to: WM Darren Black, CM Steve Corcoran, FF Janice Dmytreczko, WM Mark Douglas, FF Nicola Evans, Retired ACFO Dr Shaun Hallam, AM Kev Hardwick, FF Paul Maher, WM Aidan Phillips, FF Bradley Smith, FF Peter Dixon, WM Andrew Garner, FF John Lynch and WM Dan Moore. And Fire Protection Officer Ian Grieve was also given a 20-year long fire staff award. Acting Chief Fire Officer Simon Tuhill said: “Since my arrival at Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service, I have been very impressed by the enthusiasm and dedication I have seen from the people who work here, and I have already seen some fantastic examples of the vital work that we do to keep our residents safe and serve our communities. “Many of the people we deal with will be suffering one of the worst days of their lives, but the commitment that we all have to keep our residents and communities safe is what I honestly believe drives us all. “It was great to celebrate these achievements, and we are very proud of each and every firefighter and member of staff that were recognised for their efforts.”

November 07, 2023

Updated statement on Boniface House

07 November 2023 Please see below, an updated statement on Boniface House. Following the announcement regarding the closure of Boniface House after a public consultation was undertaken, the Council has become aware of false information being circulated regarding the future use of Boniface House Care Home, located in Brixworth. The decision to close Boniface House was approved at cabinet due to it being significantly under-occupied and the outdated design of the care home, causing it to no longer provide the much-needed facilities to meet the needs of people who require residential care. The false information in circulation suggests that the building is set to accommodate asylum seekers - which is not true. The Council is still in the process of considering the future use of this building and will provide an update when this decision has been made. To be clear, there is no agreed plan in place for the use of this building. We have been made aware of inappropriate behaviour towards our staff at Boniface House relating to this. The Council will not tolerate offensive or threatening behaviour towards our colleagues and all such matters will be reported to the Police' Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

November 07, 2023

West Northamptonshire Joint Health and Wellbeing Strategy

Health and wellbeing 07 November 2023 West Northamptonshire Health and Wellbeing Board approved a new Joint Health and Wellbeing Strategy in September, which focuses on helping residents to “Live Your Best Life”. This is a joint strategy working with a variety of partners including health, voluntary and community sector organisations, police and fire colleagues as well as many more. The strategy focuses on tackling health inequalities throughout West Northamptonshire by looking at “wider determinants”, which are external elements that can affect a person’s health and wellbeing. Together, over the next five years we aim to achieve the 10 ambitions that are embedded at the heart of the strategy, via West Northamptonshire’s nine Local Area Partnerships (LAPS). LAPs allow us to look at areas from a more local perspective, enabling us to identify and understand the needs and challenges faced by each of these nine different areas and implement services and support through organisations that are specific to each individual area. The 10 ambitions are: The best start in life Access to the best available education and learning Opportunity to be fit, well and independent. Employment that keeps you and your family out of poverty Good Housing in places which are clean and green. Safe in your homes and when out and about Connected to friends and family The chance of a fresh start when things go wrong. Access to health and social care when you need it. Accepted and valued for who you are The strategy sets out how together, we will meet each of the 10 ambitions by highlighting where we are now, what the inequalities are as well as how we are going to achieve improvements. I am delighted to announce the approval of the Joint Health and Wellbeing Strategy. This is our health and wellbeing commitment to our residents for the next five years. These 10 ambitions are the starting point for us as we take forward and embed our own Joint Local Health and Wellbeing Strategy and will be key in our mission to ensure the people of the West Northamptonshire are supported. Cllr Matt Golby, Chair of West Northants Health and Wellbeing Board and Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Public Health at West Northamptonshire Council You can view the strategy on the WNC website. Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

November 06, 2023

Key, prominent site acquired for regeneration to deliver much needed homes

Regeneration 06 November 2023 Plans to transform one of Northampton’s largest derelict sites and provide much-needed high-quality housing are set to move forward as West Northamptonshire Council has now completed on the purchase the former St James’ Depot. West Northamptonshire Council is pleased to announce that the Council has completed on the purchase of the site totalling 4.5 acres and will now carry out the necessary steps to ensure the area benefits from regeneration to meet the needs of our local community. The site to the west of Northampton town centre has stood vacant for more than a decade. The future scheme will complement the wider extensive regeneration of Northampton, and this area has been identified to significantly benefit from redevelopment. The Council has acquired the site from Church’s Shoes and will now carry out a detailed feasibility report to deliver much-needed affordable housing. On a key route into the town centre, it is important for local businesses and the local community that the best regeneration and economic potential of the area is realised. To match market offers, WNC purchased the site at £3 million, with a further £300k budgeted towards legal fees, stamp duty and future remedial work. This work will follow on from the previous works which Church’s have carried out to the site. The former St James Bus Depot represents a prominent large brownfield site, close to Northampton town centre. This important landmark site has been vacant for some time, and we are dedicated to bringing forward a scheme that reflects the history of the area where appropriate and provides high-quality affordable housing which meets local needs. We look forward to carrying out further feasibility work and necessary planning to bring forward a viable scheme. Concerned that the site was heading for use as open storage, which we felt would not benefit residents, or maximise the contribution it could make to the attractiveness and the overall life of this area, the council felt that it was essential to step in and acquire the site. Following cross-party consultation, the council therefore took swift action using delegated powers, to ensure the site benefited from considered regeneration. Cllr Dan Lister, Cabinet Member for Economic Development, Town Centre Regeneration and Growth at WNC In order to deliver the regeneration project, WNC will seek funding opportunities through the Enterprise Zone and Government’s brownfield land release fund. The brownfield land release fund seeks to provide Councils with funding to develop empty industrial sites to provide much-needed local housing. To stay up to date on the regeneration of Northampton, visit the We Are Northampton website. Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

November 06, 2023

Triumphant community clean-up day in Daventry

Cleaner communities 06 November 2023 West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) and East Midlands Housing Association Futures Housing Group recently joined forces with several organisations to help support a community clean-up day on the Southbrook estate, Daventry. The event was organised as part of an ongoing project that targets fly-tipping and littering in the area. The successful day saw lots of local partners team up, including Daventry Town Council, Northamptonshire Police, waste collectors NORSE, engineering business Cummins, Southbrook Community Centre and Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service. We are always happy to support community activities in and around Daventry, especially when it helps to improve the environment and safety of residents and visitors. The Southbrook ‘Day of Action’ was also an opportunity for the crew to work alongside key partners to engage with local people and offer fire safety advice. Duncan Timbs, Watch Manager at Daventry Fire Station Colleagues from different teams across Futures, along with the fire service and other organisations, got stuck in to tackle litter picking hotspots on the estate, removing trolleys and helping clear up a local den area and playing field used by young people. It was great to see so many different organisations come together to support the community. The transformation made in some areas in just the space of a day was huge, so it’s brilliant to know that when we work together, we can make such a difference. Sophie Harding, Community Engagement Project Delivery Officer at Futures Littering caused by a few thoughtless individuals ruins our environment and is an eyesore to locals and visitors, but it is uplifting to see partners and residents work together to take pride in their local community and make West Northants a tidier and more pleasant place for all. If you would like support to hold a litter pick in your community, please get in touch with us to find out more about borrowing free litter picking equipment. Cllr David Smith, WNC's Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Engagement, and Regulatory Services Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

November 03, 2023

Stay safe during firework and bonfire displays at home

Northamptonshire Fire & Rescue Service is urging people to stay safe if they are holding their own firework or bonfire displays. The Service would always recommend going to an official display as it is safer, but people should take notice of some simple safety measures if they are holding their own display in the coming days. Fireworks are fun but pose a danger if mishandled or misused. Make sure you follow manufacturer instructions carefully and read them in the day or by torchlight, never by a naked flame. Never go back to a firework once it has been lit, and never throw a firework or put it in your pocket. Light fireworks at arm’s length, using a safety firework lighter or fuse wick, and stand well back. Collect fireworks after a display with care. Douse them with water and dispose of them properly in a metal container. Sparklers can reach temperatures of 100°C, so stay safe by ensuring you always wear gloves, preferably leather ones. Supervise children with sparklers and don’t give one to children under the age of five. Hold sparklers at an arm’s length, and don’t wave them near other people. Put used sparklers into a bucket of sand or water. Bonfires are a hazard at any time of the year. Make sure you build them well away from houses, garages, sheds, fences, overhead cables, trees and shrubs. Never use flammable liquids to light the fire such as paraffin or petrol, and don’t burn furniture, aerosols or bottles. Never leave a bonfire unsupervised – especially around children. Pour water on embers before leaving. And always remember to have a bucket of water, garden hose or fire extinguisher ready and on standby, and never drink alcohol when in charge of a bonfire or fireworks display. Lisa Bryan, Prevention Manager at Northamptonshire Fire & Rescue Service, said: “We know people like to celebrate at this time of the year, but it’s important that this is done safely. “We would always recommend going to an official firework display, but if you are holding a home display, please take care. If they are not done correctly, home displays have the potential not just to injure people but also put nearby properties at risk of fire. “Please make sure children are a safe distance away from a display, and this time of year can be unsettling for pets so please be mindful of that.” More safety tips can be found on our Be Bonfire Safe leaflet, which can be viewed here .

November 02, 2023

Work to introduce a temporary vehicle prohibition will begin this month

02 November 2023 West Northamptonshire Council has approved plans to introduce a temporary vehicle prohibition at Brook Lane in Dallington, with the aim of tackling a rise in anti-social driving behaviour and keeping pedestrians safe. The implementation of this vehicle prohibition will begin in November, with signs and temporary concrete barriers being erected at each end of the road to ensure residents adhere to the road closure to traffic. These will be in place for a period of 3 months, with a chance to review and extend after the 3-month period. Dallington is a highly populated area and Brook Lane has a higher-than-average volume of pedestrians. The area has been misused by vehicles travelling much too fast in a residential area, jeopardising the safety of the community and residents who use Brook Lane on a day-to-day basis. Following the 3-month implementation period, there will be the opportunity to review the measures, and residents will have their chance to put their views to West Northamptonshire Council. After the review period, and after assessing residents views and the results of the implementation, there will then be an opportunity to extend the vehicle prohibition, so we encourage residents to make their voice known through our Consultation Hub on the council website, as the implementation period draws to a close. West Northamptonshire Council are committed to stopping anti-social driving behaviour and the Brook Lane vehicle prohibition is just another way in which we are continuing to support our commitment on this. It is vital that residents feel safe when going about their daily business and this is a step in the right direction in keeping our commitment to making highways safer for residents. Phil Larratt, Cabinet Member for Environment, Transport, Highways and Waste This scheme is being installed using an experimental traffic regulation order (TRO). This means the process of public consultation will work somewhat differently from the normal traffic regulation order procedure. When using an experimental TRO, the works will be implemented so that they coincide with the consultation commencing. This allows residents/motorists to experience the proposed restrictions rather than asking them to comment on something that is theoretical, but without the commitment of the works necessarily being permanent. An experimental TRO can be in force for up to eighteen months, with on average the first three months being used to allow the public to comment on how the proposal may or may not be working. The authority then has the remaining time to review all responses and decide how to proceed. Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

October 31, 2023

West Northamptonshire students take part in annual Young Citizens Scheme

31 October 2023 Students from Primary schools across West Northants participated in this year’s Young Citizens Scheme organised by West Northamptonshire Council’s Community Safety and Engagement Team. More than 300 Year 6 students from Daventry and South Northants attended the ninth annual event at Yardley Chase Cadet Training Centre on October 18 and 19. Watch our video of the event below: Watch a video of the Young Citizen's event The two-day event was held to give young people a better understanding of personal safety, community awareness and to help them become good citizens. It provided information on the roles of services such as the Police, Fire & Rescue Service helping build relationships between the young people and those working in their communities. Officers from across West Northamptonshire’s Community Safety Partnership delivered a variety of sessions around road safety; online safety and healthy relationships; fire and water safety; peer pressure and hate crime. The Young Citizens scheme is designed to leave an enduring impact on the participating students. It imparts essential safety skills, fosters a greater understanding of emergency services and cultivates a sense of empathy towards others. This event is a testament to the power of partnership working and allows us to proactively engage with young people to explore community safety. We are proud to be involved in this project and hope the knowledge gained will serve these students for years to come. Cllr David Smith, Cabinet Member for Community Safety, Engagement and Regulatory Services Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

October 31, 2023

Raising awareness of Cervical Cancer

Health and wellbeing 31 October 2023 Women aged between 25 to 64 who are eligible for cervical cancer screening are being urged to make sure they attend their screening appointment. Regular cervical screening (also known as a smear test) can be booked through your GP to check the health of your cervix and look for early signs of changes which can be caused by the onset of cervical cancer. Those aged 25 to 49 will be offered a screening appointment every 3 years Those aged 50 to 64 will be offered the screening every 5 years. I am encouraging all women to be aware of any signs that could indicate cervical cancer. These may include unusual vaginal bleeding, changes in vaginal discharge and lower back pain. If you notice any change that you are unsure of, please contact your GP to discuss further. If you have had an invite for your cervical cancer screening appointment, please do attend as this is vital in early diagnosis and treatment. If you have missed your appointment, I strongly urge you to rebook this with your GP. Dr Annapurna Sen, Consultant in Health Protection for West Northamptonshire Council In addition to the above, children in year 8, aged between 12 and 13 will be offered the Human Papillomavirus vaccine (HPV) which reduces the chance of HPV, a common virus that's spread through skin contact, usually when having sex and can be linked to an increased risk of cervical cancer spreading. Vaccination clinics will be held at schools across West Northamptonshire, please look out for your child’s invite. It is important to discuss this with your child and respond promptly to give consent and avoid missing this opportunity to protect your child’s health. Find more information on Cervical Screening Read the latest information on the HPV vaccine Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

October 31, 2023

Free Virtual Reality Experience Day on Thursday

31 October 2023 Anyone wanting to find out how Virtual Reality (VR) can improve their health, help train staff, or inspire students in education, should get along to Northampton Central Library on Thursday, 2 November. Entitled ‘The Future of Virtual Reality is Now: VR Experience Day,’ this pop-in event between 9.30am and 3pm has been organised by Digital Northants in conjunction with West Northamptonshire Council and numerous companies which work with Virtual Reality. Kardi Somerfield, UON Senior Lecturer in advertising and digital marketing, will be showing student work at the event. Each year we develop a virtual reality scenario as a live client project, so our students are doing assessed work but they're also learning how to use the VR kits. We create VR on behalf of our clients who are the Campus Safety team and the Police Fire & Crime Commissioner’s Office. Our students have been filming and learning how to film in 360 which is new to them. They've not touched this kit at all before and they're not media students, they are digital marketers, so we really are using it in a sort of out of box plug and play way and they're working up towards an assessed project with this kit. The RiVR kit was provided to use by the OFPCC and is quite user-friendly. It’s important to experiment with unfamiliar technology as this is a key skill for digital marketers – as well as being fantastic for the students to have on their CVs. It's also great for us from a learning and teaching perspective and we're hoping to be able to develop some competencies in the university in a cross-faculty way because we recognise that this is one of the tools we'd like to be using more. Kardi Somerfield, UON Senior Lecturer in advertising and digital marketing In addition to the UON students’ Safer Streets project, other applications on show this Thursday include: Culture and Heritage – The Compton Verney Art Gallery and Museum demonstrate how they use VR to enhance the experience of their visitors Psychotherapies - A team of game developers, VR designers and psychologists from the University have teamed up with St Andrews Healthcare and Cardinal Clinic to improve their treatment options and quality of life using VR and game design Health and therapy - VR Therapies is an award-winning social enterprise based in Northampton, dedicated to improving people’s mental health, wellbeing and rehabilitation through innovative, immersive sensory experiences Special Educational Needs - Students in West Northants have taken part in a trial which uses VR technology to support them to travel independently to, and from school Flight Beyond Sight – Born from the aviation training sector, Flight Beyond Sight has a wealth of training delivery experience developing low-cost solutions to complex training problems CardioCrown - envisions a world where patients have the tools they need to achieve their best possible recovery, regardless of their location, income, or access to healthcare facilities We are delighted to be hosting this Virtual Reality Experience Day at Northampton Central Library which gives people an opportunity to try out this technology first hand. This project demonstrates how VR technology can assist with a wide variety of scenarios; from health and learning to heritage and culture. I encourage everyone to pop in to Northampton Central Library this Thursday and experience a taste of the future. Councillor Adam Brown, Deputy Leader of WNC and Cabinet Member for Housing, Culture and Leisure For more information, visit the Digital Northants website. Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

October 30, 2023

Preferred Developer announced for a major £130+ million Northampton regeneration project

30 October 2023 Image courtesy of Howells West Northamptonshire Council has confirmed that National regeneration developer, Cityheart has been announced as their preferred development partner to bring forward the Four Waterside and Marefair sites. Working in a joint venture partnership with West Northamptonshire Council (‘WNC’) Cityheart will deliver a transformational and ambitious scheme for the town centre. Situated at the entrance of the town from Northampton’s railway station, the Four Waterside and Marefair scheme is one of the largest brownfield developments in the county with two sites totaling five acres. Work is anticipated to start in 2025 to unlock this space, providing a new hotel, grade A office space for new and existing businesses, high-quality homes and improved paving and planting to elevate the area. With nearly 20 years of experience, Cityheart works in partnership with councils across the country to rejuvenate towns and cities, including the £135 million Galleries town centre redevelopment in Wigan. This eight acre, highly sustainable mixed-use regeneration site providing a new market and hotel, high-quality homes, leisure venues, co-working space and events space. This is Cityheart’s first appointment via the Pagabo National Framework Agreement for Developer Led schemes (Region: East Midlands Lot 3c [£40m+] = Mixed Use). WNC has secured a £1.5 million grant from The Towns Fund and a further £7 million from the Northampton Waterside Enterprise Zone, to help deliver the project which will contribute to the wider transformation across the town. This funding will enable the development to be brought forward and have a significant impact on the local economy with a projected £130 million gross development value. The Towns Fund is part of the Government’s plan for ‘Levelling Up’ the UK economy and the Council has secured £24.9 million to invest into transforming Northampton’s Town Centre. We are delighted to announce that we are working with Cityheart to deliver this significant development. Their expertise will be invaluable in transforming the two vacant brownfield sites and providing high-quality facilities to meet the needs of our local community and benefit our local economy. This area has stood empty for too long, and we are excited to now begin the relevant preparation before we start work in 2025. Once complete, this development has the potential to have a transformational impact upon Northampton town centre and beyond. Cllr Daniel Lister, cabinet member for economic development, town centre regeneration and growth This superb site will open up the gateway to the town centre from the rail station and will be transformational for Northampton. It will deliver waterside residences and highly sustainable workspace, enhancing the living experience for people in the town centre. Cityheart is extremely proud to be appointed as preferred developer and we look forward to making a start on the project before the end of the year. Andrew Sanderson, development director of Cityheart To find out more about the regeneration of Northampton and projects taking place across the town, visit We are Northampton . Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

October 30, 2023

Remembrance events to take place across West Northants

30 October 2023 Communities across West Northamptonshire will come together in Remembrance this month, to honour those who served and remember their sacrifice. There are a number of events taking place across West Northants, including: Northampton Remembrance Sunday this year will be held at All Saints Church and the Memorial Gardens on Sunday, 12 November. The service will start at 10am at All Saints Church (George Row, Northampton NN1 1DF) followed by a service and wreath-laying ceremony at the War Memorial at 11am. There will then be a military Parade past the Guildhall, where the Salute will be taken, up St Giles Street, along Castilian Street, and ending on Derngate. Private wreath bearers will be granted access to the Memorial Gardens once the Parade has passed. Find out more on the Northampton RBL website. Daventry Daventry Town Council and the Royal British Legion will lead the Remembrance Parade and Service on Sunday, 12 November, with the parade stepping off at 10.30am outside Argos on Daventry High Street (60-66 High St, Daventry NN11 4HU). The parade will process along the High Street to the War Memorial via Abbey Street. Members of the public are invited to gather on the path opposite the War Memorial for a short service to include Roll of Honour, wreath-laying, the last post and 2-minute silence. The parade will then march to Holy Cross Church for a Remembrance Day service at 11.30am. The town will also host a short service on Armistice Day on Saturday, 11 November at 11am at the brick gazebo at the top of Sheaf Street, outside the Post Office. Find out more on the Daventry Town Council website. A service sheet for the event can also be accessed via the Daventry Town Council website. Towcester On Sunday 12 November, St Lawrence Church (Chantry Lane, NN12 6YY), will host a Remembrance service, starting at 10:50am. The Community Poppy Cascades are also up in the Garden of Remembrance, which is situated out the front of St Lawrence Church. Find out more on the Tove Benefice website. Brackley Brackley’s Remembrance event on Sunday, 12 November commences with a parade at 2:30pm from Winchester House (44 High Street, NN13 7AZ), which will proceed down the High Street. A service of Remembrance will follow this at 3pm at Brackley War Memorial in the Market Square. Wreath-laying will follow the service. Find out more on the Brackley Town Council website. Cold Higham St Luke’s Church (Church Lane, Cold Higham, NN12) will be open during the day on Sunday, 12 November, 10am-3pm for private reflection. There will also be a Remembrance Service held at the Parish War Memorial in the churchyard of St Luke’s – the public are invited to gather from 10:45am for a short service followed by the Last Post, two-minutes silence and wreath-laying. Duston Duston Parish Council will host a Remembrance Sunday service at 10am at St Luke’s Church, followed by wreath-laying at the War Memorial and then a service at Duston United Reformed Church at 10:30am. Duston’s Poppy Cascade will be on display again this year at St Luke’s Bank from 30 October–12 November and members of the public are invited to make their own dedication poppy to be included in the display. Find out more on the Duston Parish Council website. Instructions on how to make your own dedication poppy can also be found on the Duston Parish Council site. Green’s Norton St Bartholomew’s Church in Green’s Norton (NN12 8BL) will be hosting a Remembrance Service on Sunday, 12 November at 10:45am. Hardingstone Hardingstone Village’s Remembrance event on Sunday, 12 November will begin with a parade for uniformed organisations and poppy cross reps, departing the Village Hall carpark at 10.30am for the War Memorial. There will be a service at the War Memorial at 10:45am followed by a short service in St Edmund’s church (NN4 6DQ). Standing with Giants at Stowe Gardens From Thursday, 19 October to Tuesday, 14 November, visitors can experience the Standing with Giants art installation at Stowe Gardens (New Inn Farm, Buckingham, MK18 5EQ). The installation features 200 life-size soldier silhouettes, offering an opportunity for visitors to pay tribute and remember those who gave their lives so that we could enjoy our freedom today. The exhibit is created in partnership with Standing with Giants, a community-based project that aims to raise awareness and appreciation of our freedom. Although the exhibition is free to visit, standard admission prices for Stowe Gardens still apply. Find out more on the Stowe Gardens website. Upton Upton Parish Council will be hosting a short Remembrance service and wreath-laying event on Saturday, 11 November at ‘The Unknown Soldier’ War Memorial Tree Sculpture on Berrywood Road opposite the social club (NN5 4XD). Members of the public are invited to arrive from 10.45am for an 11am start. Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

October 30, 2023

Acquisition of former St James Depot

Buses and transport 30 October 2023 West Northamptonshire Council is taking steps to purchase the former St James Bus Depot and ensure the large brownfield vacant site benefits from regeneration to meet the needs of our local community. The large brownfield site has stood vacant to the west Northampton Town Centre for more than a decade. As part of the wider extensive regeneration of Northampton, this area has been identified as an area which could significantly benefit from redevelopment. Since West Northamptonshire Council was made aware of Church’s Shoes’ intention to sell the site, the Council has been working closely with them. As one of the last remaining brownfield sites in Northampton, on a key route into the town centre, it is important for local businesses and the local community to make sure that the best regeneration and economic potential of the area is realised. WNC has engaged with Church’s to agree on the purchase of the building and is now looking at the future viability of the site through a feasibility study to ensure that any future development meets the needs of our residents and while maintaining the historic character of this landmark. The former St James Bus Depot boasts a prominent large brownfield site, central to Northampton Town Centre. This historic landmark has been vacant for some time, during which Church’s has added land to the site and carried out some remediation work. We have engaged with Church’s on the sale of this site in order to be able to bring forward a viable scheme which will benefit our residents. We are committed to retaining the historical and iconic frontage of this site and will be working with key partners to ensure that the area is empathetically regenerated. As part of the delivery of this scheme, we will seek to provide much-needed high-quality homes to accommodate the needs of our growing communities. The views of our residents are essential to ensure that this site meets the needs of our local community, and we will be looking at opportunities to hear their views on the coming months. Cllr Dan Lister, Cabinet Member for Economic Development, Town Centre Regeneration and Growth at WNC To stay up to date on the regeneration of Northampton, visit We Are Northampton . Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

October 26, 2023

Preparation works to begin transformation of Northampton shopping district

Planning and building control 26 October 2023 West Northamptonshire Council has announced plans to begin construction works to Northampton’s main shopping street in early 2024 and begin preparatory works in November, following investigatory works with its partner, Kier Transportation. Following an extensive public consultation over the summer, vital works to enhance the appearance of Abington Street and Fish Street have been confirmed. This will include new paving and seating, additional trees and planting to enhance the landscaping. Kier and WNC are liaising directly with businesses in the area to keep them up to date on the progress of works. As part of this, there will be a dedicated single point of contact for businesses throughout the project. The redevelopment will complement the wider regeneration of the town centre, including the Market Square transformation, and provide enhanced connectivity with the rest of the town. We are pleased to be working with Kier, who we already have an established relationship with, as they carry out this significant project to one of the busiest shopping streets in our area. The plans are intended to help this area adapt to the changing face of the high street by encouraging café culture, supporting retail and creating more appealing and flexible surroundings for visitors and those who live in the town centre. The enhanced features and appearance, as well as new facilities, will offer a fantastic space for people to use and enjoy. We look forward to this taking shape in the coming weeks and months as works start on site later this year. Cllr Dan Lister, Cabinet Member for Economic Development, Town Centre Regeneration and Growth at WNC Investigatory works were carried out in September to gain an understanding of all services connected through Abington and Fish Street. Preparatory works will start on 30 October for three days, which will include the removal of eight trees. Following a full arboricultural report, the existing trees that are due to be removed were deemed either not suitable to be relocated or preserved due to their deteriorating health or their proximity to other trees limiting their growth. As part of the project, an increased number of new trees will be planted across Abington and Fish Street. Now we have completed the investigatory works, we are delighted to press ahead with the initial tranche of works starting in the new year. This is the first significant public realm project we have delivered on behalf of West Northamptonshire Council as its highways maintenance partner - and we look forward to enhancing connectivity, bringing new life to Northampton town centre and making a difference in the community through these developments. John Coombes, general manager at Kier To stay up to date with the regeneration of Northampton Town Centre, visit: We Are Northampton . Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

October 25, 2023

The Council signs the Care Leaver Covenant

Your council 25 October 2023 West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) celebrates National Care Leavers Week by signing the Care Leaver Covenant to formally pledge its commitment to support those who leave care to live independently. The Council recognises the unique challenges that care leavers face and is committed to providing them with the help they need to thrive. WNC’s commitment to the Care Leaver Covenant goes beyond the standard support provided by local authorities, focusing on enhancing opportunities and improving outcomes for care-experienced individuals. I am delighted that as a Council we have officially signed up to the Care Leaver Covenant as a further commitment to supporting our care leavers. We know that care experienced young people don’t always have the same access to supportive networks or that ‘parental’ guidance that many other children or young people might have access to – and that’s one of the reasons I am so pleased that we will be working together with the Care Leaver Covenant organisation to make support available for those who have left care. I am confident that together we can make a real difference and I strongly encourage other employers across West Northamptonshire to join us by signing the covenant too. Cllr Fiona Baker, Cabinet Member for Children’s, Families, Education and Skills at West Northamptonshire Council Signing the Covenant is WNC’s pledge to support those leaving care to thrive by offering council tax and housing support to training and employment opportunities, work experience, partnerships with local businesses and much more. We take immense pride in serving as the corporate parent for over 650 looked-after children and almost 300 care leavers and recognise the vital role we play in safeguarding the welfare of children and our care leavers. Our commitment to care leavers extends beyond words. WNC has integrated care-experienced individuals into our guaranteed interview scheme, ensuring that job applicants who disclose their care-experienced status during the application process and meet the minimum essential criteria are automatically guaranteed an interview. We are also extending comprehensive support for care-experienced applicants throughout the application journey, including assistance with job application forms, interview coaching, and unwavering support during the entire process. Importantly, we maintain an open door with no age limit, providing equal opportunities for all. Cllr Mike Hallam, Cabinet Member for Corporate Services and HR at West Northamptonshire Council The Council is also actively developing a range of work experience, placement, and shadowing opportunities for care-experienced individuals, complete with general and tailored support plans to help them achieve their educational, employment, and training goals. Leaving care and going out into the world on your own can be scary and overwhelming, but knowing that there are organisations that can provide extra support can really help. The Council have provided me a lot of support in my career, and I don’t think I would be where I am now without that. I hope that by signing the Covenant other care experienced people can get that help too, and other organisations will be encouraged to join the covenant as well. Vera Burford, care experienced young person WNC’s commitment to supporting care leavers also extends to seeking social value through procurement opportunities and fostering partnerships with local businesses to create meaningful opportunities for care leavers. To celebrate Care Leavers Week, the council will also illuminate its buildings in the vibrant colours of the Care Leaver Covenant on Saturday, 28 October. The Covenant team is delighted to welcome West Northamptonshire Council into the universal family – a rapidly growing set of organisations across the public, private and third sectors that recognise the importance of making a broad and deep commitment to supporting young people into independent living and the rest of the adulthood. Whilst local authorities have a formal statutory role and associated set of responsibilities for this group of care-experienced young people, by signing up to the Covenant, West Northamptonshire Council is demonstrating its intention to go beyond these minimum requirements and show that it is acting like a true parent by offering the love, support and guidance that all children and young people deserve, regardless of their circumstances. We very much look forward to working with the council as it puts this commitment into practice. Mark Rogers, Care Leaver Covenant Director of Legacy Residents and businesses can find out more about the Care Leaver Covenant. Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

October 25, 2023

Council joins forces with Police to tackle county lines and child exploitation

Community, safety and emergencies 25 October 2023 Last week West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) joined Northamptonshire police to support the National County Lines Intensification Week of Action. Community Safety Officers visited Northampton Railway Station working with staff and the general public to raise awareness around child exploitation; spotting the signs and how to report it. The team also visited banks and independent phone shops distributing over 1,200 business cards and leaflets which detailed common locations to spot child exploitation and how to approach potential victims. Young people can be exploited anywhere. These are some of the common signs: Children travelling alone, especially if this is in school hours, late at night or on a regular basis. If they are being criminally exploited, they may be sent significant distances and may be missing from home They may be lost or appear as though they are in unfamiliar surroundings They may appear anxious, frightened, or angry, but they may also appear disruptive or aggressive - a common response to trauma They could be in possession of multiple phones They might appear under the control or instruction of others, including people who are older than them and do not appear to be family members You may see them with large amounts of cash Signs of a child being at risk online, could include them talking about older or new friends they have met online, talking about gifts, money or in game credits they have received online, receiving large numbers of calls or messages, being worried about being away from their phone and having a new phone or more than one phone It’s great to see the strong partnership between West Northamptonshire Council and Northamptonshire police during National County Lines Intensification Week. Public spaces such as bus and train stations, service stations and shopping centres are all places where victims of child exploitation are most visible. By working together to raise awareness and equipping our communities to recognise the signs of child exploitation, we can create a safer environment for our children and young people and stop this abuse from happening. Cllr David Smith, Cabinet Member for Community Safety, Engagement and Regulatory Services I'm pleased with the positive results we've seen during this intensification week. Illegal drugs cause an enormous amount of harm in our communities. We want to get rid of the criminals running these drug gangs and provide help to those exploited by them, as well as educating young people about how to spot and avoid getting caught up in County Lines activity. Northamptonshire Police is committed to tackling county lines and safeguarding vulnerable people. I want to thank all the officers and staff who were involved in this intensification week and in particular, the Home Office for supporting our activity by providing funding. Detective Inspector Carrie Powers, Serious and Organised Crime Team More information around child exploitation and how to report it can be found on the Children’s' Society website . If you are concerned about a child and think it’s an emergency, dial 999 or if it’s not an emergency call 101. Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

October 25, 2023

Women are being encouraged to be more “Breast aware” this Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Health and wellbeing 25 October 2023 The West Northants Public Health team are urging all women to take the time to get to know their breasts through the TLC (Touch, Look, Check) approach as part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Breast cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths across the UK impacting individuals of all backgrounds and ages, causing around 11,500 fatalities each year. That’s why Public Health in West Northants are encouraging all women to check their breasts and take up the breast cancer screening offer if eligible, to help early diagnosis and treatment. The Touch, Look, Check approach involved the following simple steps: Touching your breasts - can you feel anything unusual or new? Looking for changes - does anything look different? Checking any new or unusual changes with your GP The NHS breast screening programme is vital in early diagnosis and treatment, with screening available every three years to all females between the ages of 50 and 71 at their local NHS breast screening centre. If you are eligible and registered with a GP in West Northamptonshire, you will be invited to attend your appointment. If your appointment is not suitable or you did not attend, please contact the Northampton Breast Screening Service on 01604 545825 or 01604 545830. I am encouraging all women to increase their awareness around being “Breast Aware” and to attend screening appointments when you are invited. Across West Northamptonshire we are seeing a decline in the uptake of breast screening, resulting in many missed early diagnoses. Please ensure you take the time to attend your appointment or reschedule if unable to attend your appointment. If you are not eligible, please do make sure you are checking your breasts regularly through the TLC approach – following these simple steps to check, can really help early diagnosis. Dr Annapurna Sen, Consultant in Health Protection for West Northamptonshire Council Breast cancer can also be prevented through making small changes. These include introducing healthier meals options into your diet, being more physically active, reducing alcohol consumption and if you smoke, looking to quit. For further information on Breast cancer, please see: NHS: Breast cancer in women. Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

October 25, 2023

Northamptonshire crews help regional services during Storm Babet rescues

Northamptonshire fire crews were deployed over the weekend to assist other regional services during Storm Babet – and helped to rescue 15 residents from their flooded homes. Northamptonshire was thankfully relatively untroubled by the storm, and pre-planning allowed the Service to have sufficient resources to deal with incidents should they arise within the county, but also assist other cross border Services if required. A powered boat, crewed by specialist water rescue teams from both Mereway and Wellingborough, was called to assist another Service on Friday (October 20) as part of national resilience plans put in place during the adverse weather. The crew helped to rescue the residents from flooded motorhomes and safely relocate them to a nearby leisure centre, and assisted crews in two search operations the following day after reports of individuals seen in the water. Meanwhile on Saturday (October 21), the high-volume water pump at Corby – which is often deployed during national flooding incidents – aided a neighbouring Service in water management at a sluice gate, which is used to manage water flow. Station Manager Nick Gayton said: “We are well versed in these kinds of incidents when it comes to supporting other Services as part of national resilience. “This was a really good job from our crews and we were able to help other Services as well as maintain business as usual in terms of availability within the county.”

October 23, 2023

Future arrangements agreed to host regional growth remit for South East Midlands

23 October 2023 Future support for businesses and economic prosperity across the region has been assured this week following a recent agreement by six councils. This week the SEMLEP Board and Central Area Growth Board (CAGB), the group of Leaders from the area’s six local authorities, approved recommendations for West Northamptonshire Council to be the host authority to take on Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) functions by 1 April 2024. These include strategic economic planning, the Growth Hub, which supports and strengthens businesses, and the Careers Hub, which links schools and colleges with employers to create world-class careers opportunities. The decision follows an announcement from Central Government that it would cease core funding of Local Enterprise Partnerships from April 2024 and for the LEP functions to be delivered by local authorities. Working in collaboration, the six local authorities – Bedford and Central Bedfordshire, Luton, Milton Keynes, North Northamptonshire and West Northamptonshire – will build on the successes of the LEP to secure the future economic success of the South East Midlands region. SEMLEP (South East Midlands Local Enterprise Partnership) and West Northamptonshire Council will now prepare for the transfer. Further work will happen over the coming weeks and months, led by the Central Area Growth Board, including shaping more detailed proposals for the engagement of local businesses. This decision marks the end of a long period of uncertainty for the SEMLEP team. We remain committed to responding to the needs of local businesses through our Growth Hub and Careers Hub and will work with our local authority partners to ensure a seamless transition to the new arrangements. Hilary Chipping, SEMLEP Chief Executive SEMLEP has carried out excellent, invaluable work in supporting our region’s many businesses and boosting economic prosperity across our area and all six local authorities are dedicated to building upon those achievements under these new arrangements from spring next year. West Northants is privileged to be chosen to host these functions on behalf of all partners, and we will continue to work closely and collaboratively to support and strengthen business communities across our region and shape fresh opportunities for all. Cllr Jonathan Nunn, Leader of West Northamptonshire Council and Co-Chair of the Central Area Growth Board It is important the business services currently provided by the South East Midlands LEP continue to be available and I am very pleased that the six local authorities in the area have come together to ensure that continuity. Cllr Pete Marland, Leader of Milton Keynes City Council and Co-Chair of the Central Area Growth Board Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

October 23, 2023

Funding secured for expanding EV charge-point infrastructure across West Northamptonshire

Parking, roads and transport 23 October 2023 West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) has applied for and secured over £400,000 worth of funding from the government’s Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) Capability Fund. An initial £73,000 worth of funding was secured earlier in the year, and the Council have now successfully received an additional £335,000 from the fund. The LEVI Fund is designed to support local authorities to develop their electric vehicle charge-point infrastructure. It has two main objectives, to transform the deployment of on-street EV charging infrastructure across England and to accelerate the commercialisation of the local EV charging sector. As part of the next steps WNC will go to the market to select the best partner to deliver EV charging across West Northamptonshire, using private investment alongside the Government grant to extend the range of opportunities across our towns and villages. Wider access to on-street EV charge-points will make owning an electric vehicle more convenient and increase access more readily available across West Northamptonshire. Increased use of EVs across West Northamptonshire will help the Council reach the broader residents and business 2045 net-zero carbon emissions target. The capability funding, which is what we have received so far, will enable the Council to build a team that will be responsible for developing an EV charging infrastructure strategy. Once we have a strategy in place for the planning and delivery of the charge-point infrastructure we will be able to apply for a £2.8m capital funding from the LEVI fund to implement the strategy The green transition is vital as we continue on a journey to make West Northamptonshire a more sustainable place to live and work. We are pleased to have received this initial LEVI funding, it will enable the Council to further our sustainability goals by allowing us to develop the capacity to plan and deliver an innovative EV charging strategy. Cllr Jonathan Nunn, Leader of West Northamptonshire Council Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

October 23, 2023

Have your say on extending measures to curb two Northampton anti-social behaviour hotspots

Have your say 23 October 2023 West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) are seeking residents’ views on renewing two Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPO) in Northampton. The current PSPOs covering Jeyes Jetty and Dunster Street were introduced three years ago in response to issues of anti-social behaviour and nuisance. Jeyes Jetty is an alleyway connecting Drapery and College Street in Northampton Town Centre which was gated in 2021 following the tragic death of a young man in the alley in 2019. Dunster Street alleyway connects Dunster Street to St Michaels Road and was a hotspot for arson, drug dealing, fly tipping and anti-social behaviour before being gated in 2021, following a request from local residents. A PSPO is a power that allows councils to impose restrictions on a defined area to tackle problem behaviour under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014. It can deal with persistent and unreasonable nuisances and anti-social behaviour that has a negative effect on the quality of life for the local community in a particular area and intends to help ensure that members of the public and local communities can use and enjoy open areas and public spaces. There is a legal requirement for the Council to have evidence to show the need for orders to be adopted, varied, or extended, therefore this consultation will be used to gather residents’ views on extending the PSPO for a further 3 years, up to December 2026. The Council is committed to tackling anti-social behaviour and creating safer communities, which is why we’re proposing to extend these Public Space Protection Orders (PSPO) and keep these measures in place. We welcome the views of all local people and businesses and I hope people will take the opportunity to give us their feedback as part of this consultation. Cllr David Smith, Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Engagement and Regulatory Services The consultation opens today (23 October) and closes at midnight on Sunday, 19 November 2023. Anyone who would like to share their views about extending the Jeyes Jetty and Dunster Street PSPOs can take part in the online survey via the Council’s Consultation Hub . Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

October 23, 2023

Have your say on the future of a Care Home located in Towcester

Have your say 23 October 2023 Residents are invited to have their say about possible options regarding Ridgway House Care Home, located in Towcester due to significant under-occupancy experienced over the last few years. This residential care facility is currently owned and managed by West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) and currently only has 19 residents occupying the home, primarily due to the inadequacy of its design and amenities in meeting the requirements of individuals seeking residential care and support in their later years. While the demand for registered care homes has remained relatively constant over the years, the nature of care required has evolved, with an increasing number of residents needing nursing care as opposed to the residential care that Ridgway House is currently able to provide. Due to the building being old and its design, it is difficult to meet these more complex care needs and falls short of today's accessibility and facility requirements stipulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) for new care home constructions. We recognise that for those who reside at Ridgway House that this is their home, is where they feel comfortable and supported. We are committed to ensuring that we deliver a high standard of care for all our residents and as their needs change or become more complex, that we can adapt the support we provide to meet their changing care needs. It is important that we can provide the right support for more complex health and social care needs and we know that we are seeing an increase in our older population, that this level of support is only going to increase. There will always be a need for residential care, and the proposed changes aim to ensure that individuals receive this care in modern, adaptable facilities that can meet their evolving needs. I therefore ask for residents at Ridgway and their loved ones to please take part in the consultation as it is vital to gain your thoughts on how we can provide the right care support now and in future. Cllr Matt Golby, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Public Health at WNC The Council acknowledges the news of this consultation may cause worry or concerns for the residents at Ridgway and their families, and any potential changes or relocations may understandably be distressing. At this time, this is a consultation to seek the views from residents and their loved ones to enable us to understand the impact of any future decision that is made. However, it is important that as a Council, careful consideration is given to the state and age of the building and to consider all options for the care home. WNC are also interested to know how residents feel about living at Ridgway House and would like to understand the impact of allowing the current position at Ridgway House to continue or what the impact would be if we commenced with a safe closure programme of the home. To learn more about the available options and provide your feedback, please visit the Council’s Consultation Hub by November 19, or you can also share your thoughts by emailing [email protected] or through written correspondence using the provided contact details. Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

October 20, 2023

“Collide: A Choir Fest Experience" is coming to West Northants

20 October 2023 An exciting and unmissable event featuring a diverse collaboration of local and community choirs combining over 200 voices, unique singing styles and a variety of much-loved musical genres is coming to West Northamptonshire next year. Taking place at Northampton’s Royal & Derngate theatre on Saturday, 30 March 2024, this ground-breaking musical production will include performances conducted by award-winning Choir Director, Gareth Fuller, supported by internationally acclaimed conductor Karen Gibson MBE, famed for her show-stopping performance of ‘Stand By Me’ at the wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. The production will present a blend of differing musical genres as classical meets pop and gospel style singing, rock meets jazz, and orchestral meets them all. The event will feature collaborative performances from 7 choirs, including 3 which have been shortlisted for the Community Choir of the Year award in the Northamptonshire Local Music Awards 2023 . Collide will be preceded by a series of warm up events and free visible musical performances scattered throughout prominent locations across West Northamptonshire in aid of the Charities chosen by Cllr John Shepherd in his year as Council Chairman. The Chairman’s vision for his year in office, which started in May 2023, is to celebrate music and highlight the cultural side of West Northamptonshire. Donations received at the event will be split between the Chairman’s chosen charities; Northamptonshire Music and Performing Arts Trust (NMPAT) and the Army Benevolent Fund. This is set to be an exceptional evening taking place in the heart of Northampton’s Cultural Quarter in a space renowned for its cultural and artistic offer spanning generations. We are fortunate to have such a rich musical offering in West Northamptonshire and this event is the perfect opportunity to showcase this array of unique talent, which must certainly be seen to be fully appreciated. Councillor Adam Brown, WNC’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Housing, Culture and Leisure Tickets for Choir Fest will go on sale on Friday, 27 October via the Royal and Derngate website, and further announcements around acts and supporting events will be announced in the coming months. Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

October 20, 2023

Royal inspiration at the Coronation Art Competition and Exhibition

20 October 2023 Residents of Northamptonshire are invited to witness the creativity of the county's young minds at the Coronation Art Competition and Exhibition. The exhibition hosted at The Carriage House Lamport Hall in Lamport, Northamptonshire will be open to the public from 10am -4pm on Friday, 27 October and Saturday, 28 October and from 10am -3pm Sunday, 29 October. Visitors will be able to see a collection of artworks crafted by selected finalists from various schools across Northamptonshire that will capture the unique perspectives of schoolchildren of all ages on the grandeur of the Coronation of King Charles III festivities that graced the nation in May. I would like to extend my warmest gratitude to all the young artists who participated in the Coronation Art Competition. The sheer creativity and talent displayed in your submissions have left us all in awe. Their imaginative interpretations of the Coronation celebrations have not only captured the essence of this historic event but have also showcased the immense talent and creativity that thrives within our region. I invite everyone to join us at The Carriage House Lamport Hall to see and celebrate the remarkable achievements of our talented young artists and cherish the legacy of this historic Coronation. His Majesty's Lord-Lieutenant of Northamptonshire, James Saunders Watson Esq Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

October 20, 2023

Tips for a more sustainable Halloween

Sustainable West Northants 20 October 2023 Recycling is no trick, but it is a real treat for the planet. This Halloween, West Northamptonshire Council is sharing top tips for how residents can make sustainable choices, recycle and get creative by making costumes that won’t spook the planet. If you’re planning on getting dressed up this Halloween, why not look around the wardrobe or the loft to see what outfit could be upcycled or adapted to make a perfect fancy dress costume? Alternatively, if adapting or making a costume is not an option, consider buying it second hand either online or from a charity shop. If costumes cannot be used next year, you can check on our website the best way to recycle these, or take them to your nearest charity shop or to a textile bank. Unfortunately, plastic masks and wigs are too scary for collection teams to pick up as they are made from materials that cannot be recycled. Consider donating them to a local charity shop for someone else to use next year. Carving pumpkins or decorating your house with gourds? Once those pumpkin carvings have done a good amount of scaring, residents can cut down on waste by using the flesh to make Halloween delicacies including pumpkin soup, pie or risotto. Even the seeds can be brought back from the dead boiled in salted water, drained, spread on a baking sheet, and cooked in the oven, they could be making a tasty snack. For delicious recipes visit Love food hate waste . However, if you still have your pumpkin remains to dispose of, make sure they go into your food waste caddy for composting. As our residents have a great time with their families, this Halloween, we encourage them to try to avoid any environmental nightmares by reusing old clothes for costumes, and recycling their pumpkin skins after use. We know most residents do a really good job by recycling as much as they can and WNC thank them for their efforts. We also encourage them to keep up this great work and take a few minutes to put the right thing in the right bin, bag or box to ensure that waste is recycled appropriately. Cllr Phil Larratt, West Northamptonshire Council Cabinet Member for Environment, Transport, Highways and Waste Residents can find generic information on what goes where, by visiting the waste and recycling pages. Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

October 19, 2023

Northampton landlord prosecuted for operating eight unlicensed HMOs

Housing 19 October 2023 A Northampton landlord has been prosecuted for operating eight unlicensed Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO) as well as a range of breaches of the HMO Management Regulations 2006. The case follows an inspection of the properties in Hinton Road, Obelisk Rise, Culworth Crescent, Kingsthorpe Avenue, Aynho Crescent and Chalcombe Avenue by West Northamptonshire Council’s (WNC) Housing Enforcement Team in late 2019 and early 2022. During this time officers found a significant number of failings in the HMOs regarding fire safety, cleanliness and maintenance, and effective arrangements for the disposal of waste. The landlord, Faiz Hammed, of Moulton Grange, admitted charges against four of the properties, and was found guilty of charges relating to the other four during a trial at Northampton Magistrates Court on 10 October. At the hearing last week, the District Judge described Mr Hammed as being the ‘controlling mind of the operation’, which also included his brother Ahmed Saeed. Mr Saeed, of Dixon Road, Northampton, pleaded guilty to his involvement with one of the properties, and Ms Victoria Cebotari, of Icknield Drive Northampton, pleaded guilty to her involvement in two of the properties. The District Judge who heard the case deferred sentencing to 1 March 2024. Mr Waheed Ahmed, a further relation to Mr Hammed, pleaded guilty to his involvement with one of the properties and has been sentenced previously. Residents’ health and safety was put at serious risk because of this landlord who defied the laws which are there to protect people and keep them safe. I am pleased the courts have recognised the seriousness of these offences and hope that the sentencing will act as an example to deter other rogue landlords and persuade them to comply with the law in future. I would urge anyone with concerns about a HMO to report it via our website so that we can carry out an investigation and make renting safer for residents in West Northamptonshire. Councillor Adam Brown, Deputy Leader of WNC and Cabinet Member for Housing, Culture and Leisure Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

October 20, 2023

Carers in West Northants invited to have their say on a new carers strategy

20 October 2023 West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) is keen to seek the views from carers as part of the development of a new, ambitious carers strategy aimed to enhance the lives of caregivers in our vibrant community. A carer is someone who selflessly offers unpaid assistance to their partner, family member, friend or neighbour who may be unwell, have a disability or struggle without this essential help. The council is keen to hear thoughts, insights and feedback from all carers in West Northants on what aspects of support are effective, what elements you believe require improvement, and your suggestions for enhancing the support provided to caregivers within West Northants. All of this feedback is essential in the development of the strategy that sets out a direction of travel which meets the needs of carers as well as the loved ones that they care for. A number of face-to-face engagement events have been arranged all over West Northants as well as online, with the hope that carers will be able to attend, share their feedback and views, as well as meet other carers in their neighbourhood. Please do come along to an event that is convenient to you by registering via the links below. Face to face engagement events: Daventry Community Centre , Ashby Road, Daventry, Northamptonshire, NN11 0QE: 25 October, 2pm to 4pm. Book your place for Daventry Moulton Community Centre , Sandy Hill Reedings, Northampton, NN3 7AX: 27 October, 10am to 12noon. Book your place for Moulton Kingsthorpe Community Centre , Thornton Hall Close Off Mill Lane, Northampton, NN2 6PT: 30 October, 7pm to 9pm. Book your place for Kingsthorpe Thorplands Primary School, Farm Field Court, Northampton, NN3 8AQ: 30 October, 2pm to 4pm. Book your place for Thorplands Far Cotton Recreation Centre , Towcester Road, Far Cotton, Northampton, NN4 8LG: 31 October, 10am to 12 noon. Book your place for Far Cotton The Courtroom Guildhall, St Giles' Square, Northampton NN1 1DE: 31 October, 2pm to 4pm. Book your place for The Guildhall Brackley Library, Manor Road, Brackley, Northamptonshire, NN13 6AJ. 1 November, 10am to 12noon. Book your place for Brackley Duston Community Centre , Pendle Rd, Northampton, NN5 6DT: 1 November, 7pm to 9pm. Book your place for Duston The Forum - Towcester Second Floor Council Chamber , Moat Lane, Towcester, NN12 6AD: 3 November, 7pm to 9pm. Book your place for Towcester Online engagement events: We fully recognise the invaluable contribution of our carers and we are committed to working with our local carers in the development of this strategy that will set out our focus over the upcoming years. It is essential that our carers are supported in all that they do, and it is really important as a Council we fully understand how best we can work with our partners to ensure the right support is available. Without the involvement and input from our carers, there is no guarantee that the strategy will meet their needs and it is essential we get it right, therefore I strongly encourage all carers to come along to one of the face to face or online events, or take part in the online survey. Cllr Matt Golby, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Public Health As part of the events the Council will be asking carers if they would like to join our “Experts by Experience (EBEs) groups as their unique knowledge and personal experiences as caregivers will play a vital role in shaping our strategy prior to its formal consultation phase. If you are not able to attend the face to face sessions or online sessions, please do take a short 5 minutes to complete our three question online survey . This survey is confidential and will close on 19 November 2023. Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

October 18, 2023

Improvements to local bus services in Daventry

Buses and transport 18 October 2023 Improvements are being made to local bus services in Daventry so that they can better serve the local community, starting from 29 October 2023. West Northamptonshire Council has been working with Stagecoach to improve the local bus services in Daventry, with the financial support of Prologis UK. Service changes will improve the work, leisure and shopping transport links for local residents. They include: The D1 will provide a direct connection between Rugby and Daventry via Daventry International Rail Freight Terminal (DIRFT) Reduced journey times between Daventry and Northampton on the revised D2 route A more regular service on the D3 between Daventry and Northampton via Kislingbury, Bugbrooke and Nether Heyford A new lunchtime service on the D4 from Daventry to Long Buckby The introduction of two hourly services, D5 and D6, improving the connectivity locally within Daventry Extension of the D1 and 96 services to serve the new Royal Mail centre and northern part of DIRFT Having listened to the feedback of residents, we are pleased to announce service improvements to multiple routes around Daventry. Working together with Stagecoach and Prologis UK we have been able to enhance bus services within Daventry, as well as improving the connections to both Northampton and DIRFT. Cllr Phil Larratt, Cabinet Member for Environment, Transport, Highways and Waste Prologis UK has provided financial support to this improvement project which has enabled better connections between Daventry and DIRFT. As a long-term investor at DIRFT, we’re pleased to be able to positively contribute to improving public transport facilities around the site and wider Daventry area. As a site which employs over 9,000 people in Northamptonshire, we hope the new services allow more people from local communities to gain exciting career opportunities in the logistics sector. Dave Mellor, Prologis UK These changes to the Stagecoach services come in response to customer demand as well as feedback from residents. Working with West Northamptonshire Council and Prologis at DIRFT we have been able to design a new network that better meets the needs of people living and working in Daventry and DIRFT. The changes provide a simpler bus network with links that will provide new travel opportunities to those working in and around DIRFT. These enhancements demonstrate what can be achieved through working in partnership. Mark Whitelocks, Stagecoach Midlands Managing Director To find out more please check the Stagecoach Website . Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

October 18, 2023

Parking restrictions to be enforced in Bridge Street

Parking, roads and transport 18 October 2023 West Northamptonshire Council will be enforcing parking restrictions in the part of Bridge Street north of the Kingswell Street junction from Thursday 19 October. A section of the street was closed directly after the fire at the former Balloon Bar, in order to ensure public safety as the structure was considered hazardous. The council is continuing its efforts to ensure timely work is carried out to make the building safe. Since then, part of the road has been reopened, but parking restrictions were not enforced due to the need to see if this opening was possible to maintain, and many people have taken the opportunity to use the parking free of charge during this time. It has been determined that the short stretch of road up to the safety fencing can remain open so parking restrictions will resume and any vehicles parking without a valid ticket or in contravention of any other parking restriction will receive a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN). Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

October 19, 2023

Support available for households in West Northamptonshire

Cost of living support 19 October 2023 This week is Household Support Fund Awareness Week (16 to 22 October 2023) with the aim to highlight financial support available to households who may be facing hardship in West Northants. In the fourth tranche of the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) Household Support Fund, £5,199,257 has been allocated to West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) to continue helping the most vulnerable with the ongoing cost of living challenges. WNC have implemented a number of support offers that have been identified to best meet the need of residents in West Northamptonshire, ensuring the funds are distributed to a range of families and households in need, with differing circumstances. The support offers distributed include: Around 12,500 families with children continuing to receive meal vouchers during the school holidays. They have also be given a helping hand for the 23/24 school year, with supermarket vouchers for uniforms distributed alongside support for food over the summer. Voluntary and community groups will share out £1.2m in the form of food aid, distributed in separate tranches over winter, to support households experiencing the most hardship across West Northants. Over 1,500 households on a low wage (weekly income of less than £400) but have not received any of the Cost of Living Payments or the £150 Disability Cost of Living payments may be eligible to receive a £300 payment to provide financial support. For more information see Household Support Fund . £600,000 has been allocated towards food clubs and larders, with half of the funding to help upscale and improve their use of food clubs and larders in a move towards more sustainable ongoing support for residents Around £115,000 has been earmarked towards helping the most struggling households reduce their energy bills through practical measures such as better insulation and more efficient boilers etc. A further £110,000 will be used to provide money and debt advice services to those facing severe financial hardship. The impact of the cost-of-living increase is still very much affecting many households and we are continuing to work with our local voluntary and community groups in helping to address this ongoing challenge. It is imperative that we offer support to residents, acknowledging that individual circumstances and the help needed differs. Therefore, we have thoughtfully considered how to make the best use of the latest funding from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). Cllr Matt Golby, WNC’s Cabinet member for Adult Social Care and Public Health For more information on cost of living support please visit Cost of living or call 0300 126 7000 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm). Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

October 19, 2023

Doors open to students at Chiltern Primary School’s new SEND unit

Children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) 19 October 2023 Chiltern Primary School located in Northampton, opened its doors to its new 30 place SEND unit called The Nest on 2 October, celebrated by a ribbon cutting ceremony that took place with students this week. The Nest caters for children in Key Stage 2, Years 3 to 6 and is a designated specialist provision for children with an Autistic Spectrum Condition (ASC) diagnosis. Within the Nest, staff use Autism specific approaches such as Teacch, Attention Autism and Intensive interaction to deliver a bespoke curriculum based on students needs. The curriculum offered to children across the provision is broad and is based on drivers such as; communication, safety, independence and responsibility to help all students thrive. After extensive works have taken place at the school, The Nest is now open with the SEND students enjoying the specialist learning facilities with new classrooms offering an amazing view of the outdoor area, breakout spaces, new signage to offer privacy to the playground as well as the new, engaging play area that is available for use by all pupils at Chiltern Primary School. It was so wonderful to see the students enjoying the new, much-needed facilities at Chiltern Primary School and to see the teaching techniques that clearly had the students so engaged and wanting to learn. A really important part for me, was for the children to be settled as part of their transition into The Nest and to enjoy the space – to see them using the play equipment and engaging with the classroom activities was incredibly moving and I extend my thanks for the staff at Chiltern who have been so brilliant in supporting the students transition as well as to the parents for their patience and support. Cllr Fiona Baker, Cabinet Member at West Northamptonshire Council for Children, Families, Education and Skills The Nest at Chiltern, is operated by Hunsbury Park Primary School and their specialist SEND staff. The new provision at Chiltern will see a further 15 Key Stage 2 places created from September 2024, taking the total number of places at this site to 45. We are thrilled to open our new Nest provision at Chiltern Primary School and offer provision for 30 more children. It has been fantastic to see students in class, accessing Autism specific approaches and making friends with their peers. Staff have worked hard to ensure that the new provision follows a consistent approach across both sites. Hayley Rootes, Assistant Headteacher and Unit Lead at Chiltern Primary School Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

October 19, 2023

Northampton landlord found guilty of operating eight unlicensed HMOs

Housing 19 October 2023 A Northampton landlord has been prosecuted for operating eight unlicensed Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO) as well as a range of breaches of the HMO Management Regulations 2006. The case follows an inspection of the properties in Hinton Road, Obelisk Rise, Culworth Crescent, Kingsthorpe Avenue, Aynho Crescent and Chalcombe Avenue by West Northamptonshire Council’s (WNC) Housing Enforcement Team in late 2019 and early 2022. During this time officers found a significant number of failings in the HMOs regarding fire safety, cleanliness and maintenance, and effective arrangements for the disposal of waste. The landlord, Faiz Hammed, of Moulton Grange, admitted charges against four of the properties, and was found guilty of charges relating to the other four during a trial at Northampton Magistrates Court on 10 October. At the hearing last week, the District Judge described Mr Hammed as being the ‘controlling mind of the operation’, which also included his brother Ahmed Saeed. Mr Saeed, of Dixon Road, Northampton, pleaded guilty to his involvement with one of the properties, and Ms Victoria Cebotari, of Icknield Drive Northampton, pleaded guilty to her involvement in two of the properties. The District Judge who heard the case deferred sentencing to 1 March 2024. Mr Waheed Ahmed, a further relation to Mr Hammed, pleaded guilty to his involvement with one of the properties and has been sentenced previously. Residents’ health and safety was put at serious risk because of this landlord who defied the laws which are there to protect people and keep them safe. I am pleased the courts have recognised the seriousness of these offences and hope that the sentencing will act as an example to deter other rogue landlords and persuade them to comply with the law in future. I would urge anyone with concerns about a HMO to report it via our website so that we can carry out an investigation and make renting safer for residents in West Northamptonshire. Councillor Adam Brown, Deputy Leader of WNC and Cabinet Member for Housing, Culture and Leisure Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

October 18, 2023

Residents are being asked to have their say on a new way of delivering activities and respite for children with disabilities (short breaks)

Children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) 18 October 2023 Throughout October and November, a final consultation will be launched on the proposed new way of delivering short breaks in Northamptonshire. Short Breaks are breaks for children and young people who have a disability giving them rich opportunities while also allowing carers to have a break from caring to carry out other vital activities. They include daytime activities, overnight residential breaks, personal care and support, holiday clubs, sensory impairment services and sleep support. The short breaks service is jointly funded by North and West Northamptonshire Council’s and the NHS Northamptonshire Integrated Care Board. Northamptonshire Children’s Trust oversee the ‘Short Breaks Service’ which is provided on a county wide basis to children with disabilities as part of our shared responsibility to support children with SEND under the Children and Families Act 2014. We know how important these services are to disabled children and their families which is why it is critical that we collaboratively consider any potential changes to services. It is imperative that we gain as much feedback as possible during this final phase of consultation to ensure that the future services are fit for purpose and deliver the best possible outcomes for children and families. Julian Wooster, Chair of Northamptonshire Children’s Trust It is so important to get feedback on this potential new model. By looking at doing things differently this may mean the current services need to change as we look to improve support for families and at the same time make better use of resources. We would encourage as many families as possible to take part in this consultation so we can continue to work together to come to the best possible model for these services. Toby Sanders, Chief Executive of Northamptonshire ICB The first phase of a three-stage consultation began in 2021 to understand what was working well and what improvements needed to be made to the service as identified by parents, practitioners, and organisations. This feedback informed and helped to develop a potential new model for the service in future. The second phase in April - May 2023 was about engagement, to gain feedback from parents, carers, practitioners, and other members of the public on how they felt about the potential model and the service offering in the future. The third and final part of the consultation process is now commencing, and this involves a wider public dialogue on the proposed new model. Consultation will take place via an electronic survey, provider events, parent and practitioner workshops and attendance at community events to ensure a wide range of feedback on the proposed model is received before writing the specification and tendering the new contract in November. The proposed model aims to: bring together residential and non-residential short breaks, for better co-ordination and flexibility have a single referral and assessment pathway to make it easier to access services and better oversight build community links and support for children to access activities in the community with buddy support and support so children with more complex needs can access daytime activities The final phase of consultation is now live, and residents are encouraged to give their feedback via the survey which can be found on the North Northamptonshire Council Website Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

October 13, 2023

West Northamptonshire gritting fleet ready to go ahead of winter

13 October 2023 West Northamptonshire’s fleet of gritters will be deployed this week to prepare the roads for winter, with the Met Office forecasting a cold snap is on its way. With a sharp decline in temperature across Northamptonshire expected towards the end of October, precautionary gritting routes are now underway. West Northamptonshire Council’s highways provider, Kier is set to grit over 1,100 miles of the road network - the equivalent of driving from here to Venice. West Northamptonshire has a stockpile of over 5,500 tonnes of salt ready to use on public roads and foot paths over the winter months. More than 880 grit bins have also been filled. Met Office reports have shown that due to an El Niño weather pattern, a term for when the sea surface temperature warms every few years, the UK is headed for greater snowfall this winter – with the first of the UK’s snowfall predicted for this week. By working together with Kier, we have taken all necessary precautions to ensure that our roads are kept safe for our communities as we enter the winter months – and prepare for the cold snap ahead. Our 12-strong fleet of gritters are set to head out on the network from this weekend when required. As the cold weather approaches, this can cause a major impact on our roads and an increase in road defects and potholes. We will continue to work with Kier to ensure these are resolved as quickly as possible, and advise all residents to report any road defects via our website with location details and photos so we can resolve this. Cllr Phil Larratt, Cabinet Member for Environment, Transport, Highways and Waste at West Northamptonshire Council The council is targeted in its approach – and has designed routes based on high-quality weather forecasting and real-time temperature readings, through weather stations and sensors along West Northamptonshire’s roads. Through route-based forecasting, roads will be treated if the temperatures are forecasted to drop below 0.5C. The fleet of gritters will also all have names this year, thanks to the creative thinking of local schoolchildren , meaning trucks named Pretty Gritty, RoadZipper and Gritzilla will be among those helping to keep our roads safe this winter. We are proactively planning for the predicted weather conditions this winter. Our crews are on standby 24/7 during the winter months, as we work to keep road conditions safe and quickly respond to any changing weather conditions. We will be mobilising our gritting fleet, which have all been named by local primary school pupils, in trial routes this weekend. We urge road users to be vigilant – as even once a road has received a gritting treatment, the salt requires activation from the movement of vehicles and drivers should take extra care. We also actively encourage feedback from the community to help us to continue to deliver a resilient and reliable service. John Coombes, general manager at Kier Transportation As stocks run low, people can also report bins that need refilling . To find out more about the precautionary and adverse gritting routes and other useful winter service information. People can keep up to date with highways and travel news for West Northamptonshire Council highways on Twitter and Facebook via @WNHighways. Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

October 13, 2023

West Northants Cabinet approve Youth Justice Plan

Community, safety and emergencies 13 October 2023 West Northamptonshire Council’s Cabinet has approved a two-year plan for Youth Justice in Northamptonshire. The Youth Offending Service (YOS) is a statutory multi agency service, which has a responsibility to prevent offending and reoffending by those aged under 18 years who are resident in Northamptonshire. Under the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 there is a statutory requirement to publish an annual Youth Justice Plan which must provide specified information about the local provision of youth justice services. The plan covers 2023 to 2024 and sets out how, through the delivery of a range of services and interventions, the YOS will work hard to ensure that children and young people are kept out of the formal criminal justice system. The plan also sets out the direction and strategy of youth justice services, describing how quality services will be provided to ensure positive outcomes for children and improvements in performance indicators, in particular: reducing first time entrants to the youth justice system: reducing the use of custody reducing reoffending rates locally agreed performance indicators that evidence positive outcomes for children The areas of work for the YOS are laid out in legislation, government policy and national guidance and are developed in partnership with key local strategic boards including the Community Safety Executive; Children Trust Board; Local Safeguarding Children’s Board and Northamptonshire’s North and East Criminal Justice Board. These indicators are identified under three key priority areas: Early Help & Prevention. Recognising and responding to child exploitation and serious youth violence. Tackling disproportionality in the criminal justice system. In West Northamptonshire we take pride in our Youth Justice Team and the highly valuable work they do to ensure that our children and young people avoid custodial sentences. It is one of the Council’s top priorities to deliver the best outcomes for children and young people and ensure they lead fulfilling, healthy and safe lives, and we are happy to have been able to approve the Youth Justice Plan for 2023/2024. Cllr Fiona Baker, Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Education at West Northamptonshire Council Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

October 13, 2023

His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Probation rate Northamptonshire Youth Offending service ‘good’

13 October 2023 The first inspection of the Youth Offending Service (YOS) since the inception of Northamptonshire Children’s Trust (NCT) and the establishment of the two unitary councils, North Northamptonshire (NNC) and West Northamptonshire (WNC) has found that the service is ‘good’. The quality of resettlement policy and provision was also inspected, which was separately rated as ‘Outstanding’. Inspectors found that ‘delivery of work with children was of a consistently high standard’ which in turn meant that there are ‘positive working relationships with the children’ and they ‘positively engaged with the YOS and could access appropriate services to support them.’ Children and young people were approached for comments as part of the inspection, and they said: “My YOS worker is absolutely amazing. They have helped me through a lot, and I can’t thank them enough. Ever since they came into my life a lot of things have changed for the better.” “My YOS worker not only taught me why what I was doing was wrong but also treated me with respect and supported me mentally as well, and is helping me to understand my emotions better and how to deal with things that have happened in my past, Northamptonshire YOS sits within NCT who ‘provides clear direction for the service’ and works in partnership with North and West Northamptonshire Councils and partners such as health, police, education, community safety partnership, and other key stakeholders who all sit on the YOS Board. The Board are committed to deliver the best outcomes for children, young people, and the community. In the report, inspectors ‘found an effective partnership’ and ‘Board members who take an active role in developing the work of the YOS’ they also saw ‘some excellent examples of board members advocating for the work of the YOS in their own organisations, with a clear focus upon improving outcomes for YOS children.’ We are extremely pleased that the fantastic work of our Youth Offending Service has been recognised in this inspection. We have an incredible team that work collaboratively with our partners to support young people, giving them every chance to succeed. The positive results from our children’s survey are a testament to the quality of working relationships on which the service is built. We welcome the recommendations that are in the report and will look at how to implement these so we can improve the service even further. Julian Wooster, Chair of Northamptonshire Children’s Trust We’re delighted that the Youth Offending Service has been rated ‘good’. Staff work extremely hard to achieve the best possible outcomes for the children they work with, and it’s wonderful to see their efforts recognised in this way. The children supported by the service often have complex needs, and partners collaborate closely to provide a wide range of both mainstream and specialist services to address these in order to intervene early and successfully help these young people turn their lives around. The team are always looking for ways to improve the support they provide, and they are now considering how they can implement the recommendations in the report to help achieve even better outcomes for the young people they work with. I’m sure that continual drive to improve will be reflected in future inspections. Cllr Scott Edwards, North Northamptonshire's Executive member for Children, Families, Education and Skills I am so pleased that the youth offending service has been rated ‘good’. It recognises the hard work of dedicated staff who go above and beyond to ensure the best outcomes for the children they serve. The team remains ever committed to delivering better outcomes for the young people they work with and are now looking at how they can put in place the report’s recommendations. I would like to thank all of the staff involved and I am certain their commitment to achieving the best outcomes will be reflected in future inspections. Cllr Fiona Baker, West Northamptonshire's Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Education Northamptonshire Youth Offending Service offers children under their supervision every chance to succeed. We were impressed with their approach to providing services for each child to access specialist support services, such as for substance misuse, speech, language, and communication and to meet their educational needs. The local community should know that the service is making every effort to stop children committing offences and provide opportunities towards a brighter future. Interim Chief Inspector of Probation Sue McAllister The full inspection report is available online. Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

October 13, 2023

West Northamptonshire gritting fleet set to go as Met Office reveals snow predictions for this winter

13 October 2023 West Northamptonshire’s fleet of gritters will be deployed this week to prepare the roads for winter, with the Met Office forecasting a cold snap is on its way. With a sharp decline in temperature across Northamptonshire expected towards the end of October, precautionary gritting routes are now underway. West Northamptonshire Council’s highways provider, Kier is set to grit over 1,100 miles of the road network - the equivalent of driving from here to Venice. West Northamptonshire has a stockpile of over 5,500 tonnes of salt ready to use on public roads and foot paths over the winter months. More than 880 grit bins have also been filled. Met Office reports have shown that due to an El Niño weather pattern, a term for when the sea surface temperature warms every few years, the UK is headed for greater snowfall this winter – with the first of the UK’s snowfall predicted for this week. By working together with Kier, we have taken all necessary precautions to ensure that our roads are kept safe for our communities as we enter the winter months – and prepare for the cold snap ahead. Our 12-strong fleet of gritters are set to head out on the network from this weekend when required. As the cold weather approaches, this can cause a major impact on our roads and an increase in road defects and potholes. We will continue to work with Kier to ensure these are resolved as quickly as possible, and advise all residents to report any road defects via our website with location details and photos so we can resolve this. Cllr Phil Larratt, Cabinet Member for Environment, Transport, Highways and Waste at West Northamptonshire Council The council is targeted in its approach – and has designed routes based on high-quality weather forecasting and real-time temperature readings, through weather stations and sensors along West Northamptonshire’s roads. Through route-based forecasting, roads will be treated if the temperatures are forecasted to drop below 0.5C. The fleet of gritters will also all have names this year, thanks to the creative thinking of local schoolchildren , meaning trucks named Pretty Gritty, RoadZipper and Gritzilla will be among those helping to keep our roads safe this winter. We are proactively planning for the predicted weather conditions this winter. Our crews are on standby 24/7 during the winter months, as we work to keep road conditions safe and quickly respond to any changing weather conditions. We will be mobilising our gritting fleet, which have all been named by local primary school pupils, in trial routes this weekend. We urge road users to be vigilant – as even once a road has received a gritting treatment, the salt requires activation from the movement of vehicles and drivers should take extra care. We also actively encourage feedback from the community to help us to continue to deliver a resilient and reliable service. John Coombes, general manager at Kier Transportation As stocks run low, people can also report bins that need refilling . To find out more about the precautionary and adverse gritting routes and other useful winter service information. People can keep up to date with highways and travel news for West Northamptonshire Council highways on Twitter and Facebook via @WNHighways. Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

October 12, 2023

Joint Independent Audit Committee looking for a new member

This is an exciting opportunity to provide independent advice and assurance on the governance of the Office of the Northamptonshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service and Northamptonshire Police. The Joint Independent Audit Committee performs a statutory function and has an important role in ensuring best practice, adherence to policies and good governance. Members will also scrutinise the adequacy and effectiveness of risk management, internal audit and control and corporate governance arrangements of both organisations, as well as reviewing financial management and reporting. Successful applicants to join the committee will receive training, an annual allowance of £3,000 and expenses, and will be subject to a police vetting check. Applicants must be able to demonstrate a connection with Northamptonshire, have a good awareness and understanding of the public sector, and knowledge of best practice in audit and corporate governance. Applications are encouraged from individuals with project management, estates and information technology skills and experience. The closing date for applications is 31st October 2023. You can find out more about the role of the Committee and download a copy of the information pack from the Northamptonshire OPFCC website here.

October 10, 2023

Update on Southfield Primary School, Brackley

Schools and support 10 October 2023 Work is under way to make alternative arrangements for all children affected by Southfield Primary Academy trustees decision to close next year, with West Northamptonshire Council’s (WNC) admissions staff on hand this week to meet and support parents and carers. The Council was recently informed that Trustees of the Brackley-based school, with approval from the Department for Education (DfE), have decided to close the school at the end of the current academic year in July 2024 due to a significant shortfall in the take-up of places – 109 children on roll out of a possible 420 – making it financially unviable to continue. Following the school and DfE’s closure announcement last week, the Council is taking immediate steps to support families of the pupils affected and provide assurance to them that they will all have access to an alternative school within a reasonable distance from Southfield Primary. The aim will be to ensure that friendship groups are maintained and that siblings can stay together wherever possible. A letter on place availability will be sent out to parents this week by the WNC admissions team alongside details of a simplified application process, when parents will then be able to start considering alternative future options. Members of the Schools Admissions Team will also be attending sessions with parents and carers at the school from this week to discuss concerns and answer queries about the future process. I am disappointed and saddened to hear about the Academy and DfE’s decision to close the school in summer next year and fully understand how distressing this news will be to children and their parents. I would like to reassure them all that our Council will be doing everything possible to support them through this, by providing alternative school places still within the Brackley area, to maintain continuity and a smooth transition for youngsters for next year. We know Southfield has faced challenges in recent years but the school has worked hard to make improvements; we have also looked at how to help the school resolve its under-capacity, such as exploring other ways to use the space for alternative educational purposes, although unfortunately these did not prove viable in the end. Sadly the number of parents choosing to send their children there continues to be low and, at just under a quarter full, we understand why the trustees and DfE feel it is no longer financially viable to stay open from next summer. Our priority now is to ensure all families affected by this decision are kept fully informed and updated around future steps in the process and we support Southfield staff to help them find new positions at other schools. Our admissions team will be meeting parents and carers during a series of sessions at the school in the coming weeks to listen to their concerns and address their queries. Cllr Fiona Baker, WNC Cabinet Member for Children Families, Education and Skills Cllr Baker recognised that the recent announcement around Southfield had also brought a wider debate around school places in Brackley to the fore, as updates are shared within the community on social media. We are aware that some people have expressed concerns that the closure of Southfield, coupled with planned housing growth, will lead to pressures on places at nearby schools and have provided this information to the DfE as part of our annual planning forecast. There have also been suggestions around controlling the number of pupils admitted to Southfield but this is not something we could legally do nor would wish to, as it is important that parents are given a choice of which school their child attends, and they make this based on what best suits their family’s needs and the performance of schools available to them. Cllr Fiona Baker, WNC Cabinet Member for Children Families, Education and Skills Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

October 11, 2023

Practical firefighting scenarios help improve social skills in young people

Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service teamed up with GAINN (Growth and Inclusion North Northamptonshire), a Community Lottery Funded Project, to trial a three-day course that delivers key life skills to young people experiencing social isolation, anxiety and mental health issues. The initial idea came about following discussions within a Local Area Partnership, whose primary aim is to ensure health and care services are better co-ordinated and delivered more proactively for people at local level. The course was designed to provide a positive learning environment and safe space to build resilience in young people and improve their communication skills. The trial, which the young people named ‘Communication at the Station,’ was held at Kettering Fire Station on 26 – 28 September and combined classroom-based workshops and discussions alongside practical scenarios and exercises. Over the three days, 10 young people registered with GAINN carried out fire service drills and were introduced to some of the kit and equipment used to respond to emergency incidents. They were put through their paces in a mock road traffic collision where they had to manage the casualties, call Fire Control to explain what had occurred and pass on information to the crew from Kettering Fire Station who were first in attendance at the mock incident. They also learnt about fire safety in the home, water safety and how to use a throw line effectively, and they were shown basic lifesaving first aid, including how to carry out CPR on resuscitation manikins which were funded by Northamptonshire’s Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner. Building communication and other social skills using practical real-life scenarios is a key aim of the course. It encourages young people to think before they act, to understand and communicate effectively with other people, as well as better manage their own decision-making process. Learning in this way reduces the chance of young people needing the assistance of the emergency services. Lisa Bryan, Prevention, Safeguarding and Partnerships Manager at Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service said: “Delivering targeted interventions to young people using practical firefighting skills helps to build personal strengths, resilience and skills that will enable young people to contribute positively to society and cope better with challenges in later life. “Working in collaboration with partners such as GAINN allows us to target often harder to reach audiences and help to ensure that the messages and advice we are delivering are relevant and engaging to those groups of people.” GAINN aims to help young people between the ages of 17 and 24 overcome challenges that prevent them from being socially involved and supports them in developing skills that build confidence and help them to enter employment, education or further training. Jo Dale, Programme Manager at GAINN said: “Anyone that works with young people will know how difficult it can be to get them out of bed before 12 noon and get them to remain focussed while they are outside their comfort zone! “This course has motivated and inspired my young people to achieve so much more than that. They became a strong team, found communication skills that we had never seen before and learnt so much and they really enjoyed the physical challenges. The organisation was incredible, and my young people are still talking about it. It has given them skills and the confidence to take with them on their journeys that they will use every day. You really have made a difference!” Maxine, one of the young people posted the below on her social media. “Wow! What an amazing experience. I learned so much about fire safety, health and safety and most importantly communication. “I have struggled with communication for ages and this course really brought out the importance of communication within normal day to day life. I look forward to hopefully growing to gain a career in becoming a firefighter and hoping to save lives and to keep others around me safe. “Thank you to the (Kettering) Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service and the GAINN project for allowing me to have this opportunity. I have made memories of a lifetime.”

October 09, 2023

Vaccination gives protection for pregnant women and their unborn babies

Winter Wellbeing 09 October 2023 Pregnant women, and their unborn babies, are at a higher risk of complications and more severe symptoms such as pneumonia, as the immune system naturally weakens during pregnancy. Pregnant women are also more likely to be admitted to hospital due to flu than the general population. In 2022 – 2023 around 64% of those who were pregnant in Northamptonshire did not take up the Flu vaccination increasing the likeliness of them catching flu. This year, Public Health teams at West and North Northamptonshire Councils and the NHS in Northamptonshire are encouraging pregnant women to get vaccinated as soon as they can. We are already starting to see an increase in respiratory infections within the community and with the cold weather coming in there will be more mixing and movement indoors which will lead to an increase in the spread of Flu. It is therefore important that those who are pregnant get vaccinated as soon as possible. Getting the flu vaccination not only protects you, but also your unborn baby and can prevent serious health problems from occurring from catching the flu. Flu can have serious complications for pregnant people and there is good evidence that pregnant people have a higher chance of developing complications if they get flu, particularly in the later stages of pregnancy. Please do speak to your midwife or GP practice about how you can get your flu vaccination. Mara Tonks, Director of Midwifery at Kettering General Hospital NHS Trust The flu vaccination is safe during any stage of pregnancy from the first few weeks through to the woman’s due date and doesn’t carry any risks for baby or mother. The vaccine administered is not a live vaccine and contrary to popular belief, it does not give you flu. Having this vaccination during pregnancy can help protect your baby for several months after they are born, which is important as babies cannot be vaccinated before six months. The flu vaccine can also safely be given to pregnant women at the same time as the whooping cough vaccine. Clare Flower, Head of Midwifery at Northampton General Hospital NHS Trust It is also encouraged that those who are pregnant have their COVID-19 vaccination which can be given at any point during pregnancy and can be safely administered at the same time as the flu vaccination without any vaccine interaction. Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

October 07, 2023

Success on the tracks for NFRS in large-scale chemical exercise

Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service (NFRS) have carried out a large-scale, multi-agency exercise to test their response to a chemical incident on board a train. The exercise took place at the Rushden Transport Museum and Railway earlier this week, and saw around forty staff from NFRS, Northamptonshire Police, East Midlands Ambulance Service and Network Rail deal with the conditions they would face after an explosion on a train. The drill saw two train carriages, filled with volunteers and NFRS staff, rescued after an explosion onboard. Crews evacuated the carriages before the ‘casualties’ passed through the mass decontamination unit to remove any contaminants. Acting Chief Fire Officer Simon Tuhill said that the exercise was a vital way to make sure that agencies can work together well in the event of a real emergency. “Exercises such as this are a fantastic way of testing how we work with our partners, to improve interoperability and ensure we are all at the top of our game and know what is expected of us all should an incident of this nature ever happen for real.” The exercise was organised by Crew Manager Darren Dexter from Rushden Fire Station, who said: “This exercise has been six months in the making and one of the largest chemical exercises run by NFRS. “I would like to thank all of the people who took part in the exercise, especially the crew at Rushden who have worked tirelessly in the recent weeks and months to make the day possible.”

October 06, 2023

Announcement regarding Southfield Primary School

Schools and support 06 October 2023 Please see below statement from Cllr Fiona Baker, Cabinet Member for Children, Families, Education and Skills: West Northamptonshire Council was informed of the Department for Education’s (DfE) approval following the decision by the Trustees of Southfields Primary to close the school at the end of 2023/24 academic year due to a shortfall in the take up of places making the school financially unviable. We understand for parents, carers and the students at Southfields Primary Academy, that this news will cause uncertainty. We will work closely with the school to provide information to keep those affected informed throughout this process. Our admissions team will be on hand as part of the in-person sessions being held by the school for parents, to answer any questions. We would like to provide assurance of the work underway to ensure all children have a school place for the start of 2024/25 school year within a reasonable distance of Southfields Primary School. To ensure some continuity for families, the Council is committed to working with other local schools to review available places in the Brackley area. Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

October 03, 2023

Nominate your West Northants Male Role Models

03 October 2023 Recognise the men and boys who have made important contributions across West Northamptonshire as part of the West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) Male Role Model Awards 2023. The awards aim to raise awareness around men’s wellbeing and celebrate those who inspire and have a positive impact on the lives of others in the community or the workplace. WNC is looking for men who have been inspirational in the broadest sense and would like to know how they have inspired you or others, what they have achieved, or what they have done to help you or your community. Nominations open on Monday 2 October and close on Sunday 29 October. The finalists will be announced at an awards ceremony which will take place at Northampton Museum on International Men's Day on Friday 17 November 2023. There are so many men playing hugely important roles across West Northants communities and workplaces. However, we cannot recognise these men without the help of residents who know and work with them closely, so we are calling on you to help! What we’re looking for is not only someone who goes that extra mile, but that man who has made a real difference to those around them and helped to support their community and nurture the next generation of young men. Potential nominees could include someone who has inspired you through their charity work, an inspirational business owner or someone who has helped you personally. It could be a family member who has been a rock during a challenging time, a neighbour who has set up a community group to support local children, or a friend who has campaigned for better healthcare – nominate your role model now! Cllr David Smith, WNC's Cabinet Member for community safety and engagement, and regulatory Services International Men's Day (IMD) is celebrated around the world, and in the UK focusses on the core themes of making a positive difference to the wellbeing and lives of men and boys, promoting a positive conversation about men, manhood and masculinity and raising awareness of charities supporting the wellbeing of men and boys. For more information about the WNC Male Role Model Awards 2023 and to make a nomination, please visit our Male Role Model webpage. Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

October 03, 2023

Streetlights across Northamptonshire to be upgraded to the latest LED technology

03 October 2023 Works to upgrade over 44,000 streetlights to the latest energy-efficient technology will start across Northamptonshire next week. Both North and West Northamptonshire Councils have declared a climate emergency and the authorities are taking steps to reduce energy consumption. Over the next two-and-a-half years, Balfour Beatty Living Places will upgrade the current lights to LED, a move that will reduce CO 2 emissions in the county by an estimated 1,091 tonnes of CO 2 a year. The new LED lights will also bring a range of additional benefits, including white light, which is linked to improving community safety, a reduction in light pollution and greater energy efficiency. The lights will be replaced as part of regular maintenance rounds carried out by Balfour Beatty, making the process more efficient. I’m delighted to see the commencement of the LED lantern installation as part of the county-wide street lighting improvement contract. This is another step towards our Net Zero pledge. We need to make the future of North Northants sustainable, not just environmentally but economically and socially too. Cllr Matthew Binley, North Northamptonshire Executive Member for Highways, Travel and Assets We are committed to investing to save in order to provide better value for money and an improved service for our residents. LED lighting is far more energy efficient and therefore more sustainable. It is welcoming that the white light that LED lighting provides maintains and improves the lighting of our highways, ensuring our communities are safe. This is also a step forward in meeting our commitment becoming net zero by 2030. Cllr Phil Larratt, Cabinet Member for Environment, Transport, Highways and Waste at West Northamptonshire Council Balfour Beatty took over responsibility for streetlights in Northamptonshire in 2011 under a 25-year PFI deal with the former county council. The streetlighting stock was initially replaced by standard lamps as LED was an emerging technology with relatively high unit prices and unproven life span. At Balfour Beatty, we’re committed to supporting our customers to achieve their Net Zero ambitions by providing the latest innovative solutions. We are working closely with both North and West Northamptonshire Councils to deliver new LED streetlights that will improve energy efficiency and make local communities safer. Kym Seekings, Contract Manager for Balfour Beatty Living Places Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

October 03, 2023

Help shape the interim bus policy for West Northamptonshire

Buses and transport 03 October 2023 People across West Northamptonshire are being invited to share their views on the new interim bus policy which will help shape future priorities and the development of a future Local Transport Plan. West Northamptonshire Council supports several local bus services, works with community transport operators to enable connectivity in rural areas, and delivers the Concessionary Scheme that provides free travel for eligible residents. A short-term local bus policy is being developed as part of a review of the current bus network. This interim bus policy will enable the Council to maintain support for local bus services and the communities they serve, in advance of a new long term Local Transport Plan which is currently in development being adopted around late 2024. In response to a request from the Department of Transport, we have reviewed local bus services to understand how we can best support connectivity across the area. While most services are operated by external partners, there are a small number which we fund. We are seeking local views on the new bus policy which will guide decisions on how we spend the funding to support the local bus network and ensue it meet the needs of our local communities. We are seeking feedback on the three priorities we have identified for the interim bus policy and would like to know if they would be supported, as well as wider views on local bus services. Cllr Phil Larratt, Cabinet Member for Environment, Transport, Highways and Waste at WNC The consultation will be shared online between 29 September and 12 November. You can give us your feedback by visiting: https://westnorthants.citizenspace.com/travel-choices/interim-bus-policy/ If you have any queries, comments or would like a copy of the questionnaire in another format can contact us by contacting [email protected] Once the consultation period has closed, all responses will be collated and considered to shape decisions by the council on the development of the interim bus policy which will be in place until a Local Transport Plan is developed and adopted. The findings of the consultation will be published and presented to Council in early 2024. Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

October 03, 2023

The Council are calling on community and voluntary organisations to join a programme to provide welcoming spaces for their community

03 October 2023 Following the much-used warm spaces initiative that launched in West Northamptonshire last winter, West Northamptonshire Council are looking to partner with community and voluntary organisations to launch them again as part of a partnership approach to offer welcoming spaces in communities. The welcoming spaces aim to tackle loneliness and social isolation by providing residents with a local place to go where they can meet new people, socialise and access support services whilst being in the warm, and all within reach of where they live. Each of the spaces will choose what they wish to offer, from cups of tea to knit and natters or board game activities for example. The last programme saw 96 community and voluntary partners sign up to be a warm space, which saw over 52,932 attendees visit between January to March 2023 putting a spotlight on how important this support is for residents. I am really pleased that we can support this essential initiative for a second year, putting a real focus on helping to encourage social connections and tackling isolation in communities. We know that the winter months in particular can be a challenging time for many – whether it be due to financial worries, struggling with households bills, feeling lonely or not quite feeling like themself. By working together with our local organisations to offer welcoming spaces, enables a real community focused approach that can help to address these challenges and provide support that can be used and accessed locally by residents. I really encourage community and voluntary organisations to please register – whether it be a new organisation or registering again as you were involved last year. It is only with their involvement that it will make the same impact and more, as it has done before. We have had a great response so far with 40 organisations registered to date, however if you have not registered yet and you wish to do so, please do sign up. Cllr Matt Golby, West Northamptonshire Council’s Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Public Health As part of the registration for the welcoming spaces, organisations will be invited to apply for the ‘The Welcoming Spaces Grant’, that has been developed to further enhance the welcoming spaces by providing funding to voluntary and community sectors organisations. To register your interest please complete the form here: https://forms.office.com/r/EHJpfj9uCF Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

October 02, 2023

Cornerstones of West Northants community join forces to tackle climate change

Sustainable West Northants 02 October 2023 The local fight against climate change has taken a big step forward as the University of Northampton (UON) and West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) join forces to achieve Net-Zero by 2045. Friday, 29 September the institutions launched Towards a Net-Zero West Northants (TANZ West Northants) channelling funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) into local businesses. The initiative will see a range of free resources, research, and expert advice opened to charities and businesses of all sizes. TANZ West Northants will be led by the Sustainability Local Innovation and Partnership Agenda Hub (SLIPAH) at UON, working in partnership with WNC. We’re delighted to be working with our partners at the University of Northampton to deliver the TANZ project which seeks to provide businesses with the tools they need to become more sustainable. By working together, we can all consider our own carbon footprint and the small but vital steps we can make to achieve our shared mission to become Net-Zero by 2045. Cllr Daniel Lister, WNC’s Cabinet Member for Economic Development, Town Centre Regeneration and Growth TANZ West Northants will allow participants to: contribute collectively to achieving Net-Zero by 2045 and to be at the forefront of sustainability in the county have access to resources and expertise to enhance operations, reduce costs, and stay competitive on their journey to Net-Zero take part in workshops, training sessions, and webinars that will give them the tools to understand Net-Zero, measure their carbon emissions, and take effective steps towards emission reduction receive support for documented emissions monitoring, ensuring that their efforts lead to a quantifiable reduction in carbon emissions use an open access carbon calculator to enable them to measure and understand their emissions with precision, making sustainability practices more accessible and effective share ideas, experiences, and best practices, fostering a sense of community that is needed to achieve Net-Zero locally The TANZ West Northants project is a testament to our dedication to a greener, more sustainable future. With the UKSPF support, and under the auspices of SLIPAH , we invite all businesses, including SMEs and start-ups, and charities to join us in this collective journey towards attaining Net-Zero. Dr Ebenezer Laryea, UON’s Associate Professor in International Sustainable Development Law and project lead for TANZ For more information email, [email protected] , contact Dr Laryea direct via [email protected] , or register to attend a free webinar set to take place at 10am on Tuesday, 24 October. To register a business or charity for TANZ, and to express and interest in becoming a signatory organisation to the Northampton Sustainability Accord, visit the SLIPAH website. Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

October 03, 2023

Stoptober: When You Stop Smoking Good Things Start to Happen

Stop smoking, drug and alcohol support 03 October 2023 Stoptober is back, calling on smokers to join the 2.5 million others who have made a quit attempt since the campaign first launched in 2012. Smoking remains the biggest behavioural cause of preventable death, with 64,000 deaths a year and quitting is one of the best things a smoker can do for their health. If you quit for 28 days, you’re five times more likely to quit for good. That is why West Northamptonshire Public Health Team are encouraging you to join thousands of others who are committing to quitting this October. When you stop smoking good things start to happen, within days or weeks you have more energy, and your senses of taste and smell improve. A new nationwide survey shows 95% of ex-smokers see positive changes in their life as early as two weeks after quitting. In the East Midlands the research found some of the top benefits ex-smokers saw within those two weeks to be: 39% having more energy 45% improved breathing 34% feeling healthier 33% saving money While the health benefits are significant one of the good thing things often overlooked is financial wellbeing. The average smoker spends £38.59 a week on Tobacco meaning quitting could save you around £2,000 per year. Quitting this Autumn could ease financial pressures and you could see significant improvements to physical and mental health. If you are looking for support you can access, the Stop Smoking Services at West Northamptonshire Councils offers a 12-week telephone or face-face support, with e-cigarettes and nicotine replacement therapy sent straight your door. A a telephone clinic is available Monday to Friday and face to face clinics on the following days: Thursday 9:30am-1pm -Guildhall Tuesday 9:30am- 12:30pm- Guildhall Thursday 12:30- 3:30pm- Weston Favell Library. To find out more information please visit www.westnorthants.gov.uk/stopsmoking or you can get in touch with the service today on 0300 126 5700. Giving up smoking is one of the most beneficial actions you can take to improve your health and it will help you to save money too. With a dedicated team on hand to provide advice and support with your quitting journey as well as options on which support you would prefer to access, I would encourage you to get in touch with the service to find out a bit more. Cllr Matt Golby, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Public Health Stoptober offers a range of free quitting tools including the NHS Quit Smoking app, Facebook messenger bot, Stoptober Facebook online communities, daily emails and SMS, and an online Personal Quit Plan tool. Just search ‘Stoptober’ for more information or visit the Better Health Quit Smoking Website. Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

September 29, 2023

Progress being made towards improving children’s services

Children and families 29 September 2023 The journey to improve children’s services across West Northamptonshire is continuing to make encouraging progress, despite ongoing financial pressures facing local authorities across the country. At West Northamptonshire Council’s meeting last night (Thursday, 28 September), councillors from across political groups reaffirmed their support and commitment to working more closely with Northamptonshire Children’s Trust (NCT) to address the challenges around a projected £14m overspend on children’s services whilst continuing to improve outcomes that protect and support children and young people. Among the national factors contributing to the challenges in West Northants is the increase in the number of children and young people in care, high inflation driving up placement costs and a shortage of suitable placements due to a rise in the number of children with complex needs. WNC and NCT are working together to find solutions to some of these issues while continuing to focus on better outcomes for children. One example of such initiative is the Circle 2 Success project (Valuing care) which is beginning to reap benefits for children and young people in care. Circle 2 Success involves working closely with social workers and practitioners, spending time assessing and identifying children who with support could step down from a high-cost residential placement to a foster placement or return home. This work prioritises improving outcomes by considering the individual needs of every child and young person and ensuring they are safe and supported but, as a bi-product, is helping to reduce placement spend overall. To date the project has had success and seen several children step down to foster care from residential as well as several children being able to return home with support. This has made a positive difference to the lives of children and young people whilst also contributing to just over £1m savings so far. The project has also worked with children on the edge of care, supporting families to stay together, improving outcomes, and avoiding additional costs. To further improve the success of the project, more foster carers are needed so that children and young people can be stepped down from residential care into foster families. Last night’s Council meeting showed support and commitment from all our members as corporate parents for improving the life chances of our children and young people. Working closely with the Trust we are continuing to move in a positive direction in spite of these ongoing national pressures, finding solutions and alternative ways of working that will build on this progress further. This includes exploring how we can better support fostering recruitment and retention as we know more foster carers will enable our children to have the right support at the right time. We are also supporting the development of children’s homes in the area and seeking to increase our supported accommodation for care leavers. These things will help reduce costs and achieve the best possible outcomes for children and young people. We remain optimistic that over time our services will be rated Good again. Last autumn’s raised Ofsted rating to ‘Requires Improvement to be Good’ shows we’re already making encouraging progress, but we know the journey is long and challenging with much more to be done. Fiona Baker, Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Education The challenging national context around placement costs is leading to significant financial pressures in children’s services up and down the country and NCT is no exception. Despite being a relatively new project, the Circle to Success project is already starting to show an encouraging trajectory and demonstrates the innovative and creative ways that our workforce is taking to achieve improved life chances for children and young people as well as making savings. We welcome the support and commitment from WNC members at last night’s council meeting particularly at such a challenging time with many pressures. NCT remain dedicated to continuing our improvement journey to be ‘good’. We are fully committed to improving the outcomes for children and young people and appreciate the support from West Northamptonshire Council to achieve this through lower cost initiatives. Julian Wooster, Chair of Northamptonshire Children’s Trust Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

September 29, 2023

Council pledges support to tackle air pollution

29 September 2023 Car Exhaust Pipe West Northamptonshire Councillors have unanimously pledged their support to tackling air pollution with a range of actions set to move forward. At their Full Council meeting in Northampton’s Guildhall (Thursday, 28 September), members across the political groups discussed plans to address concerns from residents about poor air quality locally. The Council is aiming to publish a cohesive clean air strategy as early as possible next year and already working with partners to develop effective local actions. Measures will include using nearly £300,000 of Defra grant funding to assess the health, economic and social impacts of extending the existing smoke control areas in West Northamptonshire, progressing a pilot project with local schools to promote active travel and reduce car idling and improving traffic management systems to reduce pollution levels linked to idling traffic. At the meeting councillors also recognised West Northamptonshire Council have already made several commitments to deliver clean air, including signing up to the UK100 Net Zero Pledge in 2022, committing to be ‘Clean and Green’ in the corporate plan, and inheriting Northampton Borough Council’s Northampton Low Emission Strategy (NLES) until 2025. Although air quality levels in our area generally fall within Government limits, we know it is a matter of concern for our residents and that more work needs to be done improve them. A range of actions are being planned towards improving air quality across West Northants and the unanimous support shown by councillors at last night’s meeting demonstrates the widespread commitment and support to achieving this. Councillor David Smith, Cabinet Member for Community Safety, Engagement and Regulatory Services Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

September 29, 2023

Have your say on extending measures to curb anti-social behaviour in Daventry

29 September 2023 West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) is seeking residents’ views on renewing a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) in Daventry to help tackle nuisance and problem behaviour. The current PSPO covering the Daventry area was introduced in 2020 in response to issues of anti-social behaviour and nuisance in the town centre. A PSPO is a power that allows councils to impose restrictions on a defined area to tackle problem behaviour under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014. It can deal with persistent and unreasonable nuisances and anti-social behaviour that has a negative effect on the quality of life for the local community in a particular area and intends to help ensure that members of the public and local communities can use and enjoy open areas and public spaces. There is a legal requirement for the Council to have evidence to show the need for orders to be adopted, varied, or extended, therefore this consultation will be used to gather residents’ views on extending the PSPO for a further 3 years, up to December 2026. The current Order prohibits: Consumption of alcohol in unauthorised or unlicensed open areas, for example on streets Riding a bike or scooter when requested not to do so by the Police or a Council authorised person Busking when requested not to do so by the Police or a Council authorised person Parking a vehicle in a manner which causes harassment alarm or distress Behaving antisocially outside of a school The following provides a summary of what the renewed PSPO will cover. The PSPO disallows: The use of intoxicating substances, this includes illegal or psychoactive substances Having an item in possession to use/take an intoxicating substance, this includes needles and smoking devices that are not e-cigarettes Consumption of alcohol or having an open container of alcohol in unauthorised or unlicensed open areas, for example on streets Urinating or defecating in public places, unless a toilet has been provided for that purpose Spitting Riding a bike or scooter when requested not to do so by the Police or a council authorised person Busking when requested not to do so by the Police or a council authorised person The Council is committed to tackling anti-social behaviour and creating safer communities, which is why we’re proposing to extend this Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) and keep these measures in place. We welcome the views of all local people and businesses and I hope everyone who cares about Daventry will take the opportunity to give us their feedback as part of this consultation. Cllr David Smith, Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Engagement and Regulatory Services The consultation closes at midnight on Sunday, 24 October 2023. Anyone who would like to share their views about extending the Daventry PSPO can take part in the online survey via the Council’s Consultation Hub Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

September 29, 2023

Celebrating National Customer Service Week

29 September 2023 National Customer Services Week banner West Northamptonshire Council is celebrating the National Customer Service Week (2-6 October), with partner drop-in sessions for residents lasting the whole week. Launched by the Institute of Customer Service, National Customer Service Week is a week-long opportunity to raise awareness of customer service and the vital role it plays in successful business practices. Our customer services team provide advice and support on a wide range of West Northants Council services, from housing options to council tax and everything else in between. Between April to August 2023, WNC's Customer Services teams received over 164,000 calls, averaging around 1,083 calls per day, or 146 calls per hour. Additionally, the team handled over 32,000 emails during the same period. To celebrate the week and highlight some of the services available, partners from the Northants Fire and Rescue Service and Commsave (Northamptonshire’s Credit Union) will provide support and information to residents, with drop-in sessions available across the area. Monday, 2 October The Guildhall: 10am – 12pm (Fire Service) The Abbey Centre: 9am – 1pm (Fire Service) Tuesday, 3 October The Forum: 9am – 3pm (Commsave) Wednesday, 4 October The Guildhall: 9am – 3pm (Commsave) Thursday, 5 October The Forum: 9am – 1pm (Fire Service) Friday, 6 October The Abbey: 9am to 3pm (Commsave) We have wonderful teams here at West Northamptonshire Council and we are very proud of the work we do to make West Northants the best it can be. Supporting and listening to our customers is a big part of that. The National Customer Service Week gives us the opportunity to celebrate the importance of customer service and the staff and volunteers who deliver services to our residents on a daily basis. Cllr Mike Hallam, WNC Cabinet Member for Corporate Services Residents can access our services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year through our website at westnorthants.gov.uk. It is a simple and convenient way to access information about your council tax, find your local councillor, make a comment, report an issue, access planning services, and find out more about waste and recycling collections. The customer service team, alongside other key council services and partner agencies, also offer a wide range of drop-in options across West Northamptonshire. Find a drop-in session near you on our website . Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

September 29, 2023

Barclays Eagle Lab launches at Vulcan Works

29 September 2023 Vulcan works, a collaborative flexible working space, and Barclays have partnered to launch an Eagle Lab in Northampton. The Barclays Eagle Lab aims to drive growth in the local economy by boosting the Northamptonshire eco system for start-up and young businesses, signposting them to a network of industry experts and mentors as well as growth programmes, events and workshops, and investors and funding streams. The Lab will look to complement existing services offered by Vulcan Works’ own Business Growth Manager, Darren Smith. Barclays Eagle Labs’ Eco System Manager, Owen Moran, will be based at Vulcan Works as part of a contract between the High Street bank and Oxford Innovation Space, which was appointed to manage Vulcan Works by West Northamptonshire Council. We are delighted to announce the addition of a Barclays Eagle Lab at Vulcan Works. Northamptonshire has one of highest rates of start-up businesses in the UK. Unfortunately, we also have a high failure rate. This is something we wanted to tackle when we launched, through offering bespoke business support and cost-effective workspace solutions. To be able to enhance this support further with the backing and expertise of Barclays and its industry experts will really make a difference to so many entrepreneurs and young businesses. Centre Manager at Vulcan Works, Garrick Hurter We’re so pleased to be opening our doors in Northampton. This partnership shows our dedicated commitment to supporting local businesses here, and to drive growth in the local economy. Eagle Labs provide a wealth of support to startup businesses, particularly those who are focused on technology and innovation. Physical spaces, like this one in Northampton, are vital for businesses to get connected with our mentors, specialists and to create a collaborative community with each other. Owen Moran, Barclays Eagle Labs Eco System manager It is fantastic news for West Northamptonshire that the new Barclays Eagle Lab will be officially launching at the iconic Vulcan Works next month. This is set to enhance and amplify the expert support already available for businesses in the area and make a real positive change to our local economy. At West Northamptonshire Council we are dedicated to enabling local, sustainable growth for all employers in the area and we can only achieve this by working with organisations such as Vulcan Works and Barclays Eagle Labs. Cllr Dan Lister, Cabinet Member for Economic Development, Town Centre Regeneration and Growth at West Northamptonshire Council The new Barclays Eagle Lab will officially launch at a VIP event on 19 th October. To find out more, visit Eventbrite . For more information on Vulcan Works, email [email protected] or visit vulcanworks.co.uk . To learn more about Barclays Eagle Labs, see https://labs.uk.barclays . Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

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