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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.Cllr Daniel Lister, WNC’s Cabinet Member for Economic Development, Town Centre Regeneration and GrowthSmall 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.
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.
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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.Andrew Jinks, National HighwaysThe 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.
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
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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.Cllr Dan Lister, Cabinet Member for Economic Development, Town Centre Regeneration and Growth at WNCThe 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.
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.
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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.Cllr David Smith, WNC’s Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Engagement, and Regulatory ServicesThe 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.
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.
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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.Aaron Dilley, Neighbourhood Policing SergeantThese 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.
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
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