04 September 2023

West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) has launched a new grants scheme which aims to create additional volunteering opportunities following funding from Central Government via the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF).

Grants from £100 to £1,500 are available for Voluntary and Community Sector projects to address a local community need and support the Council’s vision to make West Northamptonshire a great place to live, work, visit and thrive.

The funding is available for new or existing projects or services in West Northamptonshire which create additional volunteering opportunities. This can be for one-off events or an extended number of times such as weekly, monthly, or as and when required.

Registered charities, voluntary or community groups, constitutionalised clubs, or not-for-profit organisations which operate within the geographical area of West Northamptonshire Council and meet the needs of local residents are invited to submit an expression of interest form.

The Voluntary and Community Sector are often the unsung heroes who provide vital services to our communities and we’re delighted to be able to offer the opportunity to apply for this fund.

These grants will enable organisations to recruit new volunteers and continue their valuable work. So, if you fit the criteria, fill out an expression of interest form or get in touch with our Grants Team to find out more.

Cllr David Smith, WNC’s Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Engagement, and Regulatory Services

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.

05 September 2023

Cllr Jonathan Nunn, Leader of West Northamptonshire Council, said:

“We have been assessing our buildings for the potential presence of reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) since 12 July, as concerns about the material increased.

“Since the Government’s announcement last week about the heightened dangers of this material in buildings, we have accelerated that process.

“Whilst liaising with the Department for Education (DfE), we have been made aware that Northampton International Academy could be impacted, and we will be supporting the school to ensure it does all it can to continue providing education in a safe and effective way.

“We have also become aware that Royal & Derngate is affected and, as the building’s landlord, we are investigating the extent of this. In the meantime, the theatre is not able to welcome audiences under the current guidance. We know this will be very disappointing for those who have tickets for upcoming shows.

“Public safety is our first concern, and we must take action where there is any risk to that. We will move as quickly as we can to determine the scale of work required to help get these buildings back into operation and we are asking for everyone’s patience while we carry out this vital work.”

04 September 2023

People are being invited to have their say on proposals to develop the Library Service across West Northants by taking part in West Northamptonshire Council’s (WNC) consultation.

From today (4 September), residents can share their views around the new 4-year draft strategy which proposes the continued development of public libraries as thriving community hubs supporting people of all ages and backgrounds by setting out 7 priority areas, which include:

• Increased reading and literacy
• Cultural and creative enrichment
• Improved digital access and literacy
• Healthier and happier lives
• Helping everyone achieve their full potential
• Greater prosperity
• Stronger and more resilient communities

There are currently 18 Libraries across West Northamptonshire; 9 of which the Council are responsible for and 9 which are community managed libraries delivered in partnership with community organisations and volunteers.

The draft strategy sets out the Council’s ambition for the library service which will apply to the council-run public libraries and has been developed through engagement with staff, partners and stakeholders and is based around other local strategies and the 10 Integrated Care Northamptonshire Strategy ‘Live Your Best Life’ ambitions.

The new strategy will build on previous work to make libraries hubs for local communities from which a range of services, information and support can be accessed. It considers the post-pandemic landscape and the resulting behavioural changes of residents and needs of the communities, as well as the opportunities to work with the community managed libraries to provide services locally.

Residents are encouraged to give their feedback on these proposals as part of an 8-week consultation starting today (Monday, 4 September) and running until midnight on Sunday, 29 October.

It is vital that we hear the views of residents in order to best shape our Library Service and ensure it meets the needs of the whole community.

Libraries have evolved over the years and now provide so much more than books. Our libraries can now provide a welcoming space to meet others or somewhere to seek employment, mental health and money advice, and a wealth of free online resources including publications from around the world in a variety of languages. Our library service offers something for everyone and we want to make sure it continues to be the best it can be.

We want to hear from residents, businesses, stakeholders and anyone who has an interest in the library service. Your views will help us to provide a modern, engaging service, and I encourage everyone to share their ideas and have their say.

Cllr Adam Brown, Deputy Leader of WNC and Cabinet Member for Housing, Culture and Leisure

All responses will be considered and will help to shape a final version of the strategy to then be considered by West Northamptonshire Council’s Cabinet this autumn. To view the draft proposals and complete the online questionnaire, visit the WNC Consultation Hub.

31 August 2023

Many students across the country will be preparing for the new term or heading off to university for the first time. Being away at university may mean cooking for yourself more and sharing a kitchen with other students.

To help avoid unwanted illness and ensure food is prepared safely, our health protection experts have shared some top tips and advice:

• Understanding use-by and best before dates:
  • A use-by date is about safety and you cannot eat food after an expired use-by date because the food is not safe to eat.
  • A best before date is about quality and you can eat the food after a best before date has expired but it may have a reduced quality (taste or texture).
• Sharing a fridge
  • Avoid ready-to-eat food being cross-contaminated by raw meat and fish on the same shelf, by not storing opened packets of meat, fish or shellfish. Instead put the food in separate containers. Use sealed or waterproof containers to avoid leakages and limit the spread of harmful bacteria.
• Cooking food properly
  • Check cooking instructions on food packaging
  • Make sure food is piping hot
  • Check there is no pink meat
• Handwashing can prevent harmful bacteria being spread around the kitchen
  • You should wash your hands:
    • before preparing food and particularly before handling cooked or ready to eat food
    • before eating and after preparing raw foods, or handling its packaging
    • after handling waste
    • after cleaning surfaces
    • after sneezing, touching pets or going to the toilet
• Making the most of your food
  • Reusing leftovers can save money. Cool foods quickly and store in the fridge or freezer within 1 or 2 hours. Leftovers in a fridge should be eaten within 48hours
  • Freezing foods close to their use-by date acts a pause button as most bacteria will not grow. You can freeze leftover foods for another day (as above)
• Keeping the kitchen clean
  • Avoid cross contamination by cleaning surfaces, utensils and dishes between uses especially when preparing raw meat and fish
  • Clean using hot soapy water or disinfectant cleaners (following the label instructions)
  • Clean surfaces and handles regularly and take out the rubbish
• Enjoy a Takeaway