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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.
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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.
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28 November 2023
Stage One Consultation for Community Governance ReviewResidents, 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.Councillor Jonathan Nunn, the Leader of West Northamptonshire CouncilI 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.
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].
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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.Cllr Phil Larratt, Cabinet Member for Environment, Transport, Highways and Waste at WNCNational 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.
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.
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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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