Revolution Radio - Local News

May 11, 2025

2025 -2026 Over £500 Spends

April 2025

May 08, 2025

Major emergency planning exercise taking place next week

08 May 2025 The planned no-fly zone for the exercise Public bodies across Northamptonshire will take part in an extensive live exercise next week to test the county’s emergency response procedures. Police, fire and rescue, ambulance, unitary councils, the integrated care board and NHS partners, will respond to a mock scenario on Tuesday 13 May to test their incident plans. Other organisations such as the Environment Agency, UK Health Security Agency and the military will also take part in the exercise in St James, Northampton. Training exercises such as this have been taking place across the UK over the last couple of years in a bid to test joint working and preparedness, should a major incident happen. Plans exist within each organisation and are regularly tested in tabletop exercises, but this is the first time in more than ten years a real-life test of those plans has taken place in Northamptonshire. “This mock exercise has been in planning for some time and will present a real challenge to our emergency response. “It will allow all partners the opportunity to test their own and joint plans in the field, bringing them off the page and providing vital learning, something recommended following major incidents in other parts of the UK, including Manchester and London. “We don’t have advance warning of what to expect, so hopefully this is as close as we’ll come to dealing with a genuine emergency. “One thing we do know at this stage is that there will be an extensive no-fly zone in place across all of St James, Edgar Mobbs Way, Northampton Train Station and parts of Far Cotton, meaning drones must not be flown in this area. “Our LRF does a huge amount of work behind the scenes to prepare for these kinds of incidents, so I’m confident that between us we have the capability we need to respond effectively. “There will almost certainly be things that we can all learn from such an exercise which will strengthen our approach even further.” Deputy Chief Constable, Ashley Tuckley, chair of the Northamptonshire Local Resilience Forum The exact scenario to be tested won’t be made public until the exercise is under way, however, there will be a lot of activity involving the emergency services on May 13 in St James. There is also likely to be an increased presence by the emergency services and military in the area on May 12 and 14. “We’d like to apologise in advance for the minor disruption this activity might cause to local residents and businesses. “Police colleagues have been out and about alerting those who live or work in the area and have had a very positive response. “It’s incredibly important that we’re as prepared as we can be for incidents of this kind, and we’re grateful to everyone for their patience and understanding.” DCC Tuckley Members of the Northampton Neighbourhood Policing Team will be parked with the Beat Bus in the car park of the Thomas Beckett pub, Weedon Road on May 13, if you would like to speak to someone while the exercise takes place. The team will also be sharing updates via Northamptonshire Talking before, during and after the exercise. If you would like to receive these updates, but are not already signed-up to Northamptonshire Talking, you can do so via www.northamptonshiretalking.co.uk We will endeavour to minimise disruption as much as possible and urge anyone with any questions ahead of the exercise to contact the Northampton Neighbourhood Policing Team via [email protected] Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

May 09, 2025

Major emergency planning exercise taking place next week

Public bodies across Northamptonshire will take part in an extensive live exercise next week to test the county’s emergency response procedures. Police, fire and rescue, ambulance, unitary councils, the integrated care board and NHS partners, will respond to a mock scenario on Tuesday 13 May to test their incident plans. Other organisations such as the Environment Agency, UK Health Security Agency and the military will also take part in the exercise in St James, Northampton. Training exercises such as this have been taking place across the UK over the last couple of years in a bid to test joint working and preparedness, should a major incident happen. Plans exist within each organisation and are regularly tested in tabletop exercises, but this is the first time in more than ten years a real-life test of those plans has taken place in Northamptonshire. Deputy Chief Constable, Ashley Tuckley, is chair of the Northamptonshire Local Resilience Forum (LRF). He said: “This mock exercise has been in planning for some time and will present a real challenge to our emergency response. It will allow all partners the opportunity to test their own and joint plans in the field, bringing them off the page and providing vital learning, something recommended following major incidents in other parts of the UK, including Manchester and London. “We don’t have advance warning of what to expect, so hopefully this is as close as we’ll come to dealing with a genuine emergency. One thing we do know at this stage is that there will be an extensive no-fly zone in place across all of St James, Edgar Mobbs Way, Northampton Train Station and parts of Far Cotton, meaning drones must not be flown in this area. “Our LRF does a huge amount of work behind the scenes to prepare for these kinds of incidents, so I’m confident that between us we have the capability we need to respond effectively. There will almost certainly be things that we can all learn from such an exercise which will strengthen our approach even further.” The exact scenario to be tested won’t be made public until the exercise is under way, however, there will be a lot of activity involving the emergency services on May 13 in St James. There is also likely to be an increased presence by the emergency services and military in the area on May 12 and 14. DCC Tuckley added: “We’d like to apologise in advance for the minor disruption this activity might cause to local residents and businesses. Police colleagues have been out and about alerting those who live or work in the area and have had a very positive response. It’s incredibly important that we’re as prepared as we can be for incidents of this kind, and we’re grateful to everyone for their patience and understanding.” Members of the Northampton Neighbourhood Policing Team will be parked with the Beat Bus in the car park of the Thomas Beckett pub, Weedon Road on May 13, if you would like to speak to someone while the exercise takes place. The team will also be sharing updates via Northamptonshire Talking before, during and after the exercise. If you would like to receive these updates, but are not already signed-up to Northamptonshire Talking, you can do so via www.northamptonshiretalking.co.uk We will endeavour to minimise disruption as much as possible and urge anyone with any questions ahead of the exercise to contact the Northampton Neighbourhood Policing Team via NeighbourhoodTeamNorthampton@northants.police.uk

May 09, 2025

Important safety advice issued after NFRS called to midday tumble dryer fire

Today (May 8) Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service was called shortly before 12:30pm to a fire in a house that started in a tumble dryer in Earls Barton. Crews from Wellingborough and Rushden arrived at the property to find the tumble dryer on fire, and the property full of smoke. Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus used hose-reel jets to put out the fire and removed the effected tumble dryer from the house. The utility room was significantly damaged, but the homeowner had kept the door closed, which meant the fire was confined to the room and prevented its spread to the rest of the house. This incident highlights how important it is to keep your doors closed in your house, particularly in rooms where there are appliances. In this case, it is believed that the fire started due to a faulty appliance, but it is worth remembering the following safety advice: Do not put rags or materials into your tumble dryer if they have been used to soak up flammable liquids Remove the lint (fluff) from the filter after every load of clothes you dry Never cover any vents Ensure the vent pipe is free of kinks and is not being crushed in any way Register your appliance by visiting registermyappliance.org.uk *These photos have been shared with permission from the homeowner*

May 07, 2025

‘Unknown Tommy’ silhouettes added to town centre garden

07 May 2025 Two silhouettes of fallen soldiers have been installed in St Katherine’s Gardens as part of Northampton’s VE Day commemorations. The aluminium ‘Unknown Tommy’ statues have been funded by the Royal British Legion (RBL) and installed ahead of this week’s celebrations to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day. They form part of an ongoing project to revitalise the popular green space. The silhouettes will sit alongside a new wave of planting in the area’s flower beds and the replacement of a bench thanks to a £3,000 donation from Zone Developments, one of the companies involved in the current regeneration of the town centre. “With the RBL featuring so prominently in St Katherine’s Gardens it feels the perfect place to install the Unknown Tommy’ silhouettes, which will serve as a poignant year-round reminder of all those who made the ultimate sacrifice to secure the freedoms we all enjoy today. “We are extremely grateful for the financial support from our partners at Zone Developments and colleagues at West Northamptonshire Council for facilitating these conversations with the RBL and granting the permissions necessary to make this happen. All three organisations came along to help us, along with volunteers from Workbridge and the park wardens. “The new planting will bring an immediate pop of colour to the garden and we will be returning later this year to plant hundreds of tulip bulbs ahead of a spectacular display next spring.” Mark Mullen, operations manager for Northampton Town Centre Business Improvement District (BID) “The evolution of St Katherine’s Gardens as a much-loved and well-used beauty spot is something that we have enjoyed following while we have been working to regenerate the town centre and we are delighted to play our part in continuing the story. “Having the opportunity to create a focal point where people can take a moment to reflect on our war heroes in the RBL garden is something we were more than happy to support.” Rob Dyson, construction manager at Zone Developments The BID has received support from multiple partners to transform St Katherine’s Gardens, including West Northamptonshire Council, Northampton Town Council, Northampton College, the University of Northampton and the Mercure hotel. “The anniversary of VE Day is a poignant reminder of the sacrifices our soldiers made and we look forward to the community coming together to enjoy this new space in the heart of Northampton.” Paul Chapman, Chairman of Northampton RBL Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

May 07, 2025

New Members to meet at Annual Council next week

07 May 2025 West Northamptonshire’s newly-elected councillors will come together for the first time next week at the Council’s Annual Meeting. All members of West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) are expected to attend the special session in Northampton’s Guildhall next Thursday, 15 May, to approve the authority’s governance and committee arrangements for the year ahead. Voters went to the polls last Thursday (1 May) to elect 76 WNC councillors across the area on a four-year term representing their local communities alongside contested elections for a number of town and parish councils. As a result, the new political make-up of WNC is 42 Reform UK councillors, 17 Conservative councillors, 9 Labour councillors, 6 Liberal Democrat councillors and 2 Independent councillors. With the majority of seats, Reform UK has political control of the Council, so will form WNC’s new political administration and leadership and will be working with council officers to deliver their priorities for residents and businesses. The new political make-up means changes are required to the Council’s governance and political balance, which must be considered and approved at Annual Council on 15 May. This includes electing a new Council Chairman and Vice-Chairman, appointing a new Council Leader and confirming new Cabinet Members, and agreeing the membership of the various committees that councillors sit on, such as those for planning and scrutiny. Work is well underway on preparations ahead of the meeting, which will take place in the Great Hall of the Guildhall next Thursday from 6pm. The Council is also in the process of planning and arranging its usual but extensive councillors induction and training programme for the 76 new members, so they are informed and ready to start representing their local communities. The agenda and reports for Annual Council will be published shortly on the Council’s website . Members of the public are welcome to attend the meeting in the Guildhall at 5pm on Thursday 15 May or alternatively can watch it live online: Watch the council meeting live on YouTube at 5pm on Thursday 15 May Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

May 06, 2025

Introducing Build Your Business 2.0

06 May 2025 The Business & Intellectual Property Centre (BIPC) Northamptonshire, part of the BIPC national network led by the British Library and delivered through Northamptonshire Libraries, is proud to announce the relaunch of its highly successful business support initiative, now rebranded as Build Your Business 2.0. Delivered in partnership with West Northamptonshire Council and North Northamptonshire Council, this enhanced programme builds on past success to offer even greater support to aspiring entrepreneurs, start-ups and established businesses across the county. Running until March 2026, and funded with £310,000 from the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, Build Your Business 2.0 will be offered entirely free of charge to participants, ensuring accessible support for anyone seeking business assistance. Designed with flexibility at its core, the programme allows participants to access support as and when they need it, completely tailored to their individual business goals. Participants can benefit from one-to-one support sessions, expert-led webinars and workshops, networking opportunities, access to specialist market research tools and start-up grants of up to £2,000. As part of a complete package of support, the BIPC Northamptonshire’s dedicated team of business advisers will be running regular drop-in sessions at BIPC Local libraries in Wellingborough, Kettering, Brixworth and Towcester. What’s new in Build Your Business 2.0? This refreshed version of the programme covers key areas of running a business including marketing, business growth and financial planning along with a brand-new webinar series focused on mental health and wellbeing for business owners. Delivered by Susan Liverman from The Kindful, these sessions are designed to help entrepreneurs build resilience, manage stress and maintain a healthy work-life balance while running or growing their business. Start-up grants are back! Eligible businesses less one year old can apply for a £2,000 start-up grant to help cover business-related costs. Successful applicants will not only receive this valuable financial boost but will also gain access to ongoing support from the experienced BIPC Northamptonshire team. “Build Your Business 2.0 is a fantastic opportunity for anyone looking to launch or grow a business in West Northamptonshire. From one-to-one expert advice and wellbeing support to financial assistance and specialist tools, this programme offers a comprehensive package designed to help businesses thrive. We are proud to partner in delivering this initiative and would encourage anyone with a business idea or ambition to get involved.” Stuart Timmiss, Executive Director of Place and Economy at WNC “Northamptonshire is home to a wide range of businesses and entrepreneurs - all of whom are keen to take their business to the next level. With this in mind, this scheme is being re-launched to further support businesses on a variety of areas. Plus, with the start-up grants available, fledgling businesses can apply for a grant to provide vital financial support as they navigate the first year of business. “We would encourage all local businesses across the area to take a look at the information available and get involved in this fantastic opportunity.” George Candler, North Northamptonshire Council’s Executive Director of Place and Economy Register today Businesses interested in taking advantage of the Build Your Business 2.0 programme are encouraged to visit the BIPC Northamptonshire website . There, they can learn more about what’s on offer, register on to the programme, explore upcoming drop-in sessions, and sign up for workshops, webinars, one-to-one support, and more. Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

May 02, 2025

Women’s Rugby World Cup trophy to visit West Northants as part of nationwide tour

02 May 2025 Excitement is building in West Northamptonshire as the official Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 trophy prepares to arrive in Daventry, Towcester, Brackley, and Northampton on 25, 26 and 27 May as part of a three-week national tour marking 100 days to go and celebrating all eight host locations ahead of the big tournament this summer. The iconic trophy will visit a number of landmarks and locations across the area, giving residents, grassroots clubs, and fans a unique opportunity to get up close with the centrepiece of the world’s biggest women’s rugby event. The visit will mark 100 days to go until the tournament kicks off and is part of a wider effort to inspire local communities and celebrate the tournament’s arrival in West Northamptonshire this August and September. Six matches are set to take place at the cinch Stadium at Franklins Gardens in Northampton, seeing teams and fans from around the world flock to West Northants for what promises to be the largest celebration of women’s rugby ever. The trophy tour will begin in London on 14 May before travelling to Brighton & Hove, Exeter, Bristol, West Northants, Manchester, York and ending in Sunderland on 6 June. Each stop will feature pop-up events, community engagement, and the chance to find out more about the tournament and how to get involved. Full details around the tour activities will be revealed soon. "We’re incredibly proud to welcome the Women’s Rugby World Cup trophy to Northampton once again this May and play our part as a host location in one of the most exciting sporting events of the year. “Rugby is part of the fabric of our community, and this is a wonderful opportunity to shine a spotlight on the sport, inspire new generations, and showcase everything West Northamptonshire has to offer to visitors from across the globe. We encourage everyone to get involved and make the most of this historic moment.” Stuart Timmiss, Executive Director of Place and Economy at WNC New ticket sales for the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 will open from 14 May, with prices starting at £10 for adults and £5 for children. Full details of West Northants’ activities will be announced soon via the official tournament website and social media channels. "The Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 promises to be a landmark tournament for the sport and the trophy tour to our host locations provides a brilliant opportunity to ignite excitement across England. “We look forward to celebrating with fans, encouraging even more people to be a part of this unforgettable tournament.” Sarah Massey, Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 Managing Director For more information about the tournament, visit the official Home | Women's Rugby World Cup 2025 Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

April 30, 2025

Ask for Angela Scheme extended to promote nighttime safety in West Northants

30 April 2025 Additional resources and training will be offered to venues across West Northamptonshire to further support safety in the area’s night-time economy (NTE). The Ask for Angela initiative, which has been operational in Northampton and parts of West Northants for several years with the support of the Community Safety Partnership and Pubwatch partners, enables individuals who feel unsafe or uncomfortable to discreetly ask venue staff for help by "asking for Angela." Staff are trained to respond and provide support, helping ensure everyone can enjoy a night out safely. In 2024, the scheme was refreshed with new locally branded posters to raise awareness. As part of the next phase, an official list of participating venues is being compiled. These venues will benefit from: Specialist staff training to respond to disclosures or distress Window stickers to clearly identify participation Ongoing support and resources from the Council and partner organisations This move supports a wider action plan under the Northampton Town Centre Task Group’s NTE strategy, coordinated by West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) which includes test purchases throughout the year to assess how well the scheme is being implemented and to identify areas for improvement. “Ask for Angela is a vital part of our ongoing commitment to making our night-time economy a welcoming and safe space for all. We’re proud to be working closely with local venues, partners and our Pubwatch networks to ensure staff are confident in providing support when it’s needed most. “This initiative is about prevention, protection and partnership, and it’s one of many steps we’re taking to help everyone feel safe while enjoying a night out in West Northamptonshire.” Jane Carr, Chair of the West Northants Community Safety Partnership “We’re pleased to hear that the Ask for Angela initiative has been extended as it provides another avenue for people who feel unsafe to get help. “If someone you have met is making you feel uncomfortable, exiting the situation can often feel difficult. The discreet nature of the Ask for Angela scheme gives people an easy way out and that’s something we wholeheartedly support. “We work hard with venues across the county to make the nighttime economy safe for people and we will continue collaborating with our partners on schemes such as this to increase that safety as much as we can.” Northamptonshire Police Force Licensing Sergeant Simon Moreton The scheme is one of several initiatives in place to support the Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) agenda in Northampton, alongside visible and active measures including the SNO (Safer Nights Out) Van, Street Pastors, Northampton Guardians, Taxi marshals, OP Kayak which tackles predatory behaviour, and CCTV monitoring. All initiatives are showcased in the Council’s Northampton NTE video, produced as part of the town’s successful Purple Flag accreditation bid. The Ask for Angela scheme is now open to venues across the whole of West Northamptonshire, and all hospitality businesses are encouraged to sign up. Find out more on the Northampton Town Centre Task Group webpage . Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

April 30, 2025

Fire Service urges people to stay safe in and around the water during warm weather

Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service is encouraging people to safely enjoy themselves in and around the water during the warm weather this week. The Met Office has forecast that temperatures in the county will be more than 20 degrees Celsius until Friday, peaking at almost 27 degrees on Thursday. The warm weather may lead to people choosing to go swimming in open water to cool down from the heat, and the Service is reminding people of the dangers that open water can pose. While the sun may be out, water can still be below 15 degrees Celsius, and this can be enough to put your body into cold water shock and increase the risk of drowning. Crews from the Service will be out and about promoting water safety across the county this week, including our Daventry crew, who will be at Daventry Country Park from 2pm on Friday (May 2), where they will also demonstrate how crews respond to danger in the water. Here are 10 top tips on how to stay safe while swimming in the open water and avoid any incidents: Get to know where you are swimming and check the condition before going in. Make sure you are properly equipped and beware of the cold. Make sure you have someone to accompany you, and that other people know where you have gone and why. Take note of local safety advice and respect the countryside, landowners and other users. Make sure you have the means to call for help, especially in remote locations. Download the what3words app on your phone so you can give specific location advice to emergency services if you get into trouble. If you get stuck in the water with cold body shock, try and float on your back in a star shape and allow the shock to pass. Do not try and fight against it. If you see another person or animal in the water, you should NOT enter water yourself to rescue them. Call 999 and ask for the fire service immediately. In most cases an animal will make it back to safety, sadly this is not always the case for an owner. Try and throw a floating device such as a throw line or an inflatable to help any people who are struggling in the water. Darren Carson, Prevention Team Leader at Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: “We know everyone will want to go out and enjoy the warm weather, but it’s important also that people – especially young people – understand the risk that swimming in the open water can pose, even on really hot days. “It doesn’t matter if it’s almost 30 degrees outside, open water can still be freezing and send your body into water shock, which can lead to tragic consequences. “We would always encourage people to go to supervised open water swimming locations in the county, and these can be found easily online. But if people do choose to swim in open water, we would always urge them not to go alone, and if they get into trouble in the water, to try and float like a star until the water shock has passed.” This week also marks Be Water Aware Week, a dedicated week aimed at promoting water safety. For even more water safety tips, please visit www.northantsfire.gov.uk/safety/waterandboatsafety and Top Recommendations for Safer Open Water Swimming | Royal Life Saving Society UK ( RLSS UK ) You can find out more about how our crews train to assist people in the water by watching the video below. [embedded content]

April 29, 2025

Groundbreaking new scheme to celebrate Community Champions

29 April 2025 Unsung heroes making a difference across West Northamptonshire are being urged to step forward for a groundbreaking new scheme offering free access to local leisure facilities. Everyone Active, which runs Moulton Leisure Centre and Daventry Leisure Centre in partnership with West Northamptonshire Council, wants to support projects which are tackling local issues and changing lives. The award-winning operator is due to launch its Community Champions scheme on Thursday, May 1, 2025, with the aim of building stronger communities and recognising the dedication of those who go above and beyond. People involved in mentoring, promoting health and wellbeing, supporting inclusivity or leading environmental or cultural projects are being encouraged to apply. It can be a charitable initiative or a project that is small or targeted. Successful applicants will secure valuable use of facilities within their local leisure centres, to help them carry out these projects. Everyone Active will raise awareness of this work to strengthen connections, encourage civic engagement and foster a culture of giving back. Those selected for the Community Champions scheme are also in with a chance of being shortlisted for the Champions Awards in autumn of this year. Meanwhile, Everyone Active is also poised to launch its all-new Colleague Champions scheme, which will recognise and reward Everyone Active employees who consistently go above and beyond in their roles. It will celebrate the provision of exceptional customer service, innovative ideas, teamwork, leadership and dedication to Everyone Active’s values. Applications for both Community Champions and Colleague Champions open on May 1, 2025 and close on June 2, 2025. Applications will be submitted via the Champions website at www.ea-champions.com “We are hugely excited to launch the Community Champions scheme, which we hope will make a real difference in West Northamptonshire. “We want to highlight the work of everyday heroes who are changing people’s lives and inspiring others to make a positive impact in their communities. “We encourage local people, community projects and charitable initiatives to get their applications in so we can support the fantastic work that you do.” Jamie Brightwell, Everyone Active’s contract manager Everyone Active also runs the Sporting Champions scheme, which empowers aspiring athletes to achieve their full potential through access to state-of-the-art training facilities and invaluable mentoring support from Olympians and Paralympians. Since its inception in 2016, the scheme has elevated the sporting careers of more than 6,000 athletes by providing them with free access to Everyone Active's 240-plus leisure centres nationwide. Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

April 28, 2025

Record number of visitors to recycling centres with improved service and warmer weather

28 April 2025 Service improvements, finer weather and a stretch of bank holidays mean household waste and recycling centres (HWRCs) are dealing with busier-than-usual conditions across West Northamptonshire. Over 67,000 visits have been made across the sites during April, coinciding with the first month of an improved contract which has introduced seven-day opening and improvements to parking layouts at some of the centres. West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) is working with its contractor FCC Environment to progress further improvements for residents as part of the new contract, which continues to see the centres managed by the same, experienced staff who have been running them for over 15 years in highly-controlled work zones, with strict health and safety rules and processes. All HWRCs are now open seven days a week from 10am to 4pm, offering people more opportunities to visit on a day and time that is convenient for them. Since being introduced at the start of April, we have seen a 20% increase in visitors who are making use of the new open days during the week, which means more visitors are choosing to visit sites on weekdays instead of weekends. Parking arrangements at Sixfields, Ecton and Towcester have also been brought in line with the other centres, with marked bays replacing parallel parking to reduce the distance between cars and containers to improve safety. Sites are also focusing on diverting as much as waste possible from the general waste, to make sure that we're maximising the amount that can be recycled. Following a busy Easter period and with more warm weather this week heading into the May bank holiday weekend, sites are once again expected to be busier than usual and residents are urged to follow guidance to support the smooth-running of the sites including: Pre-sorting their waste and recycling before arriving at the site to speed up the process. Getting used to following the new parking arrangements at Sixfields, Ecton and Towcester, by parking in the marked bays and following instructions from site staff. Extra s taff will be on hand to help direct cars while everyone gets used to the new arrangements. Avoiding blocking the highway. Making use of all six sites across the area. As the new contract moves forward, all kinds of systems and processes will be explored in the future to see if any of them can make the service more efficient and further improve the experience for residents. A new onsite reuse shop at Sixfields HWRC is also set to open in the autumn, to complement the existing shop at Farthinghoe Recycling and Re-use Centre and improvements are being made to car parking bays and access at the site as part of this scheme. The reuse shop will be operated via our charity partner Cynthia Spencer and people will be able to visit the recycling centres and shop to donate items suitable for reuse/sale. To find your nearest centre, please visit our Household Waste Recycling Centres page. Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

April 29, 2025

Young leaders elected to represent West Northants in Parliament

29 April 2025 Twenty young people have been elected to the West Northamptonshire Youth Council, with two of them also stepping into national roles as Members of Youth Parliament (MYPs), following a successful election delivered in partnership between West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) and Clubs for Young People Northamptonshire (CYPN). The elections, which took place across schools, youth clubs and sports groups in the area, marked a powerful opportunity for young people to have their say and help shape the decisions that affect them. Thousands of votes were cast as part of the democratic process, with polling stations hosted at schools and community venues across West Northants. The newly elected MYPs are: Chanel – MYP and Chair of the Youth Council (Northampton School for Girls) Thomas – MYP and Vice-Chair of the Youth Council (Caroline Chisholm School) Chanel and Thomas will go on to represent West Northamptonshire at a national level, including participating in debates in the House of Commons and engaging with MPs on key issues affecting young people. The Youth Council will meet monthly to campaign on local priorities, discuss challenges, and collaborate with WNC and other partners to create meaningful change. “This is an incredibly proud moment for our area. By giving young people the platform to speak out and get involved in the democratic process, we are helping to grow the leaders of tomorrow. The level of engagement in the elections was outstanding, and we’re excited to support the Youth Council and MYPs as they bring forward fresh ideas, energy and perspectives to help shape our communities and beyond.” Jane Carr, Director of Communities & Opportunities at WNC "This is a very exciting time for young people in West Northamptonshire. Although there has been a Youth Forum for some time, the aim since the creation of West Northamptonshire Council has been to develop a group of young people to become part of the National youth Parliament. We all need to celebrate now this has been achieved. Our team of young people and staff are looking forward to raising the voices of the youth of West Northamptonshire locally, nationally and even internationally. The door is wide open." Morcea Walker MBE, Chair of the Youth Forum “This is a significant step forward for youth representation in our county. We have been working closely with West Northamptonshire Council to manage this process and will be continuing to work diligently with both the Youth Council and the Members of Youth Parliament to ensure that young voices are heard and valued. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all of the newly elected young people and encourage community engagement in this vital project.” Sarah Bailey, Project Coordinator at Clubs for Young People Northamptonshire To learn more about the West Northamptonshire Youth Council or get involved, please visit: www.westnorthants.gov.uk/community-forums or contact [email protected] Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

April 25, 2025

West Northants charities invited to benefit from new textiles collections

25 April 2025 Registered charities in West Northants are being encouraged to submit their details to be considered for funds from a new clothing and textiles recycling service. Thanks to a partnership with Anglo Doorstep Collections, residents can now book free collections of unwanted clothing, shoes, books and other items for reuse and recycling, whilst also raising money for charities. Residents will have the opportunity to vote for the local charities they would like funds raised by the new service to be donated to, in a poll, that will be launching in the coming weeks. West Northamptonshire Council is asking registered charities who are interested to fill in an online form by Sunday, 11 May. Any money raised in the meantime will be added to a pot, ready to be donated in the coming months. The Council will be refreshing the list of charities annually, giving residents and charities the chance to get involved regularly. The new service provides a simple and convenient way to help people declutter their belongings, and provides piece of mind that every donation is reused for their original purpose or is recycled. Further information on this new service is available here: Clothing collections | West Northamptonshire Council Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

April 23, 2025

Games students’ progress to the next level with Women’s Rugby World Cup commission

23 April 2025 The countdown is on to the Women’s World Cup, and as West Northants prepares to host six of the games later this year, a team of enterprising students at the University of Northampton have been commissioned to deliver a creative project to help build-up excitement across the county. West Northamptonshire Council has commissioned a talented team of six at Goblin Games to deliver a purpose-built arcade machine – accompanied by an arcade-style game built specifically for the event – as part of their build-up to the Women’s World Cup in August 2025. The group of super six students at the forefront of this first mission are Programmers Sam Cairns and Sam Waite, Designer Elisa Pojaga, Artists Ben Green and Sam McDonagh, and Sound Designer Roman Pegg. The arcade machine will be brought to thousands of local people as it tours the county at local libraries, theatres, sports grounds as well as the market square, drumming up excitement ahead of the tens of thousands rugby fans expected to descend on the town for the tournament debut on Sunday 24 August. ”This journey has been an incredible opportunity for gaining industry-standard experience. Working closely with the council has been a true demonstration of what it means to work for a client and the responsibilities that come with it. “Through balancing full-time work on the project alongside our studies, part-time jobs and other life commitments, I’m grateful to have collaborated with such talented people on my team. Together, we’ve worked with passion and dedication on this project from day one. “We’re all incredibly proud of the result of our hard work and are thrilled with the impact it's had on people. We’re excited to see what comes next, and personally, I want to thank every member of the team for their dedication and professionalism. The game industry needs more people with their level of talent, creativity, and determination.” Third-year student and Lead Designer for Scrum Showdown, Elisa Pojaga Titled ‘Scrum Showdown’, the arcade machine features four mini games based on four key rugby themes - passing, kicking, dodging and scrum – and offers both single and two-player options along with a competitive score board. Established ahead of the academic term in September 2024, Goblin Games offers creative students from the University’s gaming courses – Games Art, Games Design, Games Programming and Animation – the opportunity to deliver commissions and projects as part of an established, industry-grade games studio. This commission marks the first in a series of projects expected to test the students’ creativity in real-world projects – as well as give their CVs an invaluable boost as they prepare to graduate and launch into the gaming industry. “The students have very much led the way with this commission, imparting their creative flair, technical know-how and professionalism to deliver a top-quality product which will engage members of the community of all ages to take part, play a game or two, and be part of a massively exciting time for the town. “This commission is further testament to the value which our in-house games studios – Goblin Games and Goblin Academics - brings to our students, offering an unrivalled opportunity to develop their skills in an innovative and industry environment. Watch this space, because this is the first in a long line of exciting projects to be delivered here at UON!” The University of Northampton’s Senior Lecturer in Games and Animation, Vikaas Mistry "It's great to see the enthusiasm of the students and how much work they have put into the arcade machine. We wanted to look for innovative ways to promote the World Cup and this felt like a really unique way to do it. Also having the opportunity to promote the Games Design skills coming out of the University has been a real added bonus to this collaboration" Innovation Manager at West Northamptonshire Council, Richard Beards Goblin Games will be presenting on June 13 at Merged Futures 7, the annual tech innovation showcase hosted at the University’s Waterside Campus. The team of students – including Elisa - will present the final game, diving into the art, design, and programming challenges they've tackled. Free tickets can be booked via the Digital Northants website. Further details on where the arcade machine will be hosted and available to play will be released soon. Find out more about studying Games Art, Games Design and Games Programming at the University of Northampton. Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

April 17, 2025

Two new traffic enforcement cameras set to go live in busy streets in Northampton

17 April 2025 West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) is continuing to roll out enforcement cameras across the area, as part of a phased approach to improve pedestrian, cyclist and driver safety and encourage better driver behaviour. Drivers in Northampton will face charges if they flout the rules or ignore signage at two newly enforced locations: the Horsemarket/Gold Street junction and the top end Gold Street, both of which are very busy junctions with high levels of vehicles and pedestrians. The Horsemarket/Gold Street junction camera will go live on Tuesday, 22 April and will enforce a banned left from Horsemarket into Gold Street. This follows enforcement already live at this location turning left travelling out of Marefair . The camera at the top end of Gold Street and Bridge Street will enforce the no entry into the one-way street and is due to go live in the coming weeks. The date will be communicated across our channels ahead of the camera going live. The aim is to reduce the number of vehicles that carry out the illegal maneuver and therefore increase pedestrian, cyclist and driver safety in this area. This is in addition to the camera that was installed at the top end of Gold Street in January to enforce existing bus lane regulations. At both locations, during the first six months of enforcement measures going live, a statutory warning notice will be issued for first offences by any vehicle, however anyone breaching the rules for a second time or first time after the 6 month period, will receive a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) of £70, reduced to £35 if paid within 21 days. Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

April 16, 2025

Vital funding to deliver new school in West Northamptonshire

16 April 2025 In a significant development for families in the Overstone area, the Secretary of State for Education has today agreed to enter into a Funding Agreement with The Northampton Free School Trust to provide funding for the Overstone Park Primary School. This legal document marks one of the final stages in the process towards opening a new free school, which will provide much-needed educational spaces in the area. West Northamptonshire Council is overseeing the delivery of this project, working alongside Steele and Bray, the appointed contractor responsible for building the school, and PhP Architects, who have led the design efforts. Scheduled for completion in April 2026, Overstone Park Primary School is set to initially welcome 30 Reception pupils. To ensure a smooth learning experience for the first Reception cohort, students will attend Wootton Park School—its sister school within the Northampton Free School Trust—for the first two terms from September 2025 to March 2026 before moving to the new site. Offers for the new school will be sent directly to successful applicants by the Trust. Full details can be found at https://overstoneparkprimaryschool.org.uk/ . Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

April 16, 2025

New Northants Makers Market begins in May at Northampton’s Market Square

16 April 2025 A new series of Saturday pop-up stalls known as the ‘Northants Makers Market’ is set to launch in May on Northampton’s Market Square, to showcase the art and creativity of the county. Organised by The Creative Place (TCP) and supported by West Northamptonshire Council, the Northants Makers Market will feature 15 stalls set up outside The Creative Place in the Market Square, beginning on 24th May and continuing on 5th July, 26th July, 23rd August, 20th September and 11th October, from 11am – 4pm. As well as stalls where you can buy local creative products, like jewellery and ceramics, each market will also feature a live performance and hands-on activities for the public. The Creative Place, possibly the smallest arts centre in the world, seeks to support and connect creatives, and showcase the wide range of creativity in Northamptonshire. "Northants is such a creative county and we want to support creatives to showcase their wares but also to network with each other to make big things happen so that’s why, alongside the market, The Creative Place itself will be running a Creative Coffee Morning at 11am, Creative Lunch at 1pm and a Creative After-Party at 4pm to provide a networking space where everyone who wants to explore their creativity is welcome." Becky Carrier, Founder and Director The opportunity to have a stall at the Makers Market is open to all Northants creatives and anyone interested should get in touch at [email protected] . Those interested in keeping up-to-date with TCP activities and events, can visit The Creative Place – For Misfits and Mavericks, Creatives and Changemakers or sign up to the mailing list here at The Creative Place . Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

April 16, 2025

Vital extra funding announced to deliver new school in West Northamptonshire

16 April 2025 In a significant development for families in the Overstone area, the Secretary of State for Education has today agreed to enter into a Funding Agreement with The Northampton Free School Trust to provide funding for the Overstone Park Primary School. This legal document marks one of the final stages in the process towards opening a new free school, which will provide much-needed educational spaces in the area. West Northamptonshire Council is overseeing the delivery of this project, working alongside Steele and Bray, the appointed contractor responsible for building the school, and PhP Architects, who have led the design efforts. Scheduled for completion in April 2026, Overstone Park Primary School is set to initially welcome 30 Reception pupils. To ensure a smooth learning experience for the first Reception cohort, students will attend Wootton Park School—its sister school within the Northampton Free School Trust—for the first two terms from September 2025 to March 2026 before moving to the new site. Offers for the new school will be sent directly to successful applicants by the Trust. Full details can be found at https://overstoneparkprimaryschool.org.uk/ . Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

April 15, 2025

Update on household waste and recycling centres

15 April 2025 From 1 April 2025, FCC has been re-awarded the contract to manage household waste and recycling centres across West Northamptonshire. As part of this new agreement, we're pleased to confirm that all household recycling centres in the region are now open seven days a week, with extended operational hours totaling 42 hours per week. By opening our HWRCs seven days a week we hope to better distribute visitor numbers and reduce traffic at peak-times, making it easier for our residents to dispose of their items. One key operational change has been brought in at the Sixfields site, where vehicles are now required to reverse into bays to enhance safety measures. Additionally, temporary closures may occur when queues impact nearby roads, a standard practice to ensure safe traffic flow. We appreciate the community's patience and understanding during this busy time of year and remain committed to providing the best possible service. For more information on opening times and locations, please visit our Waste and Recycling pages. Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

April 14, 2025

First family hubs opens in West Northants with more locations to open this year

14 April 2025 Over 270 people joined us to mark the opening of the first Family Hub in West Northamptonshire, located at the Forum in Towcester at the end of March. We welcomed parents, carers, children, and young people to see first-hand the support which is available. The Towcester Family Hub offers services for children, young people, and their parents from pre-birth to 19 years, and up to 25 years for those with additional needs. Families can enjoy a variety of bookable and drop-in sessions. We're excited to have Strong Start join our team, and we're introducing a new youth space for young people to socialise, unwind, and access support. Following the opening of our first location, we will be starting to launch our consultation this May to engage local residents on the proposed locations for additional Family Hubs across West Northamptonshire. These include hubs in the following proposed areas: Daventry Northampton Town Kingsthorpe Upton Moulton Brackley Weston Favell Far Cotton The consultation launched in May will run through into June, and after which these hubs will begin to go live later in 2025 into 2026. A number of these locations seeks to expand services for children and young people within the existing children’s centres. We are committed to expanding services and the local offer to better serve our community. Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

April 10, 2025

Communities can comment on new fire response times proposed for Northamptonshire

Members of the public are being urged to share their views on proposals from Northamptonshire Fire & Rescue Service that will change the way it measures its response times. A public consultation has been launched for people to comment on the new standards of response . This is the target response time that the Service sets itself to get firefighters to incidents. The new response times propose that crews attend dwelling fires where there is a risk to life one minute quicker than the current response time, while taking longer to attend calls for non-life-threatening incidents. Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service currently sets itself a single standard of response to attend all incidents within an average of 10 minutes after receiving the first 999 call to its Fire Control room. The new standards of response have been proposed as the following: The Service will attend all primary dwelling fires – fires at residential premises involving a high risk of threat to life – within 9 minutes . This is one minute quicker than the current single response standard. Attend all Road Traffic Collisions with a risk to life within 12 minutes . Attend all other emergencies – such as fires (other than primary dwelling fires), rescues from height or water, and incidents involving hazardous materials – within 12 minutes . We will mobilise to all other calls for service within 60 minutes . These are for non-life-threatening incidents and will not always result in a blue-light response. Response times depend on several factors, such as where the incident happens, the location of the nearest fire engine, traffic, and weather conditions. [embedded content] The standards of response are based on risk levels and the resources that we have available across the county – which have been identified for the coming five years in our Community Risk Management Plan for 2025-30 . Other proposed changes include changing the calculation of the average response times to align with other emergency services, and for the clock to stop once the first fire resource reaches the incident – even if this may be a dedicated fire officer or specialist appliance instead of a fire engine. Chief Fire Officer Nikki Watson said: “It’s important that members of the public share their views on our proposals. We firmly believe they will help contribute to keeping our communities safe. “This will not impact how long it takes for a fire engine to arrive at an incident. Our crews will continue to reach incidents as quickly and safely as they can. “Updated standards of response will provide us with a more accurate and reliable picture of our performance and the service that we offer. “We are proposing to change the way the average response times are calculated to mirror the approach used by our blue light colleagues in police and ambulance. This will only enhance the strong partnership we share with both services. “Having targets in place that have been shaped by data-led evidence will allow us to benchmark against other Services both regionally and nationally – and will help us to deliver an exceptional fire and rescue service for all our residents.” The full proposals form part of the six-week public consultation that is running on the draft Community Risk Management Plan. A link to the draft CRMP document can be accessed here: https://www.northantsfire.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/NFRSCRMP-DRAFT-APRIL25-V0.5-FINAL.pdf The consultation period starts on April 9 and finishes on May 21. You can share your views on the proposals by filling in the survey at https://www.research.net/r/VQBKPZ8

April 10, 2025

Residents asked to share views on Fire Service’s five-year plan to keep Northamptonshire safe

Residents across the county are being asked to share their views on a draft strategy that outlines how Northamptonshire Fire & Rescue Service will keep communities safe over the next five years. The strategy – known as the Community Risk Management Plan (CRMP) – takes a detailed look at what risks are currently present and may emerge between 2025 and 2030. Based on the evidence that is available, the Service has put forward proposals within the CRMP that outlines how it will align its resources with the risks that have been identified. Fires now make up only a third of the 999 calls that go to our Control Room. This means the role of a firefighter is becoming more diverse – varying from rescuing casualties in road traffic collisions to disposing hazardous materials safely. The CRMP outlines the key strategic priorities for the Service over the next five years, and details how prevention, protection and response will be at the core of everything we do. It also shows how the Service intends to meet emerging climate emergencies such as the increase of localised flooding and wildfires. The five strategic priorities that the Service has proposed for the next five years are: Help people to stay safe from fire and other emergencies Improve fire safety in buildings that people live and work in Respond immediately and effectively to emergency incidents Continue to develop and support our workforce Manage and invest in our Service to be agile and fit for the future Residents are being asked to share their views on these strategic priorities, and how we intend to meet them, in a six-week consultation starting today (April 9) and ending on May 21. [embedded content] At the same time, members of the public are also being asked about proposed changes in how we measure our response times. Currently, the Service aims to get to all incidents within 10 minutes. However, we are now proposing different response times depending on the incident type. This includes attending all dwelling fires where there is a risk to life within nine minutes – one minute quicker than the current response time. The proposed changes can be commented on as part of the CRMP survey. Chief Fire Officer Nikki Watson is encouraging members of the public to share their thoughts on the proposals within the CRMP and says that any feedback will be acted on and potentially shape the final document. Nikki said: “Our updated Community Risk Management Plan will underpin everything that we do as a Service over the next five years. “Our aim is to provide exceptional fire and rescue services for all our residents across the county. To achieve that we need a plan that is based on all the evidence of risk that we have, and this has informed the proposals we have come up with it. “The work that our firefighters do is more varied than ever before, so it is important for us to reflect that and make sure that we manage our resources appropriately. “We want to hear from as many residents as possible, and it is important that they are up front and honest about our proposals and whether they meet the needs of our communities across Northamptonshire.” Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Danielle Stone added: “Residents across the county deserve to live and work in buildings and communities that are safe. The Fire Service plays a huge part in achieving this. “It is important that the new CRMP aligns with my new Safe and Sound public safety plan for Northamptonshire, and I believe it will help to deliver my priorities. “These are to put prevention at the heart of everything we do; work collaboratively to support our most vulnerable residents; and bring our fire staff out into the community and make them more visible and accessible for our residents.” The draft CRMP document can be viewed at the following link: https://www.northantsfire.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/NFRSCRMP-DRAFT-APRIL25-V0.5-FINAL.pdf Residents can share their views by May 21 by filling in our survey here: https://www.research.net/r/VQBKPZ8

April 07, 2025

Spring COVID-19 vaccines now available

07 April 2025 Top up your protection against COVID-19 by getting vaccinated this spring if you are eligible. Those at increased risk from severe illness can get the vaccine, including those aged 75 or over (on 17 June 2025), people with a weakened immune system, or who live in an older adult care home. Those eligible will be able book an appointment until 17 June 2025. If eligible, you do not need to wait for an invitation to book your vaccine. To book, please visit the NHS App, the NHS website or call 119 for free. You may also be able to visit a walk-in site which does not require a booking or you can find out about local opportunities on the Integrated Care Northamptonshire website and select the ‘where can I get a vaccine’ tab. If you or family members are eligible, make sure you get any extra protection you need this spring. Get vaccinated against COVID-19. Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

April 05, 2025

New fire station for Kettering if planning approved

A planning application will be submitted for a new fire station in Kettering. This will be a new building that will be located on the Cherry Hall Road site adjacent to the Northern Accommodation Building. Traffic and parking issues can make entry to and exit from the current fire station in the Headlands difficult. The new fire station will have good access to major routes and will be built to meet modern working and welfare standards. A planning application will be submitted for the new fire station soon. It comes just a few weeks after a planning application was also submitted for a new fire station at Moulton . The announcement formed part of an update on estates from Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Danielle Stone. The announcement also outlined how the search is on for a suitable site to be a new police base in the centre of Corby, while Kettering will also have a new town centre base for police. There is also a firm commitment to retain a police base in the eastern district of Northampton at Weston Favell. Northamptonshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Danielle Stone said: “I’m really pleased to give firm commitments that will make Northamptonshire Police officers more accessible in the towns they serve, and to provide a great, new facility in Kettering for Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service. “I know how much it means to people to have a reassuring presence in the heart of their community to deter and prevent crime and keep our streets safe. I pledged to make closer connections between communities and their police and fire service – this is another step forward.” The Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner owns the fire and police estate, and the Chief Fire Officer and Chief Constable decide how buildings will be used to meet operational needs. The developments announced today are being prioritised. Work to find new sites is well underway and more details and timescale will be announced as details emerge. Assistant Chief Fire Officer Phil Pells said: “A new fire station for Kettering will provide a modern and fit for purpose working environment for our staff. The proposed new site is in a great location that is both accessible to the public we serve and well located for our operational needs.”

April 03, 2025

Local elections to be held next month

03 April 2025 On Thursday, 1 May voters across West Northamptonshire will go to the polls to elect their local representatives. The Council has today published a Statement of Persons Nominated , listing all individuals who will be standing for the West Northamptonshire Council and the Parish or Town Council seats. Voters will go to the polls to elect West Northamptonshire Council’s councillors in the unitary authority’s second election since its creation in 2021. This year’s Polling Day on Thursday 1 May will see changes to voter arrangements after a recent electoral review reduced the number of West Northants councillors to be elected from 93 to 76 and redrew the ward boundaries across the area. Town and parish council elections are also set to be held in some areas of West Northamptonshire on 1 May. To see a list of contested areas and candidates, please visit the council website . Whether voting in person at a polling station, by post or by proxy (on someone’s behalf), there are some key deadlines to be aware of. If you have not registered to vote yet, the deadline to do so is Friday 11 April. It is a quick and easy process that takes just five minutes online. Register online to vote. Don't forget too, if you have recently moved home or changed your name, you may need to update your details to ensure you can take part. For those who prefer to vote by post, applications need to be submitted by 5pm on Monday, 14 April. Voting by post is a great option if you will be away on election day or if you would rather not visit a polling station in person. Your postal vote will be sent to you in advance, so you can fill it in and return it at your convenience. This is also the deadline to make amendments or cancel your postal vote. If you would like someone to vote on your behalf, known as a proxy vote, the deadline to apply is 5pm on Wednesday, 23 April. If your proxy would like to vote by post, both the proxy and postal application must be received by 5pm on Monday, 14 April. One of the biggest changes recently introduced is the requirement for photo ID when voting in person. If you do not have an accepted form of ID, such as a passport or driving licence, you can apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate. The deadline to apply for this is 5pm on Wednesday, 23 April. Without the correct ID, you will not be able to vote at your polling station, so make sure you are prepared. For more information and to view the timetable of the election visit our website . Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

April 04, 2025

Businesses with premise licences are being alerted to a new scam

04 April 2025 Premises licence holders are being alerted to a new scam that has been attempted in some local authority areas. West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) is urging businesses with premises licences to be aware of fraudsters posing as council officials. The scam may start with a call or text message claiming that your premises licence is running out or expiring, or that you have outstanding fees. The fraudster asks traders to pay outstanding fees or renewal fees into a personal account. These fraudsters can seem very convincing, sometimes having accurate information such as the fee amount or the names of real council staff. Any fees due will be handled by the WNC through the usual process, and licence holders are never asked to pay or provide financial details over the phone for licence fees. Any legitimate requests for payment will be made in writing with a copy of the outstanding invoice(s) enclosed with details of how payment should be made. If you're ever in doubt about someone claiming to be from the Council, contact the Council directly to verify their identity. Scammers are becoming increasingly aware of how to scam people so it’s important to stay up to date with what’s going on by checking with Action Fraud . If you think you may have been the victim of a scam, you should report this to to Action Fraud via their website or by calling 0300 123 2040 . If you wish to contact a member of the Licensing Department to check any outstanding fees, this can be done by emailing [email protected] Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

April 04, 2025

Experience the future of technology at Merged Futures!

04 April 2025 Tech enthusiasts, professionals, educators, students – and anyone curious to learn about how tech is shaping Northampton - are invited to West Northants’s biggest technology innovation showcase, Merged Futures 7, scheduled for Friday, 13 June, from 10 am to 4 pm at the Learning Hub, Waterside Campus, University of Northampton. Hosted by the grassroots group Digital Northants, Merged Futures 7 promises an engaging and immersive experience for attendees of all backgrounds and interests. The event will feature a diverse range of sessions and exhibitions, highlighting the latest advancements in technology such as how VR is being used in an SEN school to support a travel training program, how AI is being used within homelessness to predict people at risk and in social care to support assessments. Throughout the day, attendees will be able to interact with cutting-edge technology, and engage with industry-leading suppliers and explore a variety of exhibition stands including the University’s own Games Design students showcasing an arcade game they have built to promote the Women’s Rugby World Cup, Silverstone Museum, Northants Film Festival and opportunities to try various use cases of Virtual Reality. The event will host a series of talks and workshops covering topics such as artificial intelligence, virtual reality, digital sustainability, and the intersection of technology with healthcare and education. This innovation showcase provides a platform for attendees to connect with like-minded individuals, industry experts, and potential collaborators, fostering a community of innovation and shared knowledge. "Merged Futures is a fantastic showcase of the innovation happening right here in Northampton. It’s an opportunity for businesses, students, and the wider community to see first-hand how digital technology is transforming industries and shaping our future. This is Northampton’s “Tomorrow’s World” – a preview into what’s coming for business, communities and individuals over the next few years. Come along!” Chris Wales, Chief Information Officer at West Northamptonshire Council “The University’s Economic Impact Assessment shows UON contributes hundreds of millions of pounds to the local economy each year and supports thousands of jobs. “That impact often starts with events like this which showcase how the latest technology and thinking will transform our work and personal lives as the present inevitably merges with the future.” Rob Howe, UON’s Head of Learning Technology Don't miss this opportunity to be at the forefront of technological innovation. Admission to Merged Futures 7 is free, but registration is required. Secure your spot today and be part of shaping the future of technology. Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

April 02, 2025

Plan your community events for VE Day and VJ Day 80

02 April 2025 With just weeks to go until the 80th anniversary of VE Day on Thursday, 8 May, followed by VJ Day on Friday 15 August, communities across West Northamptonshire are encouraged to start planning their celebrations to commemorate these historic occasions. Whether you’re organising a street party, community gathering, picnic, or special event, now is the time to get preparations underway. Applications for temporary road closures for community events are free but must be submitted in good time to ensure everything is in place. Apply for a temporary road closure by completing this form and let us know about the event to check issues such as licensing, safety and traffic management. Communities can share their activities via the official VE & VJ Day map and receive a thank you certificate. People are also encouraged to share pictures across social media using #VE80 and submit pictures to the VE Day 80 website via the Tip Top Towns form . West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) will be flying the official VE Day flag at its offices in Daventry and Towcester, while a short flag-raising ceremony will take place at 9am on Thursday 8 May outside the Guildhall in Northampton, where the public is invited to attend. A short service will follow in the memorial gardens at All Saints Church led by Father Oliver Coss, with the laying of wreaths. Additionally, One Angel Square and Northampton Market Square will be illuminated as part of the national Beacon Lighting Ceremony at 9.30pm. A range of community events will take place across West Northants to mark VE Day including beacon lightings, exhibitions, talks, performances, and themed activities at local libraries. View more details on the VE Day events webpage . "The 80th anniversaries of VE Day and VJ Day are significant moments to honour the courage, sacrifice, and resilience of those who lived through the Second World War. This is a time for communities across West Northamptonshire to come together, celebrate peace, and reflect on our shared history. “We encourage residents to organise local events, from street parties to picnics, and we look forward to seeing our communities unite in remembrance and celebration. We also invite everyone to join us at the Guildhall flag-raising and other commemorative events across the area." Jane Carr, Director of Communities & Opportunities at WNC In partnership with Imperial War Museums, Letters to Loved Ones invites people to get involved by sharing historical letters from VE and VJ Day generation relatives. During the Second World War, letter writing helped to ease the pain of separation between soldiers and other displaced people, and their loved ones. Find out more on the official VE Day website . Other key Armed Forces dates will also be recognised this year including Armed Forces Day on Saturday 28 June and Remembrance Day on Sunday 9 Nov. Northampton Saints will also be hosting two Inter Service Championship fixtures for the first time this Easter, with the men’s and women’s teams from the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force going head-to-head. Find out more and book tickets on the Saints website . Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

April 02, 2025

Plans to transform how residents access Council services move forward

02 April 2025 West Northants residents to see faster, easier, and more flexible ways to access council services, with quicker responses, clearer information, and more choices for how they engage—whether online, via text, or in person. West Northamptonshire Council is setting the stage for a new era of customer experience, following the approval of its Resident Access Strategy at Cabinet last night. This ambitious plan paves the way for smarter, more flexible, and more responsive services that put residents first. Whether it’s requesting a service, updating personal details, or getting advice, residents need quick, convenient, and reliable ways to engage. The strategy envisions a future where finding information is effortless, questions are answered instantly, and help is available in the right way. By embracing digital technology and improving traditional methods, the Council aims to cut wait times with a new SMS service that will direct people straight to the forms or information they need, reducing unnecessary delays. The webchat function will continue to be improved to offer real-time support online, guiding residents to solutions in seconds. People will also receive updates on processing times, so they always know what to expect, while step-by-step video guides will make navigating services simple and stress-free. Council’s commitment to accessibility remains at the heart of the strategy. Information will be made clearer, simpler, and available in multiple formats, including translated materials, read-aloud features, and Easy Read content. Whether someone prefers in-person support or digital solutions, they will have a choice in how they engage. This vision has been shaped by extensive engagement with residents over the past three years. Conversations in contact centres, community hubs, libraries, and Welcoming Spaces, along with feedback from public consultations, have provided invaluable insight into what people want and need. Now, those insights are driving real change. “This is an exciting step forward in how we support our residents. We are committed to making our services faster, easier to use, and more accessible to everyone. Whether online or face-to-face, our focus is on making sure residents get the help they need, when they need it, with the aim of improving day-to-day interactions and creating a stronger, more connected relationship with our communities.” A West Northamptonshire Council spokesperson The Resident Access Strategy forms a key part of the One West Northamptonshire Plan, reinforcing the Council’s ambition to deliver high-quality, efficient, and inclusive services for all. To find out more visit our website . Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

April 02, 2025

Northamptonshire schools recognised in National Poetry Competition

02 April 2025 Two schools in Northamptonshire have been named runners-up in the prestigious Poetry Together National Competition, a project founded by Gyles Brandreth and supported by Her Majesty The Queen. East Hunsbury Primary School, in partnership with East Hunsbury Parish Council Seniors was recognised for their heartfelt poem Friendship, while Bridgewater Primary School impressed judges with My Friends That Have Blossomed, written by a Year 4 student. Both schools will receive a £200 book voucher in recognition of their achievement. This year, 15 schools in Northamptonshire entered the nationwide initiative that encourages schools and care homes to collaborate, bringing young and older people together through poetry. Schools and older adult groups work in pairs to write, learn, and perform poems, strengthening relationships and promoting creativity across generations. “It has been fantastic to see such strong engagement from schools across Northamptonshire. The quality of the poems submitted was truly outstanding, demonstrating creativity, emotion, and a deep understanding of the power of words. We are incredibly proud of our runners-up and all those who took part.” His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Northamptonshire, James Saunders Watson Esq “Northamptonshire is home to some truly talented young writers. It was a joy to see the enthusiasm, effort, and creativity that went into each piece. We are proud of all the schools that took part and hope to see even more get involved next year.” Poetry Together supporter Morcea Walker “It was a wonderful experience for the children to share with the seniors. Friendships and bonds were made and they learnt about each other's experiences and lives. The poetry was a fantastic outcome, but the real magic happened through the intergenerational conversations about what it meant to be a friend, whatever age you are.” Kelly Robinson Poetry and Drama Lead at East Hunsbury Primary School “It was an absolute pleasure to be part of the Poetry Together project. We are extremely proud of the hard work shown by the children of Bridgewater in creating and delivering their poems to the residents of St Christopher's Care Home. It was truly heartwarming to see the smiles on everyone faces, we will certainly take part again next year.” Claire Coleman Oracy Lead at Bridgewater Primary School With the success of this year’s competition, plans are already in place to increase participation in autumn 2025, allowing even more pupils and older adults to experience the joy of poetry and connection. For more information or to get involved in future competitions, schools can contact the Lord-Lieutenant’s Office at [email protected] . Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

April 01, 2025

Partner with us for the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 Fan Zone

01 April 2025 West Northamptonshire Council is seeking performers, artists, entertainers, and food & drink vendors to help bring the Women’s Rugby World Cup Official Fan Zone to life in Northampton Market Square this summer. The Fan Zone will run on each group match day offering a free space for the whole community with activities to celebrate women, sport, culture, and local heritage. A big screen will be showing matches played across the country and there will be a licensed bar serving drinks. We are looking for live music, dance performances, street entertainment, arts & cultural showcases, and food and drink vendors that reflect the diverse backgrounds of the competing teams on each day. Matches taking place at Franklin’s Gardens include: Sunday 24 August: Ireland v Japan (kick-off 12 noon) Sunday 24 August: South Africa v Brazil (kick-off 2.45pm) Saturday 30 August: England v Samoa (kick-off 5pm) Sunday 31 August: Ireland v Spain (kick-off 12 noon) Sunday 7 September: Italy v Brazil (kick-off 2pm) Sunday 7 September: France v South Africa (kick-off 4.45pm) Themes for the Fan Zone include: 24 August, from midday to 5pm: Technology & Innovation (VR experience, simulators, inclusive sports tech) 30 August, from midday to 7pm: Festival Vibes (live music, street entertainment, fan celebrations) 31 August, from midday to 5pm: Family Fun (face painting, craft activities, mascots, rugby parade) 7 September, from midday to 8pm: Art, Music & Culture (local artists, community legacy art, live music) If you’re an artist, musician, dancer, performer, or caterer and want to be part of this exciting celebration, please submit an Expression of Interest to [email protected] including the date(s) of interest, details of your activity, number of performers/staff, plus any requirements around setup including space and power requirements. The aim is to make the WRWC Official Fan Zone as sustainable as possible and we will be considering sustainability when finalising activities. Please note each activity will need to be signed off by Rugby World Cup before being confirmed. Please submit your EOI by Wednesday, 30 April 2025. Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

April 03, 2025

Works underway to improve the Queen Eleanor Interchange

03 April 2025 Works started on the long-awaited scheme to improve and repair the Queen Eleanor Interchange in Northampton earlier this week. The busy roundabout that joins the A45 trunk road with the A508 London Road, B526 Newport Pagnell Road and Hardingstone Lane. Temporary traffic management measures will be in place throughout the works to ensure that carriageway widening, new traffic signs and signals, and resurfacing can be carried out in a safe manner. Works are expected to be complete by the end of this year. There will be lane closures on the Queen Eleanor roundabout 24/7 throughout the works, and some full closures will be necessary at times. Full closures will occur at nighttime and on weekends whilst it is less busy and further dates will be communicated prior to starting. As traffic has increased over the years, the junction has struggled to keep up, and critical improvements are needed to help the flow of traffic in this area in the long term. We understand and appreciate that these works will cause some delays and impact motorists locally and would like to thank people for their patience. Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

April 03, 2025

West Northamptonshire to Mark Stephen Lawrence Day 2025

03 April 2025 West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) will mark Stephen Lawrence Day on Tuesday, 22 April, honouring the life and legacy of the 18-year-old who was tragically murdered in an unprovoked racist attack 32 years ago. Established as a National Day of Remembrance in 2018, Stephen Lawrence Day serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing fight against racism and inequality. It is a moment to reflect on progress made, acknowledge the work still needed, and inspire young people to create a fairer and more inclusive society. A ceremony will take place in the Guildhall Courtyard in Northampton from midday, bringing together local organisations, community leaders, and residents to honour Stephen’s memory and reaffirm a collective commitment to social justice. Speakers at the event will include Deputy Lord Lieutenant Dominic Goble JP, Police Superintendent Rachael Handford, Co-Chair for the Global Ethnic Majority Staff Network at UON Evelyne Mulinge, and Ken Howlett from the Northampton Interfaith Forum. The speeches will be followed by a candle-lighting ceremony and moment of reflection, symbolising hope and unity in the continued fight against discrimination. Attendees are invited to stay for further discussion and refreshments after the event in the County Hall lodgings. "Stephen’s tragic murder remains a stark reminder of the injustice that still exists in our society, but his legacy is one of hope, change, and action. In West Northamptonshire, we are committed to celebrating our diverse communities and ensuring everyone has the opportunity to live safely and without fear of discrimination. I encourage residents to take this opportunity to reflect, engage, and be part of a lasting movement for change." Jane Carr, Director of Communities & Opportunities at WNC “Commemorating Stephen Lawrence Day is really important as it serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring fight against racism and inequality in our society - a fight in which everyone has a part to play, including the police. “The Force would like to reinforce our commitment to our Black communities, officers, staff and volunteers as part of our Police Race Action Plan and will continue working collaboratively with our communities with zero tolerance of racism to ensure an equitable service for all.” Superintendent Rachael Handford Residents are encouraged to take part in Stephen Lawrence Day by reflecting on its meaning, supporting equality initiatives, and making a pledge of action. Social media users can help raise awareness by using the hashtags: #StephenLawrenceDay #ALegacyOfChange #LiveYourBestLife #BecauseOfStephen For more information about Stephen Lawrence Day and how to get involved, visit the Stephen Lawrence Day Foundation . Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

April 02, 2025

Fire crews called to blaze in Sheep Street, Northampton

Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service provided the following update on Monday March 31, 2025 at 1.30pm: Group Commander Dan Retter, of Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: “Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service remains on scene in Sheep Street, Northampton, following a fire that took place shortly after 5.50am yesterday morning (March 30). “A cordon is still in place and two pumps and one high ladder aerial appliance remain at the scene to dampen down any remaining hot spots. “Sheep Street remains closed as is one lane at Lady’s Lane and Church Lane will be temporarily shut until later today. “We are also liaising with structural engineers who are reviewing the damage, and the Service is working with National Grid to reinstate electricity to the street. “We are working with our multi-agency partners to ensure the scene is made safe and for fire investigations to take place later in the day to try and determine a cause.”

April 02, 2025

Fire Service leaves scene of fire at Sheep Street in Northampton

Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service has now left the scene of the fire that took place in Sheep Street on Sunday morning (March 30). The Fire Service has been present at the scene ever since the initial blaze, ensuring that any remaining hotspots are dampened. Following an inspection from the Moulton crew this afternoon (April 1), firefighters found no further smoke or smouldering is visible and the thermal imaging scans showed the building at normal temperatures. Power has also been restored to the street. A Fire Investigation has concluded, and the Service is now collaborating with Northamptonshire Police to understand how the fire started from the findings that have been gathered. Although the Fire Service has withdrawn all its resources from the scene, the incident will remain open on our logs should further assistance for our partners be required. Sheep Street remains closed to commuters and pedestrians. Area Manager Neil Sadler said: “I would like to thank residents and businesses in the town centre who were impacted by this. We appreciate their ongoing patience while we worked with partners to ensure the fire was extinguished and the scene was made as safe as it possibly could be. “I also want to thank our Fire Crews for their hard work and professionalism over the last couple of days in what were challenging circumstances. “We will continue to work with West Northamptonshire Council and Northamptonshire Police should they require any further assistance.”

March 31, 2025

Fire Service to work with Police to investigate cause of fatal house fire in Rushton

Northamptonshire Fire & Rescue Service is continuing to work with Northamptonshire Police to investigate the cause of a house fire in Rushton in which three people sadly died. At around 10.30pm on Friday (March 28), crews were called along with colleagues from police and the ambulance service to a property in Beswick Close following reports of a large fire. We had seven fire appliances, as well as two aerial pumps, in attendance at the height of the incident. Despite the best efforts of the emergency services, three people were later confirmed to have died – a four-year-old girl, a woman aged 30 and a man aged 23. One person was taken to hospital by the East Midlands Ambulance Service and three police officers were assessed due to smoke inhalation. Initial fire investigations have already started and will continue today (March 31). Assistant Chief Fire Officer, Phil Pells, said: “Our thoughts first and foremost are with the loved ones of those who have sadly died in this terrible incident. “The focus now is on ensuring we conduct a thorough investigation – along with the Police – to determine a cause. “The families of those who have died are receiving support from family liaison officers from the Police. We would also like to thank the local community of Rushton for their support over the weekend. “This was an incredibly difficult incident for our staff to deal with, so we are ensuring they are receiving appropriate welfare support. “We would ask anyone who may have information about the incident to contact our colleagues at Northamptonshire Police, as it may assist in our investigations.” Anyone with information is asked to call Northamptonshire Police on 101 quoting incident reference 25000180391. Information can also be submitted via the Major Incident Public Portal here: https://mipp.police.uk/operation/33EM24D12-PO1

March 25, 2025

Community invited to visit West Northants’ first family hub this weekend

25 March 2025 Families across West Northamptonshire are invited to visit the first one stop shop for family support as the hub opens at the forum in Towcester this Saturday (29 March). West Northamptonshire Council is holding a ‘come and see’ event between 10am and 3pm giving residents the opportunity to meet the team and the partners that will be delivering services at the new location. There will be activities for all ages, allowing families to get a taste of what the Hub offers. Towcester Family Hub will be offering a programme and timetable of activities from Monday 31 March. Family Hubs provide a place to go for face-to-face support, making it easier for families to access information, advice and guidance they may need at various times throughout their child’s life. Family hubs have an online offer where families can access a range of resources. Children, young people and their parents can access the hub from pre-birth to 19 years and up to 25 if they have additional needs. Towcester Family Hub will offer a range of bookable and drop-in sessions for families. Strong Start, a well-established early years provision will be joining the Family Hubs team, and a new youth space will offer young people a place to socialise, unwind and access support. Please look out as there will be other Family hubs opening in Northampton and Daventry, as well as a number of spoke sites across West Northamptonshire. For more information, please email [email protected] . Follow the Family Hubs team on Instagram and Facebook for updates. Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

March 26, 2025

Deadline extended to help honour West Northamptonshire’s historical icons

26 March 2025 Residents across West Northamptonshire are reminded that time is running out to submit nominations for the Blue Plaque Scheme, which celebrates individuals and groups who have made a lasting impact on the area. Building on the success of the 2019 Northampton Blue Plaque Scheme , this new initiative will expand across West Northamptonshire introducing 8 new plaques, celebrating local heritage and inspiring communities to engage with their shared history. The scheme forms part of West Northamptonshire Council’s (WNC) Histories of Northamptonshire project, launching in September, which recognises the county’s rich heritage by honouring figures who have shaped its history, culture, and identity. Blue Plaques nominations are open until Wednesday 30 April 2025, offering the public a chance to suggest remarkable individuals or groups who deserve to be commemorated. To be eligible, nominees must have: been a person who died at least 20 years ago made a significant contribution to the area not have already been recognised with a Blue Plaque have a strong connection to a surviving location in West Northamptonshire "West Northamptonshire has a wealth of incredible historical figures who have shaped our communities and beyond. This is a fantastic opportunity for residents to help us recognise and celebrate their legacies. I encourage everyone to take part and submit their nominations before the deadline.” Jane Carr, Director of Communities & Opportunities at WNC Nominations can be submitted by completing an online form or by emailing [email protected] to to request a nomination form. A panel of historical and cultural experts, alongside community representatives, will review applications to select the 8 honourees whose plaques will be installed from September 2025, to coincide with the Histories of Northamptonshire in 100 Objects exhibition. The scheme also welcomes volunteers to assist with historical research and content development, ensuring that the stories behind each plaque are well-documented and widely accessible. Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

March 25, 2025

Enhancing family support in West Northamptonshire

25 March 2025 Families across Northamptonshire are set to benefit from enhanced family support as the countywide Early Years Universal Service, Strong Start move across to join Family Hubs from April 2025. In a move to better serve families, West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) and North Northamptonshire Council (NNC) have decided to deliver two separate contracts to provide the service at a local level. This aligns with other jointly commissioned arrangements across the 0-19 service, aiming to ensure collaborative working across the area. From April 2025, the west-based Strong Start team will transition from WNC Libraries to join and enhance the development of Family Hubs. This will ensure that families receive comprehensive support, from pregnancy through to young adulthood, in a single, accessible location. The Strong Start service will continue to be funded and overseen by WNC Public Health, maintaining its commitment to delivering key public health early years priorities. The knowledgeable and skilled Strong Start team will be a valuable addition to the Family Hub workforce, enhancing the overall service offer. The service will retain the Strong Start name and branding to preserve the trust and reputation it has built with families and professionals over the years. Some Strong Start sessions will be bookable in advance via ticketsource . For more information and to access the Family Hubs, please visit the West Northamptonshire Council Family Hubs website Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

March 24, 2025

Further update on the fire at Desborough Airfield

Following a large-scale fire at Desborough Airfield, near Stoke Albany, shortly before 8.30pm on Thursday, March 20, our crews continue to remain on site to monitor the controlled burn and resultant smoke plume. Due to the partial collapse of the building, which housed thousands of tonnes of carpet waste, crews have been hindered by the limited access, but today (Sunday, March 23) firefighters will be attempting to extinguish the final two pockets of fire. We still anticipate that the fire will continue to smoulder for several days, and that there will continue to be smoke drifting in and around the area, and therefore the advice remains the same for those affected. Residents are advised to keep their windows and doors closed if affected by the drift of smoke but once it has passed, people are asked to ventilate their homes to ensure that any lingering odours disappear. Any smoke can be an irritant the lining of the air passages, the skin, and the eyes, if people need to be outdoors, they are advised to avoid outside areas affected by any smoke or ash, or to limit the time that they spend in them. To minimise your exposure, shelter as much as possible by limiting the amount of time you spend outside in the smoke. People with asthma who may be in the vicinity of the fire should carry their inhaler. People who are generally fit and well are unlikely to experience long-term health problems from temporary exposure to smoke from a fire. However, exposure to smoke is more likely to affect people who have existing breathing problems, lung, or heart conditions as well as the very young and older adults, and smokers. Anyone experiencing respiratory symptoms, including coughing, wheezing, breathlessness, sputum (phlegm) production and chest pain, should seek medical advice or call NHS 111. Or in a case of an emergency call 999. If symptoms persist seek medical advice by contacting your General Practitioner (GP) or if a medical consultant is already treating an existing health condition, discuss your concerns and symptoms with them.

March 24, 2025

Fire crews remain on scene at blaze at Desborough Airfield

Our crews remained at Desborough Airfield, near Stoke Albany, overnight and are expected to continue to be on site throughout the coming days. Due to the intensity of the blaze, the roof of the building, which housed thousands of tonnes of carpet waste, collapsed. This has hampered the Service’s efforts to fully extinguish the fire, and crews from Corby are working hard to control fire and smoke plume. We anticipate the fire will continue to burn for several days, and therefore our advice remains the same for nearby residents in Stoke Albany, Brampton Ash and Dingley to keep their windows and doors closed due to the drift of smoke and strong odour. At the height of the fire, which is believed to have started shortly before 8.30pm on Thursday, March 20, six fire engines were on scene as crews used water jets to tackle the blaze, while an aerial appliance was used to tackle the large flames from heights. Northamptonshire Fire & Rescue Service Group Manager Rob Green said: “I would like to thank members of the local community for their patience and support while we continue to manage this complex incident. “Due to the way the building has collapsed it is proving difficult for our crews to effectively extinguish the remaining hot spots, but we are working hard to keep the fire under control and manage the resultant smoke plume along with our partner organisations. “However, we would encourage residents affected by the drifting smoke to continue to keep their doors and windows closed in the meantime and follow our media channels for further updates.” A Fire Investigation to determine a cause will take place once it is safe to do so.

March 22, 2025

Fire crews called to blaze at Desborough Airfield

Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service remains at the scene of a fire at Desborough Airfield near Stoke Albany. The Service was called shortly before 8.30pm last night (March 20) and on arrival, crews discovered a large former air hangar was ablaze. A huge smoke plume was issuing from the hangar, which led to a request for nearby residents in Stoke Albany, Brampton Ash and Dingley to keep their windows and doors closed. Crews used water jets to tackle the blaze, while an aerial pump was used to tackle the large flames from heights. Police were called to assist in putting in place a cordon, and the electricity supply to the building was isolated. At the height of the blaze, six fire engines were on scene. Firefighters continued to tackle it and try and reduce the volume of smoke until the early morning, when the incident was scaled down to one pump and the aerial appliance at 1.30am. We anticipate the fire will continue to burn for many hours yet. The Corby aerial appliance, a crew from Guilsborough and a high-volume pump remain at the scene and continue to try to reduce the smoke plume. A Fire Investigation to determine a cause will take place once it is safe to do so.

March 18, 2025

Para swimming star Maisie to support Moulton Leisure Centre’s family open day

18 March 2025 Four-times Paralympic swimming medallist Maisie Summers-Newton will be racing lucky youngsters in the main pool when Moulton Leisure Centre holds a Family Open Day on Saturday, April 5. The centre, run by award-winning operator Everyone Active on behalf of West Northamptonshire Council, is offering a host of free activities to the local community from 8am-5pm. The opportunity to race six-times world champion Maisie, who trains at the site, is one of the highlights on the programme. The Wellingborough-based star is an Elite athlete on Everyone Active’s Sporting Champions scheme, which supports up-and-coming athletes in West Northamptonshire by giving them access to training facilities and mentoring sessions with the likes of Maisie and her fellow Paralympians and Olympians. Also on offer at the family open day will be free use of the gym and spa, virtual body pump, studio cycling, a spinathon and Pilates. A pool party for under-fives and an inflatable party for over-fives will take place, while the event will be supported by Northamptonshire Police and Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service. Northampton Town Football Club will provide health checks and there will be taster sessions with LJW Sports and Injury Clinic. A cake sale will provide sweet treats and other food and refreshments will be available, with prizes on offer throughout the day. Selected activities need to be pre-booked via reception on 01604 492222. For details of the full schedule, please visit the Moulton Leisure Centre Facebook page . While many activities are free, Everyone Active is asking for voluntary donations to its charity partner, Breast Cancer Now. Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

March 18, 2025

Have you considered standing for election as a councillor?

18 March 2025 Potential candidates are reminded that the window of opportunity to stand as a candidate in the upcoming local elections on Thursday, 1 May is now open. With the West Northamptonshire Council and Parish/Town Councils elections coming up, now is the time for those who are considering standing for election to get involved and help shape the future of your communities. These roles provide residents with the opportunity to be directly involved in decisions that impact their neighbourhoods. Elected for a four-year term, councillors serve as the voice of their community, working closely with neighbours to create positive changes that influence every aspect of daily life. Whether it is improving parks, supporting schools, or ensuring that vital services are available for those in need, stepping forward as a candidate allows residents to shape the changes that matter most. Councillors are there to support their local area in many ways. They help residents by responding to concerns, investigating issues, and working on solutions that improve everyday life. They keep people informed about what’s happening locally, whether by attending meetings, working with parish councils, or sharing key updates. The role also involves attending council meetings, reading reports, and helping to shape policies that make a lasting impact. Crucially, councillors work with a range of partners, from the police and healthcare providers to schools and voluntary groups, ensuring that the community’s needs are met through collaboration and strong leadership. As part of the process, nomination papers (applications) should be submitted from until Wednesday, 2 April 2025. An appointment system at various locations across the area, will be used to process nominations efficiently. For location information or to book an appointment, please visit our website . Anna Earnshaw, Returning Officer for the local election in West Northamptonshire said "Standing for local elections isn’t just about taking on a role – it’s about making a real difference in the lives of our neighbours. Every day, I see how our local decisions can improve the quality of life in our community, from safer parks and better schools to services that truly support families in need. “When you step up to serve, you help build a community where everyone’s voice is heard and every issue matters. I believe that by working together, we can create a brighter future for all of us. This is your chance to bring about change in the areas you care about most, and to make our community a place we are all proud to call home." For further information about the election process, eligibility criteria, and how you can get involved, please visit our Elections 2025 page . Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

March 14, 2025

Local elections to be held in May

14 March 2025 On Thursday, 1 May voters across West Northamptonshire will go to the polls to elect their local representatives. A Notice of Election for West Northamptonshire Council and all Parish/Town Council seats has been published today (Friday, 14 March) and potential candidates will have until 4pm on Wednesday, 2 April to submit their nomination papers. Voters will go to the polls to elect West Northamptonshire Council’s councillors in the unitary authority’s second election since its creation in 2021. This year’s Polling Day on Thursday 1 May will see changes to voter arrangements after a recent electoral review reduced the number of West Northants councillors to be elected from 93 to 76 and redrew the ward boundaries across the area. Town and parish council elections are also set to be held in some areas of West Northamptonshire on 1 May. Whether voting in person at a polling station, by post or by proxy (on someone’s behalf), there are some key deadlines to be aware of. If you have not registered to vote yet, the deadline to do so is Friday 11 April. It is a quick and easy process that takes just five minutes online. If you have recently moved home or changed your name, you may need to update your details to ensure you can take part. Register online to vote For those who prefer to vote by post, applications need to be submitted by 5pm on Monday, 14 April. Voting by post is a great option if you will be away on election day or if you would rather not visit a polling station in person. Your postal vote will be sent to you in advance, so you can fill it in and return it at your convenience. This is also the deadline to make amendments or cancel your postal vote. If you would like someone to vote on your behalf, known as a proxy vote, the deadline to apply is 5pm on Wednesday, 23 April. If your proxy would like to vote by post, both the proxy and postal application must be received by 5pm on Monday, 14 April. One of the biggest changes recently introduced is the requirement for photo ID when voting in person. If you do not have an accepted form of ID, such as a passport or driving licence, you can apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate. The deadline to apply for this is 5pm on Wednesday, 23 April. Without the correct ID, you will not be able to vote at your polling station, so make sure you are prepared. For more information and to view the timetable of the election visit our website The Notice of Election marks the start of the pre-election period (previously known as purdah) for West Northamptonshire Council. This is the period of heightened sensitivity in the run-up to polling day when specific restrictions are in place for the Council’s publicity and use of resources. Find out more about the pre-election period for local authorities. Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

March 14, 2025

Pre-election period starts ahead of local elections

14 March 2025 The pre-election period for the local elections on Thursday 1 May starts today (Friday, 14 March). This is the period of heightened sensitivity in the run-up to polling day when specific restrictions are in place for the Council’s publicity and use of resources. During this time, we might remove comments made on our social media channels that show support to a particular political party or candidate. We may also restrict comments on certain posts if we believe the subject matter could spark political debate. Find out more about the pre-election period and the effect it has on our communications activity Find information about voting in the election, including the deadlines for registering to vote or arranging a postal vote, and the Voter ID requirements on our Local election checklist Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

March 15, 2025

Firefighters reach for the sky in high-rise exercise

Firefighters from across Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service have today (March 14) been put through their paces as they tested their skills working from height. Exercise Reach for the Sky saw Red Watch Moulton, Kettering and Wellingborough head to Sir Robert McAlpine in Kettering to simulate rescuing a casualty from the cab of a crane, 25 metres in the air. [embedded content] The simulation saw firefighters use the aerial appliance – which is based at Moulton Fire Station – to safely rescue a casualty from the crane before bringing them down to safety. The exercise was organised by Crew Commander Adam Rawlins, of Red Watch Moulton, and he was pleased with how it went. Adam said: “This exercise was designed to allow us to train and replicate a rescue from height, and I am grateful to all the firefighters and the team at Sir Robert McAlpine who have worked hard and come together to make this happen. “Whilst Northamptonshire doesn’t have too many high-rise buildings, we need to ensure we are ready to respond to any kind of incident we are called too, to help keep the people of Northamptonshire safe.”

March 13, 2025

Council turning four with a focus on the future

13 March 2025 West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) will be turning four years old on 1 April 2025, with bold plans to build upon its strong track record of improving outcomes for communities in the years ahead. The unitary authority, which replaced the previous district, borough and county councils in April 2021, has been making solid progress against its priorities since it was formed as a fresh start for delivering better public services across West Northamptonshire. The Council enters its fifth year building upon its ‘strong, positive start’ highlighted by the LGA’s recent independent review and with a new compelling long-term plan to work together more strategically with partners as One West Northamptonshire to help communities flourish and businesses prosper. Summary of highlights During its first four years, WNC has charted a broad range of service improvements, projects and activities resulting in better outcomes for local communities. A summary of the many highlights can be found below. Further information about the Council’s performance during 2024/25 will be available in the Council’s annual report, to be published in June 2025. You can view previous annual reports here Portfolio for Economic Development, Town Centre Regeneration & Growth, Culture & Leisure We set an ambitious strategy to grow the local economy inclusively and sustainably with a focus on increasing productivity and skills We have driven economic growth, turning £45 million of grants for regeneration in Northampton into £350 million of private investment and making progress on major town centre regeneration schemes including the landmark Greyfriars regeneration We completed the multi-million-pound transformation of Northampton Market Square We have distributed millions of pounds of national UKSPF funding on initiatives to improve life chances, increase skills, create stronger communities and support local businesses We laid the foundations for further redevelopment of our other towns, including the new Sponne Arcade Car Park in Towcester and initial work on a new Masterplan for Daventry town centre We have supported all our professional sports clubs. The East Stand is nearing completion at Sixfields, we have helped the Saints develop a masterplan for Franklin's Gardens and we are in negotiations with the cricket club for a new academy in Moulton A joint bid for a Local Visitor Economy Partnership (LVEP) for Northamptonshire has been approved by VisitEngland We have supported initiatives including the Female Founders Summit, which is returning to Northampton in 2025 , while attracting the Small Business Saturday UK national roadshow has raised the Council’s profile We launched a new Employability Hub at Weston Favell, helping people find jobs and volunteer opportunities We continued our support for businesses and start-ups, offering funding, advice and guidance. Leader of the Council portfolio We are putting West Northants on the map as the beating heart of the country. The Council’s LGA peer review independently highlighted the strong start we have made since our launch in 2021 – a period in which we worked to transform and improve, saving millions of pounds of public money and bringing millions of pounds of investment to benefit our communities We have built our profile as a centre of sporting excellence through our successful bids for major sporting events including the Men’s Tour of Britain and the Women’s Rugby World Cup, celebrating the Saints' Premiership win with a victory parade and enabling the development of sporting academies The West Northants’ stage of the Men’s Tour of Britain delivered the highest economic benefit of the entire Tour, with an impressive total impact of £5.69 million, driven by £3.6 million in attendee spending. Over 85% of attendees expressed pride in their local area following the event, with 83% recognising the positive boost to the economy. Attendees from across the UK flocked to enjoy the race, with visitors spending an average of 2.4 nights in the area, further boosting the local hospitality sector. The stage also garnered significant media coverage, valued at £635,698, and promoting West Northamptonshire to national and international audiences We have developed communications channels and activities, directly posting updates across our social platforms, reaching over 1 million people every month and seeing our followers rise by 20% We have increased our visual content to engage new audiences, launching regular e-newsletters, attracting over 38,996 online subscribers and delivering a twice-yearly printed magazine to all households, which is helping engage our harder-to-reach audiences. We worked hard this year to involve more local people in our consultation and engagement activities, leading to a 133% increase in public participation. Highways portfolio We invested an additional £10 million into improving the road networks and 97% reported highways defects were repaired on target. We continue to encourage all residents to report issues via our website, WNC app or through customer services We have invested in new technology to complete 14,657m² of highway repairs. The equipment reduces the carbon footprint by an impressive 85% compared to traditional methods. The process recycles end-of-life waste tyres which would otherwise be destined for incineration The JCB Pothole Pro machine repaired 30,480m2 of roads during 2024. This innovative piece of technology carries out road repairs four times faster than standard methods. Teams can cut the defect, crop the edges and clean the area with one machine We are in the final stages of completion of the Sandy Lane Relief Road that will ease congestion and improve connectivity for residents when it opens in early spring, much earlier than planned. This follows the northern part of the road opening to motorists in the summer of last year and forms part of the Council’s wider investment into road infrastructure across the area Once the Towcester bypass is open we have secured significant improvements for the High Street which will include a ban on HGVs, improved paving and parking, and more landscaping We have worked with Stagecoach to secure a £9.4m Government grant to bring a fleet of electric buses to West Northants by late 2026 We have opened up new Active Travel routes to encourage walking, wheeling, and cycling, including a new 1.3km accessible path through Delapré Park to link Far Cotton with Brackmills We joined with partners to offer new and improved bus services across West Northamptonshire, increasing services in our rural areas, for example between Buckingham and Brackley, which will also provide services to Evenley. This service launched on 25 February. We aim to deliver further public transport improvements to the Brackley area later in the year We recently completed a further study with Northampton General Hospital and St Andrews Hospital. We hope this will be a catalyst for service improvements and increased bus patronage which the study indicated there was significant potential for. We are about to start similar studies in the areas served by bus services 33 (Northampton to Milton Keynes) and 41 (Northampton to Bedford). This will guide efforts to better meet bus user needs and grow bus use. Environment, Recycling and Waste Portfolio From 1 April, residents will be able to take their waste to recycling centres across West Northants seven days a week, offering a better service and value for money We have increased recycling with our new contract reducing the amount of our waste which goes to land fill We delivered efficient waste services and street cleansing to all residents, collecting more than 84 million bins over the past four years and clearing over 14,487 fly tips In excess of £700k of funding has been invested to support West Northamptonshire business to decarbonise through the Towards a Net Zero West Northants and NGAGE projects Through the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme, we have invested £7,074,540 to upgrade the heating of the four rural leisure centres to air source heat pumps and solar panels WNC has committed £1.2m for the feasibility assessment of a large-scale solar project to deliver on our net zero commitments WNC have been successful in bidding for £2.6m of funding to support our residents with home energy efficiency improvements through the Warm Homes: Local Grant scheme We have agreed a climate change strategy outlining our approach to reducing locally produced greenhouse gases, improving air quality and placing people at the heart of the climate emergency response We have worked with neighbouring authorities to launch a new campaign tackling littering on the A5 and other major routes We have retained international Green Flag Award status for a number of our parks and open spaces We have seen significant improvements year-on-year in regard to air quality. We have supported our communities with the emergency response to flooding incidents and committed to working with partners to review flood defences and improve community resilience. We currently have 11 active investigations across West Northants following the November floods. This includes details surveys, cleaning of culverts, coordination with water authorities, land owners and council and to develop mitigation strategies working with residents and parish councils. Adult Social Care and Public Health and Regulatory Services Portfolio We have provided essential support to families and individuals struggling with the ongoing cost-of-living crisis , with a specific focus on helping with the cost of food, free school meals, utility bills, and other vital household expenses. West Northamptonshire is expected to distribute £3.66 million in Household Support funding for the 12-month period and has committed to ensuring the funds help as many people as possible There are 112 welcoming spaces across West Northamptonshire, which are delivered through collaborative working with parish and town councils and partners in the voluntary and community sector to create a network In West Northamptonshire our vision and aspirations for Adult Social Care are aligned to the ‘Live Your Best Life Strategy’ which was developed in partnership with our Integrated Care System partners and launched in early 2023 We have improved our hospital discharge rate to the highest levels on record getting more residents home sooner with the right support Our three-year plan for locality based prevention work that brings together our three conversations model in Adult Social Care, with social prescribing and GP-based wellbeing interventions that are commissioned by Public Health. This approach will provide significantly increased reach to enable proactive preventative interventions that reduce crisis and reliance on services Ratings in our care homes are improving due to our monitoring approach, which has seen the number of inadequate providers reduced to just a single organisation due to our investment in our quality improvement programme and robust governance arrangements We have developed a buoyant home care market that has meant a reduction in delayed transfers of care alongside a reduction in the number of 18–65-year-olds needing to go into residential care Developments are underway to progress proposals for a new Health and Wellbeing Surgery in Moulton. This new facility would enable the expansion of the established GP practice into larger premises, along with additional supporting medical services, to cater to the growing needs of the local community. We held a vape summit with partners in advance of government changes which will assist all partners in responding to this significant threat to children in particular Introducing new powers to promote responsible pet ownership and ban smoking in children’s play areas, launching new charters setting out our approach to tackling litter and fly-tipping in our streets and green open spaces, and protecting the public from harm through the ongoing efforts of both our Food Safety and Trading Standards teams Worked to protect the public thanks to our Food Safety and Trading Standards teams, and continued to tackle fly-tipping, littering and other environmental crimes Developed and established new Local Area Partnerships (LAPs) across West Northants, listening to and engaging with residents at grassroots level to understand health and care needs to help them live their best lives Children, Families & Education portfolio Ofsted have reported a good judgement for Northamptonshire Children’s Trust Adoption Agency and recognised outstanding leadership and management Ofsted rated our Independent Fostering Agency as good in January 2024 Ofsted have rated our youth justice service as good with outstanding features in October 2023 Our children’s services have improved to requires improvement and there are 241 (17%) less children in care than the 2020 forecast projected We are investing over £20 million in property to provide more in house facilities to support our children and young people 2.7% 16-18 year olds not in education, employment and training, which is below the national average. 99.6% referrals to children’s social care receive an outcome within 2 working days Work has officially begun on the construction of Overstone Park Primary School, a state-of-the-art, non-selective, state-funded primary school at the Overstone Leys development in north-east Northampton. The Council continues to make progress against its action plan to address ongoing challenge of increasing SEND placements to help ensure better outcomes for families across West Northamptonshire. Positive progress has been noted in our Ofsted monitoring visits and complaints have reduced by a third. November 2022: the opening of 20 places at Hunsbury Park primary school as part a new autism spectrum disorder (ASD) unit for children in foundation stage, early years and key stage 1. January 2023: 10 places created at Hardingstone Academy for pupils in key stage 2 with autism spectrum disorder. This department is for children who need mainstream curriculum and provides that access to this provision as and when they are ready. February 2023: 10 places provided at Castle Academy for pupils in key stage 1 and foundation / early year pupils. Chiltern Primary School located in Northampton, opened its doors to its 30 place SEND unit called The Nest on 2 October 2023. A further 15 Key Stage 2 places were created from September 2024, taking the total number of places at this site to 45. 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. The NEST has specialist learning facilities with new classrooms offering 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. We have made significant progress on a new specialist school in Tiffield near Towcester for children with special education needs and disabilities (SEND) We launched our Family Hubs initiative to provide a one-stop-shop for families in need of support with the first hub opening in Towcester on 31 March followed by further hubs in Daventry and Northampton town centre. HR and Corporate Services portfolio We have extended our customer satisfaction survey to all service areas and our latest data shows over 71% customers have a positive experience of our services We have relaunched our website with over 3 million views per year and 95% of customers rating our online information and services helpful We have invested in innovation, using artificial intelligence to drive improvements in services from homelessness to special educational needs We completed a full division restructure and contract rationalisation programme in DTI, delivering almost £1 million of savings to support the overall corporate position, but adding in much-needed missing skills and a more streamlined structure We have rolled out a single Customer Records Management system across all teams, and implemented a new telephony solution unifying the infrastructure in our contact centres and enhancing the available functionality We have delivered almost 30 outreach surgeries, with some of them becoming more and more popular and well-attended, and others being ceased either due to low demand or a transition to a different offer 88% resident complaints are resolved at the first stage and complaints during the last quarter have fallen across all service areas We have invested in our permanent colleagues, reducing our spend on agency staff by over £6 million since day 1 with agency staff at lowest levels across all services. Finance portfolio To date WNC has delivered over £115 million of savings, transforming the services we inherited – this has involved bringing together over 3,000 staff and hundreds of services from the four former councils, over 800 systems, four main office buildings and thousands of inherited contracts We have kept our budgets balanced, enhancing productivity and protecting essential frontline services in the face of continuous financial challenges, rising service demands and inflationary pressures affecting all councils nationally Our reserves currently stand at £96 million. When we landed in unitary, our opening balance was £171 million, however around £70 million of this opening balance related to ringfenced Covid monies, business rate reimbursement income and a high balance of public health reserves. These balances do not represent the financial health of an authority, are ringfenced, and were expected to be spent. We have benchmarked our General Reserve balance of £35 million with our nearest statistical neighbours which demonstrates that the balance being held is above average and prudent. Housing portfolio Announced plans to invest over £9.5 million on building new homes to tackle pressures on the local housing market We secured £3.2 million in Single Homeless Accommodation Programme funds to acquire and remodel an affordable housing scheme as a specialist supported housing facility for people with complex needs who are at risk of homelessness/rough sleeping, and revenue funding to fund a high need support service for three years. We have allocated more than £12.3 million to provide relocatable temporary accommodation for those experiencing homelessness We have developed a pipeline of new housing sites at the bus depot in St James and land at Dallington which will provide 200 affordable homes. We worked with our partners and people experiencing homelessness in West Northants to launch the innovative streets of change project, learning from experiences of homelessness and support prevention and recovery. We developed the West Northants Homelessness & Rough Sleeping Strategy, adopted by Cabinet in March 2024. We have implemented a new governance framework between the council and Northamptonshire Partnership Homes – the council’s arms-length management organisation responsible for managing council housing stock – and continue to strengthen working arrangements across the two organisations. Planning and Community Safety & Engagement Portfolio Involving and engaging communities across West Northamptonshire to help shape our new Local Plan, which will guide how our area is developed over the next 15 years Working with parish councils on producing new Neighbourhood Development Plans and Conservation Area Appraisals to help further protect and enhance our area We have transformed our planning service, with over 90% of major and minor applications now delivered on target Distributing around £5.6m in community grants funding for hundreds of projects, from helping local clubs and groups to improve their facilities to initiatives tackling young violence and knife crime We have also held over 170 community events and weeks of action with partners promoting the culture and diversity of our area, from Coronation celebrations, Pride and Diwali to Black History Month, Inspirational Women’s and Men’s Awards and International day of People with Disabilities We have achieved Gold Status in the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme and are proud of our work to support the armed forces community as Armed Forces Covenant Signatories We are making a significant investment in Kings Heath, Northampton, to support community-led improvements and enhance local facilities. Through the Kings Heath Partnership Group, which includes local schools, charities, sports organisations, and Northamptonshire Police, a range of initiatives are underway to create lasting benefits for residents. During the past year alone there has been £140,000 of investment into a range of interventions including work to bring the former Sure Start Centre back into use, community cohesion events, dedicated staff to support community work and grants for charities providing programmes there Working with our residents who opened their homes to nearly 1,000 people fleeing the war in Ukraine, while assisting more than 500 Afghan nationals escaping conflict and persecution through providing emergency accommodation as well as support to help them settle in the UK. Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

March 13, 2025

Vulcan Works supports hundreds of businesses in just two years

13 March 2025 Innovative office hub Vulcan Works is celebrating two years of supporting businesses in West Northamptonshire. The purpose-built serviced workspace, which is in the heart of the Northampton’s Cultural Quarter, has firmly established itself as a vital part of the local community and economy, and is renowned for its dedicated business support for customers including grant and tender opportunities, networking and topical masterclasses. Vulcan Works drives growth in the local economy by boosting the West Northamptonshire eco system for businesses, by creating a collaborative and inclusive community, supporting and signposting business owners with a network of industry experts and mentors as well as growth programmes, events and workshops, and investors and funding streams. Since it launched in April 2023, the hub has supported hundreds of local businesses. In the last year alone, 43 local companies have called Vulcan Works home, including 14 new customers. These businesses range from creative industries such as architects, artists, and graphic designers to cutting edge technology including artificial intelligence and cyber security. The small units have provided a flexible option for new businesses to be created, and have facilitated their expansion and growth. In 24 months, more than 200 entrepreneurs have used the space for coworking, and the venue has hosted more than 100 business events annually, both internally and through organised groups such as The Marketing Meetup, Entrepreneurs Circle, Digital Northants, Coworking Club and NN1 Dev Club. A total of 486 meetings have also been held in the dedicated meeting rooms. Vulcan Works, which has been recognised with prestigious awards for its innovation and positive impact across the county, also offers access to a trio of specialists onsite – the centre’s own business growth manager Darren Smith, Barclays Eagle Labs’ Eco System Manager, Owen Moran, and experts from South East Midlands Growth Hub. Every customer who moves into Vulcan Works is offered 1-2-1 business support with Darren. So far, 145 internal customers have engaged with Darren, whether that be to discuss grant applications or ask his opinion on contracts. Darren has also established 64 new stakeholder relationships in 2024/25, adding to the 189 stakeholders engaged with in the centre’s inaugural year. Vulcan Works has delivered 12 business support clinics in the last 12 months, with external experts talking about a wide range of topical issues including finance, sustainability, IP, HR and accounting. In November, the Vulcan Creatives incubation initiative welcomed its second cohort of 10 entrepreneurs. The six-month program run Darren and funded by West Northamptonshire Council utilising £40,000 of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), supports ambitious local people hoping to kick start a new business or grow an existing idea with specialist support. Vulcan Creatives has already supported 21 entrepreneurs to become enterprise-ready and plans to contribute to the creation of at least 75 new start businesses by 2028. The incubator programme also aligns with Vulcan Works’ objectives of retaining local talent in Northamptonshire. Cllr Daniel Lister, Cabinet Member for Local Economy, Culture and Leisure at WNC, added: “It is great to see the tangible impact that Vulcan Works has had on our county in the short time that it has been open. “We have seen numerous businesses thrive under the centre’s roof, as they choose this innovative community as a base in West Northamptonshire. No doubt there will be plenty more success stories to come from inside as the community grows and flourishes, especially with the continuation of the Vulcan Creatives incubation programme and the calibre of the support on offer.” Vulcan Works centre manager Garrick Hurter said: “We are immensely proud of what has been built so far here at Vulcan Works and the contribution we have made to support our customers in their growth. I am in the wonderful position to be able to see, daily, the difference that our centre makes, not just to the local economy but to aspiring entrepreneurs who simply need a little guidance in their quest for success. “I would like to thank the whole Vulcan Works team for their dedication and hard work and also our stakeholders and customers for trusting and believing in us. Together we have created something very special in Northamptonshire.” To find out more about Vulcan Works or request a show around, email [email protected] . Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

March 13, 2025

Community invited to visit West Northants’ first family hub

13 March 2025 Families across West Northamptonshire are invited to visit the first one stop shop for family support as the hub opens at the forum in Towcester on Saturday, 29 March. West Northamptonshire Council is holding a ‘come and see’ event between 10am and 3pm giving residents the opportunity to meet the team and the partners that will be delivering services at the new location. There will be activities for all ages, allowing families to get a taste of what the Hub offers. Towcester Family Hub will be offering a programme and timetable of activities from Monday 31 March. Family Hubs provide a place to go for face-to-face support, making it easier for families to access information, advice and guidance they may need at various times throughout their child’s life. As well as a hub, Family hubs have an online offer where families can access a range of resources. Children, young people and their parents can access the hub from pre-birth to 19 years and up to 25 if they have additional needs. Towcester Family Hub will offer a range of bookable and drop-in sessions for families. Strong Start, a well-established early years provision will be joining the Family Hubs team, and a new youth space will offer young people a place to socialise, unwind and access support. Cllr Fiona Baker, Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Education at West Northamptonshire Council, said: "We are thrilled to open the doors of the Towcester Family Hub, our first one-stop shop for family support in West Northamptonshire. This hub represents our commitment to providing accessible, comprehensive services to families in our community. We invite everyone to join us on 29 March to explore the wide range of activities and resources available. Our goal is to create a welcoming space where children, young people, and their parents can find the support they need at every stage of their lives. We look forward to seeing you there and working together to build a stronger, more connected community." Please look out as there will be other Family hubs opening in Northampton and Daventry as well as s number of spoke sites across West Northamptonshire. For more information, please email [email protected] Follow the Family Hubs team on Instagram and Facebook for updates. Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

March 13, 2025

Vehicle Supplier Day event to help shape new vehicle fleet

13 March 2025 As part of efforts to drive an increasingly environmentally friendly vehicle fleet, West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) is hosting a Vehicle Supplier Day to help shape its Fleet Climate Strategy. The event will take place on Wednesday 26 March from 10am to 4pm in Northampton’s Market Square with WNC employees, partners, local residents and businesses invited to go along to find out more. With a number of fleet hire companies, exhibitors and the MG Motor Group attending the event, it’s an opportunity for those who either use, or are responsible for Council operated vehicles to meet with specialists and discuss their future requirements and understand their impact on our environment. The development of the Fleet Climate Strategy will support the Council’s aims to improve air quality and create a greener environment for residents to live, work, visit and thrive in. “We are conscious of the impact the vehicles we use to deliver our services has on air quality and the local environment. This event will help us research and better understand the future of vehicle fleets and help us to achieve our goal of being a net zero authority by 2030. “Our vehicle fleet play a crucial role in helping us to deliver many of our services and we’re keen to take action to ensure we’re doing this in the best way possible, with a focus on reducing emissions and creating environmentally-friendly travel.” Cllr Rebecca Breese, Cabinet Member for Environment, Recycling and Waste “We use a variety of vehicles, ranging from refuse collection lorries, coaches, mini buses, vans, MPVs and cars, and each one is crucial to our ability to deliver the services our communities need. “The event is an opportunity for us to enhance our knowledge and understanding of the range of more environmentally-friendly vehicles options available and I would encourage officers, partners, local businesses and residents to attend to find out more.” Cllr Malcolm Longley, Cabinet Member for Finance Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

March 14, 2025

Plans revealed for new fire station in Moulton – as Commissioner pledges to keep services at ‘heart of the community’

Plans have been announced to build a new £17 million fire station at Moulton that will deliver first-class facilities for firefighters and the local community. At the same time, a new site will be found for a visible, accessible police station in the busy Eastern District of Northampton, eventually replacing the current, out-dated Weston Favell building. The new fire station will be built on the site of the current Moulton fire station and the adjacent former office complex, which has been vacant for several years. The new building at Moulton will be a stand-alone fire station. Northamptonshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Danielle Stone has reversed a previous decision to make the building a joint Fire and Police hub, so that a visible, accessible police station can be maintained in the heart of the busy Eastern District of Northampton. The existing Weston Favell police station building will be closed as it is no longer fit for modern policing purposes and a new location will be found for a police station in the area – either from the existing police estate or by buying or leasing a suitable building. The existing police station will remain open until a replacement is ready. Subject to planning permission, the new fire station at Moulton will offer flexible working spaces for firefighters and fire staff, a community room for use by local groups and residents, and a building more suited to modern operational firefighting than can be delivered at the current station, which opened in 1977. New facilities will include a larger bay with more space for fire engines – which will comfortably house the 42-metre-high aerial turntable that was purchased in 2023 – as well as enhanced welfare facilities for crews such as toilets, showers and changing rooms. There will be eight individual dormitories which will offer greater dignity and privacy for a diverse workforce compared to the current shared accommodation. The station layout has been designed so that firefighters can remove uniform and store equipment that has been exposed to contaminants in a safe environment and meets best practice guidelines from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). A planning application for the project, which will cost £17 million to deliver, will be submitted to West Northamptonshire Council shortly. When work on the new building gets underway, the wholetime and on call fire crews will be relocated, but Chief Fire Officer Nikki Watson said that arrangements will be put in place to ensure that crews are based in the heart of Moulton to serve residents and the business community at the busiest times. Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Danielle Stone said: “This is an exciting new chapter for Northamptonshire and our Fire and Rescue Service, and an absolute commitment to keep a police station in the heart of one of Northampton’s busiest communities. “The fire station at Moulton will deliver real benefits to the local community and ensure firefighters and fire staff are easily accessible at the heart of their patch. Importantly, it will also give crews the facilities they need to support the vital work they do to keep people safe. “I want both services to work together and share buildings where it makes sense to do so, but I want the Eastern District to retain a visible policing presence – that’s central to my public safety plan. We are working at speed to review the wider estate to make sure it is fit for purpose and to find a way to close Weston Favell as quickly as possible.” Chief Fire Officer Nikki Watson said: “This marks an incredible opportunity to give our crews modern, safe working conditions that they both need and deserve. “Firefighting continues to evolve, and the design of this new station will allow us to strengthen our current levels of service and meet any future needs we identify. The addition of space for use by residents and groups means we can foster even better relationships with our local community and further enhance our prevention work.” Weston Favell police station no longer meets the operational needs of Northamptonshire Police. It is now old and expensive to run and cannot be reconfigured to provide police officers and staff with the best environment to do their job. Ivan Balhatchet, Chief Constable of Northamptonshire Police, added: “We will keep a police station in Weston Favell. I want us to increase our presence in the communities we serve and as we strengthen Neighbourhood Policing across the county, which means having buildings and officers that are visible and accessible to the public. “It is important that, right across the county, we ensure our officers and staff are based in the right locations so we can focus on tackling crime and anti-social behaviour and keeping people safe. “The Commissioner and I both agree that this is so important in helping to regain the public’s trust and confidence. “We will find a new site in the Weston Favell area to replace the existing police station, which will stay open until then. Our policing teams will remain where they need to be – in the heart of neighbourhoods tackling crime and keeping people safe.”

March 14, 2025

International Women’s Day event celebrates women in the emergency services

Women across Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service (NFRS), Northamptonshire Police and the Office of the Police Fire and Crime Commissioner (OPFCC) Danielle Stone came together in Northampton’s Guildhall this week for International Women’s Day with a special event to celebrate women in the emergency services. The room heard personal stories about their journeys from Deputy Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Marianne Kimani, NFRS Area Manager Lisa Jackson and Assistant Chief Constable (ACC) Emma James. Guest speakers Tracy Whittaker-Smith MBE and Maisie Summers-Newton MBE also joined the event, who have both excelled in their areas of sport and shared stories of their professional and personal growth. The theme for this year’s International Women’s Day was Accelerate Action for gender equality, and many of the speakers spoke of how far we have come in creating more inclusive and equal places of work, but also how there is a still long way to go and how we can all work to achieve more for our future generations. Deputy Police Fire and Crime Commissioner Marianne Kimani gave the opening speech, in which she shared her own personal journey to the role she is in now, and the importance of mentorship. Marianne said, “I am so proud of how far we have come, even myself being in this position shows how much has changed, but we still have a long way to go. “Our job as women now, is to inspire those younger than us, to be mentors, to offer our support to ensure that the future generation can be the absolute best version of themselves they can be.” Marianne also spoke of the importance of workplace policies that favour, and benefit women. “To keep making meaningful changes within our places of work we must look internally at our policies and how we can make sure they support our women in the workplace. There is so many hidden figures that are vital to our organisations, and we must do more to acknowledge their contributions.” NFRS Area Manager Lisa Jackson, who is also chair of the NFRS Women’s Staff Network, shared her journey of 35 years in fire and rescue, and how she would have given up if not for the support of other women in the Fire Service. Lisa spoke of how she has learnt to just be herself after years of fighting to prove herself to be equal as her male colleagues, and how we need to continue having the audacity to just be who we are in our places of work. Lisa also echoed the importance of workplace policies that support women. She shared that when she was pregnant as a firefighter, she fought for meaningful training to accommodate her while she was off operational duties, which had not previously been in place, paving the way for other women who came after her. Highest ranking female police officer in Northamptonshire ACC Emma James was frank and honest about the journey she has been on to reach where she is today, including tales of misogyny and homophobia that could have set her back, but didn’t. Emma spoke of how she worked her way through the ranks, and the difficulties that came with being good at her job, fitting in, and just being herself. She shared how much she has grown in confidence over her 25 years of service, and that she has achieved a balance of being both brilliant at work and at home, a challenge many working women face. Olympic gymnastics coach Tracy Whittaker- Smith MBE, and Paralympian Maisie Summers-Newton MBE were also in attendance, who shared with the room their inspiring journeys and stories of how hard they have worked to achieve what they have. Both women spoke of the importance of the visibility of those who have inspired them, and how those people have shaped their journeys. OPFCC Danielle Stone wanted the event to take place so that women from across all three organisations could come together and celebrate each other. Danielle and Chief Fire Officer Nikki Watson could not attend in person due to a National Fire and Rescue meeting they both were at. Both leaders joined the event through a video link. They spoke about how we should be celebrating ourselves and all women every day, but especially on International Women’s Day. Danielle commented on how women are helping to reshape our organisations for the better by continuing to break barriers and leave it in a better place. The day ended with the three leaders, Northamptonshire Police Chief Constable Ivan Balhatchet, Chief Executive Officer for the OPFCC Jonny Bugg and Assistant Chief Officer and Head of Enabling Services for all three organisations Paul Bullen, giving their commitments of what they were all going to do to make the three organisations better for women.

March 13, 2025

Progress underway to deliver new SEND school in West Northamptonshire

13 March 2025 Considerable progress has been made on the construction of the new special education needs and disabilities (SEND) school in Tiffield, north of Towcester, which will benefit pupils aged 4 to 18 by providing a state-of-the-art facility designed to support their educational needs. With a total investment of £21.4 million, this project also enhances West Northamptonshire Council’s commitment to achieving carbon neutrality by 2030. West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) is working with Willmott Dixon through the Department for Education’s Construction Framework, to deliver this project which is set to be completed by summer 2025. The Council is also working closely with the Greenwood Academies Trust who will run the school from September. The school will have a number of specialist facilities, including dedicated teaching spaces, a soft playroom, a sensory room, a rebound therapy room, and expansive outdoor play areas. On the same site, the Council is working with The Gateway School and Creating Tomorrow Partnership to redesign old disused buildings to turn them into a new space with 55 extra places for children who need support with their social, emotional, and mental health needs. WNC is investing £5.5 million to turn these buildings into a unique special needs facility, working with Colam Construction and architects Sursham Tompkins. The new space, set to be ready by the end of May, will provide a modern learning environment with small outdoor teaching areas, as well as spaces for cooking, drama, IT, a gym, and nurturing support. “The development of this site is hugely exciting and important for us. Young people are referred to us because they have difficulties in coping socially and/or emotionally and/or have issues with their mental health. As a result, they can often be locked out of learning that other people can access. We know that if we give these young people the space, the right staff and the right content, they can be engaging, sociable and employable people who add a great deal to their communities. This new building gives us the necessary space and enables us to expand our curriculum to give them the content they need to achieve and thrive in school and beyond.” Conor Renihan, Head Teacher at The Gateway School Both developments have been possible through the Council’s work with local partners, including St John’s Tiffield Trustees who own the land. The trust has a commitment to ensure the land supports vulnerable children from West Northants and are actively involved in the new developments. “We are excited to see the progress being made at Tiffield School and the Gateway School. These facilities will provide invaluable support to our local children with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring they receive the quality education they deserve. We remain committed to creating inclusive environments that cater to every child’s needs, while also prioritising sustainability.” Cllr Fiona Baker, Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Education at West Northamptonshire Council If a family is interested in a place at Tiffield or Gateway schools for their child, this will be considered as part of their Education, Health, and Care Plan (EHCP) annual review or when a draft EHCP is issued. Key achievements to date at Tiffield Special School include the demolition of four derelict buildings and completion of the steel frame structure. As well roof works, windows, doors, and over 50% completion of the brickwork. Looking ahead, the next milestones will include the completion of brickwork to the external facade, completion of all classroom partition walls and doors installation of the rebound therapy room and adding green areas. Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

March 12, 2025

Improvement works set to begin to improve Queen Eleanor Interchange

12 March 2025 An indicative overview of the scheme Works are set to start on the long-awaited scheme to improve the Queen Eleanor Interchange in Northampton later this month. West Northamptonshire’s Highways partner Kier Transportation will be starting the works, that will reduce congestion in the area, week commencing 31 March. The Queen Eleanor interchange is a busy roundabout that joins the A45 trunk road with the A508 London Road, B526 Newport Pagnell Road and Hardingstone Lane. As traffic has increased over the years, the junction has struggled to keep up, and improvements are needed to make it more efficient. The Council has worked closely with National Highway to develop a scheme to improve the junction to benefit residents and motorists for now and the future. Temporary traffic management measures will be in place from the week of 31 March to ensure that carriageway widening, new traffic signs and signals, drainage works, and resurfacing can be carried out in a timely manner, with the scheme expected to be complete by the end of the year. There will be lane closures on the Queen Eleanor roundabout, as well as on the road heading into Wootton Hall Park, with a full closure on the dedicated left-hand turn. A one-way system will be in place to minimise the impacts and motorist are advised to follow the signage. Full roundabout closures will be necessary at times, these will occur at nighttime whilst it is less busy, and dates will be communicated prior to any closure across our channels. A full closure will be in place on the cul-de-sac on London Road. The Council is engaging with local residents and businesses that may be impacted by the scheme works, access will be maintained at all times to properties and for emergency services, and during full closures, diversion routes will be in place. “We are committed to improving road infrastructure to better serve people who live, work and visit West Northants. The Queen Eleanor Interchange is a busy junction that is no longer fit for purpose, and this scheme is crucial to reduce congestion and keep traffic moving. "We know that as works progress, there will be significant delays for motorist and inconvenience to those who live in the area. We appreciate the community’s patience and cooperation during this period of improvement.” Cllr Phil Larratt, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport at WNC “We look forward to starting these works, which will bring long-term road improvements to the region, enhancing connectivity and easing congestion for road users. We would like to thank motorists for their patience as we carry out these improvements and will do all we can to minimise disruption throughout the project.” Peter Ingram, contracts director at Kier Transportation To keep up to date as this scheme progresses, please visit: Major highways projects | West Northamptonshire Council Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

March 13, 2025

The bold new vision for West Northamptonshire moves forward

13 March 2025 Plans for a stronger, more connected, and more prosperous West Northamptonshire have taken a significant step forward as the One West Northamptonshire Plan progresses towards adoption. The plan is a single vision and a commitment to a single set of outcomes across our area, in tandem with partners. Together we will tackle shared challenges, deliver key priorities and drive real improvements across our area for the benefit of residents. Through this plan we are committed to creating a better future for everyone, ensuring that West Northamptonshire remains a great place to live, work, and visit and one that continues to grow and thrive by: Supporting communities – strengthening local services, improving health and well-being, and enhancing community connections. Creating more opportunities – fostering skills, employment, and business growth. Investing in infrastructure – improving roads, transport, housing, and public spaces. Protecting the environment – working towards a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable future. Following an extensive consultation process, the Plan was endorsed at this week’s Cabinet meeting and will go before Full Council for consideration next week. "The One West Northamptonshire Plan is a vision that commits this Council to working with our key partners in new and ambitious ways to shape the future of our area. I want to thank every individual, business, and organisation that contributed to this consultation. “Your voices have been invaluable in shaping this Plan, and your continued involvement will be key to making it a success. Together, we will harness the opportunities for growth, create a thriving economy, and improve prosperity for everyone who calls West Northamptonshire home." Councillor Adam Brown, Leader of West Northamptonshire Council The Council will continue to work hand-in-hand with all stakeholders to ensure this Plan delivers on its promises. For the latest updates on next steps and to learn how you can help shape West Northamptonshire’s future, please visit One West Northants Plan. Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

March 13, 2025

Fire service leader going extra mile to keep public safe wins special recognition award

A female leader from the Fire Service has won an award for taking strides to reduce harm and enhance public safety. Head of Prevention for Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service (NFRS), Lisa Bryan, has been celebrated with a West Northamptonshire Council Inspirational Woman award for always going the extra mile to engage at-risk youth, manage the Arson Task Force and Emergency Services Cadets. Lisa was shortlisted from a list of five candidates at a ceremony hosted at the Northampton Guildhall on Saturday March 8 to coincide with International Women’s Day. She said: “I’m so grateful to win this award as I feel it reflects how hard women in emergency services work. “I’m continually inspired and empowered by my female colleagues who work tirelessly to protect the public. “There is more work for us to do as a Fire Service, but our mission is to keep taking huge strides to improve our workforce diversity and inclusive culture.” The senior leader learned of her surprise nomination just last week after Chief Fire Officer Nikki Watson put her forward for the award, citing how hard she works to make her colleagues and team feel valued. Lisa launched her career with NFRS in 2001, joining as a supervisor in community safety. Now, having worked her way up to the Strategic Leadership Team 23 years later, she helps to oversee that fire prevention themes reach communities by leading her teams to deliver targeted information on fire, road, and water safety. [embedded content]

March 11, 2025

“Good” judgement for Northamptonshire Children’s Trust Adoption Agency

11 March 2025 “Outstanding leadership” and maintained overall judgement of “good”. Ofsted have published their report on the inspection of Northamptonshire Children’s Trust Voluntary Adoption Agency (NCT VAA). Inspectors visited NCT VAA 3rd-7th February and said: “The leadership and management of the agency is particularly strong and ambitious. Since the last inspection, managers have taken a proactive and imaginative stance in working with other agencies and professionals to enhance children’s lives. The NCT VAA is highly committed to this effective joint working. This results in well-planned and supported adoptions for children.” The Ofsted findings have been welcomed by North and West Northamptonshire Councils, which have been working closely with NCT on its journey to improve children’s services countywide. In their report, inspectors said: “Prospective adopters receive a warm and professional welcome. They say that they are given as much information as possible. This enables them to make an informed decision about whether adoption is right for them.” Prospective adopters told inspectors: “From the beginning we had ample information to proceed. Our social worker was very open and honest, and we have felt able to be very open and honest with them as a result.” Inspectors also saw that prospective adopters receive a good quality of initial training which builds confidence and knowledge and opportunities for early permanence, with the courses also being available to friends and family. Post-adoption support was found as a real strength of this service. It is consistently valued by all adoptive parents. Ofsted noted that: “Work completed by staff is child focused and details children’s wishes and feelings well.” Adoptive parents give consistent positive feedback about the impact of the service provided by the post-adoption team with adopters saying: “We have had brilliant support from post adoption. It’s been easy to access. It’s the best thing we’ve done. We have been so supported and we are so lucky.” Inspectors saw the careful consideration that is given to matching children with adoptive parents. They noted that: “Introductions are child-focused and well-paced. During the assessment process, adoptive parents’ other children are well considered. Overall, this helps children to develop positive relationships and experience long term stability.” Ofsted saw the growth in the effective leadership and management of NCT VAA and saw the management team as inspirational and the leadership as particularly strong and ambitious and rated this as “outstanding.” A social worker in the adoption team shared with inspectors: “I can honestly say that in the last three years I have seen the most improvement overall in the development of the service and in its culture. We feel supported, understood and appreciated. I am proud to be a part of this Voluntary Adoption Agency.” “It is very pleasing that Ofsted judge our voluntary adoption agency as ‘good’ with ‘outstanding leadership and management.’ This is a testament to the continued hard work and dedication of the service and shows the continued journey of improvement that we are on. “Ensuring children and young people have support, stability and the love and care they deserve is at the heart of what we do, and it is good that this has been recognised by Ofsted. We would encourage anyone who has been considering adoption to get in touch with us. Our expert, friendly team will guide you through every step of the process.” Julian Wooster, Chair of Northamptonshire Children’s Trust "I am assured by the news that Ofsted has recognised the great work of the NCT VAA and the positive impact they are making. There are few things more important than the lives of vulnerable children. "It is pleasing that Ofsted recognise the outstanding leadership and management within the adoption service and that they can see that are adoptions are well planned giving children permanent loving homes and adopters getting the support and guidance throughout the process. “I acknowledge the hard work and dedication of the team and thank the adopters and children who spoke to inspectors so openly and honestly.” Charisee Monero, North Northamptonshire Council's Director of Children’s Services “This is positive news for our children, our adopters and colleagues who work hard to improve outcomes and help give our children to have the best start in life. “I am pleased that Ofsted recognise the child-focused approach that the team take as well as the strengthened partnership working which all impacts on well matched adoptions and achieving early permanence for children. “I would like to share my thanks to colleagues who are dedicated and committed and will continue to support this improvement journey.” Cllr Fiona Baker, Cabinet Member for Childrens, Families, Education and Skills at WNC The full report can be read here: Northamptonshire Children's Trust Adoption Agency - Open - Find an Inspection Report - Ofsted Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

March 12, 2025

Smokers in West Northamptonshire urged to quit this national No Smoking Day

12 March 2025 West Northamptonshire residents are being encouraged to give quitting a go to mark national No Smoking Day on Wednesday, 12 March. This year's awareness day focuses on the steps people can take to take their life back. According to recent data, 95% of ex-smokers experience positive changes within just two weeks of quitting, including increased energy (45%), feeling healthier (42%), and improved breathing (42%). Additionally, quitting smoking can save individuals approximately £38 per week, or around £2,000 per year. In West Northamptonshire, around 11% of adults smoke, having a significant impact on their physical and brain health, as well as their wealth. West Northamptonshire Council’s Stop Smoking Service offers a free 12-week course to help people quit smoking. The service provides both phone and face-to-face appointments, a free e-cigarette starter kit, and a 12-week supply of e-liquid or nicotine replacement therapy. One participant from West Northamptonshire reached out to the service for support. The service was able to provide free tailored guidance to help them quit for good. They said: "I found the programme extremely useful in helping me to stop smoking. Charlotte was very knowledgeable, thorough, supportive, and shared a wealth of experience. She was very punctual in attending the calls and also extremely reliable in shipping nicotine replacement products to me. Overall, the programme has had a massive influence on me quitting smoking." “Quitting smoking is the best thing you can do to improve your physical and brain health, as well as your wealth. By taking the first step of quitting for one day, you will see your oxygen level return to normal. After 48 hours of smoking your last cigarette, your body will have flushed out all the carbon monoxide, your lungs will start to clear out mucus, and your senses of taste and smell will improve. After two to 12 weeks, your blood will be pumping through to your heart and muscles much better because your circulation will have significantly improved. “It is never too late to quit. To get in touch with the Council’s Stop Smoking Service , please visit our Stop Smoking Service page or call 0300 126 5700 (option 1) – people can contact the service directly without a referral from a health professional.” Cllr Matt Golby, Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Adult Care, Public Health and Regulatory Services Click here to find out more about the benefits of quitting smoking and how to access free local support. Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

March 11, 2025

Landmark Greyfriars regeneration continues to make progress

11 March 2025 The long-awaited regeneration of Greyfriars in Northampton town centre continues to make progress as West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) and ECF – the partnership between Homes England, Legal & General, and Muse – collaborate to refine an approach. A Council decision, made on 4 March, means senior WNC officers will be able to work together with ECF to negotiate a Development Agreement, once a final plan and strategy has been agreed. A future Development Agreement could then unlock the potential of one of the region’s most significant brownfield opportunities and over 25 acres of Northampton town centre, setting the stage for a generational transformation. The visionary Greyfriars project will reimagine the heart of Northampton into a vibrant, mixed-use neighbourhood. The development will deliver over 1,000 new homes alongside commercial, community, cultural, and leisure spaces alongside enhanced public spaces, new parks and green areas, which will create thousands of jobs and generate an estimated £500 million in economic benefits for the local area. “By collaborating with ECF to transform Greyfriars, we will inject new energy into our town centre, providing much-needed new business spaces, vibrant community facilities and new homes. This project embodies our commitment to building a more sustainable, connected, and prosperous West Northamptonshire— a lasting legacy for generations to come.” Cllr Dan Lister, Cabinet Member for Local Economy, Culture and Leisure at WNC Spanning key sites including the former Greyfriars Bus Station, the project will integrate high quality design with sustainable infrastructure and enhanced pedestrian and public transport links. ECF, brings an exceptional track record from high-profile projects such as Salford Central and Plymouth’s Docks. Their expertise will be instrumental in turning Greyfriars into a model of modern urban regeneration. “ECF has worked closely with West Northamptonshire Council to investigate the delivery of Greyfriars. There is an impressive vision and strategy for the regeneration of the town centre. It’s clear our developing partnership can have a real and lasting impact. “As we continue to refine our approach, we’re pleased the Council is making pro-active plans to prepare for us entering into the Development Agreement to enable to move the scheme forward. “We will collaborate with WNC at pace to finalise a strategy which will re-energise Greyfriars, attract investment, and deliver the homes, retail, workplaces, and public space the town centre deserves.” Maggie Grogan, Managing Director – Midlands at ECF Following cabinet approval on Tuesday, 4 March, detailed negotiations and design work will continue, with enabling works set to start in 2027 and construction due to commence in 2028. As WNC leads the charge in reshaping Northampton’s urban landscape, Greyfriars is set to become a transformative symbol of community spirit and visionary partnership. For further details, please visit www.wearenorthampton.com . Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

March 10, 2025

Subscriptions now open for the 2025/26 West Northants garden waste service

10 March 2025 Residents across West Northamptonshire can now sign up for optional, chargeable garden waste collections to start from 1 April. The annual subscription charge for the fortnightly service from April 2025 to the end of March 2026 is £60 per bin and can be done online: www.westnorthants.gov.uk/gardenwaste . Residents can also sign up for an annual direct debit to save having to remember to renew every year. Once households are signed up to the service, they will receive their new 2025/26 garden waste permit which they will be asked to stick on their garden waste bin. Any bins that have not subscribed will not be emptied after 1 April. People can also recycle garden waste for free at any of West Northamptonshire Council's household waste recycling centres that will be open 7 days a week from 10am to 4pm from April. A comprehensive list of FAQs are also available on the Council's website at www.westnorthants.gov.uk/bins-recycling-and-street-cleaning/garden-waste-collection-faqs “Subscriptions to the 2025/26 garden waste service are now open and residents can either make a one-off payment or sign up via direct debit on our website or over the phone, saving them time and without having to remember to renew each year. “By making this an optional service, only those who wish to receive garden waste collections have to pay for it, making it as fair for residents as possible.” Cllr Rebecca Breese, WNC’s Cabinet Member for Environment, Recycling and Waste More information can be found on our garden waste subscriptions page. Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

March 10, 2025

Residents invited to vote for Northamptonshire’s 100th object in unique exhibition

10 March 2025 West Northamptonshire residents are being invited to vote for the 100th object to be included in the History of Northamptonshire in 100 Objects exhibition, which comes to Northampton Museum and Art Gallery this September. The exhibition will be the culmination of West Northamptonshire Council’s (WNC) three-year Arts Council England-funded Histories of Northamptonshire project , which has worked closely with individuals, groups, and communities across the county to celebrate and share Northamptonshire’s rich and diverse heritage. Covering an extensive period - from the earliest forms of life on Earth to the present day - the exhibition will showcase 100 objects that tell the story of Northamptonshire’s past. While 99 objects have been selected by guest curators and museum experts, the final object will be chosen by the public, ensuring that the exhibition reflects what local people feel best represents Northamptonshire’s more recent history. After an open call for nominations earlier this year, a shortlist of five objects has been selected for the public vote: Northampton Town Football Club League 2 Play-Off Trophy (2020) – A unique piece of sporting history, won behind closed doors due to COVID-19, symbolising resilience on and off the field. Diwali Festival Lantern – Representing Northampton’s Diwali Festival, which has grown from humble beginnings into a major celebration of light and unity. Dr. Martens Vegan Boot – A modern evolution of the iconic Northamptonshire-made footwear, blending tradition with innovation and sustainability. Binty Chick Graffiti – Bright and quirky graffiti artworks by the anonymous street artist “Binty Bint,” which have become a recognisable symbol of the county. Corby Processions Banner – Created for the national PROCESSIONS project in 2018, this banner celebrates 100 years of women’s suffrage and Corby’s activist heritage. "This exhibition is a fantastic way to celebrate Northamptonshire’s incredible history, and we want the community to have a say in how their recent past is represented. “Each of the shortlisted objects reflects a different aspect of our county’s evolving identity, from activism and creativity to sport and industry. I encourage everyone to cast their vote and help shape this unique exhibition." Cllr Daniel Lister, Cabinet Member for Local Economy, Culture, and Leisure Voting is now open and will run until Monday, 31 March 2025. cast your vote via Survey Monkey . Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

March 10, 2025

Council Chairman shares her March update

10 March 2025 In this update, I wanted to highlight some of the events I’ve recently attended in towards building a better future for our communities. During the February half term, I was thrilled to get up close with the Women's Rugby World Cup trophy , which was on display at the Grosvenor Centre in the run-up to the big event later this year, which will see a number of matches played at Franklin's Gardens. This was a great chance to whet the public's appetite ahead of the tournament, and it was wonderful to meet so many people who are excited about the opportunities it brings us here in West Northants. On 27 February I attended the groundbreaking ceremony for the new mortuary in Booth Meadow , sited next to the Riverside Retail Park and Billing Aquadrome. Scheduled to open in autumn this year, it will deliver a high standard of care and compassion when people are going through one of the most challenging times in their lives. On Saturday 8 March it was wonderful to join our local community to celebrate International Women’s Day with a mix of live music and dance, yoga and exercise workshops. It was an honour to present the 13th Annual Inspirational Women Awards and meet some truly inspirational women. Thank you to everyone who shares the vision, cares about women's equality, and takes action to make the world a better place for women everywhere. The following day the mood was a little more sombre as I took part in the national Covid 19 Day of Reflection . I reflected, with my colleagues at work, the community resilience shown across West Northamptonshire and beyond during the acute phases of the Covid pandemic. On Monday 10 March I was joined by the Lord Lieutenant for the flag raising event for Commonwealth Day at the Guildhall . This year's theme, to celebrate the 56 member nations, is 'Together We Thrive’ and I’d like to highlight the wealth of events being held around the country which celebrate the diversity and unity of the Commonwealth. Chairman of the Council with her March 2025 update I also wanted to mention that nominations are open for the Rose of Northamptonshire Awards . These awards are a way of shining a spotlight on some of the wonderful charities, individuals and voluntary groups that Northamptonshire Community Foundation have funded across the county. Don’t delay, as nominations will close 22 April 2025. Please visit the Northamptonshire Community Foundation website for further details. As we move forward, I encourage us all to keep in mind the diverse needs and perspectives of our community. Through understanding and inclusivity, we can ensure that West Northants is a great place to work, visit and THRIVE. Thank you for taking the time to read my January update. Please remember you can find out more about the Chairman's role, my chosen charities for this year, and information about how to invite me to your function or event on the Chairman's page Cllr Jo Gilford Chairman of the Council Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

March 10, 2025

Works progressing on Sandy Lane Relief Road to improve connectivity

10 March 2025 The much-anticipated completion of a new road that will ease congestion and improve connectivity for residents is nearing its final stages. Works, carried out by West Northamptonshire Council’s Highways Partner Kier Transportation, to finish the southern section of the Sandy Lane Relief Road to the A4500 junction started in February following collaboration with Homes England. This follows the northern part of the road opening to motorists in the summer of last year and forms part of the Council’s wider investment into road infrastructure across the area. Lane closures are in place on the A4500 between Sandy Lane roundabout and Upton Valley Way North until Friday, 4 April, so that this crucial project can be completed to bring benefits to residents for years to come. We understand that this may cause some temporary delays to motorists and would like to thank people for their patience over the coming weeks. “It was great to visit the Sandy Lane Relief Road site last week to see how well work is progressing on this vital project to provide better connectivity to local communities and provide relief to places such as Harpole and Duston. We are on track to open the entire route to motorists later this Spring, much earlier than originally planned. We know that the current lane closures on the A4500 will cause some delays and appreciate people’s patience whilst the works are completed. I'd also like to thank Homes England for their collaboration in bringing forward the delivery of the road.” Cllr Adam Brown, Leader of the Council “Works are progressing well with the Sandy Lane Relief Road, we have worked collaboratively with West Northamptonshire Council throughout to ensure customers are at the heart of delivery. We are pleased to work on projects that will support our communities, and we look forward to the road opening later this spring.” Edith Shah, general manager at Kier Transportation Residents can keep up to date with highways projects in West Northants on the Council's website. Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

March 09, 2025

Northamptonshire’s first female on-call firefighter looks back at legacy

On International Women’s Day (March 8) we wanted to share Cyndy Phillips’ story with you all. Cyndy – or Cyd as she was known in the Service – was one of the first women in the country to be a retained firefighter in the modern Fire Service when she signed up to be on-call at her home village station of Irthlingborough in 1981. In 1984, she became wholetime in Corby at a time when there were barely any women firefighters. From there, she became the first British woman wholetime firefighter to attend and complete a course at the Fire Service College in 1989. She continued to work at NFRS, passing her exams and being promoted to a Sub-Officer (now known as Watch Manager). She was then awarded an MBE in the 2000 New Year’s Honours list for services to the British Fire Service. She retired in 2002 after 20 dedicated years of service and continues to live locally in retirement. Cyndy stays in touch with some friends from her time in the Service, including our current Equipment Manager Claire Aldersey – who along with Cyndy became a trailblazer for frontline female firefighters here in Northamptonshire. Reflecting on her experience, Cyndy said: “My legacy is one of having made a difference. I was visible, a role model, an educator – promoting understanding of the role of women in the Fire Service, and an example to others that women were capable of not only being a successful firefighter but also able to progress through the ranks and become a manager and a leader. “One of the most emotional moments recently was that a neighbour had a fire and several fire appliances turned up and it was noticeable that quite a few women got off the pump and were accepted as a normal part of the team. I wept with pride and joy at how times and the Service has changed and that I played a part in making that happen.” Cyndy did not just have an impact locally, as she was part of the first group of women who set up the Women in the Fire Service (WFS) organisation, and even served as Chair. She worked tirelessly to establish the network and bring women’s issues to the forefront of the Fire Service. It is important for any public organisation to reflect the community it serves. On International Women’s Day 2025 we pay tribute to the work done by people such as Cyndy to start that journey, as well as our current women firefighters and fire staff that continue to drive it forward. [embedded content]

March 09, 2025

Celebrating International Women’s Day 2025

As we mark this year’s International Women’s Day (March 8), join us as we reflect on the journey of women in the fire service. [embedded content] In celebration of this year’s International Women’s Day, we reflect on the journey of the women in our organisation and across all the emergency services, and showcase the drive, commitment and talent they bring to the fire service each and every day. We would like to take this opportunity to thank all the women in Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service for the vital contribution they make to protecting communities across Northamptonshire. We have seen progression as women strive for gender parity, however, we understand there are still opportunities to improve further. It is important we continue to raise awareness and talk about the issues and challenges, to ensure an equitable and inclusive culture for all.

March 06, 2025

Efforts to reduce the impact of climate change progress

06 March 2025 Plans to tackle climate change locally progress as West Northamptonshire Council’s Climate Change Strategy is set to be published. The strategy, which was approved at the Council’s Cabinet on 4 March, has been shaped with the help of local residents, businesses and key stakeholders. It outlines the Council’s approach to reducing locally produced greenhouse gases, improving air quality and placing people at the heart of the response. As well as aiming to achieve net zero across the area by 2045, key challenges that are addressed within the strategy include energy, waste, buildings, transport, nature and the economy. With the help of partners and the community the Council is aiming to: Improve air quality across the area Improve the energy efficiency of homes Support the development of accessible and affordable public transport Develop active travel routes Support decarbonisation of businesses to reduce emissions Encourage the development of high-quality sustainable employment Increase accessibility and use of parks and green spaces Ensure access to the benefits of action on climate change Raise awareness and engage local residents and businesses on the climate emergency Support local food production. “Reducing the impact of the climate emergency is a key priority for the Council and everyone has a role to play. This strategy is a significant step forward for West Northamptonshire and we need the support of residents and businesses to achieve our goal of becoming net zero by 2045. “We’ve outlined our plans to help address the challenges we face and I’d like to thank everyone who fed back within the consultation and pre-engagement exercise at the end of last year to help us shape this vital document.” Cllr Rebecca Breese, WNC’s Cabinet Member for Environment, Recycling and Waste The strategy will be published on the Council’s website shortly. To accompany the strategy an action plan will be created to outline the next steps and progress. Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

March 07, 2025

Funding secured to boost electrical vehicle infrastructure across West Northants

07 March 2025 Plans to improve infrastructure to charge electric vehicles in West Northamptonshire take a step forward as a bid for funding from the government’s Local Electrical Vehicle Infrastructure Capital Fund (LEVI) has been successful. The funding of just over £2.8 million follows adoption of the West Northamptonshire Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Strategy 2024-2030 in November last year, which was shaped with the help of residents, businesses, and other stakeholders. This ambitious plan aims to support people to use electric vehicles (EVs) by rolling out charging infrastructure across the area and ensure that charging networks are reliable, affordable, accessible and well maintained. The strategy aligns with our commitment to sustainability whilst helping people without their own drives benefit from the lower costs of running electric cars. The LEVI funding will attract charge point operators, and West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) has begun procuring a private partner to support the strategy's implementation. This partnership will ensure the installation of at least 1,450 EV chargers in areas without off-street parking across West Northants, benefiting residents in the transition to electric vehicles. "We are committed to embracing greener transport in West Northants and reducing our carbon footprint, whilst letting everyone benefit from the newer technologies. This funding will enable us to progress with plans to provide the necessary infrastructure to support our residents in making the switch to electric vehicles." Councillor Rebecca Breese, WNC’s Cabinet Member for Environment, Recycling and Waste "It’s fantastic to see West Northamptonshire Council confirm it will deliver more than 1,400 on-street chargers across the region thanks to our nearly £3m boost. “We’re seeing great growth in the local chargepoint network and this funding will keep the momentum going in West Northamptonshire, as we help drivers switch to EVs, supporting jobs, making the UK a clean energy superpower and delivering our Plan for Change.” Future of Roads Minister Lilian Greenwood To view the West Northamptonshire Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Strategy please visit our Estates webpage. Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

March 05, 2025

Payment policy for adult social care to be rolled out in West Northamptonshire

05 March 2025 West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) is set to implement a new Direct Payments Policy for Adult Social Care on 1 April 2025, following Cabinet approval. This policy, shaped by extensive public consultation, aims to enhance transparency, consistency, and flexibility in the administration of direct payments, providing residents with greater control over their care and support. The Council has listened to the valuable feedback from the community, leading to several key enhancements in the new policy. Residents with eligible care and support needs will be able to utilise Direct Payments to cover transport expenses, facilitating easier access to essential services, medical appointments, and social engagements. This change promotes greater independence and community involvement. Additionally, the policy introduces clearer information and support mechanisms, assisting residents and their families in understanding and managing Direct Payments effectively. This includes guidance on employing personal assistants, managing care services, and maintaining necessary records. Adjustments in the management of carers' Direct Payments ensure alignment with WNC's Carers Strategy, providing tailored support that acknowledges the vital role of carers in the community. The policy also establishes standardised procedures across West Northamptonshire, reducing administrative complexities and ensuring a fair approach to Direct Payments for all residents. The new Direct Payments Policy will be effective from 1 April 2025. Detailed information regarding the roll out of this will be shared in the upcoming weeks. Keep up to date on our adult social care pages here. This policy underscores WNC's commitment to fostering a supportive environment where residents have the resources and flexibility to manage their care in a manner that best suits their individual needs. Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

March 05, 2025

Employment, investment and innovation set to grow in West Northants following launch of new Economic Growth strategy

05 March 2025 West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) has set an ambitious strategy to grow the local economy inclusively and sustainably with a focus on increasing productivity and skills. Businesses in West Northamptonshire will gain greater support to access funding, support networks, and innovation hubs - helping them expand, improve productivity, and create new employment opportunities, following the adoption of the new Economic Growth strategy. The strategy, which was launched in draft form at the West Northants Economic Growth Summit at Silverstone Museum last week (24 February), sets out an ambitious vision to drive business growth, job creation, and investment while ensuring West Northamptonshire remains a great place to live, work, visit, and do business. It focuses on twelve key priorities to deliver long-term economic success, with business growth and innovation being central to the plan as well as supporting local businesses to scale up; promoting entrepreneurship; and attracting inward investment. The strategy establishes a proactive focus on driving innovative technologies and attracting inward investment from sectors including Advanced Manufacturing, Life Sciences, Clean Energy, Advanced Logistics, Motorsport and Creative and Digital. There is also a recognition of the importance of the Foundation and Experience economies to maintain a high quality of life, including enhancing healthcare, local high streets and growing existing sector strengths. "The Economic Growth strategy reflects our commitment to building a dynamic and resilient local economy that benefits everyone. Through this plan, local businesses will gain greater access to funding and residents will directly benefit from economic growth, whether through increased job opportunities, access to training and upskilling programmes, or improved career pathways. “The proactive focus on inward investment and sectors which will increase productivity and skill levels will be essential to realising West Northamptonshire’s potential. We want to increase life chances, improve pride in place and showcase West Northants as a must-invest destination. Our focus on regenerating town centres will enhance the local experience, making these areas more attractive for visitors while encouraging local spending and supporting independent businesses. “Meanwhile, infrastructure improvements, including better transport and digital connectivity, will not only support business growth but also make it easier for residents to access work, education, and essential services. By embedding sustainability at the heart of our approach, we are also promoting green jobs and industries, creating a cleaner and healthier environment for future generations." Cllr Daniel Lister, Cabinet Member for Local Economy, Culture, and Leisure at WNC Skills, employment, and inclusion are prioritised in the strategy as well as working closely with education providers and businesses to develop a highly skilled workforce through apprenticeships, training programmes, and career development initiatives that match employer needs. Plans to invest in infrastructure and connectivity to improve transport links, digital connectivity, and commercial spaces, making it easier for businesses to operate and for residents to access job opportunities, are also outlined in the strategy. Additionally, the strategy commits to town centre and place-based regeneration, revitalising urban areas to make them more attractive for businesses, residents, and visitors with an enhanced retail, leisure, and cultural offering to boost footfall and strengthen local economies. Developed in collaboration with businesses, education providers, and key stakeholders, the strategy – which was given the go ahead by councillors at yesterday’s (March 4) Cabinet meeting - ensures that local needs and aspirations are at the heart of West Northamptonshire’s economic growth plans. A new brand and website and LinkedIn has also been created to drive inward investment to the area and encourage new businesses and enterprise sectors to locate to West Northamptonshire. The Council will also feature at this year’s UK Real Estate Investment & Infrastructure Forum (UKREiiF) to showcase West Northamptonshire as a must visit destination for global businesses. View the strategy on the West Northamptonshire Council website . Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

March 05, 2025

Council reinforces commitment to tackling anti-social behaviour and tenancy fraud

05 March 2025 West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) has approved a new policy strengthening its commitment to tackling anti-social tenants and preventing tenancy fraud. The policy also promotes lease sustainment and supporting tenants to maintain their homes to avoid unnecessary evictions. The Tenancy Policy, which replaces the previous policy from Northampton Borough Council, aligns with national regulatory standards and supports the council’s broader housing strategies including the Tenancy Strategy, Housing Strategy, and Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy. Developed in partnership with Northamptonshire Partnership Homes (NPH), which manages WNC’s housing stock, the policy ensures greater tenancy security, improved sustainment, and effective management of council homes. It sets out clear guidelines on the types of tenancies offered, arrangements for fixed-term tenancies, and WNC’s approach to tackling tenancy fraud and unlawful subletting. Following a five-week public consultation, the policy has been updated to reflect key changes, including: The use of introductory tenancies for all new tenants, ensuring they successfully integrate into their homes and communities before being granted a secure tenancy. Reintroducing flexible fixed-term tenancies, which will only be used in exceptional circumstances such as for residents with limited leave to remain in the UK. Stronger provisions to tackle tenancy fraud, ensuring social housing is allocated fairly and to those most in need. "Our new Tenancy Policy is an essential step forward in ensuring that West Northamptonshire’s social housing is well-managed, secure, and accessible to those who need it most. “Working with Northamptonshire Partnership Homes, we hope to prevent unnecessary evictions and make the best use of our housing stock. We remain committed to providing fair and transparent housing services that meet the needs of our residents while ensuring social housing is protected for those in genuine need.” Cllr Rosie Herring, Cabinet Member for Housing The policy also supports WNC’s compliance with new consumer standards for social housing, introduced by the Regulator of Social Housing in April 2024, which require councils to clearly outline their approach to tenancy management. View the full policy on the West Northamptonshire Council website . Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

March 05, 2025

Construction underway to deliver new heritage park in Northampton

05 March 2025 Jeakins Weir has commenced work on the highly anticipated Marefair Heritage Park. The team is currently on-site, setting up the construction compound and carrying out ground preparation works. Since entering the site in February, the team has been preparing the space ready to bring forward the new heritage park. This ambitious project will create a vibrant new green space, fostering connections between Northampton town centre and the train station, while driving footfall to the heart of the town. The Marefair Heritage Park complements the wider transformation of Northampton Town Centre, enhancing the entrance into the town from both rail and car, with work scheduled for completion by late summer 2025. All utility services to the former Chalk Lane car park have been disconnected, the wooden knights and crest have been temporarily relocated, and Heras fencing has been erected to secure the area. Looking ahead, the team will install edge protection to the retaining wall on St Andrews Road, implement root protection for the existing trees and commence excavation work for the heritage timeline poles under the archaeology watching brief. The new park will feature a range of amenities, including green spaces for recreation and relaxation, a castle-themed play area, a community garden, and a heritage timeline. It will also include a walking trail and improved lighting, ensuring better connections to surrounding historic landmarks and enhancing the area’s overall appeal. The walking trail follows part of the footprint of the original Northampton Castle, whilst the play area will feature cherry trees that echo the orchard formerly within the castle walls. “The Marefair Heritage Park is a key project in our broader vision for the transformation of Northampton. This exciting new green space will celebrate our town’s rich history while enhancing its future. By improving connections between the train station and the town centre, we’re creating a more welcoming gateway that will drive footfall and economic growth. Alongside developments like Four Waterside, Marefair Heritage Park will play an important role in making Northampton a vibrant destination for residents, businesses, and visitors.” Cllr Dan Lister, Cabinet Member for Local Economy, Culture, and Leisure at WNC “We are very pleased to have started on site on this transformative community project that will not only enhance Northampton’s green spaces but also strengthen its historic identity. Marefair Heritage Park is a fantastic example of what can be achieved through collaboration on the SCAPE Regional Construction framework with WNC, and we look forward to delivering a space that will benefit the local community for generations to come.” Alistair Weir, Managing Director at Jeakins Weir “The rich heritage of the local area is celebrated in our designs for this new park, which will provide much-needed green space for the community as part of wider regeneration plans for the town. There will be plenty of ways to connect with nature, including a community garden, a children’s play area, as well as a walking trail featuring a heritage timeline.” Martin Jones, landscape architect director at BDP The project is being delivered in collaboration with local Northamptonshire-based contractor Jeakins Weir and landscape architects from multidisciplinary design practice, BDP. Funded through £1.6 million from the Towns Fund, further funding from Section 106 contributions and West Northamptonshire Council, this project reflects the council’s commitment to revitalising the local area for the benefit of residents, businesses, and visitors alike. Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

March 06, 2025

Cityheart and West Northamptonshire Council commit to development agreement for £130+ million regeneration project

06 March 2025 West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) and regeneration specialist Cityheart have committed to a development agreement for the transformation of Northampton’s Four Waterside and Marefair sites. The agreement will be formalised in the coming weeks. Cityheart will be working in partnership with WNC to deliver the scheme, which is located off St Peter’s Way adjacent to the Railway Station. The project will deliver an ambitious mixed-use scheme for the town centre, bringing forward a complex brownfield site that has been vacant for over a decade. It will include grade A office space for new and existing businesses, a new hotel, high-quality homes including an extra care facility, as well as improved areas of public realm including paving and seating, and open green space. Since being selected as development partner in 2023, extensive archaeological and site investigation surveys have been carried out across both locations. Cityheart and WNC will now prepare a planning application for the remediation works which will prepare the sites ahead of construction. This remediation work is expected to begin in autumn 2025 and will include ground preparation work which will determine the design of the foundations for the site redevelopment. The formal signing of the development agreement in the coming weeks will enable Cityheart to commence preparation of a planning application for the overall scheme, separate to the remediation works planning application. As part of the next steps, public engagement activity on the development proposals will take place in summer 2025, ahead of the planning application being submitted in autumn 2025. “We are delighted that our partnership with Cityheart will enable us 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 once complete, this development will enhance the wider transformation of Northampton town centre, benefiting residents and businesses from across the area. “It’s an exciting time for one of the key gateways into Northampton having recently entered into an agreement with John Lobb, Hermes, for the redevelopment of the Horizon House site and with the development of the Marefair Heritage Park site which is underway.” Cllr Daniel Lister, cabinet member for local economy, culture and leisure “We are incredibly proud to be developing this important scheme with West Northamptonshire Council. Our vision is to deliver waterside homes, commercial and leisure facilities as well as highly sustainable workspaces in a site which will open up the town centre from the rail station.” Andrew Sanderson, development director, Cityheart The Four Waterside and Marefair scheme is one of the largest brownfield developments in the county with two sites totaling five acres at the entrance of the town from Northampton’s railway station. The appointment was via the Pagabo National Framework Agreement for Developer Led schemes (Region: East Midlands Lot 3c [£40m+] = Mixed Use). The project is supported by a £1.5 million grant from The Towns Fund and a further £7 million from the Northampton Waterside Enterprise Zone. WNC has secured £24.9 million to invest into transforming Northampton’s Town Centre, with several projects already underway. Turley are acting as planning consultants for the project. To find out more about the regeneration of Northampton and projects taking place across the town, visit www.wearenorthampton.com Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

March 05, 2025

A new Integrated Alcohol and Drug Service to be rolled out across West Northamptonshire

05 March 2025 A new Integrated Alcohol and Drug Service, which aims to support adults, children, young people, and families across the region has been given the green light by West Northamptonshire Council’s cabinet. The service is expected to commence on 1 April 2026. As part of the roll-out of the new service, West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) will seek to enhance its existing work with partners across the area to give people freedom from dependence on alcohol and drugs where possible. As well as aid the prevention of drug-related deaths and infections leading to improved mental and physical wellbeing, and reduced alcohol and drug-related hospital admissions. By working collaboratively local services will seek to reduce harm to children and young people from misusing parents/carers, enhance life chances for children and young people and provide increased safeguarding for vulnerable individuals. In addition to this it is anticipated to reduce crime and reoffending rates linked to drugs and alcohol, sustained education, training, and employment opportunities, as well as access to and maintenance of suitable accommodation. "This new integrated service is a vital step towards addressing the significant challenges posed by alcohol and drug use in our community. By enhancing our support systems and focusing on early intervention, we aim to improve the health and wellbeing of our residents, reduce crime, and provide better life chances for all. "Recent feedback from people, particularly through the consultation on our One West Northamptonshire Plan, shows that by working together we can reduce health inequalities and improve everyone's wellbeing. This will help address some of the biggest problems in our community related to drugs and alcohol. “We are committed to working closely with our partners to ensure that these services are accessible, effective, and responsive to the needs of our community." Cllr Matt Golby, Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Adult Care, Public Health and Regulatory Services WNC has a legal responsibility to reduce health inequalities and enhance the health and wellbeing of its residents. This includes commissioning services for the treatment and prevention of alcohol and drug use. Alcohol and drug use remains a critical issue, with alcohol-related deaths tripling and drug-related deaths doubling in West Northamptonshire since 2015. The negative effects of alcohol and drug use extend beyond health, impacting crime, safety, and the economy. The new service aligns with the Council’s strategic priorities, including the emerging Corporate Approach to Prevention & Early Intervention. The service will work more closely with local authorities and partners, sharing spaces at Community Hubs and Family Hubs when possible. It will build on current good practices and focus on community recovery and development. The service will also collaborate with other agencies to help people with complex needs, such as homelessness, domestic abuse, or mental health issues. As part of the next steps, WNC will enter a competitive tender process for the provision of these services for an initial period of five years, with an option to extend for up to an additional five years, making the maximum contract length ten years. West Northamptonshire Council is committed to improving public health outcomes and providing value for money to its residents. The new Integrated Alcohol and Drug Service is a fundamental step towards achieving these goals and enhancing the overall health and wellbeing of the community. Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

March 06, 2025

The future treescape of West Northants marked with tree planting event

06 March 2025 New initiatives will be rolled out across West Northants to plant trees, increase biodiversity and support the growth of wildlife and insects following the area’s new Tree and Woods Strategy being published. The strategy sets out the vision for the future treescape of West Northamptonshire and has been shaped with the help of residents, businesses and other key stakeholders. A launch event took place on Tuesday, 4 March with the local community, local school, Cabinet Member and officers of West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) in attendance. Those attending the event in Wootton took part in tree planting to mark the occasion with the trees being funded by the Resilience and Innovation Northants (RAIN) project – a holistic initiative that involves working with local communities in the Wootton Brook area of Northampton to develop flood resilience within the community and in individual properties. The RAIN project is funded by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) as part of the £200 million Flood and Coastal Innovation Programmes which is managed by the Environment Agency. The programmes will drive innovation in flood and coastal resilience and adaption to a changing climate. WNC recognises that well planted and enhanced tree and woodland cover can deliver vital environmental, social and economic benefits and the strategy outlines how it will manage, protect and expand tree cover for the next twenty years. “Tree planting aids biodiversity so it is great news that we’ve been able to plant these trees in Wootton with the help of the important RAIN project, and that a further 700 trees were planted recently in Parklands open space. “This strategy will set out how the future treescape of West Northamptonshire will look, as well as how we will collaborate with partners and the wider community to ensure that that we will manage, protect and enhance our environment.” Cllr Rebecca Breese, WNC’s Cabinet Member for Environment, Recycling and Waste The trees in Parklands were planted thanks to WNC receiving just over £37,000 from DEFRA’s Coronation Living Heritage Fund for the purchase and maintenance of the trees. The project aims to create a mini forest and was done by the local community group, Parklands Primary School, Nationwide Building Society and and Idverde with the aid of the Council’s Park Rangers. An action plan for the Tree and Wood Strategy will be published shortly and reviewed every five years. To find out more and view the strategy please visit our tree and woods strategy page Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

March 04, 2025

West Northamptonshire to honour 80th Anniversary of VE Day with special events

04 March 2025 Communities across West Northamptonshire will come together to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day, marking the end of World War II in Europe on 8 May 1945. This significant milestone provides an opportunity to reflect on the bravery and sacrifice of those who fought for freedom, as well as the resilience of communities during the war. West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) will be flying the official VE Day flag at its offices in Daventry and Towcester, while a short flag-raising ceremony will take place at 9am on Thursday 8 May outside the Guildhall in Northampton, where the public is invited to attend. Additionally, One Angel Square and Northampton Market Square will be illuminated as part of the national Beacon Lighting Ceremony at 9.30pm. A range of community events will take place across West Northants including beacon lightings, exhibitions, talks, performances, and themed activities at local libraries. View more details on the VE Day events webpage . Other key Armed Forces dates will also be recognised this year including Armed Forces Day on Saturday 28 June, VJ Day on Friday 15 August, and Remembrance Day on Sunday 9 Nov. "VE Day remains a powerful reminder of the resilience, courage, and unity shown by communities during one of the most challenging times in history. It is important that we continue to honour and remember the sacrifices made for the peace we enjoy today. “Through these events, we hope people of all generations can come together to celebrate and reflect on this momentous occasion. I encourage everyone to take part, whether by attending a beacon lighting, visiting one of our themed library or museum activities, or supporting local events in our communities." Cllr Daniel Lister, Cabinet Member for Local Economy, Culture, and Leisure at WNC For more information on VE Day 80 events or guidance on planning a community celebration, including beacon lightings, visit the King’s Pageantmaster’s VE Day Celebration Guide . Communities considering to close a road to celebrate VE Day may need to apply for a temporary road closure . Groups planning larger parties are also urged to let the Council know about the event to check issues such as licensing, safety and traffic management. Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

March 05, 2025

Household Support Fund extended in West Northamptonshire

05 March 2025 The Household Support Fund (HSF) will continue in West Northamptonshire through its 7th tranche (HSF7), providing crucial financial assistance to vulnerable households across the area. The funding is set to commence on 1 April 2025, continuing through to 31 March 2026. The funding will provide essential support to families and individuals struggling with the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, with a specific focus on helping with the cost of food, utility bills, and other vital household expenses. While the full details on the scheme’s implementation are still being finalised, the Council is committed to ensuring that the funds are distributed as effectively as possible to help as many residents as possible. The Household Support Fund is part of a broader effort to combat financial hardship across England. It is anticipated that Government will allocate approximately £742 million nationally for HSF7, with West Northamptonshire expected to receive roughly £3.66 million in funding for the 12-month period. "It is great news that the Household Support Fund has been extended, and we are committed to ensuring that the funding reaches those who need it most. While we are still awaiting detailed guidance on the specific allocation, we will continue to work closely with our partners to ensure that this funding is maximised to support as many vulnerable families as possible in our communities. Our focus will remain on providing assistance to those facing the greatest hardship, particularly those with children, pensioners, and people with disabilities." Cllr Matt Golby, Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Adult Care, Public Health and Regulatory Services at WNC The HSF7 extension follows a series of successful funding schemes over the past few years, which have helped thousands of households across West Northamptonshire. From food and fuel support to crisis relief, the Council’s Public Health team has developed a proven strategy for distributing these funds effectively in line with community needs. With a particular focus on maintaining long-term support, HSF7 will complement local anti-poverty strategies and aim to provide sustainable solutions, alongside immediate relief. The Public Health team will oversee the allocation and management of these funds, ensuring maximum impact within the community. Further details on how to access the funds and eligibility criteria will be provided once the full guidance from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is released. In the meantime, the Council urges residents who may be eligible to stay informed and ready to apply once the scheme officially opens. Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

March 04, 2025

Construction begins on Northampton’s new public mortuary

04 March 2025 Work has officially begun on the new state-of-the-art public mortuary at Riverside Business Park in Northampton. A groundbreaking ceremony took place last week, marking the beginning of construction on this important facility, which will provide better support for families and improve post-mortem services across Northamptonshire and the wider region. Due to be completed in autumn 2025, the new mortuary will be a purpose-built facility designed to deliver the highest standards of care and compassion during some of life’s most difficult moments. It will provide modern, dignified spaces for families, including private viewing and identification areas, ensuring a respectful and supportive experience for those dealing with the loss of a loved one. The facility will also bring key services under one roof, simplifying processes and reducing the need for travel between different sites. This will not only make it easier for families by reducing delays but will also improve efficiency for funeral directors, healthcare professionals, and other essential services. “Losing a loved one is one of the hardest things anyone can go through, and we want to do everything we can to make that journey a little easier for families. “Now that work has begun, we’re one step closer to providing a modern, compassionate space where people can say their goodbyes with dignity and care. This facility will not only offer vital support to grieving families but will also help professionals work more efficiently, ensuring faster outcomes and reducing stress during already difficult times.” Councillor Mike Hallam, Cabinet Member for HR and Corporate Services at WNC The mortuary will also help emergency services if there is ever a major incident, such as a disaster with multiple casualties. It will ensure that Northamptonshire is well-prepared to handle such situations while continuing to provide vital services for the community. The project is being delivered by Stepnell Ltd, a contractor with extensive experience in managing large-scale construction projects. “We are proud to be delivering this vital facility for Northamptonshire. At Stepnell, we understand the importance of building with care and precision, and we are committed to ensuring that this state-of-the-art mortuary meets the highest standards. We look forward to working closely with West Northamptonshire Council and all partners involved to bring this much-needed facility to life.” Adrian Barnes, Director at Stepnell Ltd Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

March 05, 2025

Future of local transport shaped with the help of residents and businesses

05 March 2025 Ambitious plans to improve transport and travel across West Northamptonshire over the next 20 years have been unveiled. The Local Transport Plan (LTP) details a range of proposals between now and 2045, to steer work by West Northamptonshire Council, its communities and partners to: Make public transport an attractive option and accessible to all Make active travel such as walking or wheeling a viable choice for short trips Make all our transport systems safer, cleaner, and more inclusive Improve all transport infrastructure and transport services to make them more resilient Improve connectivity for all within and beyond West Northamptonshire. The Plan has been shaped by more than 450 responses from residents, businesses and other key stakeholders, received during a public consultation held in autumn last year. It went before the Council’s Cabinet on Tuesday 4 March and will now go to full Council next week (Thursday 13 March) when members will be asked to adopt it. The LTP will be reviewed every five years and outlines the Council’s overarching ambition for local transport, supported by a series of strategies and policies on key topic areas. These include road safety, freight and rail, parking and active travel. “Local transport is used for many reasons by those living and visiting our area and we want to ensure that it is as accessible as possible for all. Connectivity to wider locations is important to provide our residents with access to jobs and education facilities and we are committed to improving this. We’re also committed to investing in and enhancing all transport modes for years to come and I’d like to thank all those who took part in the consultation and shared their views.” Cllr Phil Larratt, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

March 04, 2025

Water safety training keeps crews up-to-date with lifesaving skills

Rescuing people who are struggling in open water is an incredibly challenging task – which is why we have dedicated crews across the county who are trained to do it. All eight Watches at our Mereway and Wellingborough stations keep their skills up to date to ensure they are fully equipped to operate safely in those tough circumstances. [embedded content] Our water trained firefighters – or swift-water rescue technicians to give them their professional title – are taught the correct methods to wade into water, search for hidden hazards and how to use our water rescue boats. They also hone different swimming techniques and learn how to manage casualties in the water. The Service has recently worked in partnership with the Compton Estate and Falcon Hotel in Castle Ashby, which has kindly offered its grounds as a venue for our crews to conduct their practical training exercises over the last few weeks. Training managers Tony Labrum (pictured above) and Casey Waldock (pictured below) have been putting crews through their paces. Tony said: “All eight of our water rescue crews receive regular training to update and maintain their skills in water rescue. Our training covers a variety of techniques in both shallow and deep water, to ensure we can keep the people of Northamptonshire safe when they need us. “We would always encourage members of the public to only ever swim in dedicated areas where there is a trained lifeguard to minimise any risks, but if you do find yourself in difficulty in the water, Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service will be there to help you.” If you ever find yourself struggling in the open water, try and remember these three things: Take a minute. The initial effects of cold water pass in less than a minute so don’t try to swim straight away. Relax and float on your back to catch your breath. Try to get hold of something that will help you float. Keep calm then call for help or swim for safety if you’re able to. For more water safety advice, please look at our Be Water Aware tips, here

March 03, 2025

National offer day for year 7 students sees over 4,800 secondary school places allocated across West Northamptonshire

03 March 2025 A total of 4,846 secondary school places have been allocated to pupils across West Northamptonshire today, as families of children due to start Year 7 in September have been informed of their school placements. This year, more families have been allocated a place at their highest preference school compared to the previous two years. The number of families securing a place at one of their three preferred schools has also increased. Overall, 95.5% (4,629) of applications have been successful in securing a place at one of their preferred schools, compared to 95% in 2024 and 94.2% in 2023. Of these, 77.8% (3,773) received their first-choice school compared to 76% in 2024 and 77% in 2023. An additional 13.2% (640) were offered a place at their second-choice school, while 4.5% (216) were allocated their third-choice school. Fewer children were placed in a non-preference school this year. 4.5% of applicants were allocated a place at a school outside of their preferences, as their chosen schools were full due to higher priority admissions. This is an improvement compared to 5% in 2024 and 5.8% in 2023. Families who applied for their secondary school place online and within the deadline of 31 October will have received an e-mail offer. They can also check their offer on West Northamptonshire Council’s online Admissions Portal . “Secondary school is the start of the next step in a young person’s education journey and will help with their development to adulthood. Their years at secondary school will provide them with a wealth of new experiences, skills and knowledge so it is great to see that over 95% of applications have been allocated a place at one of their three preferred schools.” Cllr Fiona Baker, WNC’s Cabinet Member for children, families, and education All applications have the right to appeal (through the independent appeals process) if they have been unable to secure a place at one of their higher preferred school options. The next round of secondary school place allocations (for late applicants) will take place in April / May. Primary school allocations will be announced on 16 April. Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

February 28, 2025

Daventry residents feedback leads to removal of Eastern Way housing proposals

28 February 2025 The future regeneration of Daventry town centre will not include plans for new housing on Eastern Way playing field in response to valuable feedback from residents. West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) is currently shaping the new Daventry Masterplan, which aims to reinvent the market town experience and boost economic growth and quality of life. Public consultation last summer showed residents were widely supportive of the Masterplan, however proposals to put housing on part of the playing field – as enabling development to help fund other redevelopment work – were met with opposition by a number of residents who regularly use the site as a recreation ground. Having listened to these concerns, WNC has decided to remove the Eastern Way scheme from the Masterplan before it is finalised later this year. Other proposals set to move forward within the plan include: Turning Market Square into a flexible events space, which could also be used as a market space Creating a new destination play park and café at New Street RecOpening up the High Street entrance to the Arc Cinema, creating a new Mulberry Square Making High Street a shared surface street, with more seating and planting Enhancing Sheaf Street with better lighting, seating and public art Exploring opportunities to modernise retail units, to meet 21st century demands. WNC is also planning to work more closely with partners in shaping the future of Daventry, with plans to set up a new Towns Board later this year – a body that will bring together organisations and businesses from across the town to drive forward the Masterplan regeneration, economic growth and investment. “Having listened to the feedback we’ve received from Daventry residents, Eastern Way is a cherished recreational space and residents do not want to see new housing on the site. “Whilst the proposal was originally made with good intentions to address housing need and enable the funding of other elements of the Masterplan, it’s clearly not the right fit for the town. We will explore other ways to help secure the investment needed to regenerate the town centre in a sustainable way that respects the needs and aspirations of the community.” “The regeneration of Daventry must be a shared approach with the opportunity for everyone’s involvement in shaping future proposals, reflecting our vision for all partners to work more closely together on the One West Northamptonshire Journey.” Councillor Dan Lister, WNC’s Cabinet Member for Local Economy, Culture and Leisure Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

February 28, 2025

Sustainable technology sees more road repairs across West Northants

28 February 2025 New technology to fix potholes and other road repairs is delivering a range of benefits to highways across West Northamptonshire. Following successful trials, West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) and its highways partner Kier Transportation introduced 5 Roadmenders, a JCB Pothole Pro, and Micropaver as part of their fleet in the last 18 months – machines which use new technology to improve the quality and speed of repairs while being more sustainable and reducing carbon. In the first year, highways teams have used the Roadmenders to complete 14,657m² of repairs. The equipment uses a new non-invasive, eco-friendly repair material called Elastomac which reduces the carbon footprint by an impressive 85% compared to traditional methods. The process recycles end-of-life waste tyres which would otherwise be destined for incineration. The JCB Pothole Pro machine repaired 30,480m2 of roads during 2024. This innovative piece of technology carries out road repairs four times faster than standard methods. Teams can cut the defect, crop the edges and clean the area with one machine A Micropaver was also added to the fleet in April 2024 which has made the process more efficient and improved the quality of repairs so they’re even longer lasting. "We know how important the state of our roads and footways are to residents and the use of this innovative technology highlights our commitment to maintaining and improving the highways in West Northamptonshire in an even more efficient way. “By using eco-friendly materials and innovative repair methods, we are not only enhancing the quality and safety of our roads but also aligning with our vision of becoming more sustainable.” Cllr Phil Larratt, WNC’s Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport The modern technology is used to deliver a range of improvements and repairs to both carriageways and footways, including permanent patching, skid-resistant surface improvements, and pothole repairs. It also benefits operatives as it reduces the need for manual handling and the exposure to vibration. “This innovative machinery supports our shared carbon reduction targets while offering a high-quality repair. It is also more cost-effective plus the speed of the repair is faster which means we can minimise disruption for residents and businesses.” Edith Shah, general manager at Kier Transportation Our teams carry out regular inspections and maintenance to ensure our network is in good condition and you can support this by continuing to report a pothole or a problem on WNC’s app or at: https://www.westnorthants.gov.uk/roads-and-paths-maintenance/report-potholes-or-highway-problem Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

February 28, 2025

Upcoming lane closures on A4500 for Sandy Lane Relief Road works

28 February 2025 As part of the ongoing construction works for the Sandy Lane Relief Road, lane closures will be in place on the A4500 between Sandy Lane roundabout and Upton Valley Way North next week. In order for this project to be completed and opened to the public in a timely manner, lane closures will be in place on the A4500 on both sides and at the Upton Valley Way North junction from Wednesday 5 March to Friday 4 April. Whilst access will be maintained at all times, some bus stops will be affected and there is likely to be delays. We would like to thank people for their patience. Construction is progressing to complete the remaining section of the Sandy Lane Relief Road, which will ease congestion and improve connectivity for local communities. Stay up to date with Highways projects across West Northamptonshire by clicking here. Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

February 27, 2025

Enhanced bus route from Buckingham to Brackley now includes Evenley village

27 February 2025 Residents in the village of Evenley can now to travel to Buckingham and Brackley by bus following improvements to the B1 and B2 services. The improved bus service is contracted by Buckinghamshire Council using their developer funding with a contribution from West Northamptonshire Council’s (WNC) Bus Service Improvement funding. The B1 and B2 services will now serve Evenley during the daytime from Monday to Friday, providing better connectivity for local communities to Buckingham and Brackley. “It is great news that residents within the village of Evenley and surrounding area can now use the bus to travel to neighbouring towns and villages. We want to encourage as many people as possible to use our bus services to get around for work and leisure and we are committed to working closely with partners to continue to improve our offering.” Cllr Phil Larratt, WNC’s Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport The bus service is operated by Red Rose Travel. More information and the full timetable is available here: B1 B2 B12 Red Rose Travel February 2025 Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

February 27, 2025

Five inspirational women shortlisted for awards ahead of International Women’s Day

27 February 2025 Five women have been shortlisted for this year’s Inspirational Women’s Awards which take place on International Women’s Day on Saturday 8 March. This year there were over 160 nominations submitted for the two categories; Community and Business. The winners will be announced at the event taking place at the Northampton Guildhall between 11am and 3pm. The event is free to attend and will include performances from a Rock Choir, Bharatnatyam Dance Group and Starlight Stage School, beginners Cardio Boxing Fitness and Hormone Yoga Therapy Taster sessions, and stalls from local organisations. Organised by the Women’s Forum at West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) the awards publicly recognise and promote women who inspire, impacting the lives of others in their community or workplace. The shortlisted women are: Heather Thorburn Heather is a dedicated volunteer making a profound impact in her community. She tirelessly supports vulnerable adults and families through her work at the Woodford Halse Community Larder, collecting and distributing food, clothing, and essentials to those in need. Beyond this, Heather provides mentorship and emotional support, helping people through difficult times by organising donations, securing food vouchers, and assisting with medical and social service appointments. Jessica Morris Jessica is a true trailblazer in health and social care, demonstrating resilience, compassion, and innovation throughout her career. Starting as a community carer at 16, she quickly advanced, becoming the youngest-ever registered care home manager at 22 and a regional director overseeing 10 care services by 25. Jessica’s passion for improving lives led her to found Morris Healthcare Group, focusing on compassionate home care and tackling loneliness through community events and well-being support. Lisa Bryan Lisa is a professional, caring, and inclusive leader at Northamptonshire Fire & Rescue Service. She actively participates in various prevention partnerships to enhance community safety and also manages the arson task force and Emergency Services Cadets and uses data to identify and engage at-risk youth, to reduce criminal activities. Her people skills make colleagues feel valued and she supports their development as well as significantly impacting her community by reducing harm and enhancing safety. Louise Troy Louise inspires positive change by helping young people explore creative careers and leading Semilong Green Spaces, a volunteer group creating a community garden. She transformed a littered area with upcycled tyre planters to reduce fly-tipping. Louise manages administrative tasks, secures funding, and recruits volunteers. Her teaching and makeup artist experience enable her to deliver community workshops. During the pandemic, she revitalised her community and she continues to uplift and inspire others through the Lumina Arts Alliance. Jayne Arnold Jayne has been a dedicated pillar of Noah’s Ark Playgroup for nearly 25 years, shaping the lives of countless children and inspiring future early years professionals through her mentorship and unwavering commitment. She leads a successful eco-school, runs a free gardening club, and promotes outdoor learning through forest school sessions, ensuring all children can explore nature. Jayne’s passion, perseverance, and dedication make her a truly inspirational figure in her community. "These awards shine a light on the incredible women who go above and beyond to support others, create opportunities, and make a lasting impact in their communities. Their dedication is truly inspiring, and I encourage everyone to join us at the event to celebrate their achievements and the powerful role women play in shaping West Northamptonshire." Cllr David Smith, Cabinet Member for Planning and Communities at WNC Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

February 27, 2025

Farthinghoe residents invited to find out more about traffic solutions at upcoming event

27 February 2025 Residents in Farthinghoe will be encouraged to attend an event next month to hear first-hand about options to tackle traffic issues through the centre of their village. West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) remains committed to finding an alternative way to reducing heavy congestion and resolve a pinch-point for large vehicles on the A422 after long-standing proposals for a bypass continue to lack the funding support required from the Government. People living in the village are now being urged to find out more about the solutions being proposed at a drop-in event on Monday, 10 March between 3.30pm and 7.30pm at Farthinghoe Village Hall. Those who are unable to attend the event can also find out more and provide feedback via our online survey. “As a Council we have always acknowledged that as well as the number of vehicles going through the village, the pinch point where large vehicles have collided on several occasions does need to be resolved. “The opportunity to deliver a bypass around Farthinghoe has been studied over many years, however the benefits of such a scheme do not meet the government’s requirements and they have been clear that funding for the scheme will not be considered. “I’d encourage residents to attend the drop-in event to find out more about the alternative options being presented, however those who cannot attend are also invited to find out more and share their views on our online survey.” Cllr Phil Larratt, WNC’s Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

February 27, 2025

New exhibition highlights hidden crime of Coercive or Controlling Behaviour

27 February 2025 Image Credit: Gemma Briggs A new exhibition highlighting the often subtle and hidden crime of Coercive or Controlling Behaviour is set to launch at Northampton Museum & Art Gallery next month. The conduct might seem innocent. The victim might not be aware ., is a compelling photography exhibition created by Gemma Briggs and shown in partnership with the West Northamptonshire Community Safety Partnership (CSP) and will be open to the public from Saturday 1 March to Friday 28 March. Gemma Briggs, a distinguished photographer, presents a series of thought-provoking images that challenge perceptions of truth and reality - depicting seemingly ordinary domestic settings as crime scenes. The exhibition is informed by the real-life experiences of domestic abuse survivors and aims to raise awareness of coercive or controlling behaviour, helping people identify warning signs in their own relationships or those of others. Information from vital local support services including Northamptonshire Rape Crisis, EVE, and Northamptonshire Domestic Abuse Service, will also be available at the exhibition. “This exhibition is a powerful and necessary exploration of this insidious form of domestic abuse that often goes unnoticed. By bringing these experiences to light, we hope to raise awareness, encourage conversation, and ensure that those affected know that support is available. I encourage everyone to get down to Northampton Museum & Art Gallery to take a look at this exhibition.” Cllr David Smith, Cabinet Member for Planning and Communities at West Northamptonshire Council Coercive or controlling behaviour is a criminal offence that can have devastating effects on victims. The exhibition not only brings this issue into focus but also provides information on local support services for those in need. "Coercive or Controlling Behaviour is a widespread and extremely damaging form of abuse. It is also very often hidden. The aim of these photographs is to show evidence of some of the methods used by perpetrators and explore the effects that they have on victims. It is informed by interviews with victims and research carried out over two years. I'm very grateful to West Northamptonshire CSP for showing this exhibition and committing to raising awareness of this form of domestic abuse. I hope that it will provide vital information to help people receive the support they need." Gemma Briggs Find out more about domestic abuse and available support . Find out more about Northampton Museum & Art Gallery including opening times on their website . Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

February 26, 2025

Wantage Park Crematorium plans move to planning stage

26 February 2025 West Northamptonshire Council has taken a major step forward in bringing a much-needed new crematorium to Wantage Farm, Round Spinney. Following an extensive pre-planning consultation process that involved local residents, community groups, businesses, and faith leaders, the Council has now submitted a planning application for the Wantage Park crematorium. The pre-planning consultation saw over 800 responses, reflecting the strong local interest in ensuring the facility meets the needs of the community. Residents had the chance to review the proposals online and in person, including a well-attended event at Moulton Community Library. Many people shared their thoughts on key areas such as traffic, noise, safety, and environmental impact, and these valuable contributions have directly influenced the final plans. One key area discussed during the pre-planning consultation was the site’s proximity to a local school, with suggestions on how to manage traffic and ensure the facility operates smoothly alongside existing road use. In response, the project team has worked with transport specialists to design a plan that minimises disruption. Detailed traffic studies have been carried out, and projections show that the crematorium will generate fewer vehicle movements than many alternative land uses for the site. To minimise potential impact, the project team has made several changes, including relocating the entrance road to Thorpeville South to minimise the impact on peak school traffic times and introducing enhanced road safety measures, such as improved signage and clear access routes. In addition, the scheme is designed to be a discreet development where visual impact is kept to a minimum while serving as a respectful addition to the community. Proposed screening measures along the site boundary include substantial planting and attractive fencing, which will help keep out of sight site movements. This crematorium has been designed with sustainability at its core. The facility will include energy-efficient electric cremators, solar panels, heat recovery systems, and green roofs, setting a new standard for environmentally responsible cremation services. The surrounding land will be transformed into recreational green spaces with pedestrian routes, ensuring the site benefits the wider community beyond its primary function. “This is a major milestone for a project that will offer an excellent service to the local area. We are grateful for the valuable input we’ve received so far—every suggestion and piece of feedback has helped shape and improve the plans. “Wantage Park will relieve pressure on existing facilities, ensuring families have the time and space they need to say goodbye to loved ones in a meaningful way. It will also bring wider benefits, including new jobs, improved biodiversity, and much-needed public green spaces. “As we move to the next stage, we remain committed to working closely with residents, funeral directors and community groups. Your involvement has been essential, and we encourage everyone to stay engaged as the project progresses." Councillor Mike Hallam, Cabinet Member for Corporate Services and HR at WNC If approved, the new facility will provide modern, high-quality cremation services while maintaining the dignity, privacy, and accessibility that the community needs. Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

February 24, 2025

Private hire driver loses licence after misleading council

24 February 2025 A private hire driver has had his licence revoked and been ordered to pay costs of £1,640 after being described as not a fit and proper person to hold a licence. On 14 February 2025, Northampton Crown Court upheld the West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) Licensing Sub-Committee’s decision to revoke the driver’s private hire licence, following the driver misleading the Council in relation to proceedings being taken against him in a neighbouring authority. Mohammed Badrul Alam of Tomlinson Avenue, Luton, failed to declare his prosecution and subsequent conviction for plying for hire (accepting passengers without a pre-booking) and driving without insurance . In addition, Mr Alam had a history of licensing and driving complaints on his record, including a complaint from a passenger who was so frightened by Mr Alam driving at 100mph that they phoned their relatives from the taxi to say they loved them. Northamptonshire’s Magistrates’ Court initially upheld the Council’s decision to revoke his licence which was then further appealed by Mr Alam to the Crown Court, where Her Honour Judge Lucking said that Mr Alam was not found to be an honest witness and his explanation that he was planning to tell the council about his convictions once his penalty points were added to his licence was highly implausible He was ordered to pay £1,500 in costs, which is in addition to £140.00 from the Magistrates’ Court appeal. Susan Desfontaines appeared for WNC in the Magistrates Court, and Nicki Agalamanyi represented WNC in the Crown Court, both are advocates from the in-house Legal Services Team. “The safety of residents and passengers who use private-hire and taxi services is paramount to us, and the majority of drivers conduct themselves to the highest standards. Our officers work hard to ensure that these standards are met, and we are pleased that the Crown Court has upheld our decision.” Cllr Matt Golby, WNC’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Adult Care, Public Health and Regulatory Services Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

February 24, 2025

Young people sought to represent West Northants in Parliament

24 February 2025 Young people in West Northamptonshire are invited to apply to become a member of a new Youth Parliament coordinated by West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) in partnership with Clubs for Young People Northamptonshire. This initiative provides a unique opportunity for two young people to represent their peers both locally and nationally and attend Westminster when the Youth Parliament is in session, influencing policies that affect young people across the UK. This significant milestone marks the first time since 2006 that Northamptonshire will have a voice in the Youth Parliament. The elected representatives (MYPs) will serve a one-year term during this cycle of the rolling programme, with future terms lasting for two years. Young people who are interested in applying are asked to complete a Manifesto detailing three key issues they are passionate about changing; - one that relates specifically to West Northamptonshire - a second that has national interest, and - a third which has global interest Manifestos must be submitted to [email protected] by Wednesday 19 March 2025. To be eligible, candidates must be aged 11–18 years and reside primarily in West Northamptonshire. All submitted Manifestos will be published anonymously on the Youth Forum webpage and young voters will then have the chance to read each candidate’s document and select the Manifesto which appeals most to them. Once voting is complete, the two individuals with the most votes across West Northamptonshire will be taken on as the MYP’s for the West Northants Youth Parliament. “It is incredibly exciting to be part of this programme, which empowers young people and gives them a platform to make a real difference. “The opportunity to engage in democracy, influence policy, and represent their peers is truly invaluable. I look forward to seeing passionate young individuals step forward and take on this important role, helping shape the future of communities in West Northants and beyond.” Cllr David Smith, Cabinet Member for Planning and Communities For more information about the MYP elections and how to apply, please email: [email protected] or visit the Community Forums webpage. Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

February 22, 2025

Home fire safety visits helping the vulnerable

More than 5,400 home ﬁre safety visits have been conducted in 2024 by Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service to help protect the most vulnerable people across Northamptonshire. Data from January to December 2024 shows that over 3,900 visits have been carried out by crews with an additional 1,550 visits being carried out by Home Fire Safety Advisors. Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service’s specialist Prevention Team and their Home Fire Safety Advisors focus on people who are most vulnerable to fire due to frailty and complex needs, with enhanced visits. These enhanced visits to high-risk people look at all the factors that affect the likelihood of a fire taking place and consider how easily they can seek help and escape in an emergency. Advice and support is provided to reduce the risk wherever possible with the addition of working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. Where needed, visits can take place with carers and other agencies to ensure a joint approach to keeping someone safe. The Home Fire Safety Advisors can refer someone to other services if they identify the need for other kinds of care and support to reduce risks. Team members also conduct visits alongside the Arson Task Force for people whose property is at risk of arson. Head of Prevention at Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service Lisa Bryan said: “Our Home Fire Safety Visits are all about keeping the most vulnerable people of Northamptonshire safe and I am delighted that the continued hard work of ﬁreﬁghters and ﬁre staff has seen more people protected. We know through the customer feedback we receive that these visits make a positive difference, helping to change behaviours and making people feel safer.” Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Danielle Stone said: “Communities and prevention are at the core of my public safety plan, so I am pleased to see so many vulnerable people across Northamptonshire are being kept safe.” If you would like to refer yourself, a friend or a family member for a Home Fire Safety Visit, this can be done by visiting www.northantsﬁre.gov.uk/home-safety-checks/ Or you can complete your own ﬁre safety check online, which can be found at the link above. Alternatively, you can also phone 01604 797 000. What happens during a Home Fire Safety Visit? After showing their ID at the front door, ﬁreﬁghters will come into your house and discuss a variety of safety measures that can keep you safe at home. They will ask questions about your lifestyle and quickly identify any potential ﬁre hazards in your home. These include things like electrical safety, how to stay safe when cooking and the use of candles. Once any hazards have been identiﬁed, crews will talk to you about whether further referrals to other agencies might help to keep you safe or refer you to our Home Fire Safety Advisors for an enhanced visit. Fireﬁghters won’t leave until they have checked that you have suitable and working smoke alarms – and they will ﬁt new ones if needed.

February 21, 2025

Discover Northamptonshire gains Local Visitor Economy Partnership accreditation

21 February 2025 A joint bid for a Local Visitor Economy Partnership (LVEP) for Northamptonshire has been approved by VisitEngland, paving the way for a far more co-ordinated and strategic approach to promoting the tourism sector. Local Visitor Economy Partnerships have been introduced as part of the Government’s response to an independent review of how the nation’s visitor economy is co-ordinated and promoted and will have the potential to draw in additional support and funding from Westminster. This new national portfolio of LVEPs will work in collaboration locally, regionally and nationally on shared priorities and targets to support and grow the visitor economy. As well as achieving a nationally recognised official status, LVEPs will provide strong leadership and management of their destinations. Working collaboratively with the public and private sector, they will help to shape and deliver national strategy and activities to promote sustainable growth. The new partnership for Northamptonshire, which has been approved by a panel involving VisitEngland and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, will ensure that the greatest benefits are achieved for Northamptonshire’s visitor economy. As an LVEP, the Discover Northamptonshire partnership will have access to resources and guidance from VisitEngland on product distribution, business support and the opportunity to bid for funding and marketing. As part of the LVEP’s marketing, local activity is already being aligned with Visit Britain’s national ‘ Starring GREAT Britain ’ campaign alongside the opportunity to tap into wider campaigns across the country in the future. An important strand of support will be highlighting available Government funding streams as well as developing and providing a ‘toolkit’ to help the LVEP with bids to those streams. “We are so excited to have achieved our LVEP accreditation - this is a massive milestone and opens up so many doors to boosting tourism in Northamptonshire. “The co-ordinated approach over the past 3 years, involving both councils and partners from across the tourism sector in Northamptonshire, will help us to realise the full potential of the visitor economy. “Our amazing range of independent and small businesses within the tourism and hospitality sector provide unique experiences for visitors, along with a huge range of flexible and interesting careers for people working in the industry. “Now its time to harness the unique nature of Northamptonshire and as the accountable body, we’ll be working closely with West Northamptonshire Council and the LVEP Board to develop a Growth Plan for the area to help deliver our ambitious plans. We are in a really strong position given the recent adoption of the Northamptonshire Tourism Strategy, we have a team in place and are already hitting the ground running with our partners, we are also excited to be showcasing Northamptonshire as a must see destination for group travel, just one of the target markets, at the British Tourism and Travel Show on 19 and 20 March. We are also developing a business support package, with events and activities planned for English Tourism Week again in March. “I am delighted that the collaboration between North and West Northamptonshire Councils along with our sector partners has achieved this accreditation, huge thanks to both sets of officers for their support and hard work, we have a long way to go but with everyone pushing in the same direction we can put Northamptonshire firmly on the map.” Cllr Helen Howell, Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Sport, Leisure, Culture and Tourism “Securing the LVEP accreditation is a game-changer for Northamptonshire's tourism sector. This recognition will not only enhance our strategic approach to promoting the area but also unlock new opportunities for funding and support from the Government. “With tourism contributing over £1 billion annually and supporting more than 30,000 jobs, this partnership allows us to harness the full potential of our vibrant visitor economy and put Northamptonshire on the map as a must visit destination. We look forward to collaborating with local businesses and stakeholders to showcase Northamptonshire’s unique attractions and drive sustainable growth in the sector.” Cllr Daniel Lister, Cabinet Member for Local Economy, Culture, and Leisure at West Northamptonshire Council "Northamptonshire has a unique opportunity to elevate its visitor economy, attracting new investment, creating jobs, and showcasing the rich experiences our county has to offer. There is no better year to achieve this status than the year in which the Northamptonshire hosts the Women’s Rugby World Cup, celebrates 75 years of Formula 1 all alongside a cultural programme remembering the anniversary of the Great Fire of Northampton. “Securing LVEP accreditation is a significant achievement, made possible by the dedication and collaboration of North Northamptonshire Council, West Northamptonshire Council and all our partners across the public and private sectors. While challenges remain, this partnership brings a coordinated, strategic approach that will unlock new funding and support, allowing us to compete on a national stage. By working together, we can ensure Northamptonshire is firmly on the map as a must-visit destination." Richard Clinton, Chair of Discover Northamptonshire Local Visitor Economy Partnership “The Local Visitor Economy Partnerships (LVEP) programme is transforming the visitor economy landscape in England, supporting its growth in a more inclusive, accessible and sustainable way and I am delighted to welcome Discover Northamptonshire “Working together, the LVEPs are simplifying our tourism landscape, ensuring England continues to be a compelling destination for both domestic and international visitors. As Discover Northamptonshire is established as an LVEP, VisitEngland will provide ongoing support including a dedicated regional lead.” VisitEngland Director Andrew Stokes Local Visitor Economy Partnerships involve both the private and public sectors and will need to follow a new national process to be eligible for support and potential funding from the Government. The development of a new Strategy for Northamptonshire has formed the foundations for the bid, with the first new LVEP Board having recently convened on 30 January to start shaping the key priorities for the county. Businesses keen to get involved can email the Discover Northamptonshire team at [email protected] to express interest. To find out what’s on and where to visit in Northamptonshire, visit the Discover Northamptonshire website and follow Discover Northamptonshire on Facebook , X and LinkedIn . Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

February 21, 2025

Council sets balanced budget for year ahead

21 February 2025 West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) has continued to protect essential services and tackle significant challenges whilst setting a balanced budget for the year ahead. At their meeting last night (Thursday, 20 February) councillors agreed the authority’s final budgets and Housing Revenue Account whilst also setting Council Tax for 2025/26. WNC, along with councils across the country, continues to face severe financial pressures caused by increasing cost and demand for both children’s services and adult social care. Despite this, the Council has managed to set a balanced revenue budget for 2025/2026 of £959.6 million (£431.8 million excluding the Dedicated Schools Grant). WNC started its budgetary process this year with an anticipated shortfall of £53m for 2025/26 and embarked quickly on an early review of its finances, reducing the overspend to £39m by July, followed by a further major drive over the autumn to close the gap. Key to helping the Council protect essential services whilst balancing the books in its fifth year as a unitary authority is the income it receives from Council Tax. The budget includes a Council Tax rise of 4.99%, in line with the Government’s threshold and representing an average increase on a Band D property of £1.71 a week, or £88.73 a year. This generates extra funding of around £19.2m – with 2% of the increase going towards funding adult social care. The Council also continued to review, restructure and transform services within the organisation to find better, more efficient ways of working without adversely impacting the services it delivers to residents, generating efficiencies of around £25m for 2025/26. The agreed budget also considered people’s feedback in the recent budget public consultation, which attracted nearly 400 responses from residents, businesses, partners and other stakeholders. It has also been subject to continuous review and scrutiny, including consideration by the cross-party group of members of the Corporate Overview and Scrutiny Committee. “Setting our budget has once again been complex and challenging given the ongoing pressures on public sector finances and the increasing demand for children’s and adults services, which account for 58p in every pound of our budget in the year ahead. “Having identified a shortfall earlier this year we took a planned and prudent approach to reduce this, whilst always ensuring the needs of our communities remained at the forefront of all decisions and actions we made.” Cllr Malcolm Longley, Cabinet Member for Finance at West Northamptonshire Council Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

February 21, 2025

Well Northants programme shortlisted for LGC Award

21 February 2025 Services that support underrepresented communities in West Northamptonshire have been shortlisted for a prestigious national award. The Well Northants programme has beaten off competition from other council and community initiatives across the country to reach the final stage of the Local Government Chronicle (LGC) awards. The programme has been instrumental in supporting underrepresented groups and communities including people living in isolated conditions or with limited access to support and care services. The project has seen community development workers embedded in these areas to work closely with the community, enabling West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) to deliver tailored support to those facing the most complex health and social challenges. The programme has led to transformative outcomes, with more than 80% of participants reporting feeling more connected to their communities. Local projects have included sewing groups, education sessions for families, and pop-up food banks to support those in need. In the past year, the programme has invested £30,720 into building community assets and funding 19 projects, 14 of which were voted on by local community members. “Being shortlisted for this award is a recognition of the incredible work and ongoing commitment that WNC, alongside its many partners, is doing to make West Northamptonshire a truly inclusive place to live, work, visit and thrive. “We are committed to ensuring that every voice is heard, and we will continue to work to break down barriers for underrepresented communities. This recognition is a testament to the tireless efforts of our teams and community partners who have made this possible.” Cllr David Smith, Cabinet Member for Planning and Communities Other key Well Northants projects include the Semilong and Briar Hill evening hubs, which provide a vibrant space for weekly arts, crafts, and active play in a supportive and engaging environment. These hubs also offer educational opportunities outside traditional hours, with a split format that allows adults to gain essential skills such as English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), budgeting, and digital literacy, while children participate in activities nearby. Another impactful initiative is the Healing Garden, a therapeutic space funded by Well Northants. Rooted in the belief that gardens offer restorative and emotionally calming benefits, the Healing Garden provides a peaceful sanctuary in the heart of Northampton. Open to all, the garden encourages visitors to reduce isolation and improve their emotional wellbeing through mindfulness. It also offers parents and young children a chance to connect with nature, while providing valuable volunteer opportunities and a space for quiet reflection. The garden is accessible via the Cathedral carpark on Barrack Road (NN2 6AG) and remains open to the public. Additionally, the You Are What You Grow project seeks to transform two neglected outdoor spaces within the Danetre and Southbrook Learning Village (DSLV) in Daventry. The vision for these areas is to develop them into a community garden and sensory space, as well as an outdoor learning environment for students and the wider community. The project will not only serve as an extension of the classroom but also provide a safe space for mental wellness and expose children to life experiences they may otherwise not have had. Beyond Well Northants, WNC has continued to support the full range of communities in the District through various initiatives, such as the Northampton Peace Vigil, Northampton Pride festival, Holocaust Memorial Day, the Inspirational Women Awards and the Male Role Model Awards. The Council’s Community Forums have also ensured that seldom-heard groups are actively involved in decision-making, promoting a more inclusive and vibrant West Northamptonshire. The winners of the LGC Awards will be announced at a ceremony on Wednesday, 11 June 2025. Find out more about the Well Northants programme via the Well Northants page. Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

February 19, 2025

West Northamptonshire Council and Delapré Abbey Preservation Trust Explore Future of Racecourse Pavilion for Community Wellbeing

19 February 2025 West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) and Delapré Abbey Preservation Trust are working together to explore potential opportunities for enhancing the Racecourse Pavilion, to deliver fresh outcomes that improve community wellbeing. Residents, community groups, and businesses will soon be encouraged to give their thoughts and ideas for shaping the future of the Pavilion, including potential opportunities such as hosting events and using the space flexibly to support activities. The historic Racecourse Pavilion is a valued community asset that presents an opportunity for revitalising as a dynamic hub in a financially sustainable way that serves the wider community. Under the Voluntary, Community, Social Enterprise, and Faith Group (VCS) policy, a new community-curated approach supported by Delapré Abbey Preservation Trust, has been proposed for its potential to unlock significant benefits to the community. Further engagement is required to assess local demand and ensure that any future plans align with the Council’s wider priorities, particularly in relation to health, wellbeing, and the local environment. Further details will be provided soon on how people can get involved by providing their thoughts and views and are encouraged to look out for updates on WNC’s news channels, social media and website in the coming days. "Delapré Abbey Preservation Trust’s experience and approach to developing a vision for the Racecourse Pavilion has the potential to not only celebrate its heritage but also to create a vibrant community hub that supports the wellbeing of local residents. We look forward to working alongside the Trust and community partners to explore how we can best enhance this much-loved space for all to enjoy." Cllr David Smith, WNC’s Cabinet Member for Planning and Communities "Investing in community spaces like the Racecourse Pavilion provides an opportunity to improve mental and physical wellbeing through social connection, activity, and engagement. By working collaboratively, we can ensure this historic site becomes a thriving centre that meets the needs of local people while promoting long-term health benefits." Dr. David Smart, Trustee of Delapré Abbey Preservation Trust and Chair of Action for Happiness Northampton Future plans could seek to incorporate the first floor of the Pavilion, taking a holistic approach to the building’s development. As the first floor was not included in the initial VCS process, any decision on this will be considered by the Council’s Cabinet later this year. West Northamptonshire Council and Delapré Abbey Preservation Trust will continue working together to explore how best to ensure the long-term sustainability of this historic community asset while maximising its benefits for local people. Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

February 19, 2025

Regeneration vision for Northampton Town Centre to be developed

19 February 2025 West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) has appointed a team of leading regeneration and placemaking experts to create a bold new masterplan for Northampton Town Centre—a long-term vision to revitalise the area, attract investment, and improve everyday life for residents and businesses. The masterplan will set out exciting opportunities for the town centre over the next 15 years, helping to shape a thriving, vibrant, and welcoming place for the future. The plan will work alongside the emerging West Northamptonshire Local Plan which identifies new places for schools and health facilities. This ambitious plan will: Enhance connectivity and accessibility: Improve pedestrian routes, making it easier to navigate, while enhancing the gateways into the town. Culture and leisure opportunities: Enhance cultural and leisure spaces and providing more recreational activities. Community facilities and public spaces: Create inviting and accessible public spaces, promoting a sense of community and improving the quality of life for residents. Diverse and inclusive housing: Provide new locations for inclusive neighbourhoods with a mix of residential spaces, benefiting from sustainable transport options and increasing footfall within the centre. Celebrate and enhance the town’s rich heritage: Maximise the town’s unique assets and strengthen our connections with these to increase community pride. Boost economic growth: Identify new opportunities for businesses and investments, creating job opportunities and supporting existing businesses. Since 2019, WNC has secured over £50 million in investment to transform Northampton, with future developments bringing forward a further £500m in private sector investment in years to come, including major projects: The Market Square and Abington Street regeneration – creating flexible spaces that allow the town centre to hold more events and adapt to the changing retail patterns. 24 Guildhall Road – An expanded contemporary art gallery, artist studio space and business spaces in the heart of the town. Market Walk/Stack – Large food hall and leisure/entertainment offer opening in the town centre in 2026. Four Waterside development – bringing new business and leisure opportunities. Greyfriars redevelopment – unlocking Northampton’s biggest regeneration sites. This new masterplan will build on these existing projects and identify the next big opportunities to deliver improved spaces for local residents and businesses. WNC is committed to working with the local community to develop the masterplan and public consultation will begin in early summer 2025. Residents, businesses, and stakeholders will have the chance to share their ideas and priorities for the town centre’s future. Cllr Dan Lister, Cabinet Member for Local Economy, Culture and Leisure at WNC, said: "Northampton is undergoing a period of transformational change, and this masterplan will set out the next phase of regeneration projects. Combining new investment with our existing schemes, the town is benefitting from improved public spaces and leisure facilities. As part of the public engagement, we want to hear from the people who know Northampton best—its residents and businesses—to ensure the projects meet the needs of the local community.” The masterplan will be developed by a team of regeneration experts including: Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios as lead masterplanners, a multi-award-winning architectural and urban design practice. Planit-IE as landscape and public realm designers. Civic Engineers as transport and movement specialists. Cushman & Wakefield providing commercial and market information. Deetu leading on consultation and engagement. Alex Whitbread, Partner Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios added: "Northampton is a town with a rich heritage, a vibrant community, and a unique identity. This transformative masterplan will authentically capture its essence, fostering civic pride and creating a distinctive, progressive future. We are delighted to be appointed as lead architects for the Northampton Town Centre Framework and look forward to unlocking its full potential, attracting visitors, businesses, and new residents to be part of its exciting evolution." Click here for more information on Northampton’s regeneration efforts. Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

February 19, 2025

One flag, many nations – join us to celebrate the Commonwealth Day

19 February 2025 Residents, community groups, and businesses are invited to join in a special flag-raising ceremony to celebrate Commonwealth Day on Monday 10 March at the Guildhall, Northampton. The event, starting at 10am, will bring people together to reflect on the values of unity, diversity, and peace that connect the 56 member nations of the Commonwealth. This year’s Commonwealth Day theme, ‘Together We Thrive’, highlights the strength of collaboration, friendship, and shared progress across the Commonwealth. The ceremony will be a moment of pride and celebration, where the Commonwealth flag will be raised in recognition of these enduring values. The event will feature speeches from civic leaders and an opportunity to come together as a community in celebration of our shared heritage. “Commonwealth Day is a chance for us all to come together, young and old, to celebrate the values of friendship, respect, and unity that connect us across the world. “Raising the Commonwealth flag is a powerful reminder that, no matter where we come from, we are part of something bigger—a global family that thrives when we support one another. I hope to see many of you there as we stand together in celebration.” Cllr Jo Gilford, Chairman of West Northamptonshire Council Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

February 18, 2025

Get ready for the local elections this May

18 February 2025 Residents across West Northamptonshire are being urged to get ready for the upcoming local elections on Thursday, 1 May. Voters will go to the polls to elect West Northamptonshire Council’s councillors in the unitary authority’s second election since its creation in 2021. This year’s Polling Day on 1 May will see changes to voter arrangements after a recent electoral review reduced the number of unitary councillors to be elected from 93 to 76 and redrew the ward boundaries across the area. Town and parish council elections are also set to be held in some areas of West Northamptonshire on 1 May, with further information on these to be provided in the coming weeks. Whether voting in person at a polling station, by post or by proxy (on someone’s behalf), there are some key deadlines to be aware of. If you haven’t registered to vote yet, the deadline to do so is Friday, 11 April. It’s a quick and easy process that takes just five minutes online at gov.uk/register-to-vote . If you’ve recently moved home or changed your name, you may need to update your details to ensure you can take part. For those who prefer to vote by post, applications need to be submitted by 5pm on Monday, 14 April. Voting by post is a great option if you’ll be away on election day or if you’d rather not visit a polling station in person. Your postal vote will be sent to you in advance, so you can fill it in and return it at your convenience. If you’d like someone to vote on your behalf, known as a proxy vote, the deadline to apply is 5pm on Wednesday, 23 April. One of the biggest changes recently introduced is the requirement for photo ID when voting in person. If you don’t have an accepted form of ID, such as a passport or driving licence, you can apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate. The deadline for this is 5pm on Wednesday, 23 April. Without the correct ID, you won’t be able to vote at your polling station, so make sure you’re prepared. "These elections are about your community, your family, and your future. The decisions made by your local councillors affect the schools your children go to, the roads you drive on, the parks you enjoy, and the services that support you and your loved ones. “I know life is busy, and it’s easy to think one vote won’t make a difference—but it absolutely does. Every single vote helps shape the place we call home. If you’ve never voted before, or if you’ve moved recently, now is the time to check that you’re registered and ready to take part. “Voting is simple, and there are options to make it easier for everyone—whether that’s voting by post, asking someone to vote on your behalf, or heading to your polling station on the day. Don’t leave it too late—get ready now so your voice is heard on 1 May. This is your community, your future—make it count.” Anna Earnshaw, Returning Officer for West Northamptonshire For more information, visit Local Elections 2025 . Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

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