10 September 2024

West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) is exploring plans to generate its own ‘green electricity’ through a new solar panels scheme that will help meet local climate targets whilst reducing energy costs.

The proposals would see the Council invest in installing solar (photovoltaic) panels on multiple smaller sites, such as buildings and areas of land, to generate its own renewable energy supply.

WNC is not looking at introducing a large-scale single-site solar farm in West Northants, which have been pursued in other parts of the country. Instead, smaller solar projects would be brought forward, playing a key role in helping the authority to become net zero by 2030 and potentially saving the Council up to £1m a year in energy costs, depending on how future investment is set up.

Initial work has been carried out to assess the suitability of WNC’s land and properties for the scheme, with potential sites that could be explored further for the projects. At their meeting next week Cabinet members will consider whether to spend £1.272m of capital funding – money earmarked specifically for land, property and infrastructure – to further assess the sites which would then subject to public consultation and planning permission.

“We have a clear ambition to make our Council operations net zero by 2030 and generating our own large amounts of solar electricity would be hugely beneficial towards helping us achieve this. Not only would it significantly reduce our carbon emissions but also reduce our exposure to high and volatile energy costs.

“We are aware that the installation of solar technology can sometimes cause concern within the community, particularly around larger commercial solar farms, however our focus would be to explore the use of smaller, multiple projects for panels, being extremely mindful of the surroundings by ensuring significant landscaping for any ground-mounted schemes. As projects are developed, we would also ensure we consult local residents and follow the usual planning permissions and processes.

“Alongside assessing the feasibility of potential sites, we would also need to further explore and consider the best investment model for taxpayers too, which could range from solely funding the schemes ourselves to working with private sector partners.

“There is still a lot to consider at this early stage, but we owe it to our residents to explore whatever renewable energy solutions might be available to use as we work to create a cleaner and greener West Northants for everyone.”

Cllr Rebecca Breese, WNC’s Cabinet Member for Waste, Recycling and the Environment

The report will be considered by Cabinet at its meeting on 17 September – view the agenda here.

10 September 2024

In Northamptonshire, around 60 people take their own life each year. The effects of a suicide can be devastating, and the impact felt by many – including family, friends, neighbours, employers, colleagues, professionals, and the wider community. This is why North and West Northamptonshire Councils joined together to host an event to mark World Suicide Prevention Day which takes place on 10 September each year.

The event took place on Monday 9 September at Northampton Museum and Art Gallery and provided people with the opportunity to watch 'Fifty-Four Days,' a film about suicide bereavement, and join in a question-and-answer session on this topic and find out more about services across Northamptonshire that can support them. Refreshments were provided by local company, Punjabi Fusion. 

As a partnership across Northamptonshire, organisations believe that every death by suicide is one too many. Each of these deaths can potentially be prevented, therefore suicide prevention is a priority for everyone, and the event aimed to open up conversations about this topic and raise awareness of vital services.

"I made Fifty-Four Days at the lowest point of my life - after losing someone I loved to suicide and wondering how I would go on. Swimming each day pretty much saved my life and I wanted to tell a different narrative about how we still remain hopeful, even in the face of suicide. The film has won awards and sparked conversations all over the world and to now be bringing it back to my hometown of Northampton in honour of World Suicide Prevention Day is such a full circle moment. North and West Northamptonshire Councils are doing such incredible work across the county to change the narrative around suicide, including launching 'Shout' - a 24/7 service providing people within the moment support. I am so honoured that Fifty-Four Days is going to be part of that conversation, inspiring people to change the narrative. I truly believe that dawn will always break through the darkness if we just keep holding on long enough to see it."Cat White, film producer of Fifty-Four days

“As a partnership, we believe every death by suicide is one too many. Each of these deaths can potentially be prevented and that’s why we are working towards raising awareness of suicide prevention, making it a priority for everyone. The event provided an opportunity for people to watch a thought-provoking film and engage in important conversations on this topic.”Cllr Matt Golby, Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Adult Care, Public Health and Regulatory Services at West Northamptonshire Council

“As the film shows, each suicide has a far-reaching impact on many other people. People bereaved by suicide are more likely to experience poor mental health and sadly have an increased risk of suicide themselves. It is vitally important that there is a range of support for those bereaved or affected by suicide. Locally these include Kelly’s Heroes, Northamptonshire Support After Suicide, Samaritans and Cruse Bereavement, as well as the Northamptonshire Mental Health Number. I would like to thank them for the important services that they provide.”Councillor Gill Mercer, North Northamptonshire Council’s Executive Member for Adults, Health and Wellbeing

If you are concerned that an individual has taken steps to harm themselves or someone around them, then please contact the emergency services on 999.

In Northamptonshire, there is a 24hr mental health number where you can access support for yourself, or someone you are worried about on 0800 448 0828. There is also a text number available Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm on 07480 635531. Click here to find out more about mental health services.

09 September 2024

Construction works to extend the Gateway School in Tiffield kick-started in July in order to provide a further 55 places for students with social, emotional, and mental health (SEMH) needs from September 2025.

West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) is working with the Creating Tomorrow Trust to undertake the expansion of the existing 63 place Gateway school, in Tiffield, by reconfiguring and refurbishing the existing unused building and sports facility building. These are located adjacent to the existing buildings and are planned to accommodate a further 55 much needed new places, taking the total capacity for the school to 118.

In addition to providing additional spaces for pupils, the expansion will include enhanced sports facilities including significant work being undertaken to reopen the existing swimming pool. This will be available to use by pupils of Gateway and the new adjacent Tiffield special school, alongside the possibility of opening the pool for wider public use in future.

The works are being delivered by Colam Ltd (Colonial Construction) to deliver the expansion to the existing Gateway School. Since the project started in July a full strip-out of the existing building has taken place and the new internal walls configuration will begin in September.

The Gateway School is a special secondary school for children aged 11-16 with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), whose primary need is linked to social, emotional and/or mental health (SEMH).

“High quality SEND places are urgently needed across West Northamptonshire and the expansion of the existing Gateway School will help to meet the needs of local pupils. These projects form part of our longer term SEND strategy to ensure that every child has access to the right type of education without delay. We will continue to work with partners to deliver the priority action plan to improve our SEND services for parents and children across West Northamptonshire.”Cllr Fiona Baker, Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Education at WNC

“Colonial Construction are delighted to take this project forward for West Northants Council. We are very proud to be involved in this important piece of work that we understand will have such a positive impact for the children and young adults. We look forward to delivering this project for the Gateway School and West Northants Council.”Adam Pike, Project Manager at Colonial Construction

“For young people with SEMH, we know that packing the curriculum with a blend of academic, vocational pastoral and therapeutic support gives the best outcomes. As well as adding vital new capacity for those with SEMH needs, the new facilities, which include cooking, drama, horticulture, and sports, will help students access post 16 pathways more easily and be better prepared for adulthood.” Conor Renihan, Headteacher at The Gateway School

09 September 2024

Small businesses in West Northamptonshire will be put on the map by the Small Business Saturday campaign later this year, after it has announced plans to bring its next national roadshow to the area this autumn.

The Tour will visit local businesses in Northampton on Monday, 18 November 2024 as part of a month-long journey across the UK, telling the inspirational stories of the UK’s 5.5 million small businesses and spotlighting the real people and communities behind them.

Supported by BT, the Tour will visit small businesses in over twenty UK towns and cities, undertaking ‘behind-the-scenes’ style scenes, interviewing local business owners and sharing these across social media. 

The Tour marks the official countdown to Small Business Saturday later in the year on 7 December.

A grassroots, non-commercial campaign, Small Business Saturday celebrates small business success and encourages consumers to 'shop local' and to support businesses in their communities.  Running for over a decade the campaign is backed by principal supporter American Express and has engaged millions of people and seen billions of pounds spent with small businesses across the UK on Small Business Saturday.

"We are so proud to be working with Small Business Saturday UK to bring a focus on West Northants and it is fantastic that our local businesses will be recognised by the national Small Business Saturday campaign.

“This is a fantastic opportunity to showcase the unique and diverse businesses that make our community vibrant and thriving. Small businesses are the backbone of our local economy, and campaigns like this highlight their invaluable contribution. This is why we are so dedicated to supporting every local enterprise & providing funding to enable inclusive, sustainable growth across all of West Northants.

“We encourage everyone to join us in celebrating and supporting these businesses, not only on 7 December, but throughout the year. Let's continue to 'shop local' and ensure the success and growth of our small business community.”

Cllr Daniel Lister, Cabinet Member for Local Economy, Culture and Leisure at WNC

Alongside the roadshow, the campaign will also offer a month of dedicated free online support for small businesses in the UK. This includes daily webinars and mentoring covering a wide range of relevant topics, as well as insight sessions with small businesses and industry experts. 

"Small Business Saturday has always been about supporting and celebrating the UK’s fantastic entrepreneurs and the amazing contribution they make to local communities all across the UK.

“Small businesses sit at the heart of communities like West Northants forming the cornerstone of local economies. We are really excited to have Small Business Saturday’s Tour visit the area and shine an important light on all the fabulous small businesses here, as well as all across the UK, bringing to life their brilliant and unique stories and impact."

Michelle Ovens CBE, director of Small Business Saturday UK

Travelling over 3,000 miles The Tour will make use of electric vehicles to reduce emissions and reflect the sustainable switches many small business owners are making, as part of their vital role in the race to net zero.

“Given the massive role that small businesses can play in helping to boost the UK economy it’s important that we give Britain’s entrepreneurs all the support they need to succeed.

“The Tour is a brilliant way for small businesses across the country to get tailored support around growing their capability for the future. We are delighted to be supporting this effort once again, through our Skills for Tomorrow offering, which has helped over one million entrepreneurs grow their small businesses with free digital skills training.”

Chris Sims, BT’s Managing Director for Small and Medium Enterprise

For more information on Small Business Saturday and to get involved in The Tour visit - https://smallbusinesssaturdayuk.com/the-tour.