Revolution Radio - Local News

October 10, 2024

Household Support Fund to Aid Vulnerable Households in West Northamptonshire This Winter

10 October 2024 Residents facing financial hardship will receive additional support this winter from the latest round of the Household Support Fund. West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) has received over £2.4 million from the Government scheme which will be distributed through a range of initiatives aimed at assisting low-income families and individuals in need, offering crucial support during the winter months and through to the end of March 2025. Around 50% of the funding will go directly to supporting 13,000 families across the region through meal vouchers, which will cover school holidays, and an application for vouchers towards winter coats for children. Additionally, more than £900,000 will be allocated to trusted voluntary and community organisations, such as community larders and organisations offering energy saving support to bolster their services and provide vital resources to those who need them most. The remaining funds will be channelled into tailored support, from debt and money advice, energy saving advice and practical energy saving measures to practical household support. "This funding will make a tangible difference to the lives of many families and individuals across West Northamptonshire during these challenging times. By working closely with our local partners and voluntary organisations, we are committed to ensuring that every pound is used to offer the most practical support possible, helping people to keep warm, well-fed, and supported through the winter. Our priority is to reach those in greatest need, including pensioners, and to provide help in ways that make the biggest impact." Cllr Matt Golby, Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Adult Care, Public Health and Regulatory Services at West Northamptonshire Council The Household Support Fund is part of a wider effort to support vulnerable households as energy prices and food costs continue to rise. WNC’s distribution plan will focus on helping families and individuals access basic essentials, while also providing access to longer-term financial and practical advice. All funding is provided along with wrap around support schemes to help households to access longer-term assistance with financial wellbeing. For more information, or to find out how to access support, please visit the Household Support Fund website pages. Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

October 10, 2024

Sarah Hall appointed as Director of Governance and Monitoring Officer at West Northamptonshire Council

10 October 2024 West Northamptonshire Council announces the appointment of Sarah Hall as its new Director of Governance and Monitoring Officer. With over two decades of experience in local government, Sarah brings a wealth of experience and a strong track record in leadership, service transformation, and legal services management to the role. Sarah has previously served as Monitoring Officer at Mansfield District Council and has successfully led various high-performing teams across procurement, audit, elections, democratic services, health and safety and legal services. Sarah has been key in creating two new in-house legal teams, both at Mansfield and West Northamptonshire Council, delivering more efficient services tailored to meet local needs. Sarah’s passion for learning and development has been at the core of her work, promoting the growth of council officers and celebrating their successes. A strong advocate for equality, diversity, and inclusion, Sarah has actively worked to ensure that councils reflect the communities they serve, promoting positive change across all areas. "I am delighted to take on the Director of Governance and Monitoring Officer role at such an exciting time for West Northamptonshire Council. I look forward to building on the strong governance framework already in place and driving forward some key strategic projects, including the development of our new mortuary and crematorium, and further digitising our records and data management processes. I am passionate about creating opportunities for our teams to grow and thrive, and I am eager to continue supporting the talented officers here in achieving their ambitions." Sarah Hall "We are thrilled to have Sarah on board as our Director of Governance and Monitoring Officer. Her extensive experience, commitment to public service, and passion for developing people and services will be invaluable as we continue to strengthen our governance and deliver for the people of West Northamptonshire. Sarah’s leadership will help us push forward with key projects and ensure we operate efficiently, transparently, and in the best interests of our residents." Anna Earnshaw, Chief Executive of West Northamptonshire Council In addition to her new role at West Northamptonshire Council, Sarah is a Non-Executive Director of Solace and a Board Member of EMLawshare, the UK’s largest legal consortium. She is also part of the organising committee of the new Solace East Midlands Branch, further reflecting her commitment to advancing the governance and legal framework across the region. Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

October 11, 2024

West Northamptonshire is joining forces with other local authorities to ask ‘why do you drop litter?’

11 October 2024 West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) is proud to be working with other local authorities on a campaign to reduce littering on the A5 and across our area. The campaign aims to educate road users on how they can report litter dropped from a vehicle when they witness an offence and make those thinking of littering aware they could be liable for up to a £500 fine if they choose to do so. We’re asking why people drop litter – do they not care about the countryside, do they think others should clean up their mess, or are they an idiot? Dropping litter from any vehicle, such as a car, van, lorry or scooter, is an offence and can result in a fixed penalty notice (FPN) being issued to the person dropping the litter by our Environmental Crime team. Anyone can report littering offences online or via the West Northamptonshire Council app, available to download via the app store. Signage will be displayed along the A5, as well as at petrol stations and across social media channels to highlight that littering anywhere is an offence. “Looking after our environment is the responsibility of all, and we are committed to doing what we can to keep West Northants clean and green. We’re asking people to think about why they drop litter, in the hope that they will reconsider their thoughtless actions and use bins or take their waste with them.” Cllr Rebecca Breese, WNC’s Cabinet Member for Environment, Recycling and Waste “Dropping litter anywhere is an offence and may result in offenders receiving a fixed penalty notice of up to £500. Carelessly discarding rubbish has a negative impact on our environment and the taxpayer pays for clean-up costs. We welcome the support of our communities in bringing people who do so to justice.” Cllr Matt Golby, WNC’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, Public Health and Regulatory Services Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

October 11, 2024

One week to go until the grand opening celebration of Northampton’s revitalised Market Square

11 October 2024 The countdown is on! In just one week, Northampton will celebrate the highly anticipated grand opening of the newly revitalised Market Square on Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 October. Hosted by West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) in partnership with Northampton Forward, Northampton BID and Northampton Town Council, this weekend event promises to bring together the community for a two-day festival of family fun, live entertainment, local food and drink, and cultural experiences. The Market Square, a historic centrepiece of Northampton, has undergone a stunning transformation to create a vibrant, accessible, and inclusive space for everyone to enjoy. The grand opening event will feature a wide range of activities, performances, and market traders, showcasing the best of Northampton’s local talent, businesses, and heritage. Highlights of the event include: Main Stage Music Zone: Enjoy live music from local and regional artists, including the ABBA tribute band The Magic of ABBA and Britain’s Got Talent finalists Northants Sings Out, alongside acts from BBC Introducing and the Northampton Music Festival. View the full line up on the WNC website . Discover Northamptonshire Zone: Explore the rich history and heritage of Northampton and Northamptonshire, find out more about our cultural and visitor attractions and meet some of our amazing community groups and charities. Learn all about archaeological digs with Northampton Museum and Art Gallery and reminisce about times gone by with photos of the market square through the years. Plan your next day out with Discover Northamptonshire plus it’s your chance to meet their new mascot the red kite. We need your creative skills to give him a name, visit the stand to have your say! Drop by the Performing Room pop up to understand how this award-winning community group delivers music-based projects to young people. Meet a therapy dog from Pets as Therapy and talk to their volunteers about how the specially trained dogs support people across the community. Plus, much more! Northampton BID Family Zone: A space packed with activities for children and families, including magic shows, circus skills workshops, face painting, balloon making, build and craft stations, colouring in activities and a treasure hunt activity sheet. They’ll also be a quiet corner with a mini library and baby changing facilities. dbfb Interactive Sports Zone: Get active with interactive displays and activities showcasing West Northamptonshire’s sporting excellence. The Sports Zone will offer guests the chance to get on a Bike with British Cycling, join a Martial Arts class, and take part in a variety of fun competitions. In addition, Everyone Active will be on hand with a rowing machine challenge and people can shoot some hoops with Northampton Basketball Club, have a kick around with Northampton Town Football Club (NTFC), and admire a supercar from Silverstone! Zone sponsor dbfb will also be on hand to showcase how the latest technology is supporting sport, health, wellbeing, and local communities, and professional boxer and former world champion Chantelle Cameron will be making a guest appearance. Sands United FC will also be there to help create awareness of baby loss and how important sport is for our mental health. Local Food and Drink Zone: Indulge in mouth-watering local street food and drinks, with a variety of vendors offering some of Northampton’s best culinary delights including pizza, American BBQ, tacos, jerk chicken, and a range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. See the full offering the WNC website . "We are just one week away from unveiling Northampton’s new Market Square, and we couldn’t be more excited to celebrate this historic moment with our community. The grand opening event will be a fantastic opportunity to bring people together, showcase local talent, and celebrate our town’s rich heritage. “We invite everyone to join us for a weekend of fun, food, and festivities as we mark the beginning of a new chapter for Northampton Market Square with many amazing activities for everyone to enjoy." Cllr Daniel Lister, Cabinet Member for Local Economy, Culture and Leisure at West Northamptonshire Council In addition to the entertainment, local businesses and market traders will be offering fresh, locally produced goods, handmade crafts, and a range of expert services, providing visitors with a chance to support small businesses and shop local. This event is proudly sponsored by Veolia, ZONE Developments, Northampton BID, SEGRO, Evolve, Discover Northamptonshire, dbfb Communications, Danaher & Walsh (Civil Engineering) Ltd, Billing Aquadrome, and CS2. Their support has been instrumental in making this grand celebration possible. Don’t miss out on this incredible weekend! Mark your calendars and be part of the grand opening of Northampton Market Square on Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 October. “Veolia is proud of Northampton and is thrilled to be sponsoring the Market Square celebrations. This amazing space at the heart of the community offers so much to the people of Northampton and Veolia is delighted to be part of it. “As well as helping residents with their waste and recycling while keeping Northampton's streets clean, Veolia supports local not-for-profit organisations, community groups, and individuals that protect and preserve resources in their local area through the Sustainability Fund. Veolia also offers local schools the opportunity to develop a small orchard of fruit trees through their Veolia School Orchards project, not only giving young people a chance to experience the benefits of working with nature but helping to improve local biodiversity. “Biodiversity is one of the pillars of ecological transformation and that's one of the reasons Veolia is distributing wildflower seeds at the Market Square event, giving everyone who visits a chance to enhance biodiversity in their local area.” Andrew Reidy, General Manager at Veolia “Only one week to go until The Music Of ABBA takes the stage! Grab your Dancing Queens and come join us for the party of the year as we bring you the hits that you know and love.” James Taylor, Magic of Abba Tribute For more information and event details, visit the Reopening of Northampton Market Square webpage. Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

October 10, 2024

Landmark summit with a focus on climate change

10 October 2024 The first West Northamptonshire Area Climate Summit saw members of West Northamptonshire Council (WNC), Northampton Town Council (NTC) and other town and parish councils from across the area discuss the climate challenge and how they can work together to make a difference locally. The event, which is hoped to be the first of a five-year programme, held on Wednesday, 9 October at Delapré Abbey, was attended by over 50 representatives and focussed on developing and supporting initiatives to tackle climate change. Organised by WNC and NTC, with support from NCALC and other parish councils and community groups, topics discussed included: Food consumption and waste Biodiversity Communicating climate change These key topics not only centred around reducing our carbon footprint but also improving the wellbeing of our residents and creating healthier, more vibrant communities. “It was wonderful to see so many people representing their local communities and coming together to focus on the critical issue of climate change. The summit was an opportunity to find out more about sustainability initiatives, share ideas and network with others. We all have a role to play, from individual households to local authorities and this landmark event highlights our commitment as a Council to building a cleaner, healthier and more resilient future for our residents.” Cllr Rebecca Breese, WNC’s Cabinet Member for Environment, Recycling and Waste ‘It has been mine and one of the town council’s main objectives to collaborate with WNC and parish councils in the area to see what we can do collectively to make a difference in our fight against climate change. We aim to now build on this Summit and organise further events on various topics plus a resources database to support both local councils and residents who want to work together to reduce the worst effects of climate change and build resilience to those extreme weather events that are now probably inevitable’. Cllr Andrew Stevens Chair of Northampton Town Council’s Environment Committee Find out more about Sustainability at West Northamptonshire Council . Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

October 11, 2024

Help shape local transport in West Northamptonshire

11 October 2024 With less than a week left, people are being encouraged to share their views on a Local Transport Plan being developed by West Northamptonshire Council (WNC). The plan has been developed with key stakeholders and details a range of proposals for transport over the next 20 years, with the aim that by 2045 the Council will have worked with communities and partners to: Make public transport more attractive and accessible Make active travel such as walking or wheeling a first choice for short trips Reduce dependency on private cars Make our transport system safer, cleaner, and more inclusive Improve transport infrastructure and transport services to make them more resilient. "We are keen for residents, businesses, community groups, landowners, and other stakeholders to have their say on whether they agree with the proposals in the plan. “People rely on public transport for both work and leisure and it is essential that we prioritise the right things. We’re working closely with partners to ensure that our ambition for transport across the area is achieved, whilst also considering our impact on the environment.” Cllr Phil Larratt, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport The consultation runs until 17 October. People can have their say on our consultation hub. All responses will then be analysed and considered by the Council in developing the plan further. Once finalised, the Local Transport Plan will be presented to WNC’s Cabinet early 2025 with the final plan to be published following that meeting. Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

October 09, 2024

Fly-tipper hit with heavy fine following prosecution

09 October 2024 A woman who continually placed her waste out for collection on days other than the authorised collection day has been ordered to pay £780. Discarding waste on the street not on an authorised collection day is classed as fly-tipping. Between April 2023 and July 2024 Miss Lavine Williams of Overstone Road, Northampton continually did so, despite numerous warnings which were ignored. This resulted in a Community Protection Notice being served in September 2023. Miss Williams continued to ignore the Notice and was issued with fixed penalty notices. As Miss Williams failed to pay or make any representation to West Northamptonshire Council (WNC), she was taken to court on 30 July 2024, and pleaded not guilty. The trial was heard on 24 September, when Miss Williams was found guilty on all four counts of breaching her Community Protection Notice. She was fined £200, ordered to pay costs of £500 and a victim surcharge of £80. Our officers work hard alongside our waste collection partners to keep our areas clean and green and when fly-tipping or littering occur, we will take action against offenders in line with our enforcement policy. “We will not tolerate fly-tipping or littering in our communities – there is no excuse for it. We are committed to taking action against offenders and tackling waste crimes, and we also welcome and value the support of residents in helping keep our areas clean and safe.” Cllr Matt Golby, WNC’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, Public Health and Regulatory Services To check when your authorised collection day is and how to dispose of your household waste correctly, please visit our waste and recycling webpages . People can report fly-tipping on our website, along with any information which can help to pinpoint the offenders. To find out more visit our cleaner communities page. Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

October 09, 2024

New strategy sets out plans to improve housing for tenants in West Northants

09 October 2024 A new Tenancy Strategy aimed at ensuring fair, sustainable, and effective management of social housing across West Northamptonshire has been approved by West Northamptonshire Council’s Cabinet at their meeting yesterday (8 October). The West Northamptonshire Tenancy Strategy (2024-2029) sets out clear guidelines for registered housing providers (RPs) operating within the area, ensuring that housing policies support long-term community stability and meet the growing demand for affordable housing. This strategy replaces the previous policies from the former legacy areas of Daventry, South Northamptonshire, and Northampton, and aligns with key Council objectives, such as the Corporate Plan, the Housing Strategy, and the Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy. Key proposals in the strategy include the introduction of lifetime tenancies, enabling new tenants to ensure long-term housing security and encouraging stable and sustainable communities; the use of fixed-term tenancies in exceptional circumstances to limit disruption to community cohesion; and the delivery of more social rent, particularly in the development of new homes to address poverty and improve the affordability of housing. The strategy will also focus on homeless prevention and tenancy sustainment, ensuring vulnerable residents receive the necessary support needed to avoid homelessness. The strategy also outlines how the Council will work closely with RPs to make sure they meet local housing needs. via the Housing Register and through new affordable housing delivery. It will also support the Council’s wider objectives to reduce the need for temporary accommodation and alleviate homelessness while ensuring that tenants live in safe, affordable homes. "We are committed to ensuring that our residents have access to secure, affordable housing, and this new Tenancy Strategy is a key step in making that happen. “By focusing on long-term tenancies and supporting our most vulnerable residents, we are not just providing homes but also building stronger, more resilient communities. This strategy will help ensure that social housing in West Northants is used in a way that benefits both tenants and the wider community, making West Northamptonshire a better place to live for everyone." Cllr Rosie Herring, Cabinet Member for Housing The Tenancy Strategy was developed following a six-week consultation period, during which the Council engaged with private registered providers, housing tenants, private landlords, and voluntary housing organisations. 79% of respondents agreed with the key proposals in the strategy, which is designed to tackle the current housing challenges while ensuring stability for the residents of West Northamptonshire. The Council remains committed to working with registered housing providers to ensure this strategy is effectively implemented and delivers real benefits for residents. Find more information about the new Tenancy Strategy . Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

October 08, 2024

Get your two or three-year-olds protected with the free flu nasal spray

08 October 2024 Parents and guardians across West Northamptonshire are being urged to get their child vaccinated with the free flu nasal spray. The call from the Public Health team at West Northamptonshire Council comes as the Government prioritises flu vaccinations for all children. Toddlers, are amongst those groups who could have serious health implications from catching flu, including the need to be hospitalised. In 2023-2024 59% of children aged two to three, in West Northamptonshire, did not receive the vaccine, meaning a higher increase of children this age were at risk to catching flu. The West Northamptonshire Public Health Team are calling to parents and guardians to get their children booked in with their GP as soon as possible, to ensure they are protected against the contagious infection. “The flu vaccine for children is usually given as a quick and painless spray up the nose and will not cause your child to have the flu. As flu viruses change annually, a new nasal spray vaccine needs to be given each year to protect the child. If your child is unable to have the nasal spray, an alternative option can be offered. “More than half of children aged two and three years in West Northamptonshire were not vaccinated last year. I strongly encourage all parents and guardians to get their child/children vaccinated against the flu, it is an important vaccination that will protect them, as well as stop the spread of the illness to vulnerable family members and friends.” Cllr Matt Golby, Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Adult Care, Public Health and Regulatory Services at WNC Parents will receive an invite from their child's GP inviting them to take up the opportunity of a flu vaccine. It is important to ensure you take the time to get your child vaccinate them ahead of the colder months. For further information, visit our Immunisation page . Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

October 07, 2024

Funding provided to support Northampton job seekers back to work

07 October 2024 People in Northampton who have previously been unable to work due to mental ill health are to receive support to ease them back into employment. The announcement coincides with World Mental Health Day, on Thursday, October 10, which this year is about prioritising mental health in the workplace. Workbridge, the vocational education arm of complex mental health charity St Andrew’s Healthcare, has been awarded a £60,000 grant from West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) as part of a wider initiative aimed at enhancing local skills and fostering positive change within the community. This funding, provided through central Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), will support Workbridge’s efforts to deliver a wellbeing support and essential skills programme. The scheme will empower individuals, promote skills development, and contribute to long-term community improvement in West Northamptonshire. Those who sign up for the five-week programme are supported by skilled tutors, helping them to realise their potential. They will be given the opportunity to learn new skills, understand more about resilience and gain confidence which is hoped will assist them in gaining employment. “For more than 40 years, Workbridge has been providing a bridge for people to find work. We’ve found that very often people want to work, but there can be a number of barriers, which they need to overcome first before they can do that. But our new initiative is going to work with these people, to find out what those challenges are and, working together, we’re going to help tackle them. “We're proud to help people living with mental illness, autism, learning disability or brain injury get the chance to build life, vocational and employment skills. The council’s funding will ensure we can help more people to thrive. We now have the opportunity to widen our reach and support those in our local community who need a bit of support and time for their emotional wellbeing.” Jenny Lane, Workbridge Education Manager Referrals to the Workbridge vocational programme will be made via the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) and the Wellbeing Launchpad through Social prescription. However, self-referrals will be accepted if the person meets the criteria. “It’s great to see that support is being provided to get our job seekers, who have become ill with poor mental health, back into the work place. But, we all have a responsibility to ensure things are put in place to protect mental health at work. “Life is busy for everyone, particularly for those who work. Whatever you do for a living, a lot of people will experience some form of stress at work. But, it’s important to realise when that small amount of stress is causing emotional distress. It can feel like it has taken over and this can start to become part of a bigger problem.” Dr Inga Stewart, a consultant psychologist at St Andrew’s According to Mental Health UK, 20 per cent of employees took leave last year because of stress. Burn-out rates are on the rise and in 2022, poor mental health was the fifth most common reason given for sickness absence, accounting for 7.9 per cent of occurrences. “There’s no doubt about it, mental ill health numbers are on the up. More needs to be done to support people in the work place to prevent work-related mental health conditions, but I also think it’s ok for us to normalise saying no. “We need to protect and promote mental health at work. We should be empowering our staff and colleagues to put their mental health first, before anything else. Organisations need to be ready to recognise and respond to emotional distress. We need to have access to the right training, support and adaptations so we can look out for ourselves and those around us.” Inga added Funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), the new programme aims to drive economic growth by fostering a resilient workforce. “Our investment of £1.4 million in skills projects, including community organisations through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund is a vital step in boosting the local economy of West Northamptonshire. By equipping our workforce with essential skills and supporting innovative projects we are laying the groundwork for sustained economic growth and prosperity in our area. “This funding will not only help individuals and businesses thrive but will also strengthen the resilience and inclusivity of our entire community. We are confident that these initiatives will make a meaningful difference in enhancing people’s lives by improving local skills and providing new opportunities for local people.” Councillor Daniel Lister, Cabinet Member for Local Economy, Culture and Leisure Anyone who would like to find out more information should contact [email protected] . Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

October 07, 2024

Council successful in defending appeal against major housing offences

07 October 2024 West Northamptonshire Council's (WNC) Private Sector Housing Team has successfully defended an appeal in Northampton Crown Court in relation to a significant case involving unlicensed houses in multiple occupation (HMOs). The original prosecution, which took place in December 2022 at Northampton Magistrates Court, saw two defendants fined £275,000 and £35,000 respectively for breaches under the Housing Act 2004. Both defendants had appealed their sentences to the Crown Court, with the hearing taking place on 20 September 2024. Mr Recorder A Jack, who presided over the appeal, dismissed the case and upheld the Council's stance. In his judgment, he emphasised that this was a “criminal enterprise involving houses in multiple occupation” and condemned the dangerous fire safety violations involved, stating they were both 'illegal and dangerous, posing a risk to the lives of tenants and neighbours." He described the case as an “extremely serious instance of illegal enterprise.” Upon resentencing, Mr Recorder Jack increased the fines significantly, raising the original £275,000 penalty to £329,524 and the £35,000 penalty to £73,524. Costs were also awarded to the Council, and the defendants have been given one month to pay the fines. The case, which began in 2019, demanded considerable resources and collaboration, involving properties that were unlicensed and posed serious safety risks, putting tenants' health and wellbeing in direct danger. The team’s intelligence-driven enforcement strategy targeted areas where intelligence identified significant risks. This successful outcome serves as a strong reminder that West Northamptonshire Council will not hesitate to take firm action against those who operate outside the law and endanger the safety of tenants and work is ongoing to ensure the quality of all housing across West Northamptonshire meets the required standard. “This case underscores our unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of residents in West Northamptonshire. The outcome demonstrates that we will take firm action against those who neglect their responsibilities and put tenants at risk. “I’m incredibly proud of the Private Sector Housing Team’s dedication and their successful efforts in tackling such serious breaches. Our priority is to create safe, secure homes for all residents in our area, and we will continue to use every resource available to achieve that." Cllr Rosie Herring, Cabinet Member for Housing at WNC Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

October 03, 2024

Thanks to everyone who helped during recent flooding

03 October 2024 Northampton Washlands Organisations involved in responding to the recent flooding across Northamptonshire are thanking everyone who stepped in to help. The county saw three times the average monthly rainfall - the highest September rainfall since records began with almost 15cm of rain compared with an average of around 6cm. Most of this fell between Saturday 21 and Thursday 26 September. As a result, residential and business properties were flooded, as were some schools and several caravan parks including Billing Aquadrome and Cogenhoe Mill Holiday Park and Yarwell Mill Caravan Park. Watch a video on this: Representatives from Northamptonshire Police, Northamptonshire Fire & Rescue Service, the Environment Agency and West and North Northamptonshire councils talk about the joint response to recent flooding in the county. “Flooding has a devastating impact on those affected – we encourage property owners and businesses to sign up for the free flood warning service which will alert them to take action. “Visit the Gov.uk website and search ‘flood’ where communities can also find out how to become more resilient, what to do before, during and after a flood and view the current Flood Warnings and river levels.” Ben Thornely, Area Flood and Coastal Risk Manager for the Environment Agency Following evacuation from some of these properties voluntary organisations, particularly British Red Cross, 4x4 Response, Re:ACT and Rapid Response Team, stepped in to support. “The volunteers have been amazing, helping us staff a reception centre for those who were displaced and making sure everyone was well looked after. “I would also like to thank our amazing staff and partners who worked around the clock to ensure support was available for our communities when they needed it most.” Cllr Adam Brown, Leader of West Northamptonshire Council “We saw an incredible amount of rainfall hit our county in a very short space of time which had a significant impact on some of our communities. “The incredible response from volunteers, staff and partners to help deal with situation was amazing and I’d like to thank everyone who helped.” Cllr Jason Smithers, Leader of North Northamptonshire Council Organisations from across the Northamptonshire Local Resilience Forum (LRF) came together to deal with the issues. Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service led the initial approach, with support from West and North Northamptonshire Councils, Northamptonshire Police, the Environment Agency and the Met Office, Northamptonshire Integrated Care Board, the East Midlands Ambulance Service, and Meadow Bay Villages which owns Billing Aquadrome. The fire service, along with Northamptonshire Search and Rescue, helped get more than 70 people across the county to safety during the worst of the weather. “Last week was an incredibly busy one for us as a Fire Service, but we worked closely with partner agencies to make sure we had sufficient resources in place to deal with a large number of flood related incidents. “I want to pay tribute to the hard work and dedication of our firefighters, fire staff and control room, as well as volunteer colleagues at Northants Search and Rescue, for their response so far. “We would encourage members of the public to stay safe and continue to follow safety advice on social media.” Area Commander Mick Berry, Head of Response for Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue “The last week has shown again how well we work together in responding to this type of flooding, and I want to thank those people who have followed all the advice that’s been shared. “I would also like to thank the people who have been part of the response, including Northamptonshire Search and Rescue who have helped to keep people safe in such difficult circumstances.” Northamptonshire Police Chief Superintendent Chris Hillery Residents across Northamptonshire are urged to sign up for flood alerts . Further useful information is also available through West Northamptonshire Council’s flooding and flood risk management pages as well as on North Northamptonshire Council’s website . Further useful advice is also available on the Government website for those seeking to prepare for possible flooding , and for landowners who have watercourses running through their property . Volunteer contributions are always invaluable during a crisis and links to more details about how to help can be found below: Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

October 04, 2024

Northampton Market Square grand opening event promises weekend of family fun, food and festivities

04 October 2024 The much-anticipated grand opening event to celebrate Northampton’s revitalised Market Square will take place on Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 October, offering a weekend packed with family-friendly activities and live entertainment as well as opportunities to sample local food and drink, discover Northamptonshire’s rich heritage and history, and explore local businesses and traders. Hosted by West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) in partnership with Northampton Forward, Northampton BID, and Northampton Town Council (NTC), this exciting event marks the transformation of the historic Market Square into a vibrant, inclusive space for the entire community to enjoy. Attendees can look forward to a range of zones, each offering something unique for all ages and making this a true celebration of Northampton’s rich heritage, culture, businesses, and local talent. Main Stage Music Zone At the heart of the event is the Main Stage, featuring an exciting lineup of local and regional artists. Highlights include headline performances from ABBA tribute band The Magic of ABBA and Britain’s Got Talent finalists Northants Sings Out, complemented by live music curated by BBC Introducing and Northampton Music Festival. This stage promises to deliver energy and entertainment throughout the weekend. Discover Northamptonshire Zone We have lots to boast about across West Northants and this exciting zone will be filled with pride of place, people and potential, set to showcase our vibrant communities, culture and heritage. Visitors can explore: Models from the Northampton Market Square’s fountain development A pop-up stall from 78 Derngate NTC Heritage Boards and Snapshots in Time The Northampton Museum and Art Gallery’s (NMAG) Handling Collection and Archaeological Dig A heritage film screening and chance to try out musical instruments with Performing Room Northampton BID Family Zone Big, bright, vibrant hours of fun in abundance for big kids and tiny tots plus their caregivers. From circus workshops to craft activities, baby changing facilities to a chill out space plus so much more. Families can enjoy: An illusions show Circus workshops Balloon makers Face painting Book corner featuring treasures from local libraries Plus lots more! Local Food and Drink Zone Food glorious food! Don't miss the ultimate feast of flavours with mouthwatering local street food and refreshing drinks. A must for all foodies, local suppliers will showcase some of the best culinary delights Northampton has to offer, including: Pizza from Pizzaroo American BBQ from the Smoke Pit Taco Truck from Tacos el pap Jerk Chicken from Fud Cuisine Drinks bar from V&B Interactive Sports Zone Get involved and be a true champion! Showcasing West Northamptonshire's iconic sporting excellence with a range of activities for all the family – keep your eyes peeled for further details soon! This event is proudly sponsored by Veolia, ZONE Developments, Northampton BID, SEGRO, Evolve, dbfb Communications, Danaher & Walsh, Billing Aquadrome, and Northampton BID. Their support has been instrumental in making this grand celebration possible. “ZONE is excited to be sponsoring the Northampton Market Square Opening event on 19 and 20 October as part of our commitment to supporting local communities and fostering vibrant environments where students and residents can thrive. “As an organisation dedicated to providing luxurious accommodation as well as valuable resources and opportunities for students, we believe that a revitalised market square enhances Northampton's offering, making it an even more appealing place to study, work, and live. We look forward to engaging with the community and celebrating the reopening alongside traders and visitors.” Neil Thakkar, Director at ZONE Developments Throughout the weekend, visitors will have the chance to explore the offerings of Northampton’s local businesses and market traders. From fresh, locally produced goods to handmade crafts, the market will be brimming with opportunities to shop local and discover unique products and expert services such as bicycle repairs, key cutting, floristry, and much more. “This event is more than just a celebration of the physical transformation of Northampton Market Square marking the completion of the first of several major regeneration works in the area - it’s a showcase of our local talent, businesses, and rich cultural heritage. “The new Market Square is a welcoming, inclusive space that will serve as the heart of our community for generations to come. We’re excited to bring together families, traders, artists, and sports enthusiasts for a weekend of fun, food, and festivities, highlighting everything Northampton has to offer. This is a true celebration of community spirit, and we can’t wait to share it with everyone across West Northamptonshire and beyond. We will continue to do everything we can to showcase West Northamptonshire as a must-visit destination and the perfect place to work, live, visit and thrive.” Cllr Daniel Lister, Cabinet Member for Local Economy, Culture and Leisure at West Northamptonshire Council Find out more about the event on the WNC website and keep an eye on WNC’s social media pages for further announcements. Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

October 03, 2024

Helping our residents to stop smoking with free support

03 October 2024 The start of October marks Stoptober, a national campaign which encourages people to quit smoking for good. Smoking remains the biggest behavioural cause of preventable death, with 64,000 deaths a year and quitting is one of the best things a smoker can do for their health. If you quit for 28 days, you’re five times more likely to quit for good. That is why West Northamptonshire Council will be hosting events out in the local community to encourage people across the area to join thousands of others who are committing to quitting this October. People across West Northamptonshire can access free support through the Council’s Stop Smoking Service. There is a wide-range of support including a 12-week course with sessions either on the telephone or face-face, as well additional support with e-cigarettes and nicotine replacement therapy which can be delivered straight your door. If you’d like to speak to someone about support this Stoptober join one of the drop in sessions at: Friday 4 October 9am – 4pm at Weston Favell shopping centre, outside Costa Tuesday 8 October 9am – 4pm at Grosvenor Shopping centre, outside River Island on the ground floor Thursday 10 October 9am – 4pm at Northampton General Hospital at the South Entrance outside Marks & Spencer “When you stop smoking good things can start to happen, within days or weeks you have more energy, and your senses of taste and smell improve. Not only this, but quitting could save the average smoker £2,000 per year. Quitting this autumn could ease financial pressures and you could see significant improvements to physical and mental health. “If you’ve quit before, or are looking to save money and improve your wellbeing – I’d encourage you to reach out to our stop smoking service to find out more about the free support we can offer to help you quit for good.” Cllr Matt Golby, Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Adult Care, Public Health and Regulatory Services To find out more information please visit our stop smoking page or you can get in touch with the service today on 0300 126 5700 . Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

October 02, 2024

Health, safety and wellbeing in the workplace an important topic at forum

02 October 2024 Business owners across West Northants came together to discuss health, safety and wellbeing within the workplace at a forum last week. The event, which took place on Friday, 27 September at The Hub, Dirft Drive in Crick, was an opportunity for new and established businesses to listen to a series of speakers and network with others. Topics covered included workplace wellbeing toolkits, diversity and inclusion and safety risks and solutions. Information was also available on services provided by WNC’s Business Development Teams including food hygiene, pest control and opportunities for co-ordinated partnerships with local authorities. Organised by West Northants Council (WNC) and Warrens of Dirft, business advice, support and funding opportunities were also on the agenda from WNC’s Inward Investment and Business Growth Team. “It was fantastic to hear that so many business owners attended the event and took the opportunity to network with others across the area. The forum provided a space to listen to industry leaders and find out more about the information and support available from the Council and its partners. We hope that people found it useful and we’re looking forward to putting on similar events in the future.” 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?

October 03, 2024

Celebrating the contribution of older people in our communities

03 October 2024 Following on from the success of the Healthy Active Ageing event held in April 2024, West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) and Northamptonshire Sport are launching a Healthy Active Ageing Network for people across Northamptonshire. The Healthy Active Ageing Network are core group of stakeholders who have a professional role and/or interest in promoting the health and wellbeing of older people, and especially in reducing any health inequalities that they might experience. The network contributes to the shared ambition of Move Northamptonshire (A Framework For Active Lifestyles In Northamptonshire), and to the ‘Live Your Best Life’ Strategy - specifically ambition 3 ‘Opportunity to be fit, well and independent’. The launch of the network coincides with the celebration of International Day of Older People, taking place on 1 October in recognition of the contribution older people make to our local communities. WNC and the Healthy Active Ageing network will be working with Professor Sir Muir Gray to develop a local programme aimed at promoting healthy ageing in our community. Sir Muir Gray is a physician, academic, and health system innovator, who has held senior positions in the NHS, and has overseen national health screening and NHS RightCare programmes. This initiative will enable us to share national and international best practice across our local networks and coordinate our efforts to make Northamptonshire a great place to live and be active. "We all know that older people are an amazing asset to our local communities in West Northamptonshire. They often contribute their skills, experience and expertise in a variety of ways, sometimes in paid work or through volunteering, being active community members, caring for others, making and creating, and having full, active lives. We really appreciate their contribute to our communities and want to support and celebrate this." Cllr Matt Golby, Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Adult Care, Public Health and Regulatory Services WNC WNC and the Healthy Active Ageing network are encouraging older people to “Be Active - physically, cognitively, and socially" and will be inviting them to share their stories about what healthy active ageing means to them. Join us in celebrating and supporting our older population to live healthier, more active lives! For more information on how to submit your stories and future events, please follow the West Northants Council and Northamptonshire Sport social media channels and websites for more information. Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

October 01, 2024

Works to start this month on a scheme to promote active travel in the Abington Park area of Northampton

01 October 2024 Construction works will start this month on the Abington Active Travel route to improve walking and cycling facilities in the area. Our Highways Partner Kier Transportation will start construction on Monday 21 October at the junction of the A5095 Park Avenue South / Rushmere Road / Billing Road. This construction phase comes as the Delapré Active Travel scheme , a 1,300-metre accessible route through Delapré Park to link Far Cotton with Brackmills, nears completion. The scheme will encourage walking, wheeling and cycling whilst providing a missing link between those areas and more information will follow on this soon. The Active Travel Fund is one of several funding streams set up by the Government for walking and cycling schemes, helping to promote healthy travel, reduce CO2 emissions, and grow the economy. The Abington scheme, which is funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and Active Travel Tranche 2, will improve connectivity and accessibility, joining Rushmere Road to Wellingborough Road. These works may cause some delays as temporary traffic management will be in place to ensure safe working conditions. Some short periods of road closures may also be necessary. This information will be communicated and engagement with local residents, schools, community groups and stakeholders will be taking place in the coming weeks, ahead of works starting. Following public consultation in 2022 and 2023 and completion of this first phase of works, plans will be being finalised in the new year for the next phase, which will improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists at the King Edward Road junction and network capacity by Abington Park. “I am pleased that work on this project to make walking and cycling journeys in the area safer and more pleasant for our residents will commence shortly. The first phase junction of the overall scheme will provide much needed pedestrian and cycle crossing facilities where none currently exist, making the junction safer for all, especially for all the children and young people attending nearby schools who regularly cross it. “We acknowledge that temporary traffic measures and road closures may cause delays for some road users and will be engaging with the local community to ensure that they are kept up to date as works progress on this first phase of the scheme.” Cllr Phil Larratt, WNC’s Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport “We look forward to starting works on this project, to support and encourage active travel in the region. While the works will cause some short-term disruption, we will ensure residents and road users are kept informed. The scheme will have a positive impact in the community for years to come, and we’re pleased to play our part in delivering this infrastructure on behalf of West Northamptonshire Council and supporting its vision for the future.” Peter Ingram, contract director for Kier Transportation To keep up to date on the scheme as it progresses, visit our Active Travel page . Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

October 01, 2024

South Midlands devolution bid on the cards

01 October 2024 North and West Northamptonshire Councils have partnered with four other authorities in the South Midlands on an expression of interest to Government toward devolution. Government announced in July that devolution would be a central strand for boosting economic growth inviting local leaders to identify regional partnerships which could benefit from enhanced powers in areas such as transport, housing, skills and employment. Councils in Bedford, Central Bedfordshire, Luton, Milton Keynes and North and West Northamptonshire have successfully worked together for many years as part of the Central Area Growth Board, more recently becoming the South Midlands Authorities (SMA). They have worked jointly on a submission to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG). As well as enhanced powers, a devolution deal could also leverage in millions of pounds of future investment into the area. Following on from the expression of interest, government will produce a framework which will provide more detail on how and when devolution could become a reality and what the specific benefits could be for the SMA. “Working with our neighbours demonstrates to Government that we have the will and the means to manage greater resources more locally. “During the first three years of our two new councils, we have demonstrated time and again that we can work together for the benefit of our residents. “This latest step offers us the opportunity to extend that direct partnership link with our neighbours to the south." Cllr Adam Brown, Leader of West Northamptonshire Council “This is an exciting step forward on working collaboratively with neighbouring unitary councils on how we can create the conditions to bring increased prosperity to our region. “This is a very exciting time and the move towards devolution fits perfectly with our Big 50 aspirations to create a proactive, proud and prosperous area for all of our residents.” Cllr Jason Smithers, Leader of North Northamptonshire Council Both North and West Northamptonshire Councils, along with the other four SMA authorities, have already approved the establishment of a Joint Committee governance model for the area as part of their South Midlands Authorities management of the former Local Enterprise Partnership functions. The new governance model replaces the current Central Area Growth Board and in particular its decision-making powers. Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

September 30, 2024

Serious Violence Prevention Partnership invests over £100,000 to launch the Sideline Project

30 September 2024 Northamptonshire Serious Violence Prevention Partnership (NSVPP) has awarded £116,430 to Athletic Elite , a basketball coaching and development organisation, to launch the Sideline Project. The Sideline Project uses basketball and sports coaching to improve the physical and emotional wellbeing of young people across Northamptonshire. The project focuses on those young people who are identified as vulnerable to risk, delivering tailored sessions about physical health, confidence, resilience and emotional well-being. It aims to empower young people to make healthier choices, and create safe places for them to belong. The project will create six-week programmes for secondary schools in priority areas, evening basketball and mentoring sessions for students with attendance problems and/or those referred by the police. These will support young people between the ages of seven and 19. Alongside these programmes the Sideline Project will support the upskilling of basketball coaches in crime prevention. The priority areas have been identified using the data collected as part of the NSVPP Serious Violence Duty Strategy. They are: Northampton, Kettering, Wellingborough and Corby. This partnership approach ensures that primary interventions, like the Sideline project, are specifically designed to address serious violence in targeted areas. It is a part of the NSVPP’s plans to implement a public health approach to violence prevention, gaining an understanding of the causes of violence to develop evidence-based interventions which focus on both reduction and prevention. “Collaborating with Northamptonshire Police and delivering the Sideline Project allows us at Athletic Elite to provide social, emotional and physical development opportunities around the county that work towards positive futures for all. We are honoured to be able to work with the children and young people of Northamptonshire.” Andre Arissol, founder of Athletic Elite “I welcome the funding granted to Athletic Elite, who work tirelessly with young people to help them navigate life in a positive way. “We know some children have a difficult time growing up which can lead to poor decision making and a future life involved in crime. We’re working closely with colleagues such as Athletic Elite to identify those children most at risk and provide support such as the Sideline Project to help steer them away from criminal activity. “This project is part of a wider programme of work that’s taking place to tackle serious violence across the county, which includes taking robust action against those people who commit crimes as well as disrupting the activities of criminal gangs. “Support and advice for anyone who has concerns about a young person is available on our website, northants.police.uk.” Detective Superintendent Andy Glenn, who leads Northamptonshire Police’s response to serious violence Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

September 30, 2024

Work to address DEFRA feedback on future air quality actions for West Northants

30 September 2024 A plan of key actions to improve air quality across West Northamptonshire is set to progress once approval of the plans is given by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA). West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) has recently submitted an updated version of the Draft Air Quality Action Plan (AQAP) to DEFRA as part of our work to improve air quality within our existing Air Quality Management Areas (AQMAs) and to support removing two of these AQMAs where significant improvements have already been seen. It follows a review of the draft by DEFRA earlier this year which highlighted some further work, including a local technical study, that needed to be carried out ahead of publishing the final version. WNC has now completed the required work and has resubmitted the updated plan for approval. The Council gathered a wide range of feedback from residents, businesses, partners and other key stakeholders on the draft AQAP, receiving over 1,000 responses to the public consultation to help shape the approach. WNC monitors air quality in several locations across the area in line with current national guidance. This ensures that the data is reliable and can be used in making informed decisions to support improving air quality for the health and wellbeing of our residents. “We know that improving air quality is of paramount importance to those who work and live in West Northants, and although levels within our area generally fall within Government limits, we know there is work to be done to improve them as we work towards cleaner greener communities for everyone. “This feedback from DEFRA has allowed us to strengthen the AQAP and ensures that we are focusing our efforts in the best way possible in line with expectations and requirements as we work towards reducing pollution in West Northants.” Cllr Matt Golby, WNC’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, Public Health and Regulatory Services We will continue to keep residents and stakeholders updated on the work we are doing to monitor and manage air quality and the final AQAP will be published later this year. Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

September 30, 2024

Family zone will show off the magic of the Market Square

30 September 2024 A circus workshop, balloon makers, illusionists and face painters will be entertaining families as part of the Market Square’s big opening weekend. Funded by Northampton Town Centre Business Improvement District (BID), the acts will form part of the Family Zone at the event on the weekend of 19 and 20 October. Little ones will also be able to enjoy a chill-out zone and quiet space with reading books and a fun trail to complete. “We can’t wait to welcome families back to the new look Market Square and we are thrilled to be supporting the Family Zone on opening weekend. “There will be loads of fun activities for little ones to enjoy and we would encourage families to come along and see the new space for themselves while visiting the traders and retailers around the Market Square and the wider town centre.” Mark Mullen, operations manager at Northampton BID The two-day event promises to be a vibrant display of community spirit, culture and live entertainment with ABBA tribute act The Magic of ABBA and Britain’s Got Talent 2024 finalists Northants Sings Out announced as the headline acts on the main stage. The main stage will also showcase top local talent on both days with a line-up of artists and DJs curated by BBC Introducing and Northampton Music Festival. Throughout the weekend there will be dedicated areas charting the history of the market and the wider town, a food market featuring products from local artisan suppliers and a celebration of local sporting stars. “The revitalisation of the Market Square is a huge milestone for Northampton, and this grand opening weekend reflects the heart of our community and collaboration with our partners, as well as the valued support from the BID throughout the project. “The Family Zone will offer something for everyone, making it a perfect time for families to come together and enjoy the new space, while also supporting local businesses. We’re excited to see how this transformed area will bring renewed energy to the town centre.” Cllr Dan Lister, Cabinet Member for Local Economy, Culture and Leisure at West Northamptonshire Council Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

September 30, 2024

‘Lifeline’ transport service set to expand thanks to funding

Community Funding Grants 30 September 2024 A community transport service which provides a lifeline to its users is expanding its fleet thanks to funding from West Northamptonshire Council (WNC). Towcester-based Ability was awarded a £477,181 grant by West Northamptonshire Council, out of the Government’s Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF) and UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF). The community transport provider has used the money to buy four new minibuses, increasing the size of its fleet to 14 vehicles and allowing the service to reach even more people and places across the West Northamptonshire area. Find out more in our video: Find out more about Ability community transport provider The not-for-profit Community Interest Company has so far taken delivery of two Mercedes-Benz Sprinters, and officially launched them at an event at the Council’s offices at The Forum in Towcester this week. The two new vehicles will soon be joined by two Mercedes Cityliners. It’s all a far cry from Ability’s humble beginnings in 2018, when Directors Lynn and Nigel Hinch raised money for a single minibus with the aim of helping to reduce isolation and loneliness for those without access to public transport, or who might otherwise struggle to get out and about. Today the organisation operates a wide range of on-demand bus services across West Northamptonshire, linking villages and towns via regular routes as well as taking people on shopping trips and outings, and even offering door-to-door transport for those who need it. Ability’s impact on the communities it serves was recently celebrated by BBC Radio Northampton, who awarded the service the Great Neighbour Award in its Make a Difference Awards 2024. I think people consider us more than a bus service. We take people from A to B of course, but it’s also about the friendships people build while they’re on those journeys. Our drivers are so friendly and patient, and they become part of the passengers’ lives. We have regular shopping trips, and the people on those trips will often get their shopping done as quickly as possible so they can catch up over a coffee afterwards! The more we have expanded, the more need for our services we’ve discovered. We give freedom to people who would otherwise feel trapped. To receive this funding is a real lifesaver for us and the communities we serve – the more support we have the more places we can reach and the more services we can provide to those who need it. Lynn Hinch, Director of Ability Ability is one of seven community transport operators to receive money from a £951,000 pot set up by West Northamptonshire Council thanks to the REPF and UKSPF funds. In Ability’s case, the majority came from REPF. Brackley Volunteer Car Scheme, Cogenhoe & Whiston Parish Council’s Village Hopper service, the Comm Minibus, Daventry Area Community Transport, Northampton Door to Door and Towcester Area Door to Door all also benefited from a share of the funds. Ability provides a fantastic service that makes a genuine difference to the lives of people right across West Northamptonshire. It’s wonderful to be able to support them and other community transport operators across the area through the REPF and UKSPF schemes, and I look forward to seeing positive difference this funding will make to our communities. Cllr David Smith, Cabinet Member for Planning and Communities The UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) is delivering significant economic benefits for West Northamptonshire and by using this funding to invest in essential community transport services, we are not only enhancing connectivity across our area but also ensuring that these vital services are accessible to everyone. This funding is helping to bridge gaps, reduce isolation, and provide reliable transportation options for all residents. The expansion of services like Ability demonstrates our commitment to building stronger, more connected communities, and supporting the economic growth and well-being of our area. Cllr Daniel Lister, Cabinet Member for Local Economy, Culture & Leisure Find out more about REPF and UKSPF funding More information about Ability CIC Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

September 28, 2024

Update from Fire Service regarding flooding in Northamptonshire

Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service has continued to provide support to residents affected by flooding in the county over the last 24 hours. The Met Office issued an amber weather alert for rain from 6pm yesterday until 6am this morning (September 27). Since 8am yesterday, the Fire Service has deployed resources to eight weather related incidents. These included assisting in helping evacuate a caravan park in Yarwell, where 35 people were assisted to safety from rising flood waters at 7.30pm last night. And earlier in the day, firefighters and Swiftwater Rescue Technicians rescued two people and two dogs from a boat at Islip Mill at 10am. The Fire Service continues to work with our multi-agency partners to identify any areas of risk and ensure that appropriate resources are in place to help protect the public. A number of flood warnings and alerts remain in place across the county, and these can be viewed here: https://check-for-flooding.service.gov.uk/ Please continue to follow safety messages on social media feeds from emergency services, West and North Northamptonshire Councils, Northamptonshire Search and Rescue, Northamptonshire Police, the Met Office and the Environment Agency. We would also strongly encourage people to only travel if necessary and avoid driving into floodwater. Please follow these safety tips: Do not ignore road closure signs. Never attempt to cross or drive through floodwater if you don’t know how deep the water is – just two feet of water will float a car. Never try to swim through fast flowing water or floodwater – you may get swept away or be injured by an object in the water. Don’t assume fords are safe to cross just because the road is not closed. Always look at the river level gauge and use your common sense.

September 28, 2024

Joint agency update on flooding – September 26

Agencies are continuing to support Billing Aquadrome’s management with their evacuation plan whilst it remains temporarily closed due to flooding and with further flood warnings in place. Around 28 people and 5 pets stayed at the rest centre overnight and were provided with emergency bedding, toiletries and hot food and drink and supported by community volunteers from the British Red Cross and Re:Act and WNC staff. A further 21 people and their pets left the centre last night having made arrangements to stay with family and friends. West Northamptonshire Council is assessing everyone remaining at the site for their temporary accommodation needs so that further arrangements can be made until it is safe for them to return to the site. All agencies including the Fire Service, Police and Environment Agency are continually assessing the conditions at the site and the ongoing weather however with more rainfall expected, a flood warning remains in place for the site. Having ordered the evacuation of the site, the park’s management is working with electricians, plumbers and other contractors with a view to ensuring preparations are made to move people back once the flooding risks have passed and it is safe to do so. With more heavy rain expected over the next couple of days, residents are urged to continue to take extra care, as six flood warnings and 10 flood alerts remain in place across West Northamptonshire. Water levels across the area remain very high, with flood warnings currently in place on the River Nene at Billing and Cogenhoe to Great Doddington, as well as the River Tove at Towcester and Cosgrove and low lying areas close to the River Great Ouse and River Ouzel at Newport Pagnell. People should plan ahead their journeys as well as continuing to keep an eye on flood alerts and warnings in place . In the event of an emergency where someone is in danger, they should dial 999 or 112. Further information and guidance on flooding, and how to report it, can be found here .

September 28, 2024

Joint agency flooding update – September 26

JOINT AGENCY UPDATE REGARDING FLOODING IN NORTHAMPTONSHIRE – 26/09/2024 20:00 Agencies across Northamptonshire are working together to ensure a joint response is in place to protect residents as more severe weather is expected overnight. The county is expected to have significant rainfall overnight with the Met Office issuing an amber warning for heavy rain across central parts of England, including Northamptonshire, this evening (September 26) until 6am tomorrow. The additional rainfall is expected to increase the risk of flooding in areas where water levels are already high. Flood warnings and flood alerts are in place across Northamptonshire, and people can continue to keep an eye on flood warnings that are currently in place here: https://check-for-flooding.service.gov.uk/ Agencies including Northamptonshire Fire & Rescue Service, Northamptonshire Police, the Environment Agency and West and North Northamptonshire councils have been co-ordinating throughout the week to ensure that appropriate response plans are in place to deal with flood risks. Partners are ensuring that appropriate resources are in place with councils’ highways teams on standby to support emergency services with any flooding incidents. All people evacuated from Billing Aquadrome that were staying at the rest centre at Lings Forum Leisure Centre have now been provided with alternative temporary accommodation by West Northamptonshire Council. Residents countywide are being urged to follow safety advice, stay aware of roads that may be flooded and keep listening to alerts and advice from emergency services, the local authorities and the Environment Agency. Further advice can be found at the following link: https://www.gov.uk/browse/environment-countryside/flooding-extreme-weather Businesses who think they may be affected can follow this checklist from the Environment Agency to best prepare in the event of a flood. Residents are also urged to avoid any unnecessary travel during periods of heavy rain, and should consider the following: Do not ignore road closure signs. Never attempt to cross or drive through floodwater if you don’t know how deep the water is – just two feet of water will float a car. Never try to swim through fast flowing water or floodwater – you may get swept away or be injured by an object in the water. Don’t assume fords are safe to cross just because the road is not closed. Always look at the river level gauge and use your common sense. Further information and guidance on flooding, and how to report it, can be found below. West Northamptonshire – https://www.westnorthants.gov.uk/its-emergency/report-flood North Northamptonshire – https://www.northnorthants.gov.uk/flooding

September 28, 2024

Fire Service assist people and dogs during boat rescue

It’s been a busy week for our crews, and yesterday we helped to rescue two people and two dogs who were in difficulty at Islip Mill. Crews were called just before 10am and on arrival found a narrowboat stuck on the mooring. Firefighters, including Swiftwater Rescue Technicians, used a raft to rescue them from the boat and help them on to dry land. Before heading back to their stations, the crew were asked for a picture with two very relieved pooches.

September 27, 2024

Partnership approach as flood management work continues to move forward

27 September 2024 Partners are working together to seek sustainable, long-term solutions for tackling flooding issues in West Northamptonshire as the area continues to see more frequent and severe weather events. The River Nene, Dallington Brook and Billing Brook, which are managed by the Environment Agency, continue to see the greatest impact from storms and heavy rainfall, with West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) leading on supporting residents and addressing flooding from smaller watercourses and rainfall. All agencies face significant challenges around the impact of repeated flooding at Billing Aquadrome, given it is part of the flood plain, which protects houses and businesses in the area. A multi-agency task group established after the previous incident in February to look at more long-term solutions for the site has met regularly and identified potential measures. This work has included developing a memorandum of understanding between the park owners Meadow Bay Villages and the Council. The owners are developing plans, working with the council and the Environment Agency, to identify ways of reducing the impact of flooding at the Aquadrome. WNC is prioritising flood management work, with a range of schemes and projects progressing, including: Updating the area’s Flood Risk Management Strategy which reflects the current position. Securing £6.2 million for the award-winning Resilience & Innovation in Northamptonshire (RAIN) project , which is developing tools and funding local projects to help reduce flood risk to properties not covered by major flood defence works. A series of local interventions to reduce specific problems in areas such as at Deanshanger and Green Lane, Northampton. Securing £400k of further funds from the Environment Agency for local measures, such as at a school where the playground will be replaced with permeable material to reduce run-off. Extreme rainfall also causes significant challenges to the roads network maintained by WNC, with the rapid, high-volume rain putting pressure on the drainage system. Whilst even a clean gully can only take so much water, the Council has a robust gully maintenance programme which has seen around 20,000 drains cleared in the past six months alone. In addition, highways teams clear those in the most flood impacted areas more frequently, to ensure the greatest protection possible. “It’s clear that we are receiving more frequent instances of extreme weather which is affecting our residents and businesses and all agencies need to work together to prioritise how we address this. “This recent stint of heavy rainfall further demonstrates the importance of the work we’re doing around flood management across West Northamptonshire. “Finding long-term and sustainable solutions to this is extremely challenging and difficult but we are committed to working together towards achieving this.” Cllr Adam Brown, Leader of West Northamptonshire Council Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

September 26, 2024

Joint agency flooding update

26 September 2024 The county is expected to have significant rainfall overnight with the Met Office issuing an amber warning for heavy rain across central parts of England, including Northamptonshire, this evening (September 26) until 6am tomorrow. The additional rainfall is expected to increase the risk of flooding in areas where water levels are already high. Flood warnings and flood alerts are in place across Northamptonshire, and people can continue to keep an eye on flood warnings that are currently in place: Agencies including Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service, Northamptonshire Police, the Environment Agency and West and North Northamptonshire councils have been co-ordinating throughout the week to ensure that appropriate response plans are in place to deal with flood risks. Partners are ensuring that appropriate resources are in place with councils’ highways teams on standby to support emergency services with any flooding incidents. All people evacuated from Billing Aquadrome that were staying at the rest centre at Lings Forum Leisure Centre have now been provided with alternative temporary accommodation by West Northamptonshire Council. Residents countywide are being urged to follow safety advice, stay aware of roads that may be flooded and keep listening to alerts and advice from emergency services, the local authorities and the Environment Agency. Find further advice about flooding on the GOV.UK website . Businesses who think they may be affected can follow this checklist from the Environment Agency to best prepare in the event of a flood. Residents are also urged to avoid any unnecessary travel during periods of heavy rain, and should consider the following: Do not ignore road closure signs. Never attempt to cross or drive through floodwater if you don’t know how deep the water is - just two feet of water will float a car. Never try to swim through fast flowing water or floodwater – you may get swept away or be injured by an object in the water. Don’t assume fords are safe to cross just because the road is not closed. Always look at the river level gauge and use your common sense. Find further information and guidance on flooding, and how to report it: Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

September 27, 2024

Council and Schools Collaborate to Shape Future of Educational Services

27 September 2024 Local schools joined West Northamptonshire Council to join forces to improve educational services and support for early years, children and young people in West Northamptonshire. West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) recently hosted a collaborative education workshop, bringing together headteachers and educators from schools across the area, as well as colleagues from health, the Council and key partners, to help shape the future of early help and SEND educational services. The event, held on Thursday, 26 September, was designed to ensure that services for early years, children and young people are developed with input from those on the front lines of education, who are often the first place where a struggling family or child needing extra help might first be spotted. The workshop, organised in partnership with the West Northants Education Partnership Board and the SEND and AP Partnership Board, emphasised the importance of co-production in designing early help and SEND services that meet the needs of both educators and students. Discussions focused on the forward plan for educational services, particularly in response to the outcomes of the recent Local Area SEND and AP OFSTED/CQC Inspection. Participants explored ways to enhance and streamline support services for children, ensuring that every young person in the region has access to high-quality education. Cllr Fiona Baker, Cabinet Member for Children, Families, and Education at WNC, opened the event and highlighted the key role that collaboration plays in shaping effective educational services. “By working together with schools and education providers, we can ensure that the services we offer are tailored to the real needs of both teachers and students. Workshops like this are essential for building partnerships that put the best interests of our children and young people at the heart of everything we do." Cllr Fiona Baker, Cabinet Member for Children, Families, and Education at WNC Anna Earnshaw, Chief Executive of West Northamptonshire Council, stressed the importance of collaboration between schools and the council. The event served as a real platform for exploring plans and discussing ideas, with the shared goal of enhancing the educational experiences of children across West Northamptonshire through partnership, innovation, and co-design. We hope to do further conferences on a range of themes to be agreed with our Education Partnership Board. Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

September 26, 2024

Joint agency flooding update

26 September 2024 Agencies are continuing to support Billing Aquadrome’s management with their evacuation plan whilst it remains temporarily closed due to flooding and with further flood warnings in place. Around 28 people and 5 pets stayed at the rest centre overnight and were provided with emergency bedding, toiletries and hot food and drink and supported by community volunteers from the British Red Cross and Re:Act and WNC staff. A further 21 people and their pets left the centre last night having made arrangements to stay with family and friends. West Northamptonshire Council is assessing everyone remaining at the site for their temporary accommodation needs so that further arrangements can be made until it is safe for them to return to the site. All agencies including the Fire Service, Police and Environment Agency are continually assessing the conditions at the site and the ongoing weather however with more rainfall expected, a flood warning remains in place for the site. Having ordered the evacuation of the site, the park’s management is working with electricians, plumbers and other contractors with a view to ensuring preparations are made to move people back once the flooding risks have passed and it is safe to do so. With more heavy rain expected over the next couple of days, residents are urged to continue to take extra care, as six flood warnings and 10 flood alerts remain in place across West Northamptonshire. Water levels across the area remain very high, with flood warnings currently in place on the River Nene at Billing and Cogenhoe to Great Doddington, as well as the River Tove at Towcester and Cosgrove and low lying areas close to the River Great Ouse and River Ouzel at Newport Pagnell. People should plan ahead their journeys as well as continuing to keep an eye on flood alerts and warnings in place . In the event of an emergency where someone is in danger, they should dial 999 or 112. Further information and guidance on flooding and to report it visit Report a flood | West Northamptonshire Council (westnorthants.gov.uk) Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

September 26, 2024

Joint Agency Update on flooding at Billing Aquadrome

UPDATE 25 September 08:45 This is a brief update about the operation that took place at Billing Aquadrome last night. Agencies worked together until around midnight (Tuesday/Wednesday) to support the management of Billing Aquadrome with the evacuation of people from the park. Northamptonshire Police, Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service and Northamptonshire Search and Rescue supported the park’s management with the full evacuation of the site, and we understand a very limited number of people remain there. Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service and Northamptonshire Search and Rescue fielded Specialist Water Rescue Teams in full PPE and used 4×4 vehicles to help 43 people away from areas that were affected by the rising flood water. West Northamptonshire Council carried out welfare checks on any vulnerable people at the site and supported Billing’s evacuation plans by providing an overnight rest centre and emergency bedding at Lings Forum Leisure Centre for 52 people and 22 dogs displaced by the flooding. Local community volunteers from Red Cross and Re:Act are supporting people at the centre who have been provided with hot food and drink. Support from the Fire Service on site finished at around midnight but we will be returning this morning to continue to support the site and its management. All the agencies in the co-ordinating group, including all the health partners, both West Northamptonshire and North Northamptonshire Councils and the Environment Agency continue to work on a joint response to the situation and the wider impact of the flooding in Northamptonshire. People across the county are asked to continue to follow the safety advice on our social media feeds, following the Environment Agency for flood alerts. You can find advice on what to do during a flood at GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

September 26, 2024

Firefighters rescue people from boats on River Nene

Firefighters from Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service have continued their work at the River Nene in Northampton to help boats in difficulty. Crews were first called at 6:23am this morning (24th September) to South Bridge after reports that the river had burst its banks. On arrival, firefighters found that the river had breached the side of the bank and liaised with boat owners to offer safety advice. After speaking to firefighters, three occupants were assisted from their boats on to dry land. One boat had sunk at the location yesterday, with no one reported to be on board. Shortly afterwards, at 7:13am, crews were re-located to Old Towcester Road where they found two boats becoming submerged by fast moving water. Crews, including Swiftwater Rescue Technicians, used rafts to rescue two people and a dog from the boats, before leading them to safety. All crews had left the area and returned to their stations, shortly after 8:45am.

September 26, 2024

Fire Service continue to deal with flooding as residents reminded to follow safety advice

Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service received 160 calls yesterday (September 24) with over a hundred being weather related. 33 needed a response from the Fire Service and the other 72 were given advice over the phone or did not require attendance. We are continuing to urge members of the public to follow safety advice, and many areas of the county have been affected by flooding. You can find up-to-date warnings and information at GOV.UK (check-for-flooding.service.gov.uk) . On Monday, between 11am and 7am, crews attended over 30 flood-related incidents across the county. Many of these incidents only required advice, however some required further intervention. These included: Isolating utilities and clearing drains at a flooded Kingsthorpe Shopping Centre Pumping water away at Harlestone Road, Northampton Assisting staff with an evacuation at the Park Campus of University of Northampton Unblocking drains at Glebe Road, Deanshanger Pumping away water and monitoring the ground in Carrs Way, Harpole Assisting at floodings at Duston Road in Upper Harlestone, Upton Close in Woodford Halse and Prestpury Road in Northampton Flooding at properties on Rose Hall Lane in Middleton Cheney and Glassthorpe Lane in Harpole A fire underground, believed to be caused by water damage in Beech Grove, Northampton Assisted neighbouring Fire Service with a person trapped in a vehicle due to flooding in Biddlesden Attended report of a boat in difficulty on the River Nene at South Bridge Road, Northampton Isolating electrics at properties on Holyrood Walk in Corby and Balmoral Road in Northampton due to flood damage There were 7 incidents of water damage causing false alarms Despite the weather calming today, there is still a lot of standing water and flooding on the road. Please take care while driving, there may be hazards under water that aren’t visible. Please continue to follow warnings and safety advice given by the Fire Service and other local agencies.

September 24, 2024

Headline acts revealed ahead of Northampton’s revitalised Market Square grand reopening

24 September 2024 West Northamptonshire is gearing up for an unforgettable weekend as the newly revitalised and reimagined Northampton Market Square prepares to reopen with a spectacular celebration on Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 October. The two-day event promises to be a vibrant display of community spirit, culture, and live entertainment that residents and visitors won’t want to miss, with ABBA tribute the Magic of ABBA and Britain’s Got Talent 2024 finalists Northants Sings Out announced as the headline acts. BBC Introducing and Northampton Music Festival will also provide music and entertainment throughout both days, bringing some of the best emerging talent from across the country to the main stage, creating an energetic and festival atmosphere. "It is a huge honour to be part of such a historical moment in time for Northampton. Having been raised and educated here, I've watched the transformation of the Market Square in awe. “It was a pleasure to take the name Northampton onto the national stage during our time on this year’s Britain's Got Talent and it's now a pleasure to represent just some of the musical greatness we have in Northampton as we headline the closing of what I know will be a wonderful weekend celebrating the place we live, work and love so much." Gareth Fuller, Founder and Choir Director of Northants Sings Out Hosted by West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) and supported by Northampton Forward, Northampton BID and Northampton Town Council, the grand opening will mark the transformation of the town’s historic Market Square into a thriving hub for the whole community. The space, revitalised as part of a major regeneration project funded by the Government’s Towns Fund, is set to become a landmark that will serve as the beating heart of Northampton for generations to come. But the celebration doesn’t stop with live music! Attendees can look forward to a host of family-friendly activities, from creative musical performances and cultural displays to historic exhibitions and mouth-watering food and drink from local vendors, all spaced out in a variety of accessible Zone areas. People will also have the chance to explore a diverse range of offerings from local businesses and market traders; from fresh, locally produced goods to handmade crafts and expert services like bicycle repairs, key cutting, floristry, and more, the market will showcase the best of Northampton’s small businesses and will provide an excellent opportunity for visitors to support local traders and discover unique products. Starting with the phased return of traders on 20 September, the newly transformed Market Square will become a bustling marketplace with high-quality stalls, enhanced lighting, new seating, and an impressive interactive water feature. The space is designed to be inclusive and accessible, offering a welcoming environment for all. “We are extremely excited to be celebrating the grand opening of Northampton’s newly revitalised Market Square, a project that truly embodies the spirit of our community. “The regeneration of the Market Square is not just about celebrating the past, but about creating a bright future for Northampton. The project aims to boost the local economy, support small businesses, and provide a vibrant venue for events, markets, and community gatherings. “This opening event marks a new chapter for the town, and we look forward to seeing the square become a central hub where residents and visitors can come together to enjoy everything Northampton has to offer. We invite everyone to join us for a fantastic weekend of fun, entertainment, and celebration." Cllr Daniel Lister, Cabinet Member for Local Economy, Culture and Leisure at WNC Mark your calendars and come along for a weekend of fun, flavour, and festivities as we celebrate the reimagined Northampton Market Square. This is a not-to-be-missed event that will leave a lasting legacy for the town. For more information on the grand opening and the event schedule, please visit the Reopening of Northampton Market Square . Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

September 24, 2024

Latest update on severe weather from West Northamptonshire Council

24 September 2024 Residents are urged to continue to take extra care today as flood warnings and road closures remain in place across West Northamptonshire following the extreme weather. Although the intense rainfall has eased off overnight, water levels across the area remain very high, with flood warnings still in place at Dallington, Grendon Brook, Wootton Brook and Cogenhoe Mill. People should plan ahead their journeys as well as continuing to keep an eye on flood alerts and warnings in place. In the event of an emergency where someone is in danger, they should dial 999 or 112. Further information and guidance on flooding and to report it visit visit Report a flood | West Northamptonshire Council (westnorthants.gov.uk) The stormy conditions have put extreme pressure on the road network, causing localised flooding and overwhelming ditches and brooks due to the rapid and intense rainfall not able to drain away fast enough across the system. Highways response teams for Kier and West Northamptonshire Council have been out and about supporting emergency services, having attended 185 incidents since Saturday, 149 of which were flooding related with the remainder a mix of emergencies, such as fallen trees and dislodged/broken manhole covers. “Although the rainfall has eased off overnight, the high levels of rivers, reservoirs and water outlets across the area remain extremely high and could still be breached, so we would urge everyone to continue to take extra care. “We are working closely with the fire service, police, environment agency and other partners on responding to the ongoing weather events and continue to closely monitor the situation.” “It’s clear that this extreme rainfall has caused significant challenges for our roads network, with the rapid, sheer volume of rain that has fallen in the past three days putting pressure on the drainage system. “Although we work hard to ensure drains and gullies are well maintained – emptying around 20,000 gullies across West Northants in the past six months alone – the intensity of severe weather events like this will unfortunately lead to some roads flooding. “Our response teams have been working round the clock to attend reports across the area, supporting the fire service and police to ensure residents are safe during these extreme weather conditions.” Cllr Adam Brown, Leader of West Northamptonshire Council Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

September 25, 2024

National partner identified to deliver regeneration of Greyfriars, Northampton

25 September 2024 West Northamptonshire Council is set to partner with national placemaker, ECF – a joint venture between Legal & General, Homes England, and Muse – to deliver the regeneration of Greyfriars in Northampton Town Centre. ECF works with local authorities across the country to deliver high-quality schemes which provide diverse facilities for local communities. The agreement would enable the partnership to explore and shape planning, delivery, and funding for the largest brownfield regeneration opportunity within West Northamptonshire. Once established, the proposal would be subject to further approvals from both ECF and the Council, expected to be in summer 2025. Greyfriars includes the former Greyfriars Bus Station, which was demolished in 2015, as well as the Mayorhold and Victoria Street Car Parks, Corn Exchange, Belgrave House, and East and West Island totalling over 14 acres. The vision, which has been developed by West Northamptonshire Council and Studio Egret West with support from Homes England, seeks to re-imagine several derelict buildings with exciting new uses. The Corn Exchange could form an arts and culture hub, whilst Belgrave House provides opportunities for an innovative workplace and business incubator. The regeneration could also include a new outdoor Amphitheatre to anchor landmark new public spaces. New homes would support a vibrant new neighbourhood, alongside shops, cafes, and restaurants as part of a dynamic new place. New residents and visitors are expected to spend an additional £21m in Northampton which will help drive the economy of the entire town centre., with as many as 7,000 full time equivalent jobs created during construction, generating £1 billion in economic value. “Transformational change is already underway across Northampton town centre with the redevelopment of the Market Square, and rejuvenation of Abington and Fish Street. “As well as development plans on brownfield land at Four Waterside and Marefair which demonstrates the Council’s ambition but also commitment to delivering better public spaces. This partnership is an exciting step forward in our vision to regenerate the Greyfriars site into a vibrant neighbourhood which is set to amplify this part of town and turn this into a reality. “ECF obtain a wide breadth of skills and knowledge which they will be bringing to West Northamptonshire as part of a long-term relationship to bring forward a viable and sustainable scheme.” Cllr Dan Lister, Cabinet Member for Local Economy, Culture and Leisure “West Northamptonshire Council has developed an ambitious and exciting vision for Greyfriars, as part of a bold approach to the wider regeneration of Northampton Town Centre. “Working in partnership with the local authority, ECF will support the development of a delivery model which aligns with the Greyfriars vision and supports long-term regeneration. “Greyfriars has the potential to drive significant social and economic value and working together we can unlock the opportunity. Having expanded in size to £400m, ECF stands ready to collaborate with ambitious partners to deliver transformative regeneration.” Sir Michael Lyons, Chair at ECF To find out more about the regeneration taking place across Northampton visit we are Northampton . Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

September 24, 2024

Special screening of Streets of Change film to mark World Homeless Day

24 September 2024 In recognition of World Homeless Day on 10 October, Northampton Filmhouse will host a special screening of Streets of Change, a powerful documentary film that highlights the lived experiences of homelessness and recovery in Northampton. The free 90-minute event will take place at 6pm and aims to raise awareness of homelessness by following people’s journey from sleeping on the streets to recovery and signposting to the support available for those who find themselves in a housing crisis. Film makers One to One Development Trust worked closely with West Northamptonshire Council’s (WNC) Outreach Team to create the film, documenting their work supporting people who are homeless, sleeping rough or struggling with addiction and shedding light on the individuals and partners who work tirelessly to bring about positive change. In addition to the documentary film, the One to One Development Trust have also produced an immersive Virtual Reality (VR) experience to give an insight into what it is like to be alone and homeless on the street at night. The Virtual Reality scene uses poetry and artwork created by people who are homeless to bring together an evocative experience that can be used in education and for awareness-raising. The film has gained significant acclaim and will also be showcased at prestigious international film festivals, including the New York Workers Unite Film Festival ; a 20-day event dedicated to films that celebrate global labour solidarity and justice, while the VR experience will feature at Aesthetica Short Film Festival (ASFF) in York, England; one of the UK’s leading platforms for independent films. “We made "Streets of Change" to illuminate the often-overlooked stories of people who are homeless, challenging the stigmas and stereotypes that surround them. “By highlighting the resilience of people who have been, or who currently are, homeless and maybe going through addiction and recovery, we aim to spark important conversations, inspire empathy, and drive community action. It was also important to us to tell the stories of the outreach workers who are trying to make a positive difference every day.” Judi Alston, Film Director of One to One Development Trust "The Streets of Change documentary provides a moving and essential perspective on the issue of homelessness, and we hope it will inspire audiences to reflect on the importance of support, solidarity, and action in tackling this pressing challenge. “We are very excited to see the film gain international recognition at festivals to further amplify its critical message and showcase the great work of our housing teams and partners in West Northamptonshire to a global audience." Cllr Rosie Herring, Cabinet Member for Housing at WNC In addition to the 30-minute screening, attendees at Northampton Filmhouse will have the opportunity to participate in a post-film discussion, exploring ways in which the community can come together to combat homelessness and support those affected. For more information on the screening and to book tickets, visit the Northampton Filmhouse . Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

September 25, 2024

Joint Agency Update on flooding at Billing Aquadrome

25 September 2024 This is a brief update about the operation that took place at Billing Aquadrome last night. Agencies worked together until around midnight (Tuesday/Wednesday) to support the management of Billing Aquadrome with the evacuation of people from the park. Northamptonshire Police, Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service and Northamptonshire Search and Rescue supported the park’s management with the full evacuation of the site, and we understand a very limited number of people remain there. Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service and Northamptonshire Search and Rescue fielded Specialist Water Rescue Teams in full PPE and used 4x4 vehicles to help 43 people away from areas that were affected by the rising flood water. West Northamptonshire Council carried out welfare checks on any vulnerable people at the site and supported Billing’s evacuation plans by providing an overnight rest centre and emergency bedding at Lings Forum Leisure Centre for 52 people and 22 dogs displaced by the flooding. Local community volunteers from Red Cross and Re:Act are supporting people at the centre who have been provided with hot food and drink. Support from the Fire Service on site finished at around midnight but we will be returning this morning to continue to support the site and its management. All the agencies in the co-ordinating group, including all the health partners, both West Northamptonshire and North Northamptonshire Councils and the Environment Agency continue to work on a joint response to the situation and the wider impact of the flooding in Northamptonshire. People across the county are asked to continue to follow the safety advice on our social media feeds, following the Environment Agency for flood alerts. Find advice on what to do during a flood . Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

September 24, 2024

Joint agency update – flooding at Billing Aquadrome

24 September 2024 Agencies are working together tonight to support the management of Billing Aquadrome, which is evacuating the park due to flooding at the site. Northamptonshire Police, Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service, and teams of professionals from West Northamptonshire Council are co-ordinating their response at the site, where they are in support of the Aquadrome’s management who are putting their evacuation plan in place. Northamptonshire Search and Rescue is working with the Fire Service and ready to respond if needed. West Northamptonshire Council teams are carrying out welfare checks on any vulnerable people at the site and are on standby to support. All these agencies are working in a co-ordinated response based in the Fire Service Joint Command Unit at Billing Aquadrome. Throughout the evening, a wider co-ordinating group including all the health partners and the Environment Agency have been monitoring the situation at Billing and the wider situation in the county so that they are ready to respond. Billing Aquadrome management has sounded the evacuation sirens for the site, and people staying there are asked to leave. All the agencies will continue to remain at the Aquadrome throughout the evening and while the emergency response is needed. They will also continue to ensure that appropriate resources are in place to deal with any other flooding incidents in the county this evening. While today has been dry, conditions are still difficult on many roads with standing water and localised flooding. People across the county are asked to continue to follow the safety advice on our social media feeds, following the Environment Agency for flood alerts. You can find advice on what to do during a flood at GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

September 25, 2024

Joint Agency Update on flooding at Billing Aquadrome

25 September 2024 Agencies worked together until around midnight (Tuesday/Wednesday) to support the management of Billing Aquadrome with the evacuation of people from the park. Northamptonshire Police, Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service and Northamptonshire Search and Rescue supported the park’s management with the full evacuation of the site, and we understand a very limited number of people remain there. Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service and Northamptonshire Search and Rescue fielded Specialist Water Rescue Teams in full PPE and used 4x4 vehicles to help 43 people away from areas that were affected by the rising flood water. West Northamptonshire Council carried out welfare checks on any vulnerable people at the site and supported Billing’s evacuation plans by providing an overnight rest centre and emergency bedding at Lings Forum Leisure Centre for 52 people and 22 dogs displaced by the flooding. Local community volunteers from Red Cross and Re:Act are supporting people at the centre who have been provided with hot food and drink. Support from the Fire Service on site finished at around midnight but we will be returning this morning to continue to support the site and its management. All the agencies in the co-ordinating group, including all the health partners, both West Northamptonshire and North Northamptonshire Councils and the Environment Agency continue to work on a joint response to the situation and the wider impact of the flooding in Northamptonshire. People across the county are asked to continue to follow the safety advice on our social media feeds, following the Environment Agency for flood alerts. You can find advice on what to do during a flood at GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

September 25, 2024

Wantage Park: online pre-planning consultation is now open

25 September 2024 Residents, businesses, and community groups are invited to take part in an online pre-planning consultation for the proposed Wantage Park crematorium and celebration facility. The online engagement launched today, Wednesday 25 September and will run through until Wednesday 16 October. Visit our Wantage Park pages to review the plans and then head to our consultation portal to share your views before a planning application is submitted for the scheme in November. The project plans are available for public viewing at Moulton Community Library from Wednesday, 25 September until Wednesday, 2 October. “This consultation is the start of a conversation which will give you an opportunity to share your feedback at an early stage and help shape the future of this facility. The feedback gathered from this pre-planning consultation will play a key role in shaping the final plans and I urge everyone to get involved. "Your input is important as we aim to ensure this is a facility - that not only provides much-needed facilities but also provides community facilities and preserves green space. We are committed to listening, adapting, and working together to make this project a success for all of West Northamptonshire.” Councillor Mike Hallam, Cabinet Member for Corporate Services and HR Earlier this month the Council set out plans for a state-of-the-art and sustainable new facility on land at Wantage Farm, in the Round Spinney area of Northampton. The facility will feature sustainable design elements, including energy-efficient electric cremators, heat recovery systems, and green roofs, all aimed at supporting local biodiversity and contributing to a greener Northampton. The development of Wantage Park will also bring numerous benefits to the local community. The surrounding land will be transformed into recreational spaces, including walking paths and green areas, encouraging outdoor activities and community well-being. Careful planning will ensure minimal visual, traffic, and noise impacts. Infrastructure improvements, such as a new independent access road, enhanced public footpaths, and boundary screening, will further support the local area. In addition to providing essential services, the construction and operation of Wantage Park will create jobs and support local businesses. Wantage Park will offer a range of features designed to meet the diverse needs of our community, including level access across the site, accessible parking, adaptable lighting for neurodiverse individuals, and multi-functional spaces for community use. The proposed design will be inclusive, accommodating various faiths and providing spaces that respect the privacy and dignity of all users. Find out more about Wantage Park on the West Northamptonshire Council website. Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

September 23, 2024

Serious Violence Partnership awards £68,642 to Expand Parents under Pressure program

23 September 2024 Northamptonshire Serious Violence Prevention Partnership (NSVPP), has awarded £68,642 to Family Support Link, supporting the expansion of the Northamptonshire Parents under Pressure program (PuP). The NSVPP first supported the program in 2023 and this new award extends the program to support additional families with complex needs, including parental substance abuse and children either currently engaged with child protection or those who are at imminent risk of going into care. It focuses on working with the parents to develop emotional regulation skills, confidence and be emotionally supportive so they can support their children in developing their own self-regulation. The expansion of the programme will target early intervention within families that have high risk factors for becoming involved in serious violence. This project is a part of the NSVPP’s proactive public health approach to serious violence, aiming to not just tackling the problem but preventing its occurrence. It will help protect children and young people from experiencing adverse childhood experiences while building resilience and other protective factors. Addressing these challenges reduces the potential for children to become involved in a life of crime, violence and drugs. “We are thrilled to be awarded the funding to grow and develop our Parents under Pressure programme. We work with families who have often been supported time and again, in ways that have never quite worked for them. “By taking a positive approach, looking at the strengths within the parents and family we help them take back control of their lives and have hope for the future. We’ve seen first-hand the impact of this project and are hugely excited that we are now able to expand it.” Kate Peake, Chief Executive Officer for Family Support Link “Giving effective support services to young people is so important when it comes to preventing them from becoming involved in serious violence or criminal behaviour. “We need to understand the root causes behind this kind of behaviour so that we can come up with solutions to tackle it, and this is one of my key priorities since becoming the Commissioner in May. “By equipping parents with the skills they need so that they can help their own children, I have no doubt the Parents Under Pressure program is going to be hugely influential in helping to divert young people across the county away from a life of crime and improving their quality of life, and I am delighted to be able to support the work they do.” Northamptonshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Danielle Stone Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

September 24, 2024

One-stop shops to be introduced for carers in Northamptonshire

24 September 2024 Carers across Northamptonshire can now attend one-stop shops hosted in locations across county to receive practical advice and support. This comes following engagement with carers delivered by North and West Northamptonshire Councils to ensure they can access the information they need. One-Stop Shops are where carers can go for information, signposting to other services and receive support, both from Council staff and each other. The One-Stop Shops will be provided in each Local Area Partnership (LAP) in both West and North Northamptonshire council areas. A LAP is a geographical area based on council wards. WNC and NNC have worked with the Integrated Care Board and using the Accelerating Reform Fund to enable this project to come forward. Northamptonshire Carers have been commissioned to provide the One-Stop Shops on behalf of the Councils and ICB. A carer is defined as a person that provides unpaid support to a partner, family member, friend or neighbour who is ill or disabled and could not manage without this help. This is distinct from a care worker, that is paid to support people. “We fully recognise the invaluable contribution of our carers, and we are delighted to have worked with them to ensure that we’re able to provide services which meet their needs. By working collaboratively with carers, we can provide services within their local communities which provide them with the skills and resources they need balance their caring responsibilities and their wellbeing.” Cllr Matt Golby, Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Adult Care, Public Health, and Regulatory Services at WNC To find out more about locations taking place in your local community visit: Events | Northamptonshire Carers Association (northamptonshire-carers.org) Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

September 23, 2024

People urged to take extra care as weather warnings remain in place across West Northants

23 September 2024 Residents across West Northamptonshire are urged to continue to take extra care as additional heavy rainfall is expected across the area for the remainder of today. Over the weekend the area saw extreme rainfall causing surface flooding across the area, with yellow weather warnings for heavy rain in place until later tonight. Residents can keep updated via the Met Office . Cllr Adam Brown, Leader of West Northamptonshire Council said: “We are currently working with our partners including police and fire to respond to the ongoing weather situation and supporting with incidents of localised flooding. With heavy rainfall expected to continue throughout today we are closely monitoring the situation to ensure we can support residents through this changing situation. “We would urge everyone to take extra care and keep an eye on the police, fire service and our social media feeds for updates and visit our flooding advice pages for further information and support.” Residents can report flooding via our website, and in the event of an emergency where someone is in danger, people should dial 999 or 112. People can stay informed about the latest flood alerts and warnings on the Government website and are advised to be cautious, especially if out and about on the roads. To help keep everyone safe, here are some safety tips from Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service: Keep an eye on weather reports for flooding in your area. Do not travel in heavy rain unless absolutely necessary Do not ignore road closed signs Never attempt to cross or drive through floodwater if you don’t know how deep the water is - just two feet of water will float a car Never try to swim through fast flowing water or floodwater – you may get swept away or be injured by an object in the water Don’t assume fords are safe to cross just because the road is not closed - always look at the river level gauge and use your common sense Floodwater may be contaminated, never allow children or pets to go near or play in floodwater Prepare a flood kit in case your home floods or you are trapped in a vehicle for any period. This should contain a change of clothing, wellies, waterproofs and blankets as well as a torch, charged mobile, medication and a first aid kit and a list of useful numbers, including flood alert lines. Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

September 24, 2024

Wantage Park: Public invited to review plans and share views

24 September 2024 Residents and businesses are being encouraged to have their say on proposals for a new crematorium ahead of planning being sought for the scheme. The pre-planning consultation for Wantage Park crematorium and wake facility will start with an in-person session at Moulton Community Centre on Wednesday, 25 September from 5pm to 8pm, where residents can view the project plans, ask questions, and provide feedback before a planning application is submitted for the scheme in November. For those unable to attend the in-person session, the project plans will remain available for public viewing at Moulton Community Library from 25 September until Wednesday, 2 October. Additionally, an online consultation will start on 25 September ensuring everyone will have a chance to share their views. “This consultation is the start of a conversation which will give you an opportunity to share your feedback at an early stage and help shape the future of this facility. The feedback gathered from this pre-planning consultation will play a key role in shaping the final plans and I urge everyone to get involved. "Your input is important as we aim to ensure this is a facility - that is not only much-needed but also provides community facilities and preserves green space. We are committed to listening, adapting, and working together to make this project a success for all of West Northamptonshire.” Councillor Mike Hallam, Cabinet Member for Corporate Services and HR at West Northamptonshire Council Earlier this month the Council set out plans for a state-of-the-art and sustainable new facility on land at Wantage Farm, in the Round Spinney area of Northampton. The facility will feature sustainable design elements, including energy-efficient electric cremators, heat recovery systems, and green roofs, all aimed at supporting local biodiversity and contributing to a greener Northampton. The development of Wantage Park will also bring benefits to the local community. The surrounding land will be transformed into recreational spaces, including walking paths and green areas, encouraging outdoor activities and community well-being. Careful planning will ensure minimal visual, traffic, and noise impacts. Infrastructure improvements, such as a new independent access road, enhanced public footpaths, and boundary screening, will further support the local area. In addition to providing essential services, the construction and operation of Wantage Park will create jobs and support local businesses. Wantage Park will offer a range of features designed to meet the diverse needs of our community, including level access across the site, accessible parking, adaptable lighting for neurodiverse individuals, and multi-functional spaces for community use. The proposed design will be inclusive, accommodating various faiths and providing spaces that respect the privacy and dignity of all users. Find out more about Wantage Park . Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

September 23, 2024

Vaccination gives protection for pregnant women and their unborn child

23 September 2024 Pregnant women across West Northamptonshire are being encouraged to take up the free flu vaccine offer ahead of the winter months. Pregnant women, and their unborn child, are at a higher risk of complications and more severe conditions such as pneumonia, as the immune system naturally weakens during pregnancy. Flu can also affect the growth of their baby, which could lead to still birth. There is a higher risk of pregnant women being admitted to hospital due to flu than the general population. In 2023-2024 64% of pregnant women, in West Northamptonshire did not get vaccinated against flu, increasing the likeliness of them catching the seasonal flu infection. This year, West Northamptonshire Public Health are encouraging pregnant women to get vaccinated as soon as they can. We are starting to see an increase in respiratory infections within the community and with the colder weather there will be more mixing and movement indoors, which will lead to an increase in the spread of all viruses, including flu. It is, therefore, important that those who are pregnant get vaccinated as soon as possible. “Getting the flu vaccination not only protects you, but also your unborn baby and can prevent serious health problems to both mother and child. Those who are pregnant have a higher chance of developing complications if they get flu in all stages of pregnancy. Please do speak to your midwife or GP about how you can get your flu vaccination.” Clare Flower, Head of Midwifery from Northampton General Hospital “I encourage all pregnant women to have their flu vaccine to help protect themselves and their unborn child from flu this winter. The flu vaccine is safe to be given at any stage of their pregnancy, from the first few weeks right up to the due date. I urge pregnant women to prioritise vaccination and get in touch with your midwife or GP to book.” Dr Annapurna Sen, Consultant in Health Protection for West Northamptonshire Council It is also encouraged that women take up other vaccinations offered whilst they are pregnant, including Whooping Cough (Pertussis), so they and their unborn child are protected against vaccine preventative infections. For further information, visit the West Northamptonshire Council Immunisation page. Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

September 24, 2024

Residents urged to follow advice during storm and flooding

Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service received 81 calls over the weekend (September 21 and 22) regarding weather related incidents. Twenty-eight of these needed the Fire Service to attend and the 53 other cases have been able to receive advice over the phone. The county is currently under an Amber weather alert for rain until 9pm and Yellow Alert until midnight tonight and so, with the adverse weather continuing, Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service is asking the public to be aware of roads that may be flooded and to keep listening to alerts and advice given by the Service and local authorities. You can find advice on what to do during a flood at GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) There are already reports of difficult driving conditions on many roads in the county, with reports of abandoned cars in Easton Maudit and Grendon. On Saturday (September 21), crews attended four weather-related incidents all in the North of the county. These included, flood water entered properties in Wilby, Earls Barton and Wollaston, with crews isolating electrics at the respective properties and giving advice to home owners. They also attended a house that had been struck by lightning in Desborough. Fours crews and an aerial appliance attended at the height of the incident and quickly got to work to stop the fire spreading. One crew remained on the scene until just after 11pm to dampen down any remaining hotspots. On Sunday, the bad weather on Sunday morning (September 22) was mostly in and around Northampton, with crews being called to 12 flooded related incidents in the town between 8am and 10am. Other incidents we attended included: The crew from Wellingborough and the water rescue unit from Mereway attended the village of Grendon, where crews assisted residents whose properties were flooded, and rescued two people from the water. Moulton crew pumped out 50,000 litres of flood water in the open at Kingscroft Court. Attended to assist with a car stuck in flood water on the A5199 in Guilsborough shortly before 10am. Shortly before 1pm, crews from Wellingborough and Moulton were called to Washbrook Road in Rushden, where lightning had struck the chimney of a domestic property. The lightning strike caused the structure to become dangerous, and crews used the aerial appliance to remove loose bricks from the top of the chimney. Just after 7pm crews from Earls Barton, Mereway and the water rescue unit at Wellingborough attended the village of Easton Maudit as a number of houses have been affected by flood water. Crews attended the care home and neighbouring properties to check the welfare of occupants, and all were well. Wellingborough was called to deal with another lightning strike, this time affecting a home in Hollowell Street in Wollaston. There was no evidence of a fire and advice was given to the occupants. Just after 8pm, two people were walked out of flood water by firefighters on Easton Way in Grendon. The on-call crew from Irthlingborough pumped large amounts of water out of North Street in Raunds. Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service is reminding people to take care and follow the below advice: Keep an eye on weather reports for flooding in your area. Do not travel in heavy rain unless absolutely necessary. Do not ignore road closed signs Never attempt to cross or drive through floodwater if you don’t know how deep the water is. Just two feet of water will float a car. Never try to swim through fast flowing water or floodwater – you may get swept away or be injured by an object in the water. Don’t assume fords are safe to cross just because the road is not closed. Always look at the river level gauge and use your common sense. Floodwater may be contaminated. Never allow children or pets to go near or play in floodwater. Prepare a flood kit in case your home floods or you are trapped in a vehicle for any period. This should contain a change of clothing, wellies, waterproofs and blankets as well as a torch, charged mobile, medication and a first aid kit and a list of useful numbers, including flood alert lines. Area Manager Neil Sadler said: “I want to urge members of the public to take care when driving and consider whether they could reschedule their journey. There may be abandoned cars on the road and hazards under the water that aren’t visible. “We ask people to keep listening to forecasts and follow the safety messages and advice shared by the Fire Service and other partners during this time.”

September 23, 2024

Action plan set to improve social housing services in West Northants

23 September 2024 An action plan is underway to improve performance of services for social housing tenants in West Northamptonshire. West Northamptonshire Council’s (WNC) social housing provider Northamptonshire Partnership Homes (NPH) is embarking on an improvement plan to address performance issues with the support of the Local Authority after recently falling short on targets. It follows significant changes to how the social housing sector is regulated nationally, with WNC responsible for ensuring stringent new standards and legislation are met to improve safety and support tenants. WNC are also required to ensure the Regulator of Social Housing (RSH) is kept informed on performance and any potential breaches of standards, regular communication is maintained with RSH where appropriate. NPH was set up by WNC (formerly Northampton Borough Council) in 2015 for an initial period of 15 years and is responsible for providing essential landlord services including delivering new housing developments, investing in existing stock, tenancy support, housing management, and repairs and maintenance. Given the current levels of underperformance and the increased requirements for the Council to ensure compliance with regulatory standards, WNC have commissioned an independent assessment of landlord services’ current levels of compliance, carried out by Jarteign Housing Associates. The assessments has begun looking at current performance, policy, practice and assurance frameworks and will provide an independent view on compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements. Following completion of the independent assessment, WNC will present the findings and recommendations report alongside an associated action plan to Cabinet later this year. Additionally, a Housing Compliance working group chaired by WNC’s Director of Communities and Opportunities is meeting weekly to review progress on key workstreams. “NPH’s recent performance update to members showed they are falling short of targets, however work is already underway to address this and the Council is closely monitoring the situation. “We have made it clear to the NPH Board that this is not acceptable and it is critical that an improvement plan must be implemented to fix this. The Council will continue to monitor NPH’s progress to ensure we receive assurance as a landlord and Registered Provider that our housing stock is being managed efficiently in line with ours and our tenants’ expectations, and in accordance with relevant legislation and regulation. “We are working closely with partners to outline a clear timeline of actions which will improve housing performance and ensure tenants in all areas receive the best service possible. We endeavour to provide improved transparency around these actions and the improvement plan will be shared in due course. We are working closely with the regulator to ensure we meet the required standards as soon as possible.” Cllr Rosie Herring, Cabinet Member for Housing Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

September 23, 2024

Week of action to create a cleaner Northampton town centre

23 September 2024 Neighbourhood wardens from West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) have been visiting businesses in Northampton town centre in support of a new policy to keep the area clean and tidy. It’s part of a week of action to help local traders comply with the new Northampton Town Centre Environmental Policy, which sets out how commercial waste should be stored and handled. Visitors to the town centre may have seen the bright orange stickers on some bins helping identify the bin owners. These stickers form part of wider guidance and information being offered to business owners so that they can understand what the policy means for them and what they must do to comply. During the week of action that took place from 9 to 13 September, neighbourhood wardens visited over 400 businesses and placed over 1200 stickers on commercial bins. Feedback received from businesses was positive and in support of the new policy. “As part of the regeneration of Northampton town centre we want to make sure that it is a safe and clean environment for those visiting for leisure and work. All organisations have a responsibility to ensure any waste produced from their activities is handled, stored and disposed of in the correct way.” Cllr Matt Golby, WNC’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Adult Care, Public Health and Regulatory Services “The new policy is in place to improve everyone’s experience when visiting Northampton Town Centre and create a more pleasant and safer environment by dealing with unsightly bin storage. Our neighbourhood wardens have been visiting businesses owners to help them understand the policy and what actions they need to take to comply.” Cllr Rebecca Breese, WNC’s Cabinet Member for Environment, Recycling and Waste The area covered extends to the inner ring road, bounded by Mounts, Campbell Square, Broad Street, Horse Market, St Peter’s Way, Victoria Promenade, Cheyne Walk and York Road. If successful, this pilot scheme may be extended to other areas of West Northamptonshire. The full policy can be viewed here . Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

September 23, 2024

Event showcases West Northamptonshire as top business destination

23 September 2024 West Northamptonshire Council’s Economic Growth & Inward Investment Team highlighted the region’s prime position for business investment and support during the Northamptonshire Chamber of Commerce’s annual business exhibition at Franklin’s Gardens on Thursday, 19 September. Joined by the South Midlands Growth Hub and Northamptonshire Business and Intellectual Property Centre (BIPC) , officers were on hand to engage with exhibitors and visitors, discussing a wide range of opportunities available to both established and start-up businesses in West Northamptonshire. Attendees explored investment prospects, business support services, and funding options designed to help local companies grow and thrive. As part of the event, visitors were invited to enter a raffle to win a luxury hamper of local produce, generously donated by local businesses including Amazon in Daventry, Creations of the Heart (Towcester), Towcester Mill Brewery, and Northampton-based Mooch, Vintage Guru, D&B Communications, and Cardew & Co. The lucky winner selected was Serena Merrison from High Voltage Systems & Services (HVSS) in Kettering. Cllr Daniel Lister, WNC’s Cabinet Member for Local Economy, Culture & Leisure said: "The Chamber’s Business Exhibition is always a fantastic opportunity to connect with hundreds of local businesses and share the free support and funding we can offer as a local authority. “West Northamptonshire is an ideal location for investment and business growth, and we want to ensure businesses of all sizes, at all stages of development, receive the support they need to thrive. From access to funding streams to advice on upskilling staff, finding premises, or filling vacancies, we offer a wide range of services to help our local businesses succeed. “Economic prosperity is key to improving the lives of everyone in West Northamptonshire, and we are committed to working collaboratively with partners and stakeholders to achieve this." Finalists for this year’s Chamber Business Awards were also announced at the event with 8 West Northamptonshire businesses shortlisted for the two Council sponsored awards, including Proaction Martial Arts, Wallace Hind Selection Ltd, HES Sales Limited and The NX Group who were shortlisted for West Northamptonshire Business of the Year Award, and Agilico, Sedgebrook Hall, HN Communications and Great Central Plastics Ltd who were shortlisted for the West Northamptonshire Sustainability Award. The winners will be announced at the Chamber Awards on 22 nd November. For more information on the exhibition and finalists, visit the Northamptonshire Chamber website . To access a wide range of free business support, including help with sourcing funding, finding commercial premises, and more, visit the West Northamptonshire Council website . Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

September 23, 2024

Peace vigil to celebrate Northampton’s community spirit and cohesion

23 September 2024 A peace vigil to celebrate Northampton’s community spirit and cohesion is set to take place at the All Saints Church Courtyard on Friday 27 September, at 7pm. The vigil will open with remarks from Cllr James Hill, Chair of the West Northants Diverse Communities Forum, followed by words from West Northamptonshire Council’s Leader Cllr Adam Brown, Cabinet Member for Planning and Communities Cllr David Smith, and Vice-Chairman Cllr Alison Eastwood. Also in attendance will be Lucy Rigby MP, Member of Parliament for Northampton North, Northampton Inter Faith Forum Deputy Ken Howlet, Northamptonshire Police Chief Constable, Ashley Tuckley, and Northants Police Fire and Crime Commissioner, Danielle Stone. Local spoken word poet and knife crime campaigner, Quinton Green, whose work and performances have been used by police forces, schools, and councils as part of youth awareness initiatives across the UK, will also be performing. The evening will conclude with a prayer and blessing led by Father Oliver Coss. “The peace vigil is an opportunity for the people of Northampton to come together to reflect on the strength of our community and the values that bind us together. “As Northampton we can show our commitment to building a more cohesive and harmonious society. Please join us on the evening of Friday 27 September, to celebrate our shared community spirit and reaffirm our dedication to creating a place where every individual feels valued and accepted." Cllr David Smith The Council is finalising its Community Cohesion Action Plan, with new community cohesion officers working to establish connections across the area. The mission is to build resilient and unified communities where all feel valued and accepted. Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

September 23, 2024

Visitors encouraged to share experience following festival of history and heritage

23 September 2024 This year’s Heritage Open Days festival in West Northamptonshire has been hailed as a success with thousands of residents and visitors enjoying free access to some of the county’s most iconic historic and cultural sites. The festival, which ran from 6 to 15 September, showcased the rich heritage of the area through a variety of open buildings, guided tours, talks, and family-friendly activities. From stately homes and museums to hidden gems and historic churches, there was something for everyone to discover. Highlights of this year’s festival included the debut of Silverstone Museum, Northampton Transport Heritage buses, fun town centre quiz trails in Northampton, Daventry, Towcester, and Brackley, and captivating performances and exhibitions across West Northamptonshire. The event was made even more special by the enthusiasm and support of local volunteers, businesses, and community groups, who helped bring the heritage of West Northants to life. As part of our ongoing efforts to enhance the Heritage Open Days festival experience, West Northamptonshire Council is inviting residents and visitors to share their thoughts by participating in a Visitor Experience Survey . All feedback will help to improve future events and ensure that the Heritage Open Days festival continues to be a highlight of the year. "It was fantastic to see so many people taking part in this year’s Heritage Open Days festival, which truly celebrated the history and culture of our wonderful area. The event provides an opportunity for people of all ages to explore our local heritage and historic landmarks while enjoying the free events on offer. “We want to thank everyone who took part – from the venues and our dedicated volunteers to the residents and visitors who came to explore and celebrate the unique heritage of West Northamptonshire We welcome everyone to share their feedback so that we can continue to deliver this popular event and make next year’s festival even better!” Cllr Daniel Lister, Cabinet Member for Local Economy, Culture & Leisure at WNC The survey is open to everyone who attended Heritage Open Days and can be accessed via our consultation hub before Monday 21 October. Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

September 18, 2024

Council Director and Monitoring Officer announces retirement

18 September 2024 West Northamptonshire Council’s Director of Legal and Governance and Monitoring Officer (MO) Catherine Whitehead has been praised for her commitment to shaping the new unitary authority after announcing her retirement. Ms Whitehead played an instrumental role in setting up the Council on 1 April 2021 as part of the county’s major local government reorganisation, and has since been dedicated to embedding effective legal, democratic and governance arrangements across the organisation. Her decision to retire from the organisation for personal reasons at the end of this month has provided the Council with an opportunity to make financial savings by removing the Director of Legal and Governance post. Following Ms Whitehead’s departure, new arrangements would be made for the statutory role of Monitoring Officer, with the current Deputy Director of Legal and Governance Sarah Hall being appointed on an interim basis. The proposals will be considered by WNC’s members at their Full Council meeting on 26 September. “Catherine has been central to the successes of our Council, having ensured our organisation was ‘safe and legal’ from Day One, then continuing to work hard to develop our governance, democratic and legal services effectively. She has been an integral part of our leadership team and our work to build a positive culture and embed good practice across our organisation and will be greatly missed. “With the appointment of Sarah Hall as Interim Monitoring Officer, we know that the statutory legal duties of our authority will continue to be in safe and experienced hands and maintained at the highest standards.” Anna Earnshaw, Chief Executive of West Northamptonshire Council Ms Whitehead recently gained national recognition being awarded Legal Professional of the Year by Lawyers in Local Government, leaves WNC having worked in local authorities for 40 years, first starting her career at the Greater London Council in 1984. “I would like to thank Catherine for all her dedication and commitment to our Council over the past four years. Her performance has been exemplary and her legal background, technical and managerial experience and capability has played no small part in our Council’s achievements to date. Although we will be sad to see her leave, we are also happy for her that she is fulfilling her wish for retirement to pursue new experiences.” Cllr Adam Brown, Leader of West Northamptonshire Council West Northamptonshire Council’s Full Council meeting takes place in the Guildhall from 5pm on Thursday, 26 September – view the agenda here . Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

September 19, 2024

Park's new mountain bikes provide greater opportunities to try cycling

Parks, sports and leisure 19 September 2024 Twenty new mountain bikes have been donated to Northampton Bike Park by West Northamptonshire Council (WNC). The bikes, together with a set of 20 helmets, will allow more people the opportunity to try mountain biking without the commitment of buying a bike. They have been gifted to the Park as part of the Council’s partnership with British Cycling – a two-year initiative funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Funding (UKSPF) with the aim of encouraging more people to ride and making cycling more accessible for everyone. The partnership recently saw West Northamptonshire successfully host a stage of the men’s Tour of Britain race when one of the competitors was Tom Pidcock, who won Olympic gold for Team GB in the men's cross-country mountain bike race in Paris over the summer. Communities across West Northamptonshire came out to show their support for the Tour recently, and were hopefully bitten by the cycling bug. We’re delighted to be able to gift these bikes to provide an opportunity for people who may not have previously been able to use the park to come along and enjoy all the benefits it has to offer. Cycling is good for health and wellbeing, as well as supporting the environment and being great fun for people of all ages. I encourage everyone to get down to Northampton Mountain Bike Park and experience this fantastic leisure facility. Cllr Daniel Lister, Cabinet Member for Local Economy, Culture & Leisure Opened in September 2022, Northampton Bike Park is a joint project between WNC and Northamptonshire Sport and features a multi-user green trail, off-road mountain bike trails of varying difficulties, plus climb sections and a skills area. Situated on the site of the old Delapre golf course, the Park is well connected to the local cycle network, town centre and neighbouring housing areas, including the Norbital, National Cycle Route 6, and is accessible to people of all ages and abilities. Cycling is a great way to be active and the donation of the bikes is a step forward in helping even more people to enjoy the bike park and the trails. We run a programme of courses for beginners to the sport, being able to offer a bike as part of the package opens the opportunity to try Mountain Biking without the commitment of buying a bike. The donation also means we can invite local schools and community groups to come and try the facilities in pre-arranged visits. Martin Barnwell, Strategic Director, Operations, at NSport Find out more on the Northampton Bike Park website Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

September 20, 2024

Discover what treasures you can uncover at Northampton’s Market, reimagined

20 September 2024 Northampton Market is now open at the town’s historic market square as it returned today (20 September), following the area undergoing extensive regeneration to provide a renewed space for residents, businesses, and traders. The town is home to one of the longest running outdoor markets in Europe and the reopening of the market from 20 September is a significant milestone in the transformation of the town, and forms part of the phased opening of the regeneration scheme. The wider rejuvenated market square will open to the public on 19 October with family-friendly festivities taking place on Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 October. Watch: Cllr Dan Lister at the re-opening of the Market: Traders return to Northampton Market Square As part of the extensive refurbishment traders have access to bespoke, fixed stalls as well as pop up stalls. These modern fixed stalls that benefit from electricity water and lighting, have been customised to meet the needs of traders and provide a safe and secure place to sell their goods. A whole host of products and services can be discovered at Northampton’s historic market square including fresh flowers and plants, fruit and vegetables, a butcher, digital print services, ethically sourced Ghanaian crafts and a delicatessen offering locally made produce. This is complemented with services such as a key cutting and watch repairs, bicycle repair and small electricals sales and repairs. If you are looking to treat yourself there will be a nail salon or you can sample some of the delicious takeaway foods on offer. Watch: Council Leader Cllr Adam Brown at the reopening of the Market: Council Leader Adam Brown at the reopening of the Market Once the wider project fully opens from 19 October it will be enhanced by the new shoe-inspired water feature, a dedicated events space and improved landscaping which will create a welcoming environment. “We are delighted to have welcomed traders and local business owners back to our historic market square. Visitors to the market can see first-hand the diverse mix of stalls and traders and discover the wide-range of goods and services on offer – come and prepare to be surprised. We are always keen to hear from local entrepreneurs who are looking to take the first step and showcase their business at Northampton’s market, so please do reach out if you’ve got an idea you’d like to discuss. “Following the opening of the market, we look forward to inviting the community to come and join us for the official opening weekend on 19 and 20 October. With a wide range of zones for everyone to enjoy, including live music, local food and heritage to celebrate the history of our town, there will be something on offer for all the family. I’d encourage residents to save the date and keep their eye out for more information coming soon.” Cllr Dan Lister, Cabinet Member for Local Economy, Culture and Leisure at WNC If you have a great business or business idea and want to become part of Northampton’s rich heritage – get in touch to register your interest by contacting [email protected] . National developer, STACK, is also set to transform the vacant Market Walk shopping centre which sits on the Market Square into a vibrant new leisure, entertainment, and social community hub. This will be a vital part of expanding the night-time economy and amplifying the many reasons to visit the town. Find out more about Northampton market . Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

September 19, 2024

Vulcan Works shortlisted for a hattrick of esteemed local business awards

19 September 2024 Vulcan Works which offers unique office space, business support, hotdesking and coworking opportunities at the heart of Northampton's Cultural Quarter has already won a flurry of awards since it launched last year. Now it has been named as a finalist in three separate categories of the prestigious Northamptonshire Business Excellence Awards 2024 , which celebrate the very best of the county’s business community. Vulcan Works is up for the Land and Development Award, which recognises projects that have had a significant impact on the Northamptonshire landscape, community or economy and where consideration for the environment and innovative thinking have combined to have a positive impact. The centre is also shortlisted for Community Project of the Year, which puts a spotlight on projects which have had a remarkable impact on the local community, and for Venue of the Year, which praises innovation, success and a unique offering. Since Vulcan Works opened in spring 2023, the dedicated team have supported numerous fledgling businesses and startups in the digital and creative industries, not just with office, workshop and coworking spaces, but through organising networking events and offering nurturing business growth support. They have also partnered with Barclays and NatWest, as well as local business support organisations like Growth Hub, Careers Hub, The Marketing Meet Up, Northampton BID, NNBN and Digital Northants to offer practical business support, networking and workshops. “The Vulcan Works is a fantastic example of regeneration we’re delivering as Northampton. This space has been transformed for a vacant building to a thriving business community. To have this work recognised by being shortlisted in three categories at the NBEA awards is fantastic. We look forward to celebrating all the winners and shortlists at the awards in a few weeks’ time.” Cllr Dan Lister, Cabinet Member for Local Economy, Culture and Leisure “We are thrilled to have been shortlisted for not just one but three awards. The recognition is very much appreciated by the entire team, who work tirelessly to provide this unique and much needed offering to the local business community. “We are immensely proud of all that we have achieved in such a short space of time and of all the businesses we have helped to support. The centre is already a thriving creative community, and this is just the beginning! “We look forward to the awards ceremony in November and wish all the finalists the very best of luck.” Centre Manager at Vulcan Works, Garrick Hurter The Northamptonshire Business Excellence Awards will be held on Thursday 7 November at Northamptonshire County Cricket Ground in Abingdon Avenue, Northampton. Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

September 20, 2024

Residents invited to explore Northamptonshire’s rich history as part of unique exhibition

20 September 2024 Residents are invited to get involved in the curation of a new major exhibition exploring and celebrating Northamptonshire’s rich past at Northampton Museum and Art Gallery (NMAG). A History of Northamptonshire in 100 Objects is set to open in September 2025 and will cover an extensive period; from when life first appeared on Earth millions of years ago, up to the present day. The exhibition will be the culmination of West Northamptonshire Council’s (WNC) three-year Arts Council England-funded Histories of Northamptonshire project which involves collaborating closely with individuals, groups, and communities across the county to celebrate and share Northamptonshire’s heritage. The exhibition will highlight 100 objects selected by guest curators and the museum, providing a wide-ranging exploration of the people, places, events, and items that have shaped the county’s identity. NMAG is seeking Guest Curators to help choose the objects and stories that will be featured in the exhibition and work alongside the museum team to research, present, and tell the story behind each object, with their contributions not only forming part of the exhibition but also featuring in an accompanying book, website, app, and podcast series. “This is an exciting opportunity for guest curators from across Northamptonshire to get involved and help create this exhibition which will highlight our county’s rich history and heritage. We want to involve local individuals, groups, and communities in the selection and storytelling process to create a truly inclusive and representative celebration of our fantastic area. “This project not only highlights the significant events and figures that have shaped our identity but also fosters a deeper connection between our residents and their shared history. We look forward to seeing the diverse perspectives and stories that will emerge from this collaborative effort.” Cllr Daniel Lister, Cabinet Member for Local Economy, Culture & Leisure at WNC Guest Curators can be individuals, groups, or societies proposing an object for inclusion. No prior historical knowledge or expertise is required, and the objects can represent any period of Northamptonshire's history, from ancient times to the present day. If you are interested in becoming a guest curator, selecting an object, and telling its story for the exhibition, or if you'd like to learn more about the many exciting elements of the Histories of Northamptonshire project, visit the museum’s website or email [email protected] for more information. The deadline for guest curator submissions is 7 October 2024. Submission forms can be requested via email or completed via the online form . Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

September 19, 2024

Last chance for free energy-saving upgrades for eligible West Northants homeowners

19 September 2024 Residents who have an annual base income of less than £36,000 could be missing out on free energy-saving updates to heat their homes and save money. Those eligible have until the end of September to register for the Home Upgrade Grant (HUG) to ensure any approved works are installed before the scheme ends, which could include insulation, solar panels, low carbon heating systems and more. The retrofitting scheme is funded by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) and managed by the Greater South East Net Zero Hub (GSENZH) and West Northamptonshire Council (WNC). “This crucial funding gives low-income households the opportunity to make their homes more energy-efficient, helping them cut costs and tackle fuel poverty. I would urge people to check if they are eligible and apply ahead of the end of September to save on their energy bills and reduce their carbon footprint.” Cllr Rebecca Breese, WNC’s Cabinet Member for Environment, Recycling and Waste To be eligible for free upgrades, households must have a combined annual income of less than £36,000 (including benefits) or live in a specific postcode area, their properties must not be heated through mains gas, and they should be considered hard-to-heat homes. “Retrofitting homes is an essential step in decarbonising our communities. “The free measures available for eligible homes will help keep residents warm, healthy and cut their bills. Please check your eligibility and apply before it’s too late.” Graeme Heron, Energy Efficiency Programme Lead at GSENZH An initial survey will determine which energy-saving measures could be suitable for each property. Work is completed on a first-come, first-served basis and homeowners should apply by the end of September to allow for works to be completed before the end of the scheme in March 2025. Homeowners may be able to register their interest after September but doing so as soon as possible is the best way to ensure there is enough time to receive upgrades before the end of the scheme. To check if you’re eligible and apply, visit www.hugapply.co.uk or call delivery partners Agility Eco on 0800 107 8883. Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

September 18, 2024

It’s time to apply for your child’s school place for September 2025

18 September 2024 Parents and carers of children living in West Northamptonshire can now apply for a reception place in a primary or infant school, a year 3 place in a junior school, or a Year 7 place in a secondary school, for the September 2025 intake. Parents and carers can apply for a place in reception if their child will be four years old on or before 31 August 2025. The closing date for applications for places in reception (and year 3 at junior school) is 15 January 2025 at midnight . The closing date for applications for Year 7 places is 31 October 2024 at midnight. All applications, whether postal or online, must be received by the closing date to be considered as on time. Late applications will not be processed until after National Offer Days and will be processed in monthly rounds. All on-time applicants will receive an offer of a school place on National Offer Days – 3 March 2025 for secondary places and 16 April 2025 for reception/junior school places. Applicants will then be provided with information on the next stage of the process. There is a separate application process for children who have an Education, Health and Care (EHC) plan, details of which can be found on the SEND admissions page . “It is a big decision choosing the preferred school places for your children, whether it is for reception, year 3 or year 7 – all just as important but equally exciting for your child / children in the next step of their education journey. “If you are unsure of how the process works, or are not sure where to start please do look at the information available on our website.” Cllr Fiona Baker, WNC’s Cabinet member for children, families and education An independent admission appeals process is available for families who wish to appeal against refusal of a place at any school for which they have applied. Find out more about applying for a school place in West Northamptonshire and to submit an application . Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

September 19, 2024

HMICFRS report highlights good work – but improvement needed in some areas

Chief Fire Officer Nikki Watson has thanked Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS) for their report, published today (Wednesday 18 September), which praised the “clear commitment of staff and leaders to improve” – but said that the Service needs to push on with planned improvements more quickly. Nikki said that she was pleased with the progress Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service has made, both in the way it keeps people safe and in the way it supports firefighters and staff. She said that plans are in place to tackle the areas highlighted by HMICFRS that need to be better. The HMICFRS inspection took place between March and April this year. The Inspectors said that “there are some good foundations in place and sound financial planning” – and that it is important that NFRS now moves ahead with those plans. The Inspectors found that NFRS is good at protecting people through fire regulations, using the full range of enforcement powers and working with businesses to protect the public. The Service was praised for the way it responds to major and multi-agency incidents and works with partners. The Inspectors singled out the work of the Joint Operations Team, a unique collaboration between Fire and Police to ensure both services can operate effectively together to keep the public safe. Financial and business planning were also very highly rated, with the Inspectors highlighting the ‘notable practice’ in how the joint Procurement Team is delivering efficiencies, and how the joint Digital team is working to support future change, as areas of best practice for other Services to follow. However, the Inspectors said that there is still work needed to ensure firefighters and staff across the Service do more to prevent fires and other risks. They also said that improvements are still needed in people and culture, making sure that leaders and staff do all they can to promote the right values and to improve diversity. Chief Fire Officer Nikki Watson said: “One of my absolute priorities since I joined Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service is to ensure our staff feel safe, valued, respected and equal. I am disappointed that we haven’t made enough progress in creating an inclusive culture. “HMICFRS acknowledges we have a great programme, called Serving with Pride, which is making a difference to our culture. We have put training in place for managers at all levels to strengthen their skills, so they play their part in making this Service a better place to work. We have independent, confidential lines to report inappropriate behaviour and we are more transparent in the way we deal with misconduct, to give staff confidence to come forward. “Cultural change is a long journey, and I will provide the leadership this Service needs to carry on with our improvement plans.” Nikki said that she was pleased that Inspectors recognised the work done to keep the people of Northamptonshire safe. She added: “This report recognises our commitment to public safety. Our response times are better now than they have been at any time in the last three years, and good financial management and planning mean more firefighters and appliances are available to help when they are needed. We continually monitor and review our attendance times. For example, in the last quarter, we reached highest risk incidents involving a fire in nine minutes and 30 seconds on average. “Our workforce plan means we know when we need to recruit full-time firefighters, so we are always able to crew our fire engines. Like every Service in the country, we focus on the availability of our on-call firefighters every day and we always need more, so I encourage anyone who lives close to their local station to consider joining us. “I want to thank all our firefighters and staff for what they do. I know they will work hard to make the improvements needed to become a truly outstanding Fire and Rescue Service.” Northamptonshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Danielle Stone added: “The commitment of Northamptonshire’s firefighters and staff has endlessly impressed me: they keep the county safe from a full range of risks and I am pleased the HMICFRS have recognised the excellent work they do. “I expect to see even more emphasis on work to create a better culture – everyone must feel safe and included. “I will support the Chief Fire Officer and her leadership team to give the Service the stability it needs to push on with the improvements that I expect to see as I put together my first public safety plan for Northamptonshire. The skills of our firefighters and staff will be at the heart of that plan to make the public feel safer in their communities and help protect them from risk. “I will also keep on fighting for better funding for Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service to support us as we work towards providing an even better service to the public.” The full report can be viewed here :

September 19, 2024

Farmers urged to be vigilant to avoid hay bale and field fires

Farmers across Northamptonshire are being urged to be vigilant and take steps to reduce the risk of fire. Due to recent dry conditions, foliage and shrubbery are very dry and it doesn’t take long for a fire to spread and become significant. Despite the number of both deliberate and accidental fires decreasing since last year, the Service is still being called to a significant number of hay bale and field fires, as well as fly-tipping and bonfires. Farmers and small holding landowners, when harvesting, should keep bale stacks out of sight where possible and at least 10 metres apart, and keep bales away from roadsides and not stacked under electricity cables. Farmers are being asked to consider the risk of fire occurring and what dangers this may present and take efforts to remove or reduce any fire hazards to keep themselves and their property safe. When choosing where to stack bales: Select a site away from any potential fire hazards and sources of ignition, and not near buildings If there is public access to the field via a footpath etc, consider providing signage to warn people to keep away Do not build stacks over underground services such as gas pipes or water mains and fire hydrants Do not work or build a stack under or within 10 metres of overhead power lines They should also take the following fire precautions: Multiple stacks should be sited at least 10 metres away from each other and any nearby buildings to prevent fire spread and to allow safe manoeuvring between them. However, you may wish to consult your insurance company and local authority for advice Avoid siting stacks near public access and roads, as these are vulnerable to fires from discarded cigarettes, littered glass, and deliberate arson Keep bale elevator engines free of straw and other debris to avoid causing a fire Do not allow smoking near stacks Andy Evans, of the joint Arson Task Force, said: “We are asking that farmers and rural landowners take care and reduce further risk of these fires. Due to the dryness of the surrounding land, fires involving hay bales can spread out of control quickly, so it is vital that we work together to reduce the risk of them starting at all.” Farmers that are concerned about fire setting on their land should contact the Arson Task Force by emailing arsontaskforce@northants.pnn.police.uk A risk intelligence visit may be undertaken with the potential of increasing measures to prevent further attacks. We are asking landowners to be vigilant around their farms as well as surrounding rural and wooded areas. Please report any suspicious activity to the Police 101 or Crimestoppers. When in the event of an actual fire, dial 999 immediately.

September 18, 2024

Plans to invest over £9.5 million in housing set to move forward

18 September 2024 Plans to invest over £9.5million on building new homes that will tackle pressures on the local housing market and an increased demand for temporary accommodation are set to move forward. West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) has successfully secured £4.089 million from the third round of the Local Authority Housing Fund (LAHF), which it will spend alongside £5.488 million of capital funding to deliver over 30 properties over the next two years. The properties will provide immediate support for homeless families needing temporary accommodation or resettlement while contributing to the Council’s general housing stock in the medium to long term, ensuring that these assets continue to serve the community for years to come. The Council previously delivered the full targets for rounds one and two of the LAHF funding, acquiring 40 properties between 2023 and 2024 with a grant underspend of approximately £850,000. "This funding represents a significant investment in the future of our community. By expanding our stock of quality temporary and resettlement housing, we are not only addressing the immediate needs of vulnerable families but also ensuring that these assets contribute to the long-term sustainability of our local housing market. “This initiative is a key part of our strategy to support those in need, reduce the financial burden on the Council and our reliance on expensive nightly let accommodation, and provide a stable foundation for residents to build their lives by providing sustainable housing solutions which will support the Council’s housing and homelessness responsibilities for the remainder of the properties’ lifetime.” Cllr Rosie Herring, Cabinet Member for Housing at West Northamptonshire Council A report to move forward with the LAHF funding was discussed by councillors at WNC’S Cabinet meeting on Tuesday 17 September and will now go on for further consideration at Full Council on Thursday, 26 September. Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

September 18, 2024

Northamptonshire Seeks Dynamic Leader for Local Visitor Economy Partnership (LVEP) Chair

18 September 2024 Local partners are excited to announce the launch of a recruitment campaign to appoint a Chair to drive forward the establishment and delivery of a Northamptonshire LVEP. This pivotal role offers a unique opportunity for an experienced and passionate leader to drive forward the region's tourism strategy and enhance the local visitor economy. The LVEP Chair will play a key role in positioning Northamptonshire as a top destination for both domestic and international visitors. By bringing together local businesses, government entities, and community groups, the Chair will lead efforts to showcase the region’s rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and vibrant events. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in tourism, hospitality, or a related field, with proven leadership experience. They will be tasked with developing and implementing strategic initiatives that will attract more visitors to the area, support local businesses, and contribute to the sustainable growth of Northamptonshire’s economy. “This county boasts some of the best attractions in the world and we intend to work collaboratively to ensure that everyone knows that Northamptonshire is a must visit destination! Plus, we will work collaboratively to support and nurture our local attractions and stakeholders, to create more jobs and to attract more inward investment into this industry across Northamptonshire” Cllr Daniel Lister, West Northamptonshire Council Cabinet Member for Local Economy “We are looking for a visionary leader who can unite stakeholders across the region and champion Northamptonshire as a must-visit destination “The LVEP Chair will be instrumental in shaping the future of our local visitor economy, ensuring it thrives for years to come” Cllr Helen Howell, North Northamptonshire Council Deputy Leader Responsibilities of the LVEP Chair will include: Overseeing the implementation of the comprehensive Northamptonshire Tourism Strategy Collaborating with local and national stakeholders to promote Northamptonshire's attractions Enhancing marketing efforts to raise the region’s profile Supporting local businesses in maximizing the benefits of tourism Ensuring sustainable growth of the visitor economy through innovative practices This position represents an exciting challenge for a dynamic leader eager to make a significant impact on Northamptonshire’s future. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to work closely with a diverse range of partners, including tourism boards, local councils, cultural organisations, VCSE’s and businesses, to create a thriving visitor economy that benefits everyone in the region. Applications for the LVEP Chair position are now open, and interested candidates are encouraged to apply by 5pm, on Tuesday 24 September. For more information on the role and how to apply, please visit Discover Northamptonshire or contact [email protected] Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

September 18, 2024

Market returns to Northampton's historic Market Square This Friday

18 September 2024 Come and see the delights on offer at Northampton's market, reimagined this Friday as traders new and old return to the historic square. From hosting royalty to horse fairs and live markets, the market square has been home to markets of all varieties for centuries. This Friday (20 September) it is set to enter a new chapter as the traders return to their new fixed permanent stalls and high-quality pop-up stalls. Here are some of the traders which will be offering their services at the market, be sure to head to market square to find out more: HT Fruit & Veg Tony Jones Florist Ltd Phone Accessories M&G Butchers L J B Rutherfords Dennis Gifts Ltd MK Bags Beach Hut Nails Studio Northampton Cheese Company Ltd T/A Artisan Collective NN Northampton Film Festival Ltd t/a The Creative Place Tiptoe Ventures Funkys Ciros Place Fryin' Brian Vakani Bikes Northampton D.Sullivan Jewellery Quickshop Tony's Book Samosa Corner MK Cosmopolitan Crystal jewellery Unigen Terrys Football Memorabilia Sweetie Collection Market Hub Azkoos Home Accessories There will be a range of different traders at the market each day, so please visit the market to see first-hand the goods and services on offer that day. Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

September 17, 2024

Nominate your West Northants Male Role Models

17 September 2024 West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) is calling on residents to nominate the men and boys who have made significant contributions to their communities as part of the West Northamptonshire Male Role Model Awards 2024. These awards are designed to raise awareness around men’s wellbeing and to celebrate those who inspire others and have a positive impact on the lives of people in their communities or workplaces. The Council is seeking nominations for men and boys who have been inspirational in the broadest sense. Whether they have supported their community, achieved remarkable goals, or positively influenced the lives of others, WNC wants to hear their stories. Nominations open on Monday, 23 September, and close on Wednesday, 23 October. The finalists will be celebrated at an awards ceremony on Thursday, 21 November, coinciding with International Men's Day 2024, at Northampton Museum and Art Gallery. “We are excited to launch the Male Role Model Awards 2024, which not only highlight the important contributions of men and boys in our communities but also promote a positive conversation around men’s wellbeing. “International Men's Day is a key opportunity to recognise and celebrate the men who are making a difference, and we look forward to hearing about the inspiring stories from across West Northamptonshire.” Cllr David Smith, WNC's Cabinet Member for Planning and Communities International Men's Day (IMD) is celebrated globally, focusing on themes such as enhancing the wellbeing of men and boys, promoting positive discussions about masculinity, and raising awareness of charities that support men’s health and wellbeing. For more information about the WNC Male Role Model Awards 2024 and to make a nomination, please visit Male Role Model of the Year 2024 . Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

September 18, 2024

24-hour mental health text message service launched in Northamptonshire

18 September 2024 Northamptonshire Integrated Care Board (ICB) along with North and West Northamptonshire Councils have partnered with charity Mental Health Innovations to offer free, confidential and 24/7 mental health support to those across the county through the charity’s text messaging support service Shout. The partnership has been funded through North and West Northamptonshire Public Health services and ICB to provide this innovative digital offer for anyone in Northamptonshire to enable them to access 24-hour mental health support, 365 days a year from their mobile phone. The service launched on Monday 2 September and people in the county can text the word ‘IMATTER’ to 85258 to be connected to a trained Shout Volunteer. The service is open around the clock and can help with issues such as anxiety, stress, loneliness, depression and suicidal thoughts. The conversation, which takes place entirely by text message, aims to help the texter reach a calmer place with a plan to move forward. It will also signpost them to further support available locally. “Providing mental health services which meet the needs of our communities is vitally important, that is why we’re proud to be a part of this partnership and launch the SHOUT text messaging service in Northamptonshire. By providing digital solutions which people of all ages can access from their mobile phone, we hope to increase the number of people accessing services and receiving the support they need.” Cllr Matt Golby, Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Adult Care, Public Health and Regulatory Services at WNC “I am pleased that we are working with Shout to give free access to their text support service. This makes our local crisis support more accessible for everyone, especially important now when many people are struggling mentally due to the cost-of-living crisis. By partnering with Shout on this service, we can offer residents free mental health support 24 hours a day, seven days a week, when people need it the most.” Councillor Gill Mercer, North Northamptonshire Council’s Executive Member for Adults, Health and Wellbeing “Ensuring local people who need it can receive timely access to mental health support is one of our key priorities. The SHOUT service compliments the services we already have available across our county that support health and wellbeing. The service is open around the clock and can help with issues such as anxiety, stress, loneliness, depression and suicidal thoughts so I would urge anyone experiencing difficulties with their mental health to consider using this service.” Dr Janine Elson, Chief Medical Officer, Northamptonshire Integrated Care Board Shout is a free, confidential and anonymous service, designed to provide people with in-the-moment support. Texting Shout does not appear on phone bills and all messages are confidential unless there is concern about someone’s safety. Shout is available and free in the United Kingdom. Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

September 16, 2024

Progress made on sustainability efforts with bronze iiE accreditation

16 September 2024 West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) has continued to make progress in its sustainability journey by retaining a national environmental accreditation. WNC is pleased to have retained the Bronze Award accreditation with the Investors in the Environment scheme (iiE) following an independent audit, showing its commitment to reducing its environmental impact. iiE is a national environmental accreditation scheme designed to help organisations save time and money, reduce their impact on the environment, and get recognition for their progress. The Council has worked to improve on the foundations put in place through achieving the bronze award last year for the first time, with it being less than four years since the authority was formed. Over the past 12 months, WNC has continued to make strides towards meeting its sustainability objectives, including: Publishing its first Sustainability Report, setting out priorities against the UN Sustainable Development Goals Focussing on embedding sustainable thinking into all job roles, projects and policies rather than it being looked at as an addition to or adaptation Continuing to grow a sustainability staff network and councillors net zero action group to guide, influence and involve communities, colleagues and partners Refreshing the online Sustainable West Northamptonshire information hub and social media channels to promote, share and encourage good practice Actively supporting staff with additional training, including members of the Sustainability Team undergoing a Pathways to Net Zero course Consulting the public on a draft electric vehicle infrastructure strategy that will be published in early 2025 to support the increase in EVs Participating in the national No Mow May campaign for the first time, leaving areas of green spaces to grow naturally in a bid to increase biodiversity. “I am delighted that we have retained our iiE Bronze Accreditation. This recognition highlights our ongoing commitment to cutting emissions and meeting the target of net zero across West Northants by 2045. “We are dedicated to making changes that will have a positive impact on the environment and the lives of our residents, to make a difference today and in the future. We are taking steps in the right direction and are keen to continue building on the work that has already been done. “There are simple ways in which everyone can help to tackle the climate challenge in their everyday lives and probably do without thinking about and one very important way of doing so is working together.” Cllr Rebecca Breese, WNC’s Cabinet Member for Environment, Waste and Recycling Find out more about Sustainability in West Northants. Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

September 13, 2024

Calling all local organisations: Join us in celebrating the reopening of Northampton Market Square

13 September 2024 Local organisations, businesses, charities and community groups across West Northamptonshire are invited to be part of the upcoming grand reopening of Northampton’s historic Market Square on Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 October. This special event is more than just a celebration of the completion of regeneration works - it’s an opportunity to showcase the incredible community spirit that makes Northampton such a unique place to live, work, visit, and thrive. West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) are looking for enthusiastic local organisations to get involved in various ways to make this event a true reflection of the community talent, generosity, and collaborative spirit we have here in our area. Some of the ways organisations can get involved include: Performing at the event: If you are part of a dance club, children’s group, or any performing arts organisation, we’d love to see your talents on display. Whether it’s a dance performance, a musical act, or a creative display, this is your chance to entertain and inspire the crowds. Promoting your charity: This event is an excellent platform for local charities to share their mission with the public. Whether it’s a running club doing a lap around town, a karate demonstration, or a talk on supporting vulnerable people, we want to help you connect with those who may be inspired to get involved. Donating to the event: We are seeking donations of local produce or items to be raffled off in hampers, with proceeds going to the Chairman’s Charities. This is a fantastic way to showcase your products and support a good cause. Sponsoring a hamper: Help us make a difference in the lives of local residents by sponsoring a hamper filled with household items, Christmas essentials, or other thoughtful gifts. A range of sponsorship options are available and your generosity will be acknowledged throughout the event. Screen advertising: Promote your brand or service to thousands of attendees by sponsoring a video advertisement on the big screen at the event and reach a wide audience while supporting the community celebration. The thousands of people attending across both days are the perfect audience! "The reopening of Northampton’s Market Square is a significant milestone, not only marking the completion of the first of several major regeneration works in the area, but as the beginning of a new chapter for our town and county. “We are eager to collaborate with local organisations to make this event a true celebration of community spirit. This is an opportunity for everyone to come together, showcase their talents, and contribute to the future of West Northants. “Let’s all make this a memorable event that benefits everyone and reflects the best of what West Northamptonshire has to offer." Cllr Daniel Lister, Cabinet Member for Local Economy, Culture and Leisure WNC If your organisation would like to get involved, please contact [email protected] by Friday 27 September to express your interest and discuss tailored sponsorship packages. Together, we can create an unforgettable event that celebrates the heart of our community and the bright future ahead for West Northamptonshire. For more information about the event, please visit the WNC website . Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

September 12, 2024

Falls awareness week: steady on your feet

12 September 2024 As Falls Awareness Week is just around the corner (16 to 20 September), we want to share information about the Falls Management Service and how you access support and find out more about everyday safety and wellbeing. Falls are a concern and worry for many, particularly among older people, as they can often result in injuries that can have long-lasting effects on their health and independence. However, falls in older people are often preventable, and reducing falls is important for maintaining the health, wellbeing and independence of the elderly population. West Northamptonshire Council's Falls Management Service is on hand to help individuals minimise falls and reduce their risks. There are a wide-range of service across Northamptonshire which people can access to support their wellbeing and reduce the risk of falls. These include: Steady on your feet There is a dedicated website which hosts advice and tips about how to reduce the risk of falling: Information and Advice - Steady On Your Feet (Northamptonshire) The website includes lots of advice and “top tips”, and where you can undertake a self assessment and build an action plan about how best to stay active and independent, and reduce the risk of having a fall: Steady On Your Feet Assessment Tool Get up & go Northamptonshire Sport coordinates a falls prevention programme across the county. Get Up & Go strength and balance exercise classes improve the mobility and confidence of participants. They are fun and friendly, and very effective. The classes aim to improve strength, balance, mobility and confidence and are delivered by qualified instructors. They classes will help individuals to: reduce falls reduce injury due to falls improve balance & strength improve ability to complete everyday tasks increase stamina improve mood improve confidence and independence You can find out more about the classes here: Get Up & Go ICAN Get up & go ICAN Get Up & Go is funded by the Integrated Care System (the NHS) and offer support to for those with much less mobility and is by referral only, for 24 weeks. With West Northants classes currently available in Daventry, Towcester and two in Northampton. Click here to find out more about sessions near you. Our falls management service WNC's Falls management services can help identify, assess, and reduce the risk factors associated with falls. These services typically involve healthcare professionals, such as physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and falls technicians who create personalised fall prevention plans. These plans often include exercises to improve strength and balance, home safety assessments, walking aids/minor adaptations, signposting to other services based on individual needs and educational resources for individuals and caregivers. To make a falls referral you can submit the form on our website . Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

September 12, 2024

Notices issued for those breaching traffic enforcement rules

12 September 2024 Motorists who continue to flout road restrictions in three busy areas of Northampton now face immediate fines for doing so, under enforcement measures to help keep traffic moving there. In February this year, West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) started to enforce the hatched yellow box at the junction of St John’s Street and Victoria Gardens, as well as no Right turns allowed from Fishponds Road into Great Billing Way and the bus only route at Hermitage Way. The measures were put in place to help reduce traffic congestion after the Department for Transport (DfT) changed legislation to enable local authorities to apply for powers to enforce against moving traffic contraventions. During the first six months of enforcement measures going live, a warning notice was issued for first offences to any vehicle, however from 1 August (St John’s Street) and 16 August (Fishponds Road and Hermitage Way) onwards, anyone who has breached the rules at these sites has received a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) of £70, reduced to £35 if paid within 21 days. Deanshanger Road went live on 10 June so warning notices are still being issued to motorists for their first occasion breach only. During August, 796 motorists received immediate PCNs across the three sites: St John’s Street Box Junction – 415 PCNs No right turns from Fishponds Road into Great Billing Way – 316 PCNs Hermitage Way bus only route – 65 PCNs “Highway measures such as box junctions, the prohibition of turning movements and bus lanes are introduced to assist in reducing congestion, improving road safety, and ensuring better flow of traffic and public transport. Unfortunately, the police do not have the resource to enforce these measures that are often ignored by drivers, hence the decision of Government to delegate enforcement powers to Highway Authorities such as West Northamptonshire Council. Working with our partners, including the police and bus operators, we made an informed decision to introduced enforcement cameras at these locations. Although they have been in place for some months now, and are acting as a deterrent, we continue to see motorists breaching the rules. “Whilst we understand some have raised concerns, many are supportive of our efforts with people requesting us to consider putting in place similar measures elsewhere across West Northants. “Up until August we have sent out warning advisory letters to anyone caught stopping in the box, making prohibited turns, and utilising the bus lane. Going forward any driver caught breaking the rules will not receive a warning but will be issued with a fine. It is still too early to say how this is impacting on the number of offenders, but we are hopeful this will serve to further reduce issues in these areas." Cllr Phil Larratt, WNC’s Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

September 12, 2024

Drop-in events to find out about a draft Tree and Wood Strategy for West Northants

12 September 2024 People are being asked to share their views on a draft strategy that sets out the future treescape of the area. The Tree and Wood Strategy is being developed by West Northamptonshire Council to set out how it will maintain and enhance tree and woodland cover for the next twenty years. Residents, businesses and community groups are being invited to comment on the strategy via an online survey or at one of the upcoming in-person sessions. A series of drop-in events are being held across the area on the following dates: Monday, 23 September, 11am to 5.30pm at The Grosvenor Centre, Northampton Wednesday, 25 September, 11am to 5pm at The Forum, Towcester Thursday 26 September at 1pm to 6pm, at The Old Fire Station, Brackley Friday 27 September, 11am to 5.30pm at the Daventry Town Council offices, Daventry Alternatively, virtual drop-in sessions will be held through MS Teams on Monday 30 September at the following times: 10-11am, 12-1pm, 2-3pm, and 5-6pm. Further details can be found via the Council’s consultation hub. The consultation closes on Sunday, 13 October and people can have their say via the Council’s consultation hub. Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

September 10, 2024

Councils affirm commitment to suicide prevention

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. Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

September 10, 2024

Solar panels scheme aims to cut carbon emissions and costs

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 . Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

September 10, 2024

Fire crews tackle blaze at derelict industrial unit in Harlestone Firs

Firefighters have remained at the scene of a fire in Harlestone Firs overnight and continue to monitor hotspots ahead of a Fire Investigation this morning (September 9). Crews were called to deal with a blaze in a derelict industrial unit on Harlestone Road yesterday (September 8), just before 4pm. On arriving crews discovered a rapidly developing fire in the building, but managed to contain the blaze from spreading to surrounding buildings and woodland. Nearby residents were asked to close doors and windows due to the smoke issuing from the building, and Northamptonshire Police were called to establish a scene guard. Crews used hose reel jets throughout the night to dampen down hotspots, and as of 9am this morning one crew remains at the scene – at the height of the incident there were nine appliances dealing with the fire. Preliminary investigations appear to indicate that the fire has been started deliberately, but a full Fire Investigation will take place at 10am jointly with Police.

September 09, 2024

Work has commenced to expand the Gateway School, Tiffield

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 Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

September 09, 2024

UK roadshow to visit West Northants’ inspirational small businesses

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 . Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

September 09, 2024

Council to explore multi-million pound investment into accommodation for children and young people

09 September 2024 A new multi-million-pound investment programme to turn more council land and properties into housing for children and young people in care has been unveiled this week. The initiative by West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) would see the local authority transform more of its own land and property into accommodation that better supports looked-after children and young people, whilst also reducing costs for taxpayers. With the Council and its partners at Northamptonshire Children’s Trust experiencing a rising demand for care accommodation, particularly for those age 14 years upwards, this is currently largely provided by the private sector, making it more expensive and not always suitable for children’s needs. Having already piloted a handful of successful schemes of converting its own land and properties into children’s accommodation, WNC now plans to embark on a wider programme of work of up to £20million to provide more housing to help meet growing demand. It is anticipated that most of the future housing would potentially be new-builds on existing council land, with the conversion of some existing council-owned properties, with all future schemes – as and when identified by WNC – subject to the usual planning rules and permissions, as well as consultation with local residents. “As is the case across the country, accommodation for our children and young people in care is predominantly provided by the private sector, making it typically more expensive and is also potentially at risk of profiteering too. It’s not always suitable for youngsters either, particularly those with complex needs, so by providing our own accommodation we’ll be able to improve their independence whilst joining up services better and reducing costs for taxpayers. “Pilot schemes show that this model really works and earmarking up to £20million of capital money sets out our commitment towards moving this forward. Of course all future proposals will go through public consultation and planning and this really is about giving these children and young people the same, best life chances as our own within our communities. If we succeed, we are not only investing in homes but in their futures too.” Cllr Fiona Baker, Cabinet Member for Children, Families, Education and Skills at WNC Members of WNC’s Cabinet will meet next week (Tuesday, 17 September) to discuss amending the Council’s capital budgets in order to proceed with the investment plans. Read the report on the WNC website . Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

September 09, 2024

West Northamptonshire residents praised for community spirit following Tour of Britain world-class cycling success

09 September 2024 West Northamptonshire residents have been praised for their community spirit after hosting an unforgettable day of world-class cycling as the Tour of Britain made its historic debut in Northampton on Saturday, 7 September 2024. Thousands of enthusiastic spectators from towns and parishes across West Northants lined the streets to cheer on the world’s top cyclists as they raced through the area, creating an electric atmosphere that highlighted the community spirit and excitement surrounding this prestigious event. See highlights from the event on the WNC website . The penultimate stage of Britain’s biggest professional cycle race saw 18 elite teams, including cycling superstars such as Remco Evenepoel, Julian Alaphilippe, and Tom Pidcock, tackle a challenging 147-kilometre route that started at the University of Northampton’s Waterside Campus and concluded with a thrilling finish on the Derngate in Northampton town centre, which saw French cyclist Paul Magnier taking victory ahead of Erlend Blikra and Ethan Vernon across the finish line. The event was not just about the race but was a celebration for the entire community with families and fans of all ages enjoying a wide range of free activities and entertainment at the University of Northampton. From interactive challenges and live screenings of the race to the opportunity to explore various stalls and local food offerings. The wide-ranging all-inclusive Fan Village and additional activities, including a climbing wall, spin challenges, and a presence from Northamptonshire Police, added to the day’s festive spirit. Residents and businesses are now encouraged to share their feedback in a brief post-event survey via the Council’s consultation hub to help shape future large scale events in West Northamptonshire. "We are overwhelmed by the outstanding support and incredible turnout from our residents and communities for the Tour of Britain Men in West Northamptonshire. The energy and enthusiasm from the community was truly inspiring and it was fantastic to see so many people come together to celebrate this world-class event. “This day showcased not only the beauty and charm of our area but also the incredible community spirit that makes West Northamptonshire such a special place. We look forward to welcoming more events like this in the future and continuing to put West Northamptonshire on the map as a premier destination for sporting and culture excellence." Cllr Daniel Lister, Cabinet Member for Local Economy, Culture & Leisure at WNC The Tour of Britain’s visit to West Northamptonshire has been hailed as a resounding success, with local businesses benefiting from the increased footfall and exposure. The event also served as an opportunity to inspire the next generation of cyclists, with young riders from the NCR-Foundation Talent Development Programme leading the race out from the start line. “The atmosphere was electric, the town really got behind the riders and looked fantastic. It was an event Northampton can look back on with pride and the University is delighted to have hosted the start of the stage.” James Seymour, UON Director of Marketing and Student Recruitment As the Tour of Britain concluded its thrilling journey through West Northamptonshire, the memories of this spectacular day will remain with residents and visitors alike, leaving a lasting legacy that will continue to inspire and uplift the community for years to come. Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

September 09, 2024

Acquiring a key puzzle piece to deliver the vision for Greyfriars, Northampton

09 September 2024 The Corn Exchange has stood empty in the heart of Northampton Town Centre for more than a decade. Many people enjoyed spending time at the former Cinema then Chicago Rock Cafe before closing its doors. West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) has bold ambitions to transform the town centre and has taken an exciting step forward in delivering its ambition for the future of Greyfriars as it seeks to purchase the Corn Exchange. WNC has worked with local residents and businesses through a two-stage public consultation to deliver the ambitious vision for Greyfriars. The 14-acre area is set to amplify a forgotten piece of the town into a new neighbourhood which will encompass multi-generational living, dedicated green space and entertaining space, while improving connectivity to the town centre with improved transport routes. The vacant Corn Exchange sits at the heart of the Greyfriars masterplan, providing a direct link between the new activities at Greyfriars and the core town centre, currently the Greyfriars area is severed off from the town centre and effectively an island. If the acquisition is successful and plans are approved, the Corn Exchange will be a cultural anchor for the Greyfriars project, creating a new performance and creativity hub and leisure destination, attracting significant footfall and investment into the town. "We are passionate about transforming Northampton Town Centre into a vibrant hub where everyone across West Northamptonshire and beyond can shop, dine, and enjoy all that the area has to offer. The acquisition of the Corn Exchange is a pivotal step in the ambitious regeneration of the 14-acre Greyfriars site. “This long-neglected property, vacant for over a decade, occupies a key spot overlooking the soon-to-be revitalised Market Square and backing directly onto the Greyfriars site. We’re excited to move forward with this purchase, bringing it into our bold vision for Greyfriars, and breathing new life into the building as a dynamic community venue that will once again serve and inspire the local community.” Cllr Dan Lister, Cabinet Member for Local Economy, Culture, and Leisure at WNC The proposals to purchase the Corn Exchange will be considered by WNC’s cabinet on 17 September, and if approved for recommendation will be presented by WNC’s full Council on 26 September. To stay up to date on the regeneration of Northampton, visit www.wearenorthampton.com . Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

September 08, 2024

Check your chimney ahead of the winter to reduce risk of fire

Residents of Northamptonshire are being urged to check their chimneys and maintain them properly before the coming winter months. Typically, Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service sees an increase in the number of call outs to chimney fires in the colder months, and has already attended three in the last two weeks. We are therefore reminding residents to clean their chimneys before their first use of the season. As temperatures get colder during winter, the use of fireplaces will naturally increase, and some people may consider using fireplaces as an alternative to avoid high energy prices. Chimney fires should not be underestimated and can result in devastating damage to your home. Chimneys should be cleaned four times a year if you are using wood, twice a year if you are using coal, and at least once a year if you are using smokeless fuels, oil, or gas. The Fire Service also advises installing at least one smoke alarm on each level of your home and testing these regularly as this could give a vital early warning sign if a fire does break out. Prevention Team Leader, Tina Collett, said: “It is important to have your chimney swept regularly, depending on what fuel you burn, before the colder months set in and you begin to use your fire again. Modern sweeping techniques are quick, clean, and efficient, so it is worth taking the time to organise a chimney sweep and help take an extra step towards ensuring your family’s safety.” Here are some top tips for avoiding a chimney fire: Keep your chimney and flue clean and well maintained Ensure any fire is extinguished properly before leaving the house or going to bed Never interrupt the air supply by blocking air vents or air bricks Install smoke alarms on every level of your house and test them regularly Install a carbon monoxide alarm near any fuel-burning appliance you have Signs of a chimney fire can be a loud roaring noise, sparks and flames coming from the top of the chimney, flames through tiny cracks, and smoke or a burning smell in adjoining rooms or loft. If you have a chimney fire, remember the following: Your first option should be to get out, stay out and ring 999 If it is safe for you to do so however, shut all air vents and flue dampers to reduce oxygen supply Move flammable materials such as furniture away from the fireplace For more tips on how to stay safe for the Winter season, visit our winter safety page

September 06, 2024

‘A Year of Happier Living’ set to benefit Northamptonshire residents’ mental health

06 September 2024 Action for Happiness Northamptonshire Hub is run by a group of dedicated volunteers who have now received funding to promote Action for Happiness resources and the 10 Keys to Happier Living . The ‘Year of Happier Living’ will see this funding used to promote the resources across Northamptonshire through the Integrated Care partners, community groups, schools and faith communities. Action for Happiness is an international social movement with the mission of creating a happier, more compassionate society focusing on taking personal action for our own wellbeing and in the community around us. "The Action for Happiness hub in Northamptonshire is a brilliant example of how a group of local volunteers can have a real impact on people's lives. The funding they have secured for the 'Year of Happier Living' will help many more people in Northamptonshire access evidence-based tools and resources that will support their happiness and mental health and help them make a difference in the happiness and mental health of the people around them. We know happiness has a social ripple effect; if we experience people building a happier, kinder world, we are more likely to feel happier and pass it on by taking positive action ourselves. So, this initiative has the potential to ripple out and make a real difference in Northamptonshire." Mark Williamson, CEO Action for Happiness The 10 Keys for Happier Living are for everyone to try out and develop personal daily actions to help us all function and feel better. The GREAT DREAM, Action for Happiness Northants Hub resources and courses provide a framework and tools to help develop daily habits. It is especially relevant for those people who are troubled with mental health problems and helping to support their recovery journey. “We are pleased to be working with local partners in the Northamptonshire Mental Health, Learning Disability and Autism Collaborative who are funding this excellent initiative. The ‘Year of Happier Living’ will help increase access to evidence-based tools to support people with their mental wellbeing, enabling them to access the support they need. Together, we’re committed to working with partners across the county to provide our communities with the tools they need to thrive.” Cllr Matt Golby, Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Adult Care, Public Health and Regulatory Services at WNC “It is really important that we all give as much importance to mental health as we do to physical health. Both mental and physical health are interwoven with each other, as mental ill health is associated with increased chances of physical illness. Also, those with poor physical health or long-term health conditions are unfortunately more likely to suffer from poor mental health. I am delighted these resources are to be made available so that our residents can make use of them to support their happiness and mental health.” Councillor Gill Mercer, North Northamptonshire Council’s Executive Member for Adults, Health and Wellbeing Promoting wellbeing is relevant for all ages and communities, the desire for happiness for ourselves and those we love and care for is universal. Positive mental health has good evidence of improving our immune system, our performance at work, our relationships and creating safer more compassionate communities. Action for Happiness Northamptonshire Hub is working with local partners and communities to increase their engagement with the Action for Happiness resources and courses to build “Happier, Kinder communities Together” across Northamptonshire. Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

September 06, 2024

Discounted group bus ticket offer available during weekends in September

06 September 2024 Stagecoach Midlands, in partnership with West Northamptonshire Council and with support from the Department for Transport, has launched a discounted ticket offer at weekends for families and groups to travel by bus in and around Northampton. A ticket for up to 5 people (the Northampton Weekend Group Dayrider) will be just £6 and is available at this discounted rate every Saturday and Sunday during September. The ticket will cover the Northampton Megarider area. The offer comes in time for this weekend's Lloyds Bank Tour of Britain Men event, taking place on Saturday 7 September, and as Northampton Market is set to return to the historic market square from 20 September, following significant redevelopment, providing a renewed space for residents, businesses and traders at the heart of the town. “We are pleased that Stagecoach is able to offer this discounted group fare to residents throughout September and in time for the opening of the revitalised market. I hope that it encourages families and groups of people to use the bus to move around and explore Northampton town centre.” Cllr Phil Larratt, WNC’s Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport "September is set to be an exciting month - with the Lloyds Bank Tour of Britain Men visiting West Northants on Saturday 7 September, Heritage Open Days taking place until 15 September, as well as for Northampton's market which will welcome new and existing traders to the renewed square before its grand opening celebration on 19 and 20 October. As one of the longest running outdoor markets in Europe, we look forward to inviting the public to visit traders at their new bespoke stalls from 20 September and see first-hand what local treasures will be on offer. I would encourage everyone to make the most of this offer and visit Northampton throughout September." Cllr Dan Lister, WNC’s Cabinet Member for Local Economy, Culture and Leisure "Every week thousands of people use the bus to access Northampton town centre, and with the reopening of the Market Square, we want even more people to use the bus as part of their sustainable travel plans; we hope this offer encourages many new people to try the bus and see what Northampton can offer as a leisure destination.” Mark Whitelocks, Stagecoach Midlands’ Managing Director Tickets will be available from bus drivers or from the Stagecoach app. To find out more please visit the Stagecoach website . Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

September 06, 2024

Bridge Street to reopen after fire-damaged buildings made safe

06 September 2024 The fire damaged site in Bridge Street, Northampton Bridge Street in Northampton is set to reopen to traffic in both directions after two fire damaged buildings were made safe. Earlier this year, the First Tier Tribunal gave the landowner until 6 September to complete the work, making the area safe and allowing the road reopening. Due to the Lloyds Bank Tour of Britain passing through the town, the closure will remain in place on Saturday 7 September, and the route will be open again by Sunday morning. Cllr Phil Larratt, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, said: “We’re incredibly grateful to everyone for their patience while this extended closure has been in place. “I know how frustrating it has been for everyone, though now Bridge Street has reopened it allows us to return traffic flows to their original state. “It will also allow us to start scheduling repairs to roads which might have had to wait while the closure remained in place.” Members of the council’s Economic Development team have visited business owners on Bridge Street to provide information on the guidance, support and various grant schemes available to them. We would encourage those that would like to find out more to email our Economic Development team or visit the Business Support pages of our website. In addition to this, businesses experiencing financial hardship due to the road closure might be eligible for hardship relief to remit or reduce some business rates. Ratepayers can contact the Council to found out more about the qualifying criteria. Cllr Daniel Lister, Cabinet Member for Local Economy, Culture and Leisure, said: “We know businesses have really felt this closure and we’re doing what we can to help. “It’s been a long road to get us to this point and I’d like to thank all of those who have worked so hard to ensure this work was completed by the deadline.” Some demolition work remains to be done on the wider site. Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

September 04, 2024

£21m Send School to create an extra 230 spaces in Northamptonshire

04 September 2024 The delivery of the new 230-place school in Tiffield, Northamptonshire, has reached a significant milestone. Following the demolition and clearance of the site, which took place this spring, the steelwork for the school is now complete. Being built on St Johns Road, on the former St Johns Centre site, the construction project is being led by national contractor Willmott Dixon for West Northamptonshire Council, Greenwood Academies Trust and the Department for Education. The new school will provide additional special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) spaces in the local community. Set to complete in Summer 2025, the specialist school will improve access to education and increase the support available to families. Pupils aged four to 18 years old will benefit from a variety of facilities including specialist teaching spaces, a soft playroom, a sensory room and a rebound therapy room. A playground, outdoor soft and hard play areas, and staff and visitor car parking are also included within the plans. A drop-off area and additional queuing space will also be available, making drop-off and collection easier for pupils and parents. Due to the rural landscape surrounding the school, landscaping has been prioritised on the 20,217sqm site to ensure the school blends in with the surrounding area. “Our record of delivering SEND schools within the East Midlands is something we take great pride in. We approach each project with the unique needs of the local community, students and staff in mind, and look forward to delivering a school that meets these requirements. “We are embedding a range of sustainable elements in this project to help futureproof the school and make it energy efficient. The school will be powered by photovoltaics (PVs) and utilise air source heat pumps, aligning with our continual commitment to sustainability.” Nick Heath, director at Willmott Dixon “It is great news that the main construction work has started to deliver a new special school for children and young people with SEND, and their families. We know there is a shortfall of placements in West Northants and that demand is continuing to increase, so this is very much needed. The new facility will offer high-quality education and learning facilities in a positive environment. “Once the school opens it will help us to manage the demand we are seeing for placements as we continue on our improvement journey. The team involved will continue to work closely with all partners and stakeholders to ensure all are kept up to date and informed on progress.” Cllr Fiona Baker, Cabinet Member for Childrens, Families, Education and Skills at WNC The school’s sustainable approach will also support West Northamptonshire Council’s commitment to achieving carbon neutrality by 2030. Joining Willmott Dixon on the project team are Associated Architects, Hexa Consulting, JEH Planning, Ares Landscape Architects and SVM Building Services Design. For more information about Willmott Dixon, visit www.willmottdixon.co.uk . Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

September 05, 2024

Northamptonshire to look at learning opportunities from publication of Grenfell Tower Inquiry report

Chief Fire Officer Nikki Watson says Northamptonshire Fire & Rescue will take every learning opportunity it can from the publication of the Phase Two report of the Grenfell Tower Fire Inquiry. The report has been published this morning (September 4) and examines how the tower block came to be in a condition that allowed the fire to spread back in 2017. Nikki Watson said: “The Grenfell Tower Fire has been the biggest single incident to affect the Fire sector in many years. Seven years on, our thoughts remain with the victims, their families and the local communities that were affected by this tragedy. It is important to acknowledge the scale of what happened at Grenfell but also to examine what can be learned as a result of it. “Although Northamptonshire doesn’t have many high-rise buildings at all, there will undoubtedly be things we can take on board from the national lessons on protection and response that will arise from this. “Since 2017, our Fire Protection Team has worked with owners of high-rise buildings across the county to improve fire safety within their premises, and a lot has already been learned. “We will read the full report with interest, identify what we can take forward from the recommendations and implement as much as we can in order to best safeguard our residents.”

September 03, 2024

Discover what treasures you can uncover at Northampton’s Market, reimagined

03 September 2024 Preparations are underway as Northampton Market is set to return to the historic market square from 20 September, following the area undergoing extensive regeneration to provide a renewed space for residents, businesses, and traders. West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) is working closely with new and existing traders to finalise their bespoke fixed stalls and arrangements for their flexible pop-up stalls ahead of the reopening weekend. The town is home to one of the longest running outdoor markets in Europe and the reopening of the market from 20 September is a significant milestone in the transformation of the town, and forms part of the phased opening of the regeneration scheme. The wider rejuvenated market square will open to the public on 19 October with family-friendly festivities taking place on Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 October. As part of the extensive refurbishment traders have access to bespoke, fixed stalls as well as pop up stalls. These modern fixed stalls benefit from electric, water and lighting, can be customised to meet the needs of traders and provide a safe and secure place to sell their goods. One of the new traders to move into the fixed permanent stalls is Steve Reid, who owns Northampton Cheese Company . “We are looking forward to the opening of the market and using one of the new pods. Also being able to bring our cheese, charcuterie and chutneys that are handmade just down the street. Along with many local artisan products too.” Steve Reid, Owner of Northampton Cheese Company A whole host of products and services will be on offer at Northampton’s historic market square from 20 September including fresh flowers and plants, fruit and vegetables, a butcher, digital print services, ethically sourced Ghanaian crafts and a delicatessen offering locally made produce. This will be complemented with services such as a key cutting and watch repairs, bicycle repair and small electricals sales and repairs. If you are looking to treat yourself there will be a nail salon or you can sample some of the delicious takeaway foods. The wider Market Square will be enhanced by the new shoe-inspired water feature, a dedicated events space and improved landscaping which will create a welcoming destination and drive footfall and while providing a catalyst for private sector investment into Northampton town centre. These improved facilities are also attracting a number of new businesses and by the time we open we will have an enhanced range of quality products as well as welcoming back the existing, valued market traders. “The final preparations are underway to welcome local business owners and traders back to our historic market square. Once open, the renewed space will offer a wide range of high-quality local produce and services. We are delighted to be able to welcome a diverse mix of stalls and traders when we reopen in just a few weeks’ time. Visitors will find an exciting range of goods and services on offer – come and prepare to be surprised. We are always keen to hear from local entrepreneurs who are looking to take the first step and showcase their business at Northampton’s market, so please do reach out if you’ve got an idea you’d like to discuss. “Following the opening of the market, we look forward to inviting the community to come and join us for the official opening weekend on 19 and 20 October. With a wide range of zones for everyone to enjoy, including live music, local food and heritage to celebrate the history of our town, there will be something on offer for all of the family. I’d encourage residents to save the date and keep their eye out for more information coming soon.” Cllr Dan Lister, Cabinet Member for Local Economy, Culture and Leisure at WNC If you have a great business or business idea and want to become part of Northampton’s rich heritage – get in touch to register your interest by contacting [email protected] . National developer, STACK, is also set to transform the vacant Market Walk shopping centre which sits on the Market Square into a vibrant new leisure, entertainment, and social community hub. This will be a vital part of expanding the night-time economy and amplifying the many reasons to visit the town. Find out more about Northampton market . Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

September 02, 2024

Proposals set out new crematorium to serve West Northamptonshire’s communities

02 September 2024 Proposals have been unveiled for a new crematorium in West Northamptonshire to address the increasing need for cremation services across local communities. West Northamptonshire Council has set out plans to develop a state-of-the-art and sustainable new facility on land at Wantage Farm, in the Round Spinney area of Northampton. Residents will soon be able to give their views on the plans before a planning application is submitted for the scheme in November. With existing crematoria within the area operating above their capacity – the new facility will ease the pressure on local need, reduce waiting times and improve the service for bereaved families. Building the new crematorium is also expected to bring benefits to the local community, with the surrounding land transformed into recreational spaces, including walking paths and green areas. It will be designed to minimise the impact on local surroundings, particularly around traffic, noise and appearance issues, with a key focus on sustainability and biodiversity including energy-efficient electric cremators, heat recovery systems, solar panels, green roofs and thoughtful landscaping. Wantage Farm was selected as the most suitable site following a robust and thorough assessment of 11 potential locations in West Northants – this included looking at factors such as size, accessibility, ecology and archaeology as well as how they aligned with key policies such as the Local Plan and flood risk management. Placing a crematorium on the site would also preserve and protect the Green Wedge. “On average, 80 per cent of people opt for cremation over burial, and the new facility at Round Spinney, will relieve pressure on the other existing crematorium in West Northants, reducing wait times for bereaved families while allowing them to hold longer, more meaningful ceremonies for their loved ones. “This new facility addresses the urgent need for additional cremation services in a way that respects and enhances our natural environment. “In addition to providing essential services, its construction and operation will create jobs and support local businesses. The crematorium will be inclusive to everyone of all different faiths, offering a range of features to meet the diverse needs of our community and providing spaces that respect the privacy and dignity of everyone.” Councillor Mike Hallam, Cabinet Member for Corporate Services and HR at West Northamptonshire Council Residents will be encouraged to view the proposals and give their views during the pre-planning consultation, which will start on Wednesday, 25 September. This will include an in-person session at Moulton Community Library from 5pm to 8pm where people will be able to view the project plans, ask questions, and share their feedback. The plans will also be available at the Moulton Community Library from Wednesday, 25 September until Wednesday, 2 October, with an option to participate in an online consultation. “The feedback gathered from this pre-planning consultation will play a key role in shaping the final plans and so I would urge everyone to get involved. "Your input is crucial as we strive to ensure this is a facility that not only meets practical needs but also enriches our community’s well-being. We are committed to listening, adapting, and working together to make this project a success for all of West Northamptonshire.” Cllr Hallam Find out more about Wantage Park . Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

September 02, 2024

Options for vacant building in Brackley explored for community benefit

02 September 2024 A range of opportunities are being explored to bring the former Southfield School on Banbury Road, Brackley back into use for the community. As part of the proposals, West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) is looking to provide a flexible space for community groups across the area to use for a variety of uses such as local youth groups, hosting meetings, and delivering productions. West Northamptonshire Council has worked to ensure that the ‘theatre’ space available for volunteer organisations to use in order to deliver key community services. The Council is also looking at additional opportunities for how the space can support children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and their families. “We are working hard to retain a dedicated community space to provide local organisations with the opportunity to deliver a wide range of key activities which will benefit people of all ages across Brackley and the wider area. “We are pleased be exploring opportunities to transform this empty school into a space for our community. Over the coming months we will confirm our plans to ensure that this vacant space is brought forward into a community hub for local residents, community groups and our SEND children and their families to use.” Cllr Fiona Baker, Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Education at WNC and ward member for Brackley Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

September 03, 2024

Connect, learn, and support: Armed Forces Information Day at the Guildhall

03 September 2024 Residents, businesses, and community groups in West Northamptonshire are invited to attend the Armed Forces Community Information Day on Wednesday, 25 September, at the Guildhall in Northampton. Organised by West Northamptonshire Council in partnership with the Defence Medical Welfare Service (DMWS) at the University Hospitals of Northamptonshire, this event will bring together a wide range of local partners, charities, and support services to offer members of the Armed Forces Community, including veterans, serving personnel, and their families, an opportunity to learn more about the support, activities, and organisations available across Northamptonshire. Throughout the day, attendees can visit stalls hosted by local Armed Forces charities and support services including the Models for Heroes , Pets as Therapy , SSAFA , DMWS , The Royal British Legion , The Frank Bruno Foundation , Combat Stress , 103 Bn REME , The University of Northampton , Reading Force and The Bridge Substance Misuse Programme . In addition to the informative stalls, an exciting series of engaging guest talks will be held. These include an inspiring talk from Dave at Northamptonshire Walks, who will discuss the benefits of outdoor activities for wellbeing and mobility. There will also be a special screening of the "Streets of Change" documentary, which highlights the challenges of homelessness, addiction, and recovery. Local businesses and organisations are also encouraged to attend and learn more about the Armed Forces Covenant and the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme. Jim, the Chair of the Northamptonshire Reserves’ Forces and Cadets’ Association, will share insights on how signing the Covenant can benefit businesses and how to progress through the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme. "We are incredibly proud to support our Armed Forces Community in West Northamptonshire. This event is an excellent opportunity for service members, veterans, and their families to connect with the support they may need. It’s also a chance for businesses and local organisations to show their commitment to those who have served by learning more about the Armed Forces Covenant. We look forward to welcoming everyone on the day and showing our collective appreciation for the Armed Forces Community." Cllr David Smith, Cabinet Member for Planning and Communities at WNC, and Armed Forces Champion For more information, or to enquire about signing the Armed Forces Covenant, please email [email protected] or visit the Armed Forces Covenant page . Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

September 03, 2024

Have your say on how the Council plans to manage and enhance tree and woodland across West Northants

03 September 2024 Residents are being asked to share their views on a strategy that sets out a vision for the future treescape of West Northamptonshire. West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) is in the final stages of developing the tree and woods strategy that will help to manage trees across the area more effectively for the next twenty years. The Council recognises that well planted, managed and enhanced tree and woodland cover can deliver vital environmental, social and economic benefits now and into the future. This consultation follows initial work carried out by the Council’s Scrutiny Committee, as well as the results of a consultation that took place over winter 2023/24. This background ensures that local issues and priorities that were highlighted are at the heart of the strategy, and we would like to thank all who have helped shape this draft. “The draft strategy sets out how we will manage, protect and expand tree and woodland cover across West Northants to 2045, as well how we intend to collaborate with partners and the wider community. “I would encourage people to share their views on the proposals within the strategy so that we can ensure that we’re focussing on the right things.” Cllr Rebecca Breese, WNC’s Cabinet Member for Environment, Recycling and Waste The consultation closes on Sunday 13 October , and we are keen for residents, businesses, community groups and other stakeholders to have their say. The final strategy will be published early 2025 and will be supported by an action plan that will be reviewed every 5 years. Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

September 02, 2024

Residents to benefit from new bus services across West Northants

02 September 2024 The launch of these new services comes thanks to partnership working with Stagecoach Midlands and funding from the Government’s Department for Transport Bus Service Improvement plan, and will run from 2 September. The X91 service between Towcester and Milton Keynes will serve Deanshanger and Potterspury hourly during the daytime from Monday to Saturday. This will provide better connectivity to Milton Keynes central and Milton Keynes train station, making rail services to London more accessible, and more opportunities to travel to and from Towcester. There will be additional journeys to and from Brixworth and Northampton. The new 17 bus service and existing X7 bus service combined will provide up to two buses an hour. There will also be a regular hourly daytime service for the D4 route from Daventry to Long Buckby to provide improved access to Long Buckby train station and village. “We are delighted that Stagecoach will be operating several new services from next month. It is important that we continue to look at ways of improving travel links for those who live, visit, work and study in our area. “This follows on from several service improvements announced in July, and it is thanks to funding from the DfT and working closely with Stagecoach that they will be able to run these services that provide more opportunities for our residents to move around.” Cllr Phil Larratt, WNC’s Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport "It's great to be continuing our partnership with WNC to deliver further improvements for passengers. These enhanced services will provide more journey opportunities for work, education and leisure as we further support the local economy, and we very much look forward to welcoming passengers onboard." Local Transport Minister Simon Lightwood said: “Buses are an affordable and sustainable travel option and it’s fantastic to see that local people in West Northamptonshire will now enjoy more bus services to get around more easily and with greater peace of mind. “Our Better Buses Bill will help West Northamptonshire Council continue transforming its local bus network by giving local passengers the modern, clean and efficient bus services they can truly rely on.” Mark Whitelocks, Managing Director of Stagecoach Midlands In July this year, Stagecoach also introduced some new evening services on a year trial basis as follows: 1: Northampton to Rectory Farm 2: Northampton to Blackthorn 5: Northampton to Southfields 15: Northampton to New Duston D2: Northampton to Daventry X47: Northampton to Rushden Lakes - via Wellingborough. To find out more please visit the Stagecoach website . Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

August 30, 2024

Prepare for the unexpected: Join the September emergency planning campaign

30 August 2024 This September, residents in West Northants are invited to take part in the tenth annual "September is Preparedness Month" campaign, proudly brought to you by the #30days30ways UK initiative. The campaign will run from 1 to 30 September across the UK, offering a diverse range of daily activities designed to boost preparedness and resilience to emergencies. Each day unveils a new theme encouraging residents to learn about and prepare for a variety of emergency scenarios, from floods and power cuts to first aid and mental health. Participants can engage in these activities by accessing the provided resources and taking part in the daily challenges. In advance of this year’s campaign, residents are all encouraged to participate in a brief survey - to assess their preparedness for emergencies that may happen. This survey will open on 1 September. "When people talk about emergencies, our minds tend to turn to global catastrophes. “But being prepared isn’t just for those headline-grabbing incidents. Power cuts, water main bursts, gas leaks, transport strikes, road closures... we experience a variety of inconveniences every day. Taking a few steps to prepare will help not only with those 'everyday emergencies' but also with far less likely incidents.” Cllr David Smith, Cabinet Member for Planning and Communities at WNC “We are really excited about this TENTH YEAR anniversary edition of the #30days30waysUK campaign on social media. Along with colleagues from across the UK we have put together an excellent ‘September is Preparedness Month 2024’ programme with key messages, resources and fun, engaging challenges for people to participate in and share on social media and offline.” Joanne Maddams, Emergency Planning and Business Continuity Manager at WNC and co-founder of the campaign Stay connected and informed by following the campaign's daily updates on social media platforms. Search for the hashtag #30days30waysUK to find the latest resources and engage in discussions with fellow participants. For more information about the campaign, please visit 30days30waysUK or email [email protected] . Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

August 30, 2024

Residents are urged to complete annual canvass paperwork promptly

30 August 2024 The council’s annual canvass is now well underway, with every property in the area having received a canvass communication either through email or letter. The canvass is a legal requirement, enabling the council to maintain a current and precise electoral register. Being on the register is essential for adults to be able to exercise their right to vote in elections and referendums. Additionally, it plays a crucial role in jury service selection and is often used in credit checks for mortgages and other financial purposes. Residents who have provided their email addresses to the council should have already received a branded email from West Northamptonshire Council. The email, sent from [email protected] , contains step-by-step instructions on how to check, confirm, and/or change your details online. Those who do not respond by Monday, 9 September, will receive a reminder letter at their property. Some households will also receive a form to complete. We urge you to respond promptly to the email or form to save the cost of sending reminders. This year, the council is also required to review all European citizens registered to vote. If we cannot confirm that an EU voter has resided in the UK before 31 December 2020 by checking historical electoral records, a letter or email will be sent to the voter to confirm their eligibility under the new criteria. EU citizens who receive a letter confirming their eligibility to vote do not need to take further action. They remain eligible and can vote in upcoming elections, excluding UK Parliamentary elections. “It’s really important that people keep an eye out for their email or form and follow the steps to confirm their details. This is the quickest and easiest way for people to update their details, and it means we don’t have to send reminders. “It only takes a couple of minutes to respond and saves you from being contacted by our team, who will get in touch by post, email, or in person if you don’t reply.” Anna Earnshaw, Electoral Registration Officer for WNC If you’re not currently registered to vote, you can easily register to vote online or call 0300 126 7000 . People are also reminded to be cautious of phishing, scams, or spam emails during this time. West Northamptonshire Council will never ask for personal or banking details via email. If you have any concerns or doubts, please contact us on 0300 126 7000 . Find more information about the annual canvass and its purpose . Find more details about the eligibility confirmation and review for European Union Citizens . Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

August 30, 2024

One week to go until Lloyds Bank Tour of Britain Men arrives in West Northants

30 August 2024 There is now one week to go until the superstars of world cycling head to West Northamptonshire, as the 20th edition of Britain’s biggest professional cycle race, the Lloyds Bank Tour of Britain Men, comes to Northampton for the first time on Saturday 7 September. 18 of the world’s top cycling teams, including the likes of double Olympic gold medallist Remco Evenepoel, double world road race champion Julian Alaphilippe (both Soudal Quick-Step) and Olympic mountain biking star Tom Pidcock (INEOS Grenadiers) all confirmed to be on the start line at the University of Northampton’s Waterside Campus, for the penultimate stage of the 2024 Lloyds Bank Tour of Britain Men. As well as hosting the free-to-attend professional race, West Northamptonshire Council and the University of Northampton will also be welcoming fans with a range of free events and activities for all the family throughout the day. University of Northampton Ahead of stage five fans will be able to watch the preparations of teams with all of the riders being presented to the crowd team-by-team on the podium from 09:50, ahead of the stage start at 11:00. Before the professional riders take to the roads of West Northamptonshire, the next generation of cycling talent will lead the race away, with under 16 riders from the NCR-Foundation Talent Development Programme heading off just before the start. A national talent programme designed to identify, develop, and confirm a cohort of riders annually onto the Great Britain Cycling Team Academy programmes, in a few years some of these riders could be in the Lloyds Bank Tour of Britain. After the race has departed all of the action will be broadcast on a big screen on the Waterside Campus, and there will be plenty of free activities for fans of all ages to get involved in. Among the activities will be a climbing wall, Watt Bike challenge, a spin challenge from Trilogy Gym, and rowing machines, while fans who cycle to the race can also have their bikes marked by Northamptonshire Police, and explore stands from West Northamptonshire Council, NLive, and AJ Cycles among others. The fan village will also include a presence from race title sponsors Lloyds Bank, plus British Cycling partner’s Alé Cycling, Vittoria, Ridgeback, and Shimano, with the latter providing free bike safety checks for fans, plus the chance to try food from Lloyds Bank Tour of Britain Men hospitality partners Gaucho. Route The main challenge on the route is a pair of King of the Mountains climbs after Daventry, with the race due to tackle Newnham Hill (11:35 – 11:39) and Bullshill (11:40 – 11:45). The climbs are the final pair of categorised climbs in the 2024 race, meaning whoever holds the blue King of the Mountains jersey at the day’s end in Northampton will win the classification, providing they finish the race on Sunday. Riders will also tackle an intermediate sprint at Holcot (14:02 – 14:39), immediately after the picturesque crossing of the Pittsford Water causeway, where time bonuses and points towards the red Points jersey will be up for grabs to the first five riders. Finish, Northampton town centre The finish line on Derngate in Northampton town centre is just a short 15-minute walk away from the University of Northampton via Beckets Park, meaning that spectators have plenty of time to get involved in activities on the Waterside Campus, or make their way into the town centre. The race comes into Northampton via Abington Park and the Billing Road, with the finish on Derngate expected to be between 14:23 and 15:05, followed by the podium ceremony close by in the town centre. A range of other events are also taking place in West Northamptonshire that weekend, and more information, including the route map and estimated times of arrival, can be found on our the West Northamptonshire Council Tour of Britain webpage . “With just one week to go, we encourage everyone to join us in welcoming the Lloyds Bank Tour of Britain Men to West Northamptonshire for the first time. “This is a fantastic opportunity for our community to witness world-class cycling up close and be part of a truly historic event - whether by cheering the cyclists along the route, enjoying the free family activities at the University of Northampton, or celebrating the riders at the finish line in Northampton town centre whilst enjoying the fantastic local businesses and hospitality on offer. “The Tour will not only bring great excitement to our area but will showcase the beauty and spirit of West Northamptonshire to a global audience.” Cllr Daniel Lister, Cabinet Member for Local Economy, Culture & Leisure at WNC “We have always said that great journeys start at University, and on 7 September that will literally be the case as the best cyclists in the world begin the penultimate stage of the Tour from our fantastic Waterside Campus. We can’t wait to welcome the riders and fans next week for what promises to be a remarkable stage in this epic endurance event.” University of Northampton Vice Chancellor Anne-Marie Kilday Fans wanting to see Remco Evenepoel, Julian Alaphilippe, and more in action firsthand at the Lloyds Bank Tour of Britain Men can now book and enjoy a range of premium hospitality opportunities and experiences, available via Sportive Breaks here . Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

August 29, 2024

Help shape the West Northamptonshire local offer website pages

29 August 2024 It has been twelve months since WNC launched the new Local Offer website , an online resource to find services for children and young people (aged 0 to 25) with special educational needs and disabilities in West Northamptonshire. The local offer receives thousands of new page views each month and we are keen to hear your views on what you find helpful and how we can improve. Take the time to fill out this short survey by 31 October and tell us your views. There is an exciting opportunity to have a 'Chatbot' or online help - you can let the development team know how you might use this when searching the Local Offer. Please share this with anyone else you know who has used the Local Offer website. We welcome feedback from any young people who have helped us with the Local Offer so far, and any who have ideas for the future. Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

August 27, 2024

First leisure centre in West Northamptonshire to become host to a Chatty Café

27 August 2024 Trilogy Active’s Duston Sports Centre is set to become the first leisure centre in West Northants to join The Chatty Cafe Scheme - reducing loneliness to get people chatting! The 'Chatter & Natter table' launches on Friday 30 August from 9am – 1pm, and will be held at this day and time on a weekly basis. The Chatty Café Scheme is the UK’s leading non-profit organisation tackling loneliness. West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) has 23 face-to-face meet-ups where venues offer ‘Chatter and Natter’ tables, where customers can get together and chat. Cllr Matt Golby, Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Adult Care, Public Health and Regulatory Services at WNC said: “It is fantastic news that the first chatty café in West Northamptonshire is set to launch at Duston Sports Centre. This will provide an opportunity to people across the area to come and meet likeminded people and make new connections, and I’d encourage anyone who is interested in meeting new people to go along to one of the sessions and find out more.” WNC aims to deliver initiatives which reduce social isolation and loneliness. This has created the opportunity for Welcoming Spaces to become part of the national Chatty Café Scheme initiative, where WNC has funded 50 annual memberships. Each venue receives a Welcome Pack with ‘Chatter & Natter’ table signs, posters, leaflets, and window stickers, and registration on the national scheme’s map. There are hundreds of venues around the UK, many Chatter and Natter tables are hosted by Chatty Table Volunteers and are designed to reduce loneliness and/or social isolation. “Trilogy Active is very proud to be hosting Northamptonshire’s first Leisure Centre Chatty Cafe. “We recognise the importance value both physically and emotionally of people getting out, meeting up and socialising with others.” “The local Duston community is a welcoming and friendly place, that’s why the CoffeeBox at Duston Sports Centre is the perfect place to host this great initiative. We encourage anyone to come along, meet with others and take advantage of this much needed opportunity.” John Fletcher, Managing Director of Trilogy Active The Chatty Café is a great way of encouraging people to talk to others. The scheme is the brainchild of Alexandra Hoskyn, who founded it after a miserable day at a supermarket café with her infant son, where she noticed that no one was talking to each other. The aim of the Chatter & Natter tables is to continue to help communities connect and combat loneliness by working closely with venues throughout the country to raise awareness of the scheme and encourage cafes; pubs; garden centres; libraries; Universities, to open their doors and provide spaces for members of the public to sit and chat together. Who can join in? Anyone... if you're on your own, in a couple, with a friend, if you're a carer why not sit there with who you care for, mums and babies, dads and babies, grandparents and babies, young people, older people and anyone in between! It’s a great way to meet new people in your community. What do I do? When you are deciding where to sit, look for the Chatter & Natter table and sit there! Stay for five minutes while you have your drink or longer. It’s not about making life-long friends, just having good old fashioned human interaction! For more information, please visit our Chatty Café Scheme . Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

August 23, 2024

Olympic gold medallist set to compete in Tour of Britain

Parks, sports and leisure 23 August 2024 Tom Pidcock with his gold medal from the Paris games. Credit: SWPix.com Team GB Olympic gold medallist Tom Pidcock is set to be among the riders when the Lloyds Bank Tour of Britain cycling race visits West Northamptonshire on Saturday 7 September. Pidcock, who won the thrilling cross-country mountain bike race in Paris , will compete in the Tour for INEOS Grenadiers. The 25-year-old joins the likes of double Olympic champion Remco Evenepoel, and former race winner Julian Alaphilippe (both racing for Soudal Quick-Step) on the provisional start list for the 20 th edition of Britain’s biggest professional cycle race. The West Northants stage will start from the University of Northampton at 11am and weave its way around West Northants before finishing at the Guildhall in Northampton from around 2.20pm. The route will visit Daventry and around 30 villages across West Northants, and communities are encouraged to come out and cheer on the cyclists as they race towards the finish line. The stage will feature two 'King of the Mountain' climbs - at Newnham Hill and Bulls Hill, just south of Daventry. There will also be an intermediate sprint on Pitsford Causeway - offering plenty of opportunities for spectators to find the perfect spot from which to witness the race. Events and activities will be taking place at the University of Northampton’s Waterside Campus throughout the day. And in Daventry, Daventry Town Council will be hosting their annual Foodies Market and the free Daventry Heritage Bus Rides , meaning visitors will really be able to make a day of it. A range of other events are also taking place in West Northamptonshire that weekend, and more information, including the route map and estimated times of arrival, can be found on our Men's Tour of Britain webpage People can also find out more on the Tour of Britain site The Lloyds Bank Tour of Britain Men begins in the Scottish Borders on Tuesday 3 September followed by stages in the Tees Valley, South Yorkshire, and the East Midlands before it visits West Northamptonshire. It concludes in Suffolk on Sunday 8 September after six stages of action-packed racing. In total 18 teams, including six that participated in this summer’s Tour de France, from 12 countries will line-up in Scotland for stage one on Tuesday 3 September for a field of 108 riders. Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

August 22, 2024

Residents encouraged to share suggestions as work continues to further strengthen community relations in West Northamptonshire

22 August 2024 Residents and community groups are being encouraged to share their concerns and suggestions around safety and inclusion as work continues to further strengthen community relations in West Northamptonshire. The call comes from the West Northamptonshire Community Safety Partnership (CSP), which brings together agencies including the police, council, fire and rescue service, NHS health partners and community and voluntary groups, and is progressing a programme of actions to further improve community cohesion. Earlier this month more than 30 partners gathered to focus on how to further develop community cohesion work locally and are now calling upon communities to get involved and give their views too. They are asked to get in touch with concerns and suggestions about their community to help shape the plans by emailing [email protected] . This work is being reinforced by two new Community Cohesion Officers who will be out and about in communities providing on-the-ground support to residents. The partnership is also working with a number of community forums aligned to various protected characteristics including disability, gender, sexuality, age, religion, faith and ethnicity. The forums provide a safe, accessible space to engage communities who are seldom heard and who may not ordinarily engage and gives them a platform to feedback on issues of concern and help improve the quality of life for the community they are representing. Find out more on the West Northants community forums webpage . "Recent events have truly highlighted the resilience of our local community. “Through continued engagement and the strong efforts of the West Northamptonshire Community Safety Partnership, we will keep working to protect and uplift every member of our community. We encourage all residents to participate, share their concerns, and help us build a safer, more cohesive West Northamptonshire for all." Cllr David Smith, Cabinet Member for Planning and Communities at WNC The CSP’s progressing programme of work to improve community cohesion includes increasing neighbourhood engagement and addressing health inequalities. “It is not lost on anyone just how difficult it has been for our communities during recent events, and we understand these experiences will have a lasting impact on many people. “We continue to work with our partners and the community to both reassure and reinforce our promise that anyone involved in any kind of serious violence or found to be spreading hate and disinformation can expect the full force of the law and the consequences that brings. “Northamptonshire Police is dedicated and resolute in our aim to make our communities safer. We want people to feel heard and supported so please tell us your concerns and share your ideas so we can work together to build a safer, stronger and more cohesive Northamptonshire.” Deputy Chief Constable Ash Tuckley from Northamptonshire Police In the past 3 years, the partnership has supported hundreds of Ukrainian and Afghan families who have been welcomed into West Northants communities as part of the Homes for Ukraine and Afghan resettlement schemes. There are currently around 400 Ukrainians still living in West Northamptonshire and 32 Afghan households settled in and around Northampton, all being supported with integration, English language support, and access to employment and education. The team also supports asylum seekers who have had claims determined to find homes and work, including integration and information sessions around UK laws and culture, the education and health systems, volunteering and road safety. Find out more about the partnership and their work on the CSP webpage . Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

August 22, 2024

Health, safety and wellbeing forum offering support for businesses

22 August 2024 Business owners across West Northants are invited to a free forum aimed at health, safety and wellbeing within the workplace. The event, taking place on Friday 27 September between 9am and 1pm, at The Hub, Drift Drive in Crick (NN6 7GZ), is an opportunity for new and established businesses to listen to a series of speakers on the following topics: Workplace wellbeing toolkit – West Northamptonshire Council’s Health Improvement service Wellbeing, diversity and inclusion within Wickes Unforeseen safety risk (and solution) to decarbonising forklift truck fleets with Travis Perkins Warrens The Journey Organised by West Northamptonshire Council’s Regulatory Services and Warrens at DIRFT, there will also be information on food hygiene, health and safety, allergen management, pest control and more. WNC’s Inward Investment and Business Growth team will be on hand to offer business advice and support and information on funding opportunities. “We’re pleased to be able to put on this forum to highlight the advice, support and guidance available to business owners to help them succeed. “It is a chance for them to be able to listen to industry leaders, ask questions and network with others. I would encourage new and established businesses to come along to find out more about the support on offer from the Council and its partners.” Cllr Matt Golby, WNC’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Adult Care, Public Health and Regulatory Services Places are limited and can be reserved on the Council’s Ticket Source page . Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

August 22, 2024

Construction works well underway for transformation of Northampton shopping district

22 August 2024 The works on Fish Street, as part of a wider regeneration project to Northampton town centre, are well underway with new lettering cementing the rejuvenation of this part of the town. West Northamptonshire Council is working with Kier Transportation to carry out vital works to enhance the appearance of Abington Street and Fish Street. Since March, nearly 900m2 of paving has been installed on Fish Street, along with an improved drainage system and fish themed paving designs. This project will lift the quality of the public spaces through high quality materials, increasing seating and planting, introducing new art and play opportunities along the street, as well as space for outdoor dining and community activity. Businesses in the area have been kept up to date with the project’s phases, and the project’s dedicated single point of contact has been working closely to ensure they have been able to operate with minimal disruption. The redevelopment will complement the wider Market Square transformation, and provide enhanced connectivity with the rest of the town. “Work is well underway to deliver this significant project which will transform one of the busiest shopping streets in Northampton. Visitors to the town will be able to see the progress which is taking shape at Fish Street as the lettering has now cemented this rejuvenated street and the new paving which elevates this area. Once complete and thoroughly cleaned, the revitalised area and enhanced features will offer a fantastic space for people to use and enjoy. We look forward to the completed project opening this winter.” Cllr Dan Lister, Cabinet Member for Local Economy, Culture and Leisure at WNC “We are pleased with the progress made so far in this transformative project for Northampton's shopping district. Working closely with West Northamptonshire Council, we've already made significant steps toward revitalising the town centre. “Project teams have been working closely with local businesses to ensure minimal disruption. This marks an exciting time for Northampton, and we look forward to seeing how the works leave a lasting, positive impact on the community." Edith Shah, general manager at Kier Transportation Work continues with the completion of Abington Street repaving, the upgrade and installation of street lighting, installation of street furniture, planting of new trees, and minor finishing touches. The project is set to be complete in Winter 2024/2025 and will be thoroughly cleaned once all construction works are completed. To stay up to date with the regeneration of Northampton Town Centre, visit: We Are Northampton . Want the latest Council news delivered straight to your inbox?

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