The announcement of a further £27.7m of cuts by Northamptonshire County Council has been delayed as it waits to find out how much money it will get from the Government next year.

The council’s December cabinet meeting – where the authority is due to announce further 2018/2019 budget proposals to go out to public consultation – will now take place on Tuesday, December 19, having been put back by a week.

The county council announced £9.6m of budget reductions – including controversial proposals which could see 28 libraries close – in October and is expected to outline a further £27.7m in efficiencies for 2018/2019.

However, information about how much money the county council will get from Government for the next financial year has been delayed, meaning the authority would not have a clear financial picture on which to make decisions.

Cllr Heather Smith (Con, Oundle), leader of the county council, said: “We have been fighting for a fairer funding deal for the people of Northamptonshire and were disappointed that there was no indicative announcement made about the provision for local government when the chancellor unveiled the Government’s own spending plans last week.

“This week we have again met with the Government to make our concerns clear.

“It is no secret that the county council, like most top-tier local authorities nationally, is facing severe financial challenges and every penny counts.

“In previous years we have been able to make our draft budget proposals while still waiting to hear about the local government settlement but this year, with finances so tight, we need much more of an exact figure in order to draw up our final draft proposals.”

The county council has delivered savings and efficiencies of £376m since 2010 and by 2021, total savings will have risen to almost £0.5bn.

Through its ongoing discussions with the Government, the county council is asking for the improved Better Care Fund to be made part of the base budget, an extension of capital flexibilities, removal of the threshold for a council tax referendum, financial assistance for the rising looked after children population and full cost recovery for unaccompanied asylum seekers.

The cabinet meeting is scheduled to take place at 11am on Tuesday, December 19, at One Angel Square.

Residents have been urged to have smart meters installed in their homes to monitor their energy use.

With new data showing that 6,300 smart meters have already been set up in homes in Daventry, the town’s MP, Chris Heaton-Harris, wants to see more residents signing up to help reduce energy use.

All homes and businesses in Britain are being offered smart meters by the end of 2020 as part of the Government’s Smart Meters Bill.

Smart meters, which are fitted free of charge, come with a smart energy monitor, showing how much energy is being used and what it is costing.

Smart meters also mean an end to estimated bills as they automatically send meter readings to the supplier.

Mr Heaton-Harris was given a smart meter demonstration by local expert, John Sutton.

Mr Sutton said: “Getting smart meters installed means you can see how much gas and electricity you’re using so you can stop using energy you don’t need to.

“Small changes, like turning the oven off a minute or two early or unplugging mobiles once fully charged, can save energy. Even having a family film night instead of everyone watching different devices could help too.”

Mr Heaton-Harris said: “I know from speaking to my constituents that they want to be energy efficient and want to keep their energy bills under control.

“I would encourage everyone to find out about smart meters to see how they can help save on energy bills and help manage energy supply.”

For more details www.britishgas.co.uk/smart.

A son will lodge an official complaint to Northampton General Hospital after his mother was readmitted four times only a matter of days after being sent home.

Raymond Hughes, 64, who lives with his mother Sheila, 79, in Daventry will also write to his MP Chris Heaton-Harris, health minister Jeremy Hunt and the Care Quality Commission to raise his concerns.

Mr Hughes feels aggrieved that his mother, who has dementia, was discharged due to a shortage of beds despite her ill health.

“I want something done about this,” said Mr Hughes.

“The way they treat old people is despicable. Mum deserves to be treated like anyone else.

“I’m not saying it’s the hospital’s fault because they are under a lot of pressure and have to meet Government targets.”

He added: “I want the attitude towards old people changed completely.”

Mrs Hughes was first admitted to NGH on October 10 with sepsis - a blood infection. Since then she has been discharged three times, but readmitted to the hospital a matter of days after returning home.

After being put on antibiotics administered intravenously, Mrs Hughes was discharged after two weeks.

“You could see she wasn’t right,” said Mr Hughes. “It took three carers to get her into bed.”

Less than a week after returning home his mother “was not well” and “totally not with it” so Mr Hughes called 111 so that she could be taken back to hospital.

She was kept in for a week and discharged once more.

“Within two days she went down again,” said Mr Hughes of his mother’s condition.

Mrs Hughes was admitted to Northampton General Hospital a third time later in November, returned home last Wednesday (November 22), before being re-admitted on Friday, November 24.

Prior to his mother’s third discharge from hospital, Mr Hughes claims he was told that Northampton General was under a black alert and had a 100 bed shortage. As a result, they would not be admitting new patients and beds needed to be freed up.

“I think this is what happened with my mum,” said Mr Hughes, suspecting his mother had been sent home to free up her bed.

A hospital spokeswoman said: “We would urge anyone who has queries or concerns about the treatment of their loved ones to raise those with us and give us the opportunity to look into them.”

The awards are handed out in recognition of officers' bravery, hard work and long service to the county force.

Members of the public are also celebrated for their actions and are given a Chief Constable's commendation.

Force award-winners
John Fursey Police Staff Lifetime Achievement Award - Bridget Hodgson

Bridget has worked for Northamptonshire Police in a variety of roles for almost 40 years and is currently the manager of the Firearms Licensing Department. She has a level of responsibility that carries without any fanfare or self-interest and her ability to apply professional judgement and be mindful of the possible consequences is outstanding.
Bridget reviews all of the complex firearms applications personally and has to weigh up a significant amount of information. She deals with all of the complex cases and represents the force at court in appeal cases. Northamptonshire is deemed a safer place because of the time, effort and passion that Bridget puts into her job and the motivation she instils in her team.

Superintendents’ Association Award for Excellence - Detective Constable Cathy O’Connor
Operation Zilch was launched in 2016 and relates to the prosecution of Nicholas and Joan Taylor, of Briar Hill, Northampton, who were found guilty of 94 drug and child sex abuse charges in March this year. It became apparent the sexual abuse could potentially span multiple victims over a 15-year period.
Initially, 32 people were visited by officers as they had links to the suspect when he was suspected of sexually abusing children. Nearly all who made disclosures required help, with many still dealing with the abuse. Nicholas Taylor was sentenced to life with a minimum term of 18 years. Joan Taylor was jailed for 18 years with half to be served before release. After sentencing, Judge Nicholas Dean QC recognised the extraordinary efforts of the investigation team and stated he would formally recognise them through a judge’s commendation.

Dennis Baker Memorial Award for Vision and Values - Inspector Daryl Lyon
Insp Lyon’s enthusiastic contribution to Project Redemption, which involved working with offenders to divert them away from crime, is to be commended. The project ultimately morphed into early intervention working with students close to exclusion and therefore at significant risk of falling foul of the criminal justice system.
He currently juggles duties as a sector inspector along with running Integrated Offender Management and working with the Youth Offending Service. He is able to retain his enthusiasm and will to create a benchmark system of working with repeat offenders while carrying the challenging role of sector inspector.

Deborah Jeans Leadership Award - Sergeant Becky Izzard
From the outset, Becky clearly epitomised what Northamptonshire Police wants in a leader. She shows great resilience and is always on hand to both offer advice and attend incidents when required. Becky is always calm and controlled in her approach and offers a methodical solution to problems.
Her excellent management of incidents included ensuring the integrity of a busy crime scene as well as responding empathetically to the welfare needs of officers, who had unsuccessfully tried to save the life of a victim. This would have been a significant challenge to an experienced supervisor but Becky took it in her stride as quietly and professionally as she has every other element of her time as a sergeant. She has gained the absolute confidence of her team, peers and senior officers. Her emotional intelligence and inspirational supervisory style are an example to every officer of any rank.

Deirdre Newham Cup for Justice - Detective Constable Dave Bastuba, Detective Constable Neil Carr, Detective Constable Kev Macdonald, Constable Paul Neeson, Constable George Swinfield, and Detective Constable Julie Turnell
During early 2017, Operation Agar was established to tackle a gang believed to be responsible for a series of armed robberies in Corby, Kettering and surrounding areas. The gang were targeting convenience stores and would threaten sales assistants with claw hammers and a machete while demanding cash from the till.
The gang concealed their identities during the offences and were linked to other offences, including the theft of number plates and vehicles. On January 24, 2017, in Turnell Lane, Corby, officers approached a parked vehicle, believed to be stolen, containing five occupants. The officers identified themselves to the occupants, at which point the vehicle reversed at speed catching one of the officer’s leg under the driver’s open door, knocking them to the floor and dragging them along the road. The offenders were later arrested and the outcome of this investigation led to the gang receiving custodial sentences totalling 19 years.

Maureen Wilson Memorial Team Award - Special Inspector Richard Bradley and Special Inspector Martin Swan
During the 2014/2015 football season, Richard Bradley and Martin Swan started supporting the Football Spotters at Northampton Town matches. These were not policed matches but events attended by way of community engagement. They have both displayed a true commitment to policing football in Northamptonshire, having supported Northampton Town matches as well as Corby Town and Brackley Town when required.
They have been the driving force for success as a unit, by maintaining a regular team, which enabled young in-service specials the opportunity to develop, gain competence and confidence. They have worked throughout the footballing calendar, building their knowledge of the football community and the football risk group. The pair has also become invaluable to the spotting team but also to match commanders during policed matches.

Boatman Shield of Courage - Matt Baker (retired) and Constable Taylor Ellis
Matt and Taylor attended a report of a house fire in Woodland Close, Duston, in November 2016. Despite thick black smoke, Matt and Taylor entered the property and managed to crawl to the kitchen where an elderly lady was lying on the floor. They then proceeded to drag her down the hall and to safety. Both officers were treated for smoke inhalation. Matt and Taylor showed both courage and fearlessness that was far above and beyond normal responsibilities and they are recognised for their outstanding bravery.

The Society for the Protection of Life from Fire Award - Matt Baker (retired) and Constable Taylor Ellis
Awarded in testimony of distinguished conduct while engaged in the rescue of life from fire on November 11, 2016.

Royal Humane Society Award - Matt Baker (retired) and Constable Taylor Ellis
Awarded for having on November 11, 2016, at personal risk, courageously assisted in saving the life of a woman from a house fire in Northampton.

Royal Humane Society Award - Simon Johnson
Awarded for having, on August 6, 2016, at great personal risk courageously saved the life of a man in Gipsy Lane, Kettering, whose car had crashed into a field.

Chief Constable’s Commendations
Mike Britton (Goodwill Solutions)
Mike is the managing director of Goodwill Solutions, a self-funded business established in 2008. A community interest company based in Northampton, Goodwill Solutions specialises in the training and recruitment of ex-offenders. More than 80 per cent of Mike’s workforce is made up of ex-offenders and today it funds back to work programmes supplying free forklift courses and NVQs in warehousing annually to more than 120 clients.
Mike was named Social Entrepreneur of the Year award this year for his efforts to make Northamptonshire a safer place. His partnership with Northamptonshire Police is invaluable. He has provided food and clothing to human trafficking victims, office space and facilities free of charge to Early Intervention teams and the Integrated Offender Management team.

Simon Johnson (Retired)
On Saturday, August 6, last year there was a serious road traffic collision in Gipsy Lane, Kettering. After the initial collision a car caught fire and had it not been for the reactions of retired police officer Simon Johnson, the driver could have easily lost his life. Mr Johnson was passing in his own car and arrived very soon after the incident had taken place.
He approached the driver’s door and the driver was still in the vehicle with his seatbelt on. Simon needed to physically remove the driver from the vehicle and he put his own life in danger in order to ensure the safety of a complete stranger.

Constable Johnny Brereton
On Saturday, February 4, this year PC Brereton, together with colleagues, carried out a welfare check on a man whose mental health was deteriorating rapidly and who was making threats to harm himself and the Mental Health Team. The man was armed with a handgun and a claw hammer in his flat. Officers withdrew to the car park. PC Brereton remained calm and continued to feedback all relevant information to his colleagues, under challenging circumstances. The man entered the car park and headed immediately towards another officer with the handgun and claw hammer. PC Brereton moved into the open to draw the man away from his location. PC Brereton is commended for his courage and bravery and the calmness he displayed throughout the incident, putting other officers safety before his own.

Annette and Phillip Goss
Annette and Philip are the next-door neighbours to identical twins, Elaine and Denise. Although having been neighbours for more than 20 years, the two households had little contact with each other. Denise and Elaine worked, shopped and socialised together, never being apart for a day. The sisters were avid shoppers and had accumulated a large quantity of clothing and shoes to the point that they had run out of space.
In May last year, Denise suffered a fall at home and died of her injuries. On behalf of HM Coroner, officers conducted an investigation into the circumstances of Denise’s passing, which meant that her surviving sister Elaine could not return to the family home for quite some time. Neighbours Annette and Philip took Elaine into their home, to live with them and help her through this very difficult time to make her house habitable again. Thirteen months after the death of Denise, Elaine was still living with the Goss family while refurbishments were taking place to her home. The officer in the case DC Colleen White was so moved by the generosity and care that Annette and Philip have shown to Elaine, nominated them for a Chief Constable’s Commendation.

A veterinary centre has taken to social media to warn residents after a dog died from the Alabama Rot this month.

The dog died in Rugby in neighbouring Warwickshire and has sparked concern among pet owners given how quickly the deadly disease can spread.

Bilton Veterinary Centre’s Facebook post states: “Our practice has had a confirmed case of the rare disease Alabama Rot this month. It was a dog from the Rugby/Dunchurch area that has subsequently very sadly died as a result of the illness.

“It is really important to be aware of the facts of this illness as there are a lot of rumours going around that are not correct. So please read the blog that we have prepared on this subject.”

The centre’s blog post about Alabama Rot can be found here.

Traffic is moving slowly as lanes one and two are closed while recovery work is undertaken.

Highways England estimate a return to normal traffic conditions at around 11.15am. The incident was first reported at 7.50am.

A separate incident involving a vehicle fire is also causing delays of around 15 minutes on the M1 northbound near Watford Gap services.

Lane one is closed at the start of the exit slip road into the service station so that services can deal with the fire. Vehicles can still access Watford Gap after the fire.

Highways England expect normal traffic conditions to resume at 9.30am.

Questions have been raised after a watchdog highlighted concerns over the speed of response by police helicopters.

It took on average 30 minutes and 58 seconds for helicopters to arrive on scene nationally but there were significant differences between police forces, a report by Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services found.

Northamptonshire Police have the 16th best response time of the 43 forces listed, taking on average 26 minutes, 31 seconds to get out to an incident.

Chief Constable Alec Wood, Chair of the NPCC Operations Co-ordination Committee said; “We requested this study by HMICFRS and will use its findings to shape a new strategy for police air support that will resolve the issues with our current provision and take advantage of new technology. We have already started to progress some of the recommendations and have recently surveyed all forces to help inform our plans.

“The National Police Air Service has been the first specialist capability that has been nationally managed, a complex task involving 43 forces with varying requirements.”

Here is a breakdown of the average response time for forces across England and Wales, from slowest to fastest:

:: Cumbria - 66 minutes, 33 seconds

:: Dyfed-Powys - 57 minutes, 42 seconds

:: Lincolnshire - 51 minutes, nine seconds

:: West Mercia - 41 minutes, 39 seconds

:: Derbyshire - 41 minutes, 14 seconds

:: Norfolk - 40 minutes, 20 seconds

:: Nottinghamshire - 40 minutes, nine seconds

:: Staffordshire - 38 minutes, 36 seconds

:: Gloucestershire - 37 minutes, 16 seconds

:: North Wales - 37 minutes

:: Cambridgeshire - 36 minutes, 42 seconds

:: Kent - 35 minutes, nine seconds

:: Devon and Cornwall - 34 minutes, 16 seconds

:: Wiltshire - 34 minutes, one second

:: Bedfordshire - 34 minutes

:: Warwickshire - 32 minutes, 21 seconds

:: Hertfordshire - 32 minutes, 14 seconds

:: Gwent - 31 minutes, 24 seconds

:: North Yorkshire - 30 minutes, 59 seconds

:: Hampshire - 30 minutes, 43 seconds

:: Suffolk - 30 minutes, 29 seconds

:: Sussex - 30 minutes, 10 seconds

:: Cheshire - 29 minutes, 29 seconds

:: South Yorkshire - 29 minutes, four seconds

:: South Wales - 28 minutes, 36 seconds

:: Lancashire - 28 minutes, six seconds

:: Northamptonshire - 26 minutes, 31 seconds

:: Avon and Somerset - 26 minutes, one second

:: Merseyside - 25 minutes, 26 seconds

:: Leicestershire - 25 minutes, 18 seconds

:: Essex - 24 minutes, 58 seconds

:: Thames Valley - 24 minutes, 16 seconds

:: British Transport Police - 23 minutes, 48 seconds

:: Surrey - 23 minutes, 44 seconds

:: Dorset - 22 minutes, 55 seconds

:: Durham - 19 minutes, 13 seconds

:: West Midlands - 18 minutes, 38 seconds

:: Cleveland - 18 minutes, 12 seconds

:: West Yorkshire - 18 minutes, three seconds

:: Northumbria - 17 minutes, 36 seconds

:: Greater Manchester - 16 minutes, 32 seconds

:: Metropolitan Police - 10 minutes, 37 seconds

The existing slide and swings at the Fishponds playing field on the Southbrook estate have been joined by two castle-themed climbing frames as well as other smaller items suitable for children up to the age of 10.

The equipment was designed and installed by Wicksteed working on behalf of Daventry District Council.

Families and young people living near the park helped choose the final design, with work completed last week following the installation of CCTV at the site.

Cllr Alan Hills, portfolio holder for community, culture and leisure at Daventry District Council, said: “A lot of families expressed a wish for new play equipment at Fishponds, so we’re delighted to be in a position to provide it. Local people had a big say in the final design, which aims to offer something for youngsters of all ages.

“This equipment is for local children to enjoy and we hope that all residents will respect this and take ownership of the area, so it can benefit families and young people for many years to come."

Every penny raised from the sale of the ‘Thank You Daventry for the Memories’ calendars, Christmas cards and notepads will go to support cancer charity CoppaFeel and Pete Spencer's Helping Hands Memorial Fund.

The full-colour calendar features photos of Daventry’s landmarks and historical buildings together with vintage photographs of Daventry’s past; while seasonal images of the town centre are featured on the six Christmas cards.

A collaborative project, the unique Christmas gifts were created by retired local businessman Lawrence Wheeler, in association with Daventry Town Council and Daventry Museum and fully-funded by Sheaf Street Health Store.

Lawrence said: “I started the Facebook site ‘Thank you Daventry for the Memories’ about 18 months ago to show my appreciation to the town. Daventry has been so good to me over the years, and I have had several businesses in the town.

“I’ve wanted to do something to promote Daventry which would result in generating income for local charities for some time. Collaborating with the Sheaf Street Health Store team and John Harrison provided the perfect opportunity.”

Photos by John Harrison of John Harrison Media, along with other local photographers' pictures, are featured on the items. They too donated their time to the project.

Cheryl Thallon, co-owner of Sheaf Street Health Store, said: “Daventry is a growing town, and we’re pleased to show our goodwill this season and sponsor the production of the Christmas items - allowing 'CoppaFeel' and Pete Spencer's Helping Hands Memorial Fund to benefit fully from the commemorative gifts.

"I encourage people who have bought these Christmas gifts and raised funds for these charities to spread the word on social media by using the hashtag #ThankYouDaventry.”

The gifts range from £5 to £10 and are available from Sheaf Street Health Store and Daventry Museum with 100 per cent of the cover price going directly to the charities.

Carlsberg UK has donated £10,000 to the Surviving Winter appeal by Northamptonshire Community Foundation.

Northamptonshire Community Foundation’s Surviving Winter appeal aims to save lives and help isolated and vulnerable older people in the county. The winter can be one of the hardest seasons to get through for the most vulnerable in our community due to social isolation and the cold.

Many older people die in freezing temperatures, every degree drop below 5C sees a 3.4 percent increase in deaths. This year, Northamptonshire Community Foundation’s Surviving Winter appeal aims to work to reduce the number of older vulnerable people in Northamptonshire who die from the cold and poor living conditions to 0.

To support the launch of the appeal, Northampton-based brewer Carlsberg UK has agreed £10,000 to the cause from the proceeds of its new locally brewed Christmas Beer called - Carlsberg Christmas Brew - which is available in pubs, bars and venues across Northamptonshire, over the festive period.

Julian Momen, chief executive officer of Carlsberg UK, said: “Our purpose within Carlsberg is to brew a better today and tomorrow, therefore we are delighted to partner with the Northamptonshire Community Foundation and to support the valuable work they do across the local community year-round, and specifically at Christmas.”

Victoria Miles DL, CEO of Northamptonshire Community Foundation, said: “We are delighted that Carlsberg is supporting our Surviving Winter Appeal with the launch of the Christmas brew, this is an excellent opportunity for the foundation to continue to raise the profile of those vulnerable people in our county who struggle to keep warm during the winter months, this helps us to raise further funds to ensure they stay warm, well and safe when the temperatures drop. Thank you.”

Northamptonshire Community Foundation is calling for support from the county to ensure help is given to help even more of the most vulnerable in our communities and remind them that they are not forgotten.

The foundation is asking people to get involved and raise awareness of the appeal by wearing their favourite scarf and sharing a #SurvivingWinterScarfie on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

For more information on how to get involved in the appeal please visit www.ncf.uk.com/survivingwinter and to find local stockists of Carlsberg Christmas Brew visit www.carlsberg.co.uk/christmasbrew.

Royal Bank of Scotland is to close 259 Natwest and RBS branches resulting in 680 job losses after the state-backed lender said more people are choosing to bank online or on mobile.

A total of 62 RBS branches and 197 NatWest outlets will be closed by mid 2018 as part of the move and 1,000 roles will be affected.

What Natwest and RBS branches are closing?

North England

Barnard Castle

Bawtry

Brigg

Broomhill Sheffield

Cleckheaton

Cottingham

Dinnington

Driffield

Ferryhill

Firth Park Sheffield

Gainsborough

Guisborough

Heckmondwike

Hillsborough Sheffield

Hornsea

Hoyland

Hull Hessle Road

Immingham

Millhouses Sheffield

Newton Aycliffe

Penistone

Peterlee

Pickering

Pocklington

Richmond Yorks

Ripon

Skelmersdale

Stocksbridge

Stokesley

Thorne

Whitby Yorks

Woodseats

Sheffield Yarm

Midlands and East

Bearwood

Beccles

Benfleet

Bilston

Birmingham Broad Street

Birmingham Frederick Street

Birmingham National Exhibition Centre

Bridgnorth

Canvey Island

Chipping Norton

Didcot

Diss

Fordhouses Wolverhampton

Gorleston-on-Sea

Great Baddow Chelmsford

Holt

Hunstanton

Kidlington

Kingswinford

Knowle Solihull

Narborough

Newport Shropshire

North Walsham

Oundle

Oxford North

Princes Risborough

Royston Herts

Saffron Walden

Shenfield & Hutton

South Woodham Ferrers

St. Ives Cambs

Stamford

Thetford

Thorpe Bay

Wantage

Witham Essex

South West and Wales

Ammanford

Axminster

Basingstoke Chineham

Bideford

Bishops Cleeve

Bodmin

Bristol Blackboy Hill

Bude

Cardiff North

Cardiff University Hospital of Wales

Cardigan

Caversham

Chard

Chepstow

Chew Magna

Chipping Sodbury

Cowbridge Vale of Glamorgan

Crediton C

rewkerne

Crownhill Plymouth

Dartmouth

Dolgellau

Exeter University of Exeter

Hanham

Helston

Holsworthy

Hungerford

Ilfracombe

Keynsham

Lampeter

Liskeard

Llandeilo

Lydney

Maesteg

Marlborough

Melksham

Milford Haven

Mortimer

Mumbles Swansea

Nailsea

Narberth

Newquay Cornwall Bank Street

Okehampton

Pembroke

Pencoed

Plympton

Porthcawl

Portsmouth Anchorage Park

Ross-on-Wye

Rumney Cardiff

Sherborne

Shirehampton

Sidmouth

South Molton

St. Ives Cornwall

Talbot Green

Teignmouth

Thatcham

Totnes

Treforest Estate

University Branch Reading

University of The West of England Bristol

Wadebridge

Wallingford

Wareham

West Swindon

Whitchurch Cardiff

Winterbourne

Wootton Bassett

London and South East

Acton

Aldwych

Banstead

Barnes

Battle

Billingshurst

Blackheath & Westcombe Park

Brentford Middlesex

Brighton London Road

Burgess Hill

Chalfont St. Peter

Chesham

Cobham Surrey

Cranleigh

Crowborough

Earl’s Court

East Sheen

Guildford Woodbridge Hill

Hailsham

Hampden Park Eastbourne

Harpenden

Haslemere

Hatch End

Hatfield

Heathfield

Henfield

Holborn Circus

Horley

Hounslow Blenheim Place

Langley Berks

Littlehampton

Midhurst

Morden

New Covent Garden Fruit Market

Northwood

Peacehaven

Petworth

Pinner

Portslade & West Hove

Radlett Rayners Lane

Reigate

Rye

Sandhurst Berks

Seaford

Shepherds Bush

South Norwood

Southfields

Stockwell

Storrington

Tring

Wadhurst

Wandsworth

Ware

West Byfleet

West Ealing

Wimbledon Village

Worthing 38 Goring Road

Scotland

Castlebay

Inveraray

Kyle Mallaig

Pitlochry

Annan

Gretna

Langholm

Lockerbie

Glasgow Business Centre

Stepps

Airdrie

Bellshill

Biggar

Carnwath

Douglas (Lanarkshire)

Larkhall

Lesmahagow

Strathaven

Tannochside

Campbeltown

Kilbirnie

Kilwinning

Renfrew

Rothesay

Saltcoats

Hamilton

Cadzow Street

Linlithgow

Alloa

Bannockburn

Bridge of Allan

Dunblane

Kinross

Bonnyrigg

Dunbar

Duns

Eyemouth

Hawick

Jedburgh

Melrose

North Berwick

Penicuik

Selkirk

Aberdeen Bridge of Don

Banff

Dyce

Ellon

Huntly

Nairn

Turriff

Comrie

Dundee

Stobswell

Montrose

Perth South Street

Aviemore

Beauly

Grantown-on-Spey

Inverness Queensgate (business branch)

Tain Tongue

Wick

Aberfeldy

The first newly-trained full-time firefighters to join Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service in nine years have been welcomed to the service with a passing out parade in Corby.

The 10 newcomers underwent 12 weeks of training, including a two-month residential course at the Fire Service College in Gloucestershire, learning how to respond to a wide range of fires and other emergency scenarios, including road crashes, chemical incidents, water rescues and medical response.

Chief fire officer Darren Dovey said: “I am very proud to welcome our new recruits into the fire service family.

“I know how hard they have worked, firstly to be selected from the 800 candidates that applied, and then to complete the arduous 12-week basic training that followed.

“They are now ready to join their stations and start performing their duty to the public and I am confident they will do so in a way that upholds the high standards of the service.”

More than 800 people applied to join the service when recruitment opened earlier this year, with applications whittled down to select 14 new recruits.

Of these, four were already on-call firefighters and were able to move straight into full-time roles.

In a passing out ceremony at Corby Fire Station on Saturday, November 25, the new recruits gave a practical demonstration and presentation on their new skills before more than 70 guests, including proud family and friends.

Watch manager and lead training instructor Alastair Ferguson said: “Individually and as a team they have been pushed and tested both mentally and physically.

“I have watched a team of 10 individuals come together for the first time in a new role, they have worked extremely hard to overcome all challenges placed before them and have excelled as a group.

“Myself and the instructional staff now stand back and release a capable professional team of firefighters into the public domain, confident they can deal with the challenges of the modern-day firefighter.”

Achievement certificates were then presented by Mr Dovey before recruits ceremonially exchanged their training epaulettes for full service ones.

Three awards were also handed out to recognise outstanding performance in a range of areas.

Firefighter Amy Gamble was awarded the Silver Axe award, decided upon by instructional staff and presented to the top recruit in a training group.

She also received the Recruits’ Recruit Award, voted for anonymously by the recruits to recognise the best team player in the group.

Fellow new recruit Ben Jordan was give the newly-introduced Breathing Apparatus Award, recognising outstanding physical and mental performance while wearing breathing apparatus in a wide range of firefighting and rescue scenarios.

The new recruits will join their new watches early next month, at full-time fire stations including Rushden, Kettering, Daventry, Moulton and Corby.

The nine-year period since the last round of full-time recruitment has seen much change in a firefighter’s training, and the new recruits are the first in NFRS to have gone through a recruitment process that reflects all the challenges of the modern role.

Today’s demands on fire and rescue services mean firefighters need all of the traditional skills to deal with the operational role, but must also have great communication skills so they can deliver the prevention messages that reduce the risk of people being involved in an emergency in the first place.

While the full-time recruitment window for NFRS is currently closed, recruitment for on-call firefighters is ongoing.

Details on all vacancies and how to apply can be found at http://www.northantsfire.gov.uk.

A holidaymaker has been left red-faced and potentially scarred for life - by a henna tattoo MOUSTACHE.

Arran Maye, 28, had an allergic reaction to the ‘temporary’ tattoo he got on his FACE in Benidorm - and doctors in intensive care warned he could need a skin graft.

The plumber and his mate Adam Lewis, 29, both got the £9 inkings as part of their ‘Mexican’ themed fancy dress night out.

And while Adam’s faded in a few days, Arran’s face immediately started to tingle before his face swelled up and he was left with puss dripping from the inking.

He rushed to hospital from the airport after the extreme allergic reaction caused his airways to narrow, and he ended up in intensive care.

Gutted Arran is in recovery but had to go back to work with his new facial decoration.

Daft Arran, from Leicester, said: “I’ve managed to see the funny side of it. I mean, what choice do I have?

“I look a right idiot though.

“I’ve had one before years ago and it was fine but I guess that wasn’t on my face.

Swelling

“It was fine at first but then it got tingly, the next day it was blistering and pussing and by Sunday my face was a balloon.

“The doctors said 100 per cent you’re going to have a scar for six months.

“It will be exactly in the outline of a moustache.

“They did mention a skin graft and that it might be permanent. I was trying not to hear it to be honest.”

Arran and Adam were on a six-day break to fancy dress festival Benidorm Fiesta on November 14 with 20 mates.

Three days in, after a couple of pints, the pair paid 10 euros each for matching henna curly moustache tattoos which took “about a minute”.

“We’d only had a few pints as it was 2pm so we still had half our senses - or should have anyway,” said Arran.

They claim the ‘artist’ in the shop told them it would wash off naturally in a couple of days - or could be cleaned off instantly with nail varnish remover.

“Stupidly we believed him,” said Arran. “We thought it would be a good laugh for our costume that night.”

Blisters

Single Arran said it started to tingle slightly in a matter of minutes but when he woke up the next day his face was swollen and blistered.

He still went out that night - dressed up again as a ‘Mexican’ after he couldn’t remove the tattoo - but the next day his blisters were bursting and pussing (Sun).

He added: “It was like my face was trying to push out the henna.

“The pus was pouring out and my face was huge and it was so painful. I was in agony.”

He tried a number of home remedies - including toothpaste, olive oil and salt - and visited three pharmacies for tablets, creams and soaps.

They dashed to the airport and boarded a plane but Arran’s allergy to PPD - the chemical in henna - got worse and his airways started to narrow onboard, he claims.

“Twenty minutes from landing my airways were closing up. I had to just try and relax.

“When we landed they tried to rush us through but when I got to passport control the guy was being funny about letting us through.

Intensive care

“My picture is really old anyway, but of course with your face it like a balloon with a moustache it doesn’t help.”

Pals drove him from Luton to their local hospital Leicester Royal Infirmary where he was rushed into intensive care, given a breathing mask and stayed for two nights.

Medics reduced the swelling with medicine, and consulted a plastic surgeon who warned the scarring could be permanent.

Arran, who still has a red burn shape in the perfect shape of his tattoo, said he tried wearing a balaclava-type face cover but was “getting funny looks”.

“Work think I’m a numpty,” he said.

“The hospital staff were great. They did laugh - after I stopped turning blue.”

Medical experts have pointed out that the substance painted on Arran’s face was illegal ‘black henna’ which while colloquially known as ‘henna’ is a different substance which contains chemical PPD.

Henna is a natural and legal substance that doesn’t cause allergic reactions and doesn’t contain PPD.

Drivers are being reminded by police of the dangers and consequences of getting behind the wheel after drinking or taking drugs as the festive season begins.

From today, December 1, Northamptonshire Police is taking part in a month-long campaign which aims to reduce drink and drug drive offences to keep all road users safer.

Officers carry out breath tests throughout the year, but with more people out celebrating over Christmas and New Year, increased patrols and checks will be carried out. These will include early morning operations, when people may be driving after consuming alcohol the previous night.

Superintendent Emily Vernon, who is overseeing the campaign, said: “We are committed to increasing road safety in Northamptonshire. Our campaign this month will continue to raise awareness of the dangers of drink or drug driving, and we always seek strong penalties for all those found to be offending.

“A conviction for drink driving could mean a prison sentence, a driving ban, and an unlimited fine. More importantly, someone who chooses to drive under the influence is risking not only their own life, but those of innocent road users. Could you live with yourself if you caused a fatal collision? It is simply not worth the risk.

“Every year we share this message, and every year there are people reckless and selfish enough to ignore it – please don’t be one of them.”

Between October 2016 and September 2017 there were 702 arrests for drink driving in the county, including 59 people arrested during the December 2016 drink/drug drive campaign.

Details of those charged with drink or drug driving offences during this year’s campaign will be shared with the media by the force.

Supt Vernon said: “If you are out and know you will be drinking, make sure you have plans for getting home safely without driving. If you do have to drive, our advice is to avoid alcohol completely. The only safe limit is none.

“If you’ve been drinking, you may still be over the limit the following morning, so if you need to get somewhere make alternative travel arrangements so you don’t have to drive.”

The most recent drink/drug driving operation in June this year saw 548 breath tests administered in Northamptonshire, of which 96 were positive, failed or refused.

Men accounted for two-thirds of those tested, and the majority of drivers (467) were aged 25 or over. Two out of three people tested for drugs provided a positive, failed or refused result.

Throughout the festive period officers will also be sharing advice on personal safety, including the importance of always using licenced taxis, staying with friends when out and ensuring everyone gets home safely. Hate crime leaflets will also be handed out and discussed with licensed taxi drivers.

In 2016, 322 people were seriously injured or killed on the county’s roads, including 26 in December.

To report suspected drink or drug driving in confidence, call the Drivewatch Hotline on 0800 174615 or dial 101. In an emergency, call 999.

Dated to the late 1940s, this picture shows members of the Daventry Town Bowling Club on the day of their game against Stafford at the Recreation Ground.

The Daventry bowlers won the game but remember the day not so much for the win but for the weather conditions... as it poured with rain all day!

One of the Daventry players, bank manager Mr Horn, joined the club when came to the town.

He invited a team of Crown Green players from his old club in Stafford to play them on the Daventry Recreation Ground.

The Daventry players had planned to give the Stafford side a return game, but this was cancelled.

Among the Daventry men pictured are I. Foster, L. Horn, P. Abbott, A. Stratford, G. Saint, W. J. Bailey, C. Purnell, F. Andrews and R. Dodson. The gentleman in the centre of the front row is Alderman Willoughby.

The photo resurfaced when the Gusher ran a feature on the bowls club, which was thriving at the time, in 1980.

The Daventry Town Bowling Club was founded at the Wheatsheaf Hotel in 1901, and was alive before the formation of the English and Northamptonshire bowling associations.

Sentimental Brits would prefer to receive a Christmas card than a text or email, a study has found.

Researchers found despite high tech methods to deliver messages of goodwill, most still yearn for a good old fashioned handwritten card.

Half of adults polled in the Oxfam study would be devastated to receive a festive communication over social media instead of a heartfelt Christmas card.

Eight in ten admit they’d hate to see technology taking over one of their favourite times of the year, and 64 per cent think those who don’t bother to send a card have lost the true spirit of Christmas.

An overwhelming 83 per cent believe more thought and feeling goes into the written word than a quick-fire text message or post.

And nine in ten adults still believe a Christmas card is the most fitting festive greeting of all.

Fee Gilfeather, Head of Customer Experience at Oxfam, said: “Us Brits love our traditions, and this survey proves our nation is united when it comes to festive greetings.

“Electronic messages just can’t replace reading a handwritten message from a well-wisher, or the lovely decoration they bring when strung up at home.”

Two thirds of those polled admitted they would be offended to receive a Christmas text, festive photo filter or seasonal status update from parents, siblings or a best friend.

Distant relations

According to seven in ten, these types of messages during the festive period are only appropriate for distant acquaintances - and even then a considerable two thirds still preferred a card through the mail than a message in an inbox.

Two thirds of Brits are warmed by the idea of the thought and effort that goes into choosing, writing and posting a Christmas card - while 37 per cent look forward to reading the greeting inside.

Half of those polled feel sending a card shows someone really cares - and for one in ten, the sound of a card coming through the letterbox makes them feel a little less lonely.

On the other hand, 46 per cent said digital greetings are too easy to send, and lack the thought and effort that a traditional hand written card brings.

More than one third disliked the thought of online friends firing off messages to everyone in their contacts list, like a Christmas conveyor belt.

But if Christmas cards is a numbers game, Brits are totalling some impressive festive figures: sending an average of 23 greetings each year, and spending an average 45 minutes writing them - approximately two minutes on each.

Though there are many people to consider, and much to say when carefully crafting cards each December - unsurprisingly, parents received the lengthiest messages, while best friends, siblings and children also receive detailed tidings.

Christmas round robin

More than four in ten adults said they use Christmas cards as a round robin - a traditional way of communicating to distant family and friends what has happened during the year - and seven in ten considered it a fantastic way of keeping in touch.

But it’s not always the season of goodwill when it comes to Christmas greetings - as almost one in ten have ‘defriended’ someone because they didn’t receive anything from them.

What’s more, a name spelt wrong and a card received after Christmas were considered the ultimate faux pas - as was a stamped name and a hastily scrawled signature.

While one in five feel nauseous receiving personalised cards of a beaming family, including the family pet among the list of senders also makes the list of seasonal social blunders.

Through only one third of adults feel every single card message should be different from another, eight in ten Brits said Christmas cards receive more thought and feeling than a digital greeting ever could.

Almost 800,000 cancer cases a year are caused by being overweight or diabetic, a study shows.

And women who are carrying too many pounds are almost twice as likely to develop the disease as men, according to the research.

The staggering toll underlines the dangers of the obesity epidemic - especially among children.

It’s the first time the number of cancers likely to be caused by the conditions has been calculated.

The results are particularly worrying for the UK with more than two thirds of men and almost six in ten women overweight or obese.

More than four million Britons are living with diabetes - about nine-in-ten with the type 2 form linked to obesity.

Cancers caused by diabetes and being overweight or obese were almost twice as common in women as men - accounting for 496,700 and 295,900 respectively.

Breast cancer was the commonest cancer - accounting for 147,400 cases or 29.7 per cent.

Endometrial cancer - which begins in the lining of the womb - was the second with 121,700 cases linked (24.5%).

Diabetes link

Lead author Dr Jonathan Pearson-Stuttard, of Imperial College London’s School of Public Health, said: “While obesity has been associated with cancer for some time the link between diabetes and cancer has only been established quite recently.

“Our study shows diabetes - either on its own or combined with being overweight - is responsible for hundreds of thousands of cancer cases each year across the world.”

High insulin or glucose levels, chronic inflammation and sex hormone disruption could be behind the alarming phenomenon.

The researchers say the figures highlight the need for effective food policies to tackle overweight and diabetes.

They also called for doctors to be aware of the high cancer risk carried by people of all ages who are overweight, have diabetes or both.

The study published in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology found nearly six per cent of new worldwide cancer cases in 2012 were caused by the combined effects of diabetes and being overweight (BMI of over 25) or obese (over 30).

Dr Pearson-Stuttard said: “Both clinical and public health efforts should focus on identifying effective preventive, control and screening measures to structurally alter our environment, such as increasing the availability and affordability of healthy foods, and reducing the consumption of unhealthy foods.

“It’s vital coordinated policies are implemented to tackle the shared risk factors and complications of chronic diseases such as obesity and diabetes.

“In the past, smoking was by far the major risk factor for cancer, but now healthcare professionals should also be aware that patients who have diabetes or are overweight also have an increased risk of cancer.”

High BMI

Being overweight was responsible for twice as many cases with 544,300 due to a high BMI (body mass index) - equivalent to 3.9 per cent. Diabetes caused 280,100 - or two per cent.

One-in-four of the latter in 2012 (77,000) were attributable to the worldwide rise in diabetes between 1980 and 2002.

Just under a third of weight-related cancer cases in 2012 (174,000) were attributable to the worldwide rise in the number of overweight and obese people over the same period.

The researchers say if global rates of diabetes and overweight continue to rise the share of cancers due to them will increase by over 30 per cent in women and 20 per cent in men by 2035.

Almost nine-in-ten people living with type 2 diabetes are overweight or have obesity. People who are overweight or have obesity have added pressure on their body’s ability to use insulin to properly control blood sugar levels, and are therefore more likely to develop diabetes.

The study gathered data on cases of 12 types of cancer from 175 countries in 2012. They combined this with information on diabetes and high BMI and on diabetes - matching the sets by age group and gender.

Commonest cancers

The two factors accounted for a quarter of liver cancers and more than a third of all endometrial cancers worldwide.

In men, liver cancer was the commonest cancer caused by diabetes and high BMI, accounting for 126,700 cases, or 42.8 per cent of all cancers caused by diabetes and high BMI.

Bowel cancer was the second most common - accounting for 63,200 new cases or 21.4 per cent.

The most cancer cases were seen in high-income western countries (38.2 per cent, 303,000 of 792,600 cases).

But the largest increases from 1980 to 2002 were seen in low and middle-income countries.

The researchers said diabetes is associated with bowel, pancreas, liver, gallbladder, breast and endometrial cancers.

High BMI is associated with multiple myeloma, bowel, gallbladder, pancreas, kidney, liver, endometrial, breast, ovarian, stomach, thyroid and oesophageal cancers.

Supermarket giant Morrison’s has pulled its chicken and mushroom pies off its shelves - because some are actually fish pies.

The Yorkshire retailer had to withdraw its Morrisons Traditional Chicken & Mushroom Pie because some may actually contain fish and mustard.

This could pose a health risk to anyone who is allergic to these ingredients which are not labelled on the packs.

The 400g pies affected have a use by date of 4th December.

The supermarket said: Morrisons is recalling the above product because it may contain mustard and fish that are not declared on the label.

“This means the product could pose a possible health risk to anyone with an allergy or intolerance to these allergens.

“We are asking all customers with a mustard or fish allergy or intolerance not to consume this product and return it to their nearest store for a full refund.

“No other products are affected by this issue.

“We apologise for the inconvenience this may cause and assure customers of our continuing commitment to the highest standard of product quality and safety.”

The Food Standards Agency added: “Morrisons is recalling Traditional Chicken & Mushroom Pie because a small number of packs have been identified to contain Fish Pies.

“The Fish Pie contains fish and mustard which are not mentioned on the label and therefore are a possible health risk for anyone with an allergy to mustard and/or fish.

“If you have bought the above product and have an allergy to fish and / or mustard, do not eat it.

“Instead return it to the store from where it was bought for a full refund.

“No other Morrisons products are known to be affected.”

A tragic loss has lead a young widower to speak out in support of a Chichester hospice.

This year, Matt Rixon lost his wife Andrea to breast cancer.

Andrea was only 39 when she died a month before the couple’s 10th wedding anniversary. with husband Matt, her mum and her siblings by her side.

Matt said this will be his first Christmas without his wife and Hannah and Jamie, their young children, miss Andrea every day.

The couple met when he was aged 17 and she was 22.

“Sadly, she was diagnosed with breast cancer three years ago, when our son Jamie was just four months old.”

One year after reconstruction to her breast, Andrea was told the cancer had spread to her liver and only chemotherapy would be possible. After the chemotherapy ended in January, the cancer was back.

The family found it very difficult to hear this news and Andrea fought to keep life as normal as possible.

Matt said: “We were devastated. After a short stay in hospital she came home, but we were quickly referred to the care of St Wilfrid’s, our local hospice in Chichester.”

Despite the anguish of what they were going through, after Andrea’s death Matt said he really felt the need to let people know how important the care of the hospice was to him in the last days of Andrea’s life.

“I didn’t feel like this because my story is unique, it’s not. So many patients, their family and friends, benefit from St Wilfrid’s, but I never thought we would need their help and certainly not so early in life.

“Despite the sadness, I want to thank the hospice and all its supporters, because without it our family would not have been able to receive the care and support we have valued so much.”

In the last days Andrea spent on the St Wilfrid’s Hospice ward, the family were able to form fond memories, including Hannah having her first holy communion.

Andrea was too unwell to go to the hospice chapel, so the service was held in her room to ensure she did not miss out.

Visiting times were not restricted and the children were free to play in the garden or watch television.

Family and friends came to visit and Matt said Andrea was ‘so pleased’ to see close friends meet for the first time, something she had always wanted.

“Of course it was distressing, but I felt we got to say our goodbyes in the best way possible.”

Matt Rixon, the widower of young mum Andrea Rixon, who died earlier this year at St Wilfrid’s hospice, is encouraging others to support the charity, especially in the run-up to Christmas.

Matt said: “I honestly don’t know how we would have coped if St Wilfrid’s nurses hadn’t been there to help us all during Andrea’s last days. I continue to receive their valuable bereavement counselling.”

Before Andrea died, she expressed a wish to be laid to rest next to her father, who also received St Wilfrid’s care some years earlier. Since her death, Matt’s uncle has also died under the hospice’s care.

Matt is now backing St Wilfrid’s 2017 Christmas appeal, which aims to raise some of the £20,000 a day needed to run the hospice.

It only receives 15 per cent of its funds from the National Health Service (NHS) – the rest has to be raised locally in the community.

Matt said: “St Wilfrid’s is a charity and I’d like to ask you to please consider a donation today, of whatever you can afford, to help enable other people to receive such priceless care this Christmas and beyond.

“I want the hospice’s services to be available to as many local people, like my family, as possible. Together, we can ensure that their care can continue now and into the future.”

St Wilfrid’s head of fundraising and communications Jerry Doyle said: “We are incredibly grateful to Matt for speaking out like this and being so passionate about supporting our Christmas appeal.

“It is the family’s first Christmas without Andrea.”

As many people will be thinking of loved ones in the run-up to Christmas, Jerry said the hospice is holding two ‘remembrance events’.

One is at Chichester Cathedral on December 3 and the other in Hotham Park, Bognor Regis, on December 17.

The latter is a ‘first’ for the hospice and is intended to bring together people with ‘no religious connection’. Both start at 4pm and ‘everyone is welcome’.

Jerry said: “They will both give people a chance who have been bereaved, any time this year or in any year, to come together in a moving event with music and readings.”

To make a donation to the hospice’s Christmas appeal, visit www.stwh.co.uk/christmas, call 01243 755827 or post a donation to the hospice.

British citizens who fear immigrants and thought they threatened their values and way of life were more likely to have voted Brexit.

And the results, partly driven by narcissism, were regardless of their age, gender or level of education.

The research, published in Frontiers in Psychology, identified ‘collective narcissism’ as a new voting variable.

Scientists from the UK, Poland and Portugal measured the effect of xenophobia on voting behaviour, and found that it was strongly related to voting in favour of Brexit.

Led by Dr Agnieszka Golec de Zavala, from Goldsmiths, University of London, the researchers then tried to establish what kind of people believe that immigrants threaten the UK.

They found three distinct groups: authoritarians, who fear other groups will threaten the status quo; people who compete for their group’s dominance over immigrants; and collective narcissists, who believe the UK is entitled to privileged treatment but complain this ‘true importance and value’ is not recognised by other countries.

Importantly, the research also found that people who just valued their British identity were not more likely to reject immigrants or vote for Brexit.

Dr Golec de Zavala said this research introduces collective narcissism as a new variable to consider when making predictions for political behavior.

She said: “From Brexit, Trump and support for Vladimir Putin in Russia to the nationalist, ultra- conservative government in Poland, studies from our and other labs show that collective narcissism systematically predicts prejudice, aggression and a tendency to interpret innocent behaviors as provocation to the national group.

“Collective narcissism is not a good attitude to have.

“We should study how this becomes a group norm and find ways of preventing it from happening and spreading.

“We should vet our leaders more carefully in this respect because leaders have the power to make such attitudes normative in their groups.”

The researchers also suggest that as the study was conducted after the referendum, it may be that the ‘yes’ vote increased people’s xenophobia, and made them feel more empowered to express xenophobic attitudes.