Today, this newspaper and our sister papers across the county, are calling on the leader of Northamptonshire County Council to resign.

The authority is facing the worst financial crisis in its history.

The Conservative administration at County Hall blame years of underfunding from central government. The county’s seven Tory MPs and half of the Conservative backbenchers on the county council disagree. They say it is a result of financial mismanagment, and other councils facing similar funding challenges are not in the same situation as Northants. These are not politicians of different persuasions sniping at each other to score political points. They are all from the same party.

An independent inspector is currently walking the corridors of the new, £53 million headquarters, One Angel Square, trying to get to the bottom of why our county council is facing the prospect of not balancing its books this year. Everyone is awaiting his findings with interest.

The financial performance of the county council is not the only reason we believe the leader of Northamptonshire County Council should resign.

Last year, the findings of an independent peer review on the financial management of the council was highly critical of how the cabinet and some officers were handling the situation. Those findings were not made public by the council.

Later, a leaked email sent by Councillor Smith to her Conservative colleagues revealed that the party had timed the controversial announcements over cuts to library services, trading standards and highways to avoid damaging the party’s chances in the 2019 Northampton Borough Council elections.

A shocking revelation and one that angered many campaigners that they were the victims of political games. Equally concerning is that the county’s MPs and the backbenchers say that they were left in the dark as to the seriousness of the financial situation in Parliament.

On Tuesday, in the Commons, Wellingborough MP, Peter Bone described the cabinet as a “clique”.

The county council is in financial meltdown and the leadership has lost the faith, and respect, of the county’s MPs and half of the members of the Conservative group on the council. Change has to be made, responsibility has to be taken and it has to start at the top.

County Hall has this week amended some of its plans, published in December 2017, to raise funds and cut services.

The alterations came after councillors from all parties scrutinised the controversial plans and gave their verdict. Here are the highlights.

Library Services

cut was: £1m

cut now: unknown

Passionate campaigns by the public, famous writers and a warning by councillors who scrutinise the budget won only a temporary reprieve of one year for all 21 libraries at risk. However 2019/20 will see communities have to pay utility bills. By 2020/21 all council funding - including rent- will cease and libraries with too little community funding would close. How much is saved will depend on the how much communities can raise themselves.

Bus Subsidies

was: £1.3m

now: £700k

A reduction in funding to support local bus services with the exception of the on-demand County Connect and Call Connect. These services will be reviewed to make them more cost effective, potentially adding in some fixed routes.

Trading Standards

was: £600k

now: £400k

Despite dire warnings from a cross-party panel of councillors cuts will go ahead, albeit at a reduced level. In effect, Trading Standards will only have two-thirds of the money they currently spend. The change was made because Tory cabinet leaders were mindful of unfettered rogue and unfair trading and rocketing sales of alcohol to under-18s.

Council tax

was 4.98 per cent rise

now 5.98 per cent rise

After years of proudly keeping tax low, the Tory administration flagged up last year it would ramp its council tax increase to the highest level it could without triggering a referendum - just like the police and borough council. Since the original plan was made, local government secretary Sajid Javid has allowed an extra one per cent - which cabinet leaders have grabbed with both hands.

Winter gritting

was: £475k

now: £475k

Goes ahead despite councilors in scrutiny committee warning that it will put the safety and the transport network itself at risk. They warned that the cuts should not proceed as “risks outweigh benefits” but were overruled. Fewer roads will be gritted and it will take longer.

Customer Service centre

was: £187k

now: zero

Scrapped. Penny Smith of Unison raised concerns about increased use of the internet to take enquiries. She said: “Not all people were able to use on-line methods and people could find this even more difficult in sensitive or emotive situations such as registering a death.”

Consultants budget

was 486k

now zero

Not happening due to a misunderstanding. Further research since the original proposal by council leaders showed essential roles such as the Independent Safeguarding Chair, who reviews high-level cases of child abuse are classed as ‘consultants’.

The plans will be rubber-stamped next Tuesday, February 13. All proposals are subject to any intervention taken by the Government following next month's inspection report.

Professionals from organisations across the county have taken part in safeguarding training led by officers from Northamptonshire Police.

The training centred on how agencies can best work together to identify signs of families that are at risk of falling victim to extremist ideology.

The scenario-based training mirrored real life cases from other parts of the country that have seen whole families travel abroad under the misconception that they were creating a better life, often taking very young children with them.

The scenarios, coupled with expert speakers, examined how police, social care, heath, education, adult services and prison and probation, would take action to safeguard the family and children and assess the threat, risk and vulnerability posed.

The aim being to work to support and protect those that might be vulnerable to radicalisation and ensuring that individuals are diverted away before crime is committed.

The session took place at Brooke Weston Academy yesterday (Thursday) and was organised by Northamptonshire Police’s Special Branch.

It was the first such training exercise to take place in Corby and officers hope to continue the programme at different locations around the county following positive feedback from attendees.

PC Shane O’Brien, from Northamptonshire Police, said: “These training events are very popular as we all understand the need to work closely to respond to concerns about radicalisation.

“Those of us working with families in Northamptonshire have a responsibility to keep people safe and make sure any necessary safeguarding measures are in place.

“The seminar allowed us to share best practice and make links with other agencies that can help to spot the signs of extremism at an early stage.

“I would urge anyone who has concerns about potential terrorist activity within the community to please call us on 101.

“We need the help and support of the public to keep communities in Northamptonshire safe.”

This was the second of six events planned to be held in schools across the county with locations in Kettering, Daventry and Northampton also set to benefit from the training.

With more people now contacting the police by phone or online, demand on public enquiry desks has reduced significantly in recent years. To ensure it continues to make best use of resources and meet changing demand, the force has regularly reviewed its enquiry desk provision.

Three of the county’s six enquiry desks are now located in local council offices in shared customer service centres, while three remain based within police premises.

In Northampton, the enquiry desk has been located at the One-Stop-Shop at The Guildhall since February 2014 and in Kettering, it moved to the borough council’s Customer Service Centre in January 2015.

More recently, in Corby, the enquiry desk moved to the One Stop Shop at The Cube.

There are also public enquiry desks located at the police stations in Weston Favell, Daventry and Wellingborough.

Superintendent Pauline Sturman said: “Public enquiry desks have long been an important part of a traditional police station and we know people feel reassured by having a police presence in their local community.

“However, the way people access policing services has changed in recent years and far fewer people now actually visit a police station in person, with the vast majority of contact now being by phone or online.

“We appreciate there are times when people want to speak to a police officer or member of staff in person and we have public enquiry desks in all our main towns to enable this. Some are currently based in police stations, while others are in situated in council offices, alongside other important public services, in convenient and central locations.

“In addition, our neighbourhood teams, which are based within the communities they police, hold regular surgeries in community venues, such as libraries and shopping areas, to provide opportunities for people to meet and speak to their local officers.

“Policing is a 24/7 service and as well as calling 999 in an emergency, people can contact us at any time on the non-emergency telephone number 101 or report a non-urgent incident online at www.northants.police.uk, where they can also find a range of advice and information.

“We would also encourage people to sign up for our community messaging service, Neighbourhood Alert, for updates from local officers about crime and policing in their area. They can also keep up to date by following the Force’s social media accounts as well as those of their local neighbourhood team.”

To sign up for Northamptonshire Neighbourhood Alert, visit www.northamptonshireneighbourhoodalert.co.uk.

Northamptonshire Police public enquiry desk locations and opening hours:
Public Enquiry Desk – Northampton: Northampton Borough Council One Stop Shop, The Guildhall, Northampton. Opening Times: Monday – Friday: 9am to 5pm and Saturday: 9am to 5pm

Public Enquiry Desk – Weston Favell: Weston Favell Police Station, Pyramid Close, Weston Favell. Opening Times: Monday – Friday: 9am to 5pm

Public Enquiry Desk – Daventry: Daventry Police Station, New Street, Daventry. Opening Times: Monday – Friday: 10am to 4pm and Saturday: 10am to 4pm

Public Enquiry Desk - Kettering: Kettering Borough Council Customer Service Centre, Bowling Green Road, Kettering. Opening Times: Monday – Friday: 10am to 4pm and Saturday: 10am to 1pm

Public Enquiry Desk - Corby: Corby Borough Council One Stop Shop, The Cube, George Street, Corby. Opening Times: Monday – Friday: 10am to 4pm

Public Enquiry Desk - Wellingborough: Wellingborough Police Station, Midland Road, Wellingborough. Opening Times: Monday – Friday: 10am to 4pm and Saturday: 10am to 4pm

All enquiry desks will be closed on bank and public holidays.

A punter had the honour of pulling the first pint in his local after it underwent three months of renovation work.

Regular at the Maltsters Arms in Weedon Albert King, 77, is seen here at the big party thrown by landlord Brian Disbery to celebrate the re-opening of the pub in August 1987.

Mr King had been a twice-daily visitor to the pub ever since Brian took over the pub in 1985.

He even carried on using the pub during the renovations, when half the pub roof was missing at one stage, and Brian decided to invite Mr King to pull the first pint and celebrate the refurbishment.

Although Mr King was not the oldest resident in the village who used the pub, he was certainly the most regular customer.

And Brian said he thoroughly enjoyed being the centre of attention for the evening.

Manns Brewery, which helped to pay for the work done on the building, brought along a vintage Model T Ford van, used for carrying beer barrels in the early days.

The nation’s pet owners are being warned about the hidden dangers of common plants and flowers that may deal fatal blows to furry companions.

The garden experts at BillyOh.com have warned that whilst flowers such as lilies, tulips and azaleas may look pretty, they are potentially deadly to cats, dogs and even horses.

Even tomatoes and potatoes can be dangerous if your furry friends eat them when green and unripe, though it is mainly the toxic leaves that can harm cats and dogs.

The common foxtail weed is largely impossible to avoid, but pet owners can check their animals regularly and uproot it if it should appear in the garden.

A spokesperson for BillyOh.com said: “Flowers can look gorgeous and smell even better, but many can be very dangerous to a beloved cat or dog.

“So, when you’re deciding which plants to put in your garden, or even a pot in the house, do check first to make sure it isn’t toxic to your pets.

“If your pet shows any sign of having ingested poison, such as vomiting, diarrhoea, weakness or confusion, seek veterinary assistance straight away.”

1 Azaleas

A type of rhododendron, azaleas contain a poisonous substance called grayanotoxin, which can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, and even blindness and comas in cats and dogs.

2 Foxtails

Foxtails are spikelets that carry the seeds of the foxtail grass. They are barbed and meant to burrow into the ground to germinate – but this also means they could penetrate an animal’s body instead and damage internal organs. The ears are especially vulnerable.

It’s pretty much impossible to avoid this common weed, but you can check your pet’s body (especially entry points like the ears, mouth and eyes) frequently, especially after a walk, and uproot – not mow – any foxtails you see in the garden.

3 Lilies

Every part of a lily is toxic to cats (even one leaf or petal can make them very ill) and some kinds are poisonous to dogs as well. They are even toxic to horses.

4 Tulips

If your other half dreams of a wedding fit for a princess then the latest addition to the Argos catalogue looks set to make any budget conscious bride-to-be say yes.

The Revere 18ct Rose Gold Plated Silver Morganite Colour CZ Ring from Argos has taken direct inspiration from the Princess Eugenie’s engagement ring but for a fraction of the cost.

The young royal’s engagement ring is padparadscha sapphire, one of the rarest in the world, and costs an estimated £100,000.

Argos’ copycat creation on the other hand has been made with Sterling Silver and 9ct rose gold accents and features a round morganite stone surrounded by shimmering stone.

It costs a budget friendly £32.99.

Princess Eugenie’s engagement ring was designed by the couple and is a sentimental nod to the mother of the bride, Sarah Ferguson, who also had a similarly designed wedding ring.

Interviews are already under way for an unusual ‘meet-and-greet’ position – as a zombie scarer at Thorpe Park.

After a more conventional face-to-face interview, applicants donned creepy head-to-toe zombie costumes, before undergoing a one-hour session in the make-up chair to complete the look required for a 127ft (38.7 metres) climb onto the platform of one of the rollercoasters.

And the job is clearly not for the faint-hearted as several of those who applied failed the ‘head for heights’ test.

Interviews for more than 200 high-flying positions took place ahead of the announcement that the Surrey theme park will be staging a Year Of The Walking Dead in conjunction with AMC’s global TV phenomenon.

Wannabe zombies are required to meet strict ‘scare-factor’ criteria including the ability to frighten guests in any environment, coping with sudden screams from thrill-seekers, and keeping in character in any situation.

Key responsibilities include being able to interact in character with members of the public, being able to become zombie-like at a moment’s notice, and being able to cope well with sudden noises from thrill seekers, including screaming.

Applicants must be available to start when Thorpe Park Resort in Chertsey, Surrey re-opens to the public on Friday 23rd March 2018.

Thorpe Park’s Divisional Director, Dominic Jones said: ”We’re really excited about teaming up with AMC to bring The Year of The Walking Dead here.

”Our guests are in for a thrilling season of unmissable events and we would love for them to return to experience each of them as and when they happen throughout 2018.

”We’re putting our scare actor hopefuls through their paces at height to see if they can face their own fears and still be able to deliver an unforgettable experience.

”Thorpe Park is known for offering an exhilarating day out, so it’s no surprise that we’re launching The Year of The Walking Dead by giving our scare actor hopefuls the ultimate audition.”

Among those who took part in the interviews was scare actor Chris Wiles, 33, of Greenwich, London.

Chris applied for the role after previously starring at the London Bridge Tombs.

He said: “The reason why I want to audition as a Scare Actor for Thorpe Park for The Year of The Walking Dead is because I can provide thrills, screams and horror as well as terrifying interaction with guests.

”I’d really like anyone who visits the resort to be able to experience the same thing that we have as part of this process.

”I didn’t expect I would have to do what I just did. It took ages to get all the make-up done.

”Then we had to climb up to the top of the rollercoaster, which was terrifying. That’s something that I never thought I’d do, and it was quite scary up there, but I’d also do it again if I was lucky to be chosen that is.”

”They also asked to hear my scream. I think I did okay, I have a loud gravelly scream.”

The Year of The Walking Dead events that will take place include:

* The Walking Dead Living Nightmare Extreme (the live action maze at its most terrifying) available only for May Half Term (25th May – 3rd June)

* Summer late night opening until 10pm (Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 26th July – 1st September)

* Zombie Hunt – an extreme battle for survival in woodland on the outskirts of Thorpe Park Resort for the six weeks of summer (21st July – 3rd September)

* Fright Nights – the hugely popular season returns to Thorpe Park Resort with a The Walking Dead theme (5th October – 31st October)

Anyone who would like to apply to be a scare actor at Thorpe Park Resort throughout the 2018 season, shouldemail: recruitment@thorpe-park.co.uk or visit https://merlin.taleo.net/careersection/4/jobdetail.ftl?lang=en&job=THO0000RT

Under the terms of the Section 114 notice issued last week, the council cannot spend money on any services other than its statutory services and on the safeguarding of vulnerable people.

The council would need to renew a software licence in order to continue webcasting the meetings, which it cannot do with the notice in place.

A Northamptonshire County Council spokesman said: “Immediate spending controls have been put in place on all expenditure with the exception of safeguarding vulnerable people and statutory services as a result of the Section 114 notice issued last week.

"Therefore the decision has been made not to renew our licence for webcasting meetings, which costs over £11,000 per year and clearly does not meet this criteria.

“To retain openness and transparency in our democratic process, council meetings continue to be open for members of the public to attend, while our @nccdemocracy Twitter account will be posting key updates throughout meetings.

"A decision sheet is also published on our website within two working days of each meeting.”

Northamptonshire County Council's Democratic Services explained on Twitter that it had evaluated quotes for a new software licence contract after the existing one expired at the start of February.

However, the procurement of a new licence ended in the wake of the Section 114 notice.

Democratic Services also broke down the costs of webcasting the meetings when it tweeted: "The cost is comprised software licence fee (x2), tech support and hosting for 120 hours of content per year, plus staff time. Hardware such as PTZ cameras was purchased some time ago so costs minimal, but software required to make everything work."

There was a suggestion the meetings could be live streamed on social media via Facebook Live or Periscope.

But the council reasoned that as one of its employees would have to undertake the task of filming, this would result in the staff member having to be paid for the extra work.

New research has determined that UK motorists spend more than one day each year stuck in rush hour traffic.

The report (compiled by analytics company, INRIX) states that drivers in London lost an average of 74 hours while commuting in bad traffic during 2017.

This is an hour more than the previous year, and adds up to more than three days spent stuck behind the wheel over the course of the year.

In Manchester, the average time spent in rush hour traffic was 39 hours per year, while in Aberdeen and Edinburgh, drivers lost 28 hours.

According to the report, Newport motorists spent 24 hours per year in traffic jams (the highest number in Wales), and Belfast topped Northern Ireland’s list for a bad commute, with 21 hours a year written off to congestion.

The 10 most congested routes in the UK at peak times and annual hours lost per driver

Chiswick Roundabout to A40 Hanger Lane, London – 56 hours

A23 Kennington Park to Norbury Station, London – 50 hours

A4200/A4 Russell Square to New Fetter Lane, London – 47 hours

A34 Robin Hood Lane to A41 Soho Hill, Birmingham – 44 hours

Kensington High Street along Earl’s Court Road to A308, near Chelsea and Westminster Hospital – 42 hours

Finchley Road to Colney Hatch Lane, London – 42 hours

A4540 Five Ways to A41 Soho Hill, Birmingham – 42 hours

A658 Harrogate Road to Victoria Street, Leeds – 40 hours

B6117 to A644 Huddersfield Road, near Dewsbury – 36 hours

A56 to Northumberland Street, Manchester – 33 hours

‘A car is a necessity’ While leaving the car at home would free drivers from the daily grind of commuting by car, public transport simply isn’t an option for many.

“Nearly three-quarters (74 per cent) of motorists we spoke to for the annual Report on Motoring told us that they would find it very difficult to adjust their lifestyle without a car,” said RAC spokesman, R

od Dennis, commenting on the INRIX report findings. “Sixty-three per cent said that they would use their car less if public transport was better.

“This highlights the uncomfortable truth in the UK – that with few viable transport alternatives outside major cities, having access to a car is simply a necessity for millions of people.”

According to Dennis, the government need to focus on providing “cheap, practical reliable alternatives to the car – especially in urban areas”. Optimising existing roads and encouraging car sharing is a way to improve commuter drive times in the immediate future, says the RAC.

Northamptonshire County Council's public meetings will not be broadcast live while spending limits are in place at the authority.

Under the terms of the Section 114 notice issued last week, the council cannot spend money on any services other than its statutory services and on the safeguarding of vulnerable people.

The council would need to renew a software licence in order to continue webcasting the meetings, which it cannot do with the notice in place.

A Northamptonshire County Council spokesman said: “Immediate spending controls have been put in place on all expenditure with the exception of safeguarding vulnerable people and statutory services as a result of the Section 114 notice issued last week.

"Therefore the decision has been made not to renew our licence for webcasting meetings, which costs over £11,000 per year and clearly does not meet this criteria.

“To retain openness and transparency in our democratic process, council meetings continue to be open for members of the public to attend, while our @nccdemocracy Twitter account will be posting key updates throughout meetings.

"A decision sheet is also published on our website within two working days of each meeting.”

Northamptonshire County Council's Democratic Services explained on Twitter that it had evaluated quotes for a new software licence contract after the existing one expired at the start of February.

However, the procurement of a new licence ended in the wake of the Section 114 notice.

Democratic Services also broke down the costs of webcasting the meetings when it tweeted: "The cost is comprised software licence fee (x2), tech support and hosting for 120 hours of content per year, plus staff time. Hardware such as PTZ cameras was purchased some time ago so costs minimal, but software required to make everything work."

There was a suggestion the meetings could be live streamed on social media via Facebook Live or Periscope.

But the council reasoned that as one of its employees would have to undertake the task of filming, this would result in the staff member having to be paid for the extra work.

A care home provider that has a branch in Daventry has been recognised by consumer magazine Which?

The authors found that, in the East Midlands, Shaw healthcare was the best rated provider.

With 700-plus employees in the region and more than 400 people receiving care at a Shaw facility, the provider runs 11 homes across the East Midlands, with two each in Wellingborough, Corby, Rushden and Kettering, and one home in Northampton, Daventry and Peterborough.

Shaw homes offer a range of care services, from rehabilitation and intermediate care to specialist dementia, physical and sensory disabilities care.

The East Midlands is also a winning region internally within Shaw, as members of its staff have been recognised for their commitment to high standards of care.

Julie Chinnick, manager of Abbott House in Peterborough, was awarded the ‘exceptional leader’ accolade at Shaw’s ‘Star Awards’ celebrations late last year.

Commenting on the Which? report, deputy chief executive for Shaw, Suzanne Hughes, said: “I am thrilled that our services in the East Midlands have been highlighted for praise in this analysis.

“The recognition is testament to the hard work and commitment from each and every one of our employees in our 11 homes across the region, ensuring that our residents receive the highest standards of care in the best environment.

“I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate our staff and thank them for all that they do.”

Established in 1986, Shaw healthcare provides specialist care to individuals in nursing and residential homes, hospitals, supported living arrangements, extra care schemes and domiciliary care settings.

The cover of a car parked in a Daventry driveway was set on fire, causing damage to the vehicle.

The arson happened sometime between 2.10am and 2.50am on Saturday, January 13 in Maritime Way in Southbrook.

A Northamptonshire Police spokesperson said: "The suspect is described as a white man, about 5ft 9in, with a slim build. He was wearing blue jeans, a dark-coloured Nike hooded top with the hood up, and black shoes."

Witnesses or anyone with information are asked to call Northamptonshire Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

A man received a £400 fine for fly-tipping after letters addressed to him were found amongst the rubbish he’d dumped.

The pile of rubbish was found by the side of the Old Staverton Road, off the A425 between Daventry and Staverton, shortly before Christmas.

An officer from Daventry District Council found the incriminating evidence after shifting through the rubbish for clues.

Letters addressed to a house in Northampton led to the householder being fined £400.

Cllr Richard Auger, health and housing portfolio holder at the council, said: “Fly-tipping is an eyesore and a serious public health risk for our residents.

“Hopefully this case serves as a reminder that we will not hesitate to take enforcement action when we have evidence of someone committing fly-tipping in our District.

“We would also take this opportunity to remind people that if you are allowing someone to remove your waste, you must check that person is authorised by the Environment Agency to take it, and dispose of it safely. If you allow an unlicensed operator to take your waste and it is disposed of illegally, you could be held liable and may face a fine or even prosecution.”

Residents who spot fly-tipping are urged to report it to the council at www.daventrydc.gov.uk/online.

The event will take place this year on Saturday, May 12 and Sunday, May 13 at Althorp Park, which will see a selection of food stalls, including indulgent sweet treats, British cheeses and meats and beverages, as well as culinary events and experiences.

Althorp, the Spencer family’s historic home for more than five centuries, is renowned for its picturesque views, architecture, and its world-famous art collection.

Alongside the numerous shopping and tasting opportunities, guests can also become acquainted with top names in food and drink, through our generous programme of demonstrations, masterclasses, and workshops.

Ticket prices to this family-friendly festival start at £6.50 for adults and children aged 12 and under go free.

Tickets are available from the end of February, visit: http://spencerofalthorp.com/festival/food-drink-festival

As part of a national fire safety campaign, Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service (NFRS) is encouraging parents and carers to make any kitchen activities a chance for kids to learn about cooking safety.

During the February half term, many children across Northamptonshire will be spending more time in the kitchen. But whether they’re lending a hand or simply seeking a snack, it’s important to make sure that they know the hazards of a hot hob.

Tina Collett, of the NFRS Prevention and Community Protection Department, said: “There are lots of creative ways to teach kids about cooking fire safety. And, it’s absolutely vital that they know what to do if the worst should happen.

“So alongside the melting, mixing and making, why not take the chance to pass on your fire safety knowhow? Test your smoke alarms as part of the activity. And remember, never leave a child alone with a hot hob, and help keep them safe by moving matches and saucepan handles out of their reach.”

The children don’t have to be in the kitchen to change the way you work – distraction while cooking is the main cause of fire call-outs right across the country.

Tina said: “Half of all accidental fires in the home start in the kitchen - often because of distractions like phone calls or family. So whatever happens elsewhere in your home, always make sure you have one eye on the hob or oven.”

Top tips for staying safe in the kitchen:

- Take care if you need to leave the kitchen whilst cooking. Take pans off the heat or turn them down to avoid risk

- If a pan catches fire, don’t take any risks – get out, stay out, and call 999

- Double check the hob is off when you’ve finished cooking

- Keep tea towels and cloths away from the cooker and hob

- Take care if you’re wearing loose clothing – this can easily catch fire

- Avoid leaving children in the kitchen alone when cooking. Keep matches and saucepan handles out of their reach to keep them safe

- Take care with electrics - keep leads and appliances away from water and place grills and toasters away from curtains and kitchen rolls

- Keep your equipment clean and in good working order. A build-up of fat and grease can ignite a fire

- Don’t cook after drinking alcohol

- Hot oil can catch fire easily - be careful that it doesn’t overheat

- Never throw water on a chip pan fire

- In the event of a fire, have an escape plan in place

- Make sure you have at least one smoke alarm on every level of your home and test them regularly

Leader of the Commons and South Northamptonshire MP Andrea Leadsom has hit out at the “coward” author of a threatening letter she received.

The letter, which is signed off by ‘The Real 48 Per Cent’, appears to be anti-Brexit, stating: “If you attempt to take away part of someone’s identity, there are consequences.

“We have watched you as you have led us to the edge of the abyss. We will watch no longer.

“You have taken lives on our side. Now we will take lives on yours. We are coming for you.”

The space normally reserved for an address instead reads: “We were born in Britain. We live in the UK. We are European.”

Ms Leadsom condemned the writer’s actions, saying on Twitter alongside a photo of the letter: “Pretty despicable whoever sent me this. We live in a democracy -death threats because you don’t agree? And unsigned? coward...”

A spokesman for the Metropolitan Police said: “Police are aware of threatening letters sent to four Members of Parliament at the House of Commons.

“Two of the letters were reported to police on Friday, February 9, and two on Monday, February 12.

“The letters are being investigated by officers from the Parliamentary Liaison and Investigation Team within the Parliamentary and Diplomatic Protection Command.

“There has been no arrest at this stage. Inquiries are ongoing.”

Last year, tenants of the 'site 10' estate in Middlemore were informed that Daventry District Council was looking to sell the estate to a single new owner, but it failed to find a buyer.

The Daventry Estate Company Limited (TDECL) - a company set up by DDC to provide rental income for the authority - thus informed residents in a letter sent out last month their homes would be sold individually, in small batches, and that this could take 12-18 months.

District councillor Ken Ritchie (Abbey North ward, Labour) has condemned the decision and has promised to challenge it, and the conditions offered to tenants, at the next council meeting on February 22.

“DDC is treating people simply as if they are commodities to be bought and sold," said Cllr Ritchie.

"This letter has left many people feeling distressed and insecure, unsure of how they are going to provide homes for their families.

“These properties were marketed as ‘Lifetime homes’ for ‘long-term tenants’, and those who moved in felt they had the security of having a local authority as their landlord. The promises made to them have been callously ignored.

“Offering only five weeks to decide whether to buy is hopelessly inadequate as arranging mortgages can take much longer than that. However, as most who rent do so because they cannot afford to buy, the offer seems rather disingenuous.

“There are a lot of very worried people on Middlemore, and they have good reason to be worried.”

The term 'lifetime homes' does not refer to the term of rental but rather the design of the houses.

It describes homes that are designed to be easily adaptable to the changing needs of people at different stages of life, for example, families with children or people with mobility issues.

In the letter sent to Middlemore residents last month, they were offered the chance to buy their homes for £203,000 but only given five weeks to express their interest in doing so.

The letter also warns that, although some purchasers may want to buy to let and be prepared to continue existing tenancies, some may want vacant homes - in which case residents will be given notice to quit.

Cllr Ritchie said that he and fellow Abbey North ward councillors (Cllr Nigel Carr, UKIP; Cllr David James, Conservative) were informed of the letter in an email sent on the afternoon after the letters had been posted, giving them no opportunity to comment or make objections.

Councillor Colin Poole, Daventry District Council’s economic, regeneration and portfolio holder, and TDECL board member, said: “The council understands that there will be concerns from the residents affected. However, it has been clear for some time that we intend to dispose of the properties in question.

“Circumstances do change over time and no rented property is ever let on a guarantee of lifetime occupancy. Residents sign tenancy agreements and are aware of their obligations and the tenancy terms and conditions. The properties in question were rented in the private sector and not as “council housing”.

“The council first gave notice of a change nine months ago and has no intention of simply repossessing the properties in any urgent fashion. The letter sent to residents recently clearly sets out the advice and assistance the council can provide, and every effort will be made to work with the families affected.

“So far, about a third of the residents have been in touch following the recent letter and we will be exploring individual circumstances to see if there is any assistance we can provide. Some residents will make their own choices and arrangements and such flexibility is, of course, one of the factors considered when people choose to rent rather than purchase property.”

Neil Storey, 33, was sentenced last Friday (February 9) at Northampton Crown Court.

He was convicted of one count of voyeurism, one of causing or inciting sexual activity with a child and eight counts of making and distributing indecent images of children.

Detective Constable Jason Cullum of the force’s POLIT (Paedophile Online Investigation Team) led the investigation. He said:

“I am pleased this case has concluded and a dangerous paedophile is behind bars.

“The sentencing follows a protracted and complex investigation due to the scale of Storey’s offending – he targeted a large number of children from as far and wide as Australia and the USA, all from his home in Northamptonshire.

“I am pleased with the sentence imposed by the court and that children have been safeguarded from further harm. This case highlights the dangers of the internet and serves as a timely reminder of the importance of online safety education for children.

“Anybody with information about people viewing and sharing indecent images of children should report it immediately by calling 101 or 999 in an emergency.”

Storey faces a lifetime on the Sex Offender Register and was also given a 10-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO).

In the first public meeting not to be webcasted by the council as a result of the spending controls imposed on the authority, senior councillors heard from academics, councillors, campaigners and others ahead of making recommendations on the draft budget for 2018-2019.

First to speak at what Heather Smith described as one of the most important meetings of the year was Dr Graham St John-Willey, who brought along several mock Magna Cartas, which he later offered to cabinet members.

Dr St John-Willey argued a transfer of ownership of the county's libraries away from the council and into the hands of communities was contrary to the 13th-century document, which enforced the rule of law in the country.

This is because the council was asking people to undertake a task meant, by law, to be the responsibility of the authority.

He told cabinet members they were failing to provide a comprehensive and efficient library service given they were "dismantling" the current structure.

The next speaker, retired librarian Alison Richards, likened the situation to a divorce by virtue of the council breaking up with its libraries.

She warned that a reliance on the voluntary sector to help out with the community-run libraries was a risk.

The cabinet faced calls to "do the decent thing and step down" by Colin Britcher, even if it is too late to make a difference.

He said: "The truth is that some of you are concerned only about yourselves."

Tony Banks also called for the cabinet to resign after their continued failure to heed warning signs.

"This crisis has not come out of the blue," said Mr Banks.

Liberal Democrat borough councillor and former county councillor, Sally Beardsworth, said reports dated to 2006 had shown the UK had an ageing population and so the authority should have been better prepared for an increased demand for adult services.

She continued by asking why the council listened to a Conservative Government trying to curry favour with voters during the coalition when it asked local authorities not to raise council tax.

"You have done the populist thing by not raising council tax," said Cllr Beardsworth.

Anjona Roy, the chief executive of Northamptonshire Rights and Equality Council, said now, more than ever, transparency and scrutiny were important.

She was also concerned about decision to stop webcasting given the importance of the meeting, and its timing in the context of the wider issues facing the council

The Labour candidate for the Nene Valley ward in last year's county council elections, Nikesh Jani, spoke about the last cabinet in December which saw a young boy plead with the council to keep his local library open.

Citing Heather Smith's reaction to the boy's plea, Mr Jani said: "Chair you were really nice to him but you ignored his request.".