Mondays may be a drag for some, but the first day of the week is the ideal time to think ahead to life away from the 9-to-5 grind.

According to flight comparison website Skyscanner, booking flights on a Monday can save jet setters money.

Due to the constantly varying prices of flights it is possible to take advantage and grab yourself a bargain.

Looking at data over three years (2015-2017) it was found that those who booked their tickets on a Monday were paying 5% less than fellow travellers. On a £500 flight that would represent a saving of £25.

Cheaper to travel on a Friday

Skyscanner also found that the cheapest time to travel abroad – perhaps surprisingly – was a Friday.

According to the same data, holidaymakers travelling on a Friday could expect to save on average 18% compared to those departing on a Sunday, the most expensive day for travel.

That saving of 18% along with the 5% saved by booking flights on a Monday could represent a sizeable saving – particularly for those heading further afield.

How far in advance should I book my flights?

In the weeks and months leading up to a flight, prices fluctuate dramatically.

According to Hopper, a holiday deal comparison site, the optimum time to book your holiday abroad ranges from 25 days to 150 days in advance. While flights become available up to 11 months before takeoff, they note that flight prices typically only start to dip five months before departure.

They do, however, note that travellers shouldn’t leave it too late to book their travel, as prices typically soar in the three weeks leading up to departure. The exact time to book varies dramatically depending on your choice of destination.

However, Skyscanner’s “best time to book” flight checker provides accurate data on the cheapest weeks for flying on a number of UK routes. So remember, next time you’re planning a holiday abroad: book on a Monday, fly out on a Friday, and book at least three weeks in advance.

If you’ve worked on improving your home or garden, it’s worth bearing in mind that there are various ways in which you could be unknowingly falling foul of the law.

From putting up a fence to vacuuming out of hours, here are 10 ways your home could be breaking the law without you knowing.

Fences and walls

If you want to put up a new fence, gate or garden wall which is more than two metres in height you will need planning permission. If the fence or wall borders or adjoins a public highway used for vehicles you may need planning permission if it’s higher than one metre.

You will also need to seek permission if your property is a listed building, or if the proposed fence forms a boundary with a neighbour’s listed building.

It is also wise to check the property deeds to ensure you aren’t breaching any existing agreement between your property and those neighbouring it, or check the Land Registry for general boundary guidelines.

Security lighting

Be mindful of your neighbours before putting up any bright security lighting, as it can constitute light pollution or a nuisance if it shines directly into their property.

So make sure beams are not directed at anyone’s windows, and security lights fitted with passive infra-red detectors (PIRs) or timing devices should be set so that they’re not triggered by traffic or pedestrians passing outside your property.

Although lighting isn’t subject to planning controls, a neighbour could take you to court if it becomes a nuisance.

Garden sheds

Installing a garden shed, log cabin or summerhouse to your garden requires certain planning criteria to be met, with the building required to have a height no more than 2.5 metres from existing ground level, a maximum overall height of 4 metres with a dual-pitched roof, or 3 metres for any other roof.

In terms of space, the ground area covered by the outbuilding and any other buildings within the boundary of the property (excluding the original house) should not be more than half the total area of the property.

WiFi

Using a neighbour’s unsecured WiFi connection without their knowledge, known as ‘piggybacking’, can lead to a criminal charge under the Computer Misuse Act 1990 / the Communications Act 2003.

CCTV cameras

If you have CCTV cameras around your home, ensure they do not point at your neighbour’s land.

This could, in some cases, breach privacy laws under the Human Rights Act and also lead to allegations of harassment.

Conservatories

Planning permission isn’t required for building a single storey conservatory, although the extension should not exceed a height of four metres, or a length of four metres in a detached home and three metres in a semi-detached or terraced home.

For a two-storey extension, planning permission is required and your conservatory should not be built above the existing roof of your property, be in excess of 3 metres in length and be no closer than 7 metres to the property boundary.

Trees and hedges

Cutting back tree branches into your neighbour’s property is illegal, so be sure to only cut back foliage to the extent that they overhang your land. If the tree has a preservation order, you cannot cut any of the branches. And if you want to plant a hedge in your garden, while you don’t normally require planning permission to do so, it is wise to check with the local planning authority first as you will be responsible for maintaining it, so that is doesn’t cause a nuisance to others.

Hot tubs

If you’re lucky enough to have your own outdoor hot tub, you should be mindful that heating the tub could actually constitute a nuisance due to noise. If you’re installing a hot tub in an outbuilding, then the same rules for outbuildings (above) will apply.

Noisy housework and DIY

It is recommended by environmental health officers that noisy household tasks, including vacuuming and DIY, should only take place between 8am and 6pm on weekdays, between 8am and 1pm on Saturdays, and never on a Sunday. If breached, you could risk causing a noise nuisance – this isn’t just limited to raucous late night parties.

Washing lines

Should you intend to attach a washing line, garden hose or even hanging baskets to your neighbour’s wall or fence, be sure to obtain their consent before doing so.

• Planning laws can vary slightly from one area to the next, so be sure to find out more information from your local authority

Takeaway food service Hungryhouse has announced that it is closing, after twelve years of delivering fast food.

The news came in an email sent out to customers informing them of the closure.

The news comes after competition watchdog The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) gave the green light for Just Eat to take over Hungryhouse in a deal worth up to £240m, last November.

The last day for orders on hungryhouse.co.uk will be 22nd May 2018, while customers will be able to use one final discount from the fast food retailer through cashback site Quidco.

Deciding what to watch on Netflix can be time-consuming. Especially when there are hard-to-please friends or relatives involved.

CLICK THE GALLERY LINK ABOVE OR ICON IN THE MAIN IMAGE TO SEE THE KEY CODES.

But what you might not know is that there are ‘secret’ codes to help you unlock niche categories – and there are reported to be more than 76,000 of these “micro-genres”.

Want to watch some ‘Raunchy Sports Movies‘? There’s a code for that. In the mood for “Satanic Stories from the 1980s”? You’re welcome.

Simply add the relevant code to the end of the following URL: www.netflix.com/browse/genre/

We’ve highlighted a few of our favourites. A much bigger list can be found at the end of this article.

And here is the full, gigantic (unofficial) list of codes. There is also a handy Chrome extension you can use too. Happy binge-viewing!

Some other codes you might want to try:

• Action & Adventure: 1365

• Action Comedies: 43040

• Action Sci-Fi & Fantasy: 1568

• Action Thrillers: 43048

• Adult Animation: 11881

• Adventures: 7442

• Alien Sci-Fi: 3327

• Animal Tales: 5507

• Anime: 7424

• Anime Action: 2653

New analysis of energy tariffs has shown British bills have fallen by as much as 11 per cent in the last 12 months – depending on where you live.

New analysis of energy tariffs has shown British bills have fallen by as much as 11 per cent in the last 12 months – depending on where you live.

The data, released by price comparison website MoneySuperMarket this week, highlights a downward trend in average energy prices over the past year.

The average cheapest dual fuel tariff available in the first quarter of 2018 fell almost £50 from the same period in 2017 – dropping from £923 to £874.

The price comparison site’s Energy Price Index analysed millions of customer quotes and more than six years of energy market data to understand what is influencing gas and electricity costs.

Regional variations

The data shows that prices have fallen across all regions in the UK in the past 12 months, most noticeably in the South East where the cost of the average cheapest tariff has dropped 11 per cent, from £961 to £858 – a difference of £103.

Average cheapest dual fuel price quote:

Region Mar-17 Mar-18 £ change % change

South East £961 £858 -£103 -11%

East Midlands £925 £863 -£62 -7%

Yorkshire and the Humber has replaced the West Midlands as the most expensive region for energy, with the cheapest annual bill now standing at £902.

This is followed closely by the North West (£889), West Midlands (£884), Wales (£882) and the East (£878). The South West claims the title for the cheapest region for energy with bills falling two per cent, from £855 to £841.

Winners and losers in 2018

As well as significant yearly price fluctuations, some regions in the UK have seen noticeable price changes in the first three months of 2018. Prices for those in the South East dropped five per cent between Q4 (Oct-Dec) 2017 and Q1 (Jan-March) 2018, from £904.77 to £859.53, whereas those in the North East (two per cent), London (one per cent), Yorkshire (one per cent) and the East (one per cent) all rose.

On average, prices have risen one per cent (£8) in 2018.

Stephen Murray, energy expert at MoneySuperMarket, commented: “It’s always interesting to see how energy prices vary from region to region and year to year. The Big Six energy companies attribute the differences to how they buy energy, distribution costs and how many customers are based in each region. However, in addition we frequently see companies pushing prices up in one region to allow them to lower it in another and keep the “average” bill size the same. “Customers can’t control prices set by the energy suppliers, but they can make sure they’re on the best tariff their household needs. If you haven’t shopped around in a while, it’s likely you’re paying far more than you should be for energy. Switching energy suppliers is simple, it only takes five minutes and our research has shown that the average household can save £250 or more.”

The ocean currents that help warm the Atlantic coasts of Europe and North America have significantly slowed since the 1800s and are at their weakest in 1600 years, according to new research my colleagues and I have conducted.

by Peter T. Spooner, UCL

As we’ve set out in a new study in Nature, the weakening of this ocean circulation system may have begun naturally but is probably being continued by climate change related to greenhouse gas emissions.

This circulation is a key player in the Earth’s climate system and a large or abrupt slowdown could have global repercussions.

It could cause sea levels on the US east coast to rise, alter European weather patterns or rain patterns more globally, and hurt marine wildlife.

We know that at the end of the last major ice age, rapid fluctuations in the circulation led to extreme climate shifts on a global scale.

An exaggerated (but terrifying) example of such a sudden event was portrayed in the 2004 blockbuster film The Day After Tomorrow.

The recent weakening we have found was likely driven by warming in the north Atlantic and the addition of freshwater from increased rainfall and melting ice. It has been predicted many times but, until now, just how much weakening has already occurred has largely remained a mystery.

The extent of the changes we have discovered comes as a surprise to many, including myself, and points to significant changes in the future. The circulation system in question is known as the “Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation” (AMOC). The AMOC is like a giant conveyor belt of water. It transports warm, salty water to the north Atlantic where it gets very cold and sinks.

Once in the deep ocean the water flows back southwards and then all around the world’s oceans. This conveyor belt is one of the most important transporters of heat in the climate system and includes the Gulf Stream, known for keeping western Europe warm. Climate models have consistently predicted that the AMOC will slow down due to greenhouse gas warming and associated changes in the water cycle.

Because of these predictions – and the possibility of abrupt climate changes – scientists have monitored the AMOC since 2004 with instruments strung out across the Atlantic at key locations. But to really test the model predictions and work out how climate change is affecting the conveyor we have needed much longer records.

Looking for patterns

To create these records, our research group – led by University College London’s Dr David Thornalley – used the idea that a change in the AMOC has a unique pattern of impact on the ocean. When the AMOC gets weaker, the north-eastern Atlantic Ocean cools and parts of the western Atlantic get warmer by a specific amount.

We can look for this pattern in past records of ocean temperature to trace what the circulation was like in the past. Another study in the same issue of Nature, led by researchers at the University of Potsdam in Germany, used historical observations of temperature to check the fingerprint. They found that the AMOC had reduced in strength by around 15% since 1950, pointing to the role of human-made greenhouse gas emissions as the primary cause. In our paper, which also forms part of the EU ATLAS project, we found the same fingerprint.

But instead of using historical observations we used our expertise in past climate research to go back much further in time. We did this by combining known records of the remains of tiny marine creatures found in deep-sea mud. Temperature can be worked out by looking at the amounts of different species and the chemical compositions of their skeletons.

We were also able to directly measure the past deep ocean current speeds by looking at the mud itself. Larger grains of mud imply faster currents, while smaller grains mean the currents were weaker. Both techniques point to a weakening of the AMOC since about 1850, again by about 15% to 20%.

Importantly, the modern weakening is very different to anything seen over the last 1,600 years, pointing to a combination of natural and human drivers. The difference in timing of the start of the AMOC weakening in the two studies will require more scientific attention.

Despite this difference, both of the new studies raise important questions regarding whether climate models simulate the historical changes in ocean circulation, and whether we need to revisit some of our future projections. However, each additional long record makes it easier to evaluate how well the models simulate this key element of the climate system.

In fact, evaluating models against these long records may be a crucial step if we hope to accurately predict possible extreme AMOC events and their climate impacts.

Peter T. Spooner, Research Associate in Paleoceanography, UCL

This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article.

We have been spoilt with sunshine for the last few days and the sunglasses have been out in force.

It has been perfect sunbathing weather with many people spending the last few days in the park or even in their local beer gardens.

As a result, sunglasses have been essential attire but if you’re wearing them while driving you could be in trouble.

We all want to avoid the glare when driving and, according to the Highway Code, you must slow down or pull over if you’re dazzled by bright sunlight.

But, it is also illegal to wear some types of sunglasses while driving. There are two essential requirements for lenses to be used for driving – vision must remain clear, and sufficient light to let you see properly must get to your eyes.

However, some sunglasses that are sold for general can be too dark or unsuitable for driving.

Sun lenses for driving fall into two main categories - ‘fixed’ and ‘variable’ tint.

Most sunglasses will be category two - meaning they filter between 18 and 43 per cent of light and are suitable for driving. However, Class 4 sunglasses will filter between 3 and 8 percent of light and are to be used for exceptionally bright sunlight.

If you have these type of sunglasses, then it is illegal to use them while driving. According to the AA: “Filter category 4 lenses only transmit between 3% and 8% of light and are not suitable for driving at any time. Sunglasses with these lenses should, by law, be labelled ‘Not suitable for driving and road use’.”

These are the people most wanted by police forces in the UK in relation to alleged sexual offences.

They appear on the Crimestoppers Most Wanted page - a 160-strong list of men and women wanted in connection with crimes across Britain.

Crimestoppers is a registered charity helping law enforcement to solve crimes. Crimestoppers pay cash rewards of up to £1,000 for information and, since its formation in 1988, nearly 134,000 arrests have been made as a result of tip-offs to the charity.

Unlike some countries, the UK doesn’t rank its most wanted list - crimes are not ranked by their severity and there is no ‘most wanted individual’. But, according to Crimestoppers: “The nature of the crime or the investigation will influence whether an appeal is featured.”

The 13 people on the most wanted list for connection to crimes of a sexual nature:

Maciej Filip Szmurlo

Possession of Indecent Images of Children

Crime location:Great Sutton, Ellesmere Port

CS reference:CS1603-13772

Police force: Cheshire

https://crimestoppers-uk.org/most-wanted/most-wanted-detail/?AppealId=50766

Fatah Benlaredj

Wanted for the rape of a 7-year-old girl.

Nickname:Samir

CS reference:CS0909-3345

Police force: Other Law Enforcement

https://crimestoppers-uk.org/most-wanted/most-wanted-detail/?AppealId=40273

Ali Benaun

Sexual Assault

Crime location:Timperley, Court Widnes

CS reference:CS1604-13788

Police force:Cheshire

https://crimestoppers-uk.org/most-wanted/most-wanted-detail/?AppealId=50782

Shaun Fox

Cambridgeshire Constabulary would like to speak to Shaun Fox regarding an incident which took place in Peterborough on 2nd April 2018

Crime location:Church Street, Stanground, Peterborough

Suspect name:Shaun Peter Graham Fox

Number of people involved:1

CS reference:CS1804-17277

Police force:Cambridgeshire

https://crimestoppers-uk.org/most-wanted/most-wanted-detail/?AppealId=54272

Greg Ofulue

Rape

Crime location:Foregate Street, Chester

CS reference:CS1704-16064

Police force:Cheshire

https://crimestoppers-uk.org/most-wanted/most-wanted-detail/?AppealId=53059


Maiwand Abbasi

Police are appealing for information as to the whereabouts of Maiwand Abbasi, 22, from Archer Road in Stevenage, who failed to appear at Cambridge Crown Court on 28/11/2014 in connection with a sexual offence.

Crime location:Stanborough Road, Welwyn Garden City

Suspect name:Maiwand Abbasi

CS reference:CS1704-16056

Police force:Hertfordshire

https://crimestoppers-uk.org/most-wanted/most-wanted-detail/?AppealId=53051

Hannan Ahmed

The suspect is wanted in relation to inappropriate sexual activity with a minor.

Crime location: Moulton, Northwich

CS reference:CS1604-13802

Police force:Cheshire

https://crimestoppers-uk.org/most-wanted/most-wanted-detail/?AppealId=50796


Leandro Felipe Kontreras-Soto

The suspect is wanted in relation to the rape of a woman.

Crime location:Crewe

Suspect name:Leandro Felipe Kontreras-Soto

CS reference:CS1604-13801

Police force:Cheshire

https://crimestoppers-uk.org/most-wanted/most-wanted-detail/?AppealId=50795

Rezgar Zengana

Rezgar Zengana was convicted of raping a 25 year old female.

Crime location:Glasgow

Suspect name:Rezgar Zengana

Nickname: Zengana uses various aliases including Abdul Qadar, Rusheer Ahmed, Syed Waq and Ali Kermin

CS reference:CS1003-4049

Police force:Other Law Enforcement

https://crimestoppers-uk.org/most-wanted/most-wanted-detail/?AppealId=40985

Costas Sampson

Crime type:Sexual crime

Wanted for rape and other offences.

Nickname:Kostas Sampson

CS reference:CS1208-8461

Police force:Other Law Enforcement

https://crimestoppers-uk.org/most-wanted/most-wanted-detail/?AppealId=45431

Filomeno Francisco

The suspect is wanted in relation to a sexual assault involving someone who was unable to give consent.

Crime location:Walthall Street, Crewe

Suspect name:Filomeno Francisco

CS reference:CS1604-13786

Police force:Cheshire

https://crimestoppers-uk.org/most-wanted/most-wanted-detail/?AppealId=50780

Tarsem Najjar Singh

Crime type:Sexual crime

Police in the Devon and Cornwall area are seeking 56-year-old man Tarsem Najjar Singh who is wanted for failing to comply with sex offender registration requirements and immigration offences.

He has failed to register a new address and has absconded from immigration services. A location of this male is sought to enable police and immigration services to take appropriate action for the offences he is wanted for, but also to ensure he is risk managed appropriately.

Crime location: Plymouth

Date: 12/02/2016

Suspect name: Tarsem Najjar Singh

Nickname: Tarsem Singh

CS reference: CS1607-14246

Police force: Devon and Cornwall

https://crimestoppers-uk.org/most-wanted/most-wanted-detail/?AppealId=51240

Paul Dunn

Suspect is wanted for the possession of indecent imagery of minors.

Crime location: Barnton, Northwich

Suspect name: Paul Dunn

CS reference: CS1604-13800

Police force: Cheshire

https://crimestoppers-uk.org/most-wanted/most-wanted-detail/?AppealId=50794


Police forces across the UK are responsible for the appeals that appear on the Crimestoppers Most Wanted page, uploading and removing entries and ensuring accuracy of any information provided.

Forces have strict controls to ensure that information provided is accurate. However, if you feel that an appeal is incorrect, contact Crimestoppers to let them know and they will pass this information to the relevant police force.

The RSPCA investigated 1,820 complaints about animal cruelty in Northamptonshire last year with five new animal welfare concerns being looked into by inspectors every day.

Cases investigated by the RSPCA in Northamptonshire last year included a dog who starved to death after he was left locked in a bathroom for more than a month and an abandoned emaciated lurcher who was so starving she ate her own faeces.

The most calls received related to dogs (1,006), followed by cats (411) and then equines (289).

Jim Lucas, the RSPCA’s chief inspector for the county, said: “Animal cruelty horrifies much of today’s society and this figure tells us that there are suffering animals in the county who need our help every day.

“We are very grateful to everyone who takes the time to raise concerns. A call from a member of the public not only helps to give a voice to animals in desperate need but it helps our officers investigate and help bring animal abusers to justice.

“It is shocking that people can be capable of such deliberate brutality towards animals, but equally it drives us on to ensure that perpetrators of animal cruelty are put before the courts.

“Either way, our officers are under increased pressure having to respond to more calls and investigate more complaints, but it is thanks to their dedication, as well as RSPCA staff and volunteers that we are able to transform the lives of thousands of animals in Northamptonshire each year.”

The figures were released as part of the charity’s annual Cruelty Statistics and show that nationally 141,760 complaints about animal welfare were investigated in 2017.

This year, the animal welfare charity is focusing on the plight of horses as animal rescuers and welfare charities struggle to cope with an ongoing equine crisis.

The statistics reveal that nationally, nearly 1,000 horses were rescued by the charity from cruelty, suffering and neglect in 2017, and a staggering 928 horses are still in the charity's care.

The national horse crisis, which charities first highlighted in 2012, has since seen RSPCA officers routinely called out to abandoned horses every day up and down the country, with many of them extremely sick, dead or dying on arrival.

In Northamptonshire in 2017, the RSPCA received 289 complaints about 173 horses.

Chief Inspector Lucas said: “Many of the calls we receive about equines are concerns about them being underweight, due to poor grazing or a lack of supplementary food, and also concerns about overgrown hooves.”

The RSPCA’s inspectorate national equine co-ordinator Christine McNeil said: “Up and down England and Wales, horses are being found sick, dying or sometimes dead. It is frequently the case that they have been abandoned and left to die. This is upsettingly very common and it’s a massive issue - a very sad one at that.

“We are constantly receiving calls to our cruelty line - on average 80 per day about horses alone across England and Wales - as well as messages every day on social media from very concerned and upset people asking for our help.”

A Northamptonshire couple, who had just tied the knot, were forced to walk home after their wedding car driver was found speeding, with no insurance.

PC Dave Lee of the Safer Roads Team stopped a BMW travelling at 46mph in a 30mph zone on Saturday (April 21), which was transporting a couple home after they had just got hitched.

He Tweeted: 'Just stopped a BMW doing 46 in a 30. Driver was transporting a happily married couple home after their wedding. Sadly he didn’t have insurance either so they ended up walking the rest of the way home'.

After being questioned on Twitter about why Northants Police did not step in and go the extra mile to take the couple to their destination, he responded: 'There is no discretion when someone is driving with no insurance.

'How could we justify letting an uninsured vehicle carry on? Northants police haven’t ruined their day. Their choice of driver did by not having insurance. As well as putting their lives & others at risk by speeding'.

But the couple were still in 'high spirits' and asked to have a selfie with PC Lee before walking two minutes home after the incident.

PCSO Carl Barton said in an alert that the supermarket on Phipps Road had been targeted by criminals at around 3am.

A spokesman for The Midcounties Co-operative said: “An incident took place at the Woodford Halse store in the early hours of Tuesday, April 24.

"We are helping the police with their investigations.”

Witnesses and anyone with information are asked to call 101 quoting reference 18000184146.

More to follow.

In a letter to parents, Ashby Fields Primary School announced the start of a public consultation into the idea, the results of which will be published in May.

Kelly Holmes, whose daughter attends Ashby Fields, said the suggestion did not take into consideration parents in work and argued that spaces at the school's on-site childcare centre - Orchards Wrap Around Care - were limited and cost money.

"What do they intend to do to accommodate working parents?" said Ms Holmes, who would have to take Friday afternoons off if the proposal is installed.

"They're offering Orchards Wrap Around Care but there's very limited space for that and you have to pay for it.

"They're making working parents pay for extra childcare and we will have to fight it out for places."

Ashby Fields is proposing to cut two hours from its current 27.5 hours a week timetable. The Department of Education recommends key stage one children receive 21 hours of lessons a week, and 23.5 hours for key stage two.

"Fourteen days our children are going to lose," said Ms Holmes.

"What are they going to do in terms of lesson plans? Will the children lose out on education?"

The school explained in the letter that recruiting and retaining high-quality teachers is a national problem that has "a direct, major impact on not only our children's education, but their well-being and confidence".

This is being caused by "the huge workload that ensures teachers work an average of 60 hours a week during term time and through their holidays to keep up", according to Ashby Fields.

"Many teachers, despite their love of frontline teaching, cannot manage this workload and maintain a healthy work-life balance, and subsequently resign," reads the letter.

To help redress this balance and offer teachers more time to develop a curriculum without burning out, Ashby Fields has suggested it closes to children at 1.15pm on a Friday afternoon during term time.

But Ms Holmes doesn't accept the school's reasoning behind the proposal.

"They [teachers] have the school holidays and bank holidays. They get more days off than working parents," she said.

A joint statement by the school's chair of governors, Paul Davies, and headteacher Jacqui Johnson states: "As part of the on-going commitment to continuous school improvement, the senior leadership team and governors of Ashby Fields Primary School have been discussing possible ways to enhance the quality of teaching and learning at the school to ensure we meet with needs of our pupils and invest in our staff.

"One possibility is to review the structure of the school week in relation to an earlier closure time on Friday and as a result access additional staff development time to enhance the quality of teaching and learning.

"As a result, the governors agreed to undertake an informal consultation to gather the opinions of parents before considering any next steps.

"The meeting on Wednesday, April 25 is to enable parents to voice their opinions and provide advice as well as emailing comments to the school.

"Governors are meeting on Thursday to review the feedback from parents and to consider if this option should be further developed as part of a formal proposal for the future.

"Should this proposal be seen as a favourable option then the Local Governing Board will take it to the InMat Trust Board for consideration."

Former member of the Bugbrooke-based Christian organisation Alan Carter has been handed a three-year sentence for crimes dating back to the early 1990s.

The 57-year-old, who was living in Swansea at the time of his arrest, faced seven charges of indecent assault against a male and a further charge of buggery when he appeared at Northampton Crown Court last Wednesday.

Carter was a member of the Jesus Army at the time of the offences.

The conviction was part of Operation Lifeboat, launched in 2015 to look into historic sex offences at the organisation, founded in the late-1960s by firebrand preacher Noel Stanton.

Detective Chief Inspector Ally White from Northamptonshire Police, said: “I welcome Carter’s conviction and I hope it demonstrates that Northamptonshire Police takes all allegations of abuse seriously, whether recent or historic and that there can be a successful prosecution brought against non-recent offences of this nature.

“The people who have come forward to report historic abuse to us have shown tremendous courage in doing so and we would not have been able to secure convictions like this one if it wasn’t for the information they provided us with - information that has often involved bringing up painful memories.

“The emotional and psychological damage abuse can do to a person can be extensive and often has an impact on them for the whole of their lives.

"I want to remind people that our door is always open – Northamptonshire Police will always investigate allegations of abuse and I encourage people to take the step and report it to us. We can also refer victims of abuse to Voice – a confidential support service.

“If you would like to make a report to us, please call us on 101 or alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.”

Carter's conviction was the third as part of Operation Lifeboat.

Last year, Nigel Perkins, 56, from Cornwall, pleaded guilty to three counts of indecent assault and two counts of gross indecency with a child under the age of 14.

He also received a three-year sentence and was made to sign the sex offender register for life.

Andrew Crane, 53, suffered a cardiac arrest while in HMP Rye Hill on November 16, 2016, and although assistant coroner Philip Barlow accepts little could have been done to successfully resuscitate him, Mr Barlow highlighted five failures prior to the prisoner's death.

Representatives of the family, East Midlands Ambulance Service and Rye Hill operator G4S were all present at the inquest, held in Northampton.

Returning his conclusions Mr Barlow said: “I don’t think anybody disputes he suffered a cardiac arrest from which he could not be resuscitated.

“I accept the medical cause of death.”

He added: "There were failings in the care given to him in prison and by EMAS. This has been a two-day inquest almost entirely concerning those failings and how they have been addressed.

“I think that not to record those failings would make the record incomplete and would be unfair for the family.”

The first failing highlighted by Mr Barlow was there was no monitoring of Crane's blood pressure following a previous high rating.

Secondly, his diabetic status following a high blood sugar rating was also not monitored, and thirdly he was not placed on an appropriate diabetic pathway after his diagnosis in August 2016.

Mr Barlow found a failing in the lack of updates provided to the ambulance by the prison. The assistant coroner said the prison should have informed the emergency services that Crane was not breathing and was being given CPR while the ambulance was on its way to HMP Rye Hill.

Lastly, Mr Barlow identified there was a delay in dispatching the ambulance, which had to undergo a security check, be cleaned and refuelled before it set off for the prison.

Giving evidence on the first day were two prison officers present when Crane began feeling unwell, and the prison’s nurse who arrived at the scene shortly after.

At 5:44am on November 16, 2016 Crane, from Nottingham, pressed the buzzer in his cell to call for a prison officer, to whom he complained he had chest pains.

A code blue was signalled 13 minutes later at 5:47am when, after the cell buzzer was sounded a second time (in this instance by Crane’s cellmate), Crane had dropped to his knees and was struggling to breathe.

When the prison officer arrived at the cell door he sounded the code blue alarm after assessing Crane’s breathing difficulties.

CPR was administered and a defibrillator was brought to the cell.

The ambulance was called shortly after 5.47am, was en-route by 6.37am, and arrived at the front gates of HMP Rye Hill at 6.40am.

It then took eight minutes for the paramedics get to Crane's cell due to the prison's security (locking and unlocking doors).

Of concern to Mr Barlow was the delay between the prison's call for an ambulance and the time it took for the vehicle to set off.

The failings did not cause or contribute to Crane’s death said Mr Barlow and resuscitation was started promptly, the defibrillator was quickly available and the nurse was experienced in using it.

Evidence given by Dr Winter of EMAS and Dr Goddard, a heart specialist, made that clear to Mr Barlow that Crane was unlikely to be resuscitated due to him having a long-term smoking habit which significantly contributed to his atherosclerosis (a disease in which plaque builds up inside the arteries).

The doctors also pointed out that people who suffer heart attacks outside of hospitals are highly unlikely to survive as their condition rapidly deteriorates.

"Andrew Crane was 53 years-old and a serving prisoner at HMP Rye Hill," concluded Mr Barlow.

"At about 6am he suffered a cardiac arrest in his cell and despite prompt and prolonged attempts to resuscitate him, including the use of a defibrillator, he died shortly after 7am.

"He died of natural causes."

The County Council say they will have to make taxpayers money stretch further this year to repair Northamptonshire's roads after one of the most severe winters on record.

After three major snow events and more than 100 gritting runs, the county council says they have begun the spring phase of its highways repair programme.

It includes road patching to fill in heavily potholed areas before "micro asphalt and surface dressing" as preventative maintenance for next year.

The council says it would cost the cash-strapped local authority an investment of £100million to bring the network up to standard.

Councillor Ian Morris, county council cabinet member for transport, highways and environment, said:“We recognise that our roads are not acceptable but we don’t have the funds locally to make a significant impact on this.

“A combination of winter weather and increased heavy usage causes damage to roads and footways not just here but throughout Britain.

“With less and less money available to us for repairs we need to make a little go a long way and use innovation to make the public pound stretch further.

“However we are very hopeful that our significant efforts to use innovation to find efficiencies will be recognised.”

It comes after the council accepted the "dangerous roads" notice from by campaigner Mark Morrell, AKA Mr Pothole.

He served the authority two section 56 notices citing the council had failed to maintain two roads: Halse Road in Greatworth and the Welsh Lane route (B4525) from Crowfield to the A43 roundabout.

Police dealt with 33 cases of child grooming in Northamptonshire in the past year.

Home Office figures released today show that the force recorded 33 grooming crimes between April 2017 and December 2017.

This is up from just five similar crimes in the previous year - although the figures include the new offence of Sexual Communication with a Child brought into force in April 2017, as well as offences for Meeting a Child After Grooming.

From 1 April, 2013, to 31 December, 2017, Northamptonshire Police recorded a total of 77 offences. Across England and Wales there were 6,341 offences over the past five years.

The NSPCC’s #WildWestWeb campaign is calling on Culture Secretary Matt Hancock to bring in a mandatory safety code to regulate social networks to keep children safe online and help prevent grooming.

Mr Hancock is in the process of drawing up an Internet Safety Strategy, but it is expected to bring in a social media safety code which is voluntary in nature and the Strategy will include no plans to prevent grooming.

Last week the charity revealed that Facebook and Facebook-owned apps, Instagram and Whatsapp, were used in 52 per cent of online grooming cases where police disclosed which methods were used by suspects. The youngest child to be targeted in the first nine months of the new offence of Sexual Communication with a Child was just two years old.

Tony Stower, NSPCC Head of Child Safety Online, said: “These thousands of crimes show the sheer scale of grooming, where predators have either messaged their victim or gone on to meet them in person.

“At present our Government is only prepared to tackle grooming after the harm has been done, and its forthcoming Internet Safety Strategy has no plans to prevent grooming from happening in the first place.

“Culture Secretary Matt Hancock could change this and bring an end to the Wild West Web. I urge him to bring in regulation for social networks, backed by an independent regulator with teeth.”

Under the scheme, all freehold owners and lease-holders with a street-facing ground floor shop frontage will be able to apply for up to £20,000 to make a range of improvements.

The fund, which will aim to give out £70,000 in its first year, has been launched by Daventry District Council in a bid to maintain and improve the character of the town centre, boosting its economy and helping its businesses thrive.

Claire Cowland, strategic economic development officer at Daventry District Council, said: “Shopfronts are such an important factor in the overall appearance and character of a town centre. They can add charm and make shopping areas feel more welcoming, encouraging more visitors and shoppers to the area.

“By working with businesses to raise the image of Daventry town centre, we can make it a more attractive destination for residents and visitors alike, protecting its heritage while boosting its economic growth."

The money can be used to install new shopfronts, make repairs to improve appearance, re-instate original architectural features, improve window displays or to bolster security.

Businesses must match the grant offered, and any work carried out will be subject to the relevant permissions being secured.

Applications are being sought between now and 31 October 2018, with applicants informed if they have been successful in their bid by mid-November.

For more information about the scheme, including full terms and conditions and details of how to apply, visit www.daventrydc.gov.uk/shopfrontgrants, email business@daventrydc.gov.uk or phone 01327 871100.

A weather warning has been issued for heavy rain on Sunday night and all day Monday.

The Met Office says that heavy rain is likely to affect much of eastern, southeastern and central England on Sunday night and Monday, along with strong winds.

Motorists should take care as spray and flooding could lead to difficult driving conditions and some road closures.

Where flooding occurs, there is a slight chance of delays or cancellations to train and bus services.

There is a small chance that homes and businesses could be flooded, causing damage to some buildings.

Up until fairly recently the only way for Northampton suburb dwellers to get a decent meal out at night was to drive into the centre or Wellingborough Road, or to head to one of the gastro-pubs dotted around the county.

But St Crispin’s - yes St Crispin’s - the nice residential bit on the edge of Duston is now host to a reasonably new concept.

A town centre-style restaurant, bang in the middle of a housing area, serving steaks, grill platters and a host of succulent sides.

Hops and Chops, situated opposite a pharmacy near Kent Road is the brainchild of brothers Matt and James Ingram.

The sister venue to the Smoke Pit in the Ridings features a well-stocked gin bar, a selection of craft beers, an in-house cheese counter and a regularly changing menu.

And clearly the format is working well.

On a Tuesday night, when we visit, Hops and Chops is full. And it’s easy to see why.

The decor, though slightly resembling the interior of a show home - is clean and simple, with various cured meats on display in a glass case.

Service is attentive and friendly - plus the waitress that served our group had a good grasp of the beers on offer and could make recommendations from the specials board.

Between us we tackle the half-roast smoked chicken, the ox cheeks, hangar steak and seafood linguini - the latter of which proved the surprise hit of the bunch.

Though braised meat fans will be pleased to know the ox cheeks were a close second and fell apart in satisfying style.

I took on a dish from the specials menu - lamb cooked three ways. As a tagine, as grilled cutlets and as a “zhoug” - the latter of which is a sort of meat mousse not too dissimilar to a pate.

All excellent stuff in the taste department - and presented nicely too.

Okay, so it’s a tad on the salty side - it’s a tad on the pricey side and parking is tight, but don’t let that put you off.

By the time you get to the puddings you’ll have forgotten about the savoury onslaught that preceded them.

Sure the vanilla cheesecake, peanut butter, caramel sauce and chocolate ice cream pud was great.

But the skillet baked salted caramel cookie would have prompted Gregg Wallace and his famed sweet tooth to run upstairs and kiss the chef.

With five spoons, it lasted less than two minutes.

Hops and Chops could start a wave of new truly residential restaurants in Northampton.

And on this basis, that is no bad thing.

Secret diner score: 9

Daventry District Council is reminding voters what they need to know to have their say in the upcoming local elections.

On Thursday, May 3 residents in Daventry District will go to the polls to have their say on who represents them at a local level.

Elections are taking place for a third of the 36 seats on Daventry District Council, as well as for a number of Parish Councils across the District. There is also a by-election for Walgrave Ward on the District Council, following the resignation of Cllr Ann Carter, and a Neighbourhood Planning Referendum in Woodford Cum Membris.

Polling stations will be open from 7am to 10pm and residents should have received a card with details of their local polling station. They can check their polling station online by inputting their postcode at http://mapping.daventrydc.gov.uk

When voting at a polling station, it is helpful for people to take their polling card with them, but if they don’t have it they can still vote. The only exception to this rule is anonymous electors, who must present their poll cards in order to vote.

Polling station staff will give people ballot papers for the Daventry District Council elections as well as any parish or town council elections that are taking place in their area. Voters in Woodford will also receive a ballot paper for the Neighbourhood Planning Referendum.

Staff will not be able to give people ballot papers if they arrive at the polling station after 10pm.

Postal votes must be received by the Returning Officer by 10pm on Thursday, May 3. Anyone who has left it too late to post can drop it off at their polling station or at Daventry District Council, Lodge Road, Daventry, NN11 4FP.

Further information, including a Notice of Poll containing the locations of polling stations, can be viewed online at www.daventrydc.gov.uk/elections

Counting of the votes will take place overnight and the result will be published at www.daventrydc.gov.uk/elections and via Daventry District Council’s Twitter and Facebook accounts once declared.