The cost to the Northamptonshire taxpayer of hosting part of the Women’s Tour has been revealed.

Northamptonshire County County, East Northants Council and Daventry District Council each paid £40,000 towards the event which saw the world’s best female cyclists race through the country from Rushden to Daventry.

NCC, which is in financial dire straits and is having to shave millions off its services including winter gritting costs and grants to advice services, said it will not be funding the event next year and will instead ‘rotate our financial support via other community events in 2019 and beyond’.

A spokesman for the authority said: “The county council, alongside Daventry District Council, East Northamptonshire District Council and Rushden Town Council sponsored the Women’s Tour in the county this year.

“This was the fifth time the elite sporting event has been hosted in Northamptonshire.

“The county council’s contribution of £40,000 came from the Public Health Grant.

“It came from this ring-fenced grant as the event – and events like it – are recognised as key ways to encourage more people to take up physical exercise and a more healthier lifestyle.

“Independent evaluation of this year’s event shows that of the 68,000 people who watched the event almost 60 per cent said it had inspired them to cycle more often.

“In addition to this the event generated £1.8m for the local economy with spectators, cyclists and media personnel spending on accommodation, food, drink and merchandise, while the event also helped promote the county to potential tourists with 279,000 watching the race on ITV4.”

An additional £24,000 was also paid in VAT but the authority says it can reclaim this cost.

Northamptonshire county councillor Chris Stanbra said: “This seems like quite a lot of money to me and I would ask what value the county council is getting out of it.

“We hear of the tourism benefits in terms of the number of people staying in hotels but what is the net benefit?

“The cyclists are here and then they are gone.”

It has been announced by organisers today (Sept 21) that an extra day will be added to the tour next year to make it a six-day event.

The 2018 race was won by Coryn Rivera from Team Sunweb and featured stages in Suffolk, Northamptonshire, Warwickshire and Worcestershire before finishing on the north Wales coast in Colwyn Bay.

Sarah Ward, Local Democracy Reporting Service

During Sunday there is the potential for a spell of strong winds and persistent heavy rain to affect the East Midlands.

Although the exact timing and intensity of these weather systems remains uncertain, there is potential for strong winds to develop across the west early on Sunday, strengthening further as the weather system tracks eastwards.

Winds should then ease from the west later on Sunday.

This yellow weather warning of wind is currently in place from 9am to 11.59 on Sunday (September 23) for London & South East England and South West England, alongside East Midlands, East of England, Wales, West Midlands and Yorkshire & Humber.

What to expect from the yellow weather warning of wind:

-There is a small chance of injuries and danger to life from flying debris

-There is a slight chance of some damage to buildings, such as tiles blown from roofs or through falling trees and branches

-There is a small chance of longer journey times or cancellations as road, rail, air and ferry services are affected

-There is a slight chance that power cuts may occur, with the potential to affect other services, such as mobile phone coverage

Detectives investigating a series of sexual offences in Northamptonshire and the West Midlands dating back to 1997 have charged a 46-year-old man.

Simon Wiggins, of Brierley Hill, Dudley, has been charged with rape, sexual assault, kidnap and assault and will next appear before Northampton Crown Court on Friday, October 12.

The 13 offences, against three separate victims, were said to have been committed in Northamptonshire and the Dudley/Stourbridge area of the West Midlands, between 1997 and 2018.

The investigation is being conducted by Northamptonshire Police and officers are continuing to appeal for information.

Anyone who believes they may have any information relevant to the inquiry is asked to contact Northamptonshire Police on 101, quoting Operation Pelican. Alternatively, they can call independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

A Conservative county councillor has been sanctioned for two tweets criticising the Tory leadership - including one where he said a cabinet member was ‘as much use as a condom with a hole in it’.

Councillor Jason Smithers also criticised then leader Councillor Heather Smith, who subsequently made an official complaint about the tweet, saying she found it ‘bullying and offensive’.

Councillor Smithers posted the offending tweets on February 27, shortly after he was elected to office.

Former finance cabinet member Councillor Robin Brown also complained after Councillor Smithers posted on his account: “This sucks Cllr Robin Brown you have been asleep at the controls. Your about as much use as a condom with a hole in it. #failedleadership”

On the same afternoon he sent a tweet addressed to the leader, writing: “@LeaderNCC cllr Smith why don’t you just throw in the towel just go before you cause anymore damage to the reputation of the council. You and some members of your cabinet have failed. I hope that the SFO is brought in to investigate your conduct. #failedleadership”

The former leader contested that the use of the acronym ‘SFO’ referred to the Serious Fraud Office, saying she understood this to be a suggestion she should be investigated for fraud.

Councillor Smithers though, who is also a town councillor and Mayor of Higham Ferrers, retorted that he was thinking of a ‘Senior Finance Officer’, who would be looking into the decisions that were being made.

He said: “At no time did I think I was referring to the serious fraud office, and I was not implying that either of the councillors had committed any fraud.”

He subsequently sent an emailed apology to Cllr Smith after discussing the tweets with democratic services.

Councillor Smithers appeared before the county council’s standards committee this afternoon at One Angel Square, where he told the committee had not received the code of conduct at the time, and admitted ‘with hindsight the wording could have been better’.

But committee chairman Councillor John McGhee, summing up, felt that the code of conduct had been breached, and that ‘on the balance of probability’ Councillor Smithers had intended to refer to the Serious Fraud Office.

The panel will publish the findings of the report to the council and Councillor Smithers, as well as all other councillors, will have to undergo training on the code of conduct.

Speaking following the verdict, Councillor Smithers said: “I have to respect the findings of the committee and acknowledge what they say.

“I don’t think the tweets were offensive, when in the political limelight you need to be tough skinned.

“To find that I’ve brought the council into disrepute, I just find it rather rich when their financial decisions left us where we are.”

Rail Central is a proposed Strategic Rail Freight Interchange (SRFI) where the West Coast Main Line and Northampton Loop Line intersect, adjacent to the A43 and within two miles of Junction 15A of the M1.

If both or either of the Rail Central and Northampton Gateway projects are given the go-ahead by the planning inspectorate much of the Northamptonshire countryside between Milton Malsor, Blisworth, Collingtree and Roade would be occupied by rail depots and warehouses.

Andrew Fisher managing director at Ashfield Land said: “Rail Central occupies the best strategic location in the UK for this type of development – where two railway lines and two major roads come together right in the heart of England.

"To meet the Government’s policy for shifting more freight from road to rail – and to meet customer demands for fast, reliable and sustainable logistics – Rail Central can be a major factor.

"We are pleased to have submitted the proposals and look forward to the next stage in this important planning process.”

The earmarked land falls under the jurisdiction of Northampton Borough Council, South Northamptonshire Council and the county council but the authorities do not have a say on the planning process because the Strategic Rail Freight Interchanges are judged to be in the national interest.

It means the final decision will be made by the Government's Planning Inspectorate (PINs).

Around two years ago residents who seem likely to lose their homes should the Rail Central project go ahead were offered compensation as a property bond. The bonds did not equal the full value of the house, according to locals, but it meant the homeowners would not lose the entire value of the home.

The proposals are for a next-generation Strategic Rail Freight Interchange capable of handling both traditional container freight and the emerging demand for ‘fast freight’ linked to the growth of e-commerce and customer expectations for rapid and next-day delivery.

The proposals include a traditional container handling ‘inter modal’ terminal connecting into the Northampton Loop Line and an ‘express terminal’ connecting directly into the West Coast Main Line.

In addition to the key rail infrastructure, the plans include up to 7.4 million sq ft of rail-connected and rail-served logistics and commercial buildings plus a new ‘grade separated’ roundabout junction with the A43 and key improvements to J15A of the M1.

The project is defined as a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP) – the proposals have therefore been submitted to PINs in line with the statutory planning process.

Submission of the application follows approximately three years of consultation and development of the proposals in line with technical studies and assessments, plus feedback from a wide range of stakeholders.

PINS will now review the proposals and make a decision on whether they will be accepted for examination.

If approved, the earliest potential start of construction would be in late 2019.

The scheme would be built out in phases in line with market demand, with the key rail infrastructure going in early within the overall build out plans.

Alex Verbeek managing director UK at Gazeley said: “Submitting the application marks nearly three years of scheme design and development, shaped by consultation and through detailed engagement with a wide range of stakeholders.

"Rail Central offers a best in class SRFI scheme, substantial private sector inward investment, approximately 8,000 jobs and a significant boost to UK business and supply chains.

"As the UK looks to be competitive in international markets, Rail Central can play a major part in providing business-supporting infrastructure.”

Historic racers and hot rods met classic planes and vintage music over the weekend.

Pistons and Props at Sywell Aerodrome celebrated classic motoring on the ground and in the air.

Attractions included iconic Formula 1 cars, hot rods, dragsters and motorcycles, aerial displays and acrobatics from a variety of display teams and live music throughout the weekend.

Pictures from Glyn Dobbs.

Hundreds of spectators turned out to watch racers barrel through the village on Sunday (September 23) for its first soapbox derby.

The sloping road running from West Street to the Square was fitted with hay bales and a ramp to create a 300m course with jumps and turns to test entrants' four-wheeled creations.

One entrant was 'The Orca' from the Earls Barton Scouts, which was inspired by Jaws and featured an inflatable shark hanging off the back.

Driver Jack Lovering said: "I've never done anything like this before. The jump was definitely the most nerve-wracking bit. But I'm going to brake less on my second run. I need to get faster."

Each team from the junior and senior races got two chances to run the route. The fastest carts took home medals and trophies.

Meanwhile, months of hard work were on show as carts shaped like coffins, wedges of cheese and JCBs vied for the "most creative" award.

Organiser Michelle Reeves said: "It's been an amazing turnout. We've had such a brilliant response from the village and it's so good to see so many here.

"Everyone is having an amazing time. We're definitely going to make another go at it next year. I hope this is going to be just the first of many."

Driver Lee Waples in Shake Rattle and Roll took first place in the adults race while Jack Henson in the Phantom Menace came first out of the juniors. The Most Creative award went to Gareth Moore and his team in Cool Runnings.

A super-slimmer who transformed her life by losing more than two stone is using her success to shape a whole new career.

Debby Clayton joined her local Slimming World group in Daventry back in November 2017.

She was feeling lethargic, was extremely inactive, eating unhealthy and suffering from high blood pressure.

The final turning point was when her son announced that his partner was having a baby and Debby was to be a granny for the first time.

She has now trained as a consultant for Slimming World, the UK’s largest group-based weight loss organisation, at their national training academy in Derbyshire.

Debby said: “When I first joined Slimming World as a member, I never dreamed that I would end up helping other people to lose weight but now I just can’t wait to get started.

“I thought I was destined to struggle with my weight for the rest of my life, but when I came to Slimming World it was different.

“I never felt like I was on a diet.”

Debby’s Slimming World group will be held at Long Buckby Community Centre every Tuesday at 5.15pm and 7.15pm from October 2. For more information or to join Debby’s group either pop along or telephone her on 07780 692784.

A home in The Stour was believed to have been set on fire delierateltly between 3am and 3.17am on the morning of Saturday, September 22.

Northamptonshire Police has released no other details of the suspected attack and is appealing for witnesses to come for

If you have any information that could help the investigation, call the force on 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

The criminal damage took place sometime between September 19 and 21 to a car parked near The Stour, off Tyne Road.

An appeal has been launched for any witnesses or anyone who saw anything suspicious to contact Northamptonshire Police on 101 and quote incident number 18000453458.

Both the education and the emotional health of autistic Northamptonshire children is suffering due to delays in assesment.

That is the conclusion of a report by the county's health watchdog, Healthwatch Northamptonshire which spoke in depth to 12 families who have a child with autism or ADHD.

It found that the route to any help from the NHS and Northamptonshire County Council is so maze-like parents are sometimes unsure if they are even on the official pathway.

The author of the report said: "We found that the process of seeking a diagnosis of, and help for, ASD [autistic spectrum disorder] and ADHD often takes so long and is so fragmented that children and their families are struggling.

"There is often little or no support for the families to address the behavioural problems that lead them to seek professional help or diagnosis."

Healthwatch Northamptonshire added that the repercussions of the lack of support could be serious and long-lasting for the child.

"Delays in assessment can have a significant impact on a child's wellbeing and educational outcomes."

Other serious findings of the study were that some professionals involved in the assessment process were seemingly not suited to the role.

The report said: "Some relevant professionals have limited understanding of ASD / ADHD and lack empathy for the child and their parents."

One parent of a 14-year-old child told Healthwatch Northamptonshire officers: “People seem to think that ASD is something they will ‘get over’, or get rid of it, like a bag on the back.

"They don’t view it as something that some people need to learn how to carry."

NHS Northamptonshire Healthcare responded by saying that all its team undertake a wide range of third sector training with regard to autism and ADHD awareness.

Health visitors and school nurses, and also teachers, SENCOs and other education staff take part.

Sharon Robson, head of specialist children's services said: "Any training that we provide is always fully booked and attended well."

Bob Fletcher, commissioning manager for autism at Northamptonshire County Council said he was pleased with the feedback regarding positive support from Portage, Sleep Solutions and Education Professionals.

However, he acknowledged the "difficulties and frustrations" the families interviewed expressed regarding aspects of diagnoses and service provision.

He said: "We acknowledge the recommendations and would like to place on record our thanks to the parents for taking part and sharing their experiences.

"The draft all age Autism Strategy, currently out for consultation, does highlight similar issues to those your project has identified and will be seeking, with the support of parents and young people, to focus on solutions."

Four of Northamptonshire’s council leaders last week met the Government minister who will decide Northamptonshire’s fate.

Leader of Northamptonshire County Council (NCC) Matt Golby, Wellingborough Council leader Martin Griffiths, leader of Northampton Borough Council Jonathan Nunn and Daventry District Council leader Chris Millar met Secretary of state for local government James Brokenshire on Thursday (Sept 20) to talk through the proposed move to scrap the county’s eight councils and replace them with two super councils.

The finances of NCC were also discussed.

There has been no public word from the minister since seven Northants councils submitted a joint bid in favour of a north unitary and a west unitary.

However, since the unitary solution was suggested by central government in the wake of NCC’s financial collapse, it is likely it will be approved.

A spokesman for the ministry for housing, communities and local government said: “The Secretary of State was pleased to meet representatives from Northamptonshire County Council to hear how they are working with the commissioners to find a sustainable way forward.

“He receives regular reports from the commissioners on progress and is also considering a proposal for the creation of two unitary councils.”

Northamptonshire County Council is currently being directed by two commissioners, Tony McArdle and Brian Roberts, who have the task of making sure the council gets its finances into order.

It has £60m to save before April with the savings plan due to be made public next month (October).

Leader of Corby Council Tom Beattie, whose Labour-controlled authority voted against the unitary bid, was not at the Westminster gathering buthe will now join the weekly unitary talks with seven other council leaders.

He said: “I wasn’t aware the meeting was taking place and I wasn’t invited to attend.

“But I look forward to getting around the table next week with the other councils to discuss ongoing arrangements.

“Given the tight timetable we can’t afford to waste any more time. Corby’s voice will be heard.”

The current timetable is for the secretary of state to make his decision before the end of the year and then two shadow unitaries to come into being in April 2019.

This would mean planned borough, town council and parish council elections would be suspended.

Elections to the two new unitaries are expected in May 2020.

Sarah Ward, Local Democracy Reporting Service

The serious assault took place on the footpath between Braunston Road and Royal Oak Way North in the Royal Oak Industrial Estate this morning at about 7.45am.

A man was approached by two other men in a subway there and stabbed, leaving him with a 2cm-deep wound to his left hip.

He was taken to hospital and it was found he had not sustained life threatening injuries.

A police spokeswoman said an "unknown implement" was used in the morning attack, which was carried out by two white men. No further description of the attackers exists, while their motive remains unclear.

After carrying out the assault they "walked off quickly" under the subway towards the Headlands.

A 999 call was received by police at 7.55am.

If anyone saw anything unusual in the area at that time they should contact Northamptonshire Police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

The following people were sentenced at Northampton Magistrates’ Court:

JULY 5:

Richard Eddy, aged 31, of Swain Court, Northampton, assault; community order made to carry out 200 hours of unpaid, surcharge £85, costs £85. Another assault; communty order made to carry out 200 hours of unpaid work.

Matthew Phillips, aged 32, of St George’s Street, Northampton, drunk and disorderly; conditional discharge for 12 months, surcharge £20 and costs £85.

Jordon Ross-Smith, aged 26, of Conway Close, Northampton, behaved in an indecent manner; community order made, surcahrge £85 and costs £85. Used threatening or abusive words or behaviour towards a police officer; community order made.

Grant Filer-Hobbs, aged 32, of no fixed abode, stole various items worth £100 from Asda; jailed for two weeks suspended for 12 months, ordered to carry out 120 hours of unpaid work, pay compensation £30. Used threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour; jailed for two weeks consecutive suspended for 12 months, ordered to carry out 120 hours of unpaid work. Failed to surrender to custody; no separate penalty. Stole two bottles of whiskey from Morrisons; jailed for two weeks suspended for 12 months, surcharge £115 and costs £55. Damaged property; jailed for two weeks consecutive suspedned for 12 months, ordered to carry out 120 hours of unpaid work.

Dovydas Tumavicius, aged 25, of Charles Street, Northampton, failed to comply with a community order; ordered varied, costs £60.

Douglas Bowers, aged 53, of Cottagewell Court, Northampton, drink-driving with a breath test reading of 43mcgs of alcohol in 100mls of breath; fined £550, surcharge £55 and costs £85, banned from driving for 12 months.

Zachery Budd, aged 21, of Home Farm Yard, Hollowell, Northamptn, drink-driving with a breath test reading of 72mcgs of alcohol in 100mls of breath; fined £120, surcharge £30 and costs £85, banned from driving for 18 months.

Lee Clifton, aged 34, of Bekeley House, Northampton, intent to cause police officers harassment, alarm or distress; fined £300, surcharge £30 and costs £85.

Madeleine McCracken, aged 26, of School Road, Pattishall, drink-driving with a breath test reading of 65mcgs, of alcohol in 100mls of breath; community order made to carry out 100 hours of unpaid work, surcharge £85 and costs £85, banned from driving for 36 months.

Matthew Pheely, aged 27, of Parkfield Road, Brixworth, drink-driving with a breath test reading of 95mcgs of alcohol in 100mls of breath; community order made to carry out 140 hours of unpaid work, surcharge £85 and costs £85, banned from driving for 26 months.

Lee Venner, aged 38, of The Stour, Daventry, driving not in accordance with a licenec; fined £40, surcharge £30 and costs £85. No insurance; fined £120.

Kieron McHugh, aged 28, of Grange Road, Northampton, used threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour towards a police officer; community order made to carry out 150 hours of unpaid work, surcharge £85, costs £85.

Adam Mowbray, aged 22, of Dairy Close, Brixworth, used threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour towards a police officer; community order made to carry out 150 hours of unpaid work, surcharge £85 and costs £85.

Ali O’Driscoll, aged 23, of Crane Walk, Northampton, assaulted a police officer; jailed for eight weeks suspended for 12 months, surcharge £115, compensation £200 and costs £85. Assaulted another police officer; jailed for eight weeks concurrent suspended for 12 months, compensaiton £50. Used threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour; jailed for eight weeks concurrent suspended for 12 months.

Charles Acheampon, aged 30, of East Oval, Northampton, no insurance; fined £660, surcharge £66 and costs £85, licence endorsed with six points. No test certificate; no separate penalty. Child not wearing a seatbelt; no separate penalty.

Dominic Barrett-Evans, aged 44, of Northampton Road, Brixworth, failed to give information relating to the identity of a driver; fined £660, surcharge £66 and costs £85, licence endorsed with six points.

Bruce Billingy, aged 50, of Booth Park, Northampton, driving at speeds exceeding 42mph in a 30mph zone; fined £440, surcharge £44 and costs £85, licence endorsed with four points.

Ryan Brown-Edwards, aged 27, of Windflower Place, Northampton, no insurance; fined £105, surhcarge £30 and costs £85, licence endorsed with six points.

Tiberiu Cazan, aged 19, of Crestline Court, Northampton, no insurance; fined £660, surcharge £66 and costs £85, licence endorsed with six points. Driving not in accordance with a licence; no separate penalty.

Katherine Clarke, aged 27, of South View, Whilton, Daventry, driving at 59mph in a 30mph zone; fined £120, surcharge £30 and costs £85, licence endorsed with six points.

Jeffrey Coleman, aged 40, of Booth Rise, Northampton, driving at 36mph in a 30mph zone; fined £150, surcharge £30 and costs £85, licence endorsed with three points.

Concorde Tyre & Exhaust Centres, Brackmills Business Park, Caswell Road, Northampton, failed to give information relating to the identity of ad river; fined £800, surcharge £80 and costs £85.

Thomas Coulton, aged 31, of Windmill Avenue, Blisworth, driving at 52mph in a 30mph zone; fined £660, surhcarge £66 and costs £85, licence endorsed with six points.

Alin-Madalin Eftime, aged 21, of Nethermead Court, Northampton, no insurance; fined £660, surcharge £66 and costs £85, licence endorsed with six points.

Dumitru Golea, aged 33, of Drayton Walk, Northampton, no insurance; fined £660, surcharge £66 and costs £85, licence endorsed with six points. Driving not in accordance with a licence; no separate penalty.

Jonathon Gordon, aged 33, of Brickwell Court, Northampton, no insurance; fined £660, surcharge £66 and csots £85, licence endorsed with six points.

Harry Green, aged 23, of Clare Street, Northampton, driving at 53mph in a 30mph zone; fined £287, surcharge £30 and costs £85, licence endorsed with six points.

Paul Greenfield, aged 50, of Aynho Crescent, Northampton, failed to give information relating to the identity of a driver; fiend £660, surcharge £66 and costs £85, licence endorsed with six points.

Laura Groner, aged 61, of Holcot Road, Hannington, driving without due care and attention; fined £440, surcharge £44 and costs £85, licence endorsed with six points.

Rohan Hixon, aged 26, of Tinsley Close, Northampton, no insurance; fined £660, surcharge £66 and costs £85, licence endorsed with six points. No test certificate; no separate penalty.

Szabolcs Kiss, aged 34, of Cranstoun Street, Northampton, no insurance; fined £660, surcharge £66 and costs £85, licence endorsed with six points.

Paula Kramer, aged 58, of West Street, Ecton, Northampton, driving at 51mph in a 30mph zone; fined £450, surcharge £45 and costs £85, licence endorsed with six points.

Kyle Moore, aged 22, of Dennetts Close, Ashby Fields, Daventry, driving at 38mph in a 30mph zone; fined £70, surcharge £30 and licence endorsed with three points.

Kieran Murdie, aged 28, of Brackenfield Square, Northampton, driving at 48mph in a 40mph zone; fined £220, surcharge £30 and costs £85, licence endorsed with three points.

Leonid Oancea, aged 22, of Glade Close, Northampton, driving at 52mph in a 30mph zone; fined £440, surcharge £44 and costs £85, licence endorsed with six points.

Justina Pittam, aged 46, of Northampton Road, Brixworth, driving at 47mph in a 40mph zone; fined £192, surcharge £30 and costs £85, licence endorsed with three points.

Rado Regos, aged 24, of Muscott Street, Northampton, no insurance; fined £660, surcharge £66 and costs £85, licence endorsed with six points.

Nicolae Remus, aged 30, of Burrows Court, Northampton, no insurance; fined £660, surcharge £66 and costs £85, licence endorsed with six points.

Robert Robertshaw, aged 27, of Ilex Close, Northampton, driving at 36mph in a 30mph zone; fined £220, surcharge £30 and costs £85, licence endorsed with three points.

Glenn Trist, aged 45, of Derby Road, Northampton, driving at 35mph in a 30mph zone; fined £220, surcharge £30 and costs £85, licence endorsed with three points.

Adrian Tymanski, aged 21, of Lower Adelaide Street, Northampton, did not have a clear view of the road in that side windows and front windscreen were unclear; fnied £220, surcharge £30 and costs £85, licence endorsed with three points.

Rebecca Williams, aged 33, of Uppingham Stret, Northampton, no insurance; fined £660, surcharge £66 and costs £85, licence endorsed with six points.

Sarah Williams, aged 46, of Islington Road, Towcester, driving at 51mph in a 30mph zone; fined £200, surcharge £30 and costs £85, licence endorsed with six points.

Heather Wilson, aged 60, of Preston Capes, Daventry, driving at 38mph in a 30mph zone; fined £220, surcharge £30 and costs £85, licence endorsed with three points.

Too much bling? Give us a ring! Is the message from officers in Northamptonshire who are looking to increase reports from the public on people who are living a lifestyle that is beyond their means through committing crime.

Often signs of this type of activity includes wearing expensive jewellery or designer clothing, driving expensive cars, living in expensive properties or taking luxury holidays while showing no signs of legitimate work/means to pay for these items.

Detective Superintendent Mark Behan, said: “The vast majority of crime we see is carried out through greed to make money and lead an easy lifestyle. If we can stop people from living a lavish lifestyle on the back of crime then we will take away one of the main motivators.“

“We know criminals have no respect for boundaries and this new campaign will ensure that no matter where in the East Midlands they may live or travel, they will not escape justice.

“If you know someone is a convicted criminal and they have a new car on the drive, a shiny watch on their wrist or have been on yet another holiday, then we want to hear about it. We also want to hear about people who you may suspect of being involved in criminality and have unexplained wealth."

Through the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) 2002, financial investigators will look into the lifestyles of those who are living off criminal gains and where possible, look to recover the benefit that they are making.

Confiscation proceedings can be brought after a person is convicted of drugs, fraud, or other offences where they have financially benefited.

A confiscation order is granted, which allows officers to retrieve the sum of the benefit made by criminals.

The investigators will attempt to identify all potential assets held by the convicted person, up to the value of their confiscation order.

If sufficient assets cannot be identified, then a Confiscation Order for the actual amount identified will be granted by a judge.

Offenders are granted between 30 days and three months to pay. If they fail to do so, they can face a further prison sentence.

The difference between the identified assets and rest of the benefit figure will remain as an unpaid debt – for the rest of their lives if necessary - until it is cleared in full by the individual.

When further assets are identified the Confiscation Order will be re-visited by investigators through the courts.

Det Supt Behan said: "The POCA legislation is a powerful tool that police can use to claw-back money from criminals and sends a message to others that a life of crime does not pay.

“We have more than 400 convicted criminals with confiscations orders where the debt remains unpaid, including a convicted drug trafficker who owes £308,000. We need members of the public to give us intelligence so that we can recover outstanding debts and where necessary investigate new cases.

“Money taken using the legislation is used to further target criminals and their assets and help make communities safer through the funding of various policing initiatives.

“Information from the public will increase this performance and help to fight crime across the region."

Northamptonshire’s frail and elderly are at risk of being left ‘unsupported and their needs escalating’ says an award-winning home repair charity whose county council funding will stop at the end of the month.

Care & Repair’s services helped improve the lives of thousands of elderly and vulnerable people in Northants last year but now it is having its annual £57,000 grant reduced to zero.

For more than 30 years years the organisation has provided a trustworthy and low-cost service to those who need home repairs to keep them safe.

It also helps prevent the elderly falling victim to rogue builders.

Care & Repair’s service director Gillian Shadbolt said: “Loss of this funding will directly impact on those most vulnerable and in need, many of whom are on low incomes, as it will affect our ability to offer small essential works at modest rates.

“These people will be at risk of being left unsupported and ultimately their needs escalating, increasing the likelihood of home accidents including falls, hospitalisation or the need for 24-hour care and thus their ability to remain independent in their own home.

“Our client group is particularly vulnerable to unscrupulous builders and scams and finding trustworthy traders who will carry out small works is a source of anxiety for them.  

“Easy access to reliable help makes a significant contribution to enabling older and vulnerable people to remain living in their own homes – the preferred housing option of the majority.

“We are also concerned that the council may not have assessed the wider impact of the services we offer and wonder if they have taken account of the impact of the loss of our services on other statutory and health-related organisations.”

She added: “We will continue to seek charitable funds to offer funded and subsidised services wherever possible for those most vulnerable and in need, but this is always subject to availability and should not be seen by or used by statutory bodies as a substitute for them meeting their obligations.”

The contract was previously paid for through the council’s Public Health grant.

During 2017/2018, the organisation supported more than 2,000 county residents and carried out works in the home for more than 1,200 vulnerable householders.

In 2017 Care & Repair won the Northamptonshire Community Foundation ‘Trailblazer’ Award in recognition of its services to support vulnerable householders.

The agency works with a large range of organisations across the county including councils, social housing providers, NHS bodies, the Police and Community Safety Partnerships,

It has its own team of DBS checked technicians who carry out the majority of the smaller works.

Leader of the labour opposition at NCC Cllr Bob Scott said: “This is a consequence of the Tory maladministration and is another area where the vulnerable will be most affected.”

The council is expected to outline further cuts next month (October) as it attempts to save £60m by next year.

The  failing council is in the process of being abolished and is likely to be replaced by a unitary system in May 2020.

A spokesman for Northamptonshire County Council said: “The council is facing a well-documented challenge as it tries to tackle a significant budget deficit and deliver in-year savings of over £70m.

 “As part of a review into grant spending earlier this year, Public Health England and auditors concluded that services providing Information, Advice and Guidance and Home improvements were non-compliant with grant funding guidelines and would normally be provided either through local government funding or adult social care.

“As such NCC has decided that it can no longer contribute to funding these services through the social wellbeing services contract.”

The smartphone app is popular with teenagers, but child groomers favour it as they can contact children without giving away their true identity.

Northamptonshire Police says it has been involved in many cases where Kik refused to help detectives trace suspects, leading to a complex and lengthy process in the courts.

One instance was after officers swooped on Allan Barry, who was living in Friars Avenue, Delapre, and Andrej Korda, from London, who had been planning to drug and sexually abuse a toddler.

On Barry's smartphone, police found Kik conversations involving 90 suspects who showed a clear sexual interest in children.

Kik, however, would not give up the identifying information it held on the users without court orders, which often take a year to serve.

It meant Northamptonshire Police officers had to reluctantly drop their efforts to trace the suspects as they would have long moved on by the time the information was given up.

Detective Constable Jason Cullum, who was in the Northamptonshire Police team that caught Barry and Korda, said: "In this case, there was a toddler we'd identified who was about to be drugged and raped.

"We got there before they did it, but on Allan Barry's phone there were numerous others discussing the abuse of children.

"But we'd have to have gone through a legal process lasting about 12 months before Kik would identify users.

"The window of opportunity has been lost. It was a massive problem and we had to let it go."

Five victims and several active abusers were identified relatively quickly by Kik as a result of seizing Barry's phone. But it is the 90 potential abusers still out there - in this one case alone - that is a huge missed opportunity to prevent future harm to children.

The delays in handing over evidence is not because Kik has a lack of information on its users, it is because the firm simply does not believe in freely giving up personal details - hence the common year-long battles.

DC Cullum said that delays often have awful consequences: "There's 12 months of waiting and that doesn't sit comfortably for a police officer, knowing that a child will be being abused all that time.

"There's got to be a point where a child's human rights are a bit more important than that of the abuser."

The only circumstances where Kik will hand over the crucial details is if there is an "imminent threat of death or serious physical injury".

It means that, as far as potential child grooming on Kik goes, the only option Northamptonshire Police has left is to warn mums and dads.

DC Cullum said: "This goes above what anyone in the police can do - it's now a political issue.

"All I can do is issue a strong warning to parents - if your child uses Kik they are at risk."

It does not seem likely that Kik will deviate from its policy any time soon.

Although at time of writing, Kik had not responded to the Chronicle & Echo, the company recently told the BBC: "We take online safety very seriously, and we're constantly assessing and improving our trust and safety measures."

Kik said it will continue to "provide resources to parents and strengthen relationships with law enforcement and safety-focused organisations".

DC Cullum said Kik is simply not set up to be able to handle every police request: "I can see it from their point of view. If they changed their definition [on the circumstances in which they would identify users to police], they wouldn't be able to cope with the number of requests."

He added: "In my opinion, Kik's terms and conditions should be amended to say that if you are sexually interested in children, you are in breach and we will give your information to police."

The regional campaign being run across Northamptonshire, Leicestershire, Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Lincolnshire, is aimed at raising awareness among the public to be wary of individuals that appear to have significant amounts of money, are living a lavish lifestyle with expensive cars or holidays and appear to have no legitimate means of earning the money or may have previous criminal convictions.

Through the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002, financial investigators can look into the lifestyles of those who are living off criminal gains and where possible, look to recover the benefit that they are making.

Over the past five years, £3.7 million pounds have been recovered through the act. Officers hope that by raising awareness, members of the public will provide further intelligence that will help recover more money from criminals.

DCI Lee McBride of Northamptonshire Police told the Chronicle & Echo: "If people are leading a lavish lifestyle, going on expensive holidays, wearing expensive jewellery and designer clothing but don’t seem to have a legitimate income - so there’s no way that they can finance that - then that’s information that’s really key to us.

"We can act on that and do some information checks and the likes to see whether there’s is anything criminally there.

"I don’t accept it. I won’t accept it in this county."

Northamptonshire Police is highlighting the case of Linda Going, aged 67, of Wetheral Close, Northampton, as an example as part of its campaign.

She was ordered to pay £255,908 which included money held in bank accounts, her house, a property in Spain, jewellery and the surrender of her pension.

Her husband Peter Going, aged 64, was ordered to pay £133,008 and their son Christopher Going, aged 44, was ordered to pay £92,878.

In November 2015, Northampton Crown Court heard that Going got a job in 1996 at WH Shoebridge & Sons, a family-owned electrical suppliers company, and worked her way up to finance director.

Between February 2006 and April 2013 Linda Going systematically stole approximately £850,000 by creating fictitious client account codes, which were linked to a bank account in her name.

The money was then used to but luxury cars and holidays including a villa in Turkey, as well as high value goods such as photographic equipment and jewellery.

The thefts from the Shoebridge companies averaged out at £10,000 per month over the investigative period.

Going had created duplicate wage sheets and false invoices and was able to transfer these sums directly into the accounts controlled by herself, Peter and her son Christopher.

Linda Going pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity while her husband and son opted for a trial. Both Peter and Christopher were found guilty at trial.

On September 20, 2015, Linda Going was sentenced to four years imprisonment, Peter Going was handed an 18-month sentence, suspended for two years, with a tagged curfew for three months from 8pm to 7am. Christopher Going received 15 months suspended for two years plus 200 hours unpaid work.

Last year, officers from the Financial Investigation Unit used POCA legislation to obtain confiscation orders against the family to the tune of £740,905, this included money held in bank accounts, property in Spain, jewellery, a house, and surrender of pension.

Significant sums of money recovered were paid back in compensation to the victims.

Northamptonshire County Council has formally adopted the International Holocaust Remembrance Association’s definition of anti-semitism.

At its full council meeting last week (Sept 20) councillors from all political parties joined to vote to accept the motion put forward by Cllr Robert Gough.

The motion proposed has been adopted by a number of local authorities across the country in recent months.

It said: “This council expresses alarm at the rise in anti-semitism in recent years across the UK including incidents when criticism of Israel has been expressed using anti-semitism tropes.

“Criticism of Israel can be legitimate, but not if it employs the tropes and imagery of anti-semitism.”

The council has also resolved to acknowledge the importance of tackling anti-semitism in Northamptonshire.

At the meeting Cllr Gough spoke of his wife Victoria’s Jewish grandfather Robert Schechter, who came to Britain from Vienna as part of the Kinder-transport evacuation just before the outbreak of the Second World War.

After describing some of the anti-semitic actions carried out against Jews, he said: “We need to send a strong message that this will not be tolerated in Northamptonshire.

“When we start creating an out group, whether it be based on race, religion, or class, we start the process of dehumanisation. When this is allowed to continue, the very worst in humanity can appear.”

Cllr Richard Auger was one of a number of councillors to speak in favour of the motion.

He said: “One of the biggest challenges we have in today’s society is that we forget. There is also a culture of indifference and the result leads to the persecution of minority and religious groups.

“This is a real timely motion and none of us will stay passive on this issue.”

Labour member Anjona Roy, who is also chief executive of Northamptonshire Rights and Equality Council, said she ‘had no doubt that anti-semitism was happening in Northamptonshire’ as it is across the country.

She said: “If we really want to take this issue seriously and stand against all types of racism then we should be judged by our actions.

“So let’s put some resources behind it.”

Barnet Council was the first to adopt the IRHA definition in February 2017.

Sarah Ward, Local Democracy Reporting Service

The Pride in Northamptonshire Awards, now in their 16th year, took place last night.

Brought to you by the Northamptonshire Telegraph, Northampton Chronicle & Echo and Daventry Express, they were created to give us the opportunity to recognise those people who work so hard helping others.

In short we wanted to shout about our county’s unsung heroes.

See pictures from the awards night here.

Below are the nominees and winners.

INSPIRE A GENERATION AWARD, sponsored by Wilson Browne Solicitors

This award is for people who inspire us through their achievements and have made a significant impact to those around them.

Finalists

Cherise Gould - who has raised more than £4,500 for brain tumour research.

Charlotte Creasey - who decided to get involved in The Red Box Project after reading about it. The Red Box Project gives local women access to sanitary products within their local community.

Rudy Beezhold - The boys he coaches for football see him as a role model. Any of the players or parents would agree.

PC Ryan Morrow - for his hard work with being a cadet leader for the Emergency Services Cadets across Northamptonshire, primarily helping the Daventry Cadets.

Winner

PC Ryan Morrow

COMMUNITY AWARD, sponsored by Goodwill Solutions

This award is for a person, group or charity, who has made a contribution to their local community or simply be the ‘go-to’ person who is always there when people need a helping hand.

Finalists

Sally Knights - for all her support and fund raising for the Wootton community

Ruth Rollings - who has been voluntarily running the babies and tots group Little Fishes in Irthlingborough for over 20 years.

Charlotte Creasey - For her work with The Red Box Project.

The Lewis Foundation - who give up so much of their free time to help other people in hospital.

Laura Desborough - who has worked for the national association for the blind for 20 years , helping people with little sight or no sight get their lives back on track

Winner

The Lewis Foundation

CARING PERSON OF THE YEAR AWARD, sponsored by B & M Care

This award recognises individuals who have shown incredible patience and understanding, often for many years, caring for and supporting a friend or loved one.

Finalists

Megan Neilan - Founder of Golden Years, Wellingborough

Liz West - who works at Ridgway Care Home in Towcester and goes well beyond her assigned duties.

Mandy Rhodes - also from Ridgway, and with Liz they are the perfect dream team.

Winner

Megan Neilan

HARD WORK AND DETERMINATION AWARD, sponsored by Slimming World, Corby

Finalists

Suzanne Wright - Senior social worker for Northamptonshire County Council in the role of Independent Reviewing Officer.

Megan Neilan - Founder of Golden Years

Shirley Walker - Chaperone to Kettering Carnival Court.

Rob Kinning - started Daventry Area Community Transport (DACT) 25 years ago

Matt O’Neill-Kemp - Owner of Naked Hair & Beauty, works with young people and not only teaches them about hair, he supports them too.

Winner

Shirley Walker

CHARITY CHAMPION, sponsored by Northamptonshire Newspapers

This award is to recognise the person or team that has shown innovation and creativity for their fundraising activities.

Finalists

Cherise Gould - for doing so much for charity over the past year.

Julian Twocock - who has raised over £38,000 for Bloodwise.

Sally Knights - for working tirelessly for Cancer Research and also locally for Cynthia Spencer Hospice.

Suzanne Wright - raising money for a charitable cause she has set up called Living With, Living Well.

Breast Friends, Northampton - for the members of a breast cancer support group which started in June 2017.

Boobs & Brass - raising over £236,500 for charity since their first concert.

Sandra Gasson - Who has just celebrated 25 years of running the charity players theatre group, raising over £150,000 for various local charities

Winner

Boobs & Brass

COURAGE & KINDNESS AWARD

This award is for a person or group who has overcome adversity or hardship, or has helped others, whether in the community, or closer to home.

Finalists

Suzanne Wright - For starting up LWLW

Paul Scully-Sloan - For setting up the support group Daddy’s With Angels.

Winners

Suzanne Wright and Paul Scully-Sloan

UNSUNG HERO AWARD, sponsored by Veolia

This award recognises the achievements of individuals or groups that go out of their way for others and may not have received the recognition they deserve.

Finalists

Gary Cook - who has helped and supported people in his local area.

Ruth Rollings - who has been voluntarily running the babies and tots group Little Fishes in Irthlingborough for over 20 years.

Northamptonshire Search & Rescue - for supporting the police and emergency services in finding those lost or missing.

Maria Louise McGurk - who is a fantastic, helpful neighbour.

Shane Crick - who works tirelessly to support and educate the youth of Northampton.

Harley Mykon - for being an 8 year old loving, amazing little hero.

Winner

Northamptonshire Search & Rescue

KETTERING PARK HOTEL CHOICE AWARD

Winner

Paul Scully Sloan