Dazzling dancers visited a care home in Daventry and entertained residents.

Children from Papillon School of Dance, based in Guilsborough and Creaton, performed for residents at Longlands Care Home in Daventry.

They staged a pre-Christmas ballet and physical theatre performance at the home.

Zoe Dando, principal at Papillon School of Dance, said it was a magical atmosphere and everybody enjoyed the performance.

“It was immensely enjoyed by the residents and performers alike,” she said.

“The children’s ages ranged from eight to 14 years and they performed for 40 minutes.”

The Cobblers and Northampton Borough Council have today issued a joint statement reiterating their commitment to ensuring the much-delayed east stand redevelopment at the PTS Academy Stadium will be completed.

Although short on specific details, the statement makes it clear that discussions between the two parties are ongoing and ‘positive’, and that the outcome ‘will be to everyone’s benefit, including both supporters of the club and the wider public’.

Due to the ‘complicated and technical discussions’, representatives from neither the Cobblers or the council will be making any further comment, but there was also a reassurance that the priority is ensuring the east stand is completed first before development of any other land.

The statement reads: “Northampton Borough Council and Northampton Town Football Club (NTFC) have today jointly confirmed that positive discussions are continuing to be had on a range of topics including the development of the east stand at the PTS Academy Stadium.

“The Borough Council and NTFC are not able, at this stage, to provide detailed information or a time frame for these discussions to be completed, but they have both confirmed the outcomes will be to everyone’s benefit including both supporters of the club and the wider public and be deliverable within a realistic timeframe.

“Whilst discussions have included nearby land under the control of CDNL (County Development Northampton Limited) both parties are clear that the completion of the east stand will come first.

“Further information will be provided as and when possible, but this is a complicated and technical discussion with both the Borough Council and NTFC very anxious to avoid creating any further difficulties or delays, and it is now important to allow these discussions to complete to ensure a positive conclusion is reached.”

Work to redevelop the east stand began in the summer of 2015, but stalled early the following year due to the well-publicised financial crisis that engulfed the football club.

Seats were put into the structure to at least make it usable in March, 2016, but nothing has happened since, with the club and council still striving to come to an agreement.

The councillor in charge of children’s services at Northamptonshire County Council has been asked to step down.

Cllr Victoria Perry was removed from the cabinet job by leader Matt Golby straight after the cabinet meeting on Tuesday (Jan 15).

In an interview this morning Cllr Perry said the demotion came out of the blue.

She said: “Matt said he was worried about my wellbeing and that I was taking the role too personally. He said I was taking too much on – I don’t agree with that, but that was his view.

“I do get passionate and I do go out and talk to people and bring back issues, that is what I am like. Maybe he needs someone who is going to be more strategic and less hands-on. Maybe I was too challenging.

“But I have no hard feelings, that’s politics. Matt has my full support.”

The children’s services department at Northamptonshire County Council has been in turmoil in recent months. The Government sent in experienced children’s commissioner Malcolm Newsam to oversee the department in November after a damning Ofsted report found 267 children were without an allocated social worker and that social workers were ‘drowning in work’.

Cllr Perry said: “Ofsted coming in was a good thing because it has caused changes to be made. The new children’s director Sharon Muldoon has worked fantastically and she has sorted out the ‘front door’ of the service and put in place proper procedures and protocols.

“I’m disappointed because I have been involved in all the hard work including the new social work and retention package which is due to be announced next week.

“I would have liked to have stayed on for the journey as things are getting better.”

The conservative councillor, who was appointed to the role in March and has been a county councillor representing the Kettering Ise ward since May 2017, has been active throughout recent months on social media, explaining to residents what has been going on within the council. The authority is being run by commissioners after a Government review found it was being severely mismanaged.

She said: “The new chief executive Theresa Grant has criticised me for that and the commissioners have also criticised me. But that did not stop me. I wanted to get rid of that culture of secrecy and to make myself accountable and I still think it is the right thing to do.”

Leader of the Liberal Democrats Chris Stanbra said he was shocked at Cllr Perry’s demotion.

He said: “As far as I could see Cllr Perry was doing a good job and I’m shocked that the leader has asked her to go.”

It is understood that leader Matt Golby will take over the role on an interim basis. He has been approached for comment.

Police alerted just before 1am yesterday (January 16), following reports of a large amount of mobile phone equipment from a curtain-sided lorry in the Rushden area.

Shortly after, a police camera picked up a cloned number plate nearby and a police armed response was deployed. However the police vehicle was rammed by the van, which was then driven off on the wrong side of the A45.

Police then tracked the van to near Towcester, where two people jumped out of the vehicle and tried to make off. But they did not get very far.

A police spokeswoman said: "They tried to play hide and seek with one of our dogs – Police Dog Nala, and as you can guess, they lost the game."

Officers soon after arrested two 17-year-olds. Checks afterwards revealed the van was stolen from Leeds and was also full of property taken less than an hour earlier.

The two teenagers have been released under investigation pending further enquiries.

The cost of the Flore bypass has increased by an extra £2.8million due to delays on site and the discovery of a protected species of newts nearby.

The recently opened 3.5km road runs parallel to the M1 and cuts out the need to travel on the A45 through Nether Heyford, Flore and Weedon.

Starting at a new roundabout on the existing A45 between Dodford and Weedon, to the east of Globe Farm, the £40.9million project had been due to open in spring 2018 but harsh weather conditions saw the opening date delayed until November.

But now it seems there are other reasons for the rising price, with a county council spokesman saying: “There was an increase in costs to complete the A45 Daventry Development Link due to pressures related to delays on site, changes to the design and additional ecological monitoring that was required due to the presence of great crested newts.”

Great crested newts are a European protected species and the animals and their eggs, breeding sites and resting places are protected by law.

Construction projects have to follow a strict set of guidelines from Natural England, such as putting monitoring plans in place to assess the great crested newt population, if the species is discovered nearby.

The council says that the extra £2.8million be funded from an underspend in the Integrated Transport Block Grant, which is a grant from central government for capital transport projects.

Further costs in 2019-20 ‘will need to be managed’ according to Northamptonshire County Council.

The scheme, which was designed and constructed by KierWSP and Balfour Beatty, was funded by the SEMLEP Local Growth Deal, the Highways England Growth and Housing Fund, Northamptonshire County Council, Daventry District Council and developer funding.

The county council spokesman added that the authority was now in discussions with the contractor Balfour Beatty ‘regarding settlement of the final account’.

Daventry Town FC's home ground will soon be the base of a football academy offering teenage players the chance at a career in sport or coaching.

Heart of England Training and Pro:Direct Academy launches its course in August 2019, offering sports BTECs and NVQs for 16 to 19-year-olds.

The course includes 10 hours of professional UEFA coaching and two matchdays per week, as well as support with maths and English if needed.

Fixtures will include a number of professional clubs, US colleges and touring teams as well as regular matches in the English Colleges FA league and opportunities to train at St George’s Park, the FA’s national football centre.

Dan Elliott, Pro:Direct academy manager for Heart of England, said: “The recent Pro:Direct Cup Tournament in October was a great platform for us to launch our new Northampton Academy.

"We have a fantastic facility and a pathway to senior football with our partnership with Daventry Town FC.

"The performances of the players throughout the tournament shows the Northamptonshire region has some really talented players.

"I am looking forward to meeting more players and parents at our open events in January and February.

"Our programme offers something unique there are some amazing opportunities within what we offer and look forward to working with ambitious committed young footballers who want to find a career the football industry.”

Learners will benefit from premium level Nike kit, access to life as a pro, plus opportunities to meet footballing heroes and be the first to play in exclusive boots and represent Pro Direct at brand events.

They'll also get to meet professional and retired players and receive exclusive discounts through the Pro:Direct store.

Mike Price, partnerships manager for Pro:Direct Academy, echoed these sentiments adding: "Pro:Direct Academy are delighted to see our new centre open in a very important football region.

"This grows our already strong partnership with Heart of England Training who bring across their expertise from running education at the successful Birmingham centre.

"We are excited for the potential of the centre to exceed expectations given the premium facilities on offer to players."

A number of trial and taster days are being held in the lead up to the course's launch, the first of which will be on Saturday, January 26, followed by a two-day taster on February 21 and 22.

Further details, including the qualification levels, progression opportunities and how to apply, can all be found at hoet.co.uk/sport-full-time.

A calendar in memory of a Northamptonshire police dog who died defending a constable and the public has raised over £500.

Police Dog Bryn is perhaps the most famous dog who has served the Northamptonshire force after he died on duty protecting his handler, PC Ian Churms, from a man brandishing a hunting rifle.

Now, 20 years later, a ceremony will be held to present the earnings from a fundraising calendar featuring the life of PD Bryn to the National K9 Memorial Charity.

The calendar has been organised by a group of former Northamptonshire Police officers and staff - who last year also raised £2,000 to buy and name a new dog for the force, named Bryn Jnr.

Former superintendent Bob Smart, who helped organise the charity calender, said: "Police dogs are a hugely effective part of the police force. They are invaluable. Every single day they are successfully tracking down criminals and criminal property.

"Bryn was important as he was the only police dog I can recall in Northamptonshire's history that was shot on duty protecting the public and his handler.

"At Christmas, as a final act of the memorial year, we produced a calendar of early shots of Bryn’s exciting life and collected £500 which we will be donating to the National K9 Memorial Charity."

The cash raised by the calendar will be presented to K9 at a ceremony at Wootton Hall at 6pm on January 22. Police-dog-in-training Bryn Jnr will also attend.

The victim of a serious assault in a busy town centre was stabbed in the chest, police have confirmed.

Officers were called to Rushden High Street yesterday after a man was found covered in blood.

Police have now appealed for witnesses following the incident at about 2.30pm yesterday afternoon (Thursday, January 17).

The assault is believed to have happened in a small public car park between High Street and Rectory Road and local reports suggest the victim was then able to move to High Street before the emergency services were alerted .

The victim was taken to hospital where he remains in a stable condition.

An investigation is under way and detectives are appealing for anyone who was in the High Street area around the time of the incident, and who may have witnessed the assault or have any information about what happened, to get in touch.

Anyone with information should contact Northamptonshire Police on 101, quoting incident number 264 of 17 January.

Information can also be provided anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111

NHS figures released this week show that social care bed-blocking in the county has reduced to the lowest levels since July 2016.

In November, the collective number of days that patients were held in Kettering General Hospital and Northampton General Hospital due to a delayed transfer of care (DTOC) was 808, 49 per cent lower than October (1,585) and 48 per cent lower than November 2017 (1,544).

However, when compared to neighbouring counties the performance is low. In Nottingham in November the collective number of days was 268, and in Lincolnshire it was 270.

A delayed transfer of care – known as bed-blocking – occurs when a patient remains in a bed after being officially declared medically fit to leave hospital.

Reasons why people have not been able to go home include not having care packages in place and not having available residential or nursing home accommodation.

The Care Quality Commission criticised the partnership working between Northamptonshire County Council’s adult social care services and health organisations in an its inspection findings published in July and since then efforts have been made to improve the relationships in order to get well people out of hospital beds quicker.

Anna Earnshaw, county council director of adult social care, said: “We’re delighted by this good news for three reasons: it shows how we’re working with health partners for the good of patients, it’s a testament to our hard-working staff who are passionate about improving delays and most of all, it’s good news for local people – as we know to leave hospital as soon as possible improves long-term outcomes and recovery.”

Cllr Sandra Naden-Horley, county council cabinet member for adult social care, said: “Patients experiencing delays are now at the lowest levels since July 2016 – and these results show a significant reduction on all counts.

“Delays are not only distressing for the patients and their families, but they can also be risky. For older people, staying in a hospital bed for too long can lead to loss of muscle tone and a number of adverse effects. For hospitals, high numbers of DTOCs can have a significant impact on their ability to run smoothly.

“Our hospitals are still facing substantial pressures from high admissions, especially in the over 65s. However, these reductions show we’re moving record numbers of patients out of hospital and continue to provide additional support when they need it.”

In the county council’s latest monthly budget report it says that the average number of people staying over 21 days is twice the national average at 12 per cent.

The authority can be fined £155 per day by the hospital for every day that a well person is prevented from leaving hospital and into another social care placement.

This summer’s Silverstone Classic will celebrate Bentley’s 100th birthday with a special anniversary race dedicated to honouring the illustrious British car maker.

The Bentley Centenary Trophy for Pre-War Sports Cars on Saturday, July 27 comes almost exactly 100 years after W. O. Bentley founded the company on July 10, 1919.

To mark the occasion, Silverstone Classic organisers hope that a record turnout of more than 30 iconic racing Bentleys will line up, as in period, in a field also packed with pre-war Alfa Romeos, Aston Martins, Bugattis, Fraser Nashes, Lagondas and MGs all dating back to the 1920s and 1930s.

It was in competition that the Bentley brand first earned its reputation, winning the coveted Le Mans 24 Hours five times in seven years between 1924 and 1930, topped by a 1-2-3 podium clean sweep 90 years ago in 1929.

"Those glorious tales of the big green Bentleys thundering through the French night are part of motorsport legend passed down through the generations,” said Nick Wigley, Silverstone Classic CEO.

"Now we will be recreating some of that magic at sunset on Saturday at the classic to celebrate what is a very special moment in Bentley’s remarkable lifetime."

Examples of the 3-litre, 4.5-litre Blower and Speed Six models, driven with such success in France, will be among the record numbers lining up at the classic.

The Bentley Centenary Trophy for Pre-War Sports Cars is being organised by Motor Racing Legends, whose chairman, Duncan Wiltshire, anticipates a record-breaking grid.

"This is such a significant anniversary – a once-in-a-lifetime celebration which is certain to appeal to all those with eligible Bentleys," said Mr Wiltshire.

"As a result, we are expecting an enormous turn-out and, by all probability, the biggest grid of racing Bentleys ever seen anywhere in the world."

Two passengers suffered serious injuries after a three-car crash in a Daventry district village this morning.

Shortly after 8am on Friday, January 18, a black Hyundai, a red Vauxhall Corsa and a white Peugeot flatbed were in collision in Guilsborough Road, West Haddon.

Two people in the Vauxhall were seriously injured.

Anyone who witnessed the collision or has any information is also requested to contact the Serious Collision Investigation Unit, Northamptonshire Police on 101 or call the Drivewatch Hotline on 0800 174615.

Phil Arnold was a stalwart of disability services in Northampton and in East Northants throughout the 1970s, 80s and 90s.

A friend of Mr Arnold, Joan Cupples, who worked alongside him in Northampton and Wellingborough between 1982 and 1995, said he was no ordinary person who "just cared" and he always went the extra mile.

"He had exceptionally strong principles, based not only on his Christian faith but also on an innate sense of justice and social duty," said Mrs Cupples.

"He always went the extra mile to ensure that his service users had the best possible experience from their daycare, whatever the level of their need.

"He constantly looked for new ways to improve the quality of what his units provided.

"He was a great believer in the therapeutic value of work and sought ways to make the working experience available to people who are often marginalised in this area of life, but he also recognised the importance of providing excellent physical and emotional care to people whose level of disability and need was greater.

"In a world where care has become an industry, Phil just cared."

In the 1980s Mr Arnold worked at Shire Lodge in Northampton – whose catchment area in those days included the town and the whole of South Northants.

In the late 1980s, he took over the management of services in Wellingborough, his home town, providing a range of types of daycare to disabled adults from the local area including East Northants.

Mindful of his health, in the mid-1990s Mr Arnold stepped down from his role but he never forgot about his life's work and continued to make a voluntary contribution in his new home.

"Those who worked with and for Phil have only praise and gratitude to express," said Mrs Cupples.

"He was the hardest worker on site, wherever he was.

"First in and last out, never one to begrudge giving up his own time if necessary, he supported his teams diligently and expertly, always with humour.

"He provided the same level of support to families and to local voluntary groups, such as Mencap, and was greatly appreciated."

Mr Arnold leaves a daughter, two sons, seven grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Phil’s funeral will be held in Cheltenham on January 28 at 2pm.

Anyone wishing to pay their respects can do so by making a donation to Down Syndrome Group Northamptonshire – contact the Treasurer Steve Allwork on steveallwork@yahoo.co.uk.

A charity for people with or affected by pulmonary fibrosis is holding its first support group meeting in the county.

Breathing in and breathing out is the most natural thing in the world, unless you suffer from the devastating lung disease pulmonary fibrosis.

It gradually destroys the lungs, making breathing difficult.

The UK charity Action for Pulmonary Fibrosis is holding its first support meeting in Northamptonshire for anyone with or affected by pulmonary fibrosis, which kills 5,000 people a year in the UK – more than the better-known disease leukaemia. The average life expectancy from diagnosis is between three and five years.

This new support group launches later this month to provide support for anyone affected by pulmonary fibrosis in the Northamptonshire area.

Its first meeting will be from 1.30pm to 3.30pm on Tuesday, January 29, at The Centre, Mawsley.

This includes patients, their families, carers and friends. In other parts of the country, support groups have proved invaluable in helping patients and carers to meet each other, develop mutually supportive relationships and be informed on treatment options.

Penny Tremayne, who has spearheaded the group and lost her mother to the disease, said: “The support for people living with or affected by pulmonary fibrosis is variable - this is the first suppport group in Northamptonshire. “Supported by Action for Pulmonary Fibrosis I want to make a difference to individuals impacted by this disease.

“My own personal experience has demonstrated a lack of support for individuals and carers. I very much hope this group will offer a social and educational support system for those in need.”

John Evans of Weedon, near Daventry, was diagnosed in 2017 after suffering for months with a cough and cold. When it did not get better, and he noticed a shortness of breath, John visited his doctor who prescribed antibiotics.

Things did not improve and he was sent to Northampton General Hospital to see a consultant and he was eventually diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis.

“That was the first time I’d ever heard of it really,” said John.

“I hadn’t a clue what it was but I’ve done a bit of research since then.”

Since May 2018 John has been under the care of Glenfield Hospital who have prescribed a new drug designed to help stop the rapid progression of the illness.

John said: “I do notice a difference from month to month. I get more breathless and I can’t lead my Nordic walking group anymore.

“If I want to go for a walk into the village I have to take ambulatory oxygen with me.

“It affects my family as well as me. It’s just not pleasant and the side effects of the drugs are not nice.

“It’s gradually shrinking the world for me.”

John said the new support group would be welcomed by many people with pulmonary fibrosis in Northamptonshire.

He said: “It’s nice to meet people who have the same problem as you.

“You can go along and have a chat and if you want to talk about the illness you can but if not, then you don’t have to.

“It’s great to go along just for the social aspect of it.

“It’s sometimes just nice to know you’re not on your own with this.”

Wendy Dickinson, daughter of Peter Taylor – one half of footballing partnership Clough & Taylor – will be speaking at the event.

Peter Taylor died of the disease and Wendy is a founding member of the charity.

Pulmonary fibrosis is a term that describes the formation of scar tissue within the lungs. It usually occurs around the small air sacs (alveoli) of the lungs.

Over time, the scar tissue builds up around the alveoli, making it harder for oxygen to pass from the lungs to the body where it is needed.

This results in feeling short of breath. At first, this may occur with more strenuous activities or walking uphill or stairs.

However, as the fibrosis increases, patients can become breathless with light activities including; washing, dressing, eating and talking.

In some people the scarring develops very quickly, while in others it happens over a longer period of time.

To attend or find out more contact Penny Tremayne on 07743 272466.

The Bentley Centenary Trophy for Pre-War Sports Cars on Saturday, July 27 comes almost exactly 100 years after W. O. Bentley founded the company on July 10, 1919.

To mark the occasion, Silverstone Classic organisers hope that a record turnout of more than 30 iconic racing Bentleys will line up, as in period, in a field also packed with pre-war Alfa Romeos, Aston Martins, Bugattis, Fraser Nashes, Lagondas and MGs all dating back to the 1920s and 1930s.

It was in competition that the Bentley brand first earned its reputation, winning the coveted Le Mans 24 Hours five times in seven years between 1924 and 1930, topped by a 1-2-3 podium clean sweep 90 years ago in 1929.

"Those glorious tales of the big green Bentleys thundering through the French night are part of motorsport legend passed down through the generations,” said Nick Wigley, Silverstone Classic CEO.

"Now we will be recreating some of that magic at sunset on Saturday at the classic to celebrate what is a very special moment in Bentley’s remarkable lifetime."

Examples of the 3-litre, 4.5-litre Blower and Speed Six models, driven with such success in France, will be among the record numbers lining up at the classic.

The Bentley Centenary Trophy for Pre-War Sports Cars is being organised by Motor Racing Legends, whose chairman, Duncan Wiltshire, anticipates a record-breaking grid.

"This is such a significant anniversary – a once-in-a-lifetime celebration which is certain to appeal to all those with eligible Bentleys," said Mr Wiltshire.

"As a result, we are expecting an enormous turn-out and, by all probability, the biggest grid of racing Bentleys ever seen anywhere in the world."

In an email, Sam Dobbs detailed a recent crime spree in January that has seen registration numbers removed from cars, cash stolen from taxis and power tools taken from commercial vans.

The series of thefts represent a spike for an area like Daventry and because of his belief the crimes could be a resurge in a series from previous years tackled previously by the force, Sgt Dobbs has reopened Operation Ilford.

"The common feature is that the cars targeted by thieves have either been left insecure or with items on display and visible to thieves," wrote Sgt Dobbs.

"We know that this is a more widespread issue in our town because in 24 hours in December, Emergency Service Cadets spent 24 hours on local estates to identify insecure cars, or cars with valuables on display.

"They checked 2,626 vehicles, and 104 of these checks required contact with the owners to prevent an easy crime.

"This tells me that we have work to do so that Daventry people can help us to help them."

On Saturday, January 12 and the evening of Sunday, January 13, four taxis were broken into on The Grange estate and substantial amounts of cash were stolen.

A CCTV image of one of the break-ins was circulated on social media (pictured).

Overnight Monday into Tuesday (January 14 and 15) two number plates were stolen from vehicles parked at a local hotel at around 7pm and attached
to a car which travelled around the area, changing its number plates during the evening.

With members of the public nearby, entry was forced into three parked commercial vans using an angle grinder.

Sgt Dobbs said the noise and sparks were not noticed or reported by anyone despite it only being 8.30pm and power tools were stolen.

Later the same night, another local hotel was targeted and two further commercial vans were broken into and more power tools were stolen.

Then overnight Wednesday into Thursday (January 16 and 17) two commercial vans were targeted on the Southbrook Estate and power tools were stolen except that in one of these crimes, the owner had chained and padlocked his tools together which thwarted the theft.

In response to the crime spree, Sgt Dobbs has appealed for the public's help.

"I am told that some number plate crimes are not being reported," he said.

"Because this can often be an early indicator of crimes about to happen, it’s crucial that you report such crimes."

"The evidence is that cars are left insecure or with property on display.

"An innocuous shopping bag or a sports bag left on display could still lead to a window being smashed."

He added: "Cash should never be left in cars.

"And remember, some thieves would smash your window to steal the £5 parking change often left in the centre console. So please leave nothing on display."

With regards to power tools, Sgt Dobbs advised they be chained together and said buying an internal shed alarm that texts the owner when the van is entered is a wise investment.

He also recommended vans be left in lit places and tools be labelled with a name or identifiable reference.

"If people didn’t handle or sell stolen goods, there would be less theft," said Sgt Dobbs.

"We are following up items quite openly displayed for sale on Daventry local social media sites, and I need local people to be far more intrusive, less trusting and more unforgiving about power tools being offered for sale by individuals who many know to be… well... simply… ‘dodgy’ people."

Anyone with information should call police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 quoting Operation Ilford.

A castle-themed fort with slides, a net bridge, a climbing wall and more will be the centrepiece of the new-look play area at Daventry Country Park.

A variety of different swings, swinging carousels a spring-mounted jeep ride and a smaller fort for toddlers are among the other new items of equipment set to be installed at the park.

The design, by Swedish manufacturer HAGS, was chosen after proving the most popular from eight submissions which were put to a public vote in the run-up to Christmas.

Councillor Chris Millar, leader of Daventry District Council, said: "I would like to thank everyone who took the time to vote for their favourite design in our recent consultation.

"This design was a clear winner and that input proved invaluable when it came to making the final decision

"There are some fabulous new pieces of equipment going in and I can’t wait to see it finished so it can be enjoyed by children come the warmer weather, and for many years to come."

The new equipment will be installed in the southern end of the existing playground, where it will be joined by a refurbished zip wire.

The climbing rhino and hippo from the old play area will also remain.

A timetable for the work is still being developed, and that side of the play area will remain fenced off until the project is completed.

The new equipment will replace a number of ageing and vandalised items of equipment and forms the first phase of a wider programme of improvements that Daventry District Council (DDC) plans to make to the Green Flag Award-winning park

This includes the replacement of footpaths and footbridges, a revamp of the café area and toilets, the refurbishment of the jetty near the visitor centre and the construction of a new jetty on the other side of the bay.

Signage will also be improved throughout the park, while a ‘ditch and bund’ has recently been created at the entrance to the Northern Field, to improve security.

Northamptonshire County Council has moved quickly to replace its cabinet member for children, after axing the previous councillor in the role.

Councillor Fiona Baker will take on the duty of overseeing children’s services, education and families after being appointed to the role by council leader Matt Golby.

It comes just days after Councillor Golby suddenly removed Councillor Victoria Perry from the position following a cabinet meeting last Tuesday (January 15).

Councillor Baker takes on the role in a tough time for the county council, which was heavily criticised in its latest Ofsted report and has had to have a government-appointed commissioner, Malcolm Newsam, drafted in to oversee the failing service. The watchdog’s report in November found that more than 250 children were without an allocated social worker, and that employees were ‘overwhelmed’ and ‘drowning’.

Brackley-based Councillor Baker has only been a county councillor since May 2017, although she has also served on South Northamptonshire Council since 2015. Soon after being elected to County Hall she sat as a member of the health, adult care and wellbeing committee, before it was scrapped in September last year.

But she was a regular attendee at county council cabinet meetings, as explained by Councillor Golby, who said: “Councillor Baker has been assistant cabinet member over the last year and I’m delighted to be able to offer this opportunity for her to take this step up to her new role.

“I have every confidence in her ability to continue to drive forward improvements in children’s services and build on the good work that is already underway.”

It marks the latest change to a county council cabinet that has regularly been reshuffled over the last 12 months.

Despite relieving her of her duties, Councillor Golby said that previous cabinet member Victoria Perry had ‘played a huge role in improving certain areas of the directorate’. But no further details have emerged as to why she was removed from the role.

Councillor Perry last week told the Local Democracy Reporting Service that she may have been ‘too challenging’ for the leader, and that her use of social media had not gone down well with new chief executive Theresa Grant, but that she had ‘no hard feelings’.

Brides in search of the perfect dress are invited to the launch of a new bespoke bridal collection in Everdon.

It’s being staged by Anna Wood Bridal with designs by Hollyann Tullet, winner of the 2018 Bridal Buyer Student Designer of the Year Award. The designs will be unveiled as part of their 2019 Bridal Collection launch at a catwalk show at Wood Farm on January 31.

The new collection will provide a point of difference whilst complementing the existing designer ranges that the Long Buckby boutique stocks.

Director Anna Wood, pictured on the right with make-up artist Millie Reilly, said: “We understand how a well-chosen dress will show you off at your beautiful best - the radiant centrepiece of an unforgettable day.”

The trust has been nominated in the leadership and culture category in the upcoming Employee Wellbeing Awards on February 7.

The category celebrates businesses and organisations that put employee wellbeing at the heart of their culture, championed by leadership from the top executives through to the senior line managers.

Chris Oakes, director of human resources and organisational development, said: "For the trust to be shortlisted for this award is a fantastic achievement and one that we are extremely proud of.

"Our team are our biggest asset and enable us to drive forward culture change and make a huge difference to our staff and their workplace experience.

"We know that for our staff to deliver compassionate care, we need to be showing them compassion too, and so we’ve worked hard to drive a culture that focuses on staff wellbeing throughout all levels of the organisation.

"We’ll continue to work hard to make NHFT a great place to work, providing the best possible environment for our colleagues."

The following people were sentenced at Northampton Magistrates’ Court:

OCTOBER 22:

Saulius Astromskiks, aged 36, of Salcey Street, Northampton, drink-driving with a breath test reading of 55mcgs of alcohol in 100mls of breath; fined £300, surcharge £30, costs £85, banned from driving for 14 months. No insurance; fined £300.

Aaron Dunstan, aged 29, of South Holme Court, Northampton, drink-driving with a breath test reading of 120mcgs in 100mls of breath; jailed for eight weeks suspended for 12 months, surcharge £115, banned from driving for three years.

Catalin Potoroaca, aged 28, of Stanhope Road, Northampton, possession of cannabis; fined £400, surcharge £40, costs £85.

Cristian Petran, aged 34, of St Pauls Road, Northampton, failed to provide a breath test; fined £200, surcharge £30, costs £85, banned from driving for 12 months. No insurance; fined £100.

Callum Rumsey, aged 24, of Lincoln Way, Daventry, drunk and disorderly; fined £50. Had a knuckleduster; fined £833, surcharge £83, costs £85.

Daniel Duracik, aged 27, of Campbell Street, Northampton, stole jeans worth £27.99 belonging to New Look; jailed for eight weeks. Stole ladies coat with £89; jailed for eight weeks consecutive, surcharge £115, costs £85.

Danny Walden, aged 21, of Aquitaine Close, Northampton, stole two drills and two batteries; community order made to carry out 40 hours of unpaid work, compensation £1,339, surcharge £85, costs £85.

William Hampton, aged 30, of The Firs, Daventry, possession of cocaine, assault; pleaded guilty and sent to Northampton Crown Court for sentence.

Joe Bamford, aged 18, of Blenheim Road, Northampton, no insurance; fined £660, surcharge £66, costs £85, licence endorsed with six points.

Ruslians Cerepanaks, aged 38, of North Holme Court, Northampton, driving not in accordance with a licence; fined £220, surcharge £30, costs £85, licence endorsed with three points.

Julian Eastwood, aged 47, of Thomas Chapman Grove, Northampton, no insurance; fined £660, surcharge £66, costs £85, licence endorsed with six points.

Constantin Fuerea, aged 37, of Charles Street, Northampton, driving not in accordance with a licence; fined £220, surcharge £30, costs £85, licence endorsed with three points.

James Gale, aged 48, of Clickers Drive, Northampton, failed to give information relating to the identity of a driver; fined £660, surcharge £66, costs £85, licence endorsed with six points.

Marius Habalau, aged 22, of Portland Place, Northampton, no insurance; fined £660, surcharge £66, costs £85, licence endorsed with six points.

Neil Hart, aged 42, of Wordsworth Road, Daventry, driving at 70mph in a 50mph zone; fined £440, surcharge £44, costs £85, licence endorsed with six points.

Ashley Honey, aged 30, of Walkers Way, Northampton, driving while using a mobile phone; fined £153, surcharge £30, costs £85, licence endorsed with six points.

Ionut Ilie, aged 23, of Stoneyhurst, Northampton, driving not in accordance with a licence; fined £220. No insurance; fined £660, surcharge £66, costs £85, licence endorsed with eight points.

Simas Ivanovas, aged 26, of Brockhall Road, Northampton, driving not in accordance with a licence; no separate penalty. No insurance; fined £660, surcharge £66, licence endorsed with six points.

Billy James, aged 21, of St George’s Avenue, Northampton, driving at 35mph in a 30mph zone; fined £220, surcharge £30, costs £85, licence endorsed with three points.

Simon Loveland, aged 42, of Ruddington Close, Northampton, driving at 37mph in a 30mph zone; fined £216, surcharge £30, costs £85, licence endorsed with three points.

Karl Marriott, aged 25, of Jasmine Road, Northampton, driving at 43mph in a 30mph zone; fined £93, surcharge £30, costs £85, licence endorsed with four points. Driving not in accordance with a licence; fined £46.

David Newton, aged 58, of Shard Close, Northampton, driving while not wearing a seat belt; fined £46, surcharge £30, costs £85.

Bevan Nzanga, aged 19, of Prentice Court, Northampton, no insurance; fined £660, surcharge £66, costs £85, licence endorsed with six points.

Andreas Poulopoulos, aged 48, of Baker Street, Gayton, driving at 36mph in a 30mph zone; fined £220, surcharge £30, licence endorsed with three points.

Jamie Pryer, aged 45, of The Roundway, Daventry, driving at 50mph in a 30mph zone; fined £120, surcharge £30, licence endorsed with three points.

Lee Sambrooks, aged 41, of Talavera Close, Daventry, driving while using a mobile phone; fined £220, surcharge £30, costs £85, licence endorsed with six points.

Kiane Savory, aged 22, of Saxon Street, Northampton, no insurance; fined £120, surcharge £30, licence endorsed with six points.

Andrew Sharpe, aged 40, of Grovebury Dell, Northampton, no insurance; fined £660, surcharge £66, costs £85, licence endorsed with eight points. Driving not in accordance; fined £220. No test certificate; fined £220.

Leonard Simionica, aged 22, of Ryland Road, Northampton, driving not in accordance with a licence; no separate penalty. No insurance; fined £660, surcharge £66, costs £85, licence endorsed with six points.

David Stanley, aged 55, of Bouverie Road, Northampton, driving at 39mph in a 30mph zone; fined £220, surcharge £30, costs £85, licence endorsed with three points.

Iosua Stefan, aged 22, of Eastfield Road, Duston, no insurance; fined £220, surcharge £30, costs £85, licence endorsed with six points.

Paulina Szablinka, aged 25, of Countess Road, Northampton, failed to give information relating to the identity of a driver; fined £660, surcharge £66, costs £85, licence endorsed with six points.

Fasial Tariq, aged 27, of Croughton Close, Northampton, failed to give information relating to the identity of a driver; fined £660, surcharge £66, costs £85, licence endorsed with six points.

Mojir Uddin, aged 32, of Charles Street, Northampton, driving while using a mobile phone; fined £220, surcharge £30, licence endorsed with six points.

Anthony Wood, aged 27, of Welland Green, Northampton, driving while using a mobile phone; fined £38, surcharge £30, costs £85, licence endorsed with six points.

Daniel Brown, aged 28, of The Causeway, Northampton, driving while using a mobile phone; fined £220, surcharge £30, banned from driving for six months.

Shane Creighton, aged 31, of Stoneacre Close, Daventry, failed to give information relating to the identity of a driver; fined £660, surcharge £66, licence endorsed with six points.

David Kehoe, aged 45, of Brockhall Close, Northampton, failed to give information relating to the identity of a driver; fined £660, surcharge £66, banned from driving for six months.

Marie Palmer, aged 51, of Gallfield Court, Northampton, no insurance; fined £660, surcharge £66, costs £85, banned from driving for six months.