Just after midday Highways England confirmed there had been a collision involving three vehicles on the southbound stretch between junction 17 (Dunchurch) and junction 16 (Northampton).

Two lanes are currently closed.

Just before 1pm @HighwaysEMIDS said: "Emergency services are now on scene. Recovery have managed to remove some vehicles, however some are still in situ."

Traffic is queueing back for several miles.

UPDATE: The scene is now clear and all vehicles are out of live lane and all lanes are reopened. Congestion still remains in the area.

Roger Thompson, 47, was arrested in 2016 after a taxi journey from Northampton town centre to Pitsford ended with the cabbie reportedly driving away 'fearing for his life'.

But at the first day of Thompson's trial at Northampton Crown Court yesterday (February 18), the defendant waived his right to appear in court and did not send a barrister to represent his side in the case.

The Bounds taxi driver who took Thompson home at around 4am on June 17, 2016, told the jury what he witnessed.

On the journey from Northampton to Pitsford, Thompson reportedly became upset at the rising price of the cab fare.

Then, the driver said, a speeding car overtook the taxi.

The driver told the jury: "I told the passenger 'that was dangerous'. I was just making conversation. He replied 'that wasn't dangerous, you'll see dangerous when we get there'."

At Thompson's address, the 47-year-old reportedly asked if he could fetch money from inside to pay the £17.50 cab fare.

But when the driver next saw Thompson emerge from the cottage, he allegedly had a gun over his shoulder.

The driver said: "As soon as I saw him, I just drove off. I was scared for my life. My legs were shaking."

Police officers went to the cottage the next day where they found two air rifles, a deactivated shotgun and a deactivated musket.

The court heard how when he opened the door to the police, Thompson said: "I know what this is about. I had it with me when I came to the door."

He was charged with possessing a firearm with intent to cause fear or harm.

Thompson did not attend court yesterday and did not send a barrister to represent him.

His Honour Judge Rupert Mayo told the jury: "It is not up to the defendant to prove to you that he didn't do it, but for the prosecution to prove that he did do it."

The trial continues.

Tony McArdle and Brian Roberts were drafted in by Westminster to oversee the failing county council after it effectively declared itself bankrupt last year by ordering a section 114 notice, which prohibits news spending.

But with the in-year overspend reducing from £64.1million to £1.4million, the commissioners are confident the council will balance its book by the end of the financial year in late March.

In a letter sent to all councillors prior to the 2019/20 budget being set this week, the signed letter reads: “For the current year the monthly revenue monitoring report is showing the current overspend to be £1.4m and we expect the council to break even by the end of the year.

“This is a substantial reduction on the projected overspend at the time of issuing the s114 Notice in July 2018.”

The in-year savings have however had a huge helping hand from the Government, who granted the county council permission to use £70million of capital monies for their revenue funding. Such spending is not normally allowed in local government.

The capital dispensation has allowed the council to wipe out the £39.7million deficit that was being brought forward from 2017/18.

The commissioners go on to say: “In addition, further scrutiny of the measures taken by the council to close the 2017/18 accounts has identified the injudicious use of earmarked general fund reserves of £4.4m. We are pleased that the council proposes to reinstate these reserves by further use of the capitalisation dispensation.”

Chief executive Theresa Grant said the impact on frontline services would have been ‘pretty catastrophic’ had the capital dispensation now been allowed by the government.

Even still, the commissioners are predicting further financial prudency for 2019/20. The budget, being determined on Thursday, has an increase in council tax of 4.99 per cent, which is beyond the 2.99 threshold normally allowed without a referendum. It will raise an additional £5.8million for the council.

The letter adds: “We are concerned about the potential workload on the council in leading and supporting the work on establishing the new unitaries. We would expect the focus of the cabinet and the officer leadership team to continue to be on improving services, especially Children’s Services and delivering savings totalling £41.4m in 2019/20.

“Even with the actions taken to date the financial resilience of the council remains fragile. It will continue to operate with a minimum general balance and only very limited earmarked reserves and provisions.

“Although the financial situation remains serious, we believe the budget to be considered by the cabinet at its meeting on February 14 is credible and achievable, subject to confirmation of the capital receipts, and therefore it has our endorsement. This should result in the council producing a balanced outturn in 2019/20.”

It doesn’t matter how many times I see this musical, I always think I’ll keep my eyes on the actor/puppeteer to look for any slips. And then your eyes gradually drift to the creatures of fur. And you can’t help but look at them.

Telling the story of the idealistic but youthful Princeton, he shows him moving into Avenue Q and his trials and tribulations as he interacts with the residents, including Kate Monster, the engaged Christmas Eve and Brian, rowing roommates Rod and Nicky, their landlord Gary Coleman and the ebullient Trekkie Monster.

It’s a testament to the brilliance of the performers that my brother, who was watching alongside me, scarcely realised that the actors were doubling up at certain times until the curtain call.

Lawrence Smith brings both the enthusiastic Princeton and the closeted Rod to life rather marvellously, while Cecily Redman gives us a very different side of her talents, one as the sweet and innocent Kate Monster and another character, far less cute with a name that I can’t possibly name in full.

Saori Ora is also rather brilliant as the fabulously named Christmas Eve, getting plenty of laughs for the extra embellishments that have been added into this production.

Even by brother commented to me afterwards, having never seen the show in full but only seeing clips on YouTube, that there were lots of extra moments in the show during the musical numbers which have been added. Unlike my brother, seeing the extra little touches by this talented cast gave it an added freshness while retaining the charm of the original production.

It does help that a lot of the songs are catchy as anything, and I expect I’ll get a lot of odd looks if I absent-mindedly start singing in public 'Everyone’s A Little Bit Racist'. But such is the joy and comedy of the songs that you can’t help but sing them.

This is a really great show and one that is really easy to like. It’s the perfect antidote if you are feeling a little down. It’s just a shame that it is only for now.

Avenue Q can be seen at Northampton’s Royal & Derngate until Saturday, February 23 (not appropriate for a younger audience). Tickets for the show can be booked by calling the box office on 01604 624811 or visit www.royalandderngate.co.uk

All drivers hate bumpy roads and potholes, and now government statistics reveal how much of Northamptonshire’s road network which may need repairs.

It may surprise you that just 3% of Northamptonshire’s 315 miles of council-run A roads were judged to be in need of maintenance, only 9.5 miles.

Road inspections were carried out in the 12 months to March 2018.

The examinations, done by scanner machines and human inspection, identify sections of road worn by use or affected by ruts, bumps or potholes. It’s not clear from the figures how badly damaged the roads are.

The Department for Transport data also shows that 5% of the B and C roads were in need of work.

In total, there are 2,426 miles of minor roads in Northamptonshire.

The area in the East Midlands with the worst A roads is Nottingham.

The highway inspections use a classification called the Road Condition Indicator. This categorises a road as green, amber or red, based on ruts and bumps.

If a part of a route is branded red it should be checked more regularly as it is likely to require maintenance.

Across Britain, 717 miles of council-run A roads were deemed in need of maintenance.

RAC Breakdown spokesman Rod Dennis said: “These figures will come as little surprise to both drivers and those on two wheels who continue to have to put up with using sub-standard roads.

“We believe Britain’s pothole problem has been caused by years of under investment, especially when it comes to local roads – with councils having to make some tough decisions about where to prioritise spending.

“It’s a sad reality that investment hasn’t been sufficient to guarantee the quality of these roads.”

The figures also show that road conditions are roughly the same as they were five years ago, when a similar proportion of Northamptonshire’s A roads were in need of repairs.

These statistics only refer to Northamptonshire’s local authority run roads. The majority of roads in the area are the responsibility of the council while Highways England is in charge of the maintenance for motorways and some major A roads.

The plans for Site 5 of Daventry District Council's (DDC) town centre vision - drawn up in 2004 - were approved in March 2018 but the local authority announced an end to its partnership with Henry Boot Developments "on good terms".

Infrastructure costs and "market conditions" are said to be behind the decision.

The Oaks development included food stores, shops and a hotel on land at the Waterloo, Gasworks and Chaucer Way and would have seen the Eastern Way roundabout and three subways removed.

The council, which meets on Thursday, February 21, will be asked to confirm the agreement with Henry Boot Developments should come to an end.

Councillor David James, DDC’s portfolio holder for economy, regeneration and employment, said: "The council recognises the substantial investment made by Henry Boot and regrets that this partnership will need to come to an end.

"However, we do have a range of stores who want to come to Daventry, and the council will explore how best to make this possible.

"Henry Boot has offered the council use of the information it gathered during the time it was working on the scheme, which shows a spirit of partnership even as this relationship ends.

"In the meantime, the council’s work on the cinema and restaurants at Mulberry Place will press on."

In December, it was announced the cost of the Mulberry Place development - site 1 of the town centre vision - increased by £4 million to £12.3 million.

Vivienne Clements, director at Henry Boot Developments, said: "Despite our very best efforts and a great deal of investment, we have been unable to move this scheme forward.

"While interest from national retailers has been encouraging, market conditions and infrastructure costs have unfortunately made the scheme unviable.

"We have parted ways with Daventry District Council on good terms and wish them well for the future as they seek to bring the site forward in a form that best serves the community."

It was hoped the development would be completed by spring 2020.

Unions fighting for better pay and conditions for Northamptonshire County Council staff have had a victory this week but say they still have a long way to go.

The council’s chief executive Theresa Grant announced to staff yesterday (Feb 18) that they would now be paid their first day’s sick pay, a benefit that was taken away five years ago.

A spokesman for the authority said today (Feb 19) the move was ‘reflective of the continued hard work by staff to help turn the organisation around.’

Unions have welcomed the move but still say more is needed. They want a two per cent pay rise for staff, incremental pay rises returned and better long term sick pay conditions. Staff at Northamptonshire County Council have worse terms and conditions than at neighbouring local authorities.

Northamptonshire Unison assistant branch secretary Lorna Smith said: “We are glad that the council have responded to one of our demands on behalf of members. There is however still a long way to go to return staff to the nationally agreed terms and conditions they are entitled to. We will continue to speak up for members who this year haven’t even had a cost of living pay rise.”

The council angered staff at the start of this month when it said that despite making huge headway in its finances it would not be able to give a pay rise to staff. After the announcement unions Unison and GMB said they would be holding an emergency meeting and said industrial action would not ruled out if that is what staff wanted.

The authority’s workforce has not had a pay increase of above one per cent since 2010.

At the county council’s budget meeting being held this Thursday (Feb 21) the council’s Liberal Democrat group will put forward an amendment to the budget for the 2019/20 financial year which would allow for a two per cent pay rise for staff. The pay rise would equal £2.1m, roughly the same amount the council will set aside in a contingency fund.

Group leader Cllr Chris Stanbra said: “This is the right thing to do. The council’s staff deserve a pay increase in 2019-20. They have worked hard throughout some very difficult times over the last year. It’s time they were rewarded for their hard work. Time after time at budget scrutiny recently when senior officers were asked what the barriers were to recruiting and retaining staff, levels of pay were given as one of the main reasons. The council must do something about this now.”

Deputy leader of the Lib Dem group Cllr Dennis Meredith added: “I’m delighted that we are putting this budget amendment forward. I’m asking all my colleagues at the council, of all parties and none, to support this amendment and support the council’s hard working staff.”

At the meeting the council will vote to approve a council tax increase of just under five per cent. This is estimated to bring in an extra £5.8m for the council.

Northamptonshire County Council has agreed to equal representation on a joint committee that will help shape the future of the local government reorganisation - bringing to an end a row with the district and borough councils.

The make-up of the committee resulted in a massive disagreement between the leaders of the district and borough councils, and the leader of the county council, Councillor Matt Golby.

All parties had originally agreed at a behind-closed-doors steering group that each of the councils would have equal representation on the committees, which will help kickstart the formal process of the formation of two new unitary authorities in the west and north of the county.

But district leaders rounded on Councillor Golby after county council papers showed that the authority wanted half of all the seats.

Daventry leader Councillor Chris Millar said Councillor Golby had been ‘dishonourable and crass’ in breaking the agreement, while the decision also led to the resignation of Councillor Martin Griffiths as an assistant member of the county council cabinet.
But it has now been confirmed that the county has rowed back on its demand for extra seats, and the committees will be equal after all.

The news was welcomed by Councillor Griffiths, who is also the leader of the Borough Council of Wellingborough.

He said: “I am glad that common sense has prevailed

“There are excellent councillors on the controlling group of the county council, including a large number who were elected in May 2017 and who in a relatively short and turbulent time have worked really hard to get the council functioning better. Their voices and those of the seven district and borough leaders have been listened to.

“Delivering two successful unitary councils needs unity not sovereignty and the people of Northamptonshire deserve, and should demand, that their elected councillors put residents first and foremost to achieve an orderly and smooth transition.”

Speaking this evening (February 19), Councillor Golby said his demands had changed after a meeting with his fellow Conservative county councillors earlier this week.

The recommendation for equal representation is likely to be included for approval at the authority’s next full council meeting on February 28.

Councillor Golby said: “We spoke to our group and the papers will now generally reflect those views.

“I said all along that it was something that we have to work through and find a resolution to, without making a big deal of it from our end.”

The joint committees, which will meet in public, will now have four councillors each from Daventry, Northampton, South Northamptonshire and the county for the west unitary, and three each from the county, Wellingborough, Kettering, Corby and East Northamptonshire for the north.

It brings to an end a turbulent few days for Councillor Golby, who has faced severe criticism from his Conservative colleagues for the reneging of the original agreement, before now deciding to abide by it.

Asked if it was himself who had made the decision, or whether the call for extra seats had been orchestrated from higher up by the chief executive or government appointed commissioners, Councillor Golby said: “It was myself that put the numbers into the paper, and it was my decision. But I wanted to get the view of our group, and we have adjusted it accordingly.”

The following people were sentenced at Northampton Magistrates’ Court:

NOVEMBER 22

Douglas McFarlance, aged 43, of Bladon Close, Northampton, used threatening or abusive words or behaviour; fined £220, surcharge £30, costs £85.

Rares Paunescu, aged 31, of Longland Road, Northampton, drink-driving with a breath test reading of 44mcgs of alcohol in 100mls of breath; fined £500, surcharge £50, costs £85, banned from driving for 12 months.

Peter Stearnes, aged 36, of Gladstone Road, Northampton, produced cannabis; fined £80, surcharge £30, costs £85.

Darryl Emmerson, aged 47, of Birdlake Meadow, Northampton, drink-driving with a breath test reading of 107mcgs of alcohol in 100mls of breath; fined £150, surcharge £30, costs £85, banned from driving for 24 months.

Kelly Hunter, aged 38, of Lennox Walk, Northampton, used threatening or insulting words or behaviour; conditional discharge for 18 months, surcharge £20, costs £85.

John Loftus, aged 37, of Perry Street, Northampton, stole coffee worth £75.30 from Spa garage; conditional discharge for six months, surcharge £20, costs £50.

Sean Sye, aged 44, of no fixed abode, stole five bottles of alcohol worth £27.38 from Morrisons; conditional discharge for 12 months, surcharge £20.

William Yates, aged 18, of Clare Avenue, Daventry, driving not in accordance with a licence; fined £40, surcharge £30, costs £85.

Szymon Sieczkiewicz, aged 34, of Park Crescent West, Northampton, assaulted a police officer; fined £294, compensation £50, surcharge £30, cost £400.

Dominic Dispenza, aged 20, of Freehold Street, Northampton, harassment; jailed for 14 weeks, surcharge £115.

Suhel Ahmed, aged 41, of Alfred Street, Northampton, no insurance; fined £245, surcharge £30, costs £200.

NOVEMBER 23

Reece Cooke, aged 25, of Hervey Street, Northampton, stole a bike; community order made, compensation £350, surcharge £85, costs £85.

NOVEMBER 26

Daniel Stratford, aged 38, of Mitchell Close, Duston, failed to comply with a supervision order; fined £40, costs £60.

Sergejs Aleksejevs, aged 30, of Campbell Stret, Northampton, drunk and disorderly; fined £125, surcharge £30, costs £85.

Karl Green, aged 29, of Ellfield Court, Northampton, drunk and disorderly; conditional discharge for 12 months, surcharge £20, costs £85.

Matthew Riely, aged 32, of Alcombe Road, Northampton, possession of cannabis; fined £40, surcharge £30, costs £85. Possession of cocaine; fined £120.

Levi Griffiths, aged 20, of no fixed abode, stole face cream and electric razors worth £490 belonging to Boots; community order made, surcharge £85, costs £85.

Lydia Nixon, aged 25, of Eskdale Avenue, Northampton, damaged a window at the Auctioneers; conditional discharge for 18 months, compensation £150, surcharge £20.

James McDonagh, of Kirton End, Northampton, failed to give information relating to the identity of a driver; fined £150, surcharge £30, costs £150.

Jamie Doris, aged 29, of Crikley Crescent, Northampton, harassment; fined £400, surcharge £40, costs £85.

NOVEMBER 27

Nigel Wise, aged 50, of Arbour Court, Northampton, breach of the Education Act; fined £120, surcharge £30, costs £120.

Hayley Adams, aged 35, of no fixed abode, assault; conditional discharge for 12 months, compensation £100, surcharge £20, costs £85.

Samuel Earl, aged 26, of Woodcote Avenue, Northampton, damaged an emergency light on a police vehicle; fined £80, surcharge £30, costs £85.

NOVEMBER 28

Matteo Polifonte, aged 35, of Poplar Court, Northampton, assault; fined £500, compensation £100, surcharge £50, costs £85.

Ryszard Bienias, aged 64, of Shard Close, Northampton, assault; community order made to carry out 80 hours of unpaid work, compensation £100, surcharge £85, costs £400.

Cameron Blooman, aged 26, of Park Walk Northampton, stole drills and a jetwash worth £300 belonging to B&Q; conditional discharge for 12 months, compensation £287. Stole laminate flooring; conditional discharge for 12 months, compensation £270.

Bartosz Kordecki, aged 34, of Lasham Court, Northampton, drink-driving with a breath test reading of 62mcgs of 100mls of breath; fined £460, surcharge £46, costs £85, banned from driving for 17 months.

Patrick Green, aged 27, of Flaxwell Court, Northampton, drunk and disorderly; surcharge £85, costs £85. Resisted arrest; community order made to carry out 80 hours of unpaid work. Assault; commununity order made to carry out 80 hours of unpaid work.

James Shelton, aged 33, of Queen’s Road, Northampton, assault; jailed for 16 weeks. Assault of another person; jailed for 16 weeks concurrent, ordered to pay a surcharge of £115.

Clinton Pearce, aged 30, of The Stour, Daventry, driving at 79mph in a 60mph zone; fined £84, surcharge £30, costs £85, licence endorsed with three points.

Beth Slade, aged 32, of Staverton Road, Badby, driving at 93mph in a 60mph zone; fined £807, surcharge £80, costs £85, licence endorsed with six points.

Nicholas Young, aged 44, of Milburn Drive, Northampton, no insurance; fined £680, surcharge £68, cost £85, licence endorsed with six points.

Alexander Barron, aged 26, of Billing Road, Northampton, driving without due care and attention; fined £660, banned from driving for six months.

Neil Harvey, aged 63, of Middle Greeve, Northampton, driving at 35mph ina 30mph zone; fined £169, surcharge £30, costs £85, licence endorsed with three points.

Darren Love, aged 50, of Langley Close, Northampton, failed to stop at an accident; fined £253, surcharge £30, costs £85, licence endorsed with six points.

Alexander Barron, aged 26, of Billing Road, Northampton, no insurance; fined £660, surcharge £66, costs £85, banned from driving for six months.

Belinda Moreton, aged 26, of Firecrest Walk, driving at 43mph in a 30mph zone; fined £440, surcharge £44, costs £85, licence endorsed with four points.

NOVEMBER 29

Sergiu Harea, aged 23, of Kingsland Avenue, Northampton, drink-driving with a breath test reading of 85mcgs of alcohol in 100mls of breath; fined £500, surcharge £50, costs £85, banned from driving for 22 months.

Matthew Varga, aged 34, of Greenfield Avenue, Northampton, produced cannabis; community order made, surcharge £85, costs £85.

John Green, aged 48, of Brookside Meadows, Northampton, drink-driving with a breath test reading of 73mcgs of alcohol in 100mls of breath; fined £484, surcharge £48, costs £85, banned from driving for 17 months.

Levi Griffiths, aged 20, of Clousham Street, Northampton, stole two bottles of vodka worth £32 belonging to Morrisons; conditional discharge for 18 months, surcharge £20, costs £85.

Victoria Lockhart, aged 38, of Thorpe Road, Earls Barton, drink-driving with a breath test reading of 71mcgs of alcohol in 100mls of breath; fined £120, surcharge £30, costs £50, banned from driving for 17 months.

Chandrika Raja, aged 67, of Skipton Close, Northampton, driving without due care and attention; fined £423, surcharge £42, costs £85, licence endorsed with six points.

Kevin Coleman, aged 26, of no fixed abode, assault; jailed for four months, surcharge £115.

Adrian Oakey, aged 59, of Highfields Road, Daventry, in charge of a dangerous out of control dog; fined £400, compensation £100, surcharge £40, costs £85.

The Spratton property in High Street is one of three homes in the village hit by a recent string of burglaries that began last Friday.

Northamptonshire Police are continuing their inquiries with a spokesperson saying it was too early to link the incidents.

On Friday, February 15, Lydia Crawford's home in High Street was targeted by the burglars who were captured on CCTV.

"They are very brazen," said Mrs Crawford, whose family had jewellery, cash and other pocket items stolen.

"We could have easily been home at that time.

"My husband is usually home with the children by then.

"They left electronics, they opened up drawers, there were tablets out but they didn't take them," she added.

The burglars also took the children's piggy banks, though fortunately Mrs Crawford said there "wasn't a lot in them".

She said: "It's mainly the master bedroom they targeted where they took jewellery, most of which had sentimental value."

The burglars entered the house through the back by breaking a locked gate and smashing glass.

One other burglary happened on the same night (February 15) in Blackthorn Close, between 4.30pm and 7pm.

And on Monday (February 18), a house in Smith Street was targeted by burglars between 4.45pm and 7pm.

Northamptonshire Police has advice on how to improve home security on their website.

Anyone with information should contact Northamptonshire Police on 101. Alternatively, they can call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Northamptonshire gin makers Warner Edwards will have a show garden at the Chelsea Flower Show.

Britain’s leading super-premium, farm-born gin is bringing a touch of its countryside home to the RHS show, partnering with esteemed garden designer Helen Elks-Smith.

The award-winning garden designer is using inspiration from the natural springs at Falls Farm in Harrington, near Rothwell – the home of the Warner Edwards Gin Distillery.

Said to be built ‘on rock and water’, the naturally occurring springs and aquifers of Falls Farm inspired a playful and imaginative water feature, that appears and disappears throughout the garden.

Regionally-sourced natural stone and materials will anchor the design which contains a complex cantilevered roof and supporting structure.

Oxford artist Wendy Newhofer is creating bespoke, hand crafted glass panels which will feature a blue tint created from copper reacting with the glass – inspired by the distillation process that takes place at the farm.

With a nod to architect Frank Lloyd Wright’s masterpiece Fallingwater and an emphasis on the horizontal plane, an enclosure has been designed for relaxed entertaining with views to the wider landscape beyond and underpinned by subtle, textural planting.

The garden will feature planting such as Juniperus Communis – an evergreen conifer which has berries that are used to flavour gin; Crataegus Persimilis ‘Prunifolia’ – a broad-leaved cockspur thorn; mixed native hedging – an important part of English countryside and Rosmarinus officinalis – which will be used on site to garnish gin and tonics.

The garden will provide a relaxed space for socialising and engaging with family and friends, and central to the design is an impressive sheltered courtyard referencing the tranquil setting of Falls Farm.

Situated on Main Avenue, the garden’s central column will include elements of copper and water inspired by the internal process that occurs in Curiosity – the still that creates the six famed Warner Edwards gin variants.

Tom Warner said: “In Helen, we have found someone who has the experience and vision to bring our brand to life in garden form.

“We knew immediately she would be perfect and had to get her on board.

“Last year, we were lucky enough to win a silver award, and so our hopes are high for another win this year!

“We quickly discovered that she had an existing love for our gin, and already knew the brand, but not the story.

“Helen joined us at Falls Farm, where we took her through the distillation process and our farm-born story.

“She built a real connection with the farm and our story, and within a few days, she had produced a stunning visual design that really connected and resonated with us – we can’t wait to see it come to life in May!”

Helen Elks-Smith said: “I’m so excited to be working with Warner Edwards.

“I’m a huge fan of their gin, and it’s been really interesting to learn so much about how they sustainably grow and distil the liquid on their farm.

“The designs we’ve created take inspiration from a number of the farm’s features, such as the springs and the natural stone.”

To celebrate their third year of exhibiting at RHS Chelsea Flower Show, Warner Edwards will be serving refreshing gin-based cocktails and long drinks at their Gin Barn Bar, a wonderful re-creation of their farm, distillery and botanical gardens.

They will also be busily distilling an exclusive gin live in the Jardin Blanc hospitality suite.

Warner Edwards has an ongoing partnership with the RHS and since launching Honeybee Gin in 2017 has been donating a portion of the profits from sales towards RHS initiatives.

Consumers who purchase a bottle of Honeybee Gin receive a packet of wildflower seeds to plant their own bee-friendly botanicals and support Warner Edwards’ commitment to helping the bee population.

An ongoing partnership with RHS Garden Wisley now sees Warner Edwards hives from Falls Farm permanently sited in Wisley’s Heather Garden where the Warner Edwards team are educating the local Wisley team on beekeeping and supporting pollinators.

More than 120 people attended the annual Northamptonshire Jane Roebuck Carers Awards which brought together carers from across Northamptonshire to acknowledge and celebrate the fantastic contribution that they make to the county.

The prestigious awards ceremony, which was held at Barton Hall, Kettering, not only recognises the commitment, hard work, and selflessness of carers, but it provides an opportunity for them to enjoy an occasion which is dedicated solely to them.

The ceremony was attended by the Mayor of Kettering, councillors, MPs, Northampton Town FC players, Northamptonshire County Cricket Club players, number of health and social care professionals and local businesses.

The special event recognised the commitment, hard work, and selflessness of Northamptonshire carers, but also provided an opportunity for the county’s carers to enjoy an occasion which was dedicated solely to them.

The winners were:

Young Carer of the Year - Saffron Bannard

Carer of the Year - Paul Nichols

Shining Star Award - Louise Willis

As many as one in eight adults (about 6.5 million people) are carers in the UK and every day another 6,000 people take on a caring responsibility – that equals more than two million people each year.

In Northamptonshire alone, there are more than 70,000 known carers.

Chief executive officer of Northamptonshire Carers Mark Major said: “The awards were a great success and we were absolutely thrilled that so many people put forward nominations.

“Carers do a vital job and these awards help raise their profile and awareness of the amazing work these people do, often in extremely challenging circumstances.

“While we have only awarded some of the nominees with awards, it must be known that all carers are winners and the work they do for others is extremely valuable.”

For more information on the awards visit www.northamptonshire-carers.org/awards.

A father-of-four saved his three-year-old son from their burning home in Daventry in a suspected arson attack.

Ashley Taylor, his wife Rebecca and their four children - aged one, three, eight and 10 - are without a home as a result of the blaze.

Police are treating the fire in The Stour, which began at about 4.30am on Monday (February 18), as suspicious.

"The smoke alarm was sounding and the missus woke up," said Mr Taylor, a 36-year-old bus driver.

"We could see the orange glow of the flames under the door.

"We managed to get down and out the back door.

"When I got out I realised Oliver was still inside so I ran up and got him."

He added: "That was terrifying. I heard him screaming for me at the top of the stairs. It's still in my head. It's been difficult."

When firefighters arrived on the scene they had to rush to save the family's dog Farrah, a seven-year-old Doberman-Staffordshire terrier cross.

The fire is believed to have been started deliberately after investigators couldn't find evidence to back up their original suspicions of an electrical fault.

Mr Taylor said there was a storage box at the front of the home which contained leftover wood from a previous job.

And it's thought the arsonist set the box alight but the Taylors are not thought to have been specifically targeted.

"We were lucky to get out. The smoke was to the point where we couldn't breathe," said Mr Taylor.

"The kids were a bit quiet but they're doing better now."

"We are truly grateful to the emergency services and all the family and friends who helped us," he added.

The Taylors are now staying at Rebecca's mother's house while their landlord tries to find them a new home.

Police believe that another fire shortly afterwards on The Grange is connected.

Shortly after 5am, also on Monday, a car fire in the nearby street, Dee Walk, was reported to Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service.

The blaze also spread to two further cars.

Daventry sector Sergeant Chris Thomas said: “Both crimes are are being treated as suspicious and being jointly investigated by the police and fire service.

“We would urge any witnesses or anyone who has information about these fires to please report this to the police or Crimestoppers.”

Work is on-going in Daventry as part of Operation Unite, which is tackling levels of arson and anti-social behaviour in the area.

Anyone with information about these fires should contact Northamptonshire Police on 101 or make an anonymous report to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

Arson prevention advice:

Avoid placing bins, rubbish, or other combustible items against the walls of your home. These are a ready supply of fuel for an arsonist.

If rubbish can only be stored alongside your building, then please avoid putting it directly against the wall of your home, to minimise the chance of fire spreading.

Do not allow rubbish to accumulate in areas outside your home. Piles of discarded waste can be targets for deliberate fire setters.

Ensure you only place rubbish out for collection on the correct day.

Maintain good security in and around your home. Remember to close and lock any gates. Lock doors and windows when you go out. Make sure fencing is in a good state of repair.

Consider installing security lighting at your home to deter intruders.

Sheds and garages should be locked. Do not leave flammable liquids in the open.

If you see fly-tipped waste, then please report this immediately. Fly-tipped rubbish in the Daventry area can be reported by visiting www.daventrydc.gov.uk/online or by calling Daventry District Council on 01327 871100.

Officers are appealing for witnesses after two fires, thought to be suspicious, took place on a single night in The Grange estate, Daventry.

Police and fire were called to a house fire in The Stour at 4.45am on Monday, February 18, which centred on the front porch area.

Two adults and three young children reached safety by escaping via the back of the house.
Shortly after 5am, also on Monday, February 18, a fire to a car in the nearby street, Dee Walk, was reported to Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service.

This fire also spread to two further cars.

Daventry sector Sergeant Chris Thomas said: “Both crimes are being treated as suspicious and being jointly investigated by the police and fire service.

“We would urge any witnesses or anyone who has information about these fires to please report this to the police or Crimestoppers.”

Work is on-going in Daventry as part of Operation Unite, which is tackling levels of arson and anti-social behaviour in the area.

Anyone with information about these fires should contact Northamptonshire Police on 101 or make an anonymous report to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

Arson prevention advice:

Avoid placing bins, rubbish, or other combustible items against the walls of your home. These are a ready supply of fuel for an arsonist.

If rubbish can only be stored alongside your building, then please avoid putting it directly against the wall of your home, to minimise the chance of fire spreading.

Do not allow rubbish to accumulate in areas outside your home. Piles of discarded waste can be targets for deliberate fire setters.

Ensure you only place rubbish out for collection on the correct day.

Maintain good security in and around your home. Remember to close and lock any gates. Lock doors and windows when you go out. Make sure fencing is in a good state of repair.

Consider installing security lighting at your home to deter intruders.

Sheds and garages should be locked. Do not leave flammable liquids in the open.

If you see fly-tipped waste, then please report this immediately. Fly-tipped rubbish in the Daventry area can be reported by visiting www.daventrydc.gov.uk/online or by calling Daventry District Council on 01327 871100.

Forecasters are predicting that temperatures will rise to 14C in Northants ahead of the weekend.

Temperatures will rise tomorrow (Thursday) and into Friday to 13C across the county with long spells of sunny intervals forecast.

By Saturday forecasters predict it will reach 14C in Northamptonshire, making it feel more like spring than winter.

A large area of high pressure centred over continental Europe will extend across the UK, bringing increasingly settled conditions with dry and sunny weather for many.

Some parts of the country are expected to reach between 15 and 18C.

Met Office Chief Meteorologist, Steve Willington, said: “By the weekend we could see temperatures almost 10 degrees higher than what we might normally expect at this time of year, so there will certainly be a spring-like feel in the air across the country.

“North-western parts of the UK will be wet and windy at times this week, but settled conditions will spread to all parts of the country by the weekend, bringing plenty of sunshine and unseasonably mild temperatures that could well compete with current February temperature records.”

The current record maximum temperature for February is 19.7 °C, set in London on 13 February 1998.

The highest February temperature on record for Wales is 18.6 °C recorded in Powys in 1990, 17.9 °C in Aberdeen, Scotland recorded in 1897 and 17.8 °C in Bryansford, Northern Ireland, recorded in 1998.

Looking beyond next week, Deputy Chief Meteorologist, Chris Tubbs, said: “Although temperatures next week may not be as high as what we’re expecting this weekend, it looks like temperatures will stay on the mild side for the rest of February.”

AA Traffic News is reporting that two lorries were involved and there has been a fuel spillage on A45 Flore bypass both ways from M1 J16 in Daventry to A5 in Weedon.

The road is expected to remain closed until at least 3.30pm today, with motorists advised to avoid the area, Northamptonshire Police this afternoon said (Thursday).

The £40 million link road, which was built to improve the speed of journeys between Northampton and Daventry and improve access between Daventry and the M1, was opened in November last year.

The link road starts at a new roundabout on the existing A45 between the Dodford and Weedon, to the east of Globe Farm. It then passes to the north of the villages of Weedon, Flore and Upper Heyford before rejoining the A45 at a new roundabout between Upper Heyford and the M1 motorway at junction 16.

East Midlands Ambulance Service said: "We received a call at 7.31am this morning (February 21), to Flore Turn, A45.

"The caller reported an Road Traffic Collion (RTC).

"We sent a paramedic in an ambulance car and a crewed ambulance."

Three men have been charged with attempted murder over a firearms incident in Corby last December.

On Saturday, December 22, a 38-year-old man was found at an address in Stone House Mews suffering injuries to his stomach and neck. He has since been released from hospital.

Northamptonshire Police has now charged three men over the incident, including one arrested in Birmingham on Friday, February 15.

Arturs Daukste, aged 37, of Wellington Road, Perry Barr, Birmingham, was arrested as part of a joint operation with West Midlands Police.

He has been charged with attempted murder and possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life. He appeared at Northampton Magistrates’ Court on February 16 and was remanded into custody.

The investigation into the incident has also seen two other men arrested and charged.

Dimitrijs Paskovss, aged 30, of Guests Close, Telford, Shropshire, has been charged with attempted murder and possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life and has been remanded into custody.

Laurenc Gjura, aged 24, of Oakmere Avenue, Potters Bar, Hertfordshire, has been charged with attempted murder and possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life. He has also been remanded into custody.

Three other men previously arrested on suspicion of attempted murder remain on police bail.

Witnesses are being sought by police after a man sadly died following a collision between two HGVs on the A45 Flore bypass.

Emergency services were called to the collision, which occurred between Flore and Weedon, around 700 metres from the A5/A45 roundabout, shortly before 7.30am today (Thursday).

The collision involved two articulated lorries.

The driver of one vehicle was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.

AA Traffic News this morning reported that two lorries were involved and there was a fuel spillage on the A45 Flore bypass both ways from the M1 junction 16 in Daventry to the A5 in Weedon.

East Midlands Ambulance Service sent a paramedic in an ambulance car and a crewed ambulance to the scene.

Northamptonshire Police, investigating the collision, is appealing for witnesses to get in touch.

Anyone with information or who witnessed the incident is asked to call the Drivewatch Hotline on 0800 174615.

Conservative county councillors have voted against giving a pay rise to council staff at this morning’s budget meeting.

The ruling administration knocked back an amendment by the Liberal Democrats to use the £2.1m the authority is proposing to put into a contingency for the 2019/20 financial year to give a two per cent pay rise to staff instead.

In a recorded vote all of the Conservatives councillors present, excepting Cllr Dudley Hughes who abstained, voted against the proposal which would have given the biggest pay rise to staff since before 2010. Every other councillor voted for the pay rise.

The authority is currently predicting a £1.4m overspend for the current financial year with three months to go. It has reduced the former £64.1m overspend it was facing in July in part from a special allowance by the Government which has allowed it to use £70m from capital receipts to cover last year’s multi-million-pound deficit.

Conservative leader Matt Golby repeated earlier statements that the pay rise may come at a later date if finances allow.

Lib Dems leader Chris Stanbra said: “I’m proposing an amendment to the administration’s budget proposal that would delete the contingency of £2.1m in the budget and replace it with a two per cent pay increase for staff commencing on April 1, 2019.

“Please, please, please do something tangible to show our staff that you support them.”

Union’s Alvaerz Wilkinson spoke at the meeting and said staff were now fed up and needed a pay rise.

The Labour opposition’s finance portfolio holder, Mick Scrimshaw, said: “Staff are the council’s greatest asset, and the leadership again and again publicly acknowledge this, and have made a commitment to increase staff pay “if it can be afforded” and hopefully this year.

“Why isn’t it in the budget? If you’re confident about this budget, and you say you are, then show that confidence actually means something by releasing money for the desperately needed staff pay rise.

“I’m not talking about the senior management and consultants sometimes on hundreds of pounds a day, but the hard working social workers, admin staff and others at the bottom of the pay grades who have effectively taken pay cuts for years.”

After the meeting Unison's assistant branch secretary Lorna Smith said: "We feel very sad and concerned about what is effectively a pay cut for staff. We’ve seen assurances broken before, for example on our incremental pay and the implementation of unpaid leave. Unison is also concerned that this inability to pay a wage rise in line with inflation gives a message that the budget set is not robust. It also gives a message to staff here and in other counties that this is still not a secure place to work, and a pay rise would have helped rebuild trust for staff and members of the public."

At the start of this week chief executive Theresa Grant told all staff their first day’s sick leave would now be paid.

The unions are still campaigning for a return to national pay and conditions, which were removed in 2013.

Northamptonshire County Council has set its budget for 2019/20 after councillors voted it through this afternoon - and it includes a 4.99 per cent council tax rise for residents.

Councillors agreed to take up an offer from the Government in raising the council tax levels above the usually permitted 2.99 per cent, and the additional sums will bring in an extra £5.8million.

The county council says that the extra income will result in an additional £475,000 to permanently reinstate the previous winter gritting and winter maintenance of roads, and an extra £1.2million for its children’s services.

It will see the average Band D property in the county pay £1,236.10 a year. The county council has been unable to increase its adult social care precept, however, as it has already increased this by six per cent over the last two financial years.

The budget also sees £23.1million in efficiency savings in adult social services, and £10.3million from children’s services.

Opposition councillors refused to back the budget though after a Liberal Democrat amendment to give staff a two per cent salary increase was refused by the Conservative administration.

Conservative leader Matt Golby said the setting of this budget brought to an end ‘the single most challenging financial year in the history of the council’ and had stabilised since its ‘darkest hour’ last year when a section 114 notice was ordered banning new expenditure.

He said: “The financial struggles we have gone through have been reported across the globe. The great name of this council has been used in a negative way to highlight poor finances. But today we are drawing a line under that, and will instill public pride back into this county.

“This budget moves us on in terms of sustainability as we move forwards towards the unitary authorities. It marks a significant new chapter and it’s time to stop talking the council down and focus on how we have stabilised finances since those dark hours last year.”

The Conservatives also said that the budget includes investment in Adult Social Care centres and homes to provide new accommodation and services for older people, those with learning disabilities and mental health requirements to increase capacity and therefore reduce the reliance on costly external placements.

But Labour councillor Mick Scrimshaw, the chair of the overview and scrutiny committee, said that the budget was more of a ‘financial prayer than a proper plan’ and that the party could not support it when it had "so many holes" in it.

He said: “By setting this fragile and shaky budget today the council will effectively be simply going through a tick-box exercise to meet their legal requirements, and I suspect the work on how this council gets through the next financial year will start in earnest next week, but I predict that within the first month or two of the new financial year cabinet will already be getting reports of budget slippage.

“It’s a Conservative budget, hoping to deal with a Conservative mess brought on by Conservative decisions and Conservative policies.”

As well as the Government approving the extra council tax rise, it also allowed the county council to use £70million of its capital funds for its revenue budget, a move unprecedented in local government.

This allowed the council to wipe out its £39.7m deficit from 2017/18, put £20million back into its depleted reserves and allow for any contingencies.

Liberal Democrat councillor Dennis Meredith referred to this when he said: “Don’t go crowing about how this budget is good when you’ve been helped out by your mates at Westminster.”

But Councillor Longley said the decision had been "a vote of confidence" from the Government that the county council was getting "back on track".

He also confirmed that they were "expecting" to balance the in-year budget for 2018/19, but still had £1.4million of savings to find before the end of the financial year. He said he would "not make promises" that the in-year budget would definitely balance.