A coroner will write to an NHS Trust asking them to learn lessons in the treatment of depressed patients after a father-of-one committed suicide.

Bernard Boland, from Welford, hanged himself on December 23 last year at Berrywood Hospital in Northampton, after suffering bi-polar disorder and severe depression for 30 years.

At an inquest held last week senior coroner Anne Pember heard Mr Boland’s depression was successfully controlled by receiving regular electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) – where electric shocks are transmitted to the brain that are known to improve mood. However he tried to commit suicide and he was then treated with drugs rather than ECT.

She recorded a narrative verdict and will write to Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust asking lessons be learned following Mr Boland’s death.

A New Year’s Eve party will be held at Long Buckby’s community centre on Tuesday.

Running from 8pm to 12.30pm, the event is being run by Rhythm and Bones and will be raising money for a group of women from the village taking part in the Women v Cancer Ride The Night event.

The disco will have 60s, 70s and 80s music and families are welcome.

Tickets are £5 for adults, £2.50 for children and are available from Steve Williams on 07905 389703 or from Long Buckby Newsgents. Bring your own drinks and snacks.

Bin lorries will be out collecting waste and recycling on Boxing Day and New Year’s Day as normal.

Brown bin collections are suspended until the week beginning January 6.

Extra recycling – except glass – can be placed alongside the recycling boxes in clear plastic or carrier bags, but not in black or green sacks as they may be mistaken for general waste.

Large cardboard may be stacked next to boxes until January 4. All glass must be in the usual recycling box, and all food waste must be in the brown caddies.

Real Christmas trees can be left inside or next to brown wheelie bins from January 6.

The possibility of charging people to use tips and recycling centres has been raised by Northamptonshire County Council.

The council, which needs to make cuts and increase revenues to balance its books, has suggested making people pay £1 to use its household waste recycling centres, like the one in Daventry, might be way forward.

The council says it is proposing to review its recycling centre service in a bid to save £1 million over the next five years.

However, some say the charge could mean increases in fly tipping – something the Daventry District Council has to pay to clear up.

The story generated a huge response on the Daventry Express Facebook page.

Pat Ayers said: “We pay enough in rates already. All it is going to do is to encourage people to fly tip. We’ve got overflowing public bins, rubbish all up the roads, and pot holes galore and they’ve got a nerve to suggest paying to dump our rubbish.”

Alan Cullinane said: “I hardly use it. I’d rather pay the couple of quid a year than have my council tax upped by £20 a year.”

Councillor Michael Clarkesaid: “You will always have a very small minority who will fly-tip, but the vast majority attach value to recycling centres.

“People already spend money on petrol in getting to the centres, so asking them to pay an extra £1 is not going to be a deal-breaker.

“The income we would generate from a nominal charge would go a long way to bringing in the savings for the benefit of council tax payers,” he added.

A mother and daughter have helped to raise hundreds of pounds for two separate charities.

Rebecca and Kyra Johnson, who live on The Medway on Daventry’s Grange estate, have raised £630 as a result of a girls’ night in held at their home earlier this month. The money will be split equally between Cancer Research UK and Abbie’s Army. Mrs Johnson said: “We were really pleased with how the event went, everyone had a lot of fun and a good time. It also raised a lot of money for two very good causes.”

Organised by Val Worrall and collected at the village shop – Select Convience –Braunston has sent out 1,325 parcels to the Armed Forces since April 2007.

Initially they went only to units serving in Afghanistan. At the moment they are sending them to members of the 9/12th Royal Lancers, who recruit from Northamptonshire.

Alongside the units in Afghanistan the team now sends boxes to HMS Montrose. Onboard is 22-year-old Sub Lieutenant Tristan “Dinger” Bell an officer engineering technician (weapons engineer) from Braunston.

A POLICE cadet scheme is set to be launched in Daventry with an open evening being held next week.

The event will take place on Thursday, January 9 from 6-8pm at Daventry District Council offices in Lodge Road.

The cadets are volunteers who play a role in the success of youth engagement with Northamptonshire Police and it is the first time such a scheme has been set up in the town. It is due to start in May 2014.

Cadets will meet once a week to learn about the police service and its functions.

There will also be practical work with police officers, PCSOs and staff to learn about their roles and how they help to support the local community.

The cadets will be a part of the safer community team and will be involved in additional voluntary policing such as community events and crime prevention.

The scheme is for 16- to 18- year-olds and as it is a two-year scheme so participants must be 16 and able to commit to weekly evening training.

To book a place on the course, email sav@northants.police.uk.

For further details about the scheme, visit www.
northants.police.uk/cadets.

Wind farm campaigners have hit out at an energy firm after it submitted revised plans for five turbines closed to 
Watford Gap service station.

Gamesa, based in Spain, has submitted new plans to Daventry District Council which will see five turbines at a height of 415ft.

The company had planned to build a seven-turbine wind farm on the site in 2011, but has now scaled back the plan.

It will be known as the Watford Gap Renewable Energy Park and would be operational for a maximum of 25 years.

Yolanda Wilcock, from Stopgap, said: “We are disappointed that, yet again, Gamesa has failed to consult with the village of Watford which is closest to the proposed windfarm.

“For over six years now we have been fighting this development but they have only ever tried to engage with us once and that was over five years ago. The Government places increasing importance on local consultation but Gamesa seems to be ignorant of this fact.

“We are concerned that the revised plan still places turbines very close to residences including one Grade 2 listed property.

“And Watford village faces the threat of being surrounded by multiple wind farms as this small part of Northamptonshire is being turned into a wind farm corridor.”

Documents drawn up by Gamesa have said the development may not be welcomed by everyone.

They said: “The wind turbines will be present in many views from public footpaths and other rights of way in the vicinity of the site, and this change is likely to be a significant visual effect within 2 to3 km of the development site.

“Whether this is perceived as adverse or beneficial depends upon the attitude of the viewer.”

The company has said the five turbines would create enough energy to power 4,326 houses a year.

A MAN shouted racial abuse at a woman in a road rage incident in Brixworth.

The incident happened yesterday (Thursday) just after 1pm. The 30-year-old woman was driving a silver Vauxhall Astra along Spratton Road after leaving the Co-Op car park.

A silver/light blue Fiat Punto drove up rapidly behind her and into the back of her car three times.

The victim stopped the car at which point the man driving the Punto got out and walked towards her, shouting racially abusive comments. He then pushed her into the door frame of her car.

The offender then got back into his car and drove away along Harborough Road.

It is believed the man had been to the Co-Op before the incident took place.

He was a white man, aged in his 40s, of stout build, around 5ft 7ins tall and was wearing jeans and boots.

Police would like to speak to anyone who may have witnessed this incident or who may recognise the description of the offender.

They would also like to speak to anyone who may have seen a man matching this description in the Brixworth Co-Op prior to the incident.

Witnesses or anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact Northamptonshire Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 111 555.

A man from Daventry has admitted to being shocked after being awarded an OBE in the latest New Year’s Honours announced by the Queen.

Andrew Basford, who lives in Wardens Lodge in North Street, Daventry, was given the Order of the British Empire medal for his services to law enforcement.

The 50-year-old works as the principal officer and manager of engineering development at the Serious and Organised Crime Agency.

Mr Basford said: “I am just utterly gobsmacked by the award. I do not quite believe it is going to happen but it is quite amazing and an honour to receive it.

“The first I knew of the award was when I got a letter through the post.

“I don’t think I believed it then and I don’t believe it now. It is amazing to be recognised for the work that I do.”

He has worked for the 
Serious and Organised Crime Agency for the past 30 years and has been keen to pay tribute to the hard work of his colleagues.

Mr Basford said: “A lot of the work I do has been based overseas and acting as a liaison between the UK and abroad.

“I could not have got this without the efforts of the people based abroad and in this country.

“They are a fantastic team and I am delighted to work with them.

“A big thank you to my friends and family as well for their support over the years. It has not been easy going abroad at a moment’s notice, but they have all been very supportive. A big thanks especially to my kids Annabel, 15, and George, 12.”

Two headteachers have said goodbye to their schools after more than 26 years’ service.

Tony Henretty has been the headteacher at Guilsborough Primary School for 19 years while Bob Clayton has had the top job at Campion School in Bugbrooke for the past seven-and-a-half years.

Both of them are retiring and admit to leaving with a heavy heart.

Mr Henretty said: “The school has grown and grown. When I started, there was only four classes and now we have seven so it is nice to see it become a popular village school.

“I have managed to build the staff here and it is an excellent team.

“It has been fantastic working with them, the parents, and the children over the past 19 years and I will go away with lots of fond memories.

“I am very sad to be leaving but I wish the school every success and I believe I have left the school in a very healthy position.”

He said he was also looking to take to the skies.

Mr Henretty added: “I have got my pilot’s licence so I will be doing some flying to keep myself busy.”

He is due to be replaced by Yvonne Watts, who is the current head at Welton Academy. No date for her arrival has yet been confirmed.

For Mr Clayton, who arrived at the secondary school in September 2006, said he was proud of his achievements.

He said: “It has been a fantastic place and the achievement of the students has made me very proud.

“I believe in my time here, the school has gone from being mediocre to outstanding and that is something I am very pleased about.

“When I arrived here, I said I would give the school seven years’ service and I have done that. I have left the school in a much stronger position and I retire with a real sense of accomplishment.”

He said he was looking forward to winding down after his retirement.

He added: “I have a real interest in clock and watch repair so I will be pursuing that but I am looking forward to relaxing. I have been in education for 42 years so it is time for a break.”

He will be replaced by Claire Whitmore, from Barr’s Hill School in Coventry, where she is currently deputy headteacher.

The government has said it will slash the funding it gives 
Daventry District Council by 13.8 per cent.

The cut, for the financial year starting in April, is far greater than the national average announced before Christmas of 2.9 per cent. April 2013 saw DDC’s government grant cut by 7.4 per cent.

To combat the cuts in its funding, DDC has already said it will be forced to put up its share of the council tax by two per cent in April as it cannot afford to take up the Government’s council tax freeze offer.

Council leader Chris Millar said: “We reported to full council in December that we were expecting a reduction in funding of around 13.8 per cent and the provisional settlement figure we have received for this authority is in line with this.

“We were not expecting any great surprises from this announcement – our council has always taken a planned and prudent approach to its financial challenges and in anticipation of these further funding cuts we have already made provision within our medium term financial plan to accommodate a reduced level of grant funding.”

The two per cent increase in DDC’s precept equates to £2.46 on the average annual Band D council tax – around 5p a week.

DDC officers have said they foresee the government grant being cut by 80 per cent by 2020, requiring the council to become self-sufficient in terms of council tax and business rates.

To overcome the £500,000 loss predicted in 2020, a 14 per cent increase in council tax will be needed by then – just over two per cent every year.

DDC’s Band D annual charge is £135.72, compared to £166.57 for the national average.

MONDAY will see waste collection return to normal after the Christmas break.

The brown wheelie bin collections were suspended from December 23 but will resume from the week beginning January 6. Crews have been focusing on collecting extra recycling.

Real Christmas trees can be placed either inside or next to brown wheelie bins for collection, also starting on Monday January 6

Daventry District Council (DDC) has also stated that households who do not have brown wheelie bins can place trees next to their recycling boxes and waste sacks from January 6. Alternatively they can take them to any one of the town’s waste recycling centres.

DDC’s environment portfolio holder, Cllr Daniel Cribbin, said: “Residents in Daventry District have always stepped up to the challenge of recycling as much as they can over Christmas and I am sure this year will be no exception.”

Items were stolen from two cars parked in the Brampton Valley Way car park, Spratton Road, Brixworth, on Sunday, December 22.

Between 2pm and 2.30pm on December 22, thieves broke into two vehicles parked in the car park.

A Black and Decker drill was stolen from a blue Daewoo Matiz and a purse was taken from a black Peugeot 307.

Police are seeking a teenager described as white and wearing a black coat and grey trousers. He was riding a pink pedal cycle along Brampton Valley Way towards Chapel Brampton. Witnesses are invited to call police on 101.

Two plaques were unveiled at a prison near Daventry to honour members of staff who had died in service.

The event, at HMP Onley on December 18, also saw several commendations and long service awards presented.

Chaplain Glen Hocken and governor Dave Harding, along with family members, friends and other staff, led a service to dedicate plaques in the prison’s memorial garden to Operational Support Grade Jeanette Chetwynd and Officer Jim Cutter.

Mrs Chetwynd joined the prison service in April 2007 and Mr Cutter started with them in October 1995.

Daventry’s deputy mayor Ron Fox represented the town, alongside Rugby’s mayor Anthony Gillias.

Mr Harding said: “It is a day to reflect on, and remember those, who have died while being members of staff at the prison, with a particular focus on those we have lost in the past 12 months.”

The dedicated ceremony was followed by presentations to four members of staff by the Deputy Director of Custody Commendation, including one presented posthumously.

Six members of the prison staff received the 20-year Long Service and Good Conduct Medal too.

Mr Harding said: “The commendations were to staff who dealt with two incidents where prisoners had attempted to take their own lives and they had intervened, and the prisoners have made a recovery.

“In both cases the paramedics said if it wasn’t for the staff’s actions the outcome may have been far worse.

“I’m extremely proud of all the team at Onley, but it is particularly pleasing to honour staff for all their dedication.

“We also involve their families as I know the level of commitment they show in supporting their family member so they can be so dedicated to working at Onley.”

A motorcyclist was left with serious injuries after a crash on part of Daventry’s ring road on Saturday.

The crash happened on the A361 Drayton Way close to the reservoir just before 6am.

A blue Renault Megane being driven by a 72-year-old man and red Yamaha 125 being ridden by a 26-year-old man were involved.

The motorcyclist was taken to University Hospital Coventry with serious leg injuries.

Police would like to speak to anyone who may have witnessed this collision or who may have any information regarding it.

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

Daventry’s Tuesday Group for young people and adults with disabilities held its Christmas party with visits from Saints players Dominic Wauldock and Rob Verbakel.

The group, which meets at Daventry Leisure Centre from 7.15pm to 8.30pm replaces the closed Wednesday Club, and Hankook Tyres funded its room hire.

GROUPS across Daventry District are invited to attend a meeting on a new project to mark the centenary of World War One and improve biodiversity.

Daventry District Council is encouraging groups to take part in The Big Poppy Plant, an initiative aiming to increase the amount of wildflowers by planting poppies together with other native species.

Community groups are can get involved by planting poppy seeds during March and April.

They can find out more at a meeting in the Abbey Centre, in St John’s Square, Daventry on Wednesday, January 29 from 6.30pm to 7.30pm. It will include a short presentation on how to successfully plant wildflowers followed by a question and answer session.

Anyone wishing to attend is asked to complete the ‘community project information form’ to advise on areas of the district being considered for planting – the form is available online at www.daventrydc.gov.uk/wildflowers.

Councillor Daniel Cribbin, Environment Portfolio Holder at Daventry District Council, said: “Wildflowers in the district have depleted in recent decades and the Big Poppy Plant aims to boost numbers again whilst honouring this landmark anniversary of the First World War.

“Community groups across Daventry District can play an important role in this project and I would encourage as many of them as possible to register their interest online and then come along on January 29th to see how they can get involved.

Northamptonshire Police has told residents they can play a significant role in helping drive down the number of burglaries in the new year.

Assistant Chief Constable Russ Foster said the Christmas period always saw a spike in the number of such crimes reported.

He was speaking as police released details of some of the more prolific burglars dealt with by the courts over the course of 2013, who received sentences of up to four-and-a-half years in prison.

The force has launched a campaign, dubbed Operation Lock It, in a bid to encourage people to do all they can to avoid falling victim to opportunistic burglars.

And Mr Foster said the force’s efforts over the past 12 months had resulted in just under a nine per cent fall in home burglaries between April and November 2013 compared with the same period last year, which is equivalent to 167 fewer incidents.

Mr Foster said: “Last year we saw a rise in burglaries between November and March.

He said people leaving windows and doors unsecured and ladders and car or house keys visible would encourage burglars. He recommended that hedgerows and bushes are trimmed back so neighbours can see any suspicious activity, and added that one offender had even crawled through a dog flap.

And he has issued this final appeal for the post-Christmas and New Year period: “Take responsibility for neighbours’ premises. Look after vulnerable neighbours and take care of your communities. Help us help you.”

POLICE are appealing for witnesses following two burglaries in Long Buckby.

The burglaries happened overnight on Monday, January 6, in Rockhill Road and High Stack.

Thieves broke into the house in Rockhill Road between 10.10pm on Monday, January 6 and 6.15am on Tuesday, January 7 and a white Seat Leon was stolen after the keys were take from the property.

The house in High Stack was broken into between 1.30am and 7.30am on Tuesday January 7. A red Vauxhall Zafira was stolen after thieves took the keys from the house. A number of other items were also taken, including electrical goods.

Officers are reminding people to make sure they make sure they lock doors and windows before going to bed and to keep keys in a safe place out of easy reach of doors and windows.

Witnesses, or anyone with information, should contact Northamptonshire Police on 101. Alternatively, information can be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.