Archive for category: News

A new multi-million-pound investment programme to turn more council land and properties into housing for children and young people in care has been unveiled this week.

The initiative by West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) would see the local authority transform more of its own land and property into accommodation that better supports looked-after children and young people, whilst also reducing costs for taxpayers.

With the Council and its partners at Northamptonshire Children’s Trust experiencing a rising demand for care accommodation, particularly for those age 14 years upwards, this is currently largely provided by the private sector, making it more expensive and not always suitable for children’s needs.

Having already piloted a handful of successful schemes of converting its own land and properties into children’s accommodation, WNC now plans to embark on a wider programme of work of up to £20million to provide more housing to help meet growing demand.

It is anticipated that most of the future housing would potentially be new-builds on existing council land, with the conversion of some existing council-owned properties, with all future schemes – as and when identified by WNC – subject to the usual planning rules and permissions, as well as consultation with local residents.

Cllr Fiona Baker, Cabinet Member for Children, Families, Education and Skills at West Northamptonshire Council, said: “As is the case across the country, accommodation for our children and young people in care is predominantly provided by the private sector, making it typically more expensive and is also potentially at risk of profiteering too. It’s not always suitable for youngsters either, particularly those with complex needs, so by providing our own accommodation we’ll be able to improve their independence whilst joining up services better and reducing costs for taxpayers.

“Pilot schemes show that this model really works and earmarking up to £20million of capital money sets out our commitment towards moving this forward. Of course all future proposals will go through public consultation and planning and this really is about giving these children and young people the same, best life chances as our own within our communities. If we succeed, we are not only investing in homes but in their futures too.”

Members of WNC’s Cabinet will meet next week (Tuesday, 17 September) to discuss amending the Council’s capital budgets in order to proceed with the investment plans. Read the report on the WNC website here.

Stagecoach Midlands, in partnership with West Northamptonshire Council and with support from the Department for Transport, has launched a discounted ticket offer at weekends for families and groups to travel by bus in and around Northampton.

A ticket for up to 5 people (the Northampton Weekend Group Dayrider) will be just £6 and is available at this discounted rate every Saturday and Sunday during September. The ticket will cover the Northampton Megarider area.

The offer comes in time for this weekend’s Lloyds Bank Tour of Britain Men event, taking place on Saturday 7 September, and as Northampton Market is set to return to the historic market square from 20 September, following significant redevelopment, providing a renewed space for residents, businesses and traders at the heart of the town.

Cllr Phil Larratt, WNC’s Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport said: “We are pleased that Stagecoach is able to offer this discounted group fare to residents throughout September and in time for the opening of the revitalised market. I hope that it encourages families and groups of people to use the bus to move around and explore Northampton town centre.”

Cllr Dan Lister, WNC’s Cabinet Member for Local Economy, Culture and Leisure said: “September is set to be an exciting month – with the Lloyds Bank Tour of Britain Men visiting West Northants on Saturday 7 September, Heritage Open Days taking place until 15 September, as well as for Northampton’s market which will welcome new and existing traders to the renewed square before its grand opening celebration on 19 and 20 October. As one of the longest running outdoor markets in Europe, we look forward to inviting the public to visit traders at their new bespoke stalls from 20 September and see first-hand what local treasures will be on offer. I would encourage everyone to make the most of this offer and visit Northampton throughout September.”

Mark Whitelocks, Stagecoach Midlands’ Managing Director, said; ‘Every week thousands of people use the bus to access Northampton town centre, and with the reopening of the Market Square, we want even more people to use the bus as part of their sustainable travel plans; we hope this offer encourages many new people to try the bus and see what Northampton can offer as a leisure destination.”

Tickets will be available from bus drivers or from the Stagecoach app.

To find out more please visit the Stagecoach website, www.stagecoachbus.com.

Residents are being asked to share their views on a strategy that sets out a vision for the future treescape of West Northamptonshire.

West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) is in the final stages of developing the tree and woods strategy that will help to manage trees across the area more effectively for the next twenty years.

The Council recognises that well planted, managed and enhanced tree and woodland cover can deliver vital environmental, social and economic benefits now and into the future.

This consultation follows initial work carried out by the Council’s Scrutiny Committee, as well as the results of a consultation that took place over winter 2023/24. This background ensures that local issues and priorities that were highlighted are at the heart of the strategy, and we would like to thank all who have helped shape this draft.

Cllr Rebecca Breese, WNC’s Cabinet Member for Environment, Recycling and Waste said: “The draft strategy sets out how we will manage, protect and expand tree and woodland cover across West Northants to 2045, as well how we intend to collaborate with partners and the wider community.

“I would encourage people to share their views on the proposals within the strategy so that we can ensure that we’re focussing on the right things.”

The consultation closes on Sunday 13 October, and we are keen for residents, businesses, community groups and other stakeholders to have their say.

The final strategy will be published early 2025 and will be supported by an action plan that will be reviewed every 5 years.

Preparations are underway as Northampton Market is set to return to the historic market square from 20 September, following the area undergoing extensive regeneration to provide a renewed space for residents, businesses, and traders.

West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) is working closely with new and existing traders to finalise their bespoke fixed stalls and arrangements for their flexible pop-up stalls ahead of the reopening weekend.

The town is home to one of the longest running outdoor markets in Europe and the reopening of the market from 20 September is a significant milestone in the transformation of the town, and forms part of the phased opening of the regeneration scheme. The wider rejuvenated market square will open to the public on 19 October with family-friendly festivities taking place on Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 October.

As part of the extensive refurbishment traders have access to bespoke, fixed stalls as well as pop up stalls. These modern fixed stalls benefit from electric, water and lighting, can be customised to meet the needs of traders and provide a safe and secure place to sell their goods.

One of the new traders to move into the fixed permanent stalls is Steve Reid, who owns Northampton Cheese Company. Discussing opening at the market square, he said “We are looking forward to the opening of the market and using one of the new pods. Also being able to bring our cheese, charcuterie and chutneys that are handmade just down the street. Along with many local artisan products too.”

A whole host of products and services will be on offer at Northampton’s historic market square from 20 September including fresh flowers and plants, fruit and vegetables, a butcher, digital print services, ethically sourced Ghanaian crafts and a delicatessen offering locally made produce. This will be complemented with services such as a key cutting and watch repairs, bicycle repair and small electricals sales and repairs. If you are looking to treat yourself there will be a nail salon or you can sample some of the delicious takeaway foods.

The wider Market Square will be enhanced by the new shoe-inspired water feature, a dedicated events space and improved landscaping which will create a welcoming destination and drive footfall and while providing a catalyst for private sector investment into Northampton town centre. These improved facilities are also attracting a number of new businesses and by the time we open we will have an enhanced range of quality products as well as welcoming back the existing, valued market traders.

Cllr Dan Lister, Cabinet Member for Local Economy, Culture and Leisure at WNC, said: “The final preparations are underway to welcome local business owners and traders back to our historic market square. Once open, the renewed space will offer a wide range of high-quality local produce and services. We are delighted to be able to welcome a diverse mix of stalls and traders when we reopen in just a few weeks’ time. Visitors will find an exciting range of goods and services on offer – come and prepare to be surprised. We are always keen to hear from local entrepreneurs who are looking to take the first step and showcase their business at Northampton’s market, so please do reach out if you’ve got an idea you’d like to discuss.

“Following the opening of the market, we look forward to inviting the community to come and join us for the official opening weekend on 19 and 20 October. With a wide range of zones for everyone to enjoy, including live music, local food and heritage to celebrate the history of our town, there will be something on offer for all of the family. I’d encourage residents to save the date and keep their eye out for more information coming soon.”

If you have a great business or business idea and want to become part of Northampton’s rich heritage – get in touch to register your interest by contacting marketsoffice@westnorthants.gov.uk

National developer, STACK, is also set to transform the vacant Market Walk shopping centre which sits on the Market Square into a vibrant new leisure, entertainment, and social community hub. This will be a vital part of expanding the night-time economy and amplifying the many reasons to visit the town. Find out more about Northampton market.

West Northamptonshire Council is reminding residents to complete their annual canvass paperwork as soon as possible.

The council’s annual canvass is now well underway, with every property in the area having received a canvass communication either through email or letter.

The canvass is a legal requirement, enabling the council to maintain a current and precise electoral register. Being on the register is essential for adults to be able to exercise their right to vote in elections and referendums. Additionally, it plays a crucial role in jury service selection and is often used in credit checks for mortgages and other financial purposes.

Residents who have provided their email addresses to the council should have already received a branded email from West Northamptonshire Council. The email, sent from mailto:electoralservices@westnorthants.gov.uk, contains step-by-step instructions on how to check, confirm, and/or change your details online. Those who do not respond by Monday, 9 September, will receive a reminder letter at their property. Some households will also receive a form to complete. We urge you to respond promptly to the email or form to save the cost of sending reminders.

This year, the council is also required to review all European citizens registered to vote. If we cannot confirm that an EU voter has resided in the UK before 31 December 2020 by checking historical electoral records, a letter or email will be sent to the voter to confirm their eligibility under the new criteria.

EU citizens who receive a letter confirming their eligibility to vote do not need to take further action. They remain eligible and can vote in upcoming elections, excluding UK Parliamentary elections.

Anna Earnshaw, Electoral Registration Officer for West Northamptonshire Council, stated: “It’s really important that people keep an eye out for their email or form and follow the steps to confirm their details. This is the quickest and easiest way for people to update their details, and it means we don’t have to send reminders.

“It only takes a couple of minutes to respond and saves you from being contacted by our team, who will get in touch by post, email, or in person if you don’t reply.”

If you’re not currently registered to vote, you can easily register online or call 0300 126 7000.

People are also reminded to be cautious of phishing, scams, or spam emails during this time. West Northamptonshire Council will never ask for personal or banking details via email. If you have any concerns or doubts, please contact us on 0300 126 7000.

For more information about the canvass and its purpose, please visit the West Northamptonshire website.

More details about the eligibility confirmation and review for European Union Citizens are also available on West Northamptonshire Council website.

Contact Information

West Northamptonshire Council Communications Team
communications@westnorthants.gov.uk