Northamptonshire County Council says it will seek to recover the millions it has overpaid to care providers.

Internal auditors found there had been big failings in the council’s adult social care department which has seen £3.4m overpaid to providers and in some cases residential care homes have continued to be paid after a resident has died.

READ MORE: Another payments fiasco for Northamptonshire County Council as it overpays care providers by millions

In a catalogue of errors the auditors found that in almost every aspect of the procedure, from assessment to management sign-off and invoicing, there were significant problems.

The authority was also not charging some people who had chosen to top up their package and receive a more expensive service. And even when it had overpaid residential care home providers it was not routinely invoicing providers to get the funds repaid.

The audit looked at the period from April last year to November and gave the authority a limited assurance rating, which is the second worst possible rating.

A spokesman for Northamptonshire County Council said: “This internal audit was requested by the service director to ensure that the organisation has appropriate expenditure controls around independent care and was acting in a timely way to recover any money due.

“Since the audit, comprehensive improvements have been implemented which have strengthened controls within the service.

“The council has also taken steps to bill and recover £2.2m of the outstanding care contributions from either clients or third parties.

“There is a residual amount to recover of £400,000 from providers who are providing care to other clients and we are currently working through how we might offset that against future payments to avoid causing small providers cash flow or financial difficulty that will put them at risk.

“The council will however seek to recover the amount in full.”

The matter will be discussed by councillors at the audit committee meeting being held at County Hall on Thursday.

Sarah Ward, Local Democracy Reporting Service

Plans for a martial arts studio at the heart of a Northampton industrial estate have been put forward.

An empty unit in Stafford Place, in Moulton Park estate, could be converted into 'The Karate Academy' under the new proposals.

It would see the vacant former office space renovated into a 186-square-metre dojo and fitness centre.

'The Karate Academy' could create up to four full-time and nine part-time jobs at the empty unit offer more fitness options to customers in Moulton Park.

The plan has been submitted by martial arts company The Combat Academy, which runs full-time centres in Barnsley and Chesterfield.

The academy would hold classes teaching martial arts, personal development and nutrition, with small classes for ages ranging from four to 18+.

You could do a lot worse than book in you and your friends for a cocktail masterclass at Revolution in Northampton.

Our group of four blokes (a modest number, you can book parties of 20 plus) were invited along to sample the experience - and the drinks - and far from just sitting and watching while the mixologist does his thing, it is fully hands-on and great, messy fun.

First things first; there is a lot of alcohol involved if you want to have the full experience. Two of us were driving so had to have the 'virgin' versions of all the cocktails, or just a small sip, but the other two had by far the best time.

We knocked back six or seven drinks each, and a couple of shots, within the two-hour time frame as we got caught up in the flow of each activity.

So not something for those who get tipsy on a sniff of vodka, even if the value is cracking at £25 per person.

Emerson, our host for the evening, welcomed us behind the plush VIP curtain towards the back of the Bridge Street bar, and after we climbed onto our stools, talked us through our evening.

The first round entailed us being invited behind the bar one at a time and learning to make a cocktail of Emerson's choice - Cosmopolitan, a Mojitos for the boozers, a Smooth Talker and Frozen Daquiri for the abstainers - followed by a second round making one from the Revolution menu.

It's trickier than it looks and a top tip is to make sure you concentrate when the mixologist is naming the different receptacles and instruments. If you keep on picking up the Boston tin shaker instead of your fancy glass, for example, it can make you look either a bit dim or a bit drunk. (Also, if you're thinking of lighting the orange zest to impress your watching friends, make sure you dry your thumbs first.)

But the satisfaction of pouring your creation smoothly through the strainer into your ice-filled glass is worth it, especially when it tastes not half bad.

In between rounds you can either sip away at your drink, hoover up the included bar snacks, or tap into Emerson's secrets of the mixologist's craft.

He's very happy to answer questions, including how to tell which cocktail someone is going to order by looking at them, what the ladies' favourite is and which order is most likely to make you unpopular with the entire bar (a round of Bloody Mary's, apparently, because it takes for-bloody-ever).

The activities then came thick and fast. There was a hilarious speed round where you have to put you arms around a mate and use one hand each to measure and pour the ingredients faster than the other teams. If you're both right-handed, like we were, it gets very messy remarkably quickly and I'd like to bet the finished result was rather more boozy than the version on the menu.

We then staggered onto the create-your-own-flavourful-cocktail round where, with slight guidance from Emerson, we invented our own drinks. Although I'm biased, me and Al's winning drink was pretty delicious, scoring an 8.5 out of 10 from Emerson. (It had pineapple juice, parma violet-type flavours, a bit of apple something, Mr Whippy vodka and topped off with a touch of sour vodka. I won't tell you what we named it for fear of offence.)

Finally, and not a little blearily, we were lined up for the finale contest, which was trying to knock a row of precariously-balanced vodka shots into pint glasses. Oh, did I mention we were 15ft away and had to knock them in domino-style using cubes of ice? Not easy, especially half-a-dozen cocktails down but Paul managed it after a few goes, plus a few wayward efforts that give the curtain a good thwacking.

Our reward? The deposited shots, of course.

All in all, we had a very enjoyable two hours, replacing the wisdom contained in the brain cells we annihilated with fresh knowledge about how to get drunk more successfully. You can't ask much more from a night out than that.

Irish pub O'Neills in Drapery reopened its doors yesterday and has become one of the first bars in Northampton to have cocktails on tap - with Espresso and Pornstar martinis as well as Mojitos on tap. The pub has seen a full refit including the bar, seating and the garden area and has installed eight upgraded televisions, which can be seen around the pub, in the booths and outdoors. The new look O’Neill’s Northampton offers an entire new food menu for visitors to enjoy in the 'easy-going Irish tavern', including freshly made stone-baked pizzas, mix and match tapas including 'drunken mushrooms', fried chicken bites and cheese ‘n’ bacon fries. Speaking about the refurbishment, general manager, Kirsty Barnett, said; “It’s been fantastic seeing the pub come together over the last couple of weeks. "We can’t wait to welcome everyone back and see our guest’s reactions over the coming days. There have been some big changes and we’re confident they’ll go down well the people of Northampton.“Being ideally located, right in the heart of Northampton, our pub is the perfect spot to get together with friends, family or colleagues to relax and unwind over good food amongst a warm and welcoming atmosphere.” Following the extensive refurbishment and significant investment made at the pub six new jobs have been created for local area, with the team ready to pull pints and serve delicious food to guests. On Saturday the pub is having an official launch day and will be screening the Six Nations match, with entertainment from Irish dancers, live band Odd Child and followed by a live DJ. Plans are in the pipeline too for St Patrick's Day - with a live Irish band at lunch time, live music at 3pm from Joe Church, more Irish dancers and Unit 4 are performing at 4pm. The pub welcomes children will host live music every Friday and Saturday. O'Neills opens from Sunday to Thursday from 9am to 11pm and on both Friday and Saturday it opens its doors at 9am until 1am.

The incident happened at about 10pm yesterday evening (Monday) near the roundabout at The Lumbertubs pub.

Eyewitnesses reported the area being totally closed off while Northamptonshire Police and East Midlands Ambulance Service attended the scene involving a male cyclist.

A spokeswoman for East Midlands Ambulance Service today said: “We received a call at 10.13pm on March 4 to Lumbertubs Lane in Northampton.

"The caller reported that there had been a road traffic collision between a car and a pushbike.

"We sent a crewed ambulance and one patient was taken to Northampton General Hospital.”

A spokeswoman for Northamptonshire Police confirmed the cyclist sustained facial injuries.

The coffee shop and drive thru is now open at the Sixfields Retail Park, off Gambrel Road, after months of building works.

A spokeswoman for Whitbead, which owns Costa, said: "A total of 22 jobs will be created by the opening.

"As the nation’s favourite coffee shop brand, we look forward to being an active part of the local community, getting involved with events; providing the store as a meeting place and helping with fundraising."

A number of new markings and lanes have also been added to the car park to help cope with the extra cars at the retail park which includes Boots, Poundland, M&S Food, Next and TUI.

Costa has won Best Branded Coffee Shop Chain in the UK and Ireland by Allegra Strategies for eight years running (2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017).

Visitors are invited to see the work taking place to keep the Northampton arm of the 200-year-old Grand Union Canal open at the open day this Saturday and Sunday at Lock 17, off Old Towcester Road.

A specially-erected viewing gallery will be built for visitors to see what waterways charity The Canal and River Trust are doing to keep the historic canal open and alive.

Meanwhile, on Saturday (March 9) visitors can try their hand at paddle boarding and will have a chance at winning a free boating holiday.

On Sunday, free fishing taster sessions will be on offer and a supersized fish tank will be on display. A lucky few may even get to take home a free fishing starter kit.

Stuart Gadsby, regional construction manager for the Canal & River Trust, said: “We’re delighted that we’re able to hold an open weekend on this historic part of the canal in the centre of Northampton, it’s really exciting to be able to show everyone all the hard work that’s gone into the repairs all along the Northampton Arm.

"The canal offers an amazing, tranquil space, where everything slows down even in the town centre. We know from research that people are happier and more relaxed when they are by water, and the activities the canals support means they can help contribute to improving people’s mental and physical well-being.”

The ongoing work by the Canal and River Trust are part of a £38million, five-month programme of repairs all along the Northampton Arm.

Parking and on-site refreshments are being provided by Carlsberg Sports and Social Club, located off Towcester Road.

It comes after children walking between Malcolm Arnold Academy and Kings Heath have been approached in distressing circumstances at least five times since September.

One group of school girls were approached by a man who was performing a sex act in Thornton Park and others have been approached or verbally abused by drivers travelling along Mill Lane.

The build-up of incidents has led parents to start a petition calling for a bus service to connect the estate to the school.

Vicki Cussen, who has an 11-year-old at Malcolm Arnold said: "It's a bit frightening for the kids and it's happening more and more.

"It's a long, 45-minute walk anyway but it's getting dangerous."

She added on the petition: "I feel physically sick for two hours a day waiting to hear if my chidl has arrived at school safely, and this is not good enough."

The parents group have talked with school leaders, bus company Uno and Northamptonshire County Council, who have been supportive but have warned lack of funds may be an obstacle.

Kings Heath was served by the number 31 but the route ceased more than five years ago.

The change.org petition has amassed more than 150 signatures, with a target of 200.

Public Health England has today launched a major campaign in the East Midlands ‘Cervical Screening Saves Lives’, to increase the number of women attending their cervical screening.

The campaign will encourage women to respond to their cervical screening invitation letter, and if they missed their last screening, to book an appointment at their GP practice.

Around 258 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer in the East Midlands each year and around 69 women die from the disease.

It is estimated that if everyone attended screening regularly, 83 per cent of cervical cancer cases could be prevented.

Agnes Belencsak, screening and immunisation lead, Public Health England (PHE) East Midlands, said: “It’s worrying to see a decline in women attending for their screening appointments and there maybe a number of reasons that women put off going for their appointment, including embarrassment or concerns over the procedure itself.

“A smear test is the best way to detect abnormal cells in the cervix and early detection and treatment is vital so abnormal cells don’t turn into cervical cancer.

"I would encourage anyone who is invited for screening who have concerns to talk to their nurse at their GP’s beforehand. No question is silly or a concern too small and they will make you feel more at ease with the process.”

New research from Public Health England shows that nearly all women eligible for screening (90 per cent) would be likely to take a test that could help prevent cancer, and of those who have attended screening, nine in 10 (94 per cent) would encourage others who are worried to attend their cervical screening.

Despite this, screening is at a 20-year low, with one in four eligible women (those aged 25 – 64) in the UK not attending their test.

The screening rate for the East Midlands is 74.5 per cent, below the national standard of 80 per cent.

The new PHE campaign provides practical information about how to make the test more comfortable and gives reassurance to women, who may be fearful of finding out they have cancer, that screening is not a test for cancer.

Regular screening, which only takes a few minutes, can help stop cervical cancer before it starts, as the test identifies potentially harmful cells before they become cancerous and ensures women get the right treatment as soon as possible.

The PHE research shows that once women have been screened, the vast majority of women feel positive about the experience, with eight in 10 (87 per cent) stating they are glad they went and that they were put at ease by the nurse or doctor doing the test (84 per cent).

Dr Dawn Harper is supporting the campaign: “Cervical screening is one of the most important things women can do to protect themselves from the risk of cervical cancer. Screening can stop cancer before it starts and saves thousands of lives every year.

“Some women are nervous or embarrassed about the test and put off having it done. While it’s not the most enjoyable experience most women say it wasn’t as bad as expected and were glad they did it. The tests are usually done at your GP surgery by female nurses who are trained to make women feel more comfortable and talk them through the process. I cannot stress how important it is not to ignore your screening letter – it’s a five minute test that could be lifesaving.”

Chhaya, 42, from Northampton is just one example of a woman who has benefited from cervical screening. "I had an abnormal result for my cervical screening test results and was successfully treated. I’m so glad I had the test.

"Since then, I religiously book my appointment when I receive my invitation and just tell myself that even if it is uncomfortable, that five minutes of discomfort could save my life. I’m pleased this campaign is raising awareness of the importance of cervical screening and I hope more women - including Asian women - will be encouraged to book an appointment if they missed their last screening test."

The campaign is also being supported by leading charities across England including Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust. Activity includes new advertising on TV and other channels, together with the cascade of information through GP surgeries and pharmacies.

For further information about cervical screening, please search ‘NHS Cervical Screening’ or visit www.nhs.uk/cervicalscreening.

Delegates from Whitehills and Spring Park Residents' Association (WASPRA) met officials from both the county and borough council in order to convince the authorities that traffic will increase to intolerable levels if the current proposals are approved.

WASPRA believes the county council's own data shows general traffic in the Kingsthorpe area will increase by up to 87 per cent.

A spokesman for the residents' association said Guildhall representatives seemed persuaded by their arguments.

He said: "NBC promised during the meeting to take away and analyse the figures provided by us. They considered them to be highly concerning and quite an eye-opener."

The borough council will now look at the numbers in detail before giving feedback to WASPRA.

Guildhall officials rejected the idea of a scrutiny panel, but indicated they would begin to consult with specialists such as the Road Haulage Association, the emergency services and the Northampton forum of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport.

Sean Brady, co-chair of WASPRA, said: “We are, following this meeting, cautiously optimistic that finally the necessary council representatives have recognised the severity of our concerns regarding the NWRR impact.

"We hope that if the analysis by NBC regarding our figures brings them to the same conclusions as us – that the road (NWRR) will be disastrous for Kingsthorpe North in no uncertain terms – that necessary actions will be taken to avoid this potential nightmare for traffic in the area, and that an alternative option can be identified.

"Northampton is overdue a completed dual carriageway orbital road from the A45 south of Junction 16 of the M1 and the A43 near Sywell“.

The latest monthly revenue monitoring report shows that the county council is currently on track for an overspend of £900,000 for the end of the financial year by March 31.

While it is only a £500,000 improvement from the last monthly update, it remains significantly smaller than the £30.1m projected overspend that was included in the July section 114 notice, which banned new expenditure.

At a recent full council meeting, cabinet member for finance Malcolm Longley has said he was ‘confident’ that the budget would balance at the end of 2018/19, but would make ‘no promises’.

This latest report states: “Further improvements in the financial position are still expected by the end of the financial year but savings are not being reported until they are ‘in the bank’.

“Some of the initiatives being actively pursued, include increased scrutiny of the Shaw PFI contract, ensuring maximised utilisation that may release savings within independent care.”

The proposed savings could also include a review of the management structure in adult social care, and a review of how directorates can work closer with Public Health.

Further news includes that the deficit for 2017/18 has now been settled with external auditors at a sum of £41.5m. That is due to be wiped out after the Government granted the council special dispensation to use £70m of capital funds to clear the revenue deficit. It will also allow them £20m to replenish some of the reserves that were depleted in trying to recover financial stability. Any extra cash is set to be used to mitigate any unachieveable savings in the council’s stabilisation plan.

The report adds: “The closing position for 2017-18 cannot be confirmed until the audit of the 2017-18 accounts has been concluded. At the present time, conversations with the external auditor suggest there will not be any material changes to these figures.”

The monthly report is due to be discussed at next Tuesday’s cabinet meeting (March 12).

The Riverside Hub has unveiled a treat for their youngest guests with the launch of its specially adapted sensory playroom for Under 5s.

Parents of pupils at a Northampton school are campaigning to have a bus service during the school run to keep their children safe.

It comes after children walking between Malcolm Arnold Academy and Kings Heath have been approached in distressing circumstances at least five times since September.

One group of school girls were approached by a man who was performing a sex act in Thornton Park and others have been approached or verbally abused by drivers travelling along Mill Lane.

The build-up of incidents has led parents to start a petition calling for a bus service to connect the estate to the school.
Vicki Cussen, who has an 11-year-old at Malcolm Arnold said: "It's a bit frightening for the kids and it's happening more and more.

"It's a long, 45-minute walk anyway but it's getting dangerous."

She added on the petition: "I feel physically sick for two hours a day waiting to hear if my chidl has arrived at school safely, and this is not good enough."

The parents group have talked with school leaders, bus company Uno and Northamptonshire County Council, who have been supportive but have warned lack of funds may be an obstacle.

Kings Heath was served by the number 31 but the route ceased more than five years ago.

The change.org petition has amassed more than 150 signatures, with a target of 200.

Delegates from Whitehills and Spring Park Residents' Association (WASPRA) met officials from both the county and borough council in order to convince the authorities that traffic will increase to intolerable levels if the current proposals are approved.

WASPRA believes the county council's own data shows general traffic in the Kingsthorpe area will increase by up to 87 per cent.

A spokesman for the residents' association said Guildhall representatives seemed persuaded by their arguments.

He said: "NBC promised during the meeting to take away and analyse the figures provided by us. They considered them to be highly concerning and quite an eye-opener."

The borough council will now look at the numbers in detail before giving feedback to WASPRA.

Guildhall officials rejected the idea of a scrutiny panel, but indicated they would begin to consult with specialists such as the Road Haulage Association, the emergency services and the Northampton forum of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport.

Sean Brady, co-chair of WASPRA, said: “We are, following this meeting, cautiously optimistic that finally the necessary council representatives have recognised the severity of our concerns regarding the NWRR impact.

"We hope that if the analysis by NBC regarding our figures brings them to the same conclusions as us – that the road (NWRR) will be disastrous for Kingsthorpe North in no uncertain terms – that necessary actions will be taken to avoid this potential nightmare for traffic in the area, and that an alternative option can be identified.

"Northampton is overdue a completed dual carriageway orbital road from the A45 south of Junction 16 of the M1 and the A43 near Sywell“.

The joint committees are being set up to help establish the unitaries that will likely come into existence next year, replacing the current county and district/borough councils. A government decision on the reorganisation is due by the end of the month.

So far, the preparatory work has gone on behind closed doors at steering groups made up of select councillors, leaders and senior officers from the respective councils.

The next step will see two joint committees set up for both the North and West unitaries, and these are committees that will meet in public and have decision making powers.

After a public row on membership, the councils have finally agreed on equal representations from all the councils involved.

But the county council commissioners Tony McArdle and Brian Roberts have said in a letter to council leaders - seen by the Local Democracy Reporting Service - that they want to attend the meetings and keep a close eye on the decisions being taken.

The letter, dated February 27 and signed by both commissioners, states: “We wish to help facilitate the preparatory arrangements for unitary local government, and to that end will most particularly want to ensure that inputs we make to county council decision making are made in full awareness of the intent of the joint committees.

“Similarly, we will want to minimise the risk of situations occurring where decisions taken by the joint committees may be contradictory to our view as to what is in the county council's and its services present best interests.

“It is, therefore, our intention to attend meetings of the joint committees on occasions where the matters under consideration may, in our opinion, affect those of the county council's functions which we are required to discharge, and to participate in the discussions that take place on such matters.”

The commissioners were appointed by Secretary of State for local government James Brokenshire following the publication of the Max Caller report, which recommended that the county and district councils be abolished to make way for the unitary authorities.

Mr McArdle acts as the lead commissioner, and has scope to direct ‘all functions associated with the governance and scrutiny of strategic decision making by the authority’. Mr Roberts meanwhile oversees the ‘strategic financial management’ of the council.

The squad took the sheathed hunting-style knife off a boy in Northampton while patrolling the town overnight (Tuesday).

They claim the child was linked to gangs in Northampton.

Now, the proactive team has shared a snap of the blade on Twitter and hope that seizing it will 'prevent a young death'.

The following people were sentenced at Northampton Magistrates’ Court:

DECEMBER 14

Joe Houghton, aged 19, of Castle Avenue, Northampton, damaged an iPhone; conditional discharge for 18 months, compensation £100, surcharge £20, costs £85.

DECEMBER 15

Meshack Clements-Graham, aged 23, of Gladstone Road, Northampton, breach of a court order; fined £100, costs £201.

DECEMBER 17

Chanel Dixon, aged 35, of Whiston Road, Northampton, assaulted a police officer; conditional discharge for 12 months, compensation £50, surcharge £20, costs £85.

Paul Paterson, aged 30, of Forest Road, Northampton, drunk and disorderly; fined £40, surcharge £85, costs £85.

Maksims Zemlanhunis, aged 30, of Denmark Road, Northampton, driving while banned; community order made to carry out 100 hours of unpaid work. No insurance; fined £565, surcharge £85, costs £85.

Jonathan Andrews, aged 24, of Lindsay Avenue, Northampton, failed to surrender to custody; jailed for three weeks. Broke into a pub and stole £200; jailed for eight weeks, compensation £200. Assaulted a police officer; jailed for four weeks consecutive, compensation £375. Similar offence; jailed for 12 weeks, compensation £200. Breach of a court order; jailed for two weeks.

Lorna Garratt, aged 47, of Braemar Crescent, Northampton, assault; community order made, compensation £100. Assaulted a police officer; community order made, compensation £100.

Danielle Mullan, aged 32, of Park Drive, Northampton, assaulted a police officer; jailed for eight weeks suspended for 12 months, compensation of £100, victim services of £115, costs £85.

Carl Burgess, aged 34, of Strobel Drive, Northampton, driving while using a mobile phone; fined £220, surcharge £30, licence endorsed with six points.

Jason Campion, aged 36, of Bushland Road, Northampton, driving at 68mph in a 60mph zone; fined £220, surcharge £30, licence endorsed with three points.

Donna Carpenter, aged 34, of Dryleys Court, Northampton, no insurance; fined £660, surcharge £66, licence endorsed with eight points.

Daniel Connors, aged 57, of Towcester Road, Northampton, failed to comply with a red traffic light; fined £220, surcharge £30, licence endorsed with three points.

Ian Curtis, aged 47, of Stoke Road, Ashton, driving at 39mph in a 30mph zone; fined £220, surcharge £30, licence endorsed with three points.

Karen Fox, aged 46, of Kensington Close, Northampton, driving at 67mph in a 30mph zone; fined £235, surcharge £30, banned from driving for 45 days.

Darius Incert, aged 29, of Belton Close, Northampton, driving at 37mph in a 30mph zone; fined £220, surcharge £30, licence endorsed with three points.

Martin Kelly, aged 29, of Churchill Avenue, Northampton, driving at 60mph in a 40mph zone; fined £440, surcharge £44, costs £85, licence endorsed with six points.

Amanda Madero, aged 59, of Main Street, Farthingstone, driving at 41mph in a 30mph zone; fined £293, surcharge £30, licence endorsed with six points.

George Necula, aged 31, of Harksome Hill, Northampton, driving at 36mph in a 30mph zone; fined £220, surcharge £30, licence endorsed with three points.

Onyx Executive Travel Ltd, of Arthur Terrace, Northampton, failed to give information relating to the identity of a driver; fined £660, surcharge £66.

Philip Plant, aged 59, of Pine Ridge, Northampton, driving at 51mph in a 30mph zone; fined £660, surcharge £66, licence endorsed with six points.

Matteo Polifonte, aged 35, of Poplar Court, Northampton, driving at 37mph in a 30mph zone; fined £100, surcharge £30, licence endorsed with three points.

Daniel Rusanda, aged 24, of Broadmead Avenue, Northampton, no insurance; fined £660, surcharge £66, costs £85, licence endorsed with eight points.

Vesel Selimi, aged 18, of Foskitt Court North, Northampton, no insurance; fined £660, surcharge £66, costs £85, licence endorsed with eight points.

Andrejs Sergejevs, aged 29, of Woolmonger Street, Northampton, driving while using a mobile phone; fined £146, surcharge £30, licence endorsed with six points.

Steffan Stratford, aged 40, of Byfield Road, Northampton, no insurance; fined £660, surcharge £66, licence endorsed with six points.

Ioan Afrim, aged 30, of Pytchley Street, Northampton, no insurance; fined £660, surcharge £66, licence endorsed with six points.

Frederick Anderson, aged 52, of Ellfield Court, Northampton, no insurance; fined £660, surcharge £66, licence endorsed with eight points.

Ion Busila, aged 26, of Shire Place, Northampton, no insurance; fined £660, surcharge £66, costs £85, licence endorsed with eight points.

Jason Campion , aged 36, of Bushland Road, Northampton, no insurance; fined £660, surcharge £66, costs £85, licence endorsed with eight points.

Mark Harrison, aged 36, of Wade Meadow Court, Northampton, no insurance; fined £660, surcharge £66, costs £85, licence endorsed with six points.

Seamus Kinsella, aged 58, of Royal Terrace, Northampton, no insurance; fined £660, surcharge £66, licence endorsed with six points.

Dominic Lacey, aged 28, of Primrose Hill, Northampton, failed to give information about the identity of a driver; fined £660, surcharge £66, costs £85, licence endorsed with six points.

Kenneth McKenzie, aged 55, of Cyril Street, Northampton, no insurance; fined £660, surcharge £66, costs £85, licence endorsed with eight points.

Carolyn Miller, aged 56, of Ringway, Northampton, no insurance; fined £250, surcharge £30, licence endorsed with eight points.

Colin Murray, aged 28, of Stanley Street, Northampton, driving not in accordance with a licence; fined £220, surcharge £30, costs £85, licence endorsed with three points.

Marie Palmer, aged 51, of Gallfield Court, Northampton, no test certificate; fined £220, surcharge £30, costs £85.

Anthony Parsons, aged 51, of Favell Way, Northampton, no insurance; fined £660, surcharge £66, costs £85, licence endorsed with six points.

Steven Pawsey, aged 59, of Woodsfield, Brixworth, no test certificate; fined £150, surcharge £30, costs £85.

Matthew Penfold, aged 38, of Dovecote Road, Northampton, driving at 36mph in a 30mph zone; fined £220, surcharge £30, costs £85, licence endorsed with three points.

Benjamin Roe, aged 26, of Hardy Close, Towcester, no test certificate; fined £220, surcharge £30, costs £85.

Oliver Shannon-Harris, aged 25, of Northampton Road, Blisworth, no insurance; fined £660, surcharge £66, cost £85, licence endorsed with six points.

Abdul Sheik, aged 34, of Talan Rise, Northampton, no insurance; fined £660, surcharge £66, costs £85, licence endorsed with six points.

Jonathan Sims, aged 61, of Brackley Road, Silverstone, driving while using a mobile phone; fined £220, surcharge £30, costs £85, licence endorsed with six points.

John Sturgess, aged 31, of Pembroke Road, Northampton, no insurance; fined £660, surcharge £66, costs £85, licence endorsed with eight points.

Zaharia Tudor, aged 36, of Rosgill Place, Northampton, driving at 114mph in a 70mph zone; fined £660, surcharge £66, costs £85, banned from driving for 40 days.

Zenia Zulu, aged 50, of Preston Court, Northampton, driving at 36mph in a 30mph zone; fined £220, surcharge £30, costs £85, licence endorsed with three points.

Jahmal Martin, aged 20, of Boughton Green Road, Northampton, no insurance; fined £60, surcharge £66, costs £85, banned from driving for 12 months.

Daniel Pestritu, aged 21, of Wellingborough Road, Northampton, no insurance; fined £600, surcharge £60, costs £85, banned from driving for six months.

Marius Popescu, aged 24, of Herbert Street, Northampton, driving not in accordance with a licence; fined £220, surcharge £30, costs £85, licence endorsed with six points.

Philip Stanton, aged 53, of Billing Road East, Northampton, driving at 100mph in a 70mph zone; fined £440, surcharge £44, banned from driving for 28 days.

Darius Zaleckas, aged 39, of Dunster Street, Northampton, driving at 80mph in a 40mph zone; fined £660, surcharge £66, costs £85, banned from driving for 30 days.

DECEMBER 18

Adam Millman, aged 36, of Waterpump Court, Northampton, drunk and disorderly; fined £116, surcharge £30, costs £85.

Roy Wykes, aged 64, of Rushmere Road, Northampton, driving without due care and attention; fined £140, surcharge £30, costs £85, licence endorsed with five points.

DECEMBER 19

Simon Turay, aged 40, of Pomfret Close, Northampton, failed to comply with a community order; fined £200, costs £60.

Issam El Madini, aged 24, of Lower Meadow Court, Northampton, entered as a trespasser; community order to carry out 100 hours of unpaid work, compensation £100, surcharge £85, costs £85.

Paul McGuinness, aged 54, of Purser Road, Northampton, possession of a class A drug; jailed for eight weeks suspended for 18 months, surcharge £115, costs £85. No insurance; banned from driving for 12 months. Made a false statement about insurance; jailed for eight weeks concurrent suspended for 18 months.

Peter Cockerill, aged 85, of Moulton Road, Holcot, failed to report an accident to a police officer; fined £223, surcharge £30, costs £85, licence endorsed with five points.

Ovidiu Neculai, aged 34, of South Copse, Northampton, driving without due care and attention; fined £356, surcharge £35, costs £85.

Nathan Plentie, aged 32, of Bective Road, Northampton, no insurance; fined £120, surcharge £30, costs £85, banned from driving for six months.

Salek Miah, aged 40, of Baring Road, Northampton, assault; community order made, surcharge £85, costs £85.

But some residents have complained that the new format for the remainder of 2019 is far from clear.

Instead of being tailor-made for your area and highlighting your actual collection day, the new version simply shows what will be collected across the town every day. It relies on you to know your collection day.

One resident who lives in the NN3 area was confused by the new calendar.

He said: "A calendar has been clipped to the bin that seems to say that from March to December the black bins will be collected every day from Friday, March 1 and the food waste and garden waste to be collected every day from March 4."

It comes as Northamptonshire Police warned that homeowners and tenants should only put out their rubbish and recycling on the correct day as a spate of bin arsons have been taking place across the county. In particular, they issued a strong warning that bins placed near homes can lead to deaths as flames can spread easily to the building.

A borough council spokesman said the authority recognised that some people who have recently moved house will not be able to deduce their collection day from the calendar.

However he pointed out that the correct day can be found on the borough council's website or at its one stop shop.

Ted Kinning, born on March 1, 1920, rang in his 99th birthday last Friday with a treat from Gallone's with his closest family and friends.

Ted - who has three children, eight grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren - ordered in 99 cones for him and his family with flakes and all the classic toppings.

Mr Kinning has lived in Northampton for most of his life other than a brief four-year posting to Egypt in 1940 as part of his RAF service during WW2.

He was seconded to 216 Squadron, Bomber Transport, starting as an air craftsman. He later became leading air craftsman and was involved in airfield construction as well as serving in the Air Sea Rescue Service.

Most of his work involved construction and carpentry and the skills he learned as a carpenter and joiner apprentice with Glenn & Son in Northampton stood him in good stead for the challenges he faced out there.

Leaving with a full head of hair in 1940, he came home virtually bald to the dismay of his mum and his future wife, Nancy.

Ted and Nancy still live in Weston Favell, where they have lived for most of their married life.

His family say Ted remains a true patriarch to all the family and a major inspiration to everyone who knows him. He is the cook of his household and puts his and his wife's long life down to healthy eating, a strong Christian faith, and the importance of their family.

This is the moment a man shone a laser pen at a police helicopter crew in Wellingborough - landing him a spell behind bars.

The footage released by National Police Air Service (NPAS) shows the impeded view from the sky as Voyslav Dimitrov, 29, targeted a helicopter with a green laser on September 15.

The helicopter had been flying over Wellingborough assisting Northamptonshire Police officers in the search for a group of men who were reported to have been carrying knives.

When Dimitrov, of Minerva Way, shone the light at the cockpit of the helicopter it filled with light which forced the pilot to turn away from the laser to protect the safety of his crew and to avoid being blinded.

As a result of the incident, the crew could not continue their search for the men.

Dimitrov has since been jailed for six months.

PC Dom Preece, who led the investigation, said: “This incident could have been so much worse and it is thanks to the pilot, a man with over 20 years’ experience, that this did not end in a disaster.

“As you can see in the video, the laser Dimitrov used a number of times on the aircraft was very powerful and the consequences had the pilot become disorientated are horrifying.

“Dimitrov’s actions that night were completely reckless and dangerous and I am glad that he has been rewarded with a prison sentence.

"He endangered the lives of those inside the helicopter as well as the people on the ground and I hope his six months’ imprisonment will serve as a warning to others who may think it’s acceptable to shine a laser at any aircraft.”

There were 50 laser attacks on NPAS crews in 2018. This compares to 103 in 2015 and 70 and 67 the following two years.

Ollie Dismore, temporary accountable manager of NPAS, said: “Shining a laser pen at an aircraft can have catastrophic consequences so we welcome the court’s decision to impose a six-month prison term on this individual.

"For NPAS, while laser strikes are decreasing on our crews, we cannot stress enough how dangerous they are. Crews have protective eyewear to help reduce the effects of a laser strike but it’s still a dangerous distraction, and that creates safety concerns.

"We believe this sentence sends a firm message to anyone thinking of doing the same.”

Dai Whittingham, chairman of the UK Laser Working Group, said: “I welcome news of a successful prosecution of an offence against the Laser Misuse (Vehicles) Act.

"Attacks against any form of transport are extremely dangerous, which is why Parliament decided to impose significant penalties for crimes of this nature.

"I share the judge’s hope that the sentence on this occasion will be a deterrent for anyone else tempted to act irresponsibly with a laser device.”