Northampton Borough Council is set to increase its work significantly to help rough sleepers in the town thanks to new Government funding announced this week.

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) has awarded the council £215,400 for the financial year 2019-20.

This money will pay for a rough sleepers co-ordinator, two Street Outreach Workers, a mental health worker and an officer who will work with local prison resettlement teams.

Councillor Stephen Hibbert, cabinet member for housing and wellbeing, said: “These five new staff will support multi-agency working and provide a useful boost to everyone’s efforts to tackle, prevent and reduce rough sleeping in Northampton.

“The extra Street Outreach Workers, working alongside the two we already have, will enable us to continue providing an Outreach Service for rough sleepers, seven days a week.

“We are delighted we have received funding for a specialist Mental Health Worker who will work proactively with the Street Outreach Workers to assess the mental health needs of rough sleepers and help them access the treatment, housing and support they need.”

The funding is part of £11 million set aside by the Government to support those areas that have not already been allocated funding in 2019/20.

It comes on top of a grant of up to £60,000 that was awarded earlier this year by MHCLG for the Council to expand its Street Outreach Service and Winter Shelter provision during February and March 2019.

No one wants to listen to hold music when they are anxious about their health. So patients at GP surgeries were asked in March 2018 to rate their local practice on how easy it was to reach them on the phone.

Below are the Northampton GPs that scored the lowest for being convenient to reach on the phone, ranked from 15 to one.

A tradesman was ordered to pay more than £10,000 in fines and costs after refusing to clear plumbing waste from his home in a quiet street in Towcester.

The Herbert Gardens resident had piled the rubbish on his drive and front garden.

On March 11, the man was fined £500 at Northampton Magistrates' Court having claimed he was not guilty of breaching an enforcement notice issued by South Northamptonshire Council.

He was also ordered to pay a £60 victim surcharge along with the council's costs of around £9,600.

Cllr Roger Clarke, SNC’s portfolio holder for planning, said: "You don’t need to be a lawyer or a planning expert to see how and why this was a nuisance to neighbours.

"He was given plenty of warning, failed to respond to repeated attempts to start a dialogue and ignored the enforcement notice for four months.

"We were left with no other option but to prosecute.

"People can and do run businesses from home, but they should be in no doubt that if their activities start to diminish their neighbours’ quality of life, we will take action where ever possible."

SNC issued the enforcement notice on the basis that the visual amenity was damaged by the change of use of the land and the storage of the waste, and that it was an unpleasant sight for neighbourson The Shires Estate and passers-by.

The notice also cited the original planning permission for the property, which required the driveway and garage to be clear and available for the storage of a motor vehicle.

Riverside Hub, which has the biggest playframe in the UK, is working on a number of new additions to its popular play centre.

In an email to subscribers, owner Ellis Potter said: "You may have heard about our new under fives area, it's proving to be a real winner.

"But we've only just started with the new and shiny stuff for 2019.

"I was going to keep it all under wraps and surprise you with it, but these things are far too exciting and there's no way I could keep it all secret.

"Over the next few months we've got 3 really special things to unveil."

The current toddler village will see a complete revamp over the coming months with plans for a new role play village which is currently in the planning stage.

Other plans include additional climbing routes for little ones, older children and adults, as well as a space-themed adventure golf course.

The golf course will be in the lower section of the laser tag arena with its own entrance.

Hub bosses hope to have the new features open by the summer.

The Hub, located at the Riverside Retail Park in Northampton, recently unveiled its new under 5s 'dry water' area.

A shoe-style treasure hunt, designed to promote the town’s shoe heritage and entice families into the town centre, is set to run for the first time this April.

The new Northampton Easter Shoe Trail means families and friends will be able to explore Northampton town centre and hunt out shops that have a Shoe Trail poster in their window. Each poster will have an image of one shoe on it – everything from stilettos and flip flops to a brogues, slippers and football boots.

This shoe hunt, designed by Northampton town centre Business Improvement District (BID) and supported by Northampton Borough Council, will run from 1 to 29 April – with more than 40 businesses and shops taking part and displaying a shoe-themed poster in their windows.

The public will be able to download an entry form or pick one up in Northampton town centre. Once trail hunters have found all 10 shoe types they will be able to post their entry forms in one of five specially designed Easter Shoe Trail post boxes.

Rob Purdie, BID executive director said: “Promoting our town’s shoe heritage remains one of our key focuses this year and we are excited about our shoe hunt which will create a buzz on social media and a talking point in the town. Get hunting, get involved and have fun.”

The five Northampton Easter Shoe Trail Post Boxes will be located in:

Abington FX in Abington Street, NPS Shoes (within The Wine Connection) in Derngate, Yorkshire Bank in Gold Street, Café Track in Market Square, Market Square News in Mercers Row

and Mooch in St Giles Street.

Entry forms must be posted by Monday, April 29 and the prize draw will take place the following day. There will be 10 winners, each receiving a giant Northampton Easter Shoe Trail Easter Egg.

Kimberley Herbert, BID host, added: “Keep an eye on our @NorthamptonBID Facebook page where we will have masses of hints, clues and tips - designed to help you hunt down all the footwear. Enjoy.”

For Easter weekend, 19 and 20 April, there will be an extra special treat courtesy of Northampton Borough Council and an added post box. Keep an eye on the BID website and Facebook page for more details.

Councillor Anna King, Northampton Borough Council Cabinet member for community engagement and safety, said: “We are pleased to be working in partnership with Northampton Town Centre BID to highlight Northampton’s shoe heritage with a fun family activity for the Easter holidays.

"Look out for more details about our extra exciting two-day giveaway on 19 and 20 April, with prize donations from Steffans Jewellers.”

Pick up an entry at The Guildhall (one stop shop), Market Square News, Metro Bank, Chelton Brown, the library and any businesses displaying an Easter Shoe trail poster.

Entry forms can also be downloaded from our website http://www.northamptonbid.co.uk/shoetrail

Anil Rodrigo, aged 60, formerly a resident of Northampton, was sentenced during a hearing at Northampton Crown Court on Monday (March 18).

Mr Rodrigo will face eight months in prison after Judge Adrienne Lucking QC handed him separate prison sentences for each of the counts, to run concurrently.

The charges related to fire safety offences, under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, at eight properties in Northampton, including addresses in Earl Street, Aberdeen Terrace, Cowper Street, Althorp Road, Overstone Road, Colwyn Road, St James Park and Hazelwood Road.

The court heard how, during visits made in 2009 and 2010, fire protection officers raised concerns with Mr Rodrigo about fire safety issues at his properties.

Some of the concerns raised included smoke detectors found without power or covered with Sellotape and doors which were not adequately fire resistant. Unfortunately, Mr Rodrigo did not engage with officers at the earliest opportunity to address the issues.

The charges included failure to comply with a prohibition notice, which prohibited people sleeping at an address in Earl Street, The Mounts, and failure to comply with an enforcement notice, which required steps be taken to remedy noted fire safety defects.

Speaking to Mr Rodrigo in sentencing, Judge Lucking said: “It can’t have escaped your attention that you had responsibilities and obligations to fulfil in terms of fire safety and these were considerably serious for officers to attend your premises.”

Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service welcomed the result of the case as a strong message to other landlords that action will be taken if fire safety is disregarded.

Community Protection Manager Scott Richards said: “It is fortunate that none of the properties mentioned in this case actually suffered a fire. We would encourage all owners or managing agents of rented properties, including houses in multiple occupation (HMOs), to review their fire safety arrangements, to make sure their properties are compliant.

“We recognise that justice has been done in a case which could have so easily led to more serious consequences. The matters within this case were considered thoroughly by the court and the sentence imposed provides a clear message that failure to comply with fire safety law will be treated seriously.

“Landlords have an absolute duty to their tenants to ensure safety precautions are in place to protect them in case of fire. This includes providing working smoke alarms on each storey of a property.

“In this situation, Mr Rodrigo failed to meet his duties as a landlord in taking all the necessary precautions to meet the fire safety standards required by law. His case serves as a reminder to all property owners about how extremely important fire safety responsibility is in the role of landlord.”

To find out more about fire safety in shared and rented accommodation, please visit: https://bit.ly/2FjgAp7

There will also be free tasters in mindfulness, hypnotherapy, reflexology and massage while NHS checks will be available for those aged between 40-74 to check blood pressure, cholesterol, weight BMI, alcohol consumption and health advice.

Mindfulness tasters need to be pre-booked and can be done so by contacting Chris Patching on 01604 838088 or by emailing him on: cpatching@nltrust.org.uk

Councillor John Caswell, chair of Duston Parish Council, said: “I am delighted that we have our first Community and Wellness Fair and I am sure it will go down very with local people.

"Many stalls will be available on the day and so there will be something for everybody. I urge people to come and pop in.

"As well as our regular scheduled events for all to enjoy, we will be launching a series of pop up well being initiatives throughout the year for all ages to come together and share skills, get free advice, or simply just get out and enjoy some company for a couple of hours."

The event will take place on Saturday, March 30, from 10am to 1pm at Duston Community Centre.

Councillor Caswell added: "Duston is a community that has much to offer its residents and getting involved in your neighbourhood has many physical and mental health benefits.

"Being involved in community life is a great way to stay active.

"The parish council is working alongside our local organisations that do so much for our residents.”

For further information please contact Alison Grantham, bcdm@duston-pc.gov.uk, 01604 583626.

Between March 11 and 17, Northamptonshire Police took part in the nationwide Operation Sceptre to tackle knife crime across the country.

The week also saw 18 arrests over knife crime and 'surrender bins' posted across the county where knives could be thrown away for good.

A video by the force has shown how everything from samurai swords to meat cleavers were handed into to police and taken off the street.

Inspector Sara-Louise Parrott, who led the Operation Sceptre work, said: “Carrying a knife increases your risk of being the victim of a knife attack, and it is extremely pleasing to have removed so many potentially deadly weapons from our streets during Operation Sceptre.

"I want to thank our communities for helping us in this task.”

The force’s Operation Sceptre work resulted in 10 knife-related arrests, a further seven arrests linked to other items being carried as weapons and one arrest for drug dealing offences. Four people were charged for knife crime offences with one being remanded into custody. There were also seven vehicles seized, two linked to organised crime gangs.

Inspector Parrott said: "We are dedicated to protecting our communities from knife crime and the harm it causes. We will identify those who intend to cause harm, and disrupt serious and organised crime, making Northamptonshire a hostile place for criminals to operate.

“The arrests we have made prove our commitment to this issue and illustrate the legal consequences of choosing to carry a knife. Don’t risk your future, or your life, by doing so."

Meanwhile, knife arches were used outside secondary schools, colleges, train stations and venues to scan people for weapons.

Stephen Mold, the county's police and crime commissioner, said: “I was pleased to be able to support Operation Sceptre and importantly the Force’s long term aim of reducing knife crime in the County.

“Although we don’t have the high levels of knife crime as London and other large cities, we are nonetheless seeing an increase in Northamptonshire and I know our police officers are working really hard to tackle it."

A free-to-compete charity dog show will be held on a Northampton park this summer where every dog can have their day.

RSPCA Northamptonshire are holding the show on June 16 from 11am on Becket's Park as part of the One Fun Day national fundraising drive.

There are ten ribbons on offer - and pooches do not have to be a pedigree to enter. Registration is open on the day and there are no restrictions for who can sign up.

The classes available are:

- Most Appealing Eyes

- Loveliest Lady

- Best Rescue

- Waggiest Tail

- Junior Handler

- Cutest Puppy

- Dads and their dogs

- Handsome Fella

- Golden Oldie

- Irish Brace

The fun day for families - which will charge £2 to enter - will also have children's entertainment, bouncy castles and craft stalls supported by small businesses from across Northamptonshire.

RSPCA Northamptonshire fundraising manager Stefanie Roe said: "No where else in Northampton will have so many dogs in one day like our fun.

"It's going to be a fun day out for the whole family where all dogs are welcome.

"All funds raised will go towards helping animals in Northamptonshire, and we hope to support local businesses who will be at the fun day as well."

There will also be a national contest on that will compete with 11 other 'One Fun Day' events across the country - the pony cycle race.

Contestants will be challenged to ride a 'pony cycle' as far as possible in the time limit. The winner will be the rider who goes the furthest out of all the races across the country.

Although both groups help some of Northampton's poorest people the services they provide are different.

Weston Favell Centre Food Bank package up emergency food parcels every Wednesday and provide support to people trapped in poverty. Last week 48 parcels were handed out, which fed 146 people over three days.

The provision of hot meals handed out by on-site cafe, Cafe Emm to Weston Favell Centre Food Bank users has also seen a year-on-year increase of 232 per cent. This money was spent on 142 food bank users who access the food bank, giving them a slice of toast and a cup of tea, some of whom have not eaten for a few days.

This stark reality follows the roll-out of Universal Credit launched in Northampton back in November, volunteers at the food bank say.

Weston Favell Centre Food Bank manager Jo Alderman said: "Donations have slowed down but the need has grown and it's just using up the stock quicker.

"It worries me that we are not going to be able to meet the need."

Hope Food Club - a Hope Centre charity - gives people with low incomes, and on benefits, a chance to buy essential food items at a fraction of the cost so that families can free up their earnings for other bills and parts of their lives.

The scheme works as a co-operative and the plan is that Hope Food Club will ultimately be controlled by the people who use the service. It operates in six areas currently in Northampton.

The Hope Centre also cooks breakfast in their day centre for its users, using fresh eggs, bacon, sausages, bread and milk - all of which the centre is in need of every week.

Between these the two services Hope Centre feeds about 400 people every week.

The Hope Centre and Weston Favell Centre Food Bank are now having to swap their donations so they each have enough food and toiletries to give to service users.

Robin Burgess CEO at the Hope Centre said: "It's really important to state that we are working together and we have shared needs. Even if we are sharing, there's just not enough stuff out there that's the bottom line. Shelves are becoming bare because that's the reality.

"This is not about individuals who have mismanaged their money, this is just how people have to live.

"It's an ongoing epidemic week after week. We have not enough food and not enough money to sustain it therefore we can't help as many people."

If you want to donate to the Hope Centre - here's a list of what it is in need of: rice, tea, fresh vegetables and fruit, milk, eggs, bacon and sausages, cheese, bread, cereals, tinned or jars of sauces for pasta etc, tinned meat and fish, toilet roll, squash.

If you can help call 01604 214300, email fundraising@northamptonhopecentre.org.uk or drop off donations at 35-37, Campbell St, Northampton NN1 3DS.

To donate money or fundraise, click here.

If you would like to donate to Weston Favell Centre Food Bank - here's a list of what it is in need of: tinned meat and fish, granulated sugar, cooking oil, salt, tinned fruit, razors, shower gel and washing powder.

If you can help call 01604 402150, email info@westonfavellcentre.foodbank.org.uk or drop off donations at Emmanuel Church front office between the hours of 10am and 2pm.

To donate money or fundraise, click here.

Northampton Borough Council’s officer staff say that their working relationship with councillors is no longer 'unhealthy' - but that they are still sometimes pressurised to change their professional opinion.

The authority’s officers, which help draw up policies, accept that their day-to-day dealings with elected councillors is getting better, but some issues still remainm according to an internal report by BDO.

Both councillors and officers were asked to rate their working relationship on a scale of one (very poor) to ten (excellent). Councillors scored an average response of 7.73, with many commenting that the officer team is ‘the best they’ve ever had’. But the relationship was marked slightly lower by officers, with an average response of 6.24.

Of more concern to the council though was that officers indicated a score of between five and six when asked if councillors pressurise officers to change their professional opinion on any council business matters, or do anything which ‘compromises their impartiality’.

The BDO report states: “Members and officers interviewed for the review highlighted that the council has been on a journey from an unhealthy top-down culture where members were dictating policy, through a period where members adopted more of a ‘hands off’ approach to policy-making, and now to a position where the balance between political direction from members and advice and implementation from officers is more even.

“However evidence from interviews and surveys conducted for this review shows that issues remain.

“Participants in the review felt that the leader of the council [Cllr Jonathan Nunn] and the Chief Executive [George Candler] are setting an improved cultural tone for both members and officers respectively which will permeate through both groups.

“We have been able to verify that the council has made significant improvements to its member and officer relationships but there is still some way to go to achieve the standards set by the best councils.”

The report was discussed at both the recent Audit Committee, and the Standards Committee at The Guildhall on Monday evening (March 25).

Councillor Brian Markham, a member of the standards group, said: “All members of this committee took part, and the thing that stood out for me was that the councillors who were interviewed thought it was better than the officers who were interviewed.

“Things are better than they were two to three years ago, but it surprises me that some officers still think they are being pressurised to do things they don’t want to.”

The report recommends that there is ‘clearer communication by group leaders to their respective political groups of the existing protocol’s rules around influencing officer decisions’.

A further 20 new jobs will be created by JD Weatherspoon after it completes its 15-week revamp, which gets underway next month.

Pub operator JD Wetherspoon is to start development work on The Cordwainer pub in The Ridings on Monday April 1.

The company is to spend almost £1 million increasing the size of the pub and refurbishing it, which will see its doors closed for 15 weeks while the work is carried out.

Wetherspoon spokesman Eddie Gershon said: “The Cordwainer is an extremely popular pub and this investment highlights our commitment to the pub and Northampton itself.

“We apologise to our customers and staff for the inconvenience of the pub closure while work is carried out but are confident that the new-look pub will be greatly welcomed by everyone.

“Hopefully the investment by Wetherspoon will act as a catalyst for other businesses to invest in the town.”

Staff will be redeployed at other Wetherspoon pubs in the area while building work takes place, and a further 20 new jobs will be created when the pub reopens on July 16.

The development work will result in more space on the ground floor, together with a large glazed extension and roof-top terrace.

The ground floor customer area will link to the new-look garden and, additionally, the pub will feature facilities for staff and a new customer lift.

A much-loved voice in Northampton radio has announced this Friday will be his last show after 10 years on the town's airwaves.

BBC Radio Northampton's Stuart Linnell announced on his afternoon show yesterday (March 25) he would be leaving the station by the end of the week.

Stuart's well-known voice has been a key name in Northampton radio for the past 10 years, including seven years hosting the breakfast show.

But at the start of yesterday's show, he mentioned almost in passing that it would be his last week hosting a regular show before retiring.

He told the Chronicle and Echo: "I will miss it. I love being in the studio. Sometimes I talk nonsense but I really do love it all.

"But I will keep in touch. Hopefully I will be back from time to time if they ask me.

"Northampton has come to mean an awful lot to me."

His last show on Friday will mark the end of a 50-year career in broadcasting that has seen him present in Birmingham, Northern Ireland and Coventry, including national work for 5Live and Sky Sports.

He said: "I've been doing this for 50 years and at the end of the day it's time to take a break.

"Once a broadcaster could wander in and play whatever they wanted and talk about whatever they wanted. The producer has much more control over the show but probably quite rightly.

"A good team around you is important and Northampton without a doubt has a great team."

Over his career, some of Stuart's guests have included legendary cricketers Dickie Bird and Freddie Truman, national treasure Michael Parkinson and even Elton John.

The award-winning broadcaster, who was recognised with an MBE in 1995, also launched in the past year the 'Love Northampton' debates to highlights issues in the town and discuss new ways to regenerate the high street.

He said: "When I arrived to work in Northampton 10 years ago it was certainly a healthy county town. Now it's had to face the problems of other county towns.

"But I've detected a different attitude in Northampton in recent months, to move it forward and find a new era of regeneration.

Change can't be led just by politicians. It's got to come from a lot of people working together really, really positively."

Stuart is retiring to Coventry where he will take on the volunteer role of Chair of Healthwatch Coventry,a dn hopes to outline some new writing projects as well as return to the studio form time to time.

The Landmark Hotel's freehold has of 148 bedrooms, "extensive banqueting and conference facilities" across a 7.44-acre site.

Andrew Whelan of leisure property agents Fleurets is overseeing the marketing process.

He said: “We fully anticipate that the property will remain as a hotel after purchase, however, due to its highly visible location we believe there may be further development opportunities to introduce a retail element or food offer.”

The Landmark Hotel was developed by the present owners, Property Investments (Development) Ltd, in 1976.

The original 100-bedroom hotel was extended in 1985 to provide an additional suite of 48 rooms.

The hotel was closed in 2008 for refurbishment but did not re-open due to personal reasons.

Walking in Becket's Park will be that much lovelier in the future with the new saplings taking root.

Although both groups help some of Northampton's poorest people the services they provide are different.

Weston Favell Centre Food Bank package up emergency food parcels every Wednesday and provide support to people trapped in poverty. Last week 48 parcels were handed out, which fed 146 people over three days.

The provision of hot meals handed out by on-site cafe, Cafe Emm to Weston Favell Centre Food Bank users has also seen a year-on-year increase of 232 per cent in January. They fed 142 food bank users - costing £249 - in the cafe by giving them a slice of toast and a cup of tea, some of whom had not eaten for a few days.

This stark reality follows the roll-out of Universal Credit launched in Northampton back in November, volunteers at the food bank say.

Weston Favell Centre Food Bank manager Jo Alderman said: "Donations have slowed down but the need has grown and it's just using up the stock quicker.

"It worries me that we are not going to be able to meet the need."

Hope Food Club - a Hope Centre charity - is also in need of donations.

The club gives people with low incomes, and on benefits, a chance to buy essential food items at a fraction of the cost so that families can free up their earnings for other bills and parts of their lives.

The scheme works as a co-operative and the plan is that Hope Food Club will ultimately be controlled by the people who use the service. It now operates in six areas in Northampton.

The Hope Centre also cooks breakfast in their day centre for its users, using fresh eggs, bacon, sausages, bread and milk - all of which they are in need of every week.

Between the two services at the Hope Centre the charity feeds about 400 people every week.

The Hope Centre and Weston Favell Centre Food Bank are now having to swap their donations so they each have enough and the right food and toiletries to give to service users.

Robin Burgess CEO at the Hope Centre said: "It's really important to state that we are working together and we have shared needs. Even if we are sharing, there's just not enough stuff out there that's the bottom line. Shelves are becoming bare because that's the reality.

"This is not about individuals who have mismanaged their money, this is just how people have to live.

"It's an ongoing epidemic week after week. We have not enough food and not enough money to sustain it therefore we can't help as many people."

If you want to donate to the Hope Centre - here's a list of what it is in need of: rice, tea, fresh vegetables and fruit, milk, eggs, bacon and sausages, cheese, bread, cereals, tinned or jars of sauces for pasta etc, tinned meat and fish, toilet roll, squash.

If you can help call 01604 214300, email fundraising@northamptonhopecentre.org.uk or drop off donations at 35-37, Campbell St, Northampton NN1 3DS.

To donate money or fundraise, click here.

If you would like to donate to Weston Favell Centre Food Bank - here's a list of what it is in need of: tinned meat and fish, granulated sugar, cooking oil, salt, tinned fruit, razors, shower gel and washing powder.

If you can help call 01604 402150, email info@westonfavellcentre.foodbank.org.uk or drop off donations at Emmanuel Church front office between the hours of 10am and 2pm.

To donate money or fundraise, click here.

Five complaints against Northampton Borough councillors are still being investigated, with one parish councillor also the subject of a complaint.

The details were revealed at the last borough council standards committee in the annual report from its chairman, Councillor Suresh Patel, on Monday evening (March 25).

The complaints relate to two different borough councillors, but the details and subjects of the complaint have not been disclosed.

It includes four separate complaints against the same councillor, with two being filed on February 11, another on February 27 and the final complaint being lodged on March 11.

The report states: “While each of these four complaints relates to the same councillor, the subject matter of each complaint is different. An initial assessment meeting has been scheduled for end of March 2019 to consider each of these complaints. Further information on the four separate complaints will be provided following conclusion of the initial assessments.”

The remaining complaint against a borough councillor dates all the way back to March 25, 2017. Councillor Les Marriott questioned why it had taken two years and there had been no progress, but the committee was told by officers that it was pending the outcome of a separate investigation which ‘wasn’t a Standards issue’.

Meanwhile, the file has been closed on two complaints against a borough councillor that were registered on May 14, 2018. A resolution was found after a meeting between the councillor and the complainant.

The report also highlighted a solitary complaint against a parish councillor in the Northampton area, who - after an investigation - has been found to have a case to answer for potentially breaking the code of conduct.

A hearing will now be convened to determine the case, which the Standards Committee will oversee.

Drivers are being warned of delays on the A45 near Northampton...due to reports of a swan on the road.

The AA reported this morning just before 8am that "Heavy traffic due to Swan on road on A45 Nene Valley Way Westbound between B573 Northampton Road (Grendon / Earls Barton Turn Off) and A5076 Great Billing Way (Great Billing Interchange).

A section of the A14 is closed after a power line fell down this morning.

The Highways Agency is warning motorists to find another route as the eastbound carriageway between J13 at Thrapston and J14 is totally blocked this morning (Wednesday, March 27) after a telephone line fell at Keyston following a collision.

The telephone cable has been cleared, however the carriageway will remain closed for resurfacing due to a spillage.

There are long delays on the approach to the closure, with five miles of congestion adding about 50 minutes to normal journey times.

Road users are asked to follow the "Hollow Diamond" diversion route:

From the A14, J13, take the exit slip road near Thrapston onto the A605.

Continue on the A605 through the village of Thorpe Waterville and past Oundle, Warmington and Elton.

Stay on the A605, Peterborough Road towards the A1 (M), J17 Interchange.

At the A1 (M), J17 interchange take the fourth exit onto the A1 (M) south.

Continue on the A1 (M) south, passed Stilton, Sawtry, Alconbury and rejoin at the A14, J21 Brampton Hut Interchange.

There is also some heavy traffic on surrounding roads.

Officers are on the scene but the road is likely to be blocked for some time. They estimate it will reopen before about 9.45am.

Cabinet members tend to be paid the most, because of the extra responsibility and workload, and chairs of certain committees and party leaders will be paid more for that work. Ranked below from lowest to highest in pounds (GBP) are the latest payment figures for Northampton ward councillors from April 2017 to March 2018. Note: Anjona Roy (Lab, St George) is now a councillor but wasn't at the time, having won a by-election last year. Sally Beardsworth (Lib Dem, Kingsthorpe South) was on the list but is no longer a county councillor. She would have had the lowest payment figures of £1,149)