A former club which has been empty for nearly five years is set to be demolished to make way for housing.

The former United Trades Club, in Balmoral Road, Kingsthorpe, Northampton will be replaced by 23 flats and 23 parking spaces.

The plans were first approved in 2008, but the time limit on the application has lapsed, meaning it had to be re-submitted.

The proposal from Babington Property Ltd was re-examined, and approved at a meeting of Northampton Borough Council’s planning committee on Tuesday.

The report on the plans said: “The application site is located to the south of Balmoral Road. Kingsthorpe Road runs to the west of the site, which serves one of the main routes into the town centre.

“The site contains a building which has most recently been used as a drinking establishment, although it has been vacant since May 2009.

“It is concluded that despite a number of planning policy changes at national level, the principle of the proposed development remains acceptable.”

Two further housing developments were approved at the meeting.

Business units in St Andrews Road, Semilong, will be demolished to make way for 14 two-bed and eight one-bed apartments.

This application was initially submitted in March 2011.

And a warehouse in Brookfield Road, Kingsley will be demolished to make way for 13 houses and six flats.

This will be a 100 per cent affordable housing development.

Specialist water rescue teams and boat crews from Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service have been helping the flood relief effort in the south of the country.

On Saturday morning, two specialist water rescue and boat crews travelled to Surrey to support the rescue operation for 48 hours.

Northamptonshire’s high volume pump is currently in Royal Berkshire to assist in the flood management operation.

Chief fire officer in Northamptonshire, Martyn Emberson, said: “Our firefighters are trained to help the community in times of need and are always very willing to respond when the call for help is made, whether in our county or wider afield.

“In times of need all firefighters are able to work together to resolve the situation. The work our firefighters have undertaken so far to support this national flood situation demonstrates how well trained and how versatile our firefighters really are”.

Over the last week the council, working with MGWSP, the British Army, The RAF, Kettering Borough Council, Corby Borough Council, East Northamptonshire District Council, and JDE Excavations, managed to send a total of 72,000 filled sandbags to Hampshire, Surrey and Berkshire.

On top of this the council’s fire and rescue service has been supporting other counties over the past few weeks following requests via the Fire and Rescue Service National Co-ordination Centre (FRSNCC).

Specialist water rescue and boat crews plus a 4x4 and unimog truck, were deployed to Chertsey, and the high volume pump was delivered to Oxfordshire then moved to Berkshire to deal with flooding in those areas.

The fire and rescue service is continuing to work with national resilience colleagues to offer additional resources if required.

Councillor Jim Harker (Con, Ise), leader of the county council said: “It was very obvious that some areas of the country were severely struggling to provide enough sandbags.

“With our partners we knew that this was something we could help with and the speed in which everyone got involved with the relief effort was superb.

“We can be very proud of this county for managing to set up and provide such a huge aid-effort for other areas in their moment of need.

The Army and our local partners worked tirelessly together to once again show that Northamptonshire is at its best when working together. Particular mention should be made to the county’s fire and rescue service who really pulled out the stops.

“It was always of critical importance to ensure that in providing this assistance we were also aware of any emerging flood dangers or weather impacts in our own communities and I feel this is a balance which was achieved.”

Burglars damaged a ground floor window frame after they attempted to break in to a house in The Mounts, Northampton.

The attempted burglary happened between 12.30pm and 10pm on Wednesday, February 12, at a property in Cloutsham Street.

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

A police investigation has been launched after an ambulance service car collided with another vehicle in Northampton.

The East Midlands Ambulance Service (EMAS) fast response vehicle was travelling along Kingsthorpe Road near the Cock Hotel junction shortly before 10am on Sunday when it collided with another car.

The crash led to the road being closed for an hour as firefighters were called out to help remove a woman from the private car. She was then taken to Northampton General Hospital.

A spokesman EMAS said the ambulance car was on its way to an emergency and was travelling with its lights and sirens on.

Paul St Clair, East Midlands Ambulance Service assistant director of operations said: “Regrettably one of our fast response vehicles was involved in a road traffic collision in Northampton on Sunday.

“The vehicle was on its way to an emergency and travelling with its lights and sirens on, when it was involved in a collision with a private car.

“We dispatched back-up ambulance resources to the scene and after treatment; the female driver of the private car was taken to Northampton General Hospital.

“The incident is subject to a police investigation and we are therefore unable to make further comment at this time.”

A masked man smashed a wine bottle and held it against a teenage girl’s face after she disturbed him in the back garden of a house.

The victim confronted the man at about 11.30am on Saturday, February 15. At the back of the house in Eastfield Road, Wollaston.

When he was spotted by the teenager, he grabbed a wine bottle from a bin, smashed it against a wall and held it up to her face, saying “Don’t tell anyone about this”.

He then fled the scene, leaving the victim shaken. She had slight cuts to her neck and cheek, but did not need hospital treatment.

The man was about 5ft 6in, medium build, he was wearing black clothes, a hooded top and a balaclava.

Witnesses to this incident, or anyone who has any information, can call Northamptonshire Police on 101. Alternatively, information can be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

A nine-year-old boy suffered serious head, pelvis and leg injuries after he was involved in a collision with a car in Northamptonshire.

The accident happened in Willowbrook Road, Corby, at about 7.20pm on Friday, February 14. Police released the information on Monday

A police spokesman said: “For reasons unknown, he went on to the road and into the path of a black BMW.”

The boy was taken to Kettering General Hospital and was later transferred to Birmingham Children’s Hospital for treatment.

The spokesman said the driver of the BMW was treated for shock at the scene.

Witnesses to the collision, or anyone who has information, are asked to call the police on 101 or the Drivewatch Hotline on 0800 174615.

A woman has been threatened at gunpoint by two masked men who tried to steal her car from a Tesco car park.

The woman was getting out of her Audi TT Roadster which was parked outside the supermarket in Whitworth Way, Wellingborough at 7pm on Friday, February 14, when she was approached by two men wearing dark clothes and balaclavas.

One of the men said ‘alright darling?’ before grabbing her arm and trying to steal her keys.

When he failed to get the keys, the man pulled out a gun and held it to the woman’s chest.

The woman screamed and ran towards Tesco and the two men fled in the direction of the nearby Pizza Hut restaurant in London Road.

Detective Sergeant, Steven Howard, who is leading the investigation, said: “We are treating this incident very seriously. This would have been a very busy time in the supermarket, so we hope members of the public who were in the area will come forward with information.”

The man with the gun was about 5ft 10in with broad shoulders and a gruff sounding voice. He was wearing a dark coloured coat.

The second man was wearing a silver or grey jacket.

Witnesses to this incident, or anyone who has any information, can call Northamptonshire Police on 101. Alternatively, information can be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Northampton firms could be in line for a business rate relief of £1,000 from the start of the new financial year.

The new relief will be available for two years to occupied retail units across the borough, which are wholly or mainly being used as shops, restaurants, cafes and drinking establishments.

Councillors are set to discuss the plan at a full council meeting on Monday, February 24 and, if approved, it would come into force on April 1.

The recent publication of the results of a town centre summit highlighted punitive business rates as one of the main issues affecting Northampton’s shops.

Businesses responding to the summit said rates were at an “unsustainable level” and were “critically damaging” to existing firms, and the prospect of attracting new ones.

Council leader Councillor David Mackintosh (Con, Rectory Farm), said: “This year we are looking at how we can support our business community, and what we can do to make our town centre thrive.

“I welcome the news that the Government recognises town centres up and down the country need support. And we will be offering business rate relief to our local retailers in every part of Northampton.”

For more information visit www.northampton.gov.uk/businessrates

A 45-year-old man who threatened a bailiff with a knife after he came round to collect an unpaid £800 council tax bill has avoided a jail sentence.

Philip Devenport, of Marlow Road, Towcester, was found guilty after a trial at Northampton Magistrates’ Court of a public order offence.

The court heard the bailiff called at Devenport’s home address on September 6 last year.

Devenport swore at the bailiff and shut the door in his face. The bailiff then knocked on the door again and Devenport opened the door with a knife in his hand.

The bailiff then went back to his car to complete a report of the incident and, a short while later, Devenport then walked past and threatened him again.

Ron Mineards, defending, said the offence was clearly aggravated by the fact it was against a bailiff and involved him being threatened with a knife.

The district judge presiding over the case said he “could not think of many more serious examples of a public order offence” but decided not to send Devenport to jail as he was the full-time carer for his elderly mother.

Devenport was sentenced to 24 weeks in prison, suspended for 12 months. He must compete a 10-day course, pay costs of £620, victim surcharge of £80 and compensation to the bailiff of £85.

A 47-year-old cyclist has suffered serious head injuries after he was involved in a collision with a van in Rushmere Road, Northampton.

The collision happened this morning just after 5am between the junction with Watersmeet.

Emergency services closed the road so the cyclist could be treated by paramedics and the collision could be investigated.

The cyclist was taken to Northampton General Hospital.

Witnesses to this incident, or anyone who has any information, can call Northamptonshire Police on 101 or the Drivewatch Hotline on 0800 174615.

A public meeting is being held tonight for people to “make their voice heard” about plans to re-open part of Abington Street to traffic.

The meeting has been organised by Labour and Liberal Democrat councillors, and will be held at the Guildhall from 6pm.

Northampton Borough Council has pledged to spend £3 million of taxpayer’s money on the scheme, and work is due to start in the spring.

The move will see the section of the street between St Giles Terrace and Wellington Street re-opened, in a move the council says will increase visitor numbers to that part of the town centre.

Opposition politicians have heavily criticised the plans, as have Chron readers, but businesses in Abington Street have been broadly supportive.

A prolific burglar from Daventry has been sentenced to four years and three months in prison.

Luke Bailey, aged 26, was jailed after he pleaded guilty at Northampton Crown Court to four counts of burglary and three counts of theft.

Bailey carried out a series of burglaries and thefts in the Daventry area in November 2013.

A 17-year-old boy and a 16-year-old boy, both from Daventry, were also found guilty of burglary and theft and are due to be sentenced at a later date.

The Northampton Saints Under 18 team was targeted by thieves while they were winning e Premiership Rugby Academies League title at Allianz Park in north London.

The academy team celebrated being crowned league champions after a match at the home of Saracens Rugby club on Monday night.

But the players returned to their dressing room to find all their valuables had been stolen including a number of iPhones.

Team captain Harry Mallinder tweeted: “It has been a pleasure to captain such a good group of lads to victory. What a way to play our final game together as a group.

“Unfortunately we have had all our valuables stolen. So could you resist contacting me on my phone unless to verbally abuse the thief.

He later added: “To the pathetic cowardly thief whose face will be all over the grounds CCTV footage… You’ve got my phone… but no winner’s medal!”

Chris Wearmouth, Saints spokesman, said the theft had left a “sour taste” on what was a fantastic day for the club.

He said: “It is very disappointing that these items were stolen from the dressing room.

“It has put a sour taste on what was a fantastic day for the Saints and the players concerned. We are working closely with Saracens, who hosted the event, and Premiership Rugby, who organised it.

“We will make sure that all the items stolen will be replaced.”

A collection of handmade jewellery with sentimental value has been stolen during a burglary in Northampton.

A house in Kettering Road was broken into sometime between 9.30am and 8.50pm on Thursday, February 13.

The burglars got into the house by breaking a patio door. Once inside, they searched the property and stole jewellery, money, electrical items and suitcases.

Among the items stolen was handmade jewellery which has a sentimental value to the owner and cannot be replaced.

Witnesses to this incident, or anyone who has any information, can call Northamptonshire Police on 101. Alternatively, information can be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

A man was attacked with a golf club during a robbery in Northampton on Sunday night.

The 22-year-old was working in the Co-op in Oulton Rise, Northampton, when three men entered the shop at about 10.30pm and hit him on the arm with the golf club, before stealing a large quantity of cigarettes.

A spokesman for Northamptonshire Police said: “The victim was not seriously injured in the incident but was left with bruising as a result of the assault.”

The attackers were all white and drove a blue BMW estate.

They used a large industrial bag to take the cigarettes away.

Anyone with information can call police on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

A woman who is believed to have smuggled cannabis into a Northamptonshire prison has been on the run from police for almost three years.

Esther Loveridge, aged 31, was arrested at Wellingborough Prison on April 24, 2011.

After the incident, she failed to answer police bail and was officially classed as wanted. However all ongoing enquires since then have failed to locate her.

She is known to have links with the Leicestershire, Cambridgeshire and Essex areas.

Anyone with information about where she could be can call Northamptonshire Police on 101. Alternatively, information can be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Northamptonshire Police and Crime Commissioner Adam Simmonds has said the way officers deal with people suffering a mental health crisis “dramatically needs to change”.

The commissioner has welcomed a new agreement between police, local government and health care providers that aims to improve the care for people with mental health issues.

The Mental Health Concordat commits each agency to work together to improve care and support so people in crisis because of a mental health condition are kept safe and find the help and support they need, whatever the circumstance and from which ever service they turn to first.

Northamptonshire Police has recently started a three month Street Triage Pilot, which involves a psychiatric nurse being sent with police officers to attend incidents where it has been assessed by the force control room that a mental health assessment might be required.

Mr Simmonds said: “I think this concordat could have a huge effect on the provision of services to those that are most in need. I hope this agreement marks the start of a change in attitudes to the way that all of those organisations signed up to the agreement currently deal with the issue of mental health. It is a growing issue and one where it is vital that we get our response right.

“I have consistently said that in order for the police force to be fit for the 21st century, we need to think innovatively about the way we resolve these important issues and improve the service that we are offering to the public.

“We know that nationally in 36 per cent of all detentions under section 136 of the Mental Health Act 1983, that individuals were taken to police cells, and not a place of safety where trained health professionals are on hand to offer advice and assistance and that is something which dramatically needs to change.”

Artists and sculptors in Northampton are being asked to put forward their ideas for new art installations on the roof of the town’s hospital.

Charles Abolins, Northampton General Hospital (NGH), director of facilities and capital development, said roof spaces visible from some of the hospital’s busiest areas, near the café, radiology and A&E departments for example would benefit from some new artworks.

He said: “We believe there is a fantastic opportunity here for local artists and sculptors to come up with some ideas for installations that will ultimately be seen by hundreds of people who use the hospital every day.

“We are very keen to support a sustainable environment, and for that reason we particularly want the artworks to be constructed from recycled materials. The materials will of course have to be weatherproof.

“We think it is important to show off the wealth of artistic talent we have in the area, and this would generate a lot of recognition throughout the county for whoever was accepted to help us create this project.”

The hospital is inviting expressions of interest and outline ideas from prospective contributors until March 31, 2014. To submit a proposal, email an overview of the project, rough illustration, and description of the design including materials to be used, to Charles.Abolins@ngh.nhs.uk

For more information or to arrange a site visit to view the intended location of artworks, please contact the Estates and Facilities office on Northampton 545589.

A 74-year-old woman who went missing from Northampton has been found safe five miles away in Chapel Brampton, police reported on Tuesday evening.

Mary Wright, who suffers from Alzheimer’s, was last seen at her home in Perry Street, Northampton, at about 3.20pm on Tuesdya. Police issued a public appeal through local media and said that she may appear confused.

Several hours later, Mary was spotted by a member of the public in Chapel Brampton, who contacted the police.

Sgt Ian Ross, based at Weston Favell police station, co-ordinated the operation and thanked all those who had helped in the search for Mary, including up to 20 police officers who had stayed past their shift to look for her.

“The police officers volunteered their own time to search for Mary and we are very grateful for their help, and that of the public.

“Bounds Taxis were extremely supportive and put a message out to all their drivers to act as spotters to assist in the search for Mary,” he added.

Mary is now back home and being looked after by her family, Sgt Ross said.

A well-known Northampton fruit and veg seller has announced plans to leave the Green Party in a bid to concentrate on his own campaign to run as an independent candidate in next year’s general election.

Eamonn ‘Fitzy’ Fitzpatrick, who has a stall on the Market Square, will have one “last throw of the dice” to replace current Northampton South MP Brian Binley.

He said: “I’ve enjoyed my time in the Green Party, me some lovely members and learnt quite a bit more about their ideas and policies, most of which I generally agree with.

“But, with the general election looming I feel I must strike out on my own again and have another crack at being an MP.

“That means setting up as an independent, most likely for Northampton South.

“You could call it it a ‘last throw of the dice’.”

Mr Fitzpatrick criticised the Tories for introducing “sweeping cuts”, and branded the Liberal Democrats a “big disappointment”.

He added: “UKIP don’t tell you if we pull out of the EU, the price of fresh fruit will treble in price.

“As for Labour, don’t even go there.

“I think we independents can do well if the people of Northampton are prepared to back us.”

Northampton Conservatives have previously announced David Mackintosh as their candidate to fight for the seat.