The proposed new road will eventually run from the A5199 near Chapel Brampton to the A43 and is aimed at easing traffic in the north of the town, particularly Kingsthorpe.

But in less than a month a Facebook group against the scheme has attracted nearly 1,000 members and is growing daily.

A crowdfunding bid was launched to film an aerial video of the proposed route to highlight the green swathe of countryside the road would run through. The bid raised nearly £800.

To take a look, click on the video link here.

A report published by Big Brother Watch has revealed that UK police forces have spent £22.7 million equipping officers with 47,922 body worn cameras - but are unable to show how many guilty pleas or convictions have been obtained based on footage from the technology.

Northamptonshire Police has spent £6.8 million - the fourth highest amount in the country - introducing the technology.

It has also bought the tenth highest numbers of the devices across the country, 1,271.

The small cameras attached to the uniform of patrolling officers have been billed by both the police and the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) as critical for reducing violence and improving transparency, Big Brother watch says.

Chief executive of the group Renate Samson, said: “The police repeatedly reassure the public that body worn cameras will enhance transparency, create better relations, and improve prosecution rates, but despite 71 per cent of forces rolling out nearly 48,000 cameras, these benefits are yet to be conclusively proven.

“It says little for the approach to transparency that neither the police nor the Crown Prosecution Service could tell us how often footage from the cameras has been used in court proceedings.

“Police trials of the technology have proven inconclusive and problems have been reported with the cameras themselves.

“If the future of policing is to arm all officers with wearable surveillance, the value of the technology must be proven and not just assumed. It is not enough to tell the public they are essential policing tools if the benefits cannot be shown.”

In 2010 police across the UK had only spent £2.2million on 2,843 cameras. The Metropolitan Police has spent more than any other force since then at £15.5 million.

"With such an increase in investment, it would be logical to assume that the police had determined conclusively that the technology was indispensable," the Big Brother Watch report states.

Northamptonshire Police has been approached for comment.

Lauren Mansfield, of Naseby, was out walking in the village with her boyfriend, Iowan Godfrey-Flower, at about 6.30pm on 30 August 2016 when she was hit by an SUV-style car, whose driver was momentarily blinded by the sun.

Her dad, David Mansfield, in a statement read out by the coroner at Lauren’s inquest yesterday (August 16), said the Guilsborough School pupil was a member of Broadway Belles choir – part of Northamptonshire Music & Performing Arts Trust – and played the flute.

He said: “She loved singing and playing music, she was studying for her music exam.”

Lauren also wanted to stay in full-time education and go onto the sixth form, hoping to secure a career in nursing when she grew up.

He said: “Our lives will never be the same for any of us, we now know true loss.

“Every day we wake in our house that no longer includes our daughter.

“We are so privileged to have loved you, Lauren. We wish we could have kept you safe.”

Lauren met with Iowan in a nearby park that day and agreed to go for a walk.

One witness told the court she was driving along Welford Road when she saw the couple.

She said: “I saw a young couple walking hand in hand, they were both in the road, they did not make any attempt to get out of the road.”

In a statement read out by HM coroner, Iowan said: “We were walking back to my house, the road is familiar to both of us, I couldn’t tell you how much we had walked it.”

When Iowan heard a car approaching from behind, he tried to pull Lauren out of the road. But she did not follow and was hit.

Professor Guy Rutty, a pathologist, said Lauren died from a head injury.

The driver of the vehicle involved said: “There is not a day that goes by where I do not think about the family and the deceased.”

HM coroner, Anne Pember delivered a narrative verdict. She said: “One afternoon on the 30th of August, Lauren was walking on Welford Road with her boyfriend. She was walking in the road when she was hit from behind by an approaching vehicle whose view was obstructed by the dazzling sunlight.”

All 97 pupils who applied to university secured a place, and over a quarter of them earned an A* or an A in their results envelopes this morning.

Maths student Gabrielius Slakaitis secured two A*s and one A grade and has accepted a place at the University of Oxford to study Computing.

Over half of all entries were awarded B grades or higher, while over 60 per cent of the school's BTEC results came in at Distinction Star or Distinction.

Headteacher Joe Cowell, who will also leave the school this year, said: "The great joy for teachers at this time of year is to see the students that have worked so hard for the last two years fulfil their potential and win places at some of the best universities in the country.

"I am happy to report that the mood in the Sixth Form Centre today is one of elation, excitement and relief. This is a tribute to the hard work of all the students, the support given to them by their parents, and the dedication and commitment of their teachers."

Frank Taylor, aged 24, from York Road, Wellingborough, will appear today at Northampton Magistrates' Court.

The incident took place outside McDonald's in The Drapery, Northampton town centre, at around 4.45am on July 23.

Anyone who was in the area at the time or has information should contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Over 80 per cent of year 13 students who applied for a university position bagged a place with over 18 per cent of students going on to study at elite Russell Group institutions.

Lydia Walkley Bartlett achieved straight As in maths, chemistry, and physics and is going on to study Mechanical Engineering at the University of Bath this September.

Neil Patel achieved As in both maths and further maths and has bagged a place at the University of Birmingham to study computer science.

He said: “I’m really pleased I got my first choice of Birmingham University. I look forward to doing a master’s once I’ve completed my undergraduate degree.”

Elvira Matei is off to her first choice institution, the University of Manchester, after achieving A* in english literature, A in history and B in psychology.

She said: "I'm really happy, I'm so relieved, I was the first person here this morning. I was up at 5 o'clock, I couldn't get to sleep I was so worried. I didn't expect to do so well, I'm really chuffed."

Shelley Auguiste, achieved A* A A in further maths and physics and is hoping to secure a place at Imperial College London to study physics.

Lesley Powell, Northampton Academy’s Assistant Principal for Sixth Form, told the Chronicle & Echo: "By the end of the day, or certainly with in the next two days or three days, they will all have places at a university.

"Everybody who wanted to go to university will have a place."

"I make sure they have the right subjects in the first place and the right choices at A-level to be sure that they can access those top universities and the courses that they want, not necessarily top universities.

She said the students have all worked really hard with a new A-level spectrum.

"I think they were apprehensive but I think they were pleased with the results they got.

"It was hard and they had to work very hard for it, they had nothing banked which they would have had with an AS, some of them have had to do straight through three-hour papers."

“‘These results are a testament to the hard work and dedication of our students during their time with us and I am extremely proud of what they have achieved. In particular, it is pleasing that all those who applied to university have successfully gained places and I wish them all the very best of luck in the next stages of their lives.”

Straight-A students Lucy Adams and Laura Simpson from Sponne School, in Towcester, opened their results envelopes this morning to find they will be starting at Britain's top university this September.

Lucy earned A*s in all her subjects, and just under half of the students at Sponne School also gained A*-B grades, with all pupils passing.

Executive headteacher Dr Jamie Clarke said: “We are really proud of our students who have done so well in gaining these excellent results. It is
reassuring that the grades reflect the hard work that students put in and the outstanding teaching and support provided by the staff at Sponne School.
Well done to all our students, including those who have secured their first choice university places.”

Another pupil, Patrick Challen, will go on to an apprenticeship at Rolls Royce, while Katie Kitchen and Jake Ward both gained two A* each.

Victoria Austin, head of sixth form from Sponne, said: “I am always amazed by the high standards our students achieve and want to congratulate
them on their excellent results. I am so pleased for them and wish them all the best in the future”.

Half of Northampton School for Boys' A-level pupils who got a higher education place will be going to one of the top "Russel Group" universities in another bumper year of results.

Richard Bernard, Headmaster of NSB, said: ”The 2017 A -level results reflect the typically strong historical performance of year 13 students at A-level supported by very strong outcomes for our Year 12 students where AS Levels were taken.’’

A total of 26 pupils received an A or A* grade average over at least three A2 subjects in Year 13, with three students securing three straight A* grades.

Deirdre Kennedy - assistant head and director of 6th form, said: “Once again our extensive advice and guidance programme is paying dividends.

"Over 200 Year 13 students received university offers – 50 per cent of which to the very best ‘Russell Group’ universities."

"Those who just missed by a grade or two are now in ‘clearing’ and will get a place in the coming days. Our students work so hard and I am truly delighted for them.”

Mr Bernard added, ‘’The Year 13 cohort backed up their strong academic success with outstanding achievements outside of the classroom in sport, music, dance and drama.

"They were a group of students who had a hugely positive influence on the school, embracing the vast range of opportunities that the school had to offer as well as operating as excellent role models for our younger students. I wish all of our leavers the very best of luck in their future.”

Standout Year 13 performers for A Level included:

3A*: Madeleine Aber, Euan Austin, Matthew Hodgson

2A* / 2A: Pui Chan

2A* / 1A: Alastair Bowden, Thomas Wise, George Wyld,

2A* / 1B: Rebecca Herring

1A* / 3A: Matthew Jenson

1 A* / 2A: Fergus Costello, James Hill, Chloe Lambdon, Gagandeep Sachdeva, Veer Shah

A/A/A or equivalent: Naomi Coleman-Jones, Elizabeth Gregory, Michael Longhurst, Ella Machin-Bradbury, Ashley Pearson, Thomas Rowlatt, Tia Senatore, Somya Sharma, David Bromley, Thomas Coombs, Calum Hall-German, Ruth Murphy

The new head at Thomas Becket Catholic School said he was thrilled at the school's A -level results after 99 per cent received a pass grade.

A third of the year 13 cohort also attained A* to B grades at the non-selective school in Spinney Hill.

Overall, the A* to C pass rate was 60 per cent across all subjects. A total of 40 pupils took exams in year 13 this year in both A-level and BTEC courses.

Head teacher Ciran Stapleton said: "We are proud of our student’s success and the hard work they and the staff have put into these incredibly tough qualifications.

"All of our Year 13 students have secured university places on exciting courses including bio-veterinary science at University of Lincoln, chemistry at Sussex, accountancy and finance at Northampton, history at Reading, marine biology at Hull, computing science at Loughborough and Nottingham.

"This cohort have made rapid progress since their GCSE results, with an average GCSE grade of a D they have surpassed targets and projections at A-level.

"As a school we are very proud of these fantastic results.

"A special word of congratulations to Martin O’Rourke and Sadaf Jafri who completed their A2 qualifications with grades of ABB."

Year 13 pupils across the country have been ripping open their grades this morning - many of whom will be hoping to gain a university place.

See how your school performed with our live feed here.

Kingsthorpe College is celebrating a big increase in the number of students achieving the top grades this morning, half of all entries coming back as A* to B.

The college saw A-level subjects improve by almost one grade per entry according to results through this morning.

Particular mention should go to Ellie Morgan, who achieved two A*s and two As (English Literature, Drama, History, Extended Project) securing a place to study Egyptology at Oxford University and Joe Morris who achieved four A*s in Chemistry, Maths, Physics, Extended Project. He will go on to study chemistry at Durham.

There were many other students who also performed particularly well, including:

 Chloe Allen A*A*A*B (Psychology, Sociology, Extended Project, German)

 Emily Taylor A*A*A*C (Psychology, Sociology, Extended Project, Biology)

 Bradley Small A*ADist* (Sociology, Psychology, Sport)

 Olivia Hodgkins AADist* (History, Sociology, Health and Social Care)

 Ellen Clarke AAB (Drama, Sociology, English Literature)

 Emma Clarke A*AC (Photography, Fine Art, Psychology)

 Robert Lorkins ABDist* (Physics, Maths, IT)

 Lewis Clark ABB (Economics, Maths, Physics)

 Rachel Yates ABB (English Literature, Geography, Sociology)

Head teacher Jennie Giovanelli, said: "We are delighted for our students’ success this summer, which demonstrates that Kingsthorpe College continues to make sustained improvements across all headline measures.

"We are particularly pleased that the results reflect our commitment to providing a broad and balanced curriculum.

"The results are testament to the determination and commitment of all involved with the college, and we wish all our students the very best for the future.”

Around 15 per cent of NSG students had already secured unconditional offers from the institution of their first choice prior to opening their exam results this morning.

Assistant head Teacher and head of sixth Jane MacDonald said: “We are once again delighted with our results. It is very satisfying that the vast majority of our students have secured the university course of their choice."

Among the many successful students were Civa Ali who will read law at the University of London and Ellie Barker who, with results of one A*, an A and a B, has been accepted to study maths at the University of Birmingham.

Liam Taylor achieved two A*s and an A and a place studying aeronautical engineering at the University of Bristol, while Mary Biyi’s excellent results, an A* and two A grades have secured her a place studying medical science.

Deputy head teacher Abigail Boddy said, “I would like to congratulate all our students on their success. I am very proud that NSG students are able to pursue their talents and interests at university level in subjects as diverse as Illustration, TV and Set Design, Psychology, Geography, Midwifery and Medicine.

"These opportunities are the outcome our excellent teaching and pastoral care. Our committed and hard-working students received great support from their parents and I am very pleased for them too.”

Among the highest achieving year 13s include five pupils with two or more A grades and four girls who all earned triple distinction star grades.

The school says they did their best in "facilitating" subjects like sociology, maths and history, which are accepted by a wider range of universities.

Head of sixth form Natasha Whiles said: "The excitement this morning was amazing. Everyone's been so pleased. We had students at the start of the year who didn't know what they wanted to do but have now earned themselves a place at university."

The results come as the school prepares to open its new sixth form centre in the new academic year.

The hard work as paid off at Elizabeth Woodville School after half of all pupils got a B or above.

More than 50 per cent of all exam entries received an A*, A or B grade (or equivalent) and more than 80 per cent were awarded at least a C grade.

The students’ successes come despite new A-level specifications in most subjects.

Jez Bennett, head teacher of the Deanshanger school, said: “Our students have risen admirably to the challenge of the new specifications. We are delighted that their hard work, together with strong teaching and support, has enabled the students to progress to their destinations of choice. Congratulations to them all.”

Students have been successful in gaining places at universities from Aberystwyth to Manchester and from Lancaster to Brighton.

Subjects will include veterinary medicine, chemistry, law, civil engineering and art.

Other students have successfully gained apprenticeship places with Volkswagen and Grant Thornton, with another student joining the

Royal Marines.

Top performers for the school include Ioan Beresford, who bagged A* in textiles, A in fine art and A in English literature and is going on to study liberal arts at the University of Durham.

She said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at Malcolm Arnold Academy.

"The support I have received from my teachers and their peers has been outstanding.

"From being head girl to attending the Lord Mayor’s Student Leadership Challenge, the incredible opportunities I have had access to at the academy have prepared me for my next steps.”

Head teacher, Chris Steed said Malcolm Arnold Academy’s students have worked extremely hard throughout the year in order to set themselves up for a bright future.

“Last year we celebrated our best ever set of results and it’s fantastic to see this year’s A level students match the high standards set," he said.

“I am also pleased to see exceptionally strong performances within sport and music, which are two particular areas we embrace throughout the academy. We also saw an incredible 100% pass rate for all IT students.

“There have been some inspiring performances this year and it really shows what our students are capable of when they’re encouraged to achieve their personal best.”

Magda Kolano also received the results he needed to study chemistry at Nottingham Trent University after achieving an A in maths, B in photography and B in chemistry.

Speaking about sitting her A-level exams at the end of two years of study as opposed to taking modular exams throughout sixth form, Grace Howells said: "It was really hard, we had to go in their blind because we didn't have many past papers, it was like a mystery."

"I cried, I was so relieved, I didn't have a good nights sleep, I didn't know what was going to happen."

Grace will go on to study English literature at the University of Reading.

The school said that nearly three-quarters of business studies students were awarded an A*-C, while two-thirds of students secured an A*-C in government and politics.

Another top performer was Thomas Craddock, who achieved a triple distinction* in BTEC sport.

Thomas, who will now be applying for sport apprenticeship roles, said: “I have worked really hard this year to produce the grades I have achieved.

"This result is also down to the support of teachers, staff, family and friends.”

Three Northamptonshire business have been named and shamed on a Government list released today of 233 UK companies that underpaid their workers.

More than 13,000 of the UK’s lowest paid workers will get around £2 million in back pay as part of the Government’s scheme to name employers who have failed to pay the national minimum wage and living wage.

Tudor Manor Nursery Limited in Duston was ranked 102 on the list after failing to pay £1,029.30 to one worker, Kingsthorpe Upper Crust Catering Services was 176th after it failed to pay £347.21 to three workers, and Washbrook Farm Limited in Aston le Walls, South Northamptonshire, was 222nd after it failed to pay £135.65 to one of its employees.

As well as paying back staff the money owed, employers on the list - published by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy - have been fined a record £1.9 million by the Government.

Tudor Manor Day Nursery and Upper Crust have been approached for comment.

Washbrook Farm refused to comment.

Among the most prolific offenders across the country were retail, hairdressing and hospitality businesses in what is the 12th round of Government naming and shaming.

Since 2013, the scheme has identified £6 million back pay for 40,000 workers, with 1,200 employers fined £4 million.

Business Minister Margot James said: "It is against the law to pay workers less than legal minimum wage rates, short-changing ordinary working people and undercutting honest employers.

"Today’s naming round identifies a record £2 million of back pay for workers and sends the clear message to employers that the Government will come down hard on those who break the law."

Common errors made by employers in this round included deducting money from pay packets to pay for uniforms, failure to account for overtime hours, and wrongly paying apprentice rates to workers.

Melissa Tatton, director at HM Revenue and Customs said: "HMRC is committed to getting money back into the pockets of underpaid workers, and continues to crack down on employers who ignore the law.

"Those not paying workers the National Minimum or Living Wage can expect to face the consequences."

There are currently around 2,000 open cases which HMRC is investigating. Eligible employers will be named and shamed after their cases have been closed.

The Government has committed £25.3 million for minimum wage enforcement in 2017 to 2018, as well as a £1.7 million awareness campaign earlier this year.

Police have launched an appeal for witnesses to an alleged racist incident at a Poppies home game.

More than 600 people were at the Evo-Stik South League fixture between the Poppies and Redditch United FC on Tuesday evening when a home supporter allegedly made a racist slur against a Redditch player, as we reported earlier this week.

The player reported the incident to the match referee shortly before half-time and club stewards evicted the individual from the ground, but no details were taken.

Now police are appealing for anyone who may have witnessed it to contact them.

PC James Condon, from the force’s Football Unit, said: “We are working closely on this with both the club and the Kick it Out anti-racism campaign.

“There is no place for behaviour such as this in a football ground and we are appealing for supporters to help us identify the individual behind this incident which we are treating as a hate crime.”

Anyone with information about this incident should call Northamptonshire Police on 101 or ring Crimestoppers, in confidence, on 0800 555111.

Weston Favell Academy's principal said she was "delighted" with the school's improved academic figures this year.

This year, 78 per cent of students achieved three or more A-levels, which is a seven per cent increase from 2016.

The academy’s top performing students were Peter Ward and Kirsty Edge who both achieved an average A grade performance.

Peter gained A grades in economics, business studies and law.

Kirsty got an A* in Mathematics and B grades in Fine Art and Psychology.

She will be taking a gap year and then embarking on a degree in photography at Portsmouth University.

Zeiyn Mohammed, Rebecca Easton and Nessrine Ouajid all achieved an average of a B grade across all their subjects.

Nessrine got an A* in Arabic, B in English literature and a C in business satudies to add to the grade A in French gained last year.

Rachel Steele, principal, said: “I am delighted with these examination results. They are a testament to all the hard work, dedication and commitment from our students and staff at the

academy.

"There are some outstanding individual performances which should be celebrated but the most pleasing aspect of these results is that students have been rewarded for their

efforts and these results enable them to progress to the next stages of their lives.

"I would like to congratulate all our A-level students and wish them all continued success in their future endeavours.”

This year, students sat tests under the new linear A-level exam system, which the school says, 'has proved more challenging nationally' as opposed to the modular exams sat over a period of two-years and are now being phased out.

But head teacher, Dr Helen Stringer said she is proud of what the girls have achieved.

"We are, of course, living in uncertain times in the education scene as a whole and with A-levels in particular, so it is reassuring for our girls and their families to know that the combination of ambition for every individual, bespoke guidance, and superb academic and personal support continues to be a winning formula.

"The vital ingredient is that we believe in our girls and this means that they believe in themselves.

"To see them aim high, work hard and smartly, achieve so well in those all-important qualifications and at the same time grow in confidence, as people ready to take on the world, is an absolute privilege.

"A school is above all its people and I know that the staff at the High School are really special.

"Class of 2017 – I salute you and wish you all the very best in the next, exciting phase of life."

Tenants who entered their gardens into the first Northampton Council Housing Garden Competition have been recognised at an awards event

The competition, run by Northampton Partnership Homes, was judged over two days in July by gardening presenter Johnnie Amos (BBC Northampton) and volunteering manager Sarah

Passam (Voluntary Impact) who cast their eye over 28 lovingly prepared landscapes by council house tenants in Northampton.

Mr Amos said: “Both myself and Sarah were very impressed by the standard of the entries” and that it was lovely to hear about “their enthusiasm for gardening

and celebrate their amazing efforts in the garden”.

The competition comprised of six categories.

Best garden was won by Susan Selden and Bob Clarke, best communal garden was won by Bellinge Community House, best container garden was won by Rashmi Shah, best fruit and veg patch was won by Richard Gore and Stuart Hayward, most environmentally friendly garden was won by Janet and Gary Crane and best young gardener which was won by Jack Brett.

Susan Seldon, winner of the best garden category in the garden competition, said: “I never expected to win. I put a lot of effort into making the garden nice and I wanted our efforts to

be recognised.”

After this year’s blooming success, Northampton Partnership Homes said they hope to continue the competition next year, adding “Next year we want even more tenants to get

involved and show off their beautiful blooms in the garden”.