One of the more unusual causes of traffic problems held up motorists in Northamptonshire this morning - sheep on the road.

There were reports of the M1 being blocked southbound between junction 15 at the A45, and junction 14 at Milton Keynes, because the animals had escaped onto the carriageway.

Delays were still being reported at 8.30am.

And it wasn’t the only sheep-related drama in the county this weekend.

Yesterday, fire crews were called to rescue a sheep stuck in mud in Weston Mill Lane, Weston Favell, Northampton at 3.50pm.

A community organisation has celebrated getting the keys to the Racecourse pavilion ahead of a planned £400,000 refurbishment.

The Umbrella Fair Organisation (UFO) is planning to redevelop the neglected ground floor of the Northampton venue, with toilet facilities, a permanent office, a performance area, cafe and energy advice centre.

The first phase will see the opening of public toilets and a permanent office for the UFO, which will be completed by July 12.

The UFO is then going to spend a year raising the £400,000 it needs for the main refurbishment.

The keys were handed over by mayor Roger Conroy on Friday, and this was celebrated by the return of the Tea on the Lawn events this weekend, which has featured local performers, an open mic stage and a cafe offering a range of locally-sourced vegan and vegetarian food.

Project co-ordinator Ian Bates said: “It’s a Grade 2 listed, landmark building which has been unused and unloved for too long. The refurbishment will be done very sympathetically.

“We are an environmental group, so having a really low carbon footprint is very important.

“It is nearly all volunteers who are giving their time for free. The most important thing is getting the community involved in the project, so they feel like they have some ownership of it, and get involved once it is open.”

Regarding Tea on the Lawn, Mr Bates added: “The mayor was here on Friday to officially give us the keys, and this is a celebration event. There will be one every month through the summer, as well as a number of family-friendly events.”

For more information on Kenneth J Nash, the artist featured in the above video, visit his website.

Anyone wanting to perform or volunteer at any of the planned events can contact UFO via its website.

A pedestrian has been airlifted to hospital with serious injuries after a car accident in Long Buckby this morning.

Northamptonshire Police said emergency services were called at about 7.10am to Station Road.

Pc Dave Lee, via his Twitter account @Northants_RPU, reported that the patient was being transported to hospital by land ambulance when it broke down near DIRFT in Daventry. He said an air ambulance helicopter was then called in to take the patient onwards to a hospital in Coventry for treatment.

Police said the road was due to be reopened by about 9.30am.

The new mayor of Northampton has said he plans to promote the heritage of the town during his year in office.

Councillor Les Marriott, will officially take over from Councillor Roger Conroy during a ceremony held in the Guildhall on Thursday, May 23.

Councillor Marriott (Lab, Semilong), who has lived in the town for more than 30 years, will become the 773rd mayor of Northampton.

Born and raised in Yardley Hastings, Councillor Marriott moved to Northampton in 1975 following his marriage to wife Lisa.

He has worked for British Telecom for more than 40 years and currently acts as chair for the Semilong Residents Forum.

Councillor Marriott has represented three wards for the borough council including Welford, St James and Semilong and acted as a trustee for the 78 Derngate Trust and The Royal & Derngate Theatres.

He said: “I am extremely honoured and proud to become the mayor of Northampton. I’m looking forward to my year in office and I hope to meet as many people as possible and promote the valuable work by many local organisations and volunteer groups in our town.

“As mayor I will also work to promote the town including its rich heritage and the achievements of our communities.”

During his Mayoral year, Councillor Marriott will raise money for his chosen charity, The Caring & Sharing Trust. which works with people with learning disabilities, providing support for their families and a range of creative programmes, developing communication skills, confidence, teamwork and social skills.

During the past year, Councillor Roger Conroy attended 494 engagements and raised £8,000 for his mayoral charities, Megans Flutterby Fund and Northampton Sea Cadets.

The Moulton father of murdered schoolgirl Tia Sharp broke down in tears today as the man accused of killing his daughter dramatically changed his plea on the fifth day of an Old Bailey trial.

Stuart Hazell, aged 37, dramatically changed his plea this morning and admitted murdering the 12-year-old in August last year.

Window cleaner Hazell hung his head in the dock as he changed his plea and jurors were asked to formally find him guilty.

Lord Carlile, representing Hazell, said his client wanted to make it known that “Tia’s family have suffered enough and he did not want to put them through any further stages of this trial or this process”.

Tragic Tia’s father, Steve Carter, and her grandfather both live in Moulton.

Mr Carter, broke down in tears as Hazell changed his plea.

Hazell, wearing a washed-out grey T-shirt, leaned forward as Lord Carlile asked for the charge to be put again.

He clutched his hands in front of him and there was a slight pause when he was asked to plead.

And then he said “guilty” as gasps from the public gallery rang around the oak-lined courtroom.

The development came after four days of graphic evidence during which Tia’s mother, Natalie Sharp, frequently had to leave the courtroom, visibly distressed.

The prosecution case included a grotesque photograph of a girl alleged to be Tia after she died.

In the shot, a naked girl, whose face cannot be seen, is posed on all fours on a bed.

Mr Justice Nicol is due to sentence Hazell later today.

Households in Northampton and Daventry recycled a staggering 4,600 tonnes of food in the first year of collections, new figures reveal today.

The decision to introduce brown food recycling caddies in 2012 has saved Northampton Borough Council and Daventry District Council a combined £412,000, the cost it would have been to send the waste to landfill.

In Northampton, 3,204 tonnes of food waste was recycled, avoiding landfill charges of £287,000, while householders in Daventry recycled 1,396 tonnes, avoiding £125,000 in landfill charges.

The scheme also benefits householders by highlighting to them the associated cost of the food they waste, which on average equals £500 a year per family.

Instead of being buried in landfill, the waste is processed at a nearby facility in Kettering and turned into liquid fertiliser with the methane generated from the process, also used to generate green renewable electricity.

Councillor David Mackintosh, leader of Northampton Borough Council, said: “Introducing food waste recycling has been a very positive step forward that has given us the opportunity to stop thousands of tonnes of waste going to landfill. It is really great that so many people in Northampton have embraced this initiative. Not only is it good for the environment, but I hope it has also helped people see how much food is wasted so they are able to do something about it and save some money.”

Councillor Chris Millar, leader of Daventry District Council said: “These latest food waste recycling figures are extremely encouraging. Our district already has a national reputation for embracing change and innovation in waste and recycling and that’s thanks to the efforts of our residents. I would encourage anyone who has not yet given food waste recycling a try to have a go and take another simple step towards helping our district become a greener place.”

John Farrell, partnership director at Enterprise, which operates the food waste service on behalf of Northampton Borough Council and Daventry District Council, said: “We’re delighted to have collected thousands of tonnes of food waste in the first year – it’s an amount that has to be seen to be believed.

“We would like to thank everyone who is putting out their caddies every week and ask them to keep it up. But we know there are lots of households that have never used the service, or maybe given it a try but got out of the habit, we would ask them to give it a try and to get in touch if they have lost their original caddy.”

Anti-HSA campaigners are calling for MPs along the proposed route to “put their money where their mouth is” after it was revealed the HS2 Paving Bill is to be the first introduced into Parliament following the Queen’s speech.

The first reading of the bill took place before the speech last Monday, and campaigners claim the bill would be to allow money to be spent on the project which would not normally be available until royal assent is gained.

If built, the first phase of HS2 would cut through south Northamptonshire, between Brackley and Upper Boddington.

Stop HS2 campaign manager, Joe Rukin, said: “HS2 Ltd has lost all budgetary control of the project and all the Government want to do is give them a blank cheque to carry on with complete disregard to both due process as soon as possible.

“There have been a lot of MPs along the route who have made some of the right noises, some of the time over the last three years. Now there is a bill on the table, it is time for them to say whether they will put their constituents or their careers first.”

Deanne DuKhan, director of campaign group AGHAST, said: “It will be interesting to see how MPs who vote for HS2 will justify themselves when it becomes clear that this massive expenditure won’t actually mean new jobs or growth outside London.

“The taxpayers will find themselves footing the bill and then subsidising a mode of travel that only the wealthy few can afford to use.”

Meanwhile, the Government today said it could make changes to a section of the HS2 high-speed rail route to allow plans for a 7,000 job-creating scheme to go ahead.

Concerns have been raised that the route of phase two of the £33 billion HS2 line could affect plans for a strategic rail freight interchange depot next to East Midlands Airport near Castle Donington in Derbyshire.

The initial preferred route would have seen the new rail line cross the site of the proposed depot.

But today, the Government announced that it has developed a revised option involving extending the proposed HS2 tunnel under the airport to avoid the majority of the depot site.

Work on phase one, from London to Birmingham, is set to start in 2016/17 with services beginning in 2026.

Phase two, taking the line north in a Y-shape to Manchester via Crewe and to Leeds via Derby and Sheffield is set to be completed around 2032/33.

A Government minister has visited a growing Northampton firm which is one of the success stories of the town’s Waterside Enterprise Zone.

Local growth minister Mark Prisk visited Freefoam Plastics, in St James Mill Road, which plans to expand its operation and create between 30 and 40 jobs.

Since the company opened its Northampton base in 1999, it has seen a growth in sales from £4 million to last year’s £25.4 million, along with a staff increase from 18 to 90.

Freefoam manufactures PVC fittings for homes, including fascias, window trims, guttering systems and decorative panelling.

The minister was also given a tour of the Enterprise Zone and heard about six regeneration projects taking place in Northampton, including the railway station.

Mr Frisk said: “The Enterprise Zone is complex, so understanding how it all fits together is why I am here today.

“What I like here is we have got a town which is committed to regeneration and renewing its infrastructure, while bringing in new jobs as well.

“We as a Government are putting £10 million into the railway station, and we also want to understand from the local team about how we can ensure broadband, road and rail infrastructure, and cleaning up some of the sites that are contaminated can all be brought together.

“What we are seeing at Freefoam Plastics is really encouraging. It is another 40 jobs, which builds on their strong foundation, and follows on from the investment at Carlsberg which is creating 70 jobs. This is good news for Northampton.”

Aidan Harte, managing director of Freefoam Plastics, said: “It’s great to be at the forefront of the Enterprise Zone at St James, as we have been very committed to the area since we came here in 1999.

“We have expanded the site on a staged basis, and this is the fourth expansion in the last 14 years.

“It is a major development which will lead to the creation of 40 jobs. It’s good that Northampton Borough Council recognises our commitment to partaking in the aims of the Enterprise Zone.”

Borough council leader, Councillor David Mackintosh (Con, Rectory Farm), said: “It is really important to showcase how the Enterprise Zone is working in practice.

“Success stories like the expansion of Freefoam Plastics prove that Northampton is an ideal place for businesses to grow.”

Northampton South MP Brian Binley said: “Mark Prisk is one of those people who has been in business, and knows how important it is to attract business. I think the minister was impressed, and this shows Northampton is moving ahead, and is alive.”

Veteran actor Arnold Peters, who was known for his role as Jack Woolley in The Archers for more than 30 years, has died at the age of 87 at his home in Northamptonshire.

His appearances on the show spanned almost 60 years, having first featured in the cast in 1953 and notching up spells as two other characters prior to Jack.

Mr Peters, who lived in Wellingborough, died after suffering from Alzheimer’s, a disease which also affected his character - although he continued to perform until July 2011 despite the condition.

His family said he died on Saturday.

He was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s shortly after his character began to suffer from the condition but, despite the toll it was taking on his memory, he was able to continue acting and was said to “come to life” in front of a microphone.

Although he was last heard on July 19 2011 in the show, Jack still survives in the show as a “silent” character, and is regularly visited by his wife Peggy. The Radio 4 series won a Mental Health Media Award for its handling of the Alzheimer’s storyline.

Actress June Spencer, who plays Peggy, said: “As an actor he was the complete pro. He was very conscientious. He always turned in a good performance, no matter what we were doing.”He loved acting. It was his life. I picture him in the latter days in the green room, with his stick and his cap, always very genial.”

Vanessa Whitburn, editor of The Archers, said: “Arnold was immensely successful as Jack Woolley. With enormous skill he took the character from sharp, sometimes ruthless, businessman, mellowing through the years into retirement and eventual dependence on wife Peggy, as Alzheimer’s set in.”Only the best actors can fine tune those character arcs over many years and Arnold was the best. He will be greatly missed by the whole Archers team and our thoughts are with the family.”

His first Archers role was as farmhand Len Thomas in 1953. After the character’s departure he became the Rev David Latimer, vicar of Ambridge, in 1968, continuing in that role for five years, and then returning in 1980 as Jack Woolley.

He also became a familiar face on TV for his appearances in a TV ad campaign for Werther’s Originals toffees.Away from his work on the radio soap, Arnold was involved in the opening of Wellingborough’s Castle Theatre in the mid 1990s, and also played in a folk dance band.

Peters’ parents were huge theatre fans and would stage their own mini productions at home in which, as a child, he would feature, and he too got the performing bug.He formed a dance band at school and, after his RAF service, he went into rep in Northampton, working there for five years.

Peters’ first broadcast was for the BBC’s Children’s Hour and he went on to land a place at the BBC Drama Repertory Company, based in Birmingham.

June Spencer said: “Arnold and I worked together many times, long before The Archers started. I have really happy memories of the Children’s Hour pantomimes we were both in together.”They were great fun to do. Arnold was very versatile. I remember in one he played the villain and the hero.

“He did a lot of work producing shows for local amateur dramatic societies. He was a country dance caller, and a drummer in a band. He was very active, all the time, whether it was for charity or professionally.”

Jack, a self-made businessman, was an established character when Peters took over from the previous actor, Philip Garston-Jones.Over the years he acquired Grey Gables, the Ambridge Village Shop and Post Office, Jaxx Cafe, Ambridge Cricket Ground, Arkwright Hall and Keeper’s Cottage and he was a major shareholder in the local paper, the Borchester Echo.

He married Peggy in 1991 at which his beloved Staffordshire bull terrier Captain was guest of honour, with the pet wearing a Prussian blue bow tie which matched the bride’s outfit.Jack moved into The Laurels care home in the series in 2009.

Mr Peters is survived by his wife Beryl, their daughter Caroline and two granddaughters, Abigail and Polly.

Cobblers staff and players took over a corner of the Grosvenor Centre this afternoon as they got suited and booted ready to walk out at Wembley.

The first team squad, coaches and staff got measured up by staff at Skopes, based in House of Fraser, ready to walk out on the hallowed turf before the big match on Saturday in a smart charcoal suit.

Cobblers manager Aidy Boothroyd and his staff were among the first to be measured up and kitted out, with the players then filing through one after another.

Speaking after his fitting, Mr Boothroyd said he felt it was important to share the success of the team with businesses around the town.

He said: “It is really important to get everyone involved in it. The rugby team have been doing great, the cricket team are picking up under David Ripley and we are doing our part to put Northampton on the map.

“We want to get local businesses involved and Skopes have very kindly kitted us out for the occasion.

“It is very important for us to look the part.”

Star striker, Adebayo Akinfenwa, was on hand to model the suits for members of the press and admitted afterwards he was concerned about getting his thighs into the suit trousers.

He said: “I think it is decent. I was worried about the thighs getting into it, but it is decent. It is all part of the excitement but I will look forward to when this is all over and we can just look forward to the game.”

A new breastfeeding support service for Northamptonshire has been launched at the Royal and Derngate theatre.

NHS Northamptonshire Healthcare won the contract to support new mums soon after the closure of the popular Northampton Baby Cafe.

It will now provide a similar informal drop-in session at the Underground room in the theatres, as well as a range of support across the county such as home visiting in targeted areas of Northamptonshire.

The first drop-in session took place this afternoon.

Dr Stephen Rogers, public health consultant, said: “As health commissioners we recognise the importance of breastfeeding for mums and their babies, and that they get the support they need to breastfeed for as long as possible. We received very strong responses to the tender for breastfeeding support and we were pleased to award the contract to Northamptonshire Healthcare Foundation NHS Trust.”

Police are appealing for witnesses to a serious road traffic accident which left a 66-year-old man in a critical condition in hospital.

The incident took place at the A5/A508 roundabout at Old Stratford at about 4pm on Saturday, May 11, when for reasons yet unknown, a grey Peugeot Partner van hit the centre of the roundabout.

The driver was airlifted to Walsgrave Hospital in Coventry, where he remains in a critical condition.

Witnesses are asked to call the Drivewatch hotline on 0800 174615.

The Moulton father of murdered schoolgirl Tia Sharp today said his daughter’s killer should “serve his time and then be hung”.

Speaking outside the Old Bailey, Steven Carter said he was pleased that Stuart Hazell had suddenly pleaded guilty to Tia’s murder, but did not see the conviction as “justice”.

Hazell changed his plea on the fifth day of his trial for killing 12-year-old Tia, which involved graphic evidence including a grotesque picture of the schoolgirl after she died.

Mr Carter said: “I’m glad that Stuart Hazell changed his plea to guilty this morning. The four days of trial here were very hard to deal with, hearing the vile things Hazell did to Tia.

“Hazell will be sentenced tomorrow. In my opinion it will not be enough. He should serve his time and then be hung.

“I do not see today’s events as justice for Tia, merely a legal conviction. I would now ask to be left alone so I can grieve and put my life back together.”

During the trial, jurors were told how Hazell, the boyfriend of Tia’s grandmother Christine Bicknell, had secretly filmed Tia while she was asleep using his mobile phone, and had searched the internet for child pornography using terms including “violent forced rape” and “little girls in glasses”.

Her blood was found on a sex toy that was in the house, and on Hazell’s belt, and his semen was found on bed clothes in the room where she slept.

Senior investigating officer detective chief inspector Nick Scola said: “The conviction today of Stuart Hazell for the murder of 12-year-old Tia Sharp in August 2012 will, I hope, bring some closure for her family who have seen justice served. However, Hazell’s conviction will never bring Tia back and her family will have to live with her loss for the rest of their lives.

“Tia was murdered by a man who had gained the trust of Tia’s family and who, on that day, was tasked with looking after her whilst her grandmother was at work. Hazell abused that position of trust by planning an assault on Tia that ultimately led to her murder.

“The evidence was overwhelming and clearly Hazell realised he had no choice but to plead guilty. However, he put Tia’s family through a week of heart-breaking evidence in court and I wish for their sakes he had admitted his guilt sooner.

“Hazell is an extremely dangerous individual who poses a significant threat to young girls and it is only right that he should be imprisoned and removed from society so that he can no longer pose any risk.

“I would like to pay tribute to Tia’s family for showing such courage and stamina throughout this horrendous ordeal - from the time of the murder through to the conviction - and I truly hope they can move forward with their lives in the knowledge that Hazell will now pay for his crime.”

The Co-op has been stopped from building a new mini supermarket in Duston following a public backlash.

More than 800 people signed a petition or written letters to Northampton Borough Council opposing the development plan in Main Road.

The scheme would have seen a current petrol station, which is close to a number of shops, demolished and a Co-op built in its place.

But members of the public and parish councillors expressed concerns about the impact the store could have on traffic and existing shops.

They were backed by planning committee members, including Councillor Dennis Meredith (Lib Dem, Talavera), who said: “Nearly 800 people have signed a petition against this and more have sent us letters. That’s a tremendous amount. So I’ve got to support the people of Duston by saying I’m against this.”

He was backed by fellow committee member, Councillor Mike Hallam (Con, Parklands), who added: “My concern is if this development is allowed, the store would eat up the other shops.”

It was proposed the committee should block the development because of the number of people against it.

But when council planning experts pointed out that was not a legitimate reason to block the scheme, the public were asked to leave the meeting so councillors could discuss the issue in private.

After re-opening the meeting, councillors said the plan would be opposed because of the shop’s “overbearing impact on the community” and the “visual impact” it would have. That was backed by six committee members while three voted against.

The killer of schoolgirl Tia Sharp has been jailed for life with a minimum of 38 years her murder.

There were sobs and a shout of ‘beast’ from the public gallery in the Old Bailey, in London, this morning as Hazell was sentenced.

Mr Justice Nicol said: “She was a sparky girl who was full of life but you took that life from her. All that lay ahead of her - a career, loves and family of her own - will now never be.

“And the loss of her has been devastating for her mother, her father and all her relatives and friends.

“The tragedy of their loss and her death is because of your act in murdering Tia Sharp. You are responsible.”

Stuart Hazell, 37, drew gasps in Court 2 of the Old Bailey yesterday when he dramatically admitted murdering the 12-year-old on the fifth day of his trial.

His previous denials meant Tia’s family, includiong her father, Steven Carter, from Moulton, Northampton, were forced to sit through days of disturbing and graphic evidence, including looking at a picture of her naked and put into a sexual pose after she died.

Her mother Natalie Sharp left the court in tears a number of times as the case progressed.

Yesterday as the prosecution was drawing to a close, Hazell abruptly changed his mind and entered a guilty plea to the murder charge.

His decision means Tia’s family will never get to hear his explanation of what happened to the schoolgirl, and Ms Sharp said in an impact statement that she wishes he would answer her questions.

Hazell, who had briefly dated Ms Sharp, had been in a relationship with her mother - Tia’s grandmother Christine Bicknell - for five and a half years when Tia died.

He moved into Ms Bicknell’s house in New Addington, south London, a week after the pair got together, but it was not until last year that he developed a twisted sexual attraction to Tia and assaulted her before killing her.

Speaking outside court yesterday, Tia’s father Steven Carter said Hazell’s admission was not “justice” for his daughter, and that he should “serve his time and then be hung”.

Tia’s body was found wrapped in a sheet and layers of plastic in the loft of the New Addington house a week after she went missing in August last year.

Scotland Yard came under fire for failing to find her body sooner - two officers had separately searched the loft but discovered nothing.

The force apologised to Tia’s family for not locating her body more quickly, and yesterday Commander Neil Basu said the two officers were “devastated” by their failure.

Earlier, Mr Carter’s victim impact statement was read to the Old Bailey: “The murder of my daughter Tia has shattered mine and my family’s hearts. We will never get our heads around what has happened to Tia.

“My daughter Tia’s life has been taken from us all, as we will never get the opportunity to share her 13th, 16th, 18th or 21st birthdays. We will never have the chance to see Tia walk down the aisle and get married, and have children of her own. We have all lost someone special.

“The love for Tia will always be with us, our memories of Tia smiling and playing will never be forgotten. My last memory of Tia is her jumping into my arms, giving me a kiss and her telling me she loved me. I will never get this opportunity again, but it is one of the many memories I will cherish for the rest of my life.

“My partner and son have their own memories that they will never forget. All my family and friends have their special memories, the community of New Addington have lost someone special and they themselves will never forget Tia.

“Myself and those of my family with children will never be the same as we have all stopped our children’s freedom to go out and play as we fear of something happening.

Myself, my partner, my son and members of my family are suffering from post-traumatic stress, this has caused me to lose my temper quickly, have sleepless nights, cold sweats and generally be unhappy.”

Mr Justice Nicol is expected to sentence Hazell this morning.

The Chronicle & Echo has been nominated in the Midlands Media Awards.

Judges have placed the Chron on the shortlist in the Newspaper of the Year category alongside titles including the Birmingham Post, Lincolnshire Echo, Shropshire Star, Sunday Mercury and the Tamworth Herald.

The winner will be announced at a ceremony at The Holte Suite, Villa Park in Birmingham on June 13.

Peter Lowe, managing editor of Sky News, who chaired the judging panel, said: “There was excellent work in all types of media and disciplines.

“But we were particularly struck by the way in which local newspapers - among the most hardpressed institutions in the ever-changing media landscape - are still delivering sharp and original journalism for the benefit of their readers. Long may it continue!”

David Summers, editor of the Chronicle & Echo, said the newspaper was delighted to be nominated. “There are some excellent newspapers in the Midlands and we are delighted to be nominated in the Newspaper of the Year category,” he added.

The awards are being sponsored by Birmingham Airport, with further support from Barclays Bank, Birmingham City University, Bournville College, East Midlands Airport and Drayton Manor Theme Park.

Northampton Town fans have snapped up approximately 21,000 tickets for Saturday’s play-off final showpiece at Wembley Stadium.

The Cobblers have sold about 21,000 tickets, and opponents Bradford City have sold about 22,000.

As of now, ticket sales are no longer available via the Ticketmaster website or telephone, but they are on general sale from the main box office at Sixfields.

The box office is open until 5pm today, from 10am to 6pm tomorrow and from 10am to 8pm on Thursday. A maximum of nine tickets per person are available.

There will be no further sales beyond 8pm Thursday as tickets need to be returned to Wembley Stadium on Friday.

A Northampton Town spokesman said: “To sell 21,000 tickets in just over a week is a fantastic achievement.

“We are hopefully there will be even more sold from Sixfields over the next three days.

“It is going to be a tight battle on the pitch, and a very even battle vocally in the stands as well.”

Schools are being urged to join Northampton’s bid for success in the East Midlands in Bloom competition.

Fourteen schools have so far signed up to try to win the title of ‘Best School Garden’ and have ben busy planting a mixture of flowers, herbs and vegetables. The theme of this year’s Britain in Bloom is ‘edible’.

The closing date for entries is May 31 and schools will automatically be entered into the town’s own Bloom competition.

Councillor John Caswell, Northampton Borough Council cabinet member for the environment, said: “We’re very proud of all the schools taking part in this year’s Bloom competition with 14 entering compared to three last year. Bloom is a great opportunity for school children to take pride in their school gardens and to make Northampton a brighter place.”

For details, visit www.rhs.org.uk/britaininbloom. For general information and advice about taking part in Bloom, contact Northampton Borough Council on 01604 837455.

An expectant mum who went to her local to watch the Cobblers get to Wembley claims she was left exhausted and emotional after the landlady refused to let her sit on a stool by the bar.

Emma Kippen, who is 35 weeks pregnant, had sat on a stool at the Spinney Hill, in Kettering Road, to watch the second leg of the play-off semi-final against Cheltenham Town.

But she was told it was “policy” to not allow people to sit at the bar, and she was forced to stand up.

Mrs Kippen, aged 33, of Lavant Walk, Parklands, Northampton, said she was “exhausted” by the time she left.

She said: “We had some food and then the game started. I was standing at the bar because the lounge was packed. I thought I was going to have to sit down and put the bar stool by the bar.
“Then the landlady said she was going to have to ask me to get off the stool, and put it back.

“You would have thought they may have made an exception. I did get a bit teary, but I thought, ‘why should I let it ruin my day?’.
“It is just horrible. I was exhausted by the time I got home. The locals were mortified that she did it.
“I’d spent about £60 there and we go there quite often.”

Sarah Collins, business development manager for Spirit Pub Company, which owns the Spinney Hill, said: “I have spoken with the guest directly regarding their complaint and reassured them that we will conduct a thorough investigation into their complaint and take appropriate action if necessary.

“As the investigation is still ongoing it would be inappropriate to comment further.”

Planning permission will be granted for 2,750 new homes in Towcester and a relief road to reduce traffic in the area.

Last week South Northants Council (SNC)’s Planning Committee agreed to resolve to grant planning permission for the scheme proposed by Persimmon and Bloor Homes.

The proposals, which have been recognised as the only way to deliver a relief road for the area, have been under discussion for many years and have been subject to considerable detailed consultation.

The final scheme, put forward last week, has incorporated many elements proposed by local people.

Nick Scregg, division managing director of Persimmon Special Projects, said: “We are delighted with the decision which paves the way for the delivery of much needed new housing and the all-important relief road which many people in the town have been seeking for many, many years.”

The development will include 2,750 new homes, a relief road to reduce traffic congestion, new primary school facilities, an extension to Sponne Secondary School, a new sports pitch complex, pavilions and community buildings and new allotments.

It is expected the scheme will create more than 2,800 permanent jobs and 4,125 jobs in the construction of housing.

Mr Scregg added: “We are delighted that this decision reflects a good result for the town and its people. Of course, it will take many years to complete this project, but we can now say that the scheme will become a reality.

“We firmly believe that the high standards of detail and planning which support the proposals will ensure that this development will be seen as a flagship site for housing development excellence.

“Over the next few months, we will be finalising the legal agreement with SNC which will enable the planning permission to be issued.”