Work is due to get underway this month on a scheme to make improvements on a busy roundabout in Northamptonshire.

More than £3 million is being invested in the upgrade at the roundabout on the A5 at Old Stratford, south Northamptonshire, where it meets the A422, A508 and Old Stratford Road.

The work will be carried out in the evenings or at weekends, where they will be some full weekend closures of the roundabout later in the year. Highways England says there will be no work during weekdays but a 40mph speed restriction will need to be put in place at the junction for the duration of the work, which is due to finish in the summer.

Capacity will be increased by widening two of the main approaches to the roundabout - the A508 and A422 - to create an additional lane, with improved lane markings, a spokesman for Highways England said.

Signing and lighting will also be improved, a new carriageway surface put down, new safety barriers installed and a better drainage system put in to prevent flooding.

In March 2017, the Government announced a further £220 million of funding to cut congestion and journey times on motorways and major A roads. This saw an extra £9.9 million invested in the Midlands to improve specific parts of the network.

Highways England project manager, Simon Wagstaff, said: “As well as improving journeys for thousands of motorists this scheme will improve safety and support local and wider economic growth.

“We will do our best to keep disruption to a minimum and I would like to thank people for their patience while we make sure this route can serve commuters and other drivers for many years to come.”

Plans for a Northamptonshire care village which will create at least 300 jobs have been unveiled.

Developer Crown Care hope its Middlemore project in Daventry will become a blueprint for similar future developments, providing housing for elderly people through a variety of care options in a £60m scheme.

Planning permission has been granted for 307 homes made up of apartments, bungalows and houses with central facilities forming a new care village.

Director of Crown Care Baldev Ladhar said:"“We pride ourselves on providing thriving homes with a philosophy of care that puts the needs of our residents at the centre of everything we do and how we do it.

"Middlemore is the first to focus on the care village model – communities at the heart of the community where they are based.

"Crown Care is investing not simply in new homes but in taking the whole care concept to the next level.

"The company has attracted some of the leading clinicians and managers from across the care sector who have contributed to achieving what are uniformly high standards of excellence. We look forward to getting on site and creating homes for hundreds of residents."

The Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) includes an 83-bed care home overlooking Drayton Reservoir, will provide housing including assisted living, extra care or very sheltered housing and close care.

Close care is a term used to describe various models of housing where there is sheltered/retirement accommodation linked to or on the same site as a care home. Some close care housing will be available on a rental basis and other units to buy.

Discussions have taken place with Daventry and Northamptonshire Care Commissioners to ensure the CCRC delivers the services.

The extra care building will offer a range of services for all residents including a doctors’ surgery, consultation rooms, cafe, bar/restaurant, reminiscence library, shop, nursery, gym and spa.

There will be an on-site team responsible for delivering care to residents (other than care home residents) throughout the retirement village based on individual personal care plans.

Residents within any unit across the Middlemore retirement community will be able to access a range of services including housework, laundry services and short-term support from care staff if necessary.

There will also be transport provided via minibus and pool cars for easy access to the surrounding area, as well as staff accommodation. The £60m scheme is expected to create 300 jobs with phase one starting early this year to be completed by early 2019.

The care home will be similar to the company’s Claremont House in Beverley, East Yorkshire, which opened in April.

There will be treatment rooms where professional beauticians and therapists can offer spa treatments, manicures, pedicures, massages and facials, plus a hair salon; a restaurant where residents can have their meals while also booking tables to dine with family and friends and a bistro will have a licensed bar and a la carte menu also for residents and anyone visiting.

There will also a library, with internet café, a quiet lounge, a social TV room and free wifi access.

A 31-year-old man who was arrested in connection with the deaths of five cats in Northampton has been released under investigation.

A 31-year-old man who was arrested in connection with the deaths of five cats in Northampton has been released under investigation.

He was arrested on Saturday (January 6) but has not been charged with the offences.

Last year, five cats were all found mutilated in different areas of Northampton in August and November. They were linked to the so-called Croydon Cat Killer by campaign group SNARL (South Norwood Animal Rescue).

In a statement, Northamptonshire Police said it was working closely with the Metropolitan Police as part of its investigation, Operation Takahe.

Speaking to the national media, a spokesman for SNARL said they did not believe the arrested man was the Croydon Cat Killer and that he was still at large. They believe that up to 400 cats have been killed across the country.

The five cats from Northampton were all dismembered in a similar way.

The first, one-year-old Rusty, was left in a plastic bag on the owner's doorstep on August 28.

The family's 14-year-old daughter made the grim discovery.

Topsy, a 15-year-old, went missing after it was last seen on the driveway of its owner's home.

The next morning, on September 6, the cat's mutilated remains were found stuffed inside a carrier bag and left on a path outside the house.

On October 7 and 13, two unnamed cats were found in Duston before the latest discovery on November 18, which prompted Northamptonshire Police to issue advice to owners, which includes keeping all cats and rabbits indoors at night.

In the last case, a mutilated cat was discovered placed on top of a car near the owners' home.

The deadline for parents to apply for their child's primary school place in Northamptonshire is fast approaching.

Parents or carers of children born between September 1, 2013 and August 31, 2014 are being warned not to miss the cut-off point of 5pm on January 15, 2018.

You must apply for a place at a school for your child, even if it’s linked to your child’s current nursery or primary school.

Parents must apply to the county council for a primary school place, even if a name has been put down at a school or the child has an older sibling at that school.

An application must be made for every child starting school in September 2018.

Parents are encouraged to list five preferred schools on their form as school places cannot be guaranteed – failing to include second, third and fourth and fifth choices could lead to children being allocated school places parents would not have chosen.

Parents will find out which school they have been allocated on National Offer Day on April 16 and appeals will be held for admission to schools during June and July.

All councils have teams to help parents get their children into schools.

Drivers are being warned of delays on the A45 between Northampton and Wellingborough after a car overturned.

Highways England reported that the accident happened on the A45 between the junctions with the A509 North and the A5076 Northampton East.

Normal traffic was expected to return between 11.30am and 11.45am, Highways England said.

There are no details as to the nature of the accident, nor any injuries.

An amazing £2,783.87 was raised for Warwickshire Northamptonshire Air Ambulance by Bikers and Scooters at the 5th Annual Chilly Willy Ride out 2018.

More than 280 bikers and scooters left All Seasons Cafe, Billing Garden Centre on Sunday January 7, raising money for the air ambulance.

A spokesman for the charity said: "They headed out on a circular route which took them down to the outskirts of Bedford, through Olney then back up to Northamptonshire before a straight run back down the A45 returning to the cafe. It was an overwhelming sight to see so many bikers out raising money, year on year this event gets bigger and raises even more money for the charity.

"Huge thanks to Northampton Biker Community for organising the event and making it happen, in particular to Rich Moore and all the Marshalls en-route for looking after the riders and making sure they all had a safe ride and to Julie and Dave from All Seasons Cafe and all their staff," he said.

Heather Burton and Richard Durham, both volunteers for the charity, have supported and attended these events for the last five years and were overwhelmed by the fantastic amount raised and received on behalf of the charity.

Over the last five years the Chilly Willy Ride outs have raised an amazing amount of more than £6,300 for the local air ambulance.

The date is already in the diary for the next one. All bikers/scooters over 125cc are welcome to take part and all spectators are welcome to come along too. The event will be on Sunday January 6, 2019, leaving from All Seasons Cafe.

A host of celebrities have signed up for a charity football match at Sixfields Stadium to support the Northamptonshire-based charity, Niamh's Next Step.

The match takes place on Sunday April 15, 2018, has been organised by Sellebrity Soccer, who stage similar events across the country with each game guaranteeing fun for all the family.

Chris Curry, founder of Wellingborough-based Niamh’s Next Step, said “Niamh’s Next Step are very excited and proud to be working with Sellebrity Soccer and Northampton Town FC to bring this fantastic celebrity football match to Sixfields.

“This fantastic family-friendly event will be raising vital money and awareness for our charity. Money raised will go directly towards funding vital research into childhood cancers and help families with children fight the rare childhood cancer Neuroblastoma."

Kevin Cooper, of Sellebrity Soccer, added: “We are very excited to be organising this celebrity match for Niamh's Next Step at Northampton Town FC.

"We are pleased to support such an amazing cause and raise as much funds and awareness as possible. Some of the celebrities taking part are patrons of Niamh's Next Step which makes this game extra special for them. Please come along and support what will be a great family fun day out some great memories while enjoying what should be an excellent game of football."

Tickets are now on sale and are priced at £10 for adults and £5 for under 16s.

There are special “around the Dug Out” seats also available at £20 adults, £10 under 16s and these can only be purchased at the club’s ticket office or via the charity by calling 01933 223907. These numbers are limited.

Hospitality tickets are also available at £80 per person and include a two-course pre-match meal, half-time refreshments, and an opportunity to meet some of the celebrities.

Mascot and other pitch side packages are on sale.

A man parked in a Northampton street on Christmas Day had his car damaged by a man with a large piece of wood, police reported today.

A spokesman for Northamptonshire Police said the incident happened at about 11pm on December 25.

"A man was sitting in his car, a Dark Grey Mercedes E class, in Poachers Way, Kingsthorpe. As he waited, a man approached him, asking him why he was there," he said.

"The man became aggressive so the victim drove around the corner to Barley Lane. The man followed him with a large piece of wood and began to hit the victim’s car, causing damage.

"The offender is described as white, in his mid-30s, about 5ft 9in with a medium build and a tanned complexion. He had dark brown or black hair in a short back and sides style, was clean shaven and wore a dark navy blue polo t-shirt with an orange logo on the breast, possibly a work shirt. He carried a piece of wood," he added.

Anyone with information is asked to call Northamptonshire Police on 101. Alternatively, they can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

A man was attacked and knocked unconscious outside a bar in Daventry, police have revealed.

A spokesman for Northamptonshire Police said: "Witnesses are being sought after an assault outside Chaser’s Bar and Lounge in New Street, Daventry.

"The assault happened on New Year’s Day at about 4.45am when the victim was knocked unconscious and sustained a broken jaw and a cut to the back of his head," he added.

Anyone who witnessed the assault or anyone who has information is asked to call Northamptonshire Police on 101. Alternatively, they can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

Police are appealing for witnesses after a serious collision on the A45 on Saturday (January 6).

The collision happened at about 5.15pm when a red Citroen C2 was travelling northbound along the A45 between Raunds and the A14 and was in collision with a white BMW 330E.

Witnesses to the collision or anyone with information about it are asked to call Northants Police’s serious collision investigation team on 101 or the Drivewatch Hotline on 0800 174615.

Police are appealing for witnesses after a burglary in Rothwell.

The incident took place between 7.20am on Tuesday, January 2, and 6.30pm on Friday, January 5, at a property in Connolly Drive.

The offenders forced entry to the property via the back door.

Police have not released information about any stolen items.

Anyone with information is asked to call Northamptonshire Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

All of the potted forest trees, featured in Weston Favell shopping centre's Christmas display, are up for grabs, and residents can now apply to get their hands on one and keep a bit of Christmas magic with them all year round.

The grotto, which consisted of 120 real life Norway Spruce fir trees and believed to be the first live forest created in an indoor shopping centre, closed its doors on Christmas Eve.

Kevin Legg, centre manager at Weston Favell said, “We didn’t want the nine months of planning and four week long build of the Enchanted Forest Grotto to go to waste, so we thought it would be a great idea to give something back to the community and rehome the fir trees.

"The grotto has been very well received by our customers this year and we’re already thinking about ideas for next years grotto.”

The non-potted trees are being turned into wood chip by tree services in the county, and will also be donated to Woburn Safari Park.

Chris Smart, head keeper in reserves at Woburn Safari Park said: “The chippings will be used to make a fragrant and skin-friendly bedding material for our southern white rhino herd.

"The animals will no doubt enjoy this change from their usual straw bedding, as the pine will provide an interesting aroma and it is also known for its benefits as a natural disinfectant.

"We have three females and two males living in a secure house at Woburn Safari Park, weighing in at anything up to a tonne. They get through plenty of bedding materials, so this donation from Weston Favell shopping centre is very much appreciated.”

Do you want to home a fir tree? Visit the Weston Favell website to register your interest: www.westonfavellshopping.com/competition/potted-trees-giveaway

The new owners of the potted trees will be notified this month.

The 31-year-old man arrested by Northamptonshire Police in connection with the deaths of five cats in the town was also wanted in relation to arson attacks.

The man, who has been released under investigation, was wanted in connection with a number of arsons in the Duston area and offences in Kingsley Park from August to September last year.

Northamptonshire Police confirmed via a statement that they were not linking the arrest to the cat mutilation instances in London.

Inquiries are ongoing and police officers are encouraging anyone who may have any more information about these crimes to contact us on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

The two-act ballet - to be performed by East Haddon School of Dance - has been adapted by the school principle to also feature tap, contemporary, street dance and singing.

In the famous tale, Clara is gifted a Nutcracker soldier, but when she goes to check her beloved new toy in the night, the magic starts to happen and it grows life-sized. After she helps him to defeat the Rat King, the Nutcracker turns into a prince and the two of them travel to the land of sweets together.

East Haddon School of Dance principle and former professional dancer, Natalie Carter said: “I am so proud of the whole cast, from our confident and excited three-year-old baby mice to the immensely talented older leads, for working extremely hard and with boundless enthusiasm in rehearsals since September.

"I think this is going to be a wonderful production to be enjoyed by anyone, not just those who know one of the performers.”

Also making a special guest appearance on the day at both the matinee and late afternoon performance is the Girls’ Choir of All Saints Church, Northampton.

Rachel Baker, 15, will play the Sugar Plum fairy. She said: “From being on stage at the Royal & Derngate Theatre to everybody’s stunning costumes, it’s such an exciting experience.

"It’s a lovely story and perfect for families to see in the winter-time. If I could make a special Christmas wish, I would love to see snow falling again on January 14th."

Tickets for both performances at 2pm and 5pm on Sunday, January 14, are priced at £12.50 for adults and £10 for children. Tickets are now on sale from The Royal and Derngate Box Office. To purchase a ticket, call: 01604 624 811, or go online.

For more information about East Haddon School of Dance, visit www.easthaddondance.co.uk.

The two-act ballet - to be performed by East Haddon School of Dance - has been adapted by the school principle to also feature tap, contemporary, street dance and singing.

In the famous tale, Clara is gifted a Nutcracker soldier, but when she goes to check her beloved new toy in the night, the magic starts to happen and it grows life-sized. After she helps him to defeat the Rat King, the Nutcracker turns into a prince and the two of them travel to the land of sweets together.

East Haddon School of Dance principle and former professional dancer, Natalie Carter said: “I am so proud of the whole cast, from our confident and excited three-year-old baby mice to the immensely talented older leads, for working extremely hard and with boundless enthusiasm in rehearsals since September.

"I think this is going to be a wonderful production to be enjoyed by anyone, not just those who know one of the performers.”

Also making a special guest appearance on the day at both the matinee and late afternoon performance is the Girls’ Choir of All Saints Church, Northampton.

Rachel Baker, 15, will play the Sugar Plum fairy. She said: “From being on stage at the Royal & Derngate Theatre to everybody’s stunning costumes, it’s such an exciting experience.

"It’s a lovely story and perfect for families to see in the winter-time. If I could make a special Christmas wish, I would love to see snow falling again on January 14th."

Tickets for both performances at 2pm and 5pm on Sunday, January 14, are priced at £12.50 for adults and £10 for children. Tickets are now on sale from The Royal and Derngate Box Office. To purchase a ticket, call: 01604 624 811, or go online.

For more information about East Haddon School of Dance, visit www.easthaddondance.co.uk.

Clothing brand H&M has apologised for any offence after featuring a black child model in a hoodie bearing the quote “Coolest monkey in the jungle”.

The retailer faced criticism online from people accusing it of being inappropriate, disgusting and negligent.

The image of the model wearing the green monkey hoodie has been removed from its website, while two others featuring different designs in the same category and modelled by white children remain.

One bears the words “Mangrove jungle” or “Official survival expert”, while the other has outlines of various animals including giraffes and tigers.

Referring to the green top, Labour MP Kate Osamor tweeted: “I was totally shocked, dismayed to say the very least to find this online imagine. @hm do you think this imagery is an appropriate representation of a young black boy?”

Alex Medina, who works in brand design, said it was negligent to place a black child in a top with such a slogan, while white children wore others.

He tweeted: “In the year 2018 there’s no way brands/art directors can be this negligent and lack awareness. If look at other sweaters in same category they have white kids. We have to do better.”

A person tweeting under the handle @vulkaanrots said they would boycott the store.

They said: “So the black kid gets to wear the H&M sweater with ‘Coolest monkey in the jungle’ and the white kid with ‘Survival expert’. This is beyond disgusting.

“It’s a projection of your neocolonial thinking. You won’t see me anywhere near your shops these days @hm.”

A spokeswoman for the retailer said: “This image has now been removed from all H&M channels and we apologise to anyone this may have offended.”H&M apologies

The Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 team in Northamptonshire has been granted planning permission to build an extension which joins its main reception building to another currently housing a wind tunnel.

Mercedes have been based in Brackley since it acquired a minority stake in the Brawn GP team in 2010.

The team retained its base and workforce in the county, close to the Mercedes-Benz Formula One engine plant (formerly Ilmor Engineering) in Brixworth.

Cllr Rebecca Breese, chairman of South Northamptonshire Council’s planning committee said: “This proposal is a modest addition to their overall floor space, but will give them more storage, flexible workspace and will let them tidy up their bin area.

“Mercedes are showing a long-term commitment to Brackley and, if their proposals are right for the district, we will continue to do whatever we can to support them.”

The proposals come shortly after the F1 team was granted permission to build a multi-storey car park on their Reynard Park site. Mercedes say it will help them meet demands of running a successful F1 team and help secure their longevity in Brackley.

A mountain bike was stolen in a burglary in Northampton.

Sometime between 7.30pm on Friday, January 5 and 6am on Saturday, January 6, the offender/s broke into the Gloucester Avenue home through a front window and took the bike.

They then gained access to the garden and broke into the garage, stealing a metallic blue Klein Palomino mountain bike (similar to the model pictured).

Witnesses, or anyone with information about the stolen bike, are asked to call Northamptonshire Police on 101 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

People and businesses are being asked to help the borough council say ‘thank you’ to the town's community stars, as part of the Inspirational Woman Award celebrations.

With the nomination period for the 2018 Inspirational Woman Award opening today, the public is asked to consider who they would like to be recognised for their work in the community.

Councillor Anna King, the council’s cabinet member for community engagement and safety, said, “The Inspirational Woman Award is an ideal way of thanking the many inspirational women in Northampton for their work, helping local individuals and communities.

“We encourage residents and businesses to help highlight these stars by nominating them for the Award and to join us at our International Women’s Day event to find out who will win this year.”

Previous winners have included neighbours, family friends, colleagues or group leaders that have helped people in their community to achieve a milestone, improve their area or organise local activities.

For further inspiration for nominations, listen out for regular interviews on BBC Northampton’s breakfast show during January.

Following the nomination period, five shortlisted women will be invited to International Women’s Day celebrations at The Guildhall on Saturday, March 10 to be thanked for their work and to find out who will be crowned the 2018 winner.

Anyone wanting to highlight their community star can submit their nomination here until Monday, January 29.

The Northamptonshire Football Association is looking for teams to participate in its weekly 50-minute, 11-a-side Monday Night Football League, which starts next week (January 15).

The league consists of 10 matches per season and takes place on a weekly basis on Northampton School for Boys’ full-size, floodlit 3G artificial surface on Billing Road between 6:30pm and 9:30pm.

The Monday Night Football project is delivered by league co-ordinators Alex Sugden and Aaron Lee from Northamptonshire FA.

Alex said: “We are offering players who may struggle to commit to weekend matches due to work, family or other social reasons the chance to still enjoy 11-a-side football. We take care of all the match arrangements, so all you need to do is turn up and play!”

Stuart Smith, Northamptonshire FA Football Development Officer, said: “As we approach our 10th season of 50-minute football in Northampton, we’re very proud to continue offering men a high-quality football fix. It also offers great value for money at around £4 per player, so don’t hesitate to round up your teammates and get in touch today.”

Three match officials are provided with the £44 match fee, meaning that all team managers need to worry about is getting their 11 players together on a weekly basis.

Squads may consist of up to 25 players, with 15 players permitted in a matchday squad. Repeat substitutions are allowed, which ensures all squad members have the opportunity to play regularly.

The innovative league format would suit former 11-a-side teams wishing to start playing again, or a small-sided squad looking to try something different.

Individual players will be signposted to teams looking for extra players.

For further information about Northamptonshire FA’s Monday Night Football League, email Stuart.Smith@NorthantsFA.com or call 01604 678409.