Less than 3 years left for the Sony PlayStation 4?

It has been one of the biggest successes in video game history but the PlayStation 4 is officially entering ‘the last phase of its life cycle’.

Depending on when you were born and when you got into gaming you will have been here before ushering in a new generation of console and waving goodbye to a trusty old friend.

From the C64 to NES, Master System, SNES, Megadrive, N64, Mega CD, Gamecube, Dreamcast, PlayStation, XBox and their derivatives ever since to name but a few, technology is constantly advancing and so that goes hand in hand with the video game industry.

And it seems we could be waving goodbye to the PS4 - which has sold a staggering 74 million units worldwide since its release in 2013 - in the next couple of years.

During Sony’s Corporate Strategy Meeting, Playstation boss John Kodera was reported as saying that the console was entering the “final phase of its life cycle”.

Wall Street Journal reporter Takashi Mochizuki reported it on Twitter, mentioning that membership services like Playstation Plus will continue to provide revenue for Sony despite the obvious hit to sale of the PS4 now gamers know it won’t be around too much longer.

Kodera then gave another interview, where spoke about Sony “preparing for the future” and games industry consultant Serkan Toto translated the key points on Twitter.

“While he doesn’t use the word “PS5”, Kodera says (again) the PS4 entered the final stage of its lifecycle and that Sony will spend the next three years “preparing for the future”.

The partner of a woman killed in a crash near Corby has spoken of the loss of his ‘best friend, soulmate and mother of their unborn child.’

Police have today (Thursday) named Laura Smithson as the victim of the crash in Oakley Road, between Rushton and Corby, at about 4pm on Tuesday, July 17.

Laura was pregnant at the time of the collision and her partner, Ian Traynor, has written the following tribute to her.

He said: “In loving memory of Laura Smithson and Maisie Poppy.

“It’s with the greatest sadness that on Tuesday 17th July, at 4pm, Laura and our unborn daughter Maisie died in an accident.

“It was a huge loss for me and the whole family and they will be missed by everyone.

“I’ve lost my best friend, my soulmate, my one true love and the mother of our beautiful daughter.

“Laura was nearly six months pregnant and was very excited to be a mum.

“I know you’re both in heaven now smiling down on us all and my love will always be with you both.

“I miss you and love you both so much and will hold you in my heart forever.

“R.I.P.”

Anyone that witnessed the collision or has any information is asked to contact the Serious Collision Investigation Unit, Northamptonshire Police on 101 or call the Drivewatch Hotline on 0800 174615.

Police have seized items including Class A drugs, cash, ammunition and what is believed to be a homemade shotgun during a warrant at a property in Wellingborough.

Officers working as part of Op Viper, the force’s crackdown on organised crime, attended the address in Nightingale Lane yesterday (Wednesday) and made the discovery.

Two men aged 21 were arrested on suspicion of possession of a firearm and drug offences and have since been released on bail pending further enquiries.

A third man aged 18 has today (Thursday) been arrested by officers for conspiracy to commit grievous bodily harm, possession of a firearm and possession with intent to supply and remains in custody.

Anyone with information about this incident, or who would like to report concerns about gangs, can call police on 101 or call independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

If your dream is to own a property bursting with period details and charm, then Rectory Farm could be for you.

Situated on a no-through road and immediately adjacent to the village church, this historic Grade II listed farmhouse in Pulloxhill, Bedfordshire, sits in almost four acres of partly walled grounds with landscaped gardens, fields, outbuildings, a greenhouse, orchard and pond.

With origins in the 16th and 17th centuries, ancient symbols known as witches’ marks are still visible on some timbers and were carved possibly in medieval times when the practise was thought to ward off evil spirits and bring good fortune.

Further evidence of this fascinating heritage is an exposed panel of the kitchen wall which reveals the wattle and daub construction, the oldest known method of building walls in medieval Europe. Inglenook fireplaces, quarry tiled floors and sand blasted and exposed beams and timbers combine to make this an exceptional property.

Inside, everywhere is light and bright thanks to virtually every room being dual aspect, many with garden views over to the Chilterns countryside beyond.

As befits an authentic farmhouse, there is a traditional farmhouse kitchen perfect for family dining, a pantry and boot room.

A unique feature is the galleried landing area, arranged on two levels and with timbers dating from 1568.

Off this landing area on the first floor are four of the six bedrooms, including one currently used as a snooker room.

Two further bedrooms are found on the second floor.

Outside, a driveway has parking for twelve cars and branches one way to the garden machinery store/workshop and in the other to the garage block which has pre-application planning approval and is prime for residential conversion.

The grounds include a field which is available by separate negotiation.

Rectory Farm enjoys a rural setting in the village of Pulloxhill which has a school and the renowned Cross Keys pub.

For shopping, the thriving market town of Bedford is 12 miles away with the smaller town of Flitwick just two miles away where a mainline station offers a whistle-stop, 39-minute train service to London St Pancras.

The property is available for offers in excess of £1,350,000 through Michael Graham Bedford Office, 01234 220000

Visit michaelgraham.co.uk/property/rps_mig-BED160017 for more.

A woman was airlifted to hospital with a serious head injury after being hit by a bus on the A6 today (Thursday).

Police have just released more details about the collision which took place in Finedon this morning.

The incident led to a section of the A6 between Finedon and Irthlingborough being closed, as reported by the Northants Telegraph earlier today.

A spokesman for Northants Police: “At about 6.50am, a bus, which was travelling along Irthlingborough Road, towards Irthlingborough, was in collision with a pedestrian.

“The pedestrian, a 38-year-old woman, sustained a serious head injury was taken by air ambulance to University Hospital Coventry.”

Officers are appealing for witnesses and anyone with information can contact the Northamptonshire Police Serious Collision Investigation Unit on 101 or call the Drive Watch Hotline on 0800 174645, quoting incident 100 of 26/7/18.

Former Saints star Ben Foden is ready to live the American Dream after agreeing to join Rugby United New York for the 2019 Major League Rugby season.

Foden scored on his final Northampton appearance back in May, signing off in style against Worcester Warriors at Franklin's Gardens.

It was a fitting finale for the full-back, who racked up 250 appearances in Saints colours, scoring 59 tries in the process.

Foden was a key man in the 2013/14 double-winning season and starred in Saints' run to the Heineken Cup final in 2010/2011.

The 33-year-old spent 10 seasons at Franklin's Gardens, earning a testimonial year, and he also won 34 caps for England.

And now he is looking forward to a fresh start in New York.

“I’m excited to announce that I’ll be joining MLR next season with Rugby United New York,” Foden said.

“It’s a new franchise in the most exciting city in the world.

"After my experience playing in the Premiership for 14 seasons, the opportunity to broaden horizons, in both a playing sense, as well as taking a step into the coaching role, seems like the right move.

"I fully believe America to be the next big rugby playing nation and can’t wait to help develop young talent through the professional ranks.

"My family and I have always wanted to venture across the pond to America, and now have the opportunity, which we look forward to seizing with both hands.”

Rugby United New York is a professional rugby team who joined Major League Rugby as an associate member in 2018, playing a brief, but successful exhibition season.

Their first full MLR schedule will take place in 2019.

And Rugby United New York general manager James English said: “We’re absolutely delighted Ben has signed for us.

“As one of the most influential and talented full-backs in the Premiership over the last decade, the opportunity of signing him was too good to turn down.

"Ben brings a wealth of Premiership and international experience to Rugby United New York.

"His signing is a real statement of intent by the club.

"We’re looking forward to the impact he can have on the field, culturally, and off the field, aiding in the development of young talent in the tristate area.

"We look forward to welcoming Ben to New York.”

Northampton General Hospital says they are "very proud" of their staff who taken on the extreme temperatures of the UK heatwave to provide care for patients.

Yesterday, the hottest day of the year so far was recorded in the UK with temperatures hitting 35C in London and reaching 32C in Northampton.

The ongoing high temperatures in the UK has put strain on hospitals across the country as nurses and healthcare staff work 12 hours shifts on sweltering wards.

One nurse in a UK hospital this week reportedly passed out from heatstroke after working three shifts in a row.

Northampton General Hospital has responded by adapting its uniform policy for staff - for example, women do not have to wear tights - and bottled water is handed out to patients and workforce.

A spokeswoman for Northampton General Hospital said: “We’re very proud of the commitment and resilience of our staff who have continued delivering the best possible care to our patients throughout this period.

“The past few weeks of hot weather have proved very challenging for all of us as we not only strive to continue to deliver our work but also to minimise discomfort to our patients."

Air conditioning units have been leased and set up in hotter wards and where patients are particularly vulnerable.

Charities have also turned out in support by donating crates of bottled water to the hospital for patients.

A spokeswoman said: “We’re very grateful for the support of local businesses who have donated large quantities of bottled water which our volunteers have helped distribute across the hospital.

“Our local community can help by making sure to follow NHS advice to avoid dehydration and heat exhaustion. Heat exhaustion is not serious and usually gets better when you cool down. If people start to feel very unwell, and aren’t sure if they need medical help, they should phone NHS 111 free of charge for advice.”.

The average personal debt of Northamptonians almost tripled in the last quarter, according to new national figures.

The latest UK Personal Debt Index (PDI) shows average debts in Northampton rose to £52,232 in the three months leading up to July, compared to the previous quarter when it stood at £18,577, a 281 per cent increase in the second quarter of 2018.

This is in comparison with the national average, which stands at £16,250 as of 30 June 2018.

Taylor Flynn, head of marketing at Creditfix, said: “Once the dust has settled after the financial strain of Christmas, summer spending often starts sooner than people may think, which could explain this increase in debt.

"People start planning holidays and sunny trips away months in advance, so it’s no surprise to see behaviours such as overspending or relying on credit to put these plans in place.

“It’s certainly a worrying trend, especially if it continues into the next few months.

"On top of this initial debt, spontaneous purchases throughout summer can only add to the overall amount owed by individuals in Northampton."

The PDI is compiled by Creditfix, a personal insolvency practice, following a survey of over 60,000 people across the UK.

Unsecured debt refers to any debt that is not protected by a guarantor or asset, and includes bank loans, credit cards and payday loans.

In spite of the concerning figures, Mr Flynn said there is a positive to the statistics.

"Although people are now coming to us with more debt, we should take comfort in the fact that they are accessing financial help in the first place," he added.

A group of travellers have moved from West Hunsbury to East Hunsbury and pitched up on a patch of green land.

The encampment of three caravans and accompanying vehicles relocated to an area of grassland off Rowtree Road last night.

The same group is believed to have been pitched up in Ladybridge Park earlier yesterday, in an area behind Foxford Close.

Police are appealing for the public’s help to locate this man.

They believe he may have information about an incident in Rushden on Thursday, May 10, involving damage to property and threatening behaviour.

A spokesman for Northants Police said: “Officers want to speak to Ben Smith, 21, of Hove Road, Rushden, and are urging him, or anyone who knows of his whereabouts, to contact police as soon as possible.”

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

Auditors will be casting their eyes over ring-fenced grants at Northamptonshire County Council to test whether the funds have been used appropriately.

KPMG has requested evidence from the council to ensure that all terms and conditions for the funding streams have been adhered to.

It comes after the authority ‘misappropriated’ more than £8m of public health grants to support schemes that didn’t meet the correct criteria.

The county council spent the sums of £3.49m in 2015/16, £3.763m in 16/17 and £784,000 in 17/18, but has now pledged to Public Health England to reinvest £7.9m in public health activities in instalments over the next five years.

On Tuesday the stricken authority issued its second section 114 notice prohibiting any new spending, with the first having been ordered in February. For context, only four have ever been issued since 1988.

And now the external auditors - who confirmed the latest set of council accounts would not be signed off by the end of July deadline - is running the rule over other ring-fenced sums to see if they have been spent correctly.

Outgoing chief finance officer Mark McLaughlin, who only joined in December, said: “Fundamentally the decision was made to use this money inappropriately, probably on purpose. It was wrong to do and it is quite right that the auditors are looking at all ring-fenced money.”

There are also concerns over the possible inappropriate use of section 106 money. The funds, which comes from developers to finance ring-fenced projects for the community, could possibly have to be repaid by the county’s future unitary authorities if such concerns are found.

In May 2017 the council’s cabinet approved the use of £9m of section 106 funds, which had been set aside to fund future educational improvements, to be ‘re-financed through council borrowing’ to enable the authority to mitigate the demand on children’s services.

A further £4.5m of section 106 money was used in the 2017/18 accounts.

In its latest report to the county council’s audit committee this afternoon (July 26), KPMG writes: “The authority has yet to provide sufficient and appropriate evidence that it has reviewed the terms and conditions of each individual section 106 contribution, and assessed whether this meets the criteria which would allow a more general utilisation of the funds. It has also yet to provide evidence on the specific items to which this ‘borrowed’ funding was spent on.”

The authority acknowledged in the report that it ‘deliberately looked for monies with long repayment periods’, which pushed back the risk of a challenge from developers and the potential to borrow to top the balance back up.

The end of the summer transfer window can’t come quickly enough for Cobblers boss Dean Austin who is counting down the days until he no longer has to worry about the ‘vultures’ that could potentially poach his best players.

Chairman Kelvin Thomas revealed last week that there had been interest in a number of players since Town’s relegation from Sky Bet League One was confirmed in May, but no club has submitted a bid of sufficient value to lure one away during the past couple of months.

The EFL transfer window closes earlier than usual this year - August 9 - after clubs voted through proposals to bring the deadline forward by three weeks back in February, but there’s still time for deals to be done, giving Austin - and fans - an anxious wait.

Ever since he was appointed full-time boss following a brief stint as caretaker, Austin has emphasised the importance of continuity and consistency after the huge turnover of players under previous managers Rob Page, Justin Edinburgh and Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink.

With only three coming in and few going out so far, Austin has kept his word, but he knows that Town’s resolve is likely to be tested again prior to next month’s deadline.

“It’s very important for us to have continuity,” stressed the Town boss.

“I feel, in my assessment at the end of last season, that in the last two transfer windows there was a lot of business done and that might have hindered the cohesion of this team.

“Having worked in recruitment, I don’t like changing too many players in a transfer window, so we want that continuity because it’s important.

“We’ve still got a little bit of time left of the transfer window and the vultures are hanging around so you’re just bracing yourself for someone coming in and taking one of your best players.

“Obviously every player is ambitious and it’s difficult at times if you get offered good sums of money for your best players, but I think the chairman has made it quite clear that no one will be leaving here on the cheap because we don’t have to sell anyone.”

While Austin is hopeful the outgoings will be kept to a minimum, he’s also expecting little movement in terms of players coming in, having already signed Andy Williams, Hakeem Odoffin and Junior Morias.

He continued: “We always have our eye on how we can improve the squad and improve the team so if something comes up that’s good for us and that can help the squad and make us stronger, maybe we might do something.

“If that’s not the case, we won’t.”

The Cobblers complete their pre-season friendly programme tonight (Friday) when they host a Manchester United XI at the PTS Academy Stadium (ko 7.45pm).

On Thursday, July 26 a delegation from the UK's largest airport was visiting DIRFT and two other sites in the Midlands as it narrows down its search for a home for one of four "logistics hubs".

The visits come a month after MPs voted in Parliament to approve Heathrow's expansion, with the project expected to deliver 21,800 new jobs and £23 billion worth of wider economic benefits across the Midlands, as well as improve connectivity between the area and the country's only hub airport.

Daventry MP Chris Heaton-Harris, who accompanied the Heathrow delegation on its visit to DIRFT, said: “Fantastic to see that Heathrow expansion could be set to benefit Daventry, with Prologis chosen as a potential site for a logistics hub.

"A clear indication of just one of the ways in which the Heathrow expansion project is creating economic growth across the UK.”

Components of the airport will be pre-assembled in the hubs before being transported to the construction site.

Heathrow say this method should have several benefits including the reduction of traffic on the airport's surrounding roads, which will benefit the local community, as well as being able to provide better site welfare.

Research from WPI Economics suggests that the logistics hubs model could result in growth in off-site construction and lead to productivity boost worth £30 billion for the industry outside of London by 2025.

Emma Gilthorpe, expansion executive director at Heathrow, said: “Heathrow expansion is much more than the delivery of Britain’s new runway.

"Expansion is a once in a generation opportunity to transform British construction as the country prepares for life post-Brexit.

"This nationwide tour has shown us the possibilities offsite construction offers and we’re looking forward to announcing the shortlist early next year.”

Thursday marked the conclusion of a nationwide tour of 65 longlisted sites. A shortlist will be announced in early 2019 with the final four selected later that year.

DIRFT is competing with 10 other sites in the Midlands.

They are: Corby Land and Development Ltd, Midlands Logistics Park, Corby; Laing O’Rourke, Explore Manufacturing, Worksop; SEGRO plc, SEGRO Logistics Park, Derby; Tarmac Trading Ltd, Tarmac Hindlow Quarry, Buxton; Amalga Ltd, Palletforce SuperHub, Burton-on-Trent; Balfour Beatty, Birch Coppice Industrial Estate, Tamworth; Stoke-on-Trent City Council, Highgate Ravensdale, Stoke-on-Trent; Stoke-on-Trent City Council, Chatterley Valley West, Stoke-on-Trent; Telford & Wrekin Council, Land at Hortonwood, Telford; and Telford & Wrekin Council, Property at Railfreight Terminal, Telford.

A world-leading aircraft parts manafacturer is set to open a new £2 million facility in Northampton.

Monarch Aircraft Engineering (MAEL), is to open a new component maintenance centre in Caswell Road, Brackmills Industrial Estate, in September this year.

The £2 million is being located in the town because it is mid-way between its Luton and Birmingham base maintenance facilities, MAEL says.

In total, 20 people will work at the new component maintenance centre, with 10 new jobs being created.

Chris Dare, managing director of MAEL, said: “Our new Northampton facility will enable us to more effectively and efficiently support our burgeoning line and base maintenance facilities across the UK.

“This multi-million pound investment in new facilities, equipment and, most importantly, skilled engineering talent, is an integral part of our long-term growth plan and will play a vital role in our success in the years ahead.”

MAEL provides maintenance and repair services for some of the world's leading airlines.

It currently works with Thomas Cook, include Virgin Atlantic Airways, China Airlines, Wizz Air, Icelandair and La Compagnie.

MAEL has permanent year-round stations at nine airports across the UK where it provides line maintenance support including all levels of maintenance on Airbus, Boeing, Embraer and Bombardier aircraft types.

Clean Bandit’s Grammy Award winning chart-topper Rather Be was the anthem of 2014, and Jess Glynne was the lady with the vocals.

It was an introduction to the flame haired, sensational singer, and in the four years since, Jess has become one of the biggest breakthrough acts of recent times - and she’s a record breaker too; the first British woman in UK history to have seven number-one singles.

Speaking ahead of Saturday’s Bedford Park show Jess explained her passion for singing: “It’s my favourite thing to do. It’s my release, my therapy and the thing that brings me the most joy!” she said.

Jess has a chart-topping debut album, I Cry When I Laugh, under her belt, which has gone double platinum. It was the biggest selling debut album of 2015.

She has a sold-out UK arena tour to her name, and has collaborated with artists including Tinie Tempah and Rudimental. Awards, plaudits and critical acclaim? Piled high with this lass.

Her ego is still most definitely in check though. Jess has had more number ones than Adele or Kate Bush. How does that make you feel?

“Speechless and overwhelmed, and so grateful for everything. It’s an emotional time for me,” she admits.

In interviews, Jess comes across as level-headed and smart. Perhaps having a mother who worked in the music industry was an advantage.

“There are always pitfalls no matter what, but she most definitely warned me,” Jess says. And though she’s one of our highest profile performers, away from the stage, Jess chooses to keep things low-key: “I just try to live as privately as I can in my personal life, surrounded by my friends and family, and just take it all in my stride.

“I can’t avoid it, but I can learn to live around it,” she says of the fame game.

“My biggest learning curve has been to say ‘no.’ There is a lot asked of you in this industry and sometimes you forget to put yourself first.”

Jess will be joined by Basement Jaxx, Hannah Jane Lewis and Sam Wills for the show on Saturday.

Visit www.bedfordparkconcerts.co.uk for more details.

A much-changed Cobblers side will take on Manchester United in Friday’s final pre-season friendly with manager Dean Austin planning to give other players the chance to play 90 minutes and stake their claim ahead of the new season.

A somewhat depleted squad of just 16 players was named for Town’s friendly against Barnet on Tuesday evening but it was all part of the plan as Austin continues to focus on ensuring his players reach the optimal level of fitness prior to their first competitive game of the season next weekend.

Ash Taylor, Shaun McWwilliams, David Buchanan, Matt Crooks, Sam Hoskins and Andy Williams were among those to play their first full 90 minutes of pre-season at the PTS Academy Stadium on Tuesday, but it’ll be the turn of others on Friday.

Those expected to start against what will be a youthful United side include John-Joe O’Toole, Leon Barnett, Kevin van Veen and Daniel Powell, plus potentially new signing Junior Morais.

“It’ll be a different team on Friday,” confirmed Austin. “You didn’t see Leon Barnett on Tuesday, you didn’t see the likes of Sam Foley, JJ, Bowditch, Powelly and others, so expect to see those boys on Friday.

“It’s very nice from my point of view to have that strength in depth and I know I’ve got these boys who are all ready to go.”

Cobblers now are back in the country having spent six days in Spain last week when they used the facilities at the Real Club de Golf Campoamor complex in Alicante to step up their pre-season preparations.

They also played a fourth friendly during the trip when three second-half goals secured a 3-1 victory over Hull City U23s.

Austin added: “It was a great exercise for us because it allowed us to be together and bond and build the team spirit.

“It also enabled to be able to train early in the morning and then late at night so the players could work at a greater intensity because there’s more recovery time so it was an exceptional exercise for us over the six days.”

For so many seasons, the Steelbacks have been the great entertainers in the T20 tournament.

‘The Units’ as they were dubbed in previous seasons, pulled together and produced some real fireworks.

Northants won the competition in 2013 and 2016, as well as reaching the final in 2015.

But they have endured a tough start to this season’s Vitality Blast, losing their first five games before failing to defend their record score of 231 for five at Edgbaston last Friday.

They did at least claim a point from that game as Nathan Buck held his nerve in the final over to secure a tie.

The Steelbacks now host Worcestershire Rapids this evening (start time 6.30pm) with skipper Alex Wakely desperate for his team to maintain their batting momentum while tightening up a bowling attack that has shipped more than 200 runs four times in six T20 matches this season.

And Wakely’s message to his players is to start enjoying their cricket again, as they seemed to do when blasting the ball all over Edgbaston last week.

“This year, the Vitality Blast is stronger than ever,” said Wakely, whose side sit bottom of the North Group table.

“It’s the most competitive year I’ve come across and any side can beat another on their day.

“We’ll see sides putting in late surges in this competition because once you win one game, you can get momentum because the games come so thick and fast.

“We’re concentrating on us and we need to target winning every game to try to go through in this group.

“I want us to go out with confidence and one of the big things for me is that we haven’t been playing with a smile.

“When we’ve done well at Northants, we’ve gone out there with a smile and enjoyed doing what we’re doing.

“We’ve enjoyed entertaining the crowd and we didn’t do that during the first few games.

“There’s been a lot of soul-searching as a management group and I feel like we’re in a much better place now.”

Saints have launched their 2018/19 home kit - and they will wear it at this weekend's Premiership Rugby 7s series at Franklin's Gardens.

Designed and produced by Italian manufacturer Macron, the playing jersey is said to have been 'created using the latest technology available, providing Northampton’s squad with the utmost freedom of movement whilst they play, and keeping moisture away from the body to keep Saints cool on the pitch'.

And centre Luther Burrell has certainly taken a liking to it.

“It’s got a really nice feel to it and I’m already looking forward to pulling it on this season,” Burrell said.

“It fits perfectly, which is really important, and while it’s a light shirt you can tell it’s durable too.

"As a jersey, this screams Northampton Saints – every time we pull it on, we want it to feel special and to wear the badge with pride, so it’s great that it looks and feels as it does.”

New signing James Haskell added: “It’s really smart, obviously fits really well, and feels really sturdy too which is all you can ask for as a rugby player.”

As well as the elite playing jersey worn by the Saints matchday squad, a supporter version of the kit is also available from the Saints Store.

A thick-cotton ‘traditional fit’ option of the jersey will also be available this season, with replica jerseys starting at £60 for adults and £45 for juniors.

Saints will take on Gloucester and Wasps in the Premiership Rugby 7s pool stages at the Gardens tonight. The Northampton games kick off at 6.38pm and 9.38pm respectively.

Due to continued illegal dumping of waste at the Oxford Road Tesco in Brackley, South Northamptonshire Council (SNC) has been forced to remove a household recycling point.

Last month the Council warned it would have to close the recycling point as it had good reason to believe tradespeople were dumping waste at the site.

Cllr Dermot Bambridge, SNC’s portfolio holder for Environmental Services, said: “Our kerbside collection for residents is comprehensive and well-used. Sites like this one are the cherry on the top for residents who find them convenient to use.

“The disposal of trade waste is not funded by any tax, it is a business overhead like any other and we cannot allow recycling points to be used by unscrupulous tradespeople to boost their profit margins.”

Households in South Northamptonshire are provided with a 240 litre blue bin in which they can place a wide range of material for recycling.

If householders have recycling material they cannot fit in to their blue bin they can place it next to it for collection. This can be in a bag, box or tied up, but black bags should not be used.

If any resident has a large amount of recycling they can also take it to the Farthinghoe Recycling and Reuse Centre which is owned by SNC, or the Northamptonshire County Council Household Waste and Recycling Centre in Old Greens Norton Road, Towcester.

SNC also offers a competitive business waste collection service and publishes its rates online.

SNC also provides a bulky waste service and for £34 the Council will take way up to six household items such as furniture, white goods and garden play equipment.

For more information on recycling centres and the bulky waste service in South Northants visit ww.southnorthants.gov.uk/rubbishandrecycling.

A Northampton peer support group is hosting a one-off charity event next weekend to help them to further support women living with breast cancer.

Leonie Heard started Breast Friends Northampton along with Clair Lineham and Jennie Legg, who were all diagnosed within six months of each other and each with different experiences, after they met by chance.

Breast Friends Northampton is not only a support group but a peer support group that promotes well being, provides information and opportunities for relevant support in a locally accessible, inclusive and friendly environment.

With statistics showing that one in eight women will suffer from breast cancer in their lifetime, the group believe that no person should go through a diagnosis, treatment and post-recovery by themselves.

On Saturday, 4 August the peer group is hosting a female charity comedy night with Jo Enright, Annette Fagon and Di Ellis at Northampton Casuals Rugby Football Club in Rush Mills Road to raise £500 for Breast Friends Northampton to support women affected by breast cancer in this county.

Breast Friends Northampton (BFN) founder Leonie Cox said: "I’m always really impressed with the variety of different ways people fundraiser for Breast Friends Northampton and this comedy night is no exception.

"We’re privileged to have such a supportive community and members ensuring we can continue to help more people affected by breast cancer in Northants and surround."

"Mandy, not only a member but a volunteer for BFN has been working tirelessly to organise what looks to be a great night... I, for one, am up for the laugh!"

Mandy Orton, 55, of Abington was featured on the Chron’s front page back in February after she could not afford to pay her bills due to leaving her self-employed job and undergoing cancer treatment.

But in a desperate bid to raise £6,000 in arrears payments, before her home became repossessed, she set up a public fundraising page and says she has been touched by human kindness after readers pledged what they could to help.

Mandy added: "I wanted to say thank you to Breast Friends as they have been a great support to me at a difficult time in my life.

"Not only that, it's a way of paying the enormous help I received [back]."

The night will also include a raffle and performances by local singer Lewis Dellar.

Tickets, costing £10, can be bought from Mandy on 07793279383 and there's only 15 tickets left.