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We investigate EU myths: From bendy bananas to banning kids colouring

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Over the years there have been a number of stories about how EU laws impact our lives in the UK.

With the Brexit date looming we take a look at the rulings that have made the headlines over the years and discover if they are true or false.

The EU banned straight and bendy bananas

TRUE AND FALSE

It didn’t ban them but there are certain expectations that consumers have and quality standards which the EU implements.

On the European Parliament website it said that bananas are classified by the quality and size so they can be traded internationally, this is so people know what they are buying and that the process meets quality standards and the consumer’s expectations.

It said on its website: “Straight and bendy are not banned by the EU, but the Commission regulation 2257/94 identifies certain restrictions for fruits that producers have to conform to in order to sell their produce within the EU. The regulation states that bananas must be ‘free from malformation or abnormal curvature’.”

There are two classes: 1 can have slight defects of shape and class 2 has full on defects of shape.

Read more: Government advice on how to prepare your business for Brexit

The EU is banning children from colouring

FALSE

A story was published in 2017 stating that the EU was banning children from using crayons and colouring pencils.

In fact this relates to the EU introducing new measures to reduce lead in toys.

On the European Commission website it said: “Anyone with young children knows that they have tendency to chew toys – not least pencils and crayons.

“The latest scientific evidence supports the view that there is no safe threshold and even tiny amounts of lead present in such toys can contribute to the risk of children suffering disorders ranging from kidney disease to learning difficulties.”

The news measures came into force in 2018, and are to ensure that children can continue to play and colour without being exposed to lead poisoning.

The EU wants to ban donner kebabs

FALSE

In 2017 a story came out that the EU wanted to ban donner kebabs.

When in fact it was related to a debate in the European Parliament about whether to ban the use of phosphates as a preservative in processed meat.

The European Commission stated that ‘scientific research has shown a link between the chemicals and heart disease in humans. However, a majority of elected parliamentarians voted against a proposal, which would have required a change in the manufacturing process of kebab meat’.

EU banned vacuum cleaners

TRUE AND FALSE

The EU didn’t ban vacuum cleaners as a whole but in 2017 it did enforce a ban on inefficient cleaners over 900W .

The website Which? Said; “The new vacuum cleaners energy label rules will reduce the maximum wattage from 1,600W to 900W for any vacuum cleaner manufactured or sold in the EU. It also introduces new restrictions on how noisy vacuum cleaners can be, limiting them to 80dB, and stipulates minimum durability requirements.”

German children banned from sending their wish-lists to Santa because of EU privacy laws

FALSE

This story hit headlines in November 2018. On the European commission website it said: “The EU’s General Data Protection Regulation does not forbid Christmas wish lists.

“Under EU data protection rules, data can be processed when a person has given their consent but also on the basis of other legal grounds. In this context, Santa Claus should have the contact details of a family in order to deliver presents on the wish list he received – in the case of minors, provided their parents agree.

“These have been the rules for the past 20 years and the General Data Protection Regulation has not changed them. Also provisions for the protection of minors reflect national civil law.”


Ex-Northampton diocese Catholic priest GUILTY of 18 counts of historical sex offences

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A jury has delivered a unanimous guilty verdict for a former Northampton diocese priest facing multiple charges of sexual abuse.

Father Francis McDermott, aged 74, was found guilty by a jury at Aylesbury Crown Court yesterday (Tuesday) of five counts of indecent assault on a boy under the age of 14, one count of gross indecency with a child under the age of 14, one count of indecent assault on a boy under the age of 16, five counts of indecent assault on a girl under the age of 14 and six counts of indecent assault on a girl under the age of 16.

McDermott was found guilty by unanimous verdict on 16 of the 18 guilty counts and by majority jury on the further two counts.

The offences were committed against six victims across the country. None of the offences were committed in Northampton.

He has been remanded in custody.

They took place between 1971 and 1978 in the Northampton diocese where McDermott, who know lives in Bideford, Devon, worked as a priest.

He was acquitted of a further eight counts; one count of rape, five counts of indecent assault, one count of gross indecency and one count of buggery.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Catriona Cameron, of the Child Abuse Investigation Department in Aylesbury police station, said: “Francis McDermott was a priest in the Catholic Church held in high regard and was a trusted member of the community. He used his position to befriend children for his own sexual gratification.

“The six victims in this case bravely came forward to report the abuse they suffered more than 40 years ago. I would like to take this opportunity to thank them for their courage and support of this investigation.

“They have been put through the trauma of a trial adding extra distress to them, and McDermott showed no remorse.

“Thames Valley Police will always take reports of any sexual offence seriously and will investigate reports thoroughly whether these are recent or non-recent.

“I hope this is the start of a healing process for all those involved.”

The NSPCC has also praised the victims who came forward.

An NSPCC spokesperson said: “It’s quite astonishing that McDermott sought support off one victim of his sickening abuse in an attempt to silence another he attacked when she was a young girl.

“But the courage of those he abused and manipulated means the catalogue of his vile crimes has now been exposed despite his twisted attempt to blame the victims.

“Sexual abuse is never the fault of the victim and it’s important that survivors know it is never too late to come forward and seek support.”

The NSPCC Helpline is available 24/7 for adult survivors of sexual abuse to contact for support and advice on 0808 800 5000 or via help@nspcc.org.uk.

McDermott is due to be sentenced at Aylesbury Crown Court on March 14.

These are the 14 areas in Northampton and surrounding areas most prone to flooding

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Here are the 14 areas of Northampton which have been identified as most at risk of surface water flooding.

The at-risk areas are listed on Get The Data and are identified by postcode, showing the level of risk, suitability and if the flooding poses a risk to insurance. The data is taken using a single point within each postcode using Open Postcode Geo, identifying the flood risk area which that point falls within. There may be other points, within the postcode which fall into a different area, and hence have a different risk level.

Teenage girl had to kick shins of man to escape after he grabbed her around the waist on Northampton footpath

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A teenage girl was inappropriately assaulted by 'a man in his twenties' on a footpath in Northampton.

An appeal for witnesses has been launched after the assault on February 11 between 7.20pm and 7.45pm.

The teenage girl was walking on a footpath leading from Fardon Close towards the bridge of Talavera Way in Southfields when she was approached by a man in his twenties.

He grabbed her around the neck before trying to undo the zip on her jeans. She escaped by kicking him the shins and running away.

The offender was described as white, 5ft 11, normal build with muscles. He had black/brown facial hair and a deep voice. He was wearing a grey hoody, brown zip up leather jacket with a hint of silver, black workwear style trousers with very large pockets, black boots and grey gloves (possibly Nike).

Anyone with any information should contact Northamptonshire Police on 101. Information can also be submitted anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

FLASHBACK: How Chris Wilder's rampant Cobblers ripped up the record books, three years on

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It was three years ago this week when the Cobblers broke club history and equalled an all-time Football League record en route to claiming the League Two title.

With the help of pictures, we take a trip down memory lane and remember Town's incredible, record-breaking winning run...

Daventry dad rescues son, three, from burning house as family are made homeless in suspected arson attack

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A father-of-four saved his three-year-old son from their burning home in Daventry in a suspected arson attack.

Ashley Taylor, his wife Rebecca and their four children - aged one, three, eight and 10 - are without a home as a result of the blaze.

Police are treating the fire in The Stour, which began at about 4.30am on Monday (February 18), as suspicious.

"The smoke alarm was sounding and the missus woke up," said Mr Taylor, a 36-year-old bus driver.

"We could see the orange glow of the flames under the door.

"We managed to get down and out the back door.

"When I got out I realised Oliver was still inside so I ran up and got him."

He added: "That was terrifying. I heard him screaming for me at the top of the stairs. It's still in my head. It's been difficult."

When firefighters arrived on the scene they had to rush to save the family's dog Farrah, a seven-year-old Doberman-Staffordshire terrier cross.

The fire is believed to have been started deliberately after investigators couldn't find evidence to back up their original suspicions of an electrical fault.

Mr Taylor said there was a storage box at the front of the home which contained leftover wood from a previous job.

And it's thought the arsonist set the box alight but the Taylors are not thought to have been specifically targeted.

"We were lucky to get out. The smoke was to the point where we couldn't breathe," said Mr Taylor.

"The kids were a bit quiet but they're doing better now."

"We are truly grateful to the emergency services and all the family and friends who helped us," he added.

The Taylors are now staying at Rebecca's mother's house while their landlord tries to find them a new home.

Police believe that another fire shortly afterwards on The Grange is connected.

Shortly after 5am, also on Monday, a car fire in the nearby street, Dee Walk, was reported to Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service.

The blaze also spread to two further cars.

Daventry sector Sergeant Chris Thomas said: “Both crimes are are being treated as suspicious and being jointly investigated by the police and fire service.

“We would urge any witnesses or anyone who has information about these fires to please report this to the police or Crimestoppers.”

Work is on-going in Daventry as part of Operation Unite, which is tackling levels of arson and anti-social behaviour in the area.

Anyone with information about these fires should contact Northamptonshire Police on 101 or make an anonymous report to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

Arson prevention advice:

Avoid placing bins, rubbish, or other combustible items against the walls of your home. These are a ready supply of fuel for an arsonist.

If rubbish can only be stored alongside your building, then please avoid putting it directly against the wall of your home, to minimise the chance of fire spreading.

Do not allow rubbish to accumulate in areas outside your home. Piles of discarded waste can be targets for deliberate fire setters.

Ensure you only place rubbish out for collection on the correct day.

Maintain good security in and around your home. Remember to close and lock any gates. Lock doors and windows when you go out. Make sure fencing is in a good state of repair.

Consider installing security lighting at your home to deter intruders.

Sheds and garages should be locked. Do not leave flammable liquids in the open.

If you see fly-tipped waste, then please report this immediately. Fly-tipped rubbish in the Daventry area can be reported by visiting www.daventrydc.gov.uk/online or by calling Daventry District Council on 01327 871100.

Gallery pictures show zombies taking over farm near Northampton for a new film

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Flesh-eating zombies have graced the Pitsford countryside to shoot a pilot trailor for a new film, 'No Salvation'.

More than 50 actors, cast and crew from Northamptonshire have been filming part of a science-fictionesque film trailor this week near Pitsford Reservoir with the aim of securing funding to shoot a full feature length film next year. Actors were soaked in fake blood and one cast member was chained to a tree as flesh-eating humans gnored on his bones. The “No Salvation” plot follows the fortunes of a handful of characters that face the struggle of staying alive in post apocalyptic England whilst the rest of the world quarantines and observes from afar.

Midfielder O’Toole knows Cobblers ‘need to start entertaining’

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John-Joe O’Toole accepts that he and his Cobblers team-mates ‘need to start entertaining’ in the wake of Saturday’s drab 0-0 draw with Crawley Town at the PTS Academy Stadium.

Both sides seemed content to settle for a point in a game of little excitement, and there was discontent in the stands and plenty of boos from sections of the home faithful at the end of the match.

O’Toole says he completely understands the fans’ point of view, admitting the clash must have been ‘fairly boring at the best of times’, but he says the players are working hard to ensure that won’t be the case in the future.

“It was frustrating, as we couldn’t really get going and it was a bit of a stalemate,” said O’Toole, who had one of the clearer chances of the game, but sent his first-half effort over the bar.

“There was a lack of quality which we know we have to improve on, and I am sure we can improve on that.

“But it was just one of those games where all round it was frustrating, and that’s not nice for the fans.

“It’s not nice to play in, so it can’t be great to watch either, and it must have been fairly boring at the best of times.

“So we know we need to do better and we need to start entertaining and getting more positive results.

“I know the results have been okay the past few games, but all round there is definite room for improvement.”

The Cobblers are back on the road this weekend as they head to Stevenage, and they then travel to Cheltenham on March 2 before returning to the PTS on March 9, and O’Toole admits being away from home could be a good thing.

“I think it can be easier sometimes, because it can be frsutating for the home fans at the minute,” said the former Bristol Rovers man.

“That is understandable because we feel like we should be doing better, so sometimes things do ease when you are playing away from home.

“You maybe haven’t got as much pressure on you going away from home, but I am sure we can go to Stevenage and get a positive result.”


Plan to convert Northampton Sikh temple into house for 17 people meets objections

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A plan to renovate a Sikh temple in Northampton to create rooms for 17 tenants has met with concerns from environmental health and a conservation group.

The St George's Street building, in Semilong, is to be replaced with a new facility, which is currently being built in St James.

Sikh leaders have now submitted a planning application asking for the go-ahead to create 17 bedrooms in the current temple, over four floors.

But the Northampton Town Centre Conservation Advisory Group, an independent organisation, said the plans might cause annoyance to neighbours.

Chair Sue Biddle said: "[There are] concerns regarding the building impact of HIMOs with the increase of traffic flow, car parking, rubbish collection and fly tipping, and the social stability of the area.

"We recommend refusal of this application."

The architects' drawings for the project take in the ground floor, first floor, second floor and basement.

Environmental Health officer Matt Clough said he could not support the plan for eight separate reasons, mainly to do with fire safety and cramped conditions.

Drawings suggest that the basement bedrooms would have no windows that can be opened, and areas of the second floor would have ceiling heights of less than two metres.

Commenting on the basement bedrooms, he added: "Both basement bedrooms are inner rooms to the kitchen, living room and dining room.

"Scrutiny of the block plan appears to show the internal courtyard connects only with the premises at 17a St Georges Street. It therefore does not lead to a place of safety."

The move to a new £2 million temple, in St James Mill Road, was set in motion after Sikh leaders decided there were too few parking spaces for large weddings, funerals or celebrations.

Teenagers questioned in connection with Kettering robbery

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Three teenagers have been questioned in connection with an incident which saw a boy robbed twice in Kettering.

The incident happened near Gleneagles Close on the Ise Lodge estate in the town on Saturday night (February 16).

The 16-year-old boy was on his way home from a party with friends when two masked offenders approached them and demanded they hand over ‘whatever they had’.

The victim gave them a small amount of cash, but when he got out his phone to try to call one of his friends the robbers returned, pulled out a large knife and held it to the boy’s stomach.

They forced the boy to give them his phone, after which he managed to get away.

When he got home he found blood on his jumper from a cut to his finger.

The robbers were driving a small silver car, possibly a Corsa.

Police are appealing for witnesses to call them on 101.

The three teenagers questioned have been released on bail pending further inquiries.

Drivers will still have access to satellite navigation systems after Brexit

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Brexit could have implications for satellite and space programmes in the UK.

At the moment, we are mostly reliant on GPS, a global positioning system that is run and owned by America, for things like car sat navs, location services and smartphones as well as military applications that use tracking.

However, the EU is in the process of developing its own systems called Galileo and the European Geostationary Navigation Overlay Service (EGNOS). The UK has been heavily involved with Galileo, which is expected to be fully operational by the mid-2020s, and EGNOS, which is already up and running. We have spent around £1.2billion on the two programmes while UK companies have also provided expertise.

When the UK leaves the EU we will no longer be able to take part in any further development, as the EU has said it must only be built by member states. Companies in the UK, which have previously worked on satellite payloads and security systems, will no longer be able to bid for contracts.

The good news for most people is that Britain would still have access to Galileo's public signal. All devices that currently use Galileo and European Geostationary Navigation Overlay, such as smartphones, will continue to be able to do so, meaning motorists will still be able to use sat navs in the same way they do now

But the UK will no longer have access to the Public Regulated Service, an encrypted military signal, and we would remain reliant on the US GPS system. Galileo would have been our back up plan in times of crisis - America's ownership means it can selectively deny access to the system, as happened to the Indian military in 1999 during the Kargil War. Even if the EU backed down, the PM Theresa May has made it clear the UK will not use Galileo for defence or critical national infrastructure, as again it would mean we were reliant on other countries in times of crisis.

The UK government is instead planning on developing our own system. It has pledged £92 million from the Brexit readiness fund to an 18-month programme to design a UK Global Navigation Satellite System.

In short, Brexit won't make any difference to members of the general public in terms of satellite navigation and location services, but it could have an effect on UK contracts and be a costly exercise to come up with our own programme.

Public meeting to discuss reinstating Northampton's number 11 bus service

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A public meeting has been arranged to discuss what can be done for isolated residents whose bus service was scrapped more than a year ago.

Until December 2017, the number 11 service served the Kingsley and Parklands areas, with hourly pick-ups heading to and from Northampton town centre.

But Country Lion terminated the service, saying the total fares taken by the driver each day did not even cover the cost of fuel.

Despite transport manager Paul Shaw saying at the time that older Links View residents would be "adequately served" by other companies, car-less residents say the situation is intolerable.

Myra Monroe, who lives on Links View, said: "We're just so isolated now if you don't drive.

"I have to undertake such a long walk to a bus stop for town that it's too much.

"It's not just the transport issue, though. You could meet people and have a chat before - I get none of that interaction now."

A public meeting has now been called for 2.30pm on Monday, February 25 at The Pioneer pub in Fulford Drive, Northampton.

It is hoped a representative of Stagecoach Midlands, which is reviewing some of its routes in June, will attend.

Betting shop worker threatened in Northampton knife-point robbery

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A employee at a Northampton bookies was held at knife-point during a robbery.

The incident happened at Betfair on Harlestone Road, on Monday, February 18 at approximately 8:20pm when a member of staff was threatened with a knife by a man.

A spokeswoman for Northamptonshire Police said the offender is described as white, approximately 6ft 1in, with a big build (but not overweight), with short dark brown hair and facial hair.

He was wearing a dark beanie style hat, caramel brown jacket, thick dark coloured jeans and light coloured trainers.

Anyone with any information should contact Northamptonshire Police on 101.

Information can also be submitted anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

Zombies take over farm near Northampton for a new film

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Flesh-eating zombies have invaded the Pitsford countryside to shoot a pilot trailer for a new film, 'No Salvation'.

More than 50 actors, cast and crew from Northamptonshire have been filming part of a science-fiction film trailer this week, near Pitsford Reservoir, with the aim of securing funding to shoot a full feature length film next year.

Actors were soaked in fake blood and one cast member was chained to a tree as flesh-eating humans gnawed on his bones.

SEE MORE: Gallery pictures show zombies in action

The “No Salvation” plot follows the fortunes of a handful of characters struggling to stay alive in post-apocalyptic England.

But they are captured by an organised crime gang and pitted to survive in a battle to the death against modified zombies - while online gamblers bet on their fate.

Producer Alex Duggan said: "Even though the story presents ideas the target audience will be familiar with, “No Salvation” presents a different take with the genre.

"For instance, the zombies in the film are actually living, breathing people who have been infected with a virus that reverts the host back to a primitive life form, and sends them in to a blood lust when blood is exposed in to the air.

"It also differs from the usual depiction of zombies, as the infected people slowly begin to regain cognition, but still retain their homicidal and cannibalistic tendencies."

"The film is being shot mostly throughout the Northamptonshire countryside, which the crew says immediately adds production value to the project.

"These locations, on their own, bring a very unique sense of Britishness to the project which has rarely been experienced on screen in this genre."

Scenes have been filmed this week at Steel Park, home to Corby Town Football Club, too.

The trailer is a self-funded project, directed by David Easton, written by Alan Keen and produced by Alex Duggan.

Teenage girl sexually assaulted in Corby

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A teenage girl was take by two men to an address in Corby and sexually assaulted.

Police officers are appealing for witnesses following the incident earlier this month.

It is alleged to have occurred on Sunday, February 10, when between 5.45pm and 11pm a 13-year-old girl was approached by two men outside McDonald’s in Corporation Street.

She was then taken to an address in Gainsborough Road where she was sexually assaulted.

The first offender was white, with a tanned complexion, well built, aged 45 to 47, wearing Reebok trainers, a waterproof black coat with fur on the inside, a black woollen hat, a black T-shirt and grey jumper.

He had short stubbly facial hair and brown eyes and was about 5ft 8in.

The second offender was awhite, with a tanned complexion, skinnier, about 5ft 8in, aged 45 to 47 and wearing a Los Angeles top with a black woollen hat and cheap “shoe zone” blue and white trainers.

He also had brown eyes and stubble.

Witnesses or anyone with information are asked to call Northamptonshire Police on 101, or Crimestoppers in confidence on 0800 555111.

A 46-year-old has been arrested in connection with this incident and released on police bail pending further inquiries.


Summer concerts the key as Northamptonshire announce healthy 2018 profit

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Northamptonshire County Cricket Club have announced they recorded a healthy profit of more than £250,000 for the year ending September 30, 2018.

Things may not have gone to plan on the pitch for David Ripley’s side, who struggled in all formats of the game last summer, but off it there was success.

The club has announced an EBITDA (earnings before interest, depreciation and amortisation) profit of £287,212, which they say was in line with budgeted expectation for the year.

One of the main reasons for the profit was the success of two major outdoor concerts at the County Ground, with Little Mix playing there in July and Craig David and Rita Ora in early September.

There were also very healthy crowds for the Steelbacks’ home matches in the Vitality T20 Blast.

The club also says it is on course to pay the ‘final element’ of a loan owed to Northamptonshire County Council, and that it intends to ‘be debt free by 2020’.

A statement from Northants read: “The club continues to promote its improved stadium facilities to develop a significant non-match day revenue stream, which in turn supports its cricket operations.

“Most notably in 2018, the club featured two very successful concerts by international artists Little Mix, Craig David and Rita Ora, with more than 35,000 people attending the two events.

“Match day attendances, particularly the T20 campaign, remained healthy.”

The statement continued: “Last season’s cricket performances were disappointing, with several injuries preventing the club from fielding its first-choice side.

“The Board continues to invest in the team by signing a number of young players with huge potential to the squad, namely Charlie Thurston, Ben Curran and promising Zimbabwean Blessing Muzarabani, who will bring pace to the Steelbacks’ attack.

“Similarly, the club attracts international players to feature in all formats of the game throughout the forthcoming season - Temba Bavuma, Faheem Ashraf and the West Indies Captain Jason Holder.

“Northamptonshire CCC remains financially sound and is still on course to repay its final element of the Northamptonshire County Council loan and be debt free by 2020.”

Northants chief executive Ray Payne said: “The year 2018 was always going to be a financially challenging one for the club.

“However, I am pleased with the efforts of everyone to continue to meet the financial targets set.

“Despite the challenges, we have remained committed to developing cricket within the county and working closely with our neighbouring minor counties to develop young players and attract more spectators to games.”

Chairman Gavin Warren added: “The club continues to take steps forward in its long term strategy and I’m delighted with the leadership shown by chief executive Ray Payne and congratulate the whole team for the financial results delivered in 2018.”

Northamptonshire to bask in 'unseasonably mild' temperatures over the coming days

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Forecasters are predicting that temperatures will rise to 14C in Northants ahead of the weekend.

Temperatures will rise tomorrow (Thursday) and into Friday to 13C across the county with long spells of sunny intervals forecast.

By Saturday forecasters predict it will reach 14C in Northamptonshire, making it feel more like spring than winter.

A large area of high pressure centred over continental Europe will extend across the UK, bringing increasingly settled conditions with dry and sunny weather for many.

Some parts of the country are expected to reach between 15 and 18C.

Met Office Chief Meteorologist, Steve Willington, said: “By the weekend we could see temperatures almost 10 degrees higher than what we might normally expect at this time of year, so there will certainly be a spring-like feel in the air across the country.

“North-western parts of the UK will be wet and windy at times this week, but settled conditions will spread to all parts of the country by the weekend, bringing plenty of sunshine and unseasonably mild temperatures that could well compete with current February temperature records.”

The current record maximum temperature for February is 19.7 °C, set in London on 13 February 1998.

The highest February temperature on record for Wales is 18.6 °C recorded in Powys in 1990, 17.9 °C in Aberdeen, Scotland recorded in 1897 and 17.8 °C in Bryansford, Northern Ireland, recorded in 1998.

Looking beyond next week, Deputy Chief Meteorologist, Chris Tubbs, said: “Although temperatures next week may not be as high as what we’re expecting this weekend, it looks like temperatures will stay on the mild side for the rest of February.”

Northampton warehouse plans approved despite concerns over 'negative impact' on nearby listed building

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A new distribution and storage warehouse has been granted planning permission, despite concerns that it could have a ‘negative impact’ on the setting of the nearby Tithe Barns.

More than 30 residents, Hunsbury Meadows Parish Council and Upton ward councillor Brian Sergeant had objected to the application for the unit from Aviva Life & Pensions (UK) Limited.

They all objected on the grounds of the loss of a Victorian farmhouse that would be demolished to make way for the development, and that it would spoil the setting of the neighbouring grade II listed Tithe Barns, which date back to the 17th century.

But members of Northampton Borough Council’s planning committee didn’t feel the objections were sufficient to refuse permission, and duly gave the application the green light last night (February 19) at The Guildhall.

The site, which is adjacent to the M1 motorway on Tithe Barn Way, is undeveloped, with surrounding land acting as commercial areas for Pineham and Swan Valley.

Hunsbury Meadows Parish Council, in its representation to the borough council, states: “The site is one of the heritage assets of the parish and, as a consequence, the loss of the farmhouse and potential impact on the barns is not acceptable.”

But planning officers said the farmhouse did not benefit from any form of statutory protection, adding that ‘its potential retention is not a matter that can be given a significant amount of weight in this instance’.

Councillor Matt Golby, a member of the planning committee, also pointed out that Historic England had declined to raise any comments when it was consulted over the application.

Prior to supporting the application, he said: “We acknowledge there are some sensitivities, but the fact that there are no observations from Historic England is quite telling. They are the barometer for me."

Neighbours who objected to the scheme also complained that when Swan Valley was originally planned, it was not envisaged that the site would be developed for warehousing. But borough council planning officers said it been identified for commercial development within the Northampton Local Plan.

Members of the committee agreed to give the application outline planning approval, but all matters such as layout and scale - with the exception of access, which was approved as part of the application - will come back to the committee for approval at a later date.

The warehousing would be either arranged as a larger building, or two, smaller units.

Peter Bovill, from Montagu Evans, the agents speaking on behalf of the applicants Aviva Life & Pensions, told the committee: "We're confident this can be built quickly with minimal impact on neighbours."

The end of another high street store in Northampton

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A much-loved women's fashion store in Northampton is closing down in March.

Closing down signs have now gone up in the windows of Dorothy Perkins in Market Walk Shopping Centre.

The store, which has been in Market Place for many years, is shutting its doors on March 16.

Signs say that the brand can still be visited at Burton in Tesco Extra, Weston Favell Shopping Centre, or at Burton in Debenhams, on Drapery.

A spokeswoman for Dorothy Perkins said efforts are being made to keep staff at the store in a job within the Arcadia Group who also own Burton, Evans and Miss Selfridge, and consultations are ongoing.

"We are constantly reviewing our store portfolio across the group, investing in flagship stores, and increasing our brands' digital presence," she said.

"Our click and collect service across the brands is also proving a successful way of helping our customers collect their purchases at a location most convenient to them.

"We endeavour to offer current staff other employment options within the Arcadia Group."

'It's a poor time to put party politics into further meltdown': Northampton Labour candidates share views on 'Independent Group' debacle

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Two leading names in Northampton's Labour have shared their thoughts on the eight MPs who 'split' from the party to form their own group this week.

This week, eight former Labour members defected from the party to form the 'Independent Group'.

They cited leader Jeremy Corbyn's handling of the ongoing row of alleged anti-Semitism in the ranks, as well as the party's Brexit stance, as their main reasons for splitting away.

And yesterday (February 20), the eight were joined by three Conservative MPs who claimed they could not stand by their party's 'shift to the right' over Brexit negotiations.

Critics say the divisions are acts of grandstanding party politics at a time of national importance, while supporters have applauded the move and say it demonstrates dissatisfaction with how both parties are being run.

The Chronicle and Echo asked former Northampton North MP Sally Keeble and Northampton South hopeful Gareth Eales - both Labour - for their thoughts on the issues splintering their party.

Mrs Keeble said: "I think it's a mistake on those eight MPs' part. Everyone seems to be joining for personal reasons rather than a single ideological move. But it's now absolutely clear there are tensions in both sides and I think for some time now politics has become detached from the public.

"The fact that the Tories have split as well makes it a much more significant move. But I don't think it was a sensible move on anyone's part given the national crisis. It is a poor time to put party politics into further meltdown. I'm very sad indeed that they left.

"I think it's clear there are still issues with anti-Semitism in the party and they have not been resolved."

In recent months, Labour has been accused of having intolerance towards Jewish people in the ranks and critics claim Jeremy Corbyn has not handled the issue thoroughly.

Conversely, Gareth Eales said: "When you've got 450,000 members there's going to be an element of bad apples. But I refuse that the Labour party is institutionally racist or anti-Semitic because if it was I would not be part of it.

"I think it's obviously sad that [the eight MPs] have opted to do this. They were not elected for their winning personalities. They were elected on a Labour ticket to deliver the party's manifesto.

"They should call a by-election in those areas. It's a gross betrayal."

The Independent Group is yet to be registered as a political party.

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