Cobblers teenager Sean Whaler’s season looks to be over after he broke his ankle while playing for Banbury United on Tuesday night.

The 18-year-old has been on loan with the Puritans since last month, but was injured dueing their 1-1 Evo -Stik Southern Premier Central draw with Redditch United.

The player had only been on the field for a few minutes, having replaced fellow Cobblers man Joe Iaciofano who made his debut for the Oxfordshire club after signing on loan earlier in the day.

A club statement read: “Northampton Town would like to send our very best wishes to midfielder Sean Whaler after he picked up an injury while on loan to Banbury United,

“Whaler suffered a fractured fibula and the displacement of bones in his ankle in Banbury’s Southern League Premier Central Division 1-1 draw with Redditch United on Tuesday, and will undergo an operation on Wednesday.

“Whaler’s recovery will be managed by the club’s medical staff and we look forward to seeing Sean back out on the field as soon as possible.”

The club also tweeted: “Wishing @sean_whaler a speedy return to fitness after suffering an injury last night while on loan at @BanburyUnitedFC - our medical staff will have you back stronger than ever Sean. Good luck for the operation today”

The player himself was in a positive frame of mind as he tweeted: “Gutted for my loan to finish the way it did, but want to thank @BanburyUnitedFC for the opportunity. Good luck to the boys for the rest of the season. Hoping for a quick recovery.”

Banbury United also tweeted their best wishes to the Northampton-born player, saying: “An update on @sean_whaler who was stretchered off last night in our game vs @RedditchUtd. An X ray, shows a fractured fibula and the displacement of bones in his ankle. He will have an operation later today. We send Sean our very best wishes and hope the operation is a success.”

Whaler signed a two-year professional contract last summer after impressing then manager Dean Austin with his performances for Town’s under-18s, and in training with the first team squad.

The former Northampton School for Boys pupil has made two substitute appearances for the Cobblers to date, as a substitute in the Checkatrade Trophy games against Wycombe Wanderers and Fulham Under-21s earlier this season.

It came after an accident at 1.13am today (Wednesday) when a silver Mercedes car travelling eastbound on the A45 entered the sliproad of the junction with the A43 Lumbertubs Way.

A police spokeswoman said: "As the vehiclr approached the traffic light-controlled roundabout, it left the carriageway to the left hand side, striking roadside furniture and trees before coming to a rest down an embankment."

The male driver was taken to University Hospitals Coventry with "serious, life-threatening head injuries".

Witnesses or anyone with information is asked to call the Drivewatch Hotline on 0800 174615.

The county council's Highway's team estimated the area near the A45 westbound exit to the A43 (Riverside Retail Park roundabout) will be congested until about midday.

Due to the resulting congestion Stagecoach said there were delays to its X46, X47, 7, X6, X7 and X44 services.

Northampton's second ever 'Mela' will return to Becket's Park this year with a cultural festival of performers, singers and dancers from across the world.

An afternoon of free entertainment featuring performers from a huge range of Northampton's diverse communities will be held on July 28 this year.

It will be the return of the town's first ever Mela event held on the park in 2017.

Mela is a Sanskrit work meaning a gathering, meeting or fair. They are held by Asian communities during the summer throughout the world.

'Northampton Mela 2019 - A Festival of Friendship' will be organised by the Buddies of Beckets park volunteer group.

Chair of the group Nick Stephens said: "We are now planning for Northampton's second Mela. Like 2017, it will be free again with lots of entertainment and activities but this time it will be bigger, bolder and brighter.

"We want all our different communities to come together in celebration and friendship.”

The 2017 line-up included a set by Russian folk dancers, an African fashion show and the Northampton General Hospital choir.

Luisa Jepson, one of the organisers, added: “We have had a lot of interest already but still require performers from all our different communities to let us know if they want to be involved. We also still have spaces for stall holders. There is no charge to have a stall.

"We are seeking dancers, singers, musicians and other performers from our diverse communities who would enjoy entertaining the crowd from a full-sized, professional stage.”

Potential performers and stall holders can contact BoB via their website or via email at buddiesofbeckts@outlook.com.

Northampton Borough Council’s income from council tax increased by £5.6 million last year, new figures show.

The Local Government Association, which represents councils in England, said “unprecedented cuts” were driving council tax rates up across the country.

In Northampton, the council raised £97.4 million from council tax between April and December last year, according to the latest figures from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.

This was an increase of 6.1% compared to the same period during the 2017-18 financial year, when it collected £91.8 million.

Across England, council tax income increased by 6.4% over the same period, climbing to £25.2 billion for the nine-month period.

A spokesman for the LGA said: “Councils do all they can to keep council tax as low as possible but, faced with unprecedented funding cuts, are increasingly being left with no choice but to increase it to help fund vital services.

“Councils will be asking people to pay similar levels of council tax this year while at the same time warning communities that the quality and quantity of services they enjoy could drop.”

Local authorities face a funding gap of £8 billion by 2025, he added, warning that the Government’s upcoming Spending Review would be “make or break” for local services.

The Taxpayers Alliance has rejected the claims, however, saying councils across the country are wasting money on high salaries, parties, and PR departments.

Chief executive John O’Connell said: “Household budgets are under strain and hard-pressed families simply cannot afford these sharp increases to their council tax bill.”

The average council tax bill for a band D property in Northampton increased by 3% between 2017-18 and 2018-19 – lower than the average 5.1% increase seen across England.

In addition, fewer low-income households are claiming a discount on their council tax, with the number of claimants falling from 15,101 to 14,617 last year, a drop of 3%.

The LGA said many councils had “little choice” but to reduce the discounts on offer to residents.

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government said other factors could be behind increases in council tax revenue, including collection of historic council tax debt or a growth in the number of homes in an area.

A spokeswoman said: “We are providing local authorities with access to £91.5 billion over the next two years to help councils meet their residents’ needs.

“Councils, not central government, are responsible for managing their own resources, including the collection of council tax.

“Taxpayers can veto excessive increases via a local referendum.”

The teenager, who cannot be named due to his age, was convicted on Friday (February 22) of grievous bodily harm (GBH) with intent, following a two-week trial at Northampton Crown Court. He was also found guilty of possession of a bladed article.

The assault happened in St Katherine’s Gardens, St Katherine’s Street, at about 6.30pm, on Tuesday, August 7. The victim, a man in his thirties, suffered serious stab injuries to his body.

Sentencing is due to take place on Friday, March 22.

Detective Constable Ryan Tilly, the officer in charge of the investigation, said it was a fantastic result for the victim and the police team who had worked so hard on the investigation.

He said “In August last year, a young man suffered a horrific and frightening attack simply because of his sexuality. He will forever have to live with the devastation the attack has left on his life and the lives of the people closest to him.

“I would like to thank the victim for his courage and support throughout the investigation, and I hope this guilty verdict will go some way to giving him closure following such a horrific experience.

“I’m delighted this extremely dangerous individual, who would not hesitate to carry and use a knife, has now been taken off our streets.

"I hope this sends a clear message to other young people about the consequences of carrying and using knives and weapons.”

A second defendant, Perry Bentley, 23, from Islesworth, Hounslow, who also faced charges of GBH with intent and possession of a bladed article, was found not guilty.

Burglars ransacked a house in Great Billing during a burglary last week.

Officers investigating the burglary are appealing for witnesses and anyone with information to come forward.

Between 5.45pm and 8.15pm on Friday, February 22, a property in South Priors Court was broken into.

The intruders made an untidy search, stealing jewellery and a quantity of cash.

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

A Northamptonshire Police officer has been handed a final written warning after pleading guilty to an assault while one duty.

Constable Ian Hearne admitted the allegations against him during a special case disciplinary hearing at the force headquarters on Friday, February 8.

The PC had already pleaded guilty to assault at Loughborough Magistrates Court and was 'sanctioned accordingly', the force said.

Constable Hearne, who was said to have an exemplary record, was on duty in November last year when the assault took place.

Chief Constable Nick Adderley found the case proven as gross misconduct and handed the officer a final written warning.

Knife offences in Northamptonshire have increased by more than 40% over the last four years, police figures show.

Across England and Wales, the number of fatal stabbings hit the highest level since comparable records began, more than 70 years ago.

Labour MP Yvette Cooper, who chairs the Home Affairs Select Committee, described the findings as “shocking and deeply concerning”.

Northamptonshire Police investigated 452 offences involving a knife or a sharp weapon between April 2017 and March 2018, according to the Office for National Statistics.

That is a 42% increase since 2013-14, when there were 319 cases, and an 8% rise over the last year.

There are 61 knife offences per 100,000 people in Northamptonshire, lower than the national average of 69 per 100,000.

Nationally the most common offence involving a knife or sharp object was assault with intent to cause serious harm, followed by robbery.

Diana Fawcett, chief officer at charity Victim Support, said: “We’re now witnessing the highest ever number of knife-related deaths and it’s deeply troubling that these rises are being driven by a huge increase in the number of young people whose lives are being lost to this epidemic.

“These figures further highlight the need for all agencies to come together to tackle this increasing crisis which is destroying lives and shattering communities.”

The figures also show the number of offences involving a gun.

In 2017-18, Northamptonshire Police recorded 126 cases where a firearm was used.

That’s 14 fewer than the previous year.

However, across England and Wales, gun offences are at their highest level since 2010-11.

The number of homicides in Northamptonshire dropped last year, from three cases in 2016-17 to five in the latest period.

A homicide is a murder or manslaughter. Across the East Midlands, the number of homicides increased slightly by 2% over the last year, to 49 cases.

Policing and fire minister, Nick Hurd, said: “Tackling the impact of violent crime remains a government priority and it is crucial to stamp this out.”

Mr Hurd explained the Serious Violence Strategy targets early intervention against possible offenders.

“We are investing a further £220 million in community early intervention projects and have made clear that all public bodies need to treat serious violence as a priority,” he said.

Mr Hurd added that the Government has proposed “the biggest increase in police funding since 2010”.

The award-winning Althorp Food & Drink Festival returns on May 11 and 12 with over 100 diverse food and drink stands, as well as show-stopping culinary events and experiences.

World-renowned chefs including Jean-Christophe Novelli and Ken Hom OBE will be leading enticing demonstrations over the weekend.

As a new addition for 2019, guests can now also gain a unique opportunity to learn from the best with 90-minute cooking masterclasses taught by the headlining chefs.

The Festival’s new, outdoor live music stage will feature Northamptonshire’s musical talents, while falconry displays, cocktail-making classes, book signings, and a new Animals of Althorp exhibition will also be on hand.

This year’s Kids Corner will feature a 40ft big top tent, incorporating circus skills workshops, kids cookery classes, arts and crafts and much more
still to be announced.

Early bird tickets go on sale from February 28 on the Althorp House website.

If your organisation shares personal data with businesses in the European Economic Area (EEA), you will need to take steps to ensure you continue to comply with data protection laws if the UK leaves the EU without a deal.

What is personal data? Personal data refers to any information that can be used to identify a living individual, including a customer’s name, their physical or IP address, or HR functions such as staff working hours and payroll details.

Although the UK’s own data protection standards would remain the same, how personal data is transferred from the EU/EEA to the UK would change. This could affect your organisation.

Therefore, if your organisation receives personal data from organisations in the EU you should consider, with your EEA partners, what changes you may need to make to ensure that data can continue to flow after the exit date. These changes will affect organisations both large and small.

Organisations should as a priority, review whether they would be affected. For those that would be, early action is advisable, given changes may take some time to implement.

Practical advice and support is available at ico.org.uk, including ‘Six Steps to Take’ to help you understand the implications and prepare.

Digital Minister Margot James has issued a reminder to SMEs to ensure that they’ve got plans in place so that they don’t lose access to vital data flows if the UK leaves the EU without a deal.

Recent research from YouGov has revealed that 26 per cent of SMEs currently receive and store personal data from people within the EEA. It also identified a number of sectors that said data from the EEA is essential to core or secondary functions within their business’ model.

The top sectors included IT and Telecoms (43 per cent), Manufacturing (26 per cent) and Finance and Accounting (25 per cent). Guidance already exists for SMEs to understand how they can prepare and the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has produced a six step strategy for companies to follow.

Digital Minister Margot James said: “I know that personal data plays a hugely important role in day to day business. The current uncertainty around Brexit is of great concern and businesses need to take action to limit the risk of potential disruption if no deal were to happen. I would urge all companies to check the Information Commissioner’s Office guidance on their website, and make sure that they are as prepared as possible.”

The Government has already introduced robust new data laws through the 2018 Data Protection Act. This included giving people more power and control over their data and strengthening the powers of the ICO. In the event of a deal, through the Withdrawal Agreement, the government has made plans to secure what is known as a "data adequacy decision" from the EU. This will ensure UK and EU firms can carry on exchanging personal data like they do now.

For more information you can call the ICO helpline on 0303 123 1113.

A road closure was put in place from the Cheyne Walk entrance after the lorry got stuck under a canopy today (February 27).

At 3.2 metres tall, the overhead awning was too short for the lorry to drive under and the HGV's claw scraped the underside and got caught at around 9.20am.

Hospital teams worked to release the lorry and the road closure was reportedly lifted at around 10.30am.

Police have released images of two men they would like to speak to in connection with the attack in Kenmuir Avenue.

Between 6.30pm and 6.45pm on February 12, a man in Kenmuir Avenue was approached by a group of unknown men carrying weapons.

He ran from them and was followed into a shop, where he was struck to the back of the head with a bat, causing a cut.

The group then attacked a car, smashing the windows and causing dents to the bodywork.

Anyone with information about the identity of the men pictured, or about the incident, is asked to call Northamptonshire Police on 101.

Information can also be shared anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

The shoemaker will also upgrade its manufacturing facilities in Cobbs Lane to nearly double production to up to 165,000 pairs.

The heritage centre is expected to open in spring 2020 and will feature a factory tour, a shop selling hand-made products and an "experience centre" displaying memorabilia.

Dr Martens CEO Kenny Wilson said: "This investment demonstrates our ongoing commitment to Northamptonshire and to upholding Dr Martens’ distinguished brand heritage.

"We are really proud of our history and of our roots in Northamptonshire – the county has played a huge role in the growth of our brand and we want people to be able to experience this.

"Today’s investment also highlights the success of our Made in England range and its continued popularity with our customers.

"We can’t wait to open our new visitor centre and welcome Dr Martens fans, both new and old, through our doors."

The Wollaston factory was founded in 1901 and Dr Martens wants the new heritage centre there to become a tourist attraction.

"The investment marks Dr Martens’ continued commitment to investing in its brand and heritage, its willingness to uphold its proud English roots and let people experience what goes in to making each distinctive Dr Martens shoe," said a spokeswoman.

"It is also a sign of the continued success of Dr. Martens’ Made in England range, which is made on site and has seen significant growth over the past few years."

Police in Northampton have released images taken from CCTV footage that they hope will lead to a vandal being identified.

Officers are asking for help to identify a man who may have information about criminal damage that occurred on Thursday, January 17 between 4pm and 6pm on Lower Hester Street, Northampton.

Two bricks were thrown, causing damage to a window of the miracle Church of God in Christ building, and to a parked car.

The person in the images or anyone who recognises them should contact Northamptonshire Police on 101 or make an anonymous report to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

Saints have announced that front row duo Paul Hill and Reece Marshall have put pen to paper on contract extensions with the club.

Tighthead prop Hill has made 79 appearances since joining from Yorkshire Carnegie in 2015.

He has also earned five England senior caps, having previously represented his country at Under-16, Under-17, Under-18 and Under-20 level, claiming the Junior World Championship title with the latter in 2014.

And Hill is now relishing the prospect of pushing on towards becoming a Saints centurion.

“I’m really happy to have signed a new contract with Saints,” said Hill.

“I’m as determined as ever to work hard, keep on improving, and to play as regularly as I can.

“We have plenty of competition to play throughout the squad and the front row is no different; everyone is trying to get better every day and I’m positive this is the best possible environment for me to grow as a player.”

Meanwhile, 24-year-old hooker Marshall initially joined the club in 2013 after progressing through the Saints Academy.

He marked his Premiership debut during the 2017/18 campaign with a try against Saracens.

He has scored three times in 14 appearances so far this term in all competitions, and has been rivalling James Fish for a regular starting spot with Dylan Hartley and Mike Haywood injured.

“I’m absolutely delighted to be staying here for at least the next two years,” said Marshall.

“I had a tricky start to this season with injury but it’s been amazing to come back from that with the help of everyone at Saints, get opportunities to play and be a part of all the progress we are making here on the field.

“The staff at the club are top class, while the whole squad is really starting to gel now and show the potential we clearly have here.

“The prospect of being involved in that over the next couple of years is really exciting and I can’t wait to grow as a player and a person, while giving my all to the club.”

Hill and Marshall both started in last weekend’s 27-26 Gallagher Premiership win against Bath Rugby.

And Saints boss Chris Boyd has been impressed with their progress so far this season.

“Paul and Reece have both really bought into what we’re trying to achieve on the field,” said Boyd.

“They are two very impressive young men; they have an excellent attitude, are always looking to improve and want to fight for their place in the side.

“It’s really important to keep good young guys like this around the environment, so I’m delighted they are staying on at Saints.”

The collision happened at about 9.10am at the junction with Wantage Road, when a red car was in collision with a female cyclist who sustained serious injuries.

The incident happened on Friday, February 8 2019, Northamptonshire Police today confirmed.

Witnesses to the collision, or anyone with information, should contact the Northamptonshire Police RTC Process Team on 101 extension 341992, quoting reference 19000090359

A man died after a crash between a van and a HGV on the A14 yesterday (Tuesday).

The incident happened shortly after 2.30pm yesterday, February 26, on the westbound carriageway near to the Catthorpe Interchange junction with the M1 and M6.

The collision involved two vehicles, a grey Renault Master van and a white Mercedes HGV.

The driver of the van, a man in his 50s, was pronounced dead at the scene.

The passenger in the same vehicle was taken to hospital but has since been discharged.

No-one else was injured in the incident.

Detective Constable Ali Briance from the Serious Collision Investigation Unit is appealing for anyone who saw the collision or may have dashcam footage to come forward.

She said: “If anyone travelling along this stretch of the A14 at the time of the collision saw either of the vehicles just before, or witnessed the incident itself, please contact me.

“I would also ask motorists travelling on either side of the carriageway to check any dashcam footage they have as this could assist with our investigation.”

Anyone with information is asked to call Leicestershire Police on 101, quoting incident 359 of February 26.

Bangs and loud voices have been reported by residents who were startled during the early hours in Kingsthorpe over the past few days.

The incidents are reportedly taking place between midnight and 4am with some residents describing the sound as fireworks while others said sounded like gunshots.

The bangs have apparently been happening since Sunday (February 24) and have been reported by homeowners living around Kingsthorpe Hollow, Eastern Avenue North and Boughton Green Road, among other area.

One resident told the Chron today: "What are these continuous explosions in Kingsthorpe? They're happening over the past two days between midnight and 4am.

"The ground rumbles and all the car alarms go off? Very concerned as I have heard nothing about it.

"Everyone's so baffled."

Kerri Griffin posted to the Kingsthorpe Crime Page yesterday: "Did anyone hear six loud bangs in the Acre Lane area at 3.29 am this morning (26th Feb)?"

Andrew Summers added on the social media page: "I heard them, sounded similar to the two bangs on Sunday night around 11:30pm. Weird."

Other residents have said they have been able to smell burning when they wake up at dawn.

The incident happened during a joint test-purchasing operation by trading standards and police at the Kenmuir Avenue Convenience Store in Kingsley on December 15 last year.

A girl aged 15 was sent into the shop to see if she would be asked for ID when buying a bottle of Strongbow cider. The shopworker sold her the drink but police officers found out soon after that the shop had just committed a separate offence.

In evidence for the borough council's licensing panel next week, PC Chris Stevens says: "To exacerbate the situation, the person making making teh sale of alcohol had no legal entitlement to work in the country."

Although the man who sold the cider insisted he wasn't an employee but was covering for a worker while she went to the toilet, the police officers did not believe him and arrested him.

After the licence of the shop was called in for review, licence holder Amirthalingham Krishnakumar said he had not heard from the worker since his arrest

PC Stevens said Mr Krishnakumar was fully aware of the consequences that employing illegal workers can have but "continued to have no regard for the law in this area."

PC Stevens added that he could not see that councillors had any choice but to revoke the premises licence of the shop.

A teenager was threatened with a large knife in a Wellingborough underpass as he went to retrieve a football.

Yesterday (Tuesday) between 5.20pm and 5.40pm close to Eastfield Park, the victim was playing football with friends and went to retrieve the ball as it had rolled into the underpass on Gold Street.

In the underpass, he was confronted by a black youth holding a 10-inch knife, who was described as being about 17 years old, 5ft 10in and of average build. He was wearing a black puffer jacket with the hood pulled up.

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