Former Gloucester hooker Darren Dawidiuk has joined Saints on loan from Coventry for the rest of the season.

The 31-year-old hooker, who began his rugby career in Cornish Pirates’ Academy, came through the ranks at the Penzance side before signing for Gloucester in 2009.

After eight seasons and more than 100 appearances for the Cherry and Whites, Dawidiuk switched to London Irish for a term before linking up with Coventry at the start of this campaign.

He will now join Saints with immediate effect, helping to provide cover for Dylan Hartley and Mike Haywood, who have both been sidelined with knee injuries.

Saints currently only have James Fish and Reece Marshall as regular rivals for the No.2 shirt, with youngster England Under-20s youngster Samson Ma'asi also coming through the ranks.

Dawidiuk will help to bolster the squad ahead of a big finish to the season on three fronts.

Saints will face Saracens in the Premiership Rugby Cup final at Franklin's Gardens on March 17, travel to Clermont Auvergne in the European Challenge Cup quarter-finals on March 31 and are also targeting a top-four finish in the Gallagher Premiership.

The trust overseeing the renovation of Delapré Abbey has been granted a lease to develop the former stable yard there as a visitor attraction.

Delapré Abbey Preservation Trust (DAPT) will be granted a lease on the yard complex adjoining the main Abbey buildings, following agreement by Northampton Borough Council’s cabinet.

Council leader, Councillor Jonathan Nunn, said: “We felt that this would be an excellent use for the stable yard buildings, offering visitors a greater range of attractions at Delapré.

“We have a fantastic community asset here and the restoration of the abbey itself was always intended to be a first phase that the trust would be able to build on.

“There are still some formalities to complete and the trust will need to identify funding for the project, and this initial step makes that possible.”

The abbey fully reopened last March after a lengthy renovation project that was funded by Northampton Borough Council, the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) and several other sources.

Cabinet has agreed to support the further development of the attraction by agreeing to hand the stable yard over a 25-year lease on a peppercorn rent, allowing the trust to seek funding for the project.

The move will also allow the council to draw down an extra £1.4 million, which remains outstanding from the HLF grant.

Popular outdoor activity centre Grendon Hall could be turned into a wedding venue after it closes next month.

Northamptonshire County Council, which owns the historic hall, is considering a possible use as a wedding location or conference hall, after making public a decision to stop subsidising the centre.

The authority says it is funding the centre to a sum of between £150,000 and £200,00 and can no longer afford to due to its precarious financial position.

In an email this week to councillors chief executive Theresa Grant said: “In terms of the actual building, which as you know is a Grade II listed hall, there is currently no proposal on the future of the building and when we have options to consider, we will consult with the Leader, Cabinet Member and the Leader of Wellingborough in the first instance. However, the uses are very restricted, due to the heritage nature of the building and grounds and any use would have to respect the listing status and heritage value.

“We intend to explore options including uses such as conference / wedding venue or similar uses. However, while we develop and test option, we cannot continue to subsidise the activity operating from the hall which Cabinet instructed we cease back in March 2018.”

A decision to stop running Grendon Hall was taken by the Northamptonshire County Cabinet in private in December 2017 under the direction of then leader Heather Smith. It was agreed that the centre would not close before March 31, 2018.

In her email Theresa Grant said: “The proposal at the time was to cease our outdoor education activity and to sell the property as a going concern to a third party private sector operator. This discussion went on for many months and when I arrived in August discussions were still ongoing. The offer at that point was well below the market value for the property.

“The offer from the private operator fell away and we continued operating the outdoor centre. On evaluation of the operation, it was clear that it was being subsidised to the tune of between £150,000 – £200,000 per annum. As you know, we are currently operating under a S114 notice and the county council voted to deliver only core services in August last year. Therefore, as this is not a statutory service it should have ceased at that point. In fact, it should have ceased on March 31, 2018, as agreed by Cabinet in the previous December.”

The news of Grendon Hall’s closure has come as a shock to many who have used the centre over the years. They have taken to social media to express their dismay and shock.

Liz Coppard posted on facebook: “ This is awful news – both my children went to Grendon on more than one occasion – both NMPAT music and school Year 7 class residentials. I took my own very first Northants school Year 7 there for a week in 1989 or 1990. This is horrid.

Suzy Dawson said: “So many fabulous memories of music courses from aged nine on the violin and later with Northamptonshire County Youth Band.”

The hall will officially close on March 20.

An appeal for witnesses has been launched after the apparent break-in on February 21 in Lindsay Avenue.

At around 7pm, the woman came home to find two intruders in her house.

The two intruders barged past the woman and ran into the back garden, where another suspect was waiting.

She later searched her house and found she was missing jewellery.

The three were described as being white males, aged between 15 and 18 years wearing balaclavas. One suspect was wearing a blue hooded top and another was wearing a black hooded top.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Northamptonshire Police on 101 or make an anonymous report to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111. Incident: 19000091796

The following people were sentenced at Northampton Magistrates’ Court:

Ricardas Prismantas, aged 51, of Dryleys Court, Northampton, driving while using a mobile phone; fined £220, surcharge £30 , costs £85, licence endorsed with six points.

Calin Rojco, aged 27, of Cambridge Street, Northampton, driving while using a mobile phone; fined £220, surcharge £30, costs £85, licence endorsed with three points.

Ana Rotary, aged 22, of Hamsterly Park, Northampton, no insurance; fined £276, surcharge £30, costs £85, licence endorsed with six points. Not wearing a seat belt; fined £92.

Paul Sadler, aged 24, of Cartmel Place, Northampton, no insurance; fined £60, surcharge £30, costs £85, licence endorsed with six points.

Daniel Willetts, aged 45, of Penn Gardens, Northampton, driving while using a mobile phone; fined £220, surcharge £30, costs £85, licence endorsed with six points.

Billy Barnes, aged 26, of Bouverie Walk, Northampton driving while using a mobile phone; fined £220, surcharge £30, costs £85, licence endorsed with six points.

David Cooper, aged 60, of Chesham Rise, Northampton, driving at 70mph in a 60mph zone; fined £220, surcharge £30, costs £85, licence endorsed with three points,

Alan Franklin, aged 36, of Daneholme Close, Daventry, no insurance; fined £660, surcharge £66, costs £85, licence endorsed with six points.

Shane Garrett, aged 30, of Boughton Green Road, Northampton, no insurance; fined £660, surcharge £66, costs £85.

DECEMBER 5

Daniel Arbiter, aged 30, of Billing Road, Northampton, drug-driving; fined £120, surcharge £30, banned from driving for 12 months.

Hadley Brown, aged 21, of Nursery Court, Mears Ashby, drink-driving; fined £346, surcharge £34, costs £85, banned from driving for 12 months.

John Shaw, aged 34, of Reedway, Northampton, stole meat from Sainsbury’s; conditional discharge for 12 months. Stole beauty products from M&S; conditional discharge for 12 months, compensation £149, surcharge £20, costs £85.

Michael Goodman, aged 52, of Mallard Pastures, Billing, driving at speeds exceeding 30mph; fined £91, surcharge £30, costs £85, licence endorsed with three points.

Sabelo Maqubela, aged 39, of Bouverie Walk, Northampton, failed to give information relating to the identity of a driver; fined £120, surcharge £30, costs £85, banned from driving for four months.

Laurie Smith, aged 32, of Finney Drive, Grange Park, Northampton, driving at 95mph in a 30mph zone; fined £738, surcharge £73, costs £85, banned from driving for six months.

Robert Stansfield, aged 30, of Kettering Road North, Northampton, driving at speeds exceeding 40mph; fined £258, surcharge £30, costs £85, licence endorsed with six points.

Gabriel Stroe, aged 24, of The Witham, The Grange, Daventry, driving not in accordance with a licence; fined £220, surcharge £66, costs £85. No insurance; fined £660, banned from driving for six months.

Azizz Suleiman, aged 45, of Betjeman Close, Daventry, failed to give information relating to the identity of a driver; fined £276, surcharge £30, costs £85, banned from driving for six months.

Alin-Gabriel Tanase, aged 20, of Hernill Court, Northampton, no insurance; fined £660, surcharge £66, costs £85, banned from driving for six months.

Robert Taylor, aged 69, of Winchester Road, Northampton, failed to stop at an accident; fined £350, costs £85, licence endorsed with eight points. Driving without due care and attention; fined £350.

Nathan Dockerty, aged 34, of Windsor Close, Daventry, assault; community order made, compensation £100, surcharge £85, costs £100. Damaged a door; community order made, compensation £100.

DECEMBER 7

Iain Henry, aged 42, of Hedge End, Northampton, drink-driving; fined £185, surcharge £30, costs £85, banned from driving for 17 months.

Luschia Parris, aged 21, of Roe Road, Northampton, possession of cannabis; fined £166, surcharge £30, costs £85.

Mark Pugh, aged 43, of Penrhyn Road, Northampton, drink-driving; community order made to carry out 120 hour of unpaid work, surcharge £85, costs £85, banned from driving for 36 months. Breach of court order; community order to carry out 120 hours of unpaid work.

Matthew Howse, aged 34, of Deal Court, Northampton, stole items worth £93.64 from Lidl; jailed for four weeks suspended for 12 months, surcharge £115, costs £85. Had knife in a public place; jailed for 12 weeks consecutive suspended for 12 months.

Marcus Johnson, aged 47, of Clarence Avenue, Northampton, driving at speeds in excess of 70mph; fined £239, surcharge £30, costs £85, licence endorsed with three points.

Adam Varney, aged 33, of Doves Lane, Northampton, unlicensed car; fined £230, surcharge £30, costs £85.

Jason Dart, aged 27, of no fixed abode, assault; fined £40, surcharge £30, costs £85.

Maggie Maclennan, aged 38, of Hazeldene Road, Northampton, drink in a public place; conditional discharge for 12 months, surcharge £20, costs £85.

Borys Szmatula, aged 42, of Newnham Road, Northampton, used threatening or abusive words or behaviour; fined £120, surcharge £30, costs £85.

Ionut Tuna, aged 38, of Clarke Road, Northampton, no insurance; community order made to carry out 200 hours of unpaid work, fined £311.

Grace Binsang, aged 20, of Lower Hester Street, Northampton, no insurance; fined £132, surcharge £30, costs £85, licence endorsed with six points.

Sergiu Bolha, aged 29, of Friars Crescent, Northampton, no insurance; fined £660, surcharge £66, costs £85, licence endorsed with six points.

Michael Clare, aged 72, of Baker Street, Gayton, driving at 53mph in a 30mph zone; fined £1,000, surcharge £100, costs £85, licence endorsed with six points.

Timothy Craddock, aged 25, of Norman Road, Northampton, driving at 35mph in a 30mph zone; fined £220, surcharge £30, costs £85, licence endorsed with three points.

Andrei Danaila, aged 28, of Culworth Crescent, Northampton, no insurance; fined £660, surcharge £66, costs £85, licence endorsed with six points.

Susan Hassett, aged 68, of Vicarage Lane, Northampton, driving without due care and attention; fined £490, surcharge £49, costs £85, licence endorsed with six points.

James Hodgson, aged 63, of Colwyn Road, Northampton, driving at 35mph in a 30mph zone; fined £220, surcharge £30, costs £85, licence endorsed with three points.

Stuart Hogben, aged 21, of Guilsborough Road, Northampton, failed to comply with a no entry sign; fined £38, surcharge £30, costs £85.

Kevin Hughes, aged 31, of Gray Street, Northampton, driving at 39mph in a 30mph zone; fined £200, surcharge £30, cost £85, licence endorsed with three points.

Matias Fraini, aged 30, of Rockingham Road, Northampton, no insurance; fined £660, surcharge £66, costs £85, licence endorsed with six points.

Marian Mihaescu, aged 22, of Beech Avenue, Northampton, no insurance; fined £300, surcharge £30, costs £85, licence endorsed with six points.

Martyn Nutt, aged 27, of Holcot Road, Moulton, driving at 36mph in a 30mph zone; fined £160, surcharge £30, costs £85, licence endorsed with three points.

Isaac Quaindoo, aged 20, of Althorp Road, Northampton, driving without due care and attention; fined £120, surcharge £30, costs £85, licence endorsed with nine points.

Sean Stapleton, aged 48, of Brookfield Road, Northampton, driving at 41mph in a 30mph zone; fined £440, surcharge £44, costs £85, licence endorsed with four points.

Rachel Stewart, aged 47, of Campion Court, Northampton, driving at 36mph in 30mph limit; fined £220, surcharge £30, costs £85, licence endorsed with three points.

Elliot Sunasky, aged 34, of Swinford Hollow, Northampton, failed to report an accident to a police officer; fined £660, surcharge £66, costs £85. Driving without due care and attention; fined £660, licensed endorsed with six points.

Sharon Thompson, aged 53, of Wellingborough Road, Earls Barton, no insurance; fined £660, surcharge £66, costs £85, licence endorsed with six points.

Students at On Track Education Centre, in Moulton Park,have been gifted with a shiny new £35,000 recording studio, instruments and mixing decks by the Sir Thomas Wright Trust.

The room gives students, aged between 11 and 19, the opportunity to edit and make their own songs with some of the same equipment used by some of the worlds top musicians.

The school is a not-for-profit independent special school, which gives students access to a wide-ranging curriculum of vocational and outdoor learning experiences. Many of the young people there have fallen out of mainstream education.

Centre manager Sally O’Connor said:“We could not imagine how amazing this studio has been and how many kids have got involved in using it.

“The really vulnerable ones have chosen to come and get into music, it’s so inspiring.

“With our young people we have to find something that they want to get involved with and engage with. To be able to get them involved in the musical sides of things is brilliant.”

On Track Education Centre has 32 pupils across its two schools.

The studio, which opened just before Christmas, was unveiled today at an official launch ceremony and will soon be available for students to take qualifications in music.

Mrs O'Connor added: "We also want to link with the community and we want to offer it out to other young people people.

"There's a lot of young people at the moment who are involved in gangs, so I'm meeting with the police to liaise and start bringing people in here, just one at a time, to come in here and jam."

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has released the findings of a focused inspection into St Andrew's Healthcare, carried out between October and January.

The watchdog was called in to review the charity's child and adolescent mental health wards after the Chron reported one patient had been kept largely in a secluded 12-ft cell in Fitzroy House, Billing Road, over an 18-month period.

Fitzroy House is Europe's largest adolescent mental health facility, with space for 110 patients.

Leading clinicians at the charity have now admitted not being able to meet the needs of three patients with 'very complex behaviours and problems' as part of the CQC report.

Inspectors, who spoke to 12 patients as part of their study, said some had been kept in isolation longer than necessary because they were deemed to be a danger to staff - even after presenting as a reduced risk.

The care provider had also not carried out required three-monthly independent reviews of patients in long-term segregation in line with the Mental Health Act code of practice

Deputy chief inspector for hospitals, Paul Lelliott, has now ordered St Andrew's to make a "number of improvements".

"This includes ensuring that clinicians independent of the provider are involved in reviews of the care of young people subject to long-term segregation," he said.

"It must also take every step possible to ensure that young people are not being secluded for longer than is strictly necessary."

For all three of the patients with complex needs, St Andrew's had worked to discharge them without success.

In one case, the staff had applied "restrictions" to a patient despite them presenting as a reduced risk. In another, staff had recorded one patient's behaviour as being "settled" over "sustained periods of time" without ending their seclusion.

The watchdog found that the facility was justified in its reasons for placing patients in isolation initially. Staff were also found to treat patients with respect and had drawn up care plans that "reflected the holistic needs of the patient".

The report also found that some workers did not feel fully supported in looking after such complex patients.

Over a three-month period, 57 incidents of staff injury were recorded. These included workers being punched, kicked, scratched, pushed to the floor and being stamped on.

During one incident, five staff had to attend the A&E department at Northampton General Hospital for injuries to the face, head and stomach.

"Some staff felt the provider did not give them consistent support after incidents," the report added.

"This affected morale, particularly when incidents related to staff assaults."

But St Andrew's bosses have welcomed the findings of the report, which does not change the charity's overall rating of 'requires improvement', handed out in 2017.

A spokeswoman said that despite the CQC's concern about the length of some seclusions, the hospital believed it used the practice for the right reasons.

She added: "Staff use recognised techniques to reduce the need for physical restraint wherever possible.

"We are pleased that the CQC noted the lengths our staff go protect patients from avoidable harm, and how they worked in collaboration with patients to develop their care plans and reduce restrictions at the earliest opportunity.

"The CQC also recognised the difficulties providers like St Andrew’s Healthcare face when transitioning patients to community settings more appropriate for their specific needs.

"We will continue to make improvements to our service and look forward to welcoming the CQC back in the future.”

Twenty-six-year-old Shane died as a result of a stab wound to the chest in Nest Farm Crescent near his home on the Hemmingwell estate in Wellingborough, shortly after 2am on December 1 last year.

Police want to find a man who was seen outside and appeared to be shouting aggressively towards Shane’s house at about 9pm on November 30, the evening before his death.

He is described as white, about 5ft 7in to 5ft 8in, with a slim build and a bald head, and was wearing a blue short-sleeved T-shirt and dark blue jeans.

This weekend, three months on from Shane’s murder, officers will be revisiting the Nest Farm Crescent area to carry out further inquiries and speak to people in the hope of jogging someone’s memory about what happened on December 1.

Detective Chief Inspector Ally White from the East Midlands Special Operations Unit Major Crime Team, who is leading the investigation, said: “We are now three months on from Shane’s murder and while we have followed numerous lines of inquiry and have arrested and questioned two people in connection with his death, we have yet to bring any charges.

"Shane was killed in the early hours of Saturday, December 1, just three weeks before Christmas. This Friday, March 1, we will be coming back to Nest Farm Crescent, carrying out high-visibility patrols and speaking again to local residents, in a bid to find that all-important piece of information that will lead us to Shane’s killer.

"We know that Shane returned to Nest Farm Crescent at about 2am, having come from the direction of Nest Farm Road across a grassed area and footpath leading to the flats.

"He was attacked near the car park as he made his way back to his flat, sadly sustaining a fatal stab wound.

"At the time of the attack, Shane was with another man who was also assaulted. He too sustained a stab wound but thankfully was not seriously injured.

"If you were in or near Nest Farm Crescent in the early hours of December 1, you may have seen or heard something that could be a crucial piece of the jigsaw.

"CCTV shows someone walking past the Well Café in Nest Farm Crescent at about 1.55am. If you think this might be you, or if you were anywhere near Nest Farm Crescent about this time, please call us.

"We are also keen to trace a man who was seen outside and appeared to be shouting aggressively towards Shane’s house at about 9pm the previous evening (Friday, November 30)."

Two arrests have been made during the course of the investigation and detectives are keen to remind people it is very much a live investigation.

DCI White is appealing for anyone with information to come forward.

One suspect the police still want to speak to is described as a black male, in his 20s, and wearing a dark-coloured puffa-style jacket with horizontal stitching.

"If you have any information, however insignificant you think it may be, we urgently need to speak to you," said DCI White.

"Please call us or take a few minutes to speak with officers to share any information you may have.

“This was a tragic incident which has devastated a family, who are still trying to come to terms with their loved one’s death. I am determined to see justice done for Shane and I would urge anyone with any information about the circumstances leading to his death or the person involved, to contact police and tell us what they know.”

Witnesses or anyone with information should call Northamptonshire Police on 101, quoting Operation Talbot. Information can also be provided anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

One of the men arrested, a 39-year-old man, was released without charge, and the other, a 22-year-old man, was released under investigation pending further inquiries.

Cobblers midfielder Joe Powell feels he’s settling in well to life as a League Two footballer.

The 20-year-old joined Northampton on loan from Premier League West Ham United last month, the first time he’s played for a team other than the Hammers during his short career.

He took a little while to find his feet on the pitch after subdued performances on debut at home to Morecambe and then against Tranmere Rovers and Crawley Town, but he produced his best display to date at Stevenage on Saturday.

Scoring his first senior goal with a neat finish on 19 minutes, Powell was voted man of the match for his performance by almost 50 per cent of the club’s fans on social media.

“I’m enjoying it,” said the midfielder on his loan spell at the PTS. “When you go out on loan, especially for the first time, you’re asking questions and you’re wondering how it’s going to go but the lads have been brilliant with me.

“I feel I’ve gelled into the squad really well. West Ham are watching my progress and we have people like Paul Konchesky at the club who are helping with the loan players.”

Powell came up against one of his West Ham team-mates in Stevenage’s Moses Makasi at the Lamex, and he hopes he can impress those monitoring his progress back at the Premier League outfit.

“The U23s manager have been messaging me and all the boys have supported me,” he added. “One of my team-mates was playing for Stevenage too so they keep in contact with us.

“They’re always asking questions and pushing me and that’s the best thing. It could be the start of a relationship between the clubs.

“Who knows what will happen at the end of the season but I want to keep playing games and doing the best I can when I get an opportunity.”

A historical building including period architectural features is up for sale in the town centre.

The block of six luxury apartments sits above independent hair salon Daniel Granger and the entrance to Nuovo in Abington Street. The building includes three two bedroom apartments and three one bedroom apartments. The former Victorian shoe warehouse features original wooden beams and exposed brickwork. The original winch and pulley system has been retained in the overhead beams of the top floor apartment. The property is being marketed by Danelaw Real Estate of Northamptonshire for £1.1m.

An appeal for witnesses has been launched after the robbery at around 9.30pm last night (February 26).

The single-decker number 1 route bus was waiting at a stop on Blackthorn Road, opposite the One Stop Shop.

Two male offenders boarded the bus, threatened the driver and robbed him of his takings.

Both men are both described as white, 5ft 10ins and of medium build. One had a dark coloured scarf covering his face and spoke with a Liverpool accent, which may have been faked. The second man was described as wearing dark coloured clothing.

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

Police are searching for a boy who assaulted a girl with a stick.

The girl was walking in Olden Road between 4pm and 5pm on Saturday (February 23) when she was hit in the eye by a thrown stick, which caused swelling and bruising.

The stick was thrown by a boy described as white, aged around 12 or 13, with blond short hair, of stocky build and wearing a dark green tracksuit top and bottoms.

He was with two girls and a boy, all around the same age.

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

Travel research by consumer group Which? found that UK passengers could have to undergo extra border checks if the UK leaves the EU without a deal.

It highlighted that Alicante airport in southern Spain would need more staff and resources to deal with an estimated additional 201 hours of immigration checks on British passport holders, on average, every single day as 43 per cent of all arrivals are from the UK.

Other Spanish airports that will be affected by the new rules include six of the 10 busiest airports for UK arrivals places such as Tenerife South, Lanzarote, Malaga, Ibiza and Palma de Mallorca.

A spokesperson for the European Commission told Which? that ‘as of the withdrawal date, UK nationals will not be entitled to use the separate lanes provided for EU/EEA/CH citizens’. It also stated that British holidaymakers ‘will be subject to thorough checks of all entry conditions for third country nationals upon entry’.

Which? travel editor, Rory Boland, said: “Airports can be chaotic at the best of times, but if additional checks at passport control in Spain, Italy and other popular EU destinations are implemented in the event of a no deal, it seems that very long queues are going to be an unwanted side effect.

“Until there is a deal or these airports announce simpler arrangements, you should consider what you may need if you have to fly to them – as it is very likely that you’ll be in a queue for several hours. Make sure you have food, water and essentials for kids like nappies to hand.”

Immigration officials will be obliged to check passport validity, passport expiry date, purpose and length of stay, and whether visitors can support themselves financially. These additional border checks have been estimated to add an extra 90 seconds at immigration per UK passenger, on top of the 25 seconds it currently takes to check passports.

1 THEATRE
Abigail’s Party, Royal & Derngate, Northampton, March 4 to 9
Jodie Prenger leads the cast in Abigail’s Party, Mike Leigh’s groundbreaking classic. One of Britain’s most celebrated comedies, Abigail’s Party sees Beverly and her husband Laurence throwing a party for their newly-wed neighbours, Tony and Angela. Joining them is highly strung Susan, who’s been banished from the party of her teenage daughter Abigail.
Details: royalandderngate.co.uk

2 THEATRE
Half a Sixpence, Castle Theatre, Wellingborough, March 5 to 9
Wellingborough Amateur Operatic & Dramatic Society presents this popular musical comedy. The show was first produced in London’s West End in 1963, starring Tommy Steele, before becoming a hit on Broadway in 1965 and a success on the big screen in 1967. Songs include Flash Bang Wallop, She’s Too Far Above Me and A Proper Gentleman.
Details: castletheatre.co.uk

3 MUSIC
Shakin’ Stevens: Greatest Hits And More, Royal & Derngate, Northampton, March 2
Shakin’ Stevens will be joined by his band to perform fan favourites, surprises and, of course, his much-loved hits including Oh Julie, Hot Dog and This Ole House.
Details: royalandderngate.co.uk

4 THEATRE
An Evening With Brian Blessed, Royal & Derngate, Northampton, March 3
Brian Blessed is known for his hearty, king-sized portrayals on film and television. Spend an evening in the company of this giant of a man accompanied by an eloquent wit and booming, operatic voice as he talks about his remarkable career.
Details: royalandderngate.co.uk

5 THEATRE
Dr Michael Mosley, Royal & Derngate, Northampton, March 1
Dr Michael Mosley has changed tens of thousands of lives with his award-winning programmes and international bestselling books. The man behind the 5:2 Diet, will explode common health myths and offer fascinating insights into the workings of the human body.
Details: royalandderngate.co.uk

6 THEATRE
The Remains of the Day, Royal & Derngate, Northampton, until March 16
Nobel Prize winner Kazuo Ishiguro’s literary masterpiece has entranced generations as a novel and an acclaimed Merchant Ivory film. Now transformed for the first time into an exquisite stage play by one of Britain’s most exciting young writers, it receives its world premiere at Royal & Derngate before embarking on a major national tour. The play stars Niamh Cusack and Stephen Boxer in the lead roles. A deeply atmospheric drama about time and memory, loneliness and longing, The Remains of the Day depicts the morally-compromised truth behind a world of manicured gardens, formal dinners and grand houses. As the fires rage through England during and after the Second World War, we get an intimate glimpse into one man’s half-lived life, realised too late.
Details: royalandderngate.co.uk

7 MUSIC
Walk Like a Man, The Core at Corby Cube, March 2
The award-winning tribute to Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons combines infectious personalities, powerful vocals, slick harmonies and even slicker dance moves to deliver a show full of energy and nostalgia.
Details: www.thecorecorby.com

8 ART
2019 Graduate Show, NN Contemporary Art, Guildhall Road, Northampton, until March 23
See striking work from potential future stars of the art world.
Details: nncontemporaryart.org

9 MUSIC
Kast Off Kinks, The Core at Corby Cube, March 1
Former members of the legendary band play the songs that made them a household name.
Details: www.thecorecorby.com

10 THEATRE
Forbidden Nights, The Deco, Northampton, March 1
The male variety and circus act blends acrobatic skills with finely-honed physiques, showcasing stunt-orientated routines and explosive choreography.
Details: www.thedeco.co.uk

The estimated cost of setting up two new unitary authority councils for Northamptonshire has increased by £14million, it has been revealed.

Initial estimates said the two new councils would cost £30million to establish, but that figure is now nearer the £44million mark according to a recent report seen by senior council staff involved in the reorganisation.

Northamptonshire County Council leader Matt Golby told the Local Democracry Service he was ‘alarmed’ at the ever-increasing cost of setting up the two new councils.

The current county, district and borough councils across Northamptonshire would all be dissolved in April 2020 to make way for two new councils, one for the north of the county and one for the west, where all services would be provided under one roof.

It follows a recommendation by government inspector Max Caller, who was drafted in to analyse the financial crisis that has engulfed the county council over the last two years.

The reorganisation is still awaiting government approval, but work has already started on the transition as confirmation is all but certain. And the councils have drafted in a programme director, Keith Cheesman, to oversee the project.

Mr Cheesman has overseen the recent reorganisation of several Dorset district councils into a unitary authority. But Mr Cheesman has already indicated that previous estimates for the cost of the transition, which were included in a PwC report examining different unitary models, may be outdated.

The new figures have set alarm bells ringing at County Hall, with leader Councillor Matt Golby saying: “I am very concerned by this escalation in the estimated cost of introducing unitary councils.

“At a time when as an organisation we have succeeded in building far more sustainable financial foundations, have worked tirelessly to balance our budgets and have now turned a corner, I am alarmed by the ever-increasing costs of this programme to take us into unitary.

“I am seeking to get more information to better understand the reasons for this and will certainly want to discuss further with colleagues.”

The figures were discussed at a steering group including council leaders and chief finance officers from across the county.

But South Northamptonshire Council leader Councillor Ian McCord says that the numbers have not been properly scrutinised yet.

He said: “These numbers were presented to us last week. Mr Cheesman has reviewed the work of PwC and in light of what he has recently experienced in Dorset, looked at those estimates.

“After a sharp intake of breath we agreed to check these figures over with our respective chief finance officers. So those numbers have not been approved yet and are still subject to scrutiny.”

Seven of the eight Northamptonshire councils agreed to the joint submission to government for the unitary proposals, with Labour-led Corby the exception.

But nearly all councils expressed that their support was given reluctantly, but felt that they had no choice but to go along with the proposals given the very limited parameters with which the government gave them to come up with alternatives.

This week alone, Northampton Borough Council deputy leader Phil Larratt said that there was ‘no democracy in the process’ and that the unitary authorities were ‘being forced on us’ by the government during a debate on the reorganisation.

He also told the chamber that a fourth government commissioner could potentially be appointed to oversee the process, though that is understood to only be a possibility if the councils cannot reach an agreement between themselves.

The costs for setting up the new unitary authorities are being funded by the councils themselves, who have each set aside funds to go into a ‘transformation pot’.

The revised estimated costs include £7.9million on redundancies, which is almost £3million more than estimates in the PwC report, £1.7million on relocation costs and £5.3million on consultancy.

But Councillor McCord said that any critics of the unitary proposals were forgetting the potential savings that the unitary authority proposals could bring around, regardless of the cost of setting them up.

He said: “Some people are forgetting to look at the benefits. The PwC report said that if you invest in these two new authorities then it could realise £12million of annual savings. If the costs of setting them go up, those savings will still be there.”

The Adventure Cinema has organised sunset screenings of Oscar-winning ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ and blockbuster musical ‘The Greatest Showman’ at the home of Northampton Saints.

Franklin’s Gardens is set to host hundreds of film fans on Thursday, June 20 and Friday 21, with a state-of-the-art screen to be set-up in front of the Church’s stand.

A Saints spokesman said: "Cinema-goers are encouraged to bring their own blankets or camping chairs with them as they watch the films from the hallowed Gardens turf, while Northampton Saints’ on-site bars and food concessions stands will be open for refreshments."

‘Bohemian Rhapsody’, which will be shown on Thursday, June 20, is a foot-stomping celebration of rock band Queen, their music and the band’s extraordinary lead singer, Freddie Mercury. Starring Rami Malek, the film has been nominated for five Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Actor. Malek scooped the best actor Oscar for the role.

The following day the screen will be set for Grammy-nominated ‘The Greatest Showman’, the smash-hit musical starring Hugh Jackman, which celebrates the birth of showbusiness and tells the story of a visionary who rose from nothing to create a spectacle that became a worldwide sensation.

Tickets can only be purchased via the Adventure Cinema website, with prices starting from £14.50*. There is also a family ticket (2x adults, 2x under-16s) available for 'The Greatest Showman' for £48.00*.

CLICK HERE to book tickets for 'Bohemian Rhapsody' on Thursday, June 20.

CLICK HERE to book tickets for 'The Greatest Showman' on Friday, June 21.

Parking is available in Franklin’s Gardens car parks A, B and C, priced at £5, and will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.

Gates will open at 7.30pm with each film beginning just after sunset (approx. 9.30pm).

Cinema-goers will not be allowed to bring their own food and drinks into the venue.

The unseasonably warm weather this week has brought some of the year's first picnics to Northampton's parks and gardens.

But for the residents of Malthouse Close, it only meant being neighbours to a '10-hour-long' party booming from the student halls not 100 metres away.

Malthouse Close borders the new student village that was built as part of the University of Northampton's Waterside Campus to house some 1,300 students.

On Tuesday (February 26), the students also got out to enjoy the sun - but the residents had to listen to the revelry too.

One neighbour said: "It can go on for hours. Music is booming, people are screaming and the language you hear is foul."

The party stretched into the evening too - where a DJ with a speaker set added to the noise.

The party was reportedly broken up at around 9pm by the University of Northampton's security team, and all told lasted around 10 hours after first kicking off that morning.

A University of Northampton: “On Tuesday evening a number of people had gathered to take advantage of the unseasonably warm weather. Our security team attended and requested that the music be turned off out of concern for our neighbours, and the group had dispersed by 8.30pm."

The students also reportedly asked to keep noise to a minimum overnight as part of their residency agreements, and security patrols have the power to confiscate audio equipment if this is not obeyed.

However, the residents say they must still endure students who go out and come home from nights out on the town after midnight nearly every day.

One resident, who has lived in Malthouse Close for 13 years, said: "I'm fed up of hearing them. I'm dreading the warmer months now because it will just be more parties and more noise.

"Since the university has moved in the street has been filled with students' cars. If you say anything to them the response you get can be downright abusive.

"I know they're young, and how is the university meant to control 1,300 or more students? But as a whole, the students don't show their neighbours respect.

"Some say we should just move away. I think you'll find we were here first."

Leader of Northampton Labour group Danielle Stone said she had been impressed with an "amazingly well-resourced" youth centre she saw while visiting Berlin and believed something similar would be perfect for Northampton.

Councillor Stone (Lab, Castle) saw our version of the centre as being a hub housing the likes of Northamptonshire Association of Youth Clubs, The Lowdown and even a youth parliament-type organisation.

She said: "People I've talked to in Spring Boroughs have been supportive of the idea.

"Lots of youth organisations do a great job but, while we don't operate in total isolation, we could work closer.

"A centre could have a proper youth forum that develops strategies around sexuality or drugs or other big issues."

Councillor Stone raised the issue at a scrutiny panel examining the impact of the University of Northampton's relocation to the town centre

The two-storey shop in Abington Street has remained empty since the company closed its doors on August 11, 2018.

Scrum guru Matt Ferguson believes the current front row competition at Saints is driving their 'pretty angry' players to new heights.

Saints opted to rotate their entire front row for the game against Bath last Saturday, just seven days after smashing Sale Sharks 67-17 at Franklin's Gardens.

And the move worked as the black, green and gold competed well up front before eventually earning a hard-fought 27-26 victory on home soil.

It has been a feature of the good recent form of Saints that they are able to outlast opposition sides on a regular basis.

And it helps that whatever front row forwards the leave on the bench are able to contribute to the game in a positive manner late on.

"What we've found is that whatever front row we pick, the others come on pretty angry and prove a point, which is exactly what we want," said assistant coach Ferguson.

"For me as a coach of that area, with Ehren's (Painter) injury, Hilly's (Paul Hill) injury, Jamal (Ford-Robinson) being injured, we haven't had the competition we wanted in that area but since Christmas we've managed to get a number of boys fit and be able to select the right player for the right game.

"We've also been able to make sure our training replicates what we want players to do.

"Both front rows for us last weekend showed why it's a very hard selection at the moment."

Hill was handed a rare start against Bath, impressing before putting pen to paper on a new contract yesterday.

"Hilly had his long injury lay-off, came back, had a good performance at Gloucester (in November) and then just dropped away a bit," Ferguson said.

"But he came back and managed the requirements of him really well.

"It was great to see him ball in hand and I thought some of the set piece work he did was good as well."

Another player who has not had much game time this season is flanker James Haskell.

But he came back into the starting side last Saturday, playing 50 minutes before being replaced.

"You always know what you're going to get with Hask," Ferguson said. "There was a huge amount of physicality and a huge amount of effort.

"It was great to see him out there and he had a huge smile on his face.

"One thing's for sure: if Hask carries into your or you carry into Hask, there's going to be a big collision."

One player who really appears to have improved under the tutelage of Ferguson and forwards coach Phil Dowson is Francois van Wyk.

The South African prop has emerged as a real rival for Alex Waller at loosehead and recently signed a new deal at Saints.

"For me, in terms of the players in my group, Francois is on one of the biggest curves in terms of improvement," Ferguson said.

"I remember watching him from a distance last year and seeing the opportunities he had and he's converted into a prop so his actual rugby skills are pretty high anyway.

"He understands the game well, as most South Africans do, and he's worked incredibly hard on his scrummaging over the past six months. The past three or four months have shown that when those things come together, he's in a really strong position.

"And he has to be because he's fighting some really strong competition in Alex Waller, Will Davis and Toby Trinder.

"We've now got four fit looseheads training day in, day out now."

Saints have now won four of their past five games in the Gallagher Premiership, but they face their toughest test on Saturday, travelling to champions Saracens.

"You have to say that they probably have one of the most all-court games there is and that's reflected in where they sit in the league (Saracens are second)," Ferguson said.

"Their game is based on an incredible desire to defend and that often brings them penalties that then go into the corner with a hugely powerful drive, one of the heaviest scrums.

"You think about their physicality but then you remember they've got some of the best back three players in the northern hemisphere, that ball in hand can cut you up on a very fast pitch.

"It's very clear that whatever facet of the game Saracens use to take you on, they're going to be pretty accurate and powerful.

"What we've got to make sure we do is to have answers to that but also put our game on the park.

"The Clermont performance away (Saints lost 48-40 there in January) is a pretty clear example of us being able to put our game out there, matching what is coming against us the other way."

Michelle Lilley, Head of Cozy Coupe fleet operations, said: “We’re thrilled to release this limited number of Coupes for the first new registration of the year. It’s the perfect affordable first car for keen motorists.