That is the assertion of a councillor helping examine the effect of the University of Northampton's move to the town centre.

Graham Walker, chair of the scrutiny panel, said the traffic signal-controlled Bedford Road junction with Cheyne Walk and Victoria Promenade has become a daily trial for many motorists.

He said: "It's just my opinion but there ought to be a roundabout there instead of the traffic lights to keep the flow going."

Councillor Walker said that lorries and large vehicles travelling away from the university are often unable to get down the left lane because it is narrow, and this causes traffic to back up.

Others have complained about the right turn onto Cheyne Walk, which can leave vehicles stranded in the middle of the junction as oncoming traffic blocks their exit.

Councillor Walker said: "It causes problems along Bedford Road, and towards Morrison's.

"The junction was only redesigned in the last few years but it just doesn't work like it should."

Knowing there is a real risk that he may get emotional during the interview, Luther Burrell quickly steers the subject matter on to the near future rather than the recent past.

"I can sit here and get emotional about it because this club's been the making of me," said Burrell when asked to spend a few minutes reflecting on his six and a half years at Saints.

"It's where I've made my best memories, where I've played my best rugby and I don't really want to start looking back on all that yet because it's an emotional time for me.

"We'll save all that for a few weeks' time if we can and we can go through all that then."

Burrell's desire to save going into too much detail about his time at Saints for another day is understandable.

After all, the bulldozing centre still has plenty of business to take care of at Franklin's Gardens.

And that business is making sure the 2013/14 Premiership title is not the last trophy he lifts in Saints colours.

There is a good chance that Burrell will achieve his aim as Saints are still competing on all three fronts in his final season at the club.

"We're alive in three competitions, we've got the final of the Premiership Cup, we're sitting in fifth in the Premiership right now, so we're slowly chipping away and creeping up the table, and obviously we've got a quarter-final in Europe," Burrell says, happily.

"How good would it be if we can come away with a few trophies and I can leave the club on a buzz?

"It would probably make it even harder for me to leave, wouldn't it?

"But it's exciting and I'm just really excited about this club and the direction it's going in because it's been through some adverse times and I've been a part of that.

"It's also been through some great times so to see it right back in the mix where it needs to be is a great feeling."

Burrell, who started his career as an age-group player at Huddersfield Giants, will be moving back to rugby league at the conclusion of this campaign.

He has signed for Warrington Wolves and he did so on his own terms, having decided against extending his stay at Saints, where he feels his spell is reaching a natural conclusion.

"It's been in the pipeline for a few weeks and, as you can imagine, something like this takes a lot of thought," Burrell explains.

"I had to weigh up all the pros and cons with this potential move.

"For me, I've always been a big fan of rugby league. I've got a lot of mates who are up there playing it and I predominantly grew up around it.

"It's never really left my blood, I still watch it when it's on and it's an itch I've been really wanting to scratch.

"It was the right time to take this opportunity with a great club.

"I'm very fortunate that I can leave Northampton - which is going to be very sad for me - on my terms, which is actually quite nice.

"I'm not necessarily getting pushed out of the door, not having to retire and it probably would have been the easy option for me to re-sign here or move to another Premiership club or whatever it may be.

"But this challenge is the one that really excited me the most and I just thought 'I'm going to have a go at this'.

"And also, I get to go back up north and see my northern people."

He added: "I did feel the time was right.

"You've just got to look at the direction this club's going in and I wouldn't want to be in this (contract) situation again in 12 or 18 months' time.

"Now is the right time to move because I've got a lot of experience, I'm playing well so I can transfer that into their (Warrington's) season, having been on form, playing well.

"I'll be able to hit the ground running."

Burrell insists that crossing codes once again will not be a problem - mentally at least.

"The rules will be fine, it will just be the lungs that are struggling, having to get up off the floor, back 10 forward 10, back 10 - I'll have to put some time in and do some more agility and fitness work," said the 31-year-old.

"But the rules will be fine because I always watch it and I've not forgotten the game. It will be pretty easy for me to pick it back up."

For now though, Burrell is able to focus on the sport he has become accustomed to since moving to Leeds Carnegie in 2009.

And his immediate priority is helping Saints to win at Saracens, who the black, green and gold have not beaten since Burrell started in a March 2016 success at Allianz Park.

"I'm one who has experienced winning down there and it's a great feeling," he said.

"The boys are playing really well at the moment and just to get that win last weekend against Bath, who have been playing really well this year, puts us in a great position.

"We'll have to be at our best to beat Saracens because they're a great team but if we can go down there, pick up some points and get the win it will just breathe more confidence into this group of players.

"The fans are slowly starting to see how great this club can become."

Saints and Saracens will lock horns again at Franklin's Gardens in the Premiership Rugby Cup final in little more than two weeks' time.

But Burrell insists the result of this weekend's encounter will have no bearing on that showpiece battle.

"We've not even thought about that to be honest," he said.

"It's not something that's been mentioned so we won't look at it like that.

"It's another great game for us, it's the Premiership, it's away and we know we're going to have to stick to our process and be at our best to get the win."

Burrell, who has made 159 appearances for Saints, has stumbled across something of a lucky charm in recent months.

He suffered a serious ear injury in a game, leading to him wearing a white scrum cap.

And though he no longer needs it, he has become quite attached to the headgear.

"The lads asked me why I was still going to wear it because I don't need it any more but it's just stuck with me now, and why not?," Burrell said, smiling.

"It seems to be doing the trick, not just for me but for the team, so we'll just stick with it for a bit."

Former Saints lock Christian Day once explained that he wore his red scrum cap because his wife told him it would help him stand out in the second row.

But Burrell insists he is certainly not wearing his scrum cap for style purposes.

"Vanity is not my reasoning - I actually feel like a look a bit stupid in it," he said.

"It's one of those things that's stuck with me and I've had some decent games in it, we've had some good wins in it and it could be a lucky charm I guess.

"We'll just keep going with it until someone steals it, cuts it up or burns it or something."

Crewe Alexandra boss David Artell has admitted Keith Curle’s constant tinkering with the Cobblers’ personnel and formation will cause him a few headaches ahead of Saturday#s meeting between the clubs at Gresty Road (ko 3pm).

Describing Curle’s team selection as being unpredictable would be an understatement.

Even after claiming victories, the Town boss is liable to make changes, whether it be hrough team or formation changes, and Artell admits that is an issue for him as he prepares hisi team to take on the Cobblers.

“Saturday will be another tough game,” said Artell, a former Cobblers defender.

“Northampton are a big, physical side and Keith knows what it takes. He knows the league and we know it won’t be easy.

“We will be mindful of what Northampton do. They change their formation a lot so that is something we will work on, but I’m sure they will be worrying about us as well.

“We have got to focus on what we do first and foremost, and Northampton will be thinking the same.”

Crewe go into Saturday’s game off the back of a 2-1 defeat to Exeter City, and they are now 14th in the Sky Bet League Two table.

But the Cheshire side are still clinging on to the hope they can make a late charge for the promotion play-off places, although Artell knows there is no room for more errors.

“We fell off the horse on Saturday and we have to jump back on it. We have got to get going as quickly as you can,” said the Crewe boss, who insists there is no pressure on his team

“I am not a big believer in pressure because it is often seen as a negative.

“I believe in mindset and using that pressure and challenge as a positive.

“I didn’t feel pressure 10 weeks ago, I don’t feel pressure now and I won’t in 10 weeks’ time.

“You have to embrace the challenge and use it as positive.

“If you think about this or that too much or worry about things that you cannot control then you can lose focus on what is important.

“I don’t think the players are feeling any real pressure.

“If they are, put it on to me. I don’t want them to feel pressure because when they think negatively it can make them tense or nervous in their performance.

Here - we take a look at EVERY boss in the Premier League and Football League - ranking their duration at their current clubs in order from shortest to longest. Click and scroll through the pages to see where each manager lies...

Disco legends Nile Rodgers & Chic will headline Franklin’s Gardens later this summer.

They will headline the Northampton venue on Sunday, June 30, and tickets go on sale next week.

Rodgers is best known for pop anthems including classic hits like Le Freak, Good Times, Everybody Dance and I Want Your Love.

As the co-founder of Chic, Rodgers pioneered a musical language that generated chart-topping hits like Le Freak, sparked the advent of hip-hop with Good Times and won Chic 11 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame nominations.

His work in the Chic Organization and his productions for artists like David Bowie, Diana Ross and Madonna have sold more than 300 million albums and 50 million singles worldwide while his innovative, trendsetting collaborations with Daft Punk, Avicii, Sigala, Disclosure and Sam Smith reflect the vanguard of contemporary music.

Tickets go on general sale at 8am on Wednesday, March 6 with a pre-sale on Monday, March 4 at 8am.

Access to pre-sale tickets is available by subscribing to the Franklin's Gardens mailing list.

Saints chief executive Mark Darbon said: “Nile Rodgers is a music legend and we are thrilled to be welcoming him to Franklin’s Gardens later this summer. I have no doubt that he will put on a superb evening’s entertainment.

“Franklin’s Gardens is not just the home of Northampton Saints, but an excellent multi-use venue which is well suited to host events of this scale.

“We’re all really looking forward to a very special night.”

Music Plus Sport are bringing Nile Rodgers & Chic to the venue.

The promoters specialise in large-scale concerts at sport venues and events.

Since 2013, it has promoted more than 130 concerts attended by 1.2 million music and sport fans across the UK.

Simon Halden, MD and co-founder added: “We are thrilled to bring the legendary Nile Rodgers & Chic to Franklin’s Gardens for what will no doubt be a highlight of the summer alongside Madness.

“The stadiums crowds have a great atmosphere for the rugby and I’m sure it will be no different for these two iconic acts.”

Ticket start from £40 for adults with pitch standing, seating and accessible tickets available.

Paid car parking is also available at the venue.

There are also hospitality packages available via the club – for details, email sales@northamptonsaints.co.uk.

Nile Rodgers & Chic will be the second act performing the ground this summer, following Madness on who headline on Friday, June 28.

You can sign up for the Nile Rodgers ticket pre-sale here: www.franklinsgardens.co.uk/concerts/nile-rodgers

A battle between gentility and emotion rages in this period drama currently being staged at the Royal & Derngate in Northampton.

The Remains of the Day depicts the morally-compromised truth behind grand houses, dinner engagements and the English countryside. As life changes during and after the Second World War, we get a glimpse of a man’s half lived life, only he realises it too late.

This is a show which does take a long time to get started, with its initial argument between a housekeeper and a butler over the placement of a china ornament giving the whole feel of a Downton Abbey-style row.

The pace, particularly in the first half, is really slow and with different time periods in play, it takes a little bit of time to get used to.

I don’t wish to sound like I’m criticising the acting - on the contrary, Stephen Boxer as the repressed but dutiful butler Stevens is rather excellent in playing what is on the page - but his lack of reaction to some of the more emotional moments in the show can be a little disengaging to a modern audience. While I understand it was right for the period, and no criticism at all of Boxer who does a marvellous job, I suspect the script is the problem.

Niamh Cusack adds a bit more heart to proceedings as housekeeper Miss Kenton with plenty of steel alongside her gentle nature.

The acting of the show is pretty good throughout, the production and the set design looks superb but most of the problems with this show for me stem from the script, which perhaps needed a little more tightening up and a bit more pace.

This is the sort of adaptation that wouldn’t look out of place during a Sunday night on ITV. And from the rapturous applause that greeted the final curtain, there will be an audience that will enjoy this gentle drama that eventually packs a real emotional punch.

* The Remains of the Day runs until Saturday March 16. Call 01604 624811 or visit www.royalandderngate.co.uk to book.

Steve Mills reviews The Remains of the Day at the Royal & Derngate, Northampton, based on Nobel Prize winner Kazuo Ishiguro’s masterpiece

A battle between gentility and emotion rages in this period drama currently being staged at the Royal & Derngate in Northampton.

The Remains of the Day depicts the morally-compromised truth behind grand houses, dinner engagements and the English countryside. As life changes during and after the Second World War, we get a glimpse of a man’s half lived life, only he realises it too late.

This is a show which does take a long time to get started, with its initial argument between a housekeeper and a butler over the placement of a china ornament giving the whole feel of a Downton Abbey-style row.

The pace, particularly in the first half, is really slow and with different time periods in play, it takes a little bit of time to get used to.

I don’t wish to sound like I’m criticising the acting - on the contrary, Stephen Boxer as the repressed but dutiful butler Stevens is rather excellent in playing what is on the page - but his lack of reaction to some of the more emotional moments in the show can be a little disengaging to a modern audience. While I understand it was right for the period, and no criticism at all of Boxer who does a marvellous job, I suspect the script is the problem.

Niamh Cusack adds a bit more heart to proceedings as housekeeper Miss Kenton with plenty of steel alongside her gentle nature.

The acting of the show is pretty good throughout, the production and the set design looks superb but most of the problems with this show for me stem from the script, which perhaps needed a little more tightening up and a bit more pace.

This is the sort of adaptation that wouldn’t look out of place during a Sunday night on ITV. And from the rapturous applause that greeted the final curtain, there will be an audience that will enjoy this gentle drama that eventually packs a real emotional punch.

* The Remains of the Day runs until Saturday March 16. Call 01604 624811 or visit www.royalandderngate.co.uk to book.

Fixture: Crewe Alexandra v Northampton Town, Sky Bet League Two

Date/time: Saturday, March 2, 3pm kick-off

Venue: Gresty Road

Forecast: 10C, showers

Outs and doubts: Crewe: James Jones (ankle). Cobblers: George Cox (ankle), Shay Facey (thigh).

Betting: Crewe 11/10, draw 5/2, Northampton 9/4

Form guide: Crewe LDWDWW, Cobblers WDDWLD

Possible line-ups: Crewe (4-3-3): Garratt; Ng, Ray, Nolan, Pickering; Ainley, Green, Wintle; Bowery, Porter, Kirk. Northampton (4-4-2): Cornell; Goode, Taylor, Pierre, Buchanan; J Powell, Turnbull, O’Toole, Bridge; A Williams, Hoskins.

Man in the middle: Lee Collins - took charge of last month’s 1-1 draw with Morecambe and also oversaw Town’s 3-1 home defeat against Cheltenham Town earlier in the season. The Surrey official has handed out 52 yellows and just one red in 17 matches this season.

Last time out: Crewe 1 (Porter) Exeter 2 (Taylor, Jay);Stevenage 1 (Revell) Northampton 2 (J Powell, A Williams)

Most recent meeting: Saturday, November 3, 2018 - Northampton 2 (A Williams, D Powell) Crewe 0

Record v Crewe: P67 W27 D16 L24

Opposition view: “Northampton are a big, physical side and Keith knows what it takes,” said Crewe boss Dave Artell. “He knows the league and we know it won’t be easy.

“We will be mindful of what Northampton do. They change their formation a lot so that is something we will work on, but I’m sure they will be worrying about us as well. We have got to focus on what we do first and foremost, and Northampton will be thinking the same.”

James Heneghan’s preview: With safety as good as secured, the Cobblers can start to shift their focus from this season to next over the upcoming 12 games and Saturday’s opponents Crewe Alexandra are one team in their sights.

Whilst there’s nothing tangible for Town to play for, a positive end to the season aligned with a top-half finish would do wonders for morale and confidence heading into the summer when a rebuild is expected.

And a top-half finish is not as unlikely as it may appear at first glance. The Cobblers are four points adrift of the team directly above them, Newport County, but then the next five clubs – Crewe being one – are separated by just two points.

With a favourable fixture list remaining, including all of the current bottom four, three of them at home, there’s no reason why Keith Curle’s men can’t make a late bid to finish top half, even top 10, something which has appeared unlikely ever since the first ball was kicked back in August.

Crewe’s dismal display during their defeat at the PTS back in November was of a team seemingly destined for a season-long battle against the drop. Beaten by a goal either side of half-time, from Andy Williams and Daniel Powell, Dave Artell’s men remain among the meekest opposition the Cobblers have faced, and the Crewe boss sounded a man under pressure when launching a remarkable outburst at referee Scott Oldham in his post-match interview.

“He was disgraceful today, disgraceful,” ranted Artell, who played 11 games for the Cobblers in 2012/13. “He missed a clear elbow in the last second, it’s just disgraceful and he’ll get a zero from me.

“David Allison, the head of the referees, should have a look at himself because I’m fed up of talking about them. On one hand I feel it’s not their fault because they’re part-time but on other hand I think he should resign because he’s not got any standard. That was a second year referee today and he’s made a horrific, horrific decision for their first goal.”

Crewe’s defeat at Sixfields formed part of a dreadful run across November and December when they lost eight of 10 games in all competitions, leaving them below the Cobblers in League Two and dropping ever-closer to the relegation zone.

But the Alex recovered impressively after Christmas. They had only lost once in 10 games up until last weekend’s 2-1 home defeat to high-flying Exeter City, an impressive sequence of results that included notable wins over Lincoln, MK Dons, Carlisle and Colchester.

So they are not a side to be taken lightly but the Cobblers too look a team on the up, particularly away from home with victory over Stevenage last time out coming off decent results at Tranmere and Lincoln. Four unbeaten and 12 points clear of the drop, Curle’s men now have an excellent opportunity to finally make the leap from the bottom third in League Two into the middle third.

Town’s cause is helped by the return of several key men. Marvin Sordell, Jordan Turnbull and Sam Foley all featured at Stevenage and should play a part at Gresty Road, though Shay Facey remains doubtful and George Cox is a long-term absentee.

Prediction: Crewe Alexandra 1 Northampton Town 2

It is a sign of how highly rated the 23-year-old flanker is that he gets the captaincy on the big stage this weekend, with Ludlam having become a key member of the first team since boss Chris Boyd arrived last summer.

Tom Wood and Alex Waller both drop to the bench, meaning Ludlam, who has 35 Saints appearances to his name, gets the armband at Allianz Park.

Heinrich Brüssow comes in for Wood at No.8, while the front row is freshened up again with Francois van Wyk and James Fish replacing Waller and Reece Marshall respectively.

Taqele Naiyaravoro is not in the squad so Ken Pisi steps in on the wing.

Fraser Dingwall returns from England Under-20s duty and injury to start at outside centre.

Luther Burrell drops to the bench.

Alex Mitchell keeps his place at scrum-half with Cobus Reinach, who has recovered from a minor neck injury, among the replacements.

Saints go into the game having won four of their past five league matches, a run that has seen them rise to fifth in the Premiership standings.

Saints: Furbank; Pisi, Dingwall, Hutchinson, Tuala; Grayson, Mitchell; van Wyk, Fish, Hill; Ribbans, Ratuniyarawa; Gibson, Ludlam (c), Brüssow.
Replacements: Marshall, Waller, Franks, Moon, Wood, Reinach, Burrell, Collins.

Saracens: Malins; Strettle, Tompkins, Barritt (c), Maitland; Goode, Spencer; Barrington, Woolstencroft, Judge; Skelton, Isiekwe; Clark, Earl, Wray.
Replacements: Gray, Lamositele, Koch, Kpoku, Burger, Wigglesworth, Lozowski, Gallagher.

Keith Curle has warned his Cobblers players to be wary of a Crewe Alexandra side he believes ‘can beat anybody’ in Sky Bet League Two.

But he has also made it clear he totally believes his side are also more than capable of going to Gresty Road on Saturday and returning with three points.

The Town boss has been talking up league two’s competitive nature ahead of his team’s weekend date in Cheshire, when the Cobblers will be going for their first league double of the season.

Alex were beaten 2-0 at the PTS Academy Stadium when the teams met in November, but the Town boss knows that match will have no bearing on this weekend’s encounter.

“On their day, Crewe can beat anybody, but likewise, when it’s not their day they can get beaten by anybody in this division,” said Curle.

“I think that is testament to the division, in that you can’t relax and you are never going to get an easy game.

“We do well against teams at the top, we do well against teams at the bottom, but we need to do better against teams in and around us.

“On our day, if we perform we can beat anybody as well.

“I will go back to the Colchester game (when the Cobblers lost 4-0 on February 2) , and on another day that could have finished 4-4, or we could have won it 4-2.

“There is a very thin dividing line, it is very marginal, and again we have to take that into the game against Crewe.

“We know they can be dangerous, but likewise if we perform then we can cause them lots of problems from open play, and from set-pieces.”

Crewe for their part are still clinging on to the hope they can reach the promotion play-offs.

Even though they are a lowly 14th in the table, just two above the Cobblers, they are just about in touch as they are eight points off the top seven.

Crewe are enterting ‘must-win’ territory if they are to make a late charge, but boss David Artell doesn’t want his players to feel under any sort of pressure when they take on the Cobblers on Saturday afternoon.

“I am not a big believer in pressure because it is often seen as a negative,” said the former Town defender.

“I believe in mindset and using that pressure and challenge as a positive.

“I didn’t feel pressure 10 weeks ago, I don’t feel pressure now and I won’t in 10 weeks’ time.

“You have to embrace the challenge and use it as positive. If you think about this or that too much or worry about things that you cannot control then you can lose focus on what is important.

“I don’t think the players are feeling any real pressure.

“If they are, put it on to me. I don’t want them to feel pressure because when they think negatively it can make them tense or nervous in their performance.”

The Cobblers are likely to be without right-back Shay Facey for the trip to Crewe, while George Cox is also out.

Fixture: Saracens v Northampton Saints

Competition: Gallagher Premiership (round 15)

Venue: Allianz Park, Hendon

Date and kick-off time: Saturday, March 2, 2019, 3pm

Television coverage: None

Referee: Luke Pearce (86th Premiership game)

Saracens: Malins; Strettle, Tompkins, Barritt (c), Maitland; Goode, Spencer; Barrington, Woolstencroft, Judge; Skelton, Isiekwe; Clark, Earl, Wray.

Replacements: Gray, Lamositele, Koch, Kpoku, Burger, Wigglesworth, Lozowski, Gallagher.

Saints: Furbank; Pisi, Dingwall, Hutchinson, Tuala; Grayson, Mitchell; van Wyk, Fish, Hill; Ribbans, Ratuniyarawa; Gibson, Ludlam (c), Brüssow.

Replacements: Marshall, Waller, Franks, Moon, Wood, Reinach, Burrell, Collins.

Outs: Saints: Andy Symons (knee), Harry Mallinder (knee), Mikey Haywood (knee), Dylan Hartley (knee), Teimana Harrison (hamstring), Ehren Painter (calf), Courtney Lawes (calf), Piers Francis (concussion).

Most recent meeting: Saturday, September 15, 2018: Saints 27 Saracens 38 (Gallagher Premiership)

Tom's preview: If you look at the recent head-to-heads between the two teams, some may say you should be carted off for psychological assessment for predicting a Saints win this Saturday.

But there is just a sense among those who watch the black, green and gold that this weekend could be their time to end the Saracens hoodoo.

On paper, it would appear to be a foregone conclusion in favour of the home side.

After all, Saracens have won the past eight meetings with Saints, often by some margin.

Northampton have not celebrated a success against Mark McCall's men since Stephen Myler and Lee Dickson scored in a 20-15 win at Allianz Park almost three years ago (March 5, 2016, to be precise).

And Saracens have only lost three of the 14 matches between the teams since Saints inflicted extra-time agony on them in the form of a decisive Alex Waller try in the Premiership final of May 2014.

But barren runs are there to be broken.

And Saints' sorry streak against Saracens surely has to end at some point.

Forget Why Not Us?, how about Why Not Now?

Saints are in great shape, having won four of their previous five Premiership matches.

Their confidence is through the roof and by scoring late on to beat Bath last Saturday, they showed they have substance to go with the swagger that saw Sale Sharks sunk seven days earlier.

Of course, a trip to Saracens is on another level completely.

Though the home side will be shorn of several international stars, they can still field one of the best sides in the Premiership.

But Gloucester showed they can be beaten last weekend.

And Saints have never shied away from trips to Allianz Park, always showing a willingness to play expansive rugby on the artificial surface.

They have earned some memorable successes there in the past, but history will count for nothing this weekend.

At least they hope it won't, considering how tough they have had it against Saracens in recent years.

But they did push them to their limits at the Gardens back in September, with only two late David Strettle tries denying Saints a memorable win in Chris Boyd's first game against Saracens.

The boss breeds confidence with his approach to matches and you can bet that Saints will not be travelling south with any fear in their eyes this Saturday.

Whether they can get the win they so desperately want is another matter.

But their chances of achieving their aims are surely better than they have been for some time.

Tom's prediction: Saracens 28 Saints 34

Cristian Badea, aged 43, of Farm Field Court, Northampton

Alex Bagdanov, aged 33, of Robert Street, Northampton

Ryan Banks, aged 20, of Auctioneers Court, Northampton.

Marcus Bell, of Greatholme Court, Northampton.

Jodie Brown, aged 33, of Swale Drive, Northampton.

Tomas Cizas, aged 28, of Cedar Road, Northampton

Dilfim Crisian, aged 41, of Pomfret Arms Close, Northampton.

Karol Czarnecki, of Weedon Road, Northampton.

Simon Edwards, aged 26, of Garfield Street, Northampton.

Mihai Gabriel, aged 38, of The Old Wood Yard, Silverstone.

Pertru Gheorghe, aged 56, of Eastern Avenue South, Northampton.

Kevin Hale, aged 32, of Nicholls Court, Northampton.

Florantin Ionesou, of Baukewell Court, Northampton

Patrycji Jacklewicz, aged 23, of Elizabeth Walk, Northampton

Rebbecca Jarvis, aged 19, of Fish Street, Northampton

David Long, aged 21, of Brookfield Road, Northampton

Antony Machapo, of Amber Close, Northampton

Richard Massie, aged 27, of Drayton Walk, Northampton

Jamie O’Reilly, aged 28, of Broadmead Avenue, Northampton

Gabriel Petre, aged 37, of Arrowhead Road, Northampton.

Helena Puchalska, aged 26, of Sherif Road, Northampton

Lonut Radoi, aged 41, of Far Meadow Court, Northampton

Lucian Radulescu, aged 35, of Merthyr Road, Northampton

Allana Rothnie, aged 36, of Beech Avenue, Northampton

Petter Stewarts, of Reynard Way, Northampton.

Andrew Tee, of George’s Avenue, Northampton

Talal Tounsi, aged 70 of Alpha House, Northampton

Strong winds are set to hit the UK on Sunday (March 3), bringing travel disruption and possible dangerous conditions.

The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning to parts of South East England from 3pm on Sunday until 6am on Monday (4 March), including Northamptonshire.

The Met Office said: “Storm Freya will bring very strong winds, with some travel disruption and possible dangerous conditions late Sunday and into Monday.”

“Storm Freya is expected to push quickly north-east across parts of England, Wales and southern Scotland through Sunday afternoon and evening, before clearing into the North Sea through the early part of Monday.

“Gusts of 55-65 mph are likely widely, with the potential for gusts of 70-80 mph for coastal parts of Devon and Cornwall, as well as Irish Sea coasts of Wales and north-west England.”

What to expect from this yellow weather warning:

- Injuries and danger to life from flying debris are possible

- Some damage to buildings and trees, such as tiles blown from roofs and fallen branches, could happen

- Road, rail, air and ferry services may be affected, with longer journey times and cancellations possible

- Some roads and bridges may close

- Power cuts may occur, with the potential to affect other services, such as mobile phone coverage

- Injuries and danger to life could occur from large waves and beach material being thrown onto sea fronts, coastal roads and properties

Former Saints centre Rob Horne has been hailed for 'setting a fantastic example' during a successful stint with Australia's sevens side.

And coach Tim Walsh is now hoping to convince the former Wallaby to be involved with the team on a more regular basis after an impressive managerial debut.

Horne suffered full paralysis of his right arm during the opening 13 seconds of Saints' derby-day win at Leicester Tigers in April last year.

He was forced to retire from rugby at the age of just 28, but still ended the season as Saints' top try scorer, scooping the players' and supporters' player of the year prizes at the end of his one and only campaign in Northampton.

He was a hugely popular figure at Franklin's Gardens and he is now showing his leadership qualities again back in his homeland.

Horne was with the Australia sevens side in New Zealand in January, and is this week in Las Vegas for round five of the World Series.

The 34-cap Wallabies back was at the centre of a special jersey presentation on top of Hoover Dam on Tuesday.

Horne gave a stirring speech about seizing opportunity, and coach Walsh has been delighted with the work he is doing.

"Initially my plan was to get Classic Wallabies and Classic Sevens players, each with their own perspective," Walsh explained. "Guys who had been there and done that, who could add different things.

“But then when ‘Hornet' came away, he really balanced the staff for us. Hoilesy (assistant coach Stephen Holies), myself and Hornet, we almost had different skills. We combined well.

"He is a very wise man, beyond his years, and is straight up honest. He’s pretty black and white, and the boys were attracted to his style straight away.

"He’s going really well. He has been a massive asset, and we are trying to convince him to come on a lot more.”

Horne was often hailed for his ability to lead at Saints, and he was given the captaincy for the first time on that fateful day at Welford Road last April.

He has continued to pass on his wisdom now he is back in Australia.

And Walsh said: "He doesn’t overplay it. He hasn’t been watching and playing sevens for the last 10 years, like I have.

"But he is able to offer things, and that’s what I wanted these guys to bring. Things like preparation, the ability to deal with pressure, and some rugby things too.

"What’s a thing great, and I know as a player from what people told me, he was meticulous in his preparation and as a manager he is always ahead of the schedule. He is wanting detail. He is amazing from a manager point of view.

"He is super competitive, as we all are. He just doesn’t tolerate us not performing to our potential. They’re the standards we try to drive in this team.”

Horne’s example of getting on with life is something that Walsh sees as valuable to the team.

He added: "Rob has gone through different emotional rollercoasters to get to where he is, but he can have a joke and a laugh and talk about things.

"It’s the nature of Rob. Some people might have drifted away (after a serious injury).

“But he has so much to offer and he is generous and hard-working. It is almost a no-brainer to have him involved in Australian rugby, and sevens is the beneficiary of it at the moment. Long may it continue.

"We would love to get some better results for ourselves to rejoice in but we’ll keep working.

"When you look to what the team needed, and still needs, he has it. We are chasing resilience, consistency and being that ruthless player. The way Rob played really.

"And to be adaptive to any situation, which more so than anyone, Rob is dealing with.

"And setting a fantastic example.”

Northamptonshire County Council is set to save more than £300,000 in concessionary fares payments after it cut its subsidised bus routes across the county.

21 routes were pulled from the bus network last summer after the cash strapped council decided it could no longer afford to put in funds to keep the services running.

Routes such as the 67 from Gretton To Market Harborough, the W8 from Bozeat to Wellingborough and the 60 from Welford to Northampton had their funding pulled as part of the money saving move. The decision was hugely unpopular and police even had to be called to a protest about the ending of the number 34 that took passengers between Wellingborough and Kettering.

The authority, which on the homestraight to setting a balanced budget, is now predicting that it will make a £323,000 saving this financial year through a reduction in the number of concessionary fare users riding on buses in the county. It will also to save a further £853,000 by the reduction in the subsidy network.

A spokesman for the council said: “While the reduction is partly due to the withdrawal of subsidised services, it also reflects a gradual decline of use of concessionary passes from 6.1million journeys in Northamptonshire in 2013/14 to 5.4million journeys in 2017/18 and continuing. The reasons for this will include the increase in the age of eligibility, but also factors like the price of fuel having reduced in real terms, and reduced cost of parking.”

Concessionary fares give free travel for the over 65s and people with certain disabilities.

Bus operators send data about the number of concessionary journeys through to the county council’s transport team each month which then uses a complex formula to calculate the amount it will pay the bus company.

Northamptonshire County Council says that on average it pays the bus operator about half of the full fare.

The heavily-congested Harlestone Road, which carries a large amount of the traffic that runs through St James, has been placed at number five on a list of areas for producing the poisonous diesel by-product Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2).

The west Northampton road reportedly puts out an annual average 54.7ug/m3 (micrograms per metre squared) of the pollutant - well over the EU statutory cap of 40ug/m3.

The research comes from air quality charity Friends of the Earth, who are calling for more Clean Air Zones to be created that penalise pollutant vehicles and monitor air particulates.

It comes after the borough council proposed to create an 'Air Quality Management Area' for the entire town centre and published a list of 10 'areas of concern' in the town for pollution. Harlestone Road was on this list.

And a report in 2017 linked 'one-in-20' deaths in Northampton to air pollutants like NO2.

Richard Dyer, East Midlands campaign organiser at Friends of the Earth, said: “It’s unforgivable to see many locations across the region over air quality limits, leaving thousands of us breathing dangerously polluted air.

“Air pollution is often an issue thought of as affecting only the biggest cities. The reality is that unacceptably toxic air can be found across much of the UK. even in smaller towns. It is harming the health of people across the country and is especially bad for young children whose lungs are still developing.

“The government needs to step up and do more to deal with this air pollution crisis – they can’t just carry on leaving the difficult decisions with local authorities, many of which are severely under-resourced.”

The Borough council's clean up strategy, which came into effect last year, aims to phase out all diesel taxis by 2025.

Two teenage girls have admitted attacking a 14-year-old in Daventry and have been charged with common assault.

The 13-year-old and 14-year-old, both from Daventry, attacked the teenager in Borough Hill on Friday, February 1.

Sergeant Sam Dobbs, from the Daventry Neighbourhood Team, said: "This was a shocking attack, in which these teenagers seemingly failed to appreciate that kicking someone on the ground can cause serious injury.

"I hope their experience of the court system will impress upon them how serious this was, and encourage them to make better decisions about their behaviour in future.

"We have too many live investigations into such assaults, and if these serious lessons are not learnt, life-changing or life-threatening injuries will be caused to someone’s loved one, ruining the lives of the victim and the offenders."

Appearing at Northampton Youth Court on February 19, both pleaded guilty and were each ordered to pay £100 compensation, a £20 victim surcharge, and given nine-month referral orders.

Because of their age, neither can be named for legal reasons.

A referral order sees the offender appear before a panel made up of community volunteers who agree a contract of work which the child must follow, with a focus on restorative justice.

Defender Charlie Goode has quickly settled into life at the PTS Academy Stadium, but admits it is a case of ‘wait and see’ as to whether or not he will be extending his stay at the Cobblers beyond the end of this season.

A deadline day loan signing from Sky Bet League One side Scunthorpe United last month, the 23-year-old has rapidly cemented his position as a key cog in Town’s defensive unit.

The horror show of his debut aside, when Colchester United romped to a 4-0 win on a grim afternoon at the PTS, Goode has been part of a much-improved Town side, who made it four matches unbeaten with Saturday’s dramatic 2-1 win at Stevenage.

He says he is enjoying his time with the Cobblers, but the Watford-born stopper has a year remaining on his contract at Glanford Park.

He admits he is unsure where his future lies after going through what he describes as ‘a strange situation’ with the Iron.

Goode was a regular in the Scunthorpe team until a 2-0 win at Peterborough United on New Year’s Day, but was then cut out of the first team picture by boss Stuart McCall, and that resulted in him joining Town on loan on January 31.

“My contract is not up at the end of this season, I have another year at Scunthorpe.” said Goode. “So we will have to wait and see what happens in the summer, and only time will tell.

“Football changes very quickly, and it was a strange situation at Scunthorpe, having played so much already.

“But as a young enough player I want to play, and that was the main thing for me.”

Asked to explain what happened to him at Scunthorpe, where Goode had made 25 first-team apperances by the turn of the year before finding himself sidelined, the player said: “It is hard to say what happened, and the fact is that timing in football sometimes is a bit of a killer.

“We brought in a few players in my position, and then I picked up a little niggle at a bad time.

“It then worked out that I was missing out on playing, and I am the type who doesn’t want to do that, because as long as I am playing then I am happy.”

And he is certainly happy at the moment, although he admitted the stress and strain of making a deadline day move is not something he will want to do again in a hurry!

“It was my first experience of a transfer on deadline day, and it was a weird one that I will try not to go through again if I can help it,” admitted Goode.

“But when Keith Curle called me we got on really well, and hopefully I am repaying him now and showing why he brought me here.”

Goode started out his Town career in central defence, but has moved to right-back for the past couple of games and has settled smoothly into the position.

He says he ‘doesn’t have a problem’ with doing that, and admits ‘wherever I am told to play I will do a job there’.

Goode seems to have struck up an instant rapport with fellow defenders Ash Taylor, Aaron Pierre and David Buchanan, as well as goalkeeper David Cornell, and feels things have really clicked at the back.

“The first result was nowhere near good enough at home, but we have followed it up with some good results and we look very solid at the minute,” said Goode.

“Even at Stevenage at the weekend, we have conceded one goal, but I didn’t really feel we were in any danger throughout the game.

“We certainly weren’t getting cut open like we did in that first game after I came to the club, and as a defender that is what you want.”

The Cobblers return to action this Saturday when they travel to Crewe Alexandra, and Goode is confident the team can pick up another win to see them further close the gap between them and the top half of the league two table.

Crewe are two places above the Cobblers in 14th place, but they are four points better off,

while 12th-placed Swindon have five more points than Town.

It means the top half is in reach, and Goode said: “Hopefully we can pick up another win.

“We sort of closed that gap that was between us and about three or four teams above, so if we can get another win we can start looking up again.”

Set in working class Sheffield - flamboyant Jamie knows he’s not destined to be the forklift truck driver his careers’ teacher told him to be. Instead he sets his sights high for drag queen stardom - as Mimi Me - where he debuts on stage at Legs Eleven bar.

Through Northamptonshire-born Tom McRae's brilliant storytelling, the show takes emotional twists and turns from start to finish. The 39-year-old television writer from Weedon Bec not only wrote the script but he nailed all the lyrics for the musical too, which debuted in February 2017 in Sheffield and is based on the true story of a 16-year-old drag queen. Tom attended Weedon Bec Primary School and later Campion School in Bugbrooke.

Flamboyant Jamie, who lives on a council estate, is faced head-on throughout the show with bigotry from his classmates, and secondary school teacher, before he seeks artistic help and advice from Shane Richie’s character, Hugo, at the wittily named 'Victor’s Secret' shop. This gag didn't go wasted on the rows of Americans sat front of me.

Unlike the rest of the audience, though, they didn’t titter much when Jamie told his co-star Sabrina Sandhu - who plays the understated Pritti Pasha - he used to dress up as Carol Vorderman.

Revived drag queen, Loco Channell (aka Hugo), takes Jamie under his wing and is a guiding light for the youngster who has spent years not knowing how bold and brilliant he really is.

With the help of Ms Channel and the unconditional love of his mum Margaret, the sensational and utterly relatable Rebecca McKinnis, he finds his sparkle when he finally decides on his drag artist name. Jamie takes to the stage dolled up to the nines in his birthday heels - which his mum scrimped to buy - and he gives the bullies a performance to make them quake in their (high-street) boots.

Through the two hour show, it follows the polar opposite relationships the sassy teenager has between his separated mum and dad.

Jamie falls on hard times when his dad disowns him - but his mums’ hysterically funny pal, Ray, played by the talented Sejal Keshwala, is constantly there to pick up the mood of the show making welcomed light of some of the darkest parts. She becomes the dad he never had.

The final hurdle in Jamie’s time at school is being accepted at prom in a dress, albeit toned down from Mimi Me's satin red number. After initially being turned away at the school dance doors by mean Miss Hedge, played by Hayley Tammadon, his friends show solidarity and rally round him to make sure he gets a night to remember.

The casting in this show is immense. Lead Layton Williams is sublime throughout and knows how to make an audience feel relaxed.

His natural comedic ability sent belly laughs roaring through the Apollo auditorium while some of his more stirring scenes brought the three-tier audience to compelled silence.

The ensemble deserve a nod too. It was appreciated that they were given the opportunity to, uniquely, have their own lines and showcase themselves as individuals - which is ultimately the underlying message of the show.

Staging was inventive throughout, songs were a strong toe-tapping level of catchy and I left the theatre feeling better than when I walked in.

The all-singing-all-dancing-spectacle captures all the best bits of British humour and is a must watch for the whole family.

Conmen pretending to be Metropolitan Police officers have scammed people from Northamptonshire into handing over cash.

Police have issued a warning after several reports from local people about the phone scam which has resulted in them losing money to the tricksters.

The victims have received a call from someone pretending to be a police officer from the Metropolitan Police.

To substantiate this claim, the caller might be able to confirm some easily obtainable basic details about the victim such as their full name and address.

They may also offer a telephone number for the victim to call to check that they are genuine; this number is not genuine and simply redirects to the fraudster who pretends to be a different person.

After some trust has been established, the fraudster will then, for example, suggest;

- Some money has been removed from a victim’s bank account and staff at their local bank branch are responsible.

- Suspects have already been arrested but the “police” need money for evidence.

- A business such as a jewellers or currency exchange is operating fraudulently and they require assistance to help secure evidence.

Victims are then asked to cooperate in an investigation by attending their bank and withdrawing money, withdrawing foreign currency from an exchange or purchasing an expensive item to hand over to a courier for examination who will also be a fraudster. Again, to reassure the victim, a safe word might be communicated to the victim so the courier appears genuine.

At the time of handover, unsuspecting victims are promised the money they’ve handed over or spent will be reimbursed but in reality there is no further contact and the money is never seen again.

Anyone who may be vulnerable to this type of scam can protect themselves by remembering that their bank of the police will never

- Phone and ask for your PIN or full banking password.

- Ask you to withdraw money to hand over to them for safe-keeping, or send someone to your home to collect cash, PIN, cards or cheque books if you are a victim of fraud.

Don’t assume an email or phone call is authentic. Just because someone knows your basic details (such as your name and address or even your mother’s maiden name), it doesn’t mean they are genuine. Be mindful of who you trust – criminals may try and trick you into their confidence by telling you that you’ve been a victim of fraud.