The Government has said no to a request by Northamptonshire County Council for extra time to sort out its early years budget.

After a backlash from childminders and nurseries about how a £1.5m funding reduction was divided up between providers, the county council said it would approach the Department for Education to get a time extension in order to sort out the issue.

But the DfE has not given the under-pressure council extra time and so a new proposal will be put before an extraordinary schools forum meeting next Friday (March 29).

Details on what the authority is proposing have not yet been made public, but it understood the council will now look at removing a 14p subsidy that each provider gets to help meet special education need provision costs. There will also likely be a cut to central costs.

Director of children’s services Sally Hodges will make the decision whether to run with the controversial original proposal – which would have had a big impact on the most qualified providers – or to go forward with this second proposal.

Manager of a nursery in Dodford Rachel Hutchinson said she does feel that the authority has this time listened to the concerns of early years providers but the ‘proof will be in the pudding’ when the report papers are published on Tuesday.

She said: “It is a double edged sword really. After the past 18 months of incorrect payments we now have to face this. The council has left it right up to the last minute so we have not had time to prepare ourselves.

“We are still facing a cut and will have to look at our budgets.”

A spokesman for the council said: “An extension to the DfE budget deadline has not been secured. We are however discussing this matter further at an extraordinary meeting of the schools forum next Friday where final proposals will be discussed and we will hopefully be in a position to set the budget within the required timescale.”

A growing number of councils across the UK are developing planning policies to restrict the number of hot food takeaways near places where young people congregate, with the aim of preventing obesity and unhealthy diets.

And while it has not committed to such a policy just yet, South Northamptonshire Council has agreed to look at whether there is enough evidence to potentially implement any restrictions in the future.

There has been an overall increase in the percentage of children in the area classified as ‘overweight’ from 2006-07 through to 2012-13 for both four to five-year-olds and ten to 11-year olds, while 68.2 per cent of adults in South Northamptonshire carry excess weight, which is higher than the national average of 65 per cent.

In 2010, Barking and Dagenham became the first UK council to try to limit the number of fast food outlets.

Now, about 20 local authorities in England have adopted similar policies, with nearby Milton Keynes now also exploring the possibility of a ban near schools.

The subject was discussed at the latest planning policy committee meeting at The Forum in Towcester on Wednesday evening (March 20). But some councillors had concerns over the idea.

Councillor Elaine Wiltshire felt that to include parks within the policy could potentially cause some problems.

She said: “You look at Brackley High Street and you have a Domino’s and a cafe that most of the sixth form students use. Some schools don’t have kitchens where they can get their lunch.

“But we have to be careful with parks. If you have a cafe next to a park then you need these cafes to encourage people to use the parks.”

And Councillor Sandi Smallman said: “I’m not sure we need to be that much of a nanny state. Where do you draw the line? I think this is something we could do without.”

But portfolio holder for planning, Councillor Roger Clarke, said introducing such a policy into the area’s Local Plan was ‘the right thing to do’.

In September 2017 on average 2.6 takeaways were located 400 metres from a school in England, compared with 2.3 in June 2014. This has resulted in about a quarter of the UK’s takeaways being located within a five-minute walk of a school.

The friends and family of Reece Ottaway who was killed last month rallied together to see his dream car project finished in time to join his funeral procession.

The 23-year-old car enthusiast died as the result of a stab wound at Cordwainer House, Byfield Road, in St James, on February 1 and his funeral was held in Rugby today (March 22).

Friends and family joined together to transform Reece's incomplete car project, a 1992 Nissan Micra, into a show-ready specimen in time for it to lead mourners in his funeral procession through the streets of Rugby.

His mother Charlotte Marshall said: "Reece’s dream is his Nissan Micra project car that was sitting in a garage as a bare shell with no wheels when Reece died.

"Reece had so many hopes and dreams for his car but they didn’t materialise, so we decided to make his dream come true and have been working on his car since the day after he died, with the help of friends and family.

"We have also had help from local and national businesses donating parts or services. It has had a full respray, new wheels and memorial seats among other things.

"We hope we are making him proud by doing this for him."

Reece's coffin, transported by horse and carriage, was at the front of the procession as it set off from Rugby Funeral Home on Hillmorton Road and made its way through the town centre.

The procession ended at Rainsbrook Crematorium for the funeral - where the family were expecting up to 500 people for the service and wake.

Saints produced a sensational derby-day display as they cut Leicester Tigers apart to claim a stunning 29-15 win at Welford Road on Friday night.

It was the second season in succession that the black, green and gold had won at the home of their rivals, but this was far more clear-cut than the 27-21 triumph last April.

Saints were in control from start to finish as two Tom Collins tries and one from man of the match Cobus Reinach propelled them into a lead that they never looked likely to relinquish.

Dan Biggar added 14 points with the boot as Leicester were left totally deflated by their old foes, who had produced one of the best away displays in the club's history.

The only disappointment for Saints was that they didn't manage to claim the try bonus point on a night when they were totally dominant.

But another win at Welford Road was more than satisfactory as they moved up to fifth in the Gallagher Premiership, just five points behind fourth-placed Gloucester.

Saints had gone into the derby on the back of winning the Premiership Rugby Cup at Franklin's Gardens last Sunday.

And they showed their belief early on, getting off to a flying start as Ahsee Tuala sent Collins through a gap and the speedy wing tormented the Tigers defence before setting the onrushing Reinach free to score his 15th try of the season.

Boos rang out as the Tigers fans felt Taqele Naiyaravoro had knocked the ball on near his own 22 in the build-up, but it wasn't given by referee Wayne Barnes and Saints led 5-0, with Biggar having sent the conversion just to the left of the posts.

Tigers threatened to respond immediately but Reinach was in action at the other end, making a brilliant last-ditch tackle to stop Sam Aspland-Robinson scoring in the corner.

Saints were suddenly under siege and after Naiyaravoro knocked the ball out of play, Tigers ramped up the pressure, winning a penalty, which George Ford kicked.

But after Mike Williams cynically killed the ball with Saints on the charge again, the Leicester flanker was sent to the sin bin.

Biggar kicked the resulting penalty and he was soon converting a Collins score as Saints once again scythed through the home side, with Rory Hutchinson opening the door superbly.

There were grumbles of discontent among the home fans as their side found themselves 15-3 down, and those groans grew louder when Saints put together another masterpiece before the break.

Teimana Harrison made a huge break and Hutchinson lofted an eye-catching long pass out to Naiyaravoro, with the big winger doing really well to get his offload away to the waiting Collins before being bundled out of play. Collins did the rest.

Biggar sent the conversion wide, but Saints led 20-3 with seconds to go in the first half.

There was still time for some Tigers pressure, but Saints won a key penalty at the home side's scrum to bring an end to an incredible first half.

And there was another black, green and gold penalty early in the second period, allowing Biggar to extend the lead to 23-3.

The fly-half was soon adding another three points to the tally after Dan Cole was sin-binned for slapping the ball out of Reinach's hands just in front of the posts.

Leicester were really struggling with their discipline, giving away penalty after penalty.

Biggar slotted another kick to make it 29-3 and the Saints voices were the only ones that could be heard at a largely gloomy Welford Road.

The bonus point was almost secured when Biggar dotted down, but Alex Moon's final pass to the fly-half was rightly deemed forward and there was no try.

Saints were still in control but Tigers eventually managed to find a way through the resilient away defence as Ford danced across the line and spotted a gap to score.

The fly-half converted to cut the gap to 19 points with little more than 12 minutes remaining.

And after Jamie Gibson was sin-binned late on, Youngs managed to muscle his way over.

But there was more of a grimace than a celebration from the Tigers skipper at the end of an awful night for his team.

Saints didn't care though as they celebrated again at Welford Road.

Leicester Tigers: Olowofela; Aspland-Robinson, Tuilagi (Owen 69), Eastmond (Toomua 40), May; Ford, Harrison; Genge (Gigena 72), T Youngs (c), Cole (Heyes 78); Spencer, Kitchener; Williams (Kerr 70), O'Connor (Fitzgerald 61), Thompson.

Saints: Tuala; Collins, Hutchinson, Francis, Naiyaravoro (Furbank 57); Biggar, Reinach (Mitchell 67); Van Wyk (Waller 40), Fish (Marshall 65), Hill (Franks 62); Moon, Ratuniyarawa (Craig 74); Gibson, Brüssow (Wood 62), Harrison (c).

Referee: Wayne Barnes

Chris Boyd was left to reflect on a 'very memorable' first trip to Welford Road after the Saints boss saw his side claim a superb 29-15 win on Friday night.

A Tom Collins double added to Cobus Reinach's opener as the black, green and gold produced a comprehensive Gallagher Premiership performance.

Leicester were unable to really threaten Saints but the home side did eventually grab a couple of tries, through George Ford and Tom Youngs.

The game was gone by then though, and Boyd was delighted with what he saw from his team, who won at the home of their local rivals for the second season in succession.

"It's my first experience of Welford Road and it's a very memorable one," said Boyd, who arrived at Saints from Super Rugby side the Hurricanes last summer.

"It's a good victory and we'll enjoy it, but a good performance is even more enjoyable.

"For 60 minutes we were pretty tidy.

"They needed the points like we did and after winning the Premiership Rugby Cup last weekend, it's been a good few days for us."

Leicester had brought back five England internationals for the game.

But they were no match for a slick and motivated Saints side.

And Boyd says he and his coaches could feel a good performance was coming after the teams warmed up at Welford Road.

"I knew we would have to play really well to beat them because on paper they're a really good side," Boyd said.

"I was genuinely nervous but when we came out and warmed up we had a real edge.

"That first 40 minutes was a result of what happened in the 20 minutes before the start of the game.

"It was really great to see."

JANUARY 14

Julian Vanrooyen, aged 40, of Chalcombe Avenue, Northampton, no insurance; fined £660, surcharge £66, costs £85, licence endorsed with six points.

John Warwick, aged 57, of London Road, Northampton, no insurance; fined £660, surcharge £66, costs £85, licence endorsed with seven points.

Daniel Adeshoken, aged 23, of Norton Road, Northampton, parked a car causing an obstruction; fined £220, surcharge £30, costs £85.

Olubenga Bakare, aged 51, of Spence House, Northampton, no insurance; fined £660, surcharge £66, costs £85, licence endorsed with eight points.

Dimitrie Caldare, aged 32, of Brickwell Court, Northampton, no insurance; fined £660, surcharge £66, costs £85, licence endorsed with seven points.

Roksana Drewing, aged 25, of Greenfield Avenue, Northampton, no insurance; fined £346, surcharge £34, licence endorsed with six points.

Lucian Dumitru, aged 38, of Booth Meadow Court, Northampton, driving not in accordance with a licence; fined £220, surcharge £30, costs £85.

Pedro Fernandez, aged 35, of St James Road, Northampton, driving while using a mobile phone; fined £150, surcharge £30, costs £85, licence endorsed with six points.

George Gheorge, aged 23, of Parva Court, Northampton, driving not in accordance with a licence; fined £220, surcharge £30, costs £85, licence endorsed with three points.

Muhammad Hussain, aged 20, of Church Green, Northampton, no insurance; fined £110, surcharge £30, costs £85, licence endorsed with six points.

Samantha Mitchell, aged 33, of Cutler Close, Northampton, went through a no right turn signal; fined £220, surcharge £30, costs £85.

Nicholas Panayis, aged 59, of Magee Street, Northampton, no insurance; fined £660, surcharge £66, costs £85, licence endorsed with seven points.

Vanika Patel, aged 31, of Prescott Close, Northampton, driving while using a mobile phone; fined £220, surcharge £30, costs £85, licence endorsed with six points.

Itumeleng Pharela, aged 30, of Billing Road, Northampton, no insurance; fined £660, surcharge £66, costs £85, licence endorsed with six points.

Mihai Racu, aged 26, of Cranstoun Street, Northampton, no insurance; fined £660, surcharge £60, costs £85, licence endorsed with six points.

Henry Sakala, aged 22, of Norton Road, Northampton, driving at 39mph in a 30mph zone; fined £220, surcharge £30, costs £85, licence endorsed with three points.

Darren Smith, aged 52, of Firecrest Walk, Northampton, failed to identify a driver; fined £660, surcharge £66, costs £85, licence endorsed with six points.

Matthew Smith, aged 32, of Sir John Pascoe Way, Northampton, no insurance; fined £660, surcharge £66, costs £85, licence endorsed with six points.

Zuhaeb Syed, aged 27, of Conyngham Road, Northampton, drove a vehicle where number plates were tinted; fined £36, surcharge £30, costs £85.

Marc Thorp, aged 33, of Cameron Close, Northampton, driving at 51mph in a 30mph zone; fined £369, surcharge £36, costs £85, licence endorsed with six points.

Dean Travill, aged 29, of Rockingham Road, Northampton, no insurance; fined £300, surcharge £30, costs £85, licence endorsed with six points.

Mark Ure, aged 39, of Bidders Close, Northampton, no insurance; fined £660, surcharge £66, costs £85, licence endorsed with six points.

Mary Laffan, aged 70, of Bloomsbury House, Northampton, driving at 60mph in a 50mph zone; fined £20, surcharge £30, costs £85, banned from driving for six months.

Nyasha Manatsa, aged 24, of Brook Street, Northampton, driving while using a mobile phone; fined £220, surcharge £30, costs £85, banned from driving for 12 months.

Alexander Moxon, aged 34, of Byfield Road, Northampton, failed to give information relating to the identity of a driver; fined £660, surcharge £66, costs £85, banned from driving for six months.

Adrian Negrila, aged 26, of Dunster Street, Northampton, driving not in accordance with a licence; fined £220,
surcharge £30, costs £85, banned from driving for six months.

Phillip Njuguna, aged 45, of Lyttleton Road, Northampton, no insurance; fined £660, surcharge £66, costs £85, licence endorsed with eight points.

Abdul Rajjak, aged 27, of Baring Road, Northampton, driving while using a mobile phone; fined £220, surcharge £30, costs £85, banned from driving for 12 months.

James Marsh, aged 51, of Webb Drive, Northampton, damaged a car windscreen; fined £108, compensation £100, surcharge £30, costs £200.

Homeowners in Duston say they are facing 'ever-increasing' payouts to private management company Chamonix Estates.

The company are managing shared space for 20 households in Duston in lieu of the borough council or county council, and charge residents for groundskeeping services and maintenance.

At the end of 2018, households were paying £200 a year to the company to manage the spaces.

But now, residents have reacted angrily to a new letter through their doors saying Chamonix will bill them on average an extra £158 a year.

The cost has come after Chamonix founds they were responsible for maintaining automatic gates into the communities, and will now bill residents for the extra £3,177 needed to manage them.

Chamonix has told the Chronicle and Echo they plan to offer residents the option to decommission the gates so they do not have to pay for them. It is not known when this option will be available.

However, residents are upset at fresh hike to their bills.

One resident told the Chronicle and Echo: "You pay them in perpetuity to companies you have no say over.

"It's a licence to print money for little in return."

Residents have called the payments to Chamonix 'a second council tax' and have criticised the management company for adding new reasons to charge homeowners.

An email from Chamonix to a resident seen by the Chronicle and Echo claimed the company can 'demand these funds' because homeowners agreed to any new charges by the company when they signed their transfer documents.

Meanwhile, chair of Duston Labour Sandie Maitland has called a residents' meeting for April 9 at 7.30pm at the library on Pendle Road to discuss the payments.

She said: "I think it's morally indefensible. These charges affect people's income and residents are incensed because they have no power over how it's spent or what Chamonix do with it.

"I'm hoping we will get together and form a residents' group so they can enter into proper discussions."

New legislation has also meant the gates to the communities have been disabled until a risk assessment is carried out. One email from Chamonix to a resident called the gates a 'threat to life' in their current condition and said a contractor will be sent to address the issue.

The Student Nursing Times Awards 2019 has shortlisted St Andrew’s Healthcare and the University of Northampton in the ‘Partnership of the Year’ category.

The hospital has worked closely with the university over the last seven years to offer work placement and educational opportunities for student nurses.

It means healthcare assistants at the hospital can undertake a special admissions module to gain entry into the second year at the University of Northampton's Mental and Learning Disability Nursing degree - which earns them a nursing degree in two years.

While studying, St Andrew's also pays a £15,313 per annum salary.

In addition, last year saw the first cohort of Trainee Nursing Associates (TNA). This is a level 5 qualification and meets the need for highly trained and competent staff to bridge the gap between Healthcare Assistants and registered nurses.

This programme is approved and awarded through the University of Northampton and on completion, staff will be able to register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council as Nursing Associates.

Ged Rogers, Clinical Education Manager for St Andrew’s Healthcare, said: “The educational and career opportunities we provide through this partnership are life-changing.

"It is an opportunity for Healthcare Assistants to be the best they can be. It makes us incredibly proud but also provides evidence that the ability is out there, you just need to give people the chance with an educational framework and support.

"It is great to have this hard work recognised and to be shortlisted for these awards.”

Donna Bray, Subject Lead for Nursing at the University of Northampton, added: “The close working relationship between the University and St. Andrew’s has yielded many success stories. For us to see the development of each new nursing and healthcare professional is reward enough, but it’s wonderful to also have this recognised with a nomination from the Student Nursing Times Awards.”

The winners will be announced at an afternoon ceremony in London on Friday 26 April. The 2019 shortlist is available on the Student Nursing Times Awards 2019 website.

For more information on the ASPIRE programme, visit the St Andrew's website.

If you feel like you constantly want help charities and make a difference on your doorstep then here's a local list of amazing groups who could all benefit from small handouts, or bigger cash donations.

***************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************

The Hope Centre

The Hope Centre offers help to vulnerable people who are in unstable accommodation by providing services such as food and clothing to people in extreme poverty and with complex disadvantages, including problems of homelessness, drugs and alcohol and mental health.

Their aim is to help their clients become employable through skills and training.

How can I make a donation?

Time: Donations of time in the form of volunteering of specific skills: marketing, accountancy, administration, shop retail, clothes sorting, driving (collections and distribution), gardening, warehouse management.

Clothes: Clothes for homeless people to wear and for our charity shop to raise money for what we do. New or used clean underwear

Food: Food is needed for their day centre and food club, which include: rice, tea, fresh vegetables and fruit, milk, eggs, bacon and sausages, cheese, bread, cereals, tinned or jars of sauces – for pasta etc, tinned meat and fish, toilet roll, squash.

Garden tools: Old garden tools for recycling are needed for their club. Handles and shafts can be broken but metal must be good/repairable.

Also racking is in need for their warehouses and storerooms.

If you want to donate money online click here.

If you can help call 01604 214300 or email fundraising@northamptonhopecentre.org.uk

*****************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************

Northamptonshire Health Charitable Fund

NHCF are the registered charity for Northampton General Hospital and the Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trustm who aims to enhance patient experience beyond what the NHS can fund.

They exist to make things better for patients, their families and the staff who treat them by providing cash for important equipment, research and all the important extras that make our hospitals and community services so special.

How can I make a donation?

The volunteer service at NGH offers a vital buggy service to patients and visitors which makes an incredible 260 journeys per week. NHCF need to replace one of the older buggies so that the service is not suspended for good.

Unfortunately, they can’t have just an ordinary golf buggy due to the narrow corridors and tight corners in the hospital. So the buggy needed has to be made to measure for the hospital. NHCF are working with a company to build a bespoke buggy so that is it perfect for the job in hand. Having a buggy service at NGH means that not only patients and visitors, who are less able to walk the distance to appointments or to be with loved ones, are assisted, but the buggy also helps people feel less anxious about attending their appointments.

If you want to donate to this cause:

££ Cash ££ – At the cashiers office, Billing Road entrance to the hospital (please quote Volunteers Buggy)

Cheque – Made payable to NHCF (volunteers buggy)

You can call the charity on 01604 626927 if you have any queries or email greenheart@nhcf.co.uk

******************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************

Cynthia Spencer

Cynthia Spencer Hospice provides specialist palliative care services for South Northamptonshire, and their sister hospice, Cransley Hospice provides similar services for the north of the county.

How can I make a donation?

A really important area of fundraising for Cynthia Spencer Hospice and Cransley Hospice is regular giving.

The team ask for small amounts to be donated to the hospice regularly, which will help their care teams to be able to better plan budgets in advance and therefore enable them to make long-term improvements to the care and support they give to patients and their families.

Despite the stability that these donations give the hospice and the costly cheque processing costs that they save, regular gifts form just one per cent of the donations the hospice currently receives.

There’s information on their website about how people can set up a regular donation, both online or using a downloaded paper form.

To donate £5 a month online, click here.

To download a direct debit form, click here.

*******************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************

The Lewis Foundation

The Lewis Foundation was set up after Lorraine Lewis and her husband Lee spent a significant amount of time at the Talbot Butler Ward at Northampton General Hospital where Lorraine's mother-in-law Janice was receiving treatment.

They noticed how sad and bored patients looked on the wards and in the private rooms when they were on their own, without family and friends.

The couple spoke about what they could do to give patients something to look forward to, to take their minds off their illness and the seemingly endless treatments. Drawing from their own personal experiences, they knew that for patients and their families struggle financially, emotionally and physically throughout the treatment phase.

How can I make a donation?

The Lewis Foundation provides a free gift pack to adults receiving treatment for cancer in hospital. This is to keep people occupied during treatment and have something nice to look forward to.

Puzzle books, playing cards, cross stitch kits, knitting kits, brand new magazines, razors and shaving gel, deodorant, anti-bacterial gel, eye masks and ear plugs, adult colouring books, notebooks and pens, pocket mirror, hard boiled sweets, portable radio or CD player, blankets and neck pillows.

Each gift pack costs £3.60 per pack and readers can donate here: www.justgiving.com/lewis-foundation

Contact number: 07528167341

Email: thelewisfoundation@outlook.com

*********************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************

Baby Basics Northampton

Baby Basics Northampton relies on the generosity of the community to donate items for disadvantaged families, including basics for mum and newborn essentials, which they pack in Moses baskets and gift to mums in need in Northamptonshire.

The charity - which was first established in Grange Park in 2012 - works with midwives, health visitors and other professionals to make sure the starter packs are referred appropriately.

Baby Basics' supplies often mums if they are fleeing domestic violence if they are a refugee, or trying to break the cycle of crime.

How can I make a donation?

Currently, the charity is in need of Moses baskets, towels and muslin swaddles.

For the babies, they require baby sponges, cotton wool, baby lotion, nappy sacks, bottle brushes and toothbrushes and paste from birth.

For mums, toiletries are needed, which include such as breast and maternity pads, shampoo and conditioner, toothbrush and paste.

If you want to drop your items off in person then you can visit:

Kairos Centre, Wilks Walk, Grange Park, NN4 5DW (between 9.30am-12.30 noon, on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday).

Emmanuel Church, Weston Favell Shopping Centre, NN3 8JR (Monday to Friday from 10am to 2pm).

The Entertainer Toy Shop, The Grosvenor Centre, 29/31 Princes Walk, Northampton, NN1 2EL (Saturdays only from 9am to 6pm).

If you want to donate money online you can do so here: localgiving.org/charity/babybasicsnorthampton/

*********************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************

Weston Favell Centre Food Bank

In 2018, 1,076 food parcels were handed out by Emmanuel Church, in Weston Favell Shopping Centre, to people in the Eastern District of Northampton who are in poverty. These parcels, on average, would have fed a family of three, which is 3,228 people for three days at a time.

The provision of hot meals handed out by Cafe Emm to Weston Favell Centre Food Bank users has also seen a year-on-year increase of 232 per cent. This money was spent on 142 food bank users who access Weston Favell Centre Food Bank, giving them a slice of toast and a cup of tea, some of whom have not eaten for a few days.

But it is not just emergency food parcels and hot meals they fund. In January this year, £852 has been spent almost entirely on helping people in fuel poverty, but the food bank now even pays for pet food and clothes if people are in need.

What can I donate?

While the the food bank is really appreciative of all donations, at the moment it really needs tinned meat and fish, granulated sugar, cooking oil, salt, tinned fruit, razors, shower gel and washing powder.

To donate cash, click here: localgiving.org/charity/weston-favell-centre-foodbank/

To donate food visit:

- Emmanuel Church, Weston Favell Centre, NN3 8JR

- Tesco Northampton South Extra, Clannell Road, Northampton, open 24 hours.

- Waitrose Wootton ,Newport Pagnell Road , Northampton, 7am - 10pm.

- Waitrose Kingsthorpe , Harborough Road , Northampton, from 8am – 9pm.

Email: info@westonfavellcentre.foodbank.org.uk

Call: 01604 402150

*********************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************

If you are a Northampton-based charity and would like to be added to the list then email: carly.roberts@jpimedia.co.uk

Northampton North MP Michael Ellis, who described himself as a "reluctant remainer" before the 2016 vote, said he feared Brexit was "in jeopardy" and that Parliament may well reverse the referendum result.

If that happened he said that thousands living in Northampton, which backed Leave by 61,454 votes to 43,805, would not stand for it.

"I think they would be appalled and they would be right to be appalled," he said.

"I don't think Theresa May's deal is perfect but we need to understand that compromise is essential to make progress and deliver Brexit.

"If we hold out for 100 per cent perfection there's a risk of those who want to block Brexit, and there are many of them in Parliament, being able to do so."

Although Mr Ellis wants Theresa May's deal to be passed next week - and he intends to vote in favour for a third time - he said he isn't afraid of a No Deal scenario.

He said: "I think No Deal would not be an optimum result.

"I think there would be difficulties and I don't want No Deal but I have great faith and confidence in the British people.

"My preference would be a deal but it would be wrong to take No Deal off the table."

Mr Ellis said the overwhelming feeling on the doorstep in Northampton was that people were completely fed up of MPs being unable to agree.

He said: "I think the people of Northampton believe Parliament has not handled the process well and I think they would be right.

"It has been a failure of Parliament to agree a deal. The sad reality is that Parliament has said what it doesn't want and not actually said anything about what it does want.

"I think they want us to get on with it. They have certainly had enough."

Mr Ellis said he believed the town had voted to exit the EU for greater control of our borders and laws, and that he agreed with them. The MP said he instinctively wanted the UK to remain but, after the results were in, felt it was his duty to enact the will of his constituents.

He said: "They will have been concerned about immigration and issues of sovereignty and I shared those concerns.

"On balance I took the view that for economic reasons it was in the UK's best interests to remain, however the people voted to leave and since that day in 2016, I have understood it to be my clear instruction from the people of Northampton and the British people to leave."

Live updates as Cobblers go in search of a ninth successive game unbeaten at Cheltenham Town this afternoon.

We'll have all the build-up, in-game updates and post-match reaction as it happens on this page. Hit F5 or refresh for the latest news from Whaddon Road.

You wait ages for a win at Welford Road - and then two come along in as many matches.

At times it felt like Saints' horror run at the home of Leicester Tigers would never end.

Eleven long years passed by without a Northampton team celebrating on Tigers turf.

But after finally smashing the hoodoo last April, Saints really stuck the knife in on Friday night.

Because while they won by the skin of their teeth in a showing full of steel last year - Saints triumphed 27-21 - they completely controlled things this time round.

At one point, the black, green and gold had stormed into an incredible 29-3 lead - and the silence from the home support was deafening.

Saints had been ruthless while the Tigers looked toothless.

The hosts struggled to really test Chris Boyd's men until two late tries gave the scoreline a slightly more respectable look.

But this was all about Saints.

So many stellar individual showings combined to produce a towering team performance.

They were razor-sharp and rapid in attack, and resilient and robust in defence.

Everything clicked to deliver what has to be viewed as one of the greatest away wins in Northampton history.

Not because it was against one of Europe's most in-form sides - Tigers are really struggling right now - but because of the occasion.

To win a derby in this fashion under the Friday night lights at Welford Road was nothing short of astounding.

Saints had just five days' rest whereas Tigers had the previous weekend off.

Tigers brought back five Six Nations stars, but Saints only had Dan Biggar to recall.

And in the end, Biggar was far more influential than the Tigers quintet combined.

Jonny May and Manu Tuilagi were completely overshadowed by Tom Collins and Rory Hutchinson.

And how great that feels for Saints, who have dismissed reputations this season and picked on form and belief.

Chris Boyd has brought a whole new approach - and the fruits of it were there for all to see on Friday night.

It felt like a former force against an up-and-coming power.

Tigers looked like the Saints side this struggled so badly after things went stale, whereas Saints seemed fresh and reinvigorated with players feeling like they are 10ft tall.

They still have so far to go on their journey, but how well they have done so far.

They have come on leaps and bounds since Leicester beat them at Twickenham in October, and that is credit to all of the players and coaches.

Their hard work has paid off - and it has paid off in style.

Now they know they need five more huge performances like this if they are to end their season in the Premiership play-offs.

On this form, you certainly wouldn't bet against them.

How they rated...

AHSEE TUALA

Some of his awareness and footwork caused problems for Tigers and he pouched a key interception during the first period... 7

TOM COLLINS

Loves a try - and he grabbed two here, as well as playing a huge role in Reinach's effort. A superb night for the livewire wing, who staked his claim for more starts... 9

RORY HUTCHINSON

A quite majestic midfield display, oozing with confidence. The youngster delivered some moments of pure genius, beating seven defenders and he would have been star man had it not been for Reinach's heroics... 9

PIERS FRANCIS

Seems to take so many knocks in every game he plays, but he keeps getting back up for more and this was a very impressive all-round showing... 8

TAQELE NAIYARAVORO

Had a couple of tough moments in defence but that was all forgotten thanks to his attacking play, which included an outrageously good offload assist for Collins' second score... 8

DAN BIGGAR

Came in for Premiership Rugby Cup final man of the match James Grayson and showed all of his class. Controlled the game, kicked well and defended brilliantly, making a massive 22 tackles... 9

COBUS REINACH - CHRON STAR MAN

This really was a special showing from the scrum-half who seemed to be everywhere during Saints' first-half super-show. Made turnovers, made a try-saving tackle, set up attacks and started it all off with a score of his own... 9

FRANCOIS VAN WYK

Came off at half-time but not before he could play a good part during the strong first-half showing... 7

JAMES FISH

Made sure the Saints lineout functioned perfectly and was in the thick of the action, especially in defence... 7

PAUL HILL

Loved his trip to Welford Road last April, and it was more of the same here as he put his body on the line for his team... 7

API RATUNIYARAWA

Carried hard time and again, tiring Tigers out in the collisions and keeping hold of the ball for his relentless team... 7

ALEX MOON

The lock topped the Saints tackle count with a whopping 25 as he once again showed what a huge prospect he is... 8

JAMIE GIBSON

Aside from his sin-binning, he did pretty much everything right, making the Tigers rue his departure from Welford Road yet again... 8

HEINRICH BRÜSSOW

The South African flanker is like the Duracell bunny - he just keeps going and going, flying forward and wreaking havoc at the breakdown... 9

TEIMANA HARRISON

This performance would be described as amazing, but he does it most weeks. Was a constant menace for Tigers as he gave everything he could for the cause. Gargantuan... 9

Replacements (who played more than 20 minutes)

ALEX WALLER (for van Wyk 40)

Did nothing wrong after coming on, making his tackles and even managing a big break... 6

GEORGE FURBANK (for Naiyaravoro 58)

It's not often this player gets below an 8/10 these days but he wasn't on for long and Saints had won the game by the time he arrived... 6

Leicester Tigers boss Geordan Murphy admitted Saints' back row were too intelligent for his team at Welford Road on Friday night.

Jamie Gibson, Heinrich Brüssow and Teimana Harrison all had a huge influence as Tigers were tamed on their own turf.

Saints secured a superb 29-15 success at the home of their local rivals, with Tom Collins' double and Cobus Reinach's opener setting them on their way.

Dan Biggar added 14 points with the boot on a fantastic night for the Wales fly-half.

And Murphy was left to reflect on a chastening defeat for his Tigers team.

“We had our chances in the first half and we bombed them," Murphy said.

"I thought Saints did a really good job of slowing our ball down and they had some pretty good threats over the ball.

“I thought they were really intelligent the way they did that, Teimana Harrison was great, Jamie Gibson and Heinrich Brussouw – right on the line of legality.

“It was a strange game.

"We started with a great intensity and made a couple of poor mistakes which cost us territory then Saints scored a great try from a breakaway and we were chasing the game from there.”

Tigers are now just nine points above bottom side Newcastle Falcons, who host Sale Sharks at St James' Park this evening.

And Murphy said: "We need to drive forward and get more out of ourselves, me included.

"We want to be competing at the top end of the league, but we are right down at the bottom and in the mire.

"It's going to be tight. We have struggled with our confidence all season."

Without two key men in Jordan Turnbull and Aaron Pierre, Town were never at the races in Cheltenham and could have absolutely no complaints over the final scoreline, succumbing to their first defeat since losing to Colchester United way back at the start of February.

This was a return to the bad old ways as a makeshift Northampton team failed to cope with Cheltenham all afternoon at Whaddon Road, particularly the home side's front two of Tyrone Barnett and Luke Varney, who was the main beneficiary of Town's poor defending in the first-half when helping himself to two goals.

Barnett headed in a third with 17 minutes to go and that put the seal on a disappointing afternoon for the Cobblers, despite Dean Bowditch pulling a late goal back.

Northampton drop to 13th in Sky Bet League Two and nine points off Exeter City, who occupy the final play-off spot after a last-gasp win over Notts County. The Grecians also have a game in hand.

There was some surprising team news ahead of kick-off at Whaddon Road as neither Pierre (international duty), Turnbull (injured) nor Daniel Powell (dropped) made Town's starting XI.

Teenager Jay Williams returned to central midfield, Joe Powell started on the right-wing and 17-year-old Ryan Hughes made his Cobblers debut at centre-back, becoming the eighth different academy player to feature for the first-team this season.

The blow of losing both Pierre and Turnbull, two in-form players, was keenly felt during the first-half and the danger signs were evident in the 10 minutes when Cheltenham began on the front foot and twice came close to taking an early lead.

Chris Hussey blazed over less than a minute in before only razor-sharp reactions from David Cornell kept the game scoreless as he got down smartly to tip away Barnett's low shot.

Jay Williams headed straight at Scott Flinders in-between those chances, but Cheltenham were deservedly one goal to the good when Varney poked them ahead on 19 minutes.

Town should have dealt with the danger on two separate occasions in the build-up to the goal as Sam Foley gave away possession in a bad area and then Ash Taylor failed to clear Kevin Dawson's cross, giving a simple tap-in for Varney.

While the Cobblers only threatened sporadically, Cheltenham were a constant danger, especially down their right side with Ryan Broom swinging in several inviting crosses that only required a touch.

It was only a matter of time before the Robins doubled their advantage and the second goal duly arrived just shy of half-time. Again two Cobblers defenders were at fault with Charlie Goode's poor clearing header putting Hughes in trouble and he could only bundle over Barnett in the box.

Varney stepped up and made no mistake from the spot, slamming down the middle of the goal, and Cheltenham might have had a third by half-time had Barnett been able to direct Broom's latest excellent cross on target.

Keith Curle had no option but to shake things up at the break when Marvin Sordell and Bowditch were introduced for Joe Powell and Jay Williams in the hope of sparking an unlikely comeback.

Bowditch's first act was to narrowly clear the crossbar from long-range, but it continued to be an uphill battle for the Cobblers who looked every inch a patched-up team missing two key players.

The impressive Broom curled a shot just wide and Varney saw his hat-trick effort saved by Cornell, who was also called upon to thwart Dawson following Barnett's inch-perfect through pass.

The Town stopper was becoming a busy man and he also tipped over Chris Clements' free-kick, but his efforts were in vain when the home side added a third from the subsequent corner, Barnett heading in from close-range.

The final 17 minutes were mostly uneventful aside from Bowditch's well-placed free-kick, which sneaked into the corner 90 seconds from time, but that did little else than make for a more respectable full-time scoreline.

Cheltenham: Flinders, Hussey, Tozer (c), Dawson, Broom (Thomas 65), Boyle, Raglan, Tillson, Clements (Forster 89), Barnett, Varney (Bingham 86)

Subs not used: Lovett, Lloyd, Maddox, Pring

Cobblers: Cornell, Goode, Taylor, Hughes (D Powell 73), Buchanan, J Williams (Bowditch 45), Foley, O'Toole, J Powell (Sordell 45), Hoskins, A Williams

Subs not used: Coddington, Newell, Facey, Bridge

Referee: Charles Breakspear

Attendance: 3,513

Cobblers fans: 638

Town's eight-game winning run came to a crashing end at Whaddon Road as Luke Varney bagged a first-half brace to put Cheltenham on course for a sixth home victory in their past seven matches.

Tyrone Barnett headed in a third with 17 minutes to go before Dean Bowditch's last-minute free-kick gave Cobblers fans something to cheer, but it came far too late to affect the outcome.

Beaten for the first time since February 2, Town's hopes of sneaking into the play-offs this season looking increasingly remote, particularly after Exeter City moved nine points clear with a last-gasp win at Notts County.

"I thought the performance today wasn't us," admitted Curle, who was without Jordan Turnbull and Aaron Pierre at Whaddon Road. "We didn't start the game how we needed to start it because we needed to put them on the back foot.

"They have a very good home record and they have a way of playing that we needed to nullify, but we didn't nullify them and too many players made the wrong decisions at the wrong times for the betterment of themselves and not what we've been trying to do."

Sam Foley and Charlie Goode were among players to make costly errors in the first 45 minutes as the Robins charged into a two-goal lead.

"If you don't do what needs to be done when it needs to be done, you end up giving a team a two-goal headstart and that's what we did today," continued Curle.

"If you make the wrong decisions in the wrong areas, you'll get punished. The tempo wasn't there, the urgency wasn't there and the decision-making wasn't spot on."

Roadchef’s Northampton Motorway Service Area at junction 15a of the M1 has launched the scheme in partnership with the tech company Wagestream.

The site, which saw over 2.8 million visitors pass through last year, will make Wagestream’s ‘Get Paid As You Go’ service available to all its employees.

Workers can now withdraw up to 30 per cent of their income throughout the month rather than having to wait for payday.

Mark Fox, CEO of Roadchef, said the new scheme would help 'alleviate the stress of the monthly pay cycle'.

He said: “We truly believe it is the team members that make the brand at Roadchef, so it is key for us to be able to provide our employees with any support they need, be that financial or otherwise."

Roadchef says the wage advances will allow staff to cope with unexpected expenses such as car troubles and boiler replacements without having to turn to overdrafts, credit or high-interest payday loans.

Workers will also be offered a variety of discounts on 'everyday purchases'.

The company hopes the new scheme will encourage employees to build careers at its service stations, even if they move jobs between the eateries and shops available there.

The following people were sentenced at Northampton Magistrates’ Court:

JANUARY 14

Martin Russ, aged 31, of Welland Close, Daventry, assault; community order made to carry out 60 hours of unpaid work; surcharge £85, costs £620.

JANUARY 15

Anton Bourne, aged 36, of Axehead Road, Northampton, failed to comply with a community order; costs £30.

Carl Furr, aged 34, of St Leonard’s Road, Northampton, failed to comply with a community order; fined £40, costs £60.

Wayne Harrison, aged 42, of Birchfield Court, Northampton, failed to comply with a community order; fined £40, costs £60.

Amar Tariq, aged 20, of Croughton Close, Northampton, failed to comply with a community order; costs £60.

Khanyisie Nkone, aged 31, of Cloutsham Street, Northampton, damaged clothing and furnishings; community order made, compensation £1,000, surcharge £85.

Alexandru Frunzeanu, aged 37, of Baker Street, Northampton, failed to comply with a community order; fined £500.

Timothy Shaw, aged 53, of Campbell Street, Northampton, possession of crack cocaine; fined £100, surcharge £30, costs £85.

Daniel Williams, aged 33, of Brickwell Court, Northampton, faulty tyre; fined £120, surcharge £30, costs £300, banned from driving for six months.

Stephen Knight, aged 53, of Harvey Lane, Northampton, failed to identify a driver; fined £1,237, surcharge £123, costs £620, licence endorsed with six points.

Abdul Mumin, aged 26, of Brackley Close, Northampton, failed to identify a driver; fined £120, surcharge £30, costs £200, banned from driving for six months.

JANUARY 16

Charlie Barnes, aged 21, of no fixed abode, Northampton, made off without paying for food; community order made, compensation £26.45, surcharge £85, costs £85.

John McDonagh, aged 25, of Flaxwell Court, Northampton, stole items from Travis Perkins worth £1,107; jailed for 11 weeks suspended for 12 months, compensation £1,107, costs £100. Stole items from M&J Engineering worth £850; jailed for 11 weeks consecutive suspended for 12 months, compensation £840.

Charlotte Baldry, aged 30, of Castle Avenue, Northampton, no insurance; fined £440, surcharge £44, costs £85, banned from driving for six months.

Igor Nemtanu, aged 43, of Ragsdale Walk, Northampton, driving while using a mobile phone; fined £70, surcharge £30, costs £85, licence endorsed with six points.

Elson Noka, aged 36, of Turner Street, Northampton, no insurance; fined £415, surcharge £41, costs £85, licence endorsed with six points.

Arkadiusz Nurzynski, aged 27, of Furze Walk, Northampton, no insurance; fined £250, surcharge £30, costs £85, banned from driving for six months.

Razi Raza, aged 29, of Watersmeet, Northampton, driving while using a mobile phone; fined £92, surcharge £30, costs £85, licence endorsed with six points.

Jamie Fowkes, aged 46, of Tresham Green, Northampton, breach of a court order; jailed for 16 weeks suspended for 12 months, surcharge £115, costs £85.

Dean Garner, aged 35, of Northgate, Towcester, breach of a court order; community order, surcharge £85, costs £85.

Samuel Bowditch, aged 30, of Newcroft, Weedon, used violence to enter premises; community order made, surcharge £85, costs £200. Assaulted a police officer; community order made. Damaged a police cell van; community order made.

Paul Lloyd, aged 39, of Annesley Close, Northampton, breach of a court order; conditional discharge for 12 months, surcharge £20, costs £85.

Tyler Silk, aged 19, of Melbourne Road, Northampton, caused a nuisance in breach of Communications Act; community order made. Assault; community order made, compensation £100, surcharge £85, costs £85.

Chris Boyd says Saints had extra motivation for Friday night's match at Welford Road because they failed to perform in the Rob Horne testimonial at Twickenham in October.

Boyd's men were beaten 23-15 on that disappointing day at English rugby HQ as Leicester Tigers took the Gallagher Premiership spoils.

But Saints put things right on Friday as they defeated Tigers 29-15.

It was their first visit to Welford Road since Horne suffered a career-ending injury at the ground last April.

And Boyd said: “We set up the Rob Horne match against Leicester at Twickenham and we were terribly disappointed with the way we played.

“We disrespected that occasion. This fixture last season was when Rob had his career-ending injury, so there was a little extra bird on the shoulder this time for him.

“It feels good to right that wrong, there was certainly some extra motivation to do that.

“I really enjoyed the Saints supporters singing there at the end and it certainly struck me how much passion there was in that.

“It feels magnificent to perform for them; when you’ve been coaching long enough you know you’ve got to enjoy these moments.”

Tom Collins has heaped praise on 'outstanding' Saints playmaker Rory Hutchinson.

Hutchinson pulled the strings in classy fashion as his side secured a superb 29-15 Gallagher Premiership win at local rivals Leicester Tigers on Friday night.

The centre, who was named Premiership player of the month for February and recently signed a new Saints deal, created a plethora of opportunities for his fellow backs.

And Collins profited, scoring twice in a crucial Saints win at Welford Road.

"Hutch has been outstanding for us all year and he was outstanding on Friday," Collins said.

"He's a completely different player to Manu (Tuilagi), who runs hard, runs over people.

"Hutch is aware, he's a great ball player, he does a job and having him in the team gives you the space you want out wide."

Hutchinson, like Collins, came through the Saints Academy.

And you could see how much last Friday's win meant to them.

"It's definitely huge for us," Collins said.

"I've grown up watching these matches, gone to Franklin's Gardens and sat in the stadium.

"It's a great feeling.

"The lads have done well and I was just lucky to be on the end of some of those moves."

Saints played a slick game, while Leicester struggled to create openings as they fell 29-3 behind before eventually grabbing a couple of late tries.

And Collins added: "Obviously going to Welford Road, it's always going to be a tough challenge.

"You know the physicality is going to be there but you just never know how the game's going to go.

"We've got a completely different game to them. We focus on tempo and they're the complete opposite with physicality and looking after the ball.

"We didn't know how it was going to go but the first half was good for us, we got some momentum and I just wish we could have pushed on and got that bonus point.

"We focused on it all week that if our forwards do their job up front, we were going to have space.

"In the first half we did our job really well, but in the second half we sort of let ourselves down a little bit.

"We went into our shell and ended up defending quite a lot.

"We were flying at half-time and it was just frustrating that we couldn't build on that.

"But at the moment we're confident, we feel good and we're winning."

South Northamptonshire Council commissioned a report in 2017 with recommendations including closing eight gaps in the central reservation where right turning traffic can cross the road near Towcester and Brackley.

The authority endorsed the proposals back in July, but has been frustrated by the slow progress. And their concerns have been heightened after hearing that Highways England is prioritising the A5 before looking into the A43.

Councillor Phil Bignell has been championing safety improvements on the dual carriageway after his mother tragically passed away at the Tiffield turn near Towcester five years ago.

He said: “The Whitfield turn near Brackley has had a few fatalities too. It’s dangerous and it’s important to look at it as soon as possible please.

“At the end of the day, they are dangerous. I don’t want other families to go through this. This has been going on and on and we need to keep pushing this.”

Councillors had heard an update on progress from Andrew Bowe, who is South Northamptonshire Council’s lead officer for strategic transport, on Wednesday evening.

He said: “Safety is still a concern for all of us in the district and is being addressed through some of the Local Plan proposals that are coming forward. We are eager to find a solution to the crossovers and there are various pieces of work being progressed to do that. These include the removal of the Hulcote crossover to be replaced with a roundabout.

“We are continuing discussions with Highways England, but the work is going to take some time. It’s a slow and complex process, and Highways England is prioritising safety on the A5 at the moment.”

Councillor Steven Hollowell responded: “I don’t really see Part 2 of the Local Plan delivering what we want, because it’s not really what it’s for. This has to come from central funds.”

The officer report, seen by councillors, states: "The closure of the gaps on the A43 will involve a significant amount of work to establish the feasibility of the closure, identify of alternative routes and assess the effect this will have on the wider network.

"Additionally, consultation will have to be undertaken with local stakeholders and the response considered as representations, for example from local businesses/farmers, may mean that Highways England is unable to close the gaps.

"It is also worth noting that Highways England has a number of schemes planned for the A5, which are further along in the feasibility assessments. These schemes will be put forward for possible funding before any further schemes are promoted for the A43."

The councillors agreed to keep pushing and promoting the safety improvements programme, and requested to see copies of a collision study that Highways England had commissioned for the road.