Detectives say the disappearance of two tortoises from separate houses in Duston could be linked, amid fears a thief could be snatching the pets from gardens.

Police have today revealed a 33-year-old brown tortoise, named Ben Nevis, was taken from a pen in a garden in Mendip Road, Duston.

He is feared to have been swiped some time between 6pm on Sunday, June 9, and 6pm on Tuesday, June 11.

Police say the theft could be linked to the mystery disappearance of another tortoise, called Fred, who vanished nearby just days earlier.

He went missing from a house in Kenilworth Close, also in Duston, on Friday, June 7. His owners feared Fred had been stolen.

Happily, Fred was found close to his home a short while after being reported missing.

However, police have today appealed for help to find missing Ben Nevis, who they say has a dent on the back of his shell and has not been seen for more than a month.

His owners say he would not have been able to get out of the pen of his own accord.

Plans to loan Northampton’s two largest sports clubs millions of pounds to expand their stadiums have been approved by Northampton Borough Council’s cabinet.

During a debate at the Guildhall tonight which lasted just 10 minutes, the leaders of the council approved a deal which will see the Cobblers loaned up to £12 million to expand Sixfields and the Saints loaned a further £5 million to expand Franklin’s Gardens.

The leader of the authority, Councillor David Mackintosh (Con ,Rectory Farm) said: “This is a major step forward for the town and something the people of Northampton have told us quite clearly they want to see happen.

“I think it’s a very good step forward for Northampton and it’s something I’m pleased to be able to deliver.”

While still chairing the cabinet meeting, he also tweeted: “Cabinet has approved loans to @ntfc and @SaintsRugby to improve the stadiums. We are delivering for Northampton.”

The opposition at the Guildhall however sounded a note of caution over the two deals.

The leader of the Liberal Democrat group, Councillor Sally Beardsworth (Lib Dem, Kingsthorpe) said both loans should be investigated by a council scrutiny committee to make sure no mistakes had been made while they were being drawn up.

She said: “It would be sensible to refer this to scrutiny to let people have a look at it and make sure all the i’s have been dotted and the t’s crossed. just to make sure no mistakes have been made before we go ahead.”

She was supported by Councillor David Palethorpe (Lab, Billing) who agreed the deal should be scrutinised to make sure it would not be open to legal challenge.

Councillor Brendan Glynane (Lib Dem, Delapre & Briar Hill) also expressed concerns about the fact the athletics track next to the Sixfields stadium would be redeveloped.

He said: “There’s little said in the council papers about where the athletics club is going to be moved to. The town needs to know where these facilities are going to go.”

Responding to the opposition concerns, Councillor Mackintosh pledged that a new home for the athletics club would be found and said he would personally monitor the loan deals with the council’s chief executive and legal officials to make sure no mistakes were made.

The Cobblers deal will see the east and west stand at Sixfields majorly redeveloped by August 2014

A range of new facilities will also be created at the ground, including a conference centre, 100-room hotel, a gym and offices.

The redevelopment will see the stadium expanded to a capacity of about 10,000. A total of 300 new houses will also be built on land close to the football ground.

At Franklin’s Gardens, a new north stand will be built to replace the current Sturtridge Pavillion.

The development, which will start in the closed season of 2014 and be finished by autumn 2015, will increase the ground’s capacity from 13,591 to 15,500.

Both loans will make use of a Government-backed scheme which allows the council to borrow the money at a very low interest rate.

There was a familiar, if somewhat distant, feel to the Northamptonshire Steelbacks win over Somerset.

It cast the mind back four years to the last - and only - time they reached the Friends Life t20 finals day.

The run they put together in 2009 had one distinct characteristic - they never knew when they were beaten.

And that was very much a feature of their latest success, the fifth in six games in this year’s competition.

When you find yourself 2-2 after the first over with both your overseas stars having already removed their pads, you know you are up against it.

It was left to Steven Crook to pull things around for Northamptonshire.

His 36-ball 63 saw him carry on from where he left off at Cheltenham the day before.

It also lifted the Steelbacks to creditable total and gave themselves something to bowl at.

In truth, though, it always looked at least 20, perhaps 30, runs short.

Especially when you looked at a Somerset order that contained names like Trescothick, Kieswetter, Buttler, Compton - England men all.

That was even more the case as Marcus Trescothick and Craig Kieswetter eased their to a stand of 38 for the first wicket.

But that became 38 for one. Then 38 for two. Then 39 for three.

Suddenly there was a belief again.

With Kieswetter and Jos Buttler at the crease there was always hope for Somerset.

However, the former picked out Matt Spriegel on the boundary from the bowling of James Middlebrook and the latter was run out after a combination of bad calling and good work by Lee Daggett.

With a handy cameo from Craig Meschede ended abruptly by a superb throw from the deep by David Willey, the Steelbacks had pulled something out of the bag again.

Once again Mohammad Azharullah shone with the ball.

He removed the crucial wickets of Peter Trego and Nick Compton early on and then sent back Alfonso Thomas in the last over to seal the win and figures of 4-0-16-3.

Instead of being 20 runs shy with their score, that spirited knock from Crook actually took them to a total 10 runs too good. Thanks to a spirited fielding effort, that is.

Indeed, spirit is mentioned a lot by those at the County Ground at the moment.

And, just as it did in 2009, it is really starting to show itself when it matters.

Northamptonshire Steelbacks captain Alex Wakely proclaimed the current side ‘the best environment he has played in’ after their battling victory over Somerset in the Friends Life t20.

Having been restricted to 150 in their 20 overs - and only reached that total because of an excellent Steven Crook half-century - the County went on to keep a talented Somerset order to a mere 140.

It was a phenomenal fielding effort and one which, according the skipper, highlighted the camaraderie that exists within the dressing-room.

Wakely said: “This is better than 2009 (when the Steelbacks reached Twenty20 finals day).

“It’s the best environment I’ve played in at Northants.

“There’s no magic formula, don’t get me wrong.

“It’s not because of any changes in personnel or anything like that.

“It has just come together so well this season.

“We’ve got a squad that believe they can win, a squad that want to play for each other and a squad that are performing.”

And perform they certainly did against Somerset.

Although they were below par with the bat, a determined fielding effort more than made up for it.

“It’s really good to see we have won close games when we’ve batted second and we’ve won games when we’ve bowled second,” Wakely explained.

“When the bowlers haven’t performed the batsmen have and vice versa - that’s pretty much the perfect formula for one-day cricket.

“The last two games we have almost batted so well we haven’t really been under pressure.

“As a result we might have got a bit sloppy in the field.

“But we knew we hadn’t got as many runs on the board and had to work for it.

“I said in the team huddle that we had to bust a gut out there and if they beat us they beat us because they were better and that we left nothing out on the field.

“We did that and got the reward.

“It was a great effort.

“At the moment it is going really well and we are going to enjoy it because we had some tough times last year.

“That said, there is still a long way to go and no one is carried away.”

Pipe’s Predators returned to the top of the Dalepak Summer Naps Challenge after picking 13/8 scorer Autumn Lily at Ascot on Saturday.

Dave Pipe’s team now hold an advantage of £2.01 from Russell Nunn’s Nipper Time, who are out of luck in a late night contest at Salisbury.

Incredibly, Sammy Parker Trophy leaders Aye Boy have now selected 10 winners from 11 weeks although they only stand in 24th place overall.

Best price on the day was the 14/1 managed by three different teams: Old Hamish (The Rectifier), Bristol Arsenal (Masamah) and Mayfield Park (Field Of Dream).

There were only 17 winners in all.

Next Saturday, the action takes place at Newbury, Newmarket and Ripon in the afternoon with evening contests at Haydock and Lingfield.

SUMMER NAPS

*Denotes non runner switched to race favourite**10p deduction in £

Pipe’s Predators AUTUMN LILY (13/8) +42.01

Nipper Time Fleeting Smile +40.00

The Viking My Propeller +31.25

Dave’s Doublers Educate +27.00

The Likely Lads Jonny Delta +24.75

Health Matters Premio Loco +24.50

SPA Tenenbaum +24.00

Betony Belle Smarty Socks +23.00

Old Hamish THE RECTIFIER (14/1) +21.74

Postman Pat Mandalay King +21.50

Racegoers Brae Hill +17.00

Cobblers Youth Extreme Supreme +16.63

We Like Guinness Emilio Largo +16.50

Queen’s Park WMC Move In Time* +16.00

Brumbies ALJAMAAHEER (6/4)** +15.85

Long Buckby Skittles Ceelo +14.88

Cogenhoe Star Stencive +13.00

Shonkies Lad Awake My Soul +12.00

Bristol Arsenal MASAMAH (14/1) +10.96

Earls Barton WMC LETHAL FORCE (9/2) +10.75

Manor Mayhem Awake My Soul +9.50

Charlie’s Angels Pether’s Moon +9.00

T&J Club Montaser +9.00

Aye Boy OUR QUEENIE (2/5) +8.29

Crown And Anchor DANCHAI (10/1) +8.00

Forza Milan Barnet Fair +7.50

Go Getters Face The Problem +7.00

Moulton Mules Gale Force Ten +7.00

Overstone Caravaners Pintrada +6.00

OXO Move In Time +6.00

Red Van Man Belgian Bill +6.00

Steeleye Ann +6.00

B C Magpie Guest Of Honour +5.50

White Hart Hackleton Big Time Billy +5.50

West Haddon FC Shea Shea +5.36

Girls On Top DANCHAI (10/1) +5.00

Juddies Giants Broughton +4.50

Aardvark Racing Aussie Reigns +4.00

Cassandra Busy Bimbo +4.00

Mayfield Park FIELD OF DREAM (14/1) +4.00

Old Sun Heyford Washaar +4.00

The Yarmouth Vagabonds Long Awaited +4.00

Zulu Warriors Blue Bajan +4.00

West Haddon Bowls Es Que Love +4.00

White Horse Silverstone Tangerine Trees +4.00

Wooldale FC OUR QUEENIE (2/5) +3.83

Blue Diamond Prince’s Trust +3.63

Towcester S&SC Montaser +3.50

Nene Valley Racing Searchlight +3.25

Yeoman Boys EMIRATES FLYER (8/11) +3.16

Diamond Girl Tangerine Trees +3.00

NCT Racing Star Of Rohm +3.00

Ajay Club Noceofyoutotellme +2.63

St Paul’s Six Furlongers Fair Value +2.50

T&S Racing Area Fifty One +2.33

PWB Racing Defendant +2.00

Exiled Geordies Belgian Bill +1.50

Bajan Racing Brae Hill +1.00

Got Potential Move In Time* +0.50

Trinity Old Boys Excellent Guest +0.25

Crown Wellingborough Belgian Bill 0.00

The Wife Can Do Better Steps 0.00

Sywell Flyers Highland Colori -0.74

Brinley’s Banker EAGLE ROCK (7/1) -0.90

Abfran Racing ALJAMAAHEER (6/4)** -1.29

Weekley Saints MEMORY STYX (2/1) -1.75

Cripps Social Club Tidentime -2.00

Culworth Red Lion Songcraft -2.00

Gloster And Fife Club Tenenbaum -2.00

Jaycee Club Es Que Love -2.00

Kingsley Park Airgun Shea Shea* -2.00

Lane’s Longshots Offshore Bond -2.00

Marron Racers I’m So Glad -2.00

May Winnit Area Fifty One -2.00

Sons of Black Sam Barnet Fair -2.00

Tailor’s Dummies George Guru -2.00

Maori Racing Sole Power -2.00

The Boys Star Lahib -2.00

Magster Steps -2.47

Duston Con Club Trade Storm -2.50

Roade FC Joe Packet -2.50

Trueform Aurora Aussie Reigns -2.50

Mr Grumpy The Grumpy Gnome -2.59

Cock At Roade Jabhaat -2.97

Midland Band Darts Tangerine Trees -3.00

Towcester Racecourse Al Muheer -3.00

Roade Walkers Society Rock -3.05

Blisworth Garden Services Aesop’s Fables -3.75

The Wolf Whistler Shea Shea -3.87

Marmalaid Racing Expert Fighter -4.00

Rosebery Ramblers Forceful Appeal -4.00

Trafford Bridge Stables Kelpie Blitz -4.00

Abington LTC Steps -4.50

Chelsea Pensioners My Freedom -5.00

Only Shoes And Horses Taajub -5.00

Sons Of The Desert Bertiewhittle -5.00

Barley Hill Punters The Dark Wizard -5.24

Golfing Gourmets LETHAL FORCE (9/2) -5.50

Lonesome Dove LETHAL FORCE (9/2) -5.50

Plough Inn Everdon Prohibit -5.50

Selling Platers Inciting Incident -5.50

Dawn’s Boys Prohibit -5.75

NIBS SPECIAL MEANING (evens) -5.86

Brixworth Wanderers Bahamian C -5.95

Butch Cassidy & S’dance Kid Smarty Socks -6.00

The Uppers Long Awaited -6.50

Tomnjack Es Que Love -6.50

Loco Saints Defendant* -6.84

CJ’s Pickles Tangerine Trees -7.00

TP Racing Taajub -7.00

Max I’m So Glad -7.25

Midland Band Pool Society Rock -7.25

Nu Vu Windows King’s Warrior -7.25

Riches’ Floretunes Bertiewhittle -7.25

Clever Trevor Layla’s Oasis -8.50

Growly Bears Long Awaited -8.62

Snowy’s Daughter Montaser -8.75

ACKO Move In Time* -9.09

Photo Finish Society Rock -9.09

Royal Oak Walgrave Number Theory -9.17

Delboy’s Trotters Racy -9.56

Admiral Rodney Burn The Boats -11.00

Alcon Mandalay King -11.00

Barnstaple Nomads Ancient Cross -11.00

Barnstormers Brae Hill -11.00

Beatnik Beatles Long Awaited -11.00

Big Mac & The Nuggets Excellent Guest -11.00

Bulltee Boys Best Of Order -11.00

Carefree Block XI Beaumont’s Party -11.00

Crown West Haddon Belgian Bill -11.00

Dalepak Social Brae Hill -11.00

Deb’s Delights Blunos -11.00

Evertonians Move In Time -11.00

Fat Boy Famous Poet -11.00

Fleetwind Flyers My Propeller -11.00

Greens Norton Racers Sovereign Debt -11.00

Gusto’s Boys Gale Force Ten -11.00

Happy Dave Brae Hill -11.00

Headlands Golf Emilio Largo -11.00

JGs TBs Network Perfection -11.00

K9 Walkers Expert Fighter -11.00

KAB Brae Hill -11.00

Lady G Ventura Quest -11.00

M & N Racing Belgian Bill -11.00

Margil Social Brae Hill -11.00

Mincerman + Ajjaadd -11.00

Miracle Workers Es Que Love -11.00

Mug Punters Stencive* -11.00

Nag Nappers Jack Of Diamonds -11.00

Not Too Sad Gramercy -11.00

Phoenix Golf Brae Hill -11.00

Queen’s Park Snooker Niceofyoutotellme -11.00

Rifle Drum Belgian Bill -11.00

Rosey Poets No Poppy -11.00

Rothwell Cobbler Vigor -11.00

Spinaclean Tangerine Trees -11.00

St Mary’s FC Expert Fighter -11.00

Sticky Wicket Tangerine Trees -11.00

The Nap Hand Partnership Area Fifty One -11.00

Transco OB Es Que Love -11.00

Where’s Me Glasses Movie Magic -11.00

Whistle Blowers Jabhaat -11.00

Wright Nag Mica Mika -11.00

So, after back-to-back eight-wicket defeats by the far superior Lancashire in the LV= championship, and the expected defeat at Taunton in the Twenty20, it was back to Wantage Road last Sunday to begin a busy run of uninterrupted Twenty20, with a similarly long list of injuries attempting to blunt our chances.

Another brilliant crowd rocked up in spectacular weather with the sky as deep blue as the Steelbacks’ new strip, and a thrilling home victory was delivered to send the fans home happy.

Australia’s defeat in the first Ashes Test at Trent Bridge, and the news that Trent Copeland will be returning trebling the joy.

I love the new strip, but you can’t read the names. They are blurry like those number plates whose chav drivers don’t want to pay speeding fines. Not that Lee Daggett will get a ticket!

There have been a couple of head-scratching cricket things on my mind going into this week, and the first is why are there no Scouse cricketers?

Have you ever heard a Liverpool accent in the sport?

And, secondly, why exactly was Matt Spriegel wearing sparkly silver shoes in the previous championship match?

I thought Steven Crook was our representative in Strictly Chron Dancing? Did I miss something here? Has he scored 500 runs at 50 and taken 40 wickets?

Even Usain Bolt wouldn’t wear those when he turns out for exhibition cricket games in Jamaica!

The Spriegel misfire was our biggest problem going deeper into the Twenty20 as those pitches harden and the sun beats down.

With Graeme White back in Nottingham and James Middlebrook struggling a little, I feared the one-day campaign maybe about to bite that increasing dust.

Spriegel bowled just four overs in the championship game against Lancashire, and so is clearly not trusted in that strike role.

He was embarrassingly stuck in at short leg under the helmet when captain David Sales had a spare wicketkeeper on the field against Lancashire.

Known as ‘The Finisher’ at his previous club Surrey, he is far from the finished item here.

I’m sure David Ripley is looking around for another loan spinner, but we will need them yesterday if The Finisher doesn’t step up.

Crooky and Copeland can rescue the championship campaign in August/September but the Twenty20 campaign looks vulnerable.

The Glamorgan Dragons hit first, and their 152 was below par.

It seemed to be getting away from Alex Wakely in the early powerplay, but those underperforming slowies pulled it around on a sawdust central pitch, Spriegel taking two for 22 - the gold shoes on order!

But it was that man Mohammad Azharullah who kept that score down with four for 14 to take out the danger men, the timid Dragons showing him the maker’s name.

It will be tough to hold on to this guy, our best chance along with Cameron White to make it to the quarter-finals.

I felt confident we would get the runs as Aussie White is in his element right now and being played where he needs to be at number three.

He simply controlled the innings, putting on 53 with Levi and a match winning record 92, third-wicket partnership with captain Wakely (52*).

Admittedly, Levi had looked scratchy in his opening appearances, but we all knew we were nearing that big explosive innings and just moving through the gears.

White timed it beautifully, Wakely the more cautious as the Australian belted the big hits to keep up with the rate with that 68.

It was all rather nervy for the last-ball victory, but exactly what we paid for from the big Aussie.

It was the Steelbacks’ biggest run-chase victory at home for seven years in the Twenty20.

David Capel was watching on with many ex Northants players from the earlier Kevin Curran memorial match, and finally glimpsed what he had been missing from White, the two shaking hands when they met.

So on to Cheltenham on Tuesday and the Gloucestershire Gladiators, the weakest team in our division, with the 2.30pm start an odd one.

The first ever Twenty20 festival match at Cheltenham last weekend had seen the home side skittled on a poor pitch for 96 and so not a good toss to win.

The Northants groundsman had been forced into this corner last year to use haggard pitches to level games up with low scores against better teams, but it simply destroys batsmen’s confidence.

Paul Senior promised 160 pitches at Wantage Road in 2013 and we got them, and that is one big reason why we are winning and people are coming back to the games.

The punters want to see runs, boundaries and wins. Uncomplicated cricket.

This pitch at Cheltenham wasn’t a stinker, Levi finally delivering what we expected him to do when the sun came out and why David Smith and Ripley went in for him with hard cash - the brutal hundred.

It was the second only for the Steelbacks, a run short of fellow Steelbok Lance Klusener’s 111, scored in 2007.

Levi is an ugly player to watch with big nicks and clubbed shots, but closing on 206for three (our fifth highest score) it didn’t matter how he got those unbeaten 19 boundaries, his extremely powerful straight hitting joyously scattering the crowd, Crook also joining in the barrage.

Willey killed of any chance of a decent chase getting going with quick three wickets in a career-best four for 32.

Alex Gidman (49) and then Richard Cockbain (60) dished out some late tap to keep it interesting, a broken window or two on the College Ground turret evidence of the ferocity.

The Steelbacks had got away with it, bowling wise.

Their score of 189 for six was comfortably the Gladiators’ highest score against Northants in the Twenty20, and so there are still spin and seam issues.

But what has made me most happy is the way we are winning games from all positions.

Hopefully we went top on Wednesday night at the NCG by stuffing a struggling Somerset, and there will be more of the same for the Bears on Saturday.

Leicester have appealed against the nine-match suspension given to director of rugby Richard Cockerill for his exchange with fourth official Stuart Terheege during last season’s Aviva Premiership final against Saints.

Cockerill was found guilty of using words that were “obscene, inappropriate and unprofessional” by a Rugby Football Union disciplinary hearing convened on July 1.

The former England hooker’s conduct was deemed to be prejudicial to the interests of the Union and/or the game contrary to RFU Rule 5.12.

The RFU have announced that the appeal is against the sanction only and will release details of a date and venue in due course.

The original charge related to the events at Twickenham on May 25 when Cockerill reacted angrily to a tackle by Courtney Lawes on Toby Flood and left his seat to discuss the incident with Terheege, who was on the touchline.

Cockerill pleaded not guilty to the charge but the RFU panel decided he had acted in an “inappropriate and unprofessional” manner and banned him until November 3.

Saints will play home games against Saracens and Gloucester in the LV= Cup next season, with trips to take on Newport Gwent Dragons and London Irish.

Northampton are be aiming to reach a third LV= Cup final in four years, and forwards coach Dorian West says that the games will have to be taken seriously.

“We’ve got some tough matches,” said West.

“Saracens got to the semi-finals last year and Gloucester have a good record in the cup.

“Meanwhile the Madejski Stadium and Rodney Parade are always difficult places to play.

“But we’ve got confidence in the strength of our squad and will be aiming to do well in the LV= Cup, which is competition where we’ve done well in the past few years.”

Although the Saints will be playing Saracens, Gloucester, London Irish and the Dragons, their results will be compared with those of Newcastle, the Scarlets and London Wasps, who are actually in the Saints’ own pool.

2013-14 LV= Cup Pools

Pool 1: Saracens, Gloucester Rugby, London Irish, Newport Gwent Dragons

Pool 2: Leicester Tigers, Exeter Chiefs, Sale Sharks, Cardiff Blues

Pool 3: Harlequins, Bath Rugby, Worcester Warriors, Ospreys

Pool 4: Northampton Saints, London Wasps, Newcastle Falcons, Scarlets

FIXTURES

Round 1 - 8/9/10 November

Northampton Saints v Gloucester Rugby

Round 2 - 15/16/17 November

London Irish v Northampton Saints

Round 3 - 24/25/26 January

Newport-Gwent Dragons v Northampton Saints

Round 4 - 31/1/2 January/February

Northampton Saints v Saracens

Semi-Finals - 7/8/9 March

The pool winner with the best playing record will be at home against the pool winner with the fourth best playing record in Semi-Final 1. The pool winner with the second best playing record will be at home against the pool winner with the third best playing record in Semi-Final 2.

LV= Cup Final - 16 March - Final venue to be confirmed

Ambitious plans to build a dual carriageway from Moulton to Sywell have been announced by Northamptonshire County Council.

In January this year, the Chronicle & Echo revealed the council was planning to build a bypass around Moulton to ease congestion on the A43 between Northampton and Kettering.

But during a meeting of the authority’s cabinet this week, Councillor Andre Gonzalez de Savage (Con, East Hunsbury & Shelfleys) revealed he now hoped to expand the new bypass further so it would continue through fields alongside the current A43 to Sywell.

He said: “I think it makes sense. We’ll have to look at the cost, but I think it would work.”

At the moment, the A43 between Kettering and Moulton has no dual carriageway sections and is regularly blocked with rush-hour traffic.

In June, the county council said work on the Moulton section of the new road should start in April 2015 and cost just over £22 million.

It is believed part of the funding for the Moulton stretch would come from Barratt Homes, who want to build up to 2,000 houses on land close to the A43.

Councillor Gonzalez de Savage said the full cost of extending the dual carriageway to Sywell had not yet been worked out, but it was thought to be about £18 million.

He said: “We all know the traffic on that road is terrible, so we have a start date for the work at Moulton and ideally, I’d like to start the Sywell scheme at the same time.

“The figure we’re looking at is about £18 million, but I would like to think we could save some money out of that because having a stretch of dual carriageway from Moulton up to Sywell would be a huge benefit to the whole county.”

Other road-building schemes which were backed by the council this week included the long-awaited Flore bypass.

The county council will now apply to the Department for Transport for money to help fund the roads 
schemes.

Every day this month the Chron is teaming up with the Northampton Town Centre Business Improvement District (BID) to feature a ‘Business of the Day’ – giving you more information about an independent firm in the town.

Today, we highlight Chelton Brown in George Row.

Chelton Brown was launched in 1990 in the front room of owner Sali Brown’s home.

A full 33 years later and the company has gone on to become the county’s biggest lettings agent, with a portfolio of more than 1,000 properties and employing 25 staff from their offices in George Row, Northampton and Daventry.

The company’s pledge to ‘generate wealth by exceeding expectations’ has stood them in good stead, believing good relationships with customers pays dividends in the long run.

Mrs Brown said: “It helps us being independent. We care more about what we do. If we get a bad comment on a review site, it hurts, it feels like an attack on you and we work harder to put it right.

Bigger companies will just shrug it off and move on, we’re not like that. “We are fully accredited and that helps because there are some unscrupulous landlords out there.

There’s plans to regulate the industry which we welcome, because we already meet the criteria, it’s the others who it will hit.

“We are keen to uphold our exceptional service by working closely with our clients through the commitment and expertise of our team. Having the town centre office is great because we are there for customers, they can come in and see us at any time.”

SPECIAL OFFER: Quote discount code ‘CHRONCHELTON’ to get 20 per cent off landlord and tenants fees for new clients throughout July.

Chelton Brown

4/5 George Row, Northampton

01604 603433

www.cheltonbrown.co.uk

A man wanted in connection with an alleged child rape committed in Northampton has been extradited from Ghana.

Northamptonshire Police requested the extradition of Deeba Akyampong, aged 35, in December 2012, via the Home Office and British High Commission in Ghana.

He was arrested in January this year and remanded into custody by Osu Magistrates’ Court.

Police said Akyampong, who is a celebrity musician in his native Ghana, landed at Heathrow Airport this morning and was today being transported to Northamptonshire. He will appear in Northampton Magistrates Court in the next week.

He has been extradited in connection with five allegations of rape of a child under the age of 13 and one offence of actual bodily harm.

Sibling pair Jack and Charlotte Murphy secured a brilliant county double in the NAA County One-Mile Championships at Kettering last weekend.

The event, incorporated into the 20th edition of the Chairman’s Cup, saw one of the biggest ever turnouts with former England international Steve Flint on hand to present the medals.

The highlight from Rugby & Northampton came from the Murphys, who were both successful in the under-17 age group.

Jack ran against the senior and junior men to finish third overall with a time of 5 mins 00.1 secs and his 14-year-old sister Charlotte took the 
title by finishing fourth in the combined ladies race with 5:51.3.

The senior men’s champion with the fastest time of the day was 20-year-old Rory Grant of Birchfield Harriers with 4 mins 27.9 secs and he was presented with the Michael May Memorial Trophy by former Northampton Phoenix runner Flint, who at the age of 19 in 1980 broke the four-minute mile barrier with 3:58.68.

The veteran men over 40 had their own race with a field of 11 athletes and Vince Carroll won his first county title at the distance.

The R&N runner kicked away from the field with 600 metres to record 5:03.2 and the final athlete from the club to win gold was James Wizard in the under-15 boys race with 5:21.5

There was a bronze medal for Scott Andrew in the senior men’s event when he was timed at 5:19.0 and just missing out on the podium was Brendan Moen in fourth spot in the veteran men’s competition with 5:14.2.

R&N coach Andy Byrd completed the one mile in 6:53.1, but it was down to his superb organisation and coaching of the under-11s and under-13s from the club that helped them to retain the Chairman’s Cup.

The fastest lady of the day was Wellingborough’s Kelly Barnett, who took the senior title with 5:36.5.

Lewis Hayes from the host club maintained his status as the county’s number one under-20 runner with a time of 4:33.3 and Rosanna Andrews of Northampton Road Runners won gold in the female equivalent with 5:53.3.

The veteran women’s over-40 race went to Caroline Parkins of Wootton Road Runners in 6:17.4 and there was a one-two for the Harborough twins of Niamh and Mollie Watson in the under-15 girls race with times of 5:42.9 and 5:47.5 respectively.

Seasoned road Wootton Road Runner Richard Fowler took the silver medal in the male Masters race with 
an impressive final lap to clock 5:10.

In the seniors races, Wootton’s James Armstrong rang a controlled race, again finishing strongly to earn a well-deserved silver medal in a time of 5:06 and Alex Winfield was able to claim bronze in the ladies race in a time of 7:07.

Joey Duck learned that patience is a virtue during her agonising spell on the sidelines – and she believes it is finally paying off after finishing fifth in the 200m at the Sainsbury’s British Championships.

The 24-year-old from Hanslope, who has overcome a disc in her back pressing against her nerves, clocked 24.02seconds in the 200m heats to advance to the final as one of four fastest losers.

And in the final the former Northampton High School pupil went even quicker, clocking 23.88 for fifth as Liverpool Harrier Anyika Onuora blitzed her way to gold ahead of Asha Philip and Louise Bloor in 22.71.

And Duck insists she is now fully fit and raring to go after revealing her injury took its toll to such an extent that she was considering walking away from the track for good.

“I quit every day, I just didn’t want to be involved in it,” she said. “But I think actually being away from it – as well as moving away from where I was – made me start enjoying it again.

“I think in training it’s started to come together, in racing it’s frustrating because I’m not where I know I’m capable of. But as my coach said, patience – that’s my key word.”

Duck’s final time came with the assistance of an illegal wind while her personal best remains the 23.46 she clocked all the way back in the summer of 2008.

And, though she was not quite back on top form in Birmingham, she believes the experience of competing with the nation’s best again will hold her in good stead.

“I was trying to race myself fit and things might have come a little too late but this year was about trying to get back,” she added.

“Against these girls, who are running so well at the moment, it’s not easy but I’ll be there or thereabouts.

“I’ve proved something to myself. I’m a bit annoyed with a part of my race and I wanted a season best.

“But it was learning that I’ve got to come back to racing and be in this kind of environment again.

“I managed to scrape through to the final which was unexpected so there are plenty of positives.

“I have a feeling I’ll be at my best towards the end of the season which is fine for me.

“Now I’m targeting to get back to where I was, running 23 seconds and lower at the top with the best of the girls where I know I can be.”

Sainsbury’s British Championships is the second event in the Sainsbury’s Summer Series. For more information on Sainsbury’s support of world class athletics and disability sport go to www.sainsburys-live-well-for-less.co.uk/occasions/anniversary-games/

The cast of Royal & Derngate Youth Theatre will be putting their creative talents on display show with ‘Got Talent’ contest later this month.

In aid of the youth theatre’s bursary scheme, the night will be packed with silliness and fun, along with guest judges, sob stories and specially made buzzers.

With a total of eight groups focusing on different theatre disciplines and catering for ages five to 21, the Youth Theatre’s mission is to provide all young people with an opportunity to explore their creativity and express themselves in a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment.

Youth theatre bursaries are available via the Northamptonshire Community Foundation’s arts and music fund, to cover the full cost of a place for those families experiencing financial difficulties.

The fund has been established in order to support young people to be able to take part in youth theatre activities. More details are available at www.ncf.uk.com/Grants/Arts_and_Music_Fund.

Royal & Derngate Youth Theatre’s Got Talent takes place on Friday July 26at 7pm. Tickets, priced at £5, can be booked by calling the Box Office on 01604 624811 or visiting www.royalandderngate.co.uk

The first images of what a remodelled Market Square fountain would look like have been released today.

The popular water feature has been turned off for 11 months because of contamination and Northampton Borough Council is asking for views on whether it should be fixed.

To help people decide, an image of what the remodelled and working fountain would look like has been released today.

Councillor Tim Hadland (Con, Duston), cabinet member for regeneration, said: “We have just announced a major programme to improve the attractiveness of the town centre to visitors and businesses and we know the fountain is very popular, particularly in weather like we have currently.

“But we can’t ignore the fact that a significant amount of money would need to be spent to be sure that the risk of contamination, however low level, is as controlled as possible.

“So we will ask people using the town centre whether they think this is a good investment, or whether we should leave the fountain switched off.”

The fountain was installed under Northampton Borough Council’s previous administration in 2010 at a cost of £98,000.

Water quality levels are tested regularly and when results revealed higher than normal levels of bacteria in August 2012, the fountain was turned off.

Since then, the borough council has been working with a variety of specialists to see if low-level contamination of the water can be completely prevented.

The specialists’ recommendation is to remodel the fountain to include a raised pool around the water spouts that they say will make contamination far less likely.

The work would cost around £50,000 and take up to 16 weeks to complete.

A consultation will be run throughout the summer so that people can have their say on whether they support the cost of work to turn the fountain back on, or whether it should be turned off for good.

Over the summer months, council staff will be out and about in the town centre to capture views. The Borough Council will also be writing to town centre businesses to ask for their views.

People can also have their say online by visiting: www.surveymonkey.com/s/northamptonfountain

The consultation closes on Monday, September 2.

Three county players have been selected for international honours with England.

West End BC’s Jamie Walker has retained his place in the England Junior team for the Bowls Council International Series, which is being held at Llandrindod Wells in Wales on Saturday and Sunday, September 14 and 15.

Walker will skip a rink with Dan Targar, Northumberland at lead, another Northumbrian, Chris Yeomans at No. 2, and Travis Meller from the Isle of Wight at No. 3.

And there has also been cause for celebration for Thrapston’s Callum Height and Kettering Midland Band’s Connor Cinato as they have been picked for the men’s Junior International Development Squad for 2014, along with 16 other young players from around the country.

Chloe and Rebecca off to Leamington

The British Isles Women’s Junior International Series is being held at Victoria Park in Leamington on Saturday and Sunday this weekend.

And two county players are part of the junior development team, which will be taking the place of Ireland who withdrew from the event.

Chloe Wordingham (Higham Ferrers Town) and Rebecca Wigfield (Desborough Town) are members of the four-rink team.

Wordingham will lead on the rink skipped by Wigfield.

Emerging talents shine in Northants triumph

NORTHANTS men claimed an impressive 132-109 success over Nottinghamshire in their Midland Counties Championship clash at Wellingborough.

The rink wins were shared 3-3 but the winning margins for the County were greater, led by Alan Ashby’s who enjoyed an 18-shot win.

Due to a number of established players being unavailable, some emerging talents were drafted in, including Nathan Betts, Ashley Linnell, and Matt Cattell.

The County were in front at every stage of the match as they went on to earn 16 points for their victory.

RINK SCORES (Notts skips only) Rink one: Rob White/Ashley Linnell/Dave Flippance/Jim McKee 13 Mick Leafe 21. Rink two: Dave Love/Martin Cinato/Martin Gearey/John Haines 26 Mihangel Owen 15. Rink three: Tony O’Leary/Dave Kovacs/Chris Bland/Jamie Walker 20 Dave Scott 22. Rink four: Jason Bryan/Nathan Betts/Matt Pownall/Vernon Gearey 27 Chris Smith 17.

Rink five: Adam Brown/Matt Wordingham/Jonathan Brown/Alan Ashby 29 Ben Powell 11.

Rink six: Matt Cattell/Connor Cinato/Roger Tansley/Richard Lemon 17 Duncan Robinson 23.

Lewis and Bradley play big role in county win

County Ladies President Heather Lack welcomed Nottinghamshire to her club, Burton Latimer Town BC, for a Middle England League match and she would have been even happier after the County sealed a 128-108 victory.

The rink wins were shared but thanks to the ones skipped by Pam Lewis and Jan Bradley that accumulated a total of plus 38 shots between them, the majority of the points on offer went to the home side.

RINK SCORES (Notts skips only) Rink one: Alison Dring/Eleanor Winters/Sandy Hayter/Brenda Bishop 17 S Offler 22. Rink two: Pat Starsmore/Tracey Cattell/Ann Davey/Pam Lewis 28 E Adams 7. Rink three: Trisha Basford/Brenice Willmott/Pat Bodily/Jan Bradley 32 T Wombell 15. Rink four: Maggie Edwards/Rhona Holland/Jill Welch/Anita Petrucci 18 R Lewis 17. Rink five: Chris Cooper/Ann Lissack/Heather Golding/Audrey Height 17 G Smart 21. Rink six: Sandra Mawson/Julie Spreadbury/Margaret McGillivray/Di Brumwell 16 M Maidlow 26.

Northants youngsters edge out Warwickshire

Northamptonshire Under-25s mixed team completed a narrow 80-78 win over Warwickshire in the Ron Barston Trophy match in the Midland Counties BA Under-25 Championship.

The match at Abington BC proved to be a close contest throughout and eventually went to the last end.

Northants won by two shots with three winning rinks and one losing as they collected 20 points.

With two rinks finished, Jamie Walker’s picked up a count of three shots on their last end to put the County one ahead.

Connor Cinato’s rink also secured a one-shot success to complete the overall win.

RINK SCORES (Warwickshire skips only) Rink one: Alice Moore/Jack Botterill/Matt Cattell/Connor Cinato 23 L Horne 22. Rink two: Nick Manton/Connor Dolby/Danny Walker/David Walker 25 A Smith 13. Rink three: Adam Hawkings/Paige Johnson-Young/Alistair Melville/Rebecca Wigfield 12 L Moore 27. Rink four: Conor Bryan/Abbi Johnson-Young/Adam Brown/Jamie Walker 20 J Winch 16.

Northamptonshire’s Ben Duckett has been named as captain for England Under-19s when they compete in next month’s tri-series against Bangladesh and Pakistan.

The wicketkeeper-batsman will lead a 14-man squad over the competition in August and follows in the recent footsteps of team-mates Olly Stone and Alex Wakely.

Also included in the squad is 15-year-old Yorkshire pace bowler Matthew Fisher, who recently became the youngest player to feature in a competitive county match for more than a century when he played in a YB40 fixture against Gloucestershire.

The ECB’s national performance manager David Graveney, who chairs the England Under 19s selection panel, said: “Ben Duckett has considerable experience at this level after playing in last year’s ICC Under-19’s World Cup and captaining England Under-19s in the ODIs on their tour of South Africa earlier this year. He continues to develop as a player and has gained further valuable experience by playing for Northamptonshire’s first team this summer.

“This tri-series will enable our best young players to test themselves against opposition who are well versed in both playing and bowling spin, and will also provide important preparation for the squad ahead of next winter’s ICC Under 19 World Cup in the UAE.

“We welcome Matthew Fisher into the squad for the first time along with a number of other new players who have impressed in County second XI and first team cricket this summer. Matthew’s selection reflects both the selectors’ and Yorkshire’s view that he is ready to step up to the challenge of playing international age-group cricket.“

England Under-19 squad: Ben Duckett (Northamptonshire), Thomas Alsop (Hampshire), Tom Barber (Hampshire), Karl Carver (Yorkshire), Harry Finch (Sussex), Matthew Fisher (Yorkshire), Miles Hammond (Gloucestershire), Ryan Higgins (Middlesex), Lewis McManus (Hampshire), Will Rhodes (Yorkshire), Josh Shaw (Yorkshire), Dominic Sibley (Surrey), Jonny Tattersall (Yorkshire), Jack Winslade (Surrey).

Former deputy prime minister, Lord Heseltine, has said it is a “great honour” to receive an academic title from the University of Northampton.

The 80-year-old Conservative politician, who lives in Thenford, near Brackley, received an Honorary Fellowship during a ceremony at Royal & Derngate this morning.

Lord Heseltine, who was a member of parliament form 1966 to 2001, was commissioned by the coalition Government last year to draw a plan to stimulate growth in local areas.

Earlier this year his report, No Stone Unturned, made 89 recommendations of which 81 were adopted by Chancellor George Osborne.

Lord Heseltine said: “It is a great honour to receive the fellowship and it reflects the interest I have taken in increasing regional growth in a wide range of areas.”

When asked about the Coalition’s performance, Lord Heseltine said they were taking the “tough decisions” which were ensuring the economy was getting back on track.

Lord Heseltine said he thought it was possible the Conservatives could win a majority in the next election.

More than 3,000 students will graduate from the University of Northampton this summer and Lord Heseltine is one of six well-known people to receive an honorary degree from the university.

War Horse author, Michael Morpurgo, who has written a book on legendary Northampton Town footballer, Walter Tull, also received an Honorary Doctorate during a ceremony this afternoon.

Mr Morpurgo said: “I feel a bit of a fraud because most people who get degrees have worked for it but I am the only one who hasn’t.

“I’m here to bang the drum for Walter Tull and it is good to be in a townwhich recognises that he is a remarkable man. There is a street named after him and a plaque in his name and it is right that he should be honoured.”

Inspectors have warned Northamptonshire Police is one of five forces in England and Wales that will struggle to cope with future budget cuts.

Inspectors at HM Inspector of Constabulary said the county force had developed innovative savings approaches but warned it “has struggled to deliver on performance”, while making cuts.

It identified Northamptonshire as one of five police forces that will struggle to cope with future budget cuts.

They also found, unlike most forces, Northamptonshire Police bosses do not have a clear short term plan for closing the funding gap.

However, responding to the report, Chief Constable Adrian Lee today said: “I am pleased that this report from HMIC recognises the substantial savings and efficiencies we have already achieved in Northamptonshire.

“The report says, ‘There is no doubt that the force understands the scale of the challenges it faces.’ This is very much the case and we are now finalising plans to achieve the further financial savings we need to make without any detriment to services to the public. I am confident that we will achieve this. The force has always delivered on the savings targets that had been set and will continue to do so.

“Likewise, the HMIC report acknowledges the work we have done to improve the performance of the force and the difficulties we have faced in that. We are pleased that all crime has reduced by 13 per cent and violent crime reduced by 15 per cent since 1 April.”

The annual value of policing report, examining budgets in England and Wales, said the majority of forces had adapted well to Government spending cuts, which will take a 20 per cent hit in real terms by 2015.

However, West Yorkshire, South Yorkshire, Lincolnshire, Bedfordshire, as well as Northamptonshire Police, face a battle to provide “high-quality service” to the public, it concluded.

HMIC for the Eastern Region, Zoë Billingham, said: “The force faces a smaller saving requirement than other forces. Whilst it has developed some innovative approaches to meeting its funding challenge, the force has struggled to deliver on performance.

“HMIC has been monitoring Northamptonshire Police for some time. Although the force’s own crime figures for the last two months are more encouraging, HMIC has yet to see evidence of sustainable performance improvement. The force recognises the issue and is working hard to address the problem.

“The force does not yet have a clear and overarching change programme, nor does it have a plan that will enable it to close the funding gap over this spending review period, unlike most other forces.

“Faced with further budget reductions after March 2015 HMIC is concerned that it will be challenging for the force to deliver the further change necessary and provide an acceptable level of service to the public.

“HMIC will continue to monitor the force for the remainder of the spending review period.”

Northamptonshire Police has more work to do in response to its financial challenge, said HMIC

In the report published today, HM Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC), found:

Progress in making savings

· Northamptonshire Police has identified that it needs to save £21.8m over the four years of the spending review (i.e. between March 2011 and March 2015). The force has planned how it will save £18.7m, it therefore still has £3.1m to find. The report said: “This gap is a concern to HMIC, particularly as the force prepares for further funding challenges in the future.”

· As a proportion of its overall budget this savings requirement (15 per cent) is smaller than most other forces. The report said: “The force faces a comparatively moderate financial challenge. However, it is recognised that as a force with lower spending on policing than other forces and staff costs that are broadly in line with England and Wales average, identifying savings is not without its challenges.”

Workforce changes and protecting the front line

· The force is reducing police officer numbers by limiting recruitment and holding vacancies; as a result by the end of the spending review period it is planned that there will be 123 fewer police officers. This means the number of police officers is planned to reduce by 9 per cent between March 2010 and March 2015; this is a smaller reduction than in most other forces.

· The report said: “The force has not done as much as most other forces to protect frontline posts as it makes these cuts.” Between March 2010 and March 2015, the proportion of police officers in frontline, crime-fighting roles is planned to increase from 88 per cent to 91 per cent. This compares to an overall increase across England and Wales from 89 per cent to 93 per cent.

· The force has also made some police staff redundant and not replaced others as they have left; as a result, by the end of the spending review period it is planned that there will be 428 fewer police staff. This means the number of police staff is planned to reduce by 37 per cent between March 2010 and March 2015. The report said: “This is higher than most other forces but this is mainly due to many services previously undertaken by the force (e.g. human resources and finance) now being provided by a multi-force shared service centre with Cheshire Constabulary.”

· Due to the withdrawal of external partner funded police community support officers (PCSOs) posts, the number of PCSOs will reduce by 32 per cent. This is greater than the reduction for most other forces.

Impact on the public

· The report said: “Over the first two years of the spending review, recorded crime (excluding fraud) reduced by three per cent in Northamptonshire, which is considerably lower than the 13% reduction recorded across England and Wales as a whole.”

· Victim satisfaction with the service received is at 82 per cent, which is lower than other forces.

Future challenges

· The report said: “With an outstanding funding gap the force will need to identify further savings to balance its budget in this spending review period.

“The challenge will become greater as the force prepares for further funding reductions in 2015/16. When the force is developing plans for delivering further change and achieving savings, it is imperative that it takes account of the impact on the service to the public, in particular how crime reduction can be improved and sustained.”

A businessman charged with killing a Northampton family-of-four appeared to break-down in the dock as he heard details of the case discussed at Northampton Crown Court this morning.

Anxiang Du, aged 54, appeared before a High Court judge today where he was scheduled to enter pleas to four charges of murder.

He stands accused of stabbing to death Jifeng ‘Jeff’ Ding, his wife Helen Chui, and their two daughters, Xing, aged 18, and Alice, aged 12, at their home in Wootton on April 29, 2011.

Du, who wore a white T-shirt and necklace during the short hearing, sat in the dock flanked by five court officers and spoke only to confirm his name.

The court heard no pleas could be entered during the hearing, however, as tests are still being carried out on Du.

Prosecuting, William Harbage QC said: “The first matter that would normally happen is arraignment, but your honour knows the history of this matter and there are inquiries ongoing.”

The matter was instead put back until October, with a trial date set for November.

Du, who sat with his head bowed, appeared to become emotional in the dock at one stage and was handed a tissue by security officers.

He has not yet entered a plea to any of the charges he faces.

During the hearing, Du’s legal team revealed how he suffers from motion sickness and asked for the next hearing to be conducted by video link from prison.
But the judge said that would not be practical as an interpreter would still be needed.

It also emerged for the first time how the alleged murder weapon, a knife, was found by police on a sideboard in the kitchen inside the Ding’s home, in Pioneer Close, Simpson Manor, between the sink and the cooker.

The Honourable Mr Justin Justice Flaux warned he was not willing for the case to be put back any further for medical reports.

He said: “We cannot have experts dictating when criminal trials take place.

“It is totally unthinkable for this trial not to go ahead later this year.”

Du’s appearance comes after he was arrested in Morocco and extradited back to the UK to face the charges.

The last hearing, held at Nottingham Crown Court, had to be put back after a Mandarin interpreter failed to attend the hearing on time.

The next hearing, on October 17 at Northampton Crown Court, is now due to hear Du’s pleas, once medical reports are returned, and will hear discussions about Mr Delaney’s statement.