A website to report potholes, road obstructions and blocked drains in Northamptonshire has been given an overhaul.

Northamptonshire County Council’s clunky Street Doctor site has been replaced with a snazzy new FixMyStreet service.

The reporting system allows people to upload photos to make it clear where the defect is and is generally easier to use.

Cllr Ian Morris, county council cabinet member for transport, highways and environment, said: “Over the years we have looked at improving the service and, this year, Street Doctor is getting an overhaul.

“We will launch the site using FixMyStreet and this will sit on our website.

“This means customers will still go to Street Doctor which will take them to the reporting system for a smooth, end-to-end service.

“The system we had been using is getting dated and we have listened to what people really want.

“Our officers are already using it internally and finding the whole process a lot better.”

The maintenance of Northamptonshire’s roads is a bugbear for county residents.

A year ago we revealed compensation payouts for pothole damage had doubled in a year.

People using the FixMyStreet service will be able to easily map where the defect is and also view assets such as signs, trees and adopted highways so it is easy to identify exactly which one they are talking about when they make a report.

The improvements also help Northamptonshire Highways as it saves operatives time when they inspect defects and carry out repairs.

FixMyStreet is the system most commonly used by local authorities across the country. Defects can also be reported via the main FixMyStreet website and app.

To report a highways fault go to www.northamptonshire.gov.uk/streetdoctor.

The alliance in charge of a Northampton surgery has announced it is terminating its contract, leaving the NHS to find a new provider.

Nene Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) and NHS England are seeking another party to run Kings Heath Practice after the Northampton-based GP Alliance decided to pull out.

After August 30, it will no longer be responsible for providing the primary care services at the practice in North Oval.

Director of primary and community integration for NHS Nene CCG Julie Curtis said: “The surgery will remain open and patients will still be able to access the full range of primary care services as normal.

"We have written to patients to advise and assure them we are actively exploring a number of options to ensure they will still be able to continue accessing safe, high-quality GP services.

“Over the coming weeks, we will be engaging with patients to ensure their views, and the needs of the local population, are taken into account.”

Members from 21 GP practices across Northampton make up the GP Alliance, which was set up to improve collaborative work across the town's surgeries. Kings Heath is the only practice it operates directly.

The Alliance was not available for comment.

Di Pegg, head of primary care for NHS England in Northamptonshire, said: “The new provider of services will be appointed by NHS England and NHS Nene Clinical Commissioning Group, who are jointly responsible for commissioning GP services in the area. We will ensure patients are informed throughout this process.”

Those registered at Kings Heath Practice can book GP appointments via the county’s extended access service if they need one. Appointments are available on Bank Holidays, the evenings and at weekends, and patients can book these through their own GP practice – or by ringing NHS 111.

The world's most dangerous circus act featuring four motorbikes in a steel cage is coming to a Northampton theatre.

After a sell-out West End run, 'Cirque Berserk' is in town at the Royal and Derngate Theatre from March 27 to March 31.

The adrenaline-fuelled show promises stunt action and danger in a circus performance made especially for the stage.

The thills and skills on display will include the world's most dangerous circus stunt 'The Globe of Death' - four motorcycles reaching speeds of 60mph within the confines of a locked steel cage.

Cirque Berserk also boast 30 jugglers, acrobats, aerialists, dancers, drummers and daredevil stuntmen.

Tickets are available starting at £10 from the Royal and Derngate website.

A Northampton family whose home was broken into earlier this month have expressed their thanks after their daughter’s Amazon Fire tablet was returned by police.

Their home in Kingsthorpe was burgled in the early hours of Saturday, 16 March, when burglars broke in, removed car keys and stole the family’s car, as well as an iPad, handbag and the Amazon Fire.

The Amazon Fire was subsequently recovered by officers from the force’s new burglary team following the arrest of a 45-year-old man last week and presented to a delighted little girl.

Wayne Brown, 45, of Kingsland Avenue, Northampton, was charged with handling stolen goods. He was also charged with burglary for a separate offence which happened on 22 March. He pleaded guilty to both offences and was remanded in custody for sentencing at Northampton Crown Court on a date to be arranged.

Detective Inspector Wayne Preece said: “Burglary is a serious and highly intrusive crime and is a high priority for the force.

“Although other property taken in this burglary remains outstanding and the investigation continues, the family was delighted to receive the tablet back as their little girl was really missing it.

“We know we can never repair the emotional damage caused by someone breaking into a person’s home, however, it is wonderful to have been able to return a much-missed item to its owner.”

Anyone with information about the burglary can contact Northamptonshire Police on 101 quoting reference number 19000134365. Information can also be provided anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

James McInerney's life-affirming poems are taking over the information boards of London's tube stations.

From Covent Garden to Tower Hill, the short works by the Abington-based scribe are quickly spreading across the capital. Here is a quick look at some of his works as they appear on the information boardings of the city's tube and train stations.

Chair and first violin, Maggie Scott joined the orchestra about 15 years ago. She said: "I am so pleased to have the opportunity of playing music with other musicians. Roade Community Orchestra is so important to me for this reason and I would like other musicians to have the same opportunity as myself. There is nothing like being able to take part with a group of musicians all playing different instruments, different sounds, some playing loudly while others play quietly and yet all these sounds produce a wonderful piece of music. Roade Community Orchestra gives the opportunity for all ages and abilities to join together and we are particularly lucky to have such an enthusiastic, experienced and competent MD and conductor who keeps us all on track. Roade Community Orchestra is such a vibrant orchestra." When Maggie joined many of the members were then school children and the atmosphere, she says, has always been enthusiastic. "For me and many members it’s the highlight of our week," she added. "We have a natural loss of members. The younger members go on to do wonderful things at university, some members have left to live abroad and sadly we have lost one or two members due to illness. However, being an upbeat group of musicians we are always looking for new members to join us so we can continue to play wonderful music together." Many of their members travel from all over the county but the orchestra feels there are many musicians throughout Northamptonshire who are not aware of their existence and want to particularly reach out to bass players, cellists, viola plays and general percussionists. Roade Community Orchestra meet every Tuesday evening at 6.30pm to 8.15pm during term time in the hall at Roade Primary School in Hartwell Road.

Up to £25million could be on the table to improve the market square, renovate Gold Street and rethink the eastern section of Abington Street - if the borough council can secure it.

However, the borough council has not published what specifically is in their plan, and instead say they will preview it at a exhibition on April 15 in the Grosvenor's Centre.

The bid has been put forward by 'Northampton Forward', which is made up of leaders from the borough council, the Grosvenor's Centre, Tricker's Shoes, the University of Northampton and more.

Northampton Borough Council Leader and Chair of Northampton Forward councillor Jonathan Nunn, said: "This project will showcase our town as a place that is ambitious and proud and needs support through significant change in the physical environment to realise its full potential.

“The sheer breadth of support for this project is staggering. Our fully inclusive approach will ensure that we continue to deliver in line with our bold aspirations."

Reportedly, planning firm 5plus Architects played a hand in drafting the plan for Northampton.

The bid should set out the challenges Northampton is facing and a vision for how they could be tackled, which the Government would use to make an initial assessment. Those selected will then need to develop full applications in the summer.

If successful, the town could pick up the funding in April 2020. Areas of focus include Market Square, Greyfriars, Abington Street, Marefair, Gold Street, Fish Street, Dychurch Lane, and the route from the railway station into town.

The £620million 'Future High Streets' fund comes in response to national decline in town centre fortunes, largely caused by changing shopping habits.

Martin Mason, Managing Director of Tricker’s shoes in Northampton, said: “Northampton has a history in luxury shoemaking rightly recognised as the very best in the world.

“Tricker’s holds a unique position as the oldest footwear manufacturer in the town. This bold and ambitious plan will regenerate interest in the town and secure a prosperous future for all current and future businesses.”

Delapre Abbey is set to host a three-day outdoor film event this summer.

Films on the Lawn will take place between Friday August 16 and Sunday August 18 from 8-11pm.

The cinema nights will be held in the walled garden of Delapre Abbey in London Road with a large open-air screen and state of the art sound.

The opening night film will be The Wizard of Oz to celebrate 80 years since the film was first screened in the UK.

Nights two and three are yet to be announced.

You can also pre-order picnic hampers through the Abbey which will include locally produced food and drink.For tickets click here

For tickets click here

1 FAMILY THEATRE
Room on the Broom, Royal & Derngate, Northampton, March 28 to 31
The Olivier Award-nominated production tells the story of a friendly witch, her cat and three lovable animals, who take to the skies on a broom and face a fearsome dragon in this magical musical adventure. With enchanting puppetry, original sing-along songs and scary fun, Room on the Broom is ideal for families with children aged three and up. Renowned theatre company Tall Stories has adapted the best-selling book of the same name by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler for the stage.
Details: royalandderngate.co.uk

2 DRINK
The Great British Gin Festival, Wicksteed Park, March 29 and 30
It’s a treat for gin lovers, with more than 100 international gins from household names and unusual flavours, to exclusive, small batch gins, with a gin glass and gin bible given on arrival to guide guests through their gin tasting experience. Available to purchase will be 25ml test tubes (perfect to share) or full bottles of favourite tipples. Entertainment includes talks and trade stands, cocktail demos, interactive games and a live band, creating a sophisticated festival vibe.
Details: thegreatbritishginfest.co.uk

3 THEATRE
Adam Kay: This Is Going To Hurt (Secret Diaries Of A Junior Doctor) Live, Royal & Derngate, Northampton, April 3
The author of the best-selling non-fiction book of 2018, award-winning comedian Adam Kay shares entries from his diaries as a junior doctor in this evening of stand-up and music.
Details: royalandderngate.co.uk

4 FOOD AND DRINK
Rum & Reggae Festival, Wicksteed Park, March 30
Take a rum journey around the world, tasting rare and special craft rums from the West Indies, Cuba, South America and the USA - and enjoy some live reggae acts too.
Details: rumandreggaefestival.com

5 THEATRE
Flash Theatre Festival, various venues, Northampton, April 1 to 6
Some 40 actors will perform 36 shows in the space of six days as the festival showcases the talents of final year under-
graduates on the acting course at the University of North-ampton.
Details: flashfestival2019.wixsite.com

6 MUSIC
Uppingham Choral Society, Memorial Hall ,Uppingham School, March 30
The society’s Spring Concert will feature Haydn’s The Seasons, with the singers accompanied by the Bardi Orchestra.
Details: uppinghamchoralsociety.uk

7 MUSIC
Northampton Symphony Orchestra, Christ Church, Northampton, March 30
The orchestra celebrates its Northampton roots with its headline act of the evening being A Sussex Overture, having been composed by Northampton-born musician Malcolm Arnold. The orchestra will then be joined by North-ampton’s Jenny Dyson on flute and Elinor Nicholson on harp to accompany Mozart’s Concerto for Flute and Harp, with the concert rounding off with Sir Edward Elgar’s Symphony No. 3.
Details: www.nso.org.uk

8 FAMILY
Corby Mardi Gras, March 30
Thousands of people are expected at the annual extravaganza, which includes street theatre performances, live music, inspirational sound installations and captivating illuminated sculptures.
Details: madeincorby.co.uk

9 FAMILY
Cirque Berserk, Royal & Derngate, Northampton, until March 31
Combining contemporary circus artistry with hair-raising, death-defying stunts, the show promises thrills for audiences young and old.

Details: royalandderngate.co.uk

10 COMEDY
Justin Moorhouse: Northern Joker, Royal & Derngate, Northampton, March 29
Justin’s not certain about anything apart from his uncertainty. The golden age of the Northern straight white male comedian has gone the way of the dinosaurs. Discover whether the Phoenix Nights star can adapt to survive.
Details: royalandderngate.co.uk

Abington dad-of-two James McInerney, 40, has been writing verses since 1998 and is currently working on his sixth published collection.

But the poet's works are now starting to be seen by an even wider audience after the managers of some of London's busiest tube stations agreed to start displaying some of his shorter verses on their information boards.

"I had this idea of seeing what places I could get poetry into where there isn't usually poetry," James said.

"When I went to visit London I saw these information boards - and some of them had quotes on.

"With them being written in pen, I thought I would just contact a few station managers and see what they felt about the poetry.

"All the major stations said yes."

See a gallery of James' poems here.

James's poetry talks of 'love and life' and aims to inspire a bit of positivity among London's commuters.

And those travelling to Paddington, Piccadilly Circus or Covent Garden to name a few may have already come across some of his works on the information boards there.

Recently, digital boards at the London Bridge overground station have also begun flashing up selected lines from James' collection.

"The feedback has been really good," added James, who also teaches part-time at a school and has two teenage children.

"It's something a bit different, it's something you don't normally see at train stations.

"People who wouldn't normally like poetry are getting to read it."

James, who will be signing books at this year's Comic-Con in London, has also seen his social media following rocket since the poems started being displayed.

He now has 33,000 followers on Instagram, and recently star of television series The Purge, Hannah Emily Anderson, made a short video reading out one of James' poems: 'When it comes to love, you shouldn’t have to question if you are enough’.

For more information about James and his poetry, head to his Instagram page here.

A new map has been created by Illicit Encounters, detailing how many people in each town have signed up to the website for married people looking to have an affair (listed in reverse order). And the number is up on last year with Illicit Encounters saying they've found "particularly strong figures for cheating in towns and cities which voted out in the Brexit referendum."

Saints have been handed a big injury boost ahead of Sunday's Challenge Cup quarter-final at Clermont Auvergne.

Lock Courtney Lawes, who suffered a calf injury during England's Six Nations defeat to Wales last month, has been training this week and is set to be available for the big battle at Stade Marcel Michelin.

And with Saints up against a powerful Clermont Auvergne side, more good news comes in the form of bulldozing centre Luther Burrell.

Burrell was suffered concussion that forced him off during the early stages of the Premiership Rugby Cup final win against Saracens on March 17.

But he, like Lawes, has been training this week.

"Courtney's been training and doing bits so he's looking good," said Saints attack coach Sam Vesty.

"Courtney is class, he gives us a different dimension to what we want to do so it's very good to have him back.

"Luther has also trained this week.

"He's had a couple of days' training and it's been good to have him back as well."

Another player to have passed his concussion protocols is Heinrich Brüssow.

The South African flanker was withdrawn during the second half of the 29-15 Gallagher Premiership win at Leicester Tigers last Friday.

But Vesty said: "He went through some concussion protocols but he's passed."

There will be plenty of players vying for places in the squad for Sunday's game, with Lewis Ludlam among those ready to return.

Ludlam, who has been hugely impressive for Saints this season, was rested for last week's win at Welford Road.

"Lewis deserved that rest," Vesty said.

"He's put himself about big time this year.

"He probably wouldn't want to look after his body so we had to.

"He's been excellent for us."

A Northampton shopping centre was evacuated this afternoon following a fire in the attached car park.

Smoke was seen billowing out of the car park for the Grosvenor's Centre at around 2.50pm today (March 27) after a vehicle reportedly caught fire.

It led to the evacuation of the nearby shopping centre until emergency services could extinguish the blaze.

The shopping centre has reportedly now been opened again to the public.

Three fire crews were called to the car park to deal with the burning car, and firefighters are still on the scene.

Northamptonshire in Photographs by Dave Porter has pictured the best of the county in a series of images now out in publication. Over the next few pages we take a sneak preview. Click here for more information on the book.

Delays of up to half-an-hour are being felt on a Northampotn stretch of motorway following an earlier accidemt

Traffic is still slow on the M1 Southbound between junction 15 for Northampton and junction 14 for Milton Keynes after a collision earlier today.

Lane one had to be closed at about 3.40pm while vehicles were recovered, but all lanes have now been reopened.

AA Travel is now reporting delays of between 20 minutes and half-an-hour between the two junctions.

Volunteers, who wore make-up to replicate real injuries, took on the role of casualties who had to be cut free from a car at Brixworth Fire Station.

The staged scenario was a road traffic collision in which ‘casualties’ were left trapped. Firefighters had the task of cutting the car to free the people inside, while the paramedics had to assess the situation and deliver appropriate treatments.

More than 20 paramedic science students from the University of Northampton took part in events held over two evenings in March.

Brixworth crew commander Al Beckett said: “We have been doing this with students from the university for five years now and it is always a worthwhile exercise.

“Part of the challenge in dealing with emergency situations is not just that you know your job but that you know and understand how it fits in with the roles other people and agencies play. We revisit this exercise year after year because it is a real learning experience and something that gives us, and the students themselves, increased exposure to the way in which both organisations work when dealing with this kind of incident.

“I would like to extend my thanks to all the students who took part as well as the volunteers who did an excellent job in playing the injury-stricken casualties.”

Coby from Duston has always dreamt of becoming an ice cream man because he believes they make lots of other children happy and he plays the Gallones theme tune at home.

But on Saturday (March 23) when he went rushing out of his front door, after a thirty minute wait, he placed his order with the driver but was shouted at because he was talking to quietly and came away crying.

His mum Stacie said: "Watching from the window, I was mortified when he walked away from the van in tears.

"The man shouted at him, several times, for speaking too quietly. The vans are quite noisy and my little boy just didn't realise.

"What kind of person in this role shouts at kids to the point of tears? He just wanted some ice cream. He was visibly shaking with fright. He was too upset to eat it in the end, and charged a lot of money for something he didn't want."

On Sunday (March 24) Gallones made a special visit to Coby and came to his rescue to lift the spirits of the little boy once again.

Stacie added: "They offered to send a van to the street in the original [Facebook] post and he waited at the window all day extremely excited to see them.

"He heard the tune about five minutes before they arrived and was jumping all over.

"It's very kind as it's not the hottest weather and it wasn't Gallones who upset him."

A Grade II listed property with internal features designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh is up for sale for £875,000.

Described as a 'piece of architectural history', Northampton agents Jackson-Stops in currently marketing this Grade II listed building next to Abington Park in Wellingborough Road. The five-bedroom house sits on a 0.41 of an acre plot and was built in 1926. New Ways is to the design of the renowned industrial engineer Peter Behrens (1868-1940). It was built for Mr W J Bassett-Lowke of model railway fame, who had his factory in Northampton. It is thought that this house was the first property built in the UK in the German Expressionist style. The house incorporates some internal features designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh and formerly in No 78 Derngate, a house that he remodelled in 1916. New Ways was listed in 1952 as possibly the first modernist home in Britain.

An investigation into the activities of a limited company owned by Northamptonshire County Council has found no evidence of fraud.

The county council commissioned the report into NEA Properties in September after questions were asked about the spending of the company and auditors raised concerns about why the company had not been audited for more than two decades.

A 10-page report today (March 27) by Nick Graham, the monitoring officer at Oxfordshire County Council, has found that the company, which was founded in 1983, was run correctly and there was no evidence of impropriety.

It said: “There is certainly no evidence of any fraudulent activity on the part of officers or members in relation to the activities of NEA Properties, the NEP or Explore Communications Limited.”

The report principally looked at the relationship between NEA Properties, the county council and Northamptonshire Enterprise Partnerships.

Mr Graham interviewed county councillors Andre Gonzalez de Savage and Bill Parker who were directors of NEA Properties for a number of years until it closed down in 2017.

A former chairman of NEP, John Markham, and NCC officers Laurie Gould, Julia Tomlinson and Quentin Baker were also interviewed.

The report concluded that there was a detailed service level agreement between the council and the limited company and that ‘ there is evidence of proper consideration of applications for grant funding to NEA Properties by various bodies and it is clear that proper monitoring and audit was undertaken in relation to that expenditure by following up with the recipients and accounting for how this money was expended.’

The issue of an £80,000 grant to Northampton Saints Rugby Club ‘accorded with the stated aims and objectives of NEA Properties.’

NEA properties had received £820,000 in September 2014 from the sale of buildings it owned to the University of Northampton and had used some of the proceeds in the form of a grant to the rugby club.

The report said: As a “reciprocal goodwill gesture” Northamptonshire Saints offered private use of a 16-person executive box in one of the stands for all home games; pitch-side advertising; hospitality, including complimentary meals and drinks, for a party of 10 for 2 of the matches. This arrangement was to include a two-year term commencing on August 1, 2015.”

The investigating officer found no evidence of declarations of gifts or hospitality received by councillors who had visited the club ‘which should have been in place’.

Mr Graham said he could find no spend in relation to a B17 Bomber flypast in Grafton Underwood in May 2015.

He said: “However, it seems to me given the historical information I read and the purposes for which that event was arranged, it seems to entirely accord with the aims and objectives of NEP and the funding that was available through NEA Properties. Again, there simply no evidence that this was an inappropriate use of funding for such an event.

“I am therefore unable to say with any certainty that there has been a breach of code of conduct in that limited area.”

The investigator was also satisfied that the money spent by Northamptonshire Enterprise Partnership’s partner company Explore Communications, whose directors were Andre Gonzalez de Savage and Rob Purdie, was used appropriately and to promote Northamptonshire’s tourism industry.

Mr Graham did say his findings were based on limited information.

“I would emphasise that I have had to base my conclusions on the limited information that is available. That may be in part because of some uncertainty regarding the record keeping, or indeed just simply given the passage of time that information is no longer available.”

A spokesman for Northamptonshire County Council said: “We have received the final report of this investigation, which has exonerated councillors and officers from any fraudulent activity in connection with the operation of NEA Properties.

“The report further concluded that councillors made the required declarations of interest and took extensive and appropriate financial and legal advice in making their decisions.

“We have already taken steps to strengthen governance processes and accept the findings in full.”

Cllr Gareth Eales, who pushed for the investigation, said: “As the original complainant I was eager to read the report, which is a bit lacking in new information. What is unquestionable is that spending public money on these lavish items like Saints hospitality when the council was on the brink of bankruptcy is wholly inappropriate.”

Council leaders fear that a decision on whether to reorganise local councils in Northamptonshire could face delays while the Government focuses on Brexit.

The first ever public meeting of councillors looking ahead at the proposed reorganisation convened at The Guildhall in Northampton last night (March 26).

Councillors from Daventry, South Northamptonshire, Northampton borough and Northamptonshire county councils formed the first joint committee for the proposed new West Northamptonshire unitary, which would see all the councils merged under one roof.

The unitary route was recommended in a report by Government-appointed inspector Max Caller, who was tasked to see whether the county council was providing value for money.

Seven of the eight councils across the county agreed to the proposals, althought most were done reluctantly.

The reorganisation is still waiting for government approval after proposals were submitted last summer. But the joint committee heard fears from some councillors that the government may be too preoccupied with Brexit to give it the parliamentary time it needs to be approved.

It could mean that the planned start date of April 1, 2020, could be delayed unless a decision is made soon by the Secretary of State for Local Government, James Brokenshire MP.

Giving an update on the process, Northampton Borough Council chief executive George Candler said: “This will be determined on how much time it can be given in parliament.”

And South Northamptonshire Council leader Ian McCord went further, saying: “This all depends on a decision from the Secretary of State. We have been trying for weeks and months for them to give us a decision. But I haven't heard anything from the government that gives me any comfort they will stick to that timetable."

Mr Candler said that a decision would be made either BEFORE parliament breaks up for Easter recess on April 4, or AFTER it returns on April 23.

Northamptonshire County Council leader Matt Golby added: “We are still awaiting the decision from the Secretary of State. It may be the case that we have a lot more time ahead of us than we first expected."

Councillor Golby also implied that MPs were working with council leaders to write a letter to the government urging them to make its decision quickly.

Questions were raised by the committee as to where this would leave the county if the process were to be delayed.

Labour councillor Danielle Stone said: “If the timescale slips there's a real democratic issue here I feel. We've already suspended elections for 2019."

Although the joint committee was the first public meeting held in connection with the unitary proposals, it’s shelf life is expected to be short.

The committee’s remit is effectively to make preparations to allow the formation of a shadow executive.

Last night saw three ‘task and finish groups’ set up, which will see councillors ticks off certain tasks to help prepare for the next stage of the process.

This includes recommending a constitution to be adopted by the shadow authority and undertaking the recruitment process for key interim positions. These key interim appointments would include the head of paid service, chief finance officer and monitoring officer.

Another group will also agree the process for an independent review of a scheme of Members' Allowances, and setting up an Independent Remuneration Panel.

The committee is next due to meet on Tuesday, May 14.