The chairman of the Northamptonshire Safeguarding Children Board has said the county’s safeguarding partnership between the county council, police and health providers has not been as ‘effective as it could have been’.

Speaking this morning at the county’s health and wellbeing forum in Thrapston, Keith Makin, who has chaired the children’s safeguarding board since March 2014, said the public service partners charged with looking after the safety of Northamptonshire’s young people have been found wanting in recent times.

In front of a room full of senior public servants, Mr Makin said: “I want to be frank and say that I think the safeguarding partnership has not been as effective as it could have been. There are plans to strengthen that. I am pleased with the inter-agency partnership discussions that are happening.

“Safeguarding responsibility rests with health, police and all parts of the council.”

The role of the safeguarding board is to ensure member organisations work together and also hold them to account.

Mr Makin presented the 2017/18 annual report to the health and wellbeing forum, but the situation has now moved on in many areas. Since April 2018 the county council’s children’s services department had a damning Ofsted report which found referrals to social services were not being dealt with correctly and that social workers were ‘drowning in work’.

Mr Makin said the annual reports will now change and the one for 2018/19 will be published this summer.

Next month (May) two serious case reviews will be published into the deaths of two children who have died in Northamptonshire.

Chairman of independent body Northamptonshire Healthwatch David Jones, who is a former social worker, welcomed the honesty of Mr Makin and said while it was good to focus on progress, the failures need to publicised.

He said: “The partnership has not been working. That is the message we need to hear.

“There is still a lot of worry about partnership working. The way schools work with children’s services.

“If we don’t recognise that we are deceiving ourselves. We have to recognise there is quite a mountain to climb.”

Partnership working between Northamptonshire’s public services has been fractured over recent years. Speaking after the meeting Mr Makin said he did think improvements were starting to be made following the appointment of new police chief constable Nick Adderley and a new joint chief executive at the NHS Corby and NHS Nene Clinical Commissioning Groups, Toby Sanders.

The county authority is on course to underspend in the department that looks after children from vulnerable families, in homes and in care by £2 million in the soon-to-close financial year.

But, during a speech at Tuesday's cabinet meeting (April 9), Northampton North candidate Sally Keeble said the county had 'overshot' on those cuts when children remained in a desperate situation.

"There are two issues here," she told the meeting.

"One is that financially it wasn’t necessary. Your monitor shows you’ve overshot on the cuts in children’s services, and now, almost at the year’s end, you’re looking at an underspend of £2.1 million.

"When you take into account that across the entire county council budget your underspend is much smaller at £100,000 - what it means is that you’re overspending somewhere else and balancing your books on the backs of these children.

"The second is that the carers and mothers of these children have been crying out for help and you’ve turned a deaf ear. In some cases, you’ve made things worse. And that’s a reflection of the culture in children’s services here."

Mrs Keeble gave examples of seven children she claimed to know of who had been let down by the county council in the current year.

One particular family, she described consisted of two disabled children being looked after by an extremely ill mother.

While in recovery, she claims social workers demanded an extra £10,500 in care payments from the mother by stating she had underpaid.

Another child, she said, was left without a school place for over a year, despite requests from his carer to find a place for him. A request for the bus fare so he could get to his previous school was also refused.

Mrs Keeble called for a 'complete culture change' in children’s services and a reversal of the cuts as a result.

She told the meeting: "I don’t think that deciding to pay a director £258,000 a year while demanding £10,500 from a sick woman caring for three children sets the right note."

Leader of the council, Councillor Matt Golby, asked Mrs Keeble to pass on details of the seven children she claimed to have been affected.

Police have released CCTV images of a man they believe may have information about the theft of a bike from Caroline Chisholm School in Northampton.

The bike was taken from the school bike racks sometime between 4.10pm and 4.20pm on February 13.

Officers would like to speak to the man pictured and anyone who recognises him is asked to contact Northamptonshire Police on 101. Alternatively, they can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

From the days at the County Ground with the open terraces to the all-seater luxury of Sixfields (now the PTS Academy) Stadium, Northampton Town Football Club maintains its place in the hearts of fans and the community. These highs and lows, trials and tribulations all go hand-in-hand when supporting your team.

Heavy traffic has been reported on the M1 in both directions at J15 near Northampton.

Delays of up to 20 minutes have been reported on the northbound lane approaching Northampton due to heavy congestion.

It has led to long tailbacks leading up the A45 southbound, particularly near the Brackmills estate.

A lorry reportedly broke down and closed on lane at the same junction at around 4pm today, but it is not clear if this is the cause of the congestion.

Northants head coach David Ripley is playing a game of wait and see before fully judging the performance of his bowling attack on the first day of the Specsavers County Championship Division Two clash in Cardiff.

The home side amassed a whopping 433 for four at Sophia Gardens, with Marnus Labuschagne, Billy Root and Kiran Carlson all smashing centuries.

For Northants, pace bowler Blessing Muzarabari claimed two wickets on his Championship debut, and there was a wicket apiece for Nathan Buck and Jason Holder.

But there is no denying it was a day of toil for the County attack.

Ripley says it is too early to say whether or not the game has got away from his team, although he admitted his team will have to up their game on day two.

“I thought the Glamorgan batsmen played very well, and until we see both teams batting then we will know how good the pitch is,” said the Northants coach.

“We could have bowled better, and attacked one side of the pitch, and we have to be more ruthless tomorrow”

Labuschange, who scored 121 on his debut for the Welsh county, admitted it was a good pitch to bat on, and that his team will now aim to pile the pressure on Northants when they come to bat.

“It was the perfect start for me, you look forward to the first innings and there is a lot of expectation,” he said.

“It was a good pitch, and I felt if you did the basics well the runs would come. We will kick on tomorrow and hope our bowlers can put pressure on their batsmen”.

As well as Labuschange hitting 121, Root, the brother of England skipper Joe, scored an unbeaten 126 and Carlson 101 not out.

Labuschagne, who appeared in five Tests for Australia against Pakistan last winter, played a chanceless innings, scoring his runs from 177 balls with 19 fours.

When Root reached three figures, it was the first time in Glamorgan’s history for two players on debut to score a century in the same game, with Root becoming the 13th batsman to do so, completing his century from 150 balls.

Both teams were eager to bat first on an easy paced pitch, and after Glamorgan had called correctly, Charlie Hemphrey, another Queensland debutant, and Nick Selman put on 27 before Selman nicked Buck to first slip.

Hemphrey soon followed, edging Muzarabari to the wicketkeeper, before David Lloyd, with an attractive 31, helped Labuschagne put on 64 for the third wicket.

Lloyd who struck seven fours, was the next to go, when he chipped Muzarabari to square leg, before Root joined Labuschagne to add 154 in the afternoon session.

Labuschagne eventually departed, caught at long leg from a short delivery, but Carlson started with a flurry of boundaries, and outscored Root as he galloped to 50 from only 55 balls.

Northants used seven bowlers, but none could make an impression on the fifth wicket pair, especially Carlson who dominated the final session.

Glamorgan scored at such a rapid pace that they gained the fifth and maximum batting point in only the 92nd over, with Carlson reaching his ton from only 101 balls.

A Northamptonshire beauty queen is in the running to claim the crown at the world-famous contest in July after being picked from thousands of young women to be one of 40 girls in the running.

It will be the 21-year-old's second try at the contest after finishing runner-up in the 2018 competition. But if she wins this year, she could represent the UK at the international Miss Universe event.

Saffron, who moved to Towcester from London in December, said: "I'm very excited. I feel ready for it. I feel I will be a worthy winner and make history for Great Britain if I claim the crown. for now, it sort of feels like the world is watching."

When she was 18-years-old, Saffron was named Miss Galaxy England and now has her sights set on the international Miss Universe prize.

But her triumphant journey has been a troubled one, as the 21-year-old says she was bullied at her secondary school in Luton.

But now, Saffron talks to students in schools about tackling bullying and how to be yourself as an ambassador for the Papyrus Mental Health Awareness charity.

She said: "I think it's important to talk about how it's okay to not be okay. young people need to speak out and talk about themselves and what they're going through, and be okay with who they are.

"It's that kind of charity work I'm focusing this year. I've had a year to grow and think and I've got so much more to talk about. I feel if I can make a change in one young person's life it will be worth it."

Saffron - whose work has been sponsored by Fitzroy Dental Practice in London - will face down her other contestants on July 11.

If she takes home the crown, she will be entered to represent Great Britain in Miss Universe 2019.

The motorist, who did not wish to be named, has supplied the Chronicle and Echo with the Dashcam footage of the incident on Friday, April 5, at around 9.10am.

The video shows the driver take a left onto the Harlestone Road before heading towards the winding S-bend through Lower Harlestone.

But within seconds a silver Audi can be seen speeding up to his rear bumper, doing at least twice the 30mph speed limit.

It careers past the back of the driver's car while heading into a blind corner before making a last split-second jink to the left to avoid an oncoming vehicle.

"The speed he was going it would have been like a pinball machine if he had hit the oncoming car," said the witness. "We would have bounced into the buildings at the side of th road.

"it would have been one heck of a crash if it had happened.

"I braked gingerly and tried to steer to the side, but it would have made very little difference. it all happened in a split second."

The driver has called on Northamptonshire Police to set up an anonymous web address to send Dashcam footage to, in order to make it easier to report such incidents.

A Northamptonshire Police spokeswoman said: "The vehicle was being followed by officers after being identified as stolen and, with the support of the police helicopter, it was located unoccupied in the Duston area."

Since April last year, the 'Happy Hood' magazine has been available in a select number of independent shops to share stories of unsung heroes and kind deeds.

Since its first issue, the magazine has been paid out of pocket by its team of contributors at the Happy You Project Community Group.

But now, the Northampton magazine has picked up £10,000 of lottery funding and £3,000 from Northampton Borough Council to pay for another year of publishing.

Laura Graham, who co-founded Happy Hood with her friend Paige Taylor, said: "It's amazing to know we can keep publishing for another year. The funding means we will be able to pay our graphic designers and cover the costs of our launch events. We will also be able to develop a website for the magazine.

"We just want to give people a feel-good read to balance out some of the more negative news stories out there.

"It's just to show a different side to the town and show case that it's not all doom and gloom."

It comes as Happy Hood gets ready to whole a launch party for its fifth issue, which coincides a year to the day since the launch of the magazine in April 2018.

Happy Hood will launch the fifth issue at the Umbrella Fair Pavilion on the Racecourse on April 19 between 2pm and 4pm.

Laura said: "We always hold a launch event for each issue. It helps create that sense of community for the magazine."

The free family-friendly party at the Umbrella Fair will feature muscial performances by local singer songwriters Amii Dawes and Zahra Sullivan, local DJ Jordan 'Missing Link' Legg and poetry readings by Tre Ventour.

There will also be arts and crafts, a feel-good postcard writing activity and cakes by Northamptonshire's The Happy Little Cake Company.

Happy Hood is available in select Northampton shops for £2.50 an issue. It printss four times a year.

Northampton is facing tough competition for a share of the £675 million Future High Streets Fund after it was revealed more than 300 local authorities have applied.

The fund has been offered to transform local high streets into "modern, vibrant community hubs".

Local authorities can bid for up to £25 million and Northampton submitted its bid last month with plans to improve Market Square, renovate Gold Street and rethink the eastern section of Abington Street.

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.

High Streets Minister Jake Berry MP said: “More than 300 bids to the Future High Street Fund is a fantastic response and shows the passion across the country to meet the challenges facing our high streets head-on.

“The Government has the power to set the direction but those on the ground know best.

“I look forward to reviewing the innovative proposals from local leaders to transform our high streets and town centres and make them fit for the future."

Speaking last month when the bid was submitted, 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."

Keith Curle believes squaring up to promotion-chasing Mansfield Town gives him and his players a great chance see exactly how they measure up against the Sky Bet League Two elite.

And how far the Cobblers are going to have to go to match the Stags’ achievements next season.

David Flitcroft’s team currently have the slightest of edges in a four-way battle for the remaining two automatic promotion spots behind champions-elect Lincoln City.

They are second on goal difference from Milton Keynes, a point clear of fourth-placed Bury and four better off than fifth-placed Tranmere Rovers.

It is going to be tight, but the Stags are in pole position going into the game with mid-table Town on Saturday, and Curle, a former Mansfield boss, is a fan of the Field Mill side.

“I think this is a great opportunity for ourselves to compete this season against a team that are vying for automatic promotion,” said the Cobblers manager.

“They are where we need to be.

“So it is a great opportunity for us to go and test ourselves and see what gaps we need to bridge.

“Mansfield have a style of play they like to play, and we need to impose ourselves on that game and make sure everything we get we earn.”

Mansfield’s main man in attack is Nottingham Forest loanee Tyler Walker, who has 20 goals to his name this season.

And although Curle knows his players will have to be wary of the son of former England defender Des Walker, he knows that Mansfield - who will have a travelling army of more than 1,400 supporters backing them on Saturday - have other threats as well.

“Tyler Walker is a real threat,” said Curle. “He has great pace, great energy and is very direct.

“He is enjoying his football and is somebody we need to pay attention to, but they have other players who can score goals in their team.

“I know a few of their players, I have managed a few of their players, and there are a few players I have previously tried signing as well.

“I have been to watch a couple of their games as well, and there has been a big change at that football club.

“Credit to the chairman for his involvement in how he is structuring the club’s development, and it is paying off on the pitch.

“They have invested a lot of time and a lot of money at the club, and they are operating at the right end of the division.”

The most recent occasion the two clubs met, Mansfield were rampant as they raced to a 4-0 win at Field Mill in September.

The result proved to be very significant, as it led to the sacking of Town boss Dean Austin, with Curle replacing him a couple of days later.

David Buchanan says the Cobblers ‘owe’ Mansfield one for that embarrassing afternoon, but Curle insists this weekend’s game isn’t about revenge.

It is simply about taking three points from a Stags team he insists is ‘beatable’.

“We owe everybody that we play against, and that is the mentality we have to have,” said the Town boss.

“We have to have the mentality in the changing room that we want to beat everybody, whether that is because of previous results or anything else.

“We need the mentality that everybody is beatable in this division, and Mansfield are beatable.

“We need to make sure that on the day we pay good attention to our roles and responsibilities and we play the game how we need to play it.

“We have to stop them from playing how they want to play.”

Mansfield Town boss David Flitcroft believes Keith Curle is the right man to take the Cobblers ‘to the next level’.

The Stags manager brings his promotion-chasing side to the PTS Academy Stadium on Saturday, desperate for three points to keep them in the driving seat for a top three finish in Sky Bet League Two.

But he is expecting a real battle for those points against the Cobblers, as he has a more than healthy respect for the ‘incredible professionalism’ of Curle, and is well aware how organised his teams can be.

“Northampton knew they wanted a top professional in and that’s what they’ve done. Keith Curle’s work at Carlisle was pristine and professional,” said Flitcroft.

“They are in a transitional period, working out what it’s probably going to look like next season now they are safe, and how to rebuild. He is the right man to take them to the next level where they want to go.”

Mansfield’s 4-0 thrashing of the Cobblers at Field Mill back in September proved to be the final game in charge for Dean Austin.

He was sacked a day later to allow Town to hire Curle instead, and Flitcroft feels that in the long term that decision will pay dividends.

“Before we played them at home you could tell something just wasn’t right,” said the Mansfield boss, who has also managed Barnsley, Bury and Swindon Town.

“It was a strange atmosphere before and during the game, and the manager was subsequently sacked after it, which is never nice.

“So Keith has taken over a difficult situation.

“You can see he almost wants to get to the end of the season and put a Keith Curle stamp on it, and that stamp is incredible professionalism and a way of playing.

“I think he is trying to understand what he has in the squad and what he needs to build out from that.

“At times, with that, you get a bit of uncertainty in your squad. But he is a highly professional operator, a great manager, and some who I have pitted my wits against down the years and found to be a tough operator.

“Northampton are a massive club in our league and a very good club. So we will look forward to representing as Mansfield Town and we are looking forward to the game.”

Mansfield are closing in on promotion, although they know there is no room for error.

They are level on points with third-placed Milton Keynes, a point ahead of fourth-placed Bury and four clear of fifth-placed Tranmere.

The Stags have overcome a bit of a blip to win their past two games, and Flitcroft is preparing his players for five more big battles - starting with the Cobblers this weekend.

“Any league two game at this time of the season can turn into a war of attrition and that’s something we have got - players who can deal with that,” said the Mansfield boss.

“We have a brilliant goals conceded column, we are resilient and we have warriors and an incredible energy in the team.

“We have to combat whatever style of team we come up against. Our team is equipped to do that.

“We are away from home and our last away performance was certainly the best we’ve had this season (Mansfield won 4-1 at Exeter City).

“Over the past two weeks the lads’ stats and energy is exceeding expectations, and I am delighted with our form.”

The opening of Rushden Lakes’ 14-screen cinema is only weeks away.

Cineworld has revealed it is set to open the doors of the complex in June - and will create more than 60 jobs when it does so.

A statement from the company said: “The cinema is set to open its doors in June 2019 and will create up to 64 jobs,. 55 team members and 14 baristas.  

“In a bid to fill roles and engage the community, Cineworld is hosting a recruitment event for prospective employees on Saturday, April 13, and Saturday, April 20.

“Candidates interested in learning about career opportunities are encouraged to attend the recruitment session, taking place at Rushden Lakes,  between 9am and 6pm.

“There are a variety of positions available including team leader, team member roles and barista positions at Starbucks, which will form part of the new cinema.

“All roles are on either a part or full-time basis. The recruitment event will also offer visitors the opportunity to find out more about careers at Cineworld, as well as ask company staff questions and apply directly.

“The new cinema will feature 14 state-of-the-art screens showing the latest Hollywood and Bollywood releases, as well as pick ‘n’ mix and Baskin Robbins ice cream counters.”

Cineworld Rushden general manager Georgina Jones said: “We are looking forward to bringing a new cinema Rushden Lakes and generating career opportunities in the local area.

“Cineworld has fantastic career prospects and is a brilliant company to work for, so we welcome those from the local area with a passion for film to pay us a visit on the open days and find out more about the exciting opportunities available.”

For those unable to make the recruitment days, it is also possible to apply online at www.cineworld.co.uk/careers from tomorrow (Saturday, April 13).

Wood, Gibson and Ratuniyarawa come in for Heinrich Brüssow (concussion), Lewis Ludlam (shoulder) and Alex Moon (ankle) respectively as Saints contend with a lengthy injury list that is made up of 17 names.

Andy Symons (knee), Harry Mallinder (knee), Mike Haywood (knee), Dylan Hartley (knee), Ehren Painter (calf), Paddy Ryan (knee), James Haskell (toe), Fraser Dingwall (ankle), David Ribbans (ankle), James Fish (concussion), James Craig (hamstring), Nafi Tuitavake (elbow), Ollie Sleightholme (ankle) and Luther Burrell (concussion) are also sidelined.

England Under-20s hooker Samson Ma'asi is set to make his full Saints debut from the bench at the Stoop.

Mitch Eadie, James Grayson and Andrew Kellaway, who all featured in the Wanderers' 40-36 win against Newcastle on Monday, are also among the replacements.

Meanwhile, scrum-half Sam Hidalgo-Clyne makes his first Harlequins start ahead of Danny Care who is ruled out through injury.

Scotland international Hidalgo-Clyne made his debut for the side in the defeat to Sale Sharks last week, having joined Quins in March on a short-term loan deal from Scarlets.

There is one other change in the starting backline that travelled to the AJ Bell Stadium last week, with Marcus Smith replacing Demetri Catrakilis at fly-half.

In the pack, front row Nick Auterac starts at loosehead with Lewis Boyce named on the bench.

Fourth-placed Harlequins currently sit seven points ahead of seventh-placed Saints in the Premiership standings with four games to go.

Harlequins: Brown; Earle, Alofa Alofa, Tapuai, Murley; Smith, Hidalgo-Clyne; Auterac, Crumpton, Sinckler; Symons, Horwill (cc); Clifford, Robshaw (cc), Dombrandt.
Replacements: Ward, Boyce, Swainston, Glynn, Kunatani, Saunders, Lang, Saili.

Saints: Furbank; Tuala, Hutchinson, Francis, Naiyaravoro; Biggar, Reinach; van Wyk, Marshall, Hill; Ratuniyarawa, Lawes; Gibson, Wood, Harrison.
Replacements: Ma'asi, Waller, Franks, Coles, Eadie, Mitchell, Grayson, Kellaway.

The launch of Northampton's first The Range store drew hundreds of shoppers for the ribbon cutting at 9am in St James Retail Park today.

First in line was Laura, 29, who waited since 1.30am to make sure she was front of the queue.

“It was freezing at times,” Laura said. “I’m doing it for a bet. If I’m first in the store my friend will pay for the rest of our holiday.”

Laura was the first to make it through the doors, and won a set of suitcases for her troubles.

But when the doors finally opened, a scuffle broke out as hundreds of eager shoppers tried to get inside and explore - and took issue when some people “jumped the queue”.

One woman said she had been in line since 7am and thought it was “disgusting” that people were trying to push ahead.

The first 50 into the store were given a free arts and crafts pack and a chance to win a Regatta fleece.

Store manager Carl Newham said: “It’s been a absolutely brilliant. What a tremendous response we’ve had from Northampton. There have been hundreds of customers queueing around the block to get in today.

“You couldn't wish for a better reception, with our first customer here at 1.30am.

"It's going to be a great store that will be a great benefit to the retail park."

The new two-storey home, leisure and garden retailer has created 80 jobs in Northampton. It is also home to a Costa coffee and an Iceland supermarket.

The ribbon was cut by borough council leader, Councillor Jonathan Nunn, who addressed staff inside the store ahead of the doors opening.

He said: "I can't believe how much stuff you have inside at the launch of this store on a beautiful Northampton day.

"I want to welcome you all to Northampton and thank you for coming to our town. I hope you have a wonderful time and wish you every success."

Customers can also enjoy free demonstrations and activities to keep the kids entertained throughout the weekend. These include face-painting by Snazaroo on Saturday (April 13) between 11am and 4pm, as well as DO Crafts on Saturday between 10am – 4pm.

Fixture: Northampton Town v Mansfield Town, Sky Bet League Two

Date/time: Saturday, April 13, 3pm kick-off

Venue: PTC Academy Stadium

Forecast: 9C, sunny spells

Outs and doubts: Cobblers: George Cox (ankle), Shaun McWilliams (hamstring). Stags: Nicky Ajose, Ben Turner, Craig Davies, Jordan Graham, Bobby Olejnik, Hayden White

Betting: Northampton 19/10, draw 11/5, Mansfield 11/8

Form guide: Cobblers DLLDWW, Stags WWLDDL

Possible line-ups: Northampton (4-4-2): Cornell; Goode, Taylor, Pierre, Buchanan; Hoskins, Foley, Turnbull, Bridge; Morias, Williams. Mansfield (3-5-2): Logan; Preston, Pearce, Sweeney; Jones, MacDonald, Bishop, Tomlinson, benning; Walker, Hamilton.

Man in the middle: Paul Marsden – Handed out a spate of red cards in recent weeks, sending off eight players in his last 14 games. Refereed Northampton twice this season, the 0-0 draw with Notts County and the 2-1 victory at Tranmere Rovers.

Last time out: Notts County 2 Northampton 2 (Powell, Hoskins); Mansfield 1 (Walker) Cambridge 0

Most recent meeting: Saturday, September 29, 2018 – Mansfield 4 (Elsnik, Rose 2, Hamilton) Northampton 0

Record v Mansfield: P73 W24 D13 L36

Opposition view: “We are resilient and we have warriors and an incredible energy in the team,” said Stags boss David Flitcroft this week. “We have to combat whatever style of team we come up against. Our team is equipped to do that.

“Northampton are a massive club in our league and a very good club. They are in a transitional period, working out what it’s probably going to look like next season now they are safe and how to rebuild. Keith is the right man to take them to the next level where they want to go.”

James Heneghan’s preview: If the Cobblers are intent on launching a promotion challenge of their own next season, then this weekend’s encounter with second-placed Mansfield Town will give them an indication as to how much progress they must make.

Four games without a win mean Town are firmly embedded in mid-table heading into their final five fixtures but eyes are already turning towards the summer and then next season when a push towards the top seven will be expected.

It was against Northampton when Mansfield’s season belatedly sprung into life. Just two wins from their opening nine league games had left them 16th in League Two and doubts were growing over manager David Flitcroft, who left Swindon for Field Mill at the end of last season.

But Timi Elsnik’s fifth-minute opener set the Stags on their way to a resounding 4-0 win over the Cobblers and from there they didn’t look back, not losing any of their following 19 matches to leap all the way up to third by the end of 2018.

After a brief wobble in March, when they lost to Crewe and Port Vale and drew with Crawley, consecutive wins over Exeter and Cambridge have them on track ahead of Saturday’s trip to the PTS, though given four points separate four teams in the race for two automatic promotion spots behind champions-elect Lincoln City, the pressure very much remains on.

Mansfield’s promotion challenge has been built on an impressively resilient defence – no team in the division has conceded fewer than their 34 goals this season, three less than leaders Lincoln and eight less than next-best Forest Green.

But away from home they are not quite so formidable. While 44 of their 72 points have come at Field Mill, only 28 – the seventh best in League Two – have come on the road, winning one of their last six away from home, albeit that sole victory coming in thumping fashion at promotion rivals Exeter City two weeks ago.

The Cobblers have close to a full-fit squad to pick from. Only George Cox, who is finally back in training after a long-standing ankle problem, and Shaun McWilliams, still struggling with his hamstring, are doubts for tomorrow.

On the face of it, Town have little on the line for this game. But with Curle up against another one of his former clubs, and a sold-out away following expected, he’ll be intent on spoiling the party.

Prediction: Northampton Town 1 Mansfield Town 1

Fixture: Harlequins v Northampton Saints

Competition: Gallagher Premiership (round 19)

Venue: The Stoop, Twickenham

Date and kick-off time: Saturday, April 13, 2019, 3pm

Television coverage: None

Referee: Christophe Ridley

Harlequins: Brown; Earle, Alofa Alofa, Tapuai, Murley; Smith, Hidalgo-Clyne; Auterac, Crumpton, Sinckler; Symons, Horwill (cc); Clifford, Robshaw (cc), Dombrandt.Replacements: Ward, Boyce, Swainston, Glynn, Kunatani, Saunders, Lang, Saili.

Saints: Furbank; Tuala, Hutchinson, Francis, Naiyaravoro; Biggar, Reinach; van Wyk, Marshall, Hill; Ratuniyarawa, Lawes; Gibson, Wood, Harrison.

Replacements: Ma'asi, Waller, Franks, Coles, Eadie, Mitchell, Grayson, Kellaway.

Outs: Saints: Andy Symons (knee), Harry Mallinder (knee), Mike Haywood (knee), Dylan Hartley (knee), Ehren Painter (calf), Paddy Ryan (knee), James Haskell (toe), Fraser Dingwall (ankle), David Ribbans (ankle), James Fish (concussion), James Craig (hamstring), Nafi Tuitavake (elbow), Ollie Sleightholme (ankle), Heinrich Brüssow (concussion), Lewis Ludlam (shoulder), Alex Moon (ankle), Luther Burrell (concussion).

Most recent meeting: Friday, September 7, 2018: Saints 25 Harlequins 18 (Gallagher Premiership)

Tom's preview: The Stoop is not a venue Saints have visited for some time, but memories of matches there remain.

And the black, green and gold will be hoping to make some welcome recollections on Harlequins soil this Saturday.

Saints were beaten on their most recent game at the ground, losing 20-9 after a largely limp display.

But prior to that they had snatched victory from the jaws of defeat as Ben Foden's score, after Ben Botica failed to kick the ball out to end the game, gave them a sweet success.

And how Saints could do with upsetting their hosts in a more comfortable manner this weekend.

It is a huge ask, but if Chris Boyd's men can win with a bonus point while depriving Quins of one, they would still be right in the mix for a top-four finish.

Of course, after last Sunday's disappointing defeat to Gloucester, play-off hopes appear to be vanishing quicker than Cobus Reinach on a run.

But Saints have done nothing if not believe this season, and they will not give up hope of making the end-of-season shootout until the absolutely have to.

Harlequins may sit fourth, seven points ahead of Saints, but their recent form has shown they are beatable.

They have some talented players and coaches, but they are far from infallible.

Saints are similar, but they won well on the road at Leicester back in March and if they can produce another showing of that ilk, they have every chance of victory.

With tricky trips to Newcastle Falcons and Exeter Chiefs sandwiched by a home game against Worcester Warriors, it remains all to play for.

And Saints will hope that is still the case come Saturday evening.

Tom's prediction: Harlequins 25 Saints 28

Holdenby House, between Church Brampton and East Haddon, has added the fun of the circus to its festive fare for Easter Sunday and Monday next week (April 21 and 22).

In partnership with Just Events, there will be circus shows as well as a circus school, falconry displays and a Victorian Fete with 19th-Century party games.

The 16th-Centuary house will also host magic shows, pony rides, face painting and a troupe of roaming entertainers.

Centre stage will be Holdenby's annual Easter Egg Hunt and egg roll, all set in the manor's Grade 1 listed gardens.

The house itself, once the largest house in England and the palace of Charles I, will be open on Easter Monday for visitors to enjoy its scenic interiors.

Tea and cake will in supply with Connie’s Tea Parlour and pre-booked circus themed teas from her vintage caravan.

The gardens will be open from 11am to 5pm on Easter Sunday and Monday, while the house will be open from noon to 4pm on Monday only.

Roxhill's Northampton Gateway proposal would see a Strategic Rail Freight Interchange (SRFI) comprising large warehouses built on land east of the West Coast Main Line and next to junction 15 of the M1, between Milton Malsor and Collingtree.

But members of South Northamptonshire Council have hit out at their own authority for the ‘small’ amount of money - just £300,000 - that it has agreed with developers that would be pumped back into the neighbouring villages as ‘mitigation’ for the development.

Major planning schemes usually result in developers providing ‘section 106’ funds to benefit neighbouring areas. But officers at the council were accused of striking a deal ‘behind the backs’ of the planning committee, which voiced its discontent at the latest meeting on Thursday (April 11).

The £300,000 fund, to be spent locally and administered by the council, is intended to be spent within the parishes of Blisworth, Milton Malsor and Roade.

But Councillor Karen Cooper, whose ward includes Milton Malsor, asked whether officers had just accepted the sum or whether they challenged it.

She said: “When I saw the sum I was absolutely astonished. That £300,000 has to cover three villages, and that’s a joke. Myself and my ward partner were not consulted on this, I just saw that it had already been signed. You are here to fight for us, and I feel really let down for my residents.”

Jim Newton, assistant director for planning and economy, responded that there was ‘no science’ behind the sums. He said: “There’s no need according to the rules of the game for Roxhill to provide anything. They have chosen to offer that and we chose to accept. I take it on the chin that you don’t think it’s enough.”

Members were told that the section 106 agreement was required to be signed and sealed by the examining authority currently looking into the application. The deadline was April 1, which meant that there was ‘insufficient time’ for the planning committee to formally consider the matter itself. For this reason, it was decided by chief executive Richard Ellis, with the agreement of council leader Ian McCord, to invoke the urgent completion of the agreement.

Planning committee vice chairman Cllr Ken Pritchard said: “I’m amazed at the amount that we’ve requested, it’s absolutely abysmal and it’s just not satisfactory. This particular project is running into hundreds of millions of pounds. When you look at how it surrounds Milton Malsor it’s going to be hell for them.”

And Councillor Martin Johns added: “You say there is no science behind it, but that means there should have been a negotiation. The previous application we discussed was for 82 homes, and that got more than £1.4million for section 106 funds. It’s difficult to explain to local parishes that they will have this huge development on their doorstep, and the mitigation for it in terms of section 106 is frankly very small.”

But Mr Newton pointed out that the ‘community fund’ of £300,000 that was being discussed was ‘only one aspect’ of the funding. He said that Roxhill was also spending £1.1million on bus services and £650,000 on highways improvements.

But planning chairman Cllr Fiona Baker felt the deal had been ‘done behind our backs’, and that if it had come to the committee they wouldn’t have agreed to it.

She said: “These other things are mitigating for their own development, they are not of benefit to us. So it’s only the £300,000 that we see as a benefit, and I agree with the committee that this is very poor indeed for the detriment it will have on local people.”

The deadline for the public examination of the Northampton Gateway proposals closed on Tuesday (April 9). There will now be a period of three months for the examining authority to write its report and make a recommendation to the Secretary of State. The Secretary of State will then have three months in which to make a decision on whether to grant the scheme planning permission.

Applicants Roxhill say that significant improvements will be made to junction 15 of the M1, as well as a new bypass to the village of Roade as part of a package of other highways works on and around the A508 corridor and at M1 Junction 15A. It says there will also be significant new landscaping and tree planting to substantially screen the site from surrounding communities.

The serious collision, on Bants Lane at the Poppyfield pub junction, happened at around 1.10pm today (Friday).

Police, fire ambulance crews are all on the scene and an air ambulance has landed on land off Timken South Way.

The accident involved a car and a motorbike at the junction with Duston Road just before the turn off into Duston village.

A spokesman for East Midlands Ambulance Service said: "We sent two ambulances, a fast response vehicle and an air ambulance.

"We transported one patient to Coventry and Warwickshire University Hospital, and another patient to Northampton General Hospital."

The road is currently blocked and traffic is building in the area.

A spokesman for Northamptonshrie Police said: "Motorists are advised to avoid the area and use alternative routes where possible."

Traffic is currently being diverted away from Bants Lane down Ellsemere Avenue, and traffic away from Tollgate Way onto Main Road.

Anyone who witnessed the collision or who has information about it should call 101.