Both Stephen Swann and Bradley Matcham's loved ones have called for changes in the law because they believe the sentences for the men responsible are not enough.

The judge in both cases, His Honour Rupert Mayo, is bound by Sentencing Council guidelines and stuck to them, taking into account both aggravating and mitigating factors when decided on the punishment.

But the families and numerous people on social media have voiced their disappointment in the length of jail time given to someone who took another's life.

Especially as only half of the sentence is actually spent in a jail cell, with the other half spent on licence.

Stephen's sister Tracey Fox told the Chronicle & Echo: "The system is just wrong. 26 months and he's going to serve 13 months of that. It's not justice.

"I'm cross because he can get on with his life and we've got to learn to live without Stephen and try to get through things."

While Bradley's family said in a statement given exclusively to the Chron: "From a family point of view, we are appalled at the sentence.

"Obviously there's something wrong with the judicial system for someone to commit this horrendous crime, be sentenced for four years in jail and be out in two."

At Northampton Crown Court on Monday (September 16), Mohammed Rahman, 21, of St James, was sentenced to 26 months in prison and banned from driving for 42 months for causing Stephen's death by careless driving and perverting the course of justice.

The 39-year-old father died after being struck by Rahman's speeding car on Wellingborough Road in May last year - the driver then drove off and initially tried to cover up what happened.

While Arthur Billings, 19, of Harpole, was imprisoned for four years for Bradley's manslaughter at the same court on September 9.

Bradley, 24, died in hosptial after being punched in the back of the head by Billings in the Drapery while on a night-out in February.

Bradley's brother, Richard Swann, wrote on Facebook following Rahman's hearing: "The actions of these two men will have an effect on so many people for the rest of their lives.

"'Justice', a word that is slowly losing its meaning in this country.

"After reading about the first case the other week, it didn't fill me with much confidence, and today has topped it. Absolutely disgusting."

More than 1,000 people have 'reacted' to the post with nearly 200 comments, with most of them in agreement that Rahman's jail term is not long enough.

Laura Jeyes described it as an "insult to the family and Swanny himself," while Marion Barlow wrote: "Disgusting, hope the family appeal against this appalling low sentence."

A spokesperson for the Judiciary said: “We cannot comment on individual sentences but all judges sentence according to the relevant sentencing guidelines and the facts of each individual case, which may have aggravating or mitigating factors.”

Rahman's crime was considered to be in the highest bracket, "careless or inconsiderate driving falling not far short of dangerous driving", which has a minimum custodial sentence of 36 months and a maximum of three years.

However, he was given "credit" for his guilty plea - even for a lesser charge than his original one of dangerous driving - as well as his age, lack of previous convictions and remorse.

Judge Mayo would have taken similar considerations into account when sentencing Billings, who also pleaded guilty.

The maximum sentence for unlawful act manslaughter is life in prison and the minimum is one year, with the decision varying on the defendant's degree of culpability.

For more information on the sentencing guidelines, visit sentencingcouncil.org.uk, or the Judiciary's latest 'sentencing compendium' here.

Cars have been smashed into by a man on a bicycle wearing reflective clothing with similar methods on neighbouring roads within days of each other.

A total of £3 was taken from a Kia C'eed on Pearmain Court at around 8pm on August 29, while a wallet was stolen from a taxi in Codlin Close at around 1am on September 2.

Marcus Smith, whose Kia was targeted in the first crime to hit his house in 29 years of living there, firmly believes it is the same person.

"He's so brazen and must be desperate for the money, it's incredible as he knows he would be on CCTV but still went for it," he said.

The CCTV footage shows a man cycling around Pearmain Court before stopping by Mr Smith's shared driveway full of cars and peering into them all.

He then goes back to his bike and gets a screwdriver, which he uses to prize open a window of the Kia before rummaging around inside.

Mr Smith heard some commotion outside and set off the security light and alarm, causing the thief to run off.

"He seems quite skilled at what he's doing so he's obviously done it a few times before," he said.

Anyone with information should call police on 101.

Reuben Bird-Tulloch may only have made one brief appearance in the black, green and gold so far, but the young centre has already earned the admiration of his team-mates.

That is because he was the winner of this year's Blakiston Challenge, which is an endurance race named in honour of Freddie Blakiston, a flanker for Saints, England and the British Lions.

Blakiston performed a heroic act in the First World War, rescuing wounded men when an ammunition delivery to the front line was attacked by the Germans.

He was subsequently awarded the military cross, and Saints have honoured him with the pre-season challenge, which can last close to an hour and is a gruelling test of stamina.

Bird-Tulloch arrived at Saints from Saracens during the summer, and he was in the thick of it as he took the Blakiston Challenge title Dan Biggar held last year.

"It was a bit of an eventful day for me," Bird-Tulloch said.

"It was a tough fitness test that we do annually and I pushed myself a bit too hard at the end.

"I ended up winning, which was good, but I had a bit of a moment at the end where I needed to catch my breath a bit.

"But I was fine, I just had heavy lungs and a heavy chest.

"My fitness is one of my points of difference so I was just trying to give it my all and make a good impression.

"One of the best ways to earn respect from the lads is by working hard and it ultimately led to me getting a good time.

"My aim was to go as hard as I could and to see what happened at the end."

Cambridge-born Bird-Tulloch does not turn 21 until November 28 and he has joined Saints' Senior Academy after leaving Saracens.

He had been part of the Academy set-up at Allianz Park since the age of 13, captaining England at both Under-16 and Under-17 level.

Bird-Tulloch also represented England Under-18s during the 2016 Five Nations Festival alongside future Saints team-mates James Grayson and Ehren Painter.

But he was happy to secure a change of scenery at club level and hopes his switch to Saints will pave the way to a big future in the game.

"When I knew I was leaving Sarries, I had a bit of a look around and Saints was definitely a club I was drawn to," Bird-Tulloch said.

"I was fortunate enough that they got in touch with me pretty early in the process.

"I came here and had a meeting with Chris (Boyd) and the coaches and I really like the direction the club is trying to go in, especially for the younger players.

"It's a really good place to try to develop and to learn from the older players and you get rewarded if you're doing well, regardless of how many games you've played.

"Whether you're a youngster or an international, it feels like an equal playing field and I really like that atmosphere.

"It was a really good move for me.

"You see guys like Rory Hutchinson and Lewis Ludlam, who were given their opportunity, and you see they got the international call-ups so it's something me and the other young guys can really aspire to.

"Everyone wants to play for their country and that's one of my long-term goals.

"I'm in the best place I could be to achieve that, learning from guys like Rory, Dan Biggar and guys like that. Hopefully I can take things from their game and improve my own game."

Bird-Tulloch got the chance to get a close look at his new team-mates back in March as he attended the Premiership Rugby Cup final at Franklin's Gardens.

Saints managed to beat Saracens, leaving Bird-Tulloch with a strange mix of emotions.

"When I was looking around at the atmosphere, I thought it would be a really nice place to play," he said.

"It was a bit of a win-win for me because if Saracens won I'd have been happy for my mates who were playing in the game, but when I knew Saints had won I had to pretend to be a bit upset for our lads.

"I was happy for the Saints boys to get a bit of silverware and it's always good for the club and the fans to get a trophy.

"Hopefully we can build on that this year and have a bit more success."

Now Bird-Tulloch will be part of the team that is defending the Premiership Rugby Cup, starting with Saturday's game at Sale Sharks.

"I'm really looking forward to this weekend - it should be a good challenge up at Sale," he said.

"Having been there in the past, I know it's a tough place to go. It's quite a cold atmosphere, you don't get much love from the fans but if we stick to what we do, go into the game with clear minds about what we want to get out of it, we'll hopefully get a good result.

"We've got some young players playing, a couple of guys, including myself, are making debuts, so it should be really exciting for us as a group."

So what can any travelling fans expect to see from Bird-Tulloch on Saturday?

"I give my all every time I play," he said.

"I always like to be a leader on the pitch, a voice for guys and to provide constant energy.

"I try to rally the lads as much as I can and I want to contribute to some big performances."

The following people were sentenced at Northampton Magistrates’ Court:

JULY 23

Joel France, aged 31, of Birchfield Crescent, Northampton, used threatening or abusive words or behaviour; fined £39, compensation £50, surcharge £30, costs £85.

JULY 24

Magdalena Aparschivei, aged 39, of Marshleys Court, Northampton, stole clothing worth £398 from Moss Bross; fined £325, surcharge £30, costs £85.

Leon Clayton, aged 23, of Spring Gardens, Daventry, driving while banned; community order made, banned from driving for nine months. No insurance; no separate penalty.

Nigel Marshall, aged 49, of Fishers Close, Little Billing, used threatening or abusive words or behaviour; conditional discharge for 12 months, surcharge £20, costs £500.

David Parker, aged 40, of Belfry Lane, Northampton, driving at 51mph in a 30mph zone; fined £660, surcharge £66, costs £85, banned from driving for six months.

Motorvogue Northampton Ltd, of Kingsthorpe Road, Northampton, failed to give information relating to the identity of a driver; fined £700, surcharge £70, costs £85.

JULY 25

Mohammed Meah, aged 25, of Aviemore Gardens, Northampton, failed to provide a breath test; jailed for 14 weeks, banned from driving for 48 months. Driving while disqualified; jailed for 14 weeks consecutive.

Rafal Urban, aged 32, of Stoke Park Mews, Daventry, no insurance; fined £525, surcharge £52, costs £620, licence endorsed with six points.

Jeffrey Tooze, aged 77, of Berry Lane, Northampton, failed to comply with a community protection notice; fined £20, surcharge £30.

Benjamin Perkin, aged 38, of Bowden Road, Northampton, assault; fined £300, surcharge £30, costs £85.

Karen Town, aged 59, of Olden Road, Northampton, damaged a Jaguar; conditional discharge for 18 months, compensation £350.

Jack Turner, aged 27, of Whiston Road, Northampton, assault; jailed for four weeks, surcharge £115, costs £200.

Darren Walden, aged 30, of Ellesmere Avenue, Brackley, drink-driving; fined £797, surcharge £79, costs £500, driving ban for 14 months.

JULY 26

Karolena Kryucanska, aged 29, of Bodleian Close, Daventry, assault; conditional discharge for 18 months. Assault; conditional discharge for 18 months, surcharge £20, costs £200.

Nathan Anderson, aged 36, of Cecil Road, Northampton, assaulted a police officer; community order made, compensation £150, surcharge £85, costs £105. Used threatening or abusive words or behaviour; community order made. Obstructed a police officer; community order made.

JULY 29

Lester Holcombe, aged 51, of Back Lane, Gayton, driving at 50mph in a 30mph zone; fined £300, surcharge £30, costs £85, licence endorsed with six points.

Mohammed Ishaq, aged 74, of Gurston Rise, Northampton, failed to identify a driver accused of an offence; fined £660, surcharge £66, costs £85, licence endorsed with six points.

Daniel Ivienagbor, aged 33, of College Street, Northampton, no insurance; fined £660, surcharge £66, licence endorsed with six points.

Andrejs Jefikiovs, aged 34, of Queen Street, Earls Barton, no insurance; fined £660, surcharge £66, costs £85, licence endorsed with six points.

Stephen Kenny, aged 26, of Horsemarket, Northampton, no insurance; fined £660, surcharge £66, licence endorsed with six points.

Stephanie Kuhlke, aged 30, of Kingsley Road, Silverstone, no insurance; fined £660, costs £85, licence endorsed with six points.

Plamen Landzhev, aged 34, of Balliol Road, Daventry, failed to give information relating to the identity of a driver; fined £500, surcharge £50, costs £85, licence endorsed with six points.

Lilben Lowther, aged 46, of Greatmeadow, Northampton, no insurance; fined £660, surcharge £66, costs £85, licence endorsed with six points.

Lukas Matylka, aged 27, of Greenfield Avenue, Northampton, no insurance; fined £660, surcharge £66, costs £85, licence endorsed with six points.

Mark Mcletchie, aged 42, of Crispin Street, Northampton, no insurance; fined £323, surcharge £32, costs £85, licence endorsed with six points.

Adam Mellor, aged 28, of Bondfield Avenue, Northampton, failed to identify a driver accused of an offence; fined £660, surcharge £66, costs £85, licence endorsed with six points.

Iulian Mihart, aged 40, of Duke Street, Northampton, driving not in accordance with a licence; fined £100, surcharge £30, costs £85, licence endorsed with three points.

Arafat Mohammed, aged 21, of Wordsworth Road, Daventry, no insurance; fined £660, surcharge £66, licence endorsed with eight points.

Andrew Morton, aged 55, of Brockhall Road, Flore, driving at 50mph in a 30mph zone; fined £358, surcharge £35, costs £85, licence endorsed with six points.

Stefan Newton, aged 55, of Breezehill, Northampton, driving at 97mph in a 70mph zone; fined £286, surcharge £30, costs £85, licence endorsed with six points.

Emmanuel Attah, aged 24, of Palmerston Road, Northampton, no insurance; fined £236, surcharge £30, costs £85, licence endorsed with six points.

Joseph Oldham, aged 22, of Whitworth Crescent, Earls Barton, driving at 37mph in a 30mph zone; fined £220, surcharge £30, costs £85, licence endorsed with three points.

Farooq Omer, aged 30, of Oak Grove, Northampton, driving with no licence; no separate penalty. No insurance; fined £440, surcharge £44, costs £85, eight points on licence.

Thomas O’Sullivan, aged 33, of Oakley Street, Northampton, no insurance; fined £660, surcharge £66, costs £85, licence endorsed with six points.

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

Tudorel Parfene, aged 50, of Stanley Street, Northampton, driving at 35mph in a 30mph zone; fined £125, surcharge £30, costs £85, licence endorsed with three points.

Krishan Pathak, aged 70, of The Lindens, Northampton, no insurance; fined £660, surcharge £66, costs £85, licence endorsed with six points.

Mihai Pavel, aged 22, of Preston Court, Northampton, no insurance; fined £660, surcharge £66, costs £85, licence endorsed with six points.

Stefan Penchev, aged 25, of Saxon Street, Northampton, failed to give information relating to the identity of a driver; fined £660, surcharge £66, costs £85, licence endorsed with six points.

Darius Proboteanu, aged 23, of Althorp Road, Northampton, no insurance; fined £660, surcharge £66, costs £85, licence endorsed with six points.

Gregory Rapson, aged 53, of Pigeon Hill, Tiffield, no insurance; fined £1,500, surcharge £150, costs £85, licence endorsed with six points.

Rikki Roberts, aged 31, of Furze Road, Brafield-on-the-Green, failed to identify a driver accused of an offence; fined £660, surcharge £66, costs £85, licence endorsed with six points.

Steven Roberts, aged 34, of Edgemont Road, Northampton, driving at 38mph in a 30mph zone; fined £220, surcharge £30, costs £85, licence endorsed with three points.

Mihail Rosca, aged 34, of Purser Road, Northampton, failed to identify a driver accused of an offence; fined £660, surcharge £66, cost £85, licence endorsed with six points.

Alexander Ross, aged 38, of Ardington Road, Northampton, driving at 50mph in a 30mph zone; fined £466, surcharge £46, costs £85, licence endorsed with six points.

Abel Rotunjeanu, aged 22, of Steene Street, Northampton, driving at 53mph in a 40mph zone; fined £220, surcharge £30, costs £85, licence endorsed with three points.

Frank Shiel, aged 48, of West Farndon, Daventry, driving not in accordance with a licence; fined £66, surcharge £33, costs £85.

Leonard Simionica, aged 22, of Ryland Road, Northampton, failed to give information relating to the identity of a driver; fined £660, surcharge £66, costs £85, licence endorsed with six points.

Joseph Skinner, aged 30, of Ashby Wood Drive, Northampton, driving at 53mph in a 30mph zone; fined £726, surcharge £72, costs £85, licence endorsed with six points.

John Smith, of Sywell Road, Overstone, failed to identify a driver accused of an offence; fined £660, surcharge £66, costs £85, licence endorsed with six points.

Samir Stoica, aged 21, of Poole Street, Northampton, no insurance; fined £660, surcharge £66, costs £85, licence endorsed with eight points.

Iliev Svetoslav, aged 31, of Kettering Road, Northampton, not wearing a seat belt; fined £220, surcharge £30, costs £85.

Kelly Emerson, aged 46, c/o East Leys Court, Northampton, drink-driving; fined £162, surcharge £30, costs £500, banned from driving for 20 months.

Boro, desperately chasing a first win of the season, shaded the first-half at the Lamex but came undone 11 minutes after the break when Harry Smith nodded home Nicky Adams' cross.

Despite Smith then seeing red and the home side's subsequent onslaught, that goal proved the difference between the teams as Stevenage failed to lift themselves from the bottom of League Two.

"Northampton are very well organised," said Sampson. "They bring huge physicality and down the spine of the team they've got some really big players and they test you with those long aerial balls.

"Because they're so compact and they're happy to hook things on and play in your half of the pitch, it's difficult to get some control and we struggled with that in spells.

"It's a lesson to learn because this is a team that turned Newport over at the weekend and comfortably from what I saw and they're a hard team that will be very difficult to play against, but we limited them to very little in front of goal.

"The changing room is one of the most devastating changing rooms I've ever been in because that hurt tonight. They gave their all and just came up short."

Reflecting on the game itself, Sampson continued: "They made the change at half-time and had the big two centre-forwards on and went a bit more direct. Ultimately during that spell after half-time we've been caught not defending a cross properly.

"That's something we need to tidy up on but overall I actually felt we were the better side in the first-half without really creating clear-cut chances.

"I felt we played more of the game in their half and we had good intensity in our play but we didn't recognise when it was the right time to keep things at a high tempo and when it was the right time to keep it in a possession phase.

"They went a bit more direct at half-time and more aggressive and it took us a while to get to grips with that and we got caught on a counter-attack and a crossing situation.

"After that, the character of the players was there for everyone to see. This is a hard-working changing room and if anything we're trying a bit too hard in the final third which is resulting in us rushing at chances or not picking the right pass.

"We need to be better in the two penalty areas. We've played a game tonight where our goalkeeper hasn't had to make a save, we've had 20 shots on goal and probably 40 opportunities to create goalscoring moments but we haven't done enough to put the ball in the net."

Sheffield Wednesday are yet to discover how serious defender Ashley Baker's groin injury is, following the U23 side's clash with Cardiff City. However, the club are hopeful it will be a minor problem. (Sheffield Star)

Former Leeds United ace Noel Whelan has claimed the club should look to land West Brom midfielder Romaine Sawyers in the future, as he'd be an ideal replacement for Kalvin Phillips should he eventually leave. (Football Insider)

Leeds United starlet Jamie Shackleton has revealed he's eager to add more goals to his game, and will seize any opportunities that come his way this season. (Leeds Live)

Manchester United are rumoured to be plotting a move for Stoke City's starlet defender Nathan Collins, who has been capped extensively at youth level for the Republic of Ireland. (Metro)

Middlesbrough were apparently interested in signing both Isaac Vassell and Robert Glatzel over the summer, but were unable to afford either player, which saw them both join Cardiff City. (Wales Online)

Queens Park Rangers are set to be without youngster Charlie Owens until after Christmas, after he suffered knee injury in an U23 clash against Bournemouth. (West London Sport)

Birmingham City loanee Jake Clarke-Salter has revealed that he's determined to play Premier League football in the near future, after entering into his fourth spell in a row on loan from Chelsea. (Independent)

Preston North End manager Alex Neil has revealed he's spoilt for choice with the number of quality options available to him, and that the strong start to the season has surpassed his initial expectations. (Lancashire Evening Post)

A significant number of people filmed a crash in Northampton that killed a pedestrian last month - but very few have come forward with footage, according to police.

A 47-year-old man died in hospital after being hit by a grey Ford Fiesta on the A4500 Wellingborough Road at around 11.05pm on Saturday, August 17.

A 19-year-old Northampton man was subsequently arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and released under investigation pending further enquiries.

Detective Constable Ady Tredwell, from Northamptonshire Police's serious collision investigation unit, said: “A lot of people were at the scene that Saturday night filming on their phones, however hardly anyone has come forward with the footage.

“If you did take footage but are worried about getting into some sort of trouble, please don’t be – we only want the footage to progress our investigation into this collision and nothing else.”

Flowers were left at the scene of the crash near to the junction with Whitworth Road.

Anyone who has video footage of the incident is asked to call the Drivewatch Hotline on 0800 174615 regarding incident 604 of August 17.

Manager Keith Curle ‘warned’ his Cobblers players to be ‘mindful’ of their challenges prior to Harry Smith’s red card during the 1-0 victory over Stevenage on Tuesday evening.

The announcement of Charles Breakspear as referee for Tuesday’s fixture at the Lamex was greeted by a wave of discontent from both sets of supporters who were well aware of the Surrey official’s notoriously card-happy refereeing style.

Before Tuesday, Breakspear had sent off four players in seven games this season – more than anyone else in the division – and he seems to have taken a particular dislike to the Cobblers.

Of the eight games he’s reffed Town across the past three seasons, he’s sent off seven different players. For context, of the other 134 league games Northampton have played in the same period, they’ve had a total of just eight red cards.

Smith, shortly after opening the scoring, joined the likes of John-Joe O’Toole and David Buchanan on Breakspear’s list of victims during Tuesday’s game, and whilst his second caution was understandable, the first, seemingly for dissent, was one of many on the night that seemed unnecessary.

There was 10 yellow cards in total against Stevenage, a remarkably high figure for a game that was by no means dirty, and Curle admitted afterwards that he had warned his players to watch their step.

He said: “We spoke to the players and warned them to be mindful of the tackles and be mindful of how you speak to the referee because he’s a stickler for the laws of the game and his interpretation.

“He will brandish cards which is his style and we accept that. I’ve got to say, as a personality, I quite like the referee. I had a chat with him before the game and at half-time and I’ve seen him afterwards.

“As a character, I like him because he’s honest and he’s got his way of officiating and I think sometimes it’s getting a bit more of an understanding of the affect of the soft yellow cards.

“It then leaves him nowhere to go when there is another caution so it’s getting that interpretation right.

“There were some tackles that needed a caution but there was some that were a little bit soft and then it leaves them nowhere to go.

“A conversation or a chat can calm everyone down whereas if you start brandishing yellow cards you set the tone and you feel you have to book everybody.”

More than £1.5m is being taken away from a dozen Northamptonshire charities which provide vital services to the over-65s, the vulnerable and the homeless.

Established organisations such as the Autumn Centre in Corby, Marlow House in Desborough and the Dostiyo Asian Women’s and Girls Association in Northampton have all been told that the funding given to them by Northamptonshire County Council as part of its £1.6m social wellbeing contract will come to an end in March.

The Autumn Centre, a charity which helps the over-65s in Corby, has said the loss of its £57,000 funding will put it under financial pressure and could impact on the services it offers.

The charities losing their funding are: Wellingborough Afro-Carribean Association, Serve, Autumn Centre, Mayday Trust, Midland Heart, Marlow House, Catch 22, Glamis Hall, Age UK, Delos (Creative Support), Dostiyo Asian Women’s and Girls Association and NAASH.

The contract was for day centre services for the over-65s to help combat social isolation and loneliness and also for helping those who were homeless with wrap-around care once they had been accommodated.

The figures lost by each charity as part of the three-year project delivered by Commsortia on behalf of the county council have not been made public. The original funding from the public health grant was £2.4m per year when it was awarded in March 2017, but that was dropped down to £1.6m last year after Public Health England found that some of the services were not compliant with its guidelines.

The authority says it is currently consulting about social wellbeing priorities but has not said whether any further money will be available.

Commsortia’s chief executive David Ward said the three-year contract coming to an end was very disappointing.

He said: “We are working with different organisations in the hope we can now find different pots of money. The social prescribing initiative being promoted by the council is good news, although one would hope it is additional money coming into the county.”

Autumn Centre trustee Navin Bhatia said the loss of funding was worrying, but he was hopeful Commsortia could help the centre source other funds. The charity also fundraises to gather income and receives a £37,000 grant from Corby Council.

He said: “We are not going to give up as we are passionate about helping the community. Our services are a lifeline for a lot of people and we have about 900 members. Many of theose have physical disabilities and we provide a lot of activities for dementia patients. It is our way of trying to keep the elderly safe and give them a better quality of life. For many, there is nowhere else for them to go and without us they might suffer from social isolation and mental illnesses.”

The director of public health Lucy Wightman is in the final stages of agreeing a social impact bond which may bring about £3m of private finance into the council, which could be used on community work.

The 12 organisations have written a letter to Lucy Wightman protesting against the contract end and will be involving the county’s MPs.

The county council is having to cut services across all areas after it ran out of funds last year.

County councillor Mick Scrimshaw said that ‘time and time again it is the vulnerable and those who can afford it the most who are paying the price of austerity and the mismangement of local government service in Northamptonshire.’

A county council spokesman said: “Public health is currently working with partners and stakeholders to review local needs in relation to health and wellbeing opportunities for local people and understand the level of need in relation to wider public health and prevention challenges.

“We will be undertaking a consultation exercise during the autumn and this will help inform our understanding of social wellbeing priorities and how any available funding may be invested beyond March 2020. It’s important that public health funding is prioritised against the areas of greatest need locally, addressing health inequalities and demonstrating value for money, as well as being fully compliant with public health grant requirements.

“In view of the contract ending, the Autumn Centre will be supported over the coming months to look for alternative sources of funding and funding models by other day centres.”

Sale Sharks have taken the step of making an early team announcement ahead of Saturday's Premiership Rugby Cup opener against Saints at the AJ Bell Stadium (kick-off 3pm).

And Steve Diamond has named an extremely strong side, which includes the likes of former Saints star Chris Ashton and Denny Solomona, who was joint top scorer in the Gallagher Premiership last season alongside Saints scrum-half Cobus Reinach.

The Sale team squad also includes seven new recruits, with all three du Preez brothers set to make their debuts as permanent Sharks players.

Simon Hammersley and Jake Cooper-Woolley both make the starting line-up and they are joined in the match-day 23 by Akker van der Merwe and new scrum-half Embrose Papier, who are ready to make their debuts off the bench.

Josh Beaumont captains the side in the absence of Jono Ross, who, along with Marland Yarde and Will Cliff are completing the final stages of their rehabilitation following surgery during the summer.

And Sale boss Steve Diamond said: "We have just come off a great warm weather training week in Spain, and the team are edgy, they want to play.

"It’s been a very long pre-season.”

“We are running with virtually no injuries to the first-team squad and everybody has stuck their hand up for selection over the past nine weeks.”

Andrew Jackson has been confirmed as the referee for Saturday's game, with Tim Wigglesworth and Steve Lee his assistants.

Tickets for the match are still available for just £3 from www.eticketing.co.uk/salesharkrugby

Sale Sharks: Hammersley; Solomona, S James, Van Rensburg, Ashton; R du Preez, Warr; Harrison, Webber, Cooper-Woolley; Beaumont (c), Phillips; Jean-Luc du Preez, B Curry, D du Preez.

Replacements: van der Merwe, Rodd, John, Evans, Postlethwaite, Papier, L James, McGuigan

Northampton Partnership Homes (NPH) revealed their garden competition winners and celebrated entries at Abington Park Museum on September 9.
Judges Nicholas Warliker, a former royal head gardener, and Sarah Passam, of Voluntary Impact Northamptonshire, were both impressed by the high standard of entries across five categories.
'Best garden' winner Cynthia Hawes said: “People always told me I had a nice garden, but I didn’t think it was good enough to enter into a competition."
NPH assistant director of housing Nicky McKenzie said: “This is one of my favourite events in the NPH calendar because it gives us a chance to showcase some of the amazing gardeners we have living in our homes.
"You can see from the photos how much time and pride goes into the entries and that you don’t need a big garden to create a beautiful space.”
"If it wasn’t for NPH’s housing officer telling me to enter, I never would have done it. I’m so excited, I can’t find the words!”
The 2020 NPH garden competition will be open for entries in spring next year.

Here are our player ratings from the Lamex...

A product of the Academy at the County Ground, Zaib has been a regular in the Second XI throughout 2019 but has enjoyed limited opportunities in the first team.

However, the 21-year-old is hopeful that his time will soon come at Northants.

And Zaib said: “I’m very excited to have signed a new deal, it’s been a bit difficult being in and out of the first team, but I just look to do anything to help the team and the games I have played I feel like I’ve done well.

“Hopefully this is an opportunity to play some more first-class cricket for me.

"I’ve been felling quite good this year, I’ve felt like my technique has been in decent stead, so I just need to push on in the next couple of years.”

Zaib has featured in one Royal London One-Day Cup game and three Specsavers County Championship matches this year, posting a vital half-century against Derbyshire in the latter.

“I’d like to play in all formats, particularly break into our T20 side a bit more than I have in the last couple of years and be a bit more of an important player for the club," Zaib said.

“I’ve worked hard on my bowling in the last couple of years and I feel like it’s coming out a lot better than it has done in previous years.

"It’s something I want to work on more in the winter and see how it pans out in the next couple of years.”

Northants head coach David Ripley was delighted to reward Zaib’s performances following his improvement this season.

“He’s scored hundreds in the second team and shown a hunger for big scores and has continued to improve on his bowling," Ripley said.

"Saif is an excellent fielder and offers something for all three formats, he’s one of ours, an Academy guy and I’m really pleased to give him a two-year deal.”

Luckily CAMRA are around to help make the decision a little easier. Here are some of the best pubs in and around Northampton according to the Good Beer Guide 2020.

A new free-to-download app to take the popular children's game of hiding painted rocks to the next level has its roots in Northamptonshire.

MowMow Rocks is designed to bring together the various online groups from around the globe with players able to track their progress.

Co-founder Matt Faulker, who grew up in Northampton but now lives in Barton Seagrave, hopes the app will encourage people to spend more time outdoors.

"Our application combines latest technologies with a good old fashioned game of hide and seek - resulting in a fun activity that gets children moving outside in the real world," he said.

"Discovering new places and developing that sense of wonder and adventure is a vital part of any childhood - MowMow gives children another reason to get outside and explore."

The game sees players decorate a rock and hide it somewhere with an active Facebook group and then other members try to find them and post what they discover online.

It has become very popular in recent years with groups all over the world - the Northampton one has more than 2,000 members.

So Matt set up MowMow Rocks with his friend Simon Talbot to allow players to keep track of where their rocks are hidden and sends a notification when someone else finds them.

The app also has step counter and leaderboard features so players can see how far they have walked and promote some healthy competition with their friends and family along the way.

Matt said: “The game is already incredibly popular but our app will take things one step further, allowing families to plan their routes, share photos when they find the rocks, and track their step count along the way."

According to Matt, painting rocks helps children with autism express themselves, strengthens motor skills, has a calming effect and helps social interaction.

Disabled children's charity Caudwell Children, UKActive and The Land Trust have got on-board with MowMow Rocks as a way to get youngsters enjoying the great outdoors.

Alan Carter from The Land Trust said: "In this digital world, with many young people having access to mobile phones and tablets, to be able to combine an online game with spending time in green space is an ideal solution.

"We look forward to a successful partnership with MowMow and working with them on our sites across the country.”

MowMow Rocks is available to download on iOS and Andriod. For more information, search 'MowMow Rocks' on social media or visit www.mowmowrocks.com.

Detectives have released three e-fits of men they wish to speak to in connection with a sexual assault in Kingsley.

The incident happened on Sunday, August 25, between 12.30am and 4am, when a man walking along the Kingsley Road near to the Racecourse was dragged into a front garden by three men and sexually assaulted.

Detectives are now appealing for anyone with dash cam footage of the area at the time or CCTV in the Homestead Way, St George’s Avenue, Oliver Street, Junction Road and Kingsley Road areas, to come forward.

Anyone who recognises the men in the images, has footage, or anyone with information about the sexual assault, should contact Northamptonshire Police on 101, or Crimestoppers in confidence on 0800 555111.

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Police investigating a burglary in which jewellery and safes were stolen have released a CCTV image of a person they would like to speak to.

Between 3.15pm and 3.30pm on Wednesday, August 28, a property in Kislingbury Road, Bugbrooke, Northampton, was broken into by a person who kicked in a side door.

The property was searched and items including jewellery, two safes and vehicle keys were stolen.

Officers would like to identify a man captured nearby on CCTV as he may have information useful to the investigation.

A spokeswoman for Northamptonshire Police said: "He is described as white, aged between 25 and 30, between 5ft 10 inches tall and 6ft and of skinny build.

"He wore a black beanie hat, black hooded top with a white logo on the front and black shorts.

"He carried a white Tesco bag for life and had black cross or crucifix tattoos around three inches in height halfway up each calf."

The man pictured, anyone who recognises him, witnesses to the burglary or anyone with information about it should call Northamptonshire Police on 101, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

Over five years pest control experts have been called to Northampton General Hospital 127 times - and four of those times were for incidents involving rats.

An freedom of information request submitted to Northampton General Hospital (NGH) has revealed that the hospital has faced 127 incidents of pests on their premises in the past five years.

The request asked the number of times NGH has called pest control between August 1, 2014 and August 1, 2019 and a breakdown of the reasons why they were called.

A spokeswoman for Northampton General Hospital said the hospital always acts immediately when staff have become aware of a problem.

She said: “We take the safety of our patients, staff and visitors very seriously and do all we can to ensure our site is as clean and pest-free as possible.

"We always act immediately when there are pests reported to us."

The most prolific bugs at the hospital were ants which were found 63 times and wasps which caused a problem on 33 occasions. Among the 127 call-outs rodents, including rats, were found four times and mice five times.

Other creatures included bluebottles, pigeons, silverfish, cluster flies, house flies, red mites, filter flies, cockroaches, one beehive and flies.

The hospital spokeswoman added: “NGH is located on a 50-acre site. On occasion we have had to introduce pest control measures to respond to disturbances of natural habitats during site developments.

"Our priority is always to deal with any issues so that patients, visitors and staff are unaffected.

“At the same time as ensuring we have effective pest control management processes in place, which include hawks to discourage pigeons, as you can read in our latest Insight magazine.

"We are also keen to maintain an ecosystem which respects wildlife and in some patient gardens we have created wildflower meadows to support our local bee population.”

The County are on the verge of a big victory against Durham, who will head into the final day of the Specsavers County Championship Division Two clash on 212 for eight, still needing 190 runs to win.

Brett Hutton took four for 54 and Luke Procter two for 37 after Northants had been bowled out for 315, with Procter unbeaten on 86.

And Rowe said: "It’s been another great day for us.

"We’ve been playing pretty good cricket for the last three or four matches so this is just the continuation of that.

“Luke Procter has been more consistent this season and his cricket is in a great spot at the moment with bat and ball.

"And credit to the guys who stayed with him, too.

“Brett has been fantastic and our general attack has been again excellent and we’ve out-bowled Durham on a pitch where you need a good ball to get you out.”

Should they finish the job on Thursday and should Glamorgan, as expected, earn victory in their game against Leicestershire, Northants will need just four points from their final fixture, which comes against Gloucestershire at Bristol next week, to seal promotion to the top tier.

As for Durham, their promotion hopes are fading.

And Durham head coach James Franklin said: "

“We’ve been outplayed by Northants and tomorrow is just the last rites. Ned (Eckersley) has done exceptionally well to take us to the last day but we’ve been behind for all three days.

"We didn’t get it right in the first session of the match with the ball and we were on the back foot from the start.

"The pitch is still playing very well and there was more than enough time to chase maybe 350 but the batting again has been pretty average and that’s being honest."