Cobblers' influential midfielder Alan McCormack should be available for selection when Forest Green Rovers visit the PTS Academy Stadium this weekend.

The 35-year-old was struggling with a leg problem in the closing stages of Saturday's 3-2 defeat against Exeter City.

But McCormack followed his manager's advice - much to the relief of Keith Curle - and didn't take any risks, immediately calling for the physio before being replaced by Egli Kaja.

The former Luton Town man has since been for a scan and Curle is confident he'll be available for Saturday's all-important game at the PTS.

"It's taken a bit of time but I think the message has now got through to Alan that he can't play 90 minutes in every game," said Curle.

"He had a feeling that something wasn't quite right and he's done the right thing by coming straight off.

"Seven or eight weeks ago, Alan McCormack would have stayed on and tried to get through the game and probably done himself some damage.

"But he listened to the advice that was given to him which is that if he feels anything abnormal, stop straightaway and let the experts assess him and we can then make the decision.

"I'm glad that he's listened and he's gone for a scan and everything's come back clear, which is excellent news."

On the rest of the squad, Curle added: "There's a few niggles and a few twinges but you can get that after a defeat!"

A man charged with attempted murder has appeared in Northampton Magistrates Court this morning.

Jake Dean Swords, 27, formerly of Tennyson Road in Rushden, appeared before Northampton Magistrates’ Court just after 11am today, Tuesday, December 10.

He is charged with the attempted murder of Lucas Barnard, also 27, in an attack which took place in Rushden on Saturday, December 7.

Swords appeared in a grey tracksuit and had his hair in a top-knot.

He was remanded in custody by magistrates will next appear before Northampton Crown Court via video link on January 8, 2020.

Rats are being attracted to the communal bins a housing estate in Northampton that are regularly overflowing with rubbish, according a resident.

The large bins at Auctioneer's Court were piled high with black bags, which also surrounded the floor around the bins, while a mattress was left against a wall last week.

The mess was cleared up by Northampton Borough Council but Tina Smith, who has lived there for more than 20 years, believes the mess will be back soon enough.

"This is not the first time this has happened. It's not just residents that use them, it's other people coming from elsewhere, people from canal boats too and people fly-tipping," she said.

"I have witnessed people coming in cars and dumping rubbish and driving off and if you go to confront them, you get a load of abuse.

"In this day and age you don't know what might happen - it's not worth the hassle."

Ms Smith, 52, said the communal bins were originally for the flats but now everyone in the cul-de-sac uses them.

She is certain the bins will keep getting over-filled if nothing is done about it - she suggested bringing back the personal wheelie bins but was overall unsure of a solution.

Muir Group Housing Association manages the area and a spokesman said: “Muir works with the council and our own contractors to maintain the bin storage area on the estate.

“We act when we become aware of any issues, and discuss potential improvements with residents and the council to help preserve a pleasant environment.”

A council spokesman said no issues had been reported to them about the bins but would look into whether any enforcement action is necessary.

Cobblers boss Keith Curle has given his reaction to the FA Cup third-round draw which pitted his side against League One Burton Albion.

Town won through to this stage with victories over non-league clubs Chippenham Town and Notts County and their reward is a trip to the Pirelli Stadium next month.

Burton, who are managed by Nigel Clough and have former Cobblers favourite John-Joe O'Toole in their ranks, are currently 15th in Sky Bet League One and defeated two League Two sides - Salford and Oldham - en route to round three.

"First and foremost, it's the achievement of getting there," said Curle when asked about the draw. "Does it make it better if you draw a big club? No.

"We concentrate on what we've done and what we've achieved and that's getting through to the third round.

"When the time comes to focus on the game, we'll do it but before then we have five or six games to play.

"We'll give the tie the full attention it deserves and it wouldn't be any different had we drawn Liverpool, Man United or Man City away from home.

"We'll show Burton the same respect as we would for any opposition and that's how we operate."

As well as the obvious on-field benefits, an FA Cup run also brings financial rewards. Cobblers have already bagged £100k in prize money this season and would more than double that with victory over Burton.

"It's important to go on a good run but as I've mentioned before, the pleasing thing for us is that it's not part of the business plan," Curle added.

"Anything we get financially in the FA Cup is a bonus and that shows good infrastructure behind the scenes because we've got a budget and we'll try to adhere to it as closely as possible.

"We also know that anything else we earn, we'll use a portion of it towards the football club if we're able to do that.

"There's other necessities and other things within the club that we're trying to put in place that do cost money - it's not all about getting a pot of money to get better players in.

"Sometimes it's about having the infrastructure in place and maintaining that infrastructure for longevity."

A 'fierce and prolonged bidding war' at a Northamptonshire auctioneers ended in a pair of Concorde seats being sold for a 'world record' amount.

Seats 1C and 1D, used by Princess Diana, Michael Jackson and Kylie Minogue before they were removed in 2002, were bought for £8,600 from Humbert and Ellis Auctioneers.

They were situated opposite the Machmeter, showing the speed of the iconic aircraft, and were the most requested seats, according to a letter of provenance from British Airways Concorde pilot Captain Benson.

Jonathan Humbert from the Towcester auctioneers said: "The seats, estimated £1,500-2,500, were subject to a fierce and prolonged bidding war online between a UK bidder and the eventual successful buyer in Switzerland, taking over 10 minutes to auction and eventually selling for £8,600 including buyers premium."

Concorde was famous for having a maximum speed over twice the speed of sound, meaning it could fly from London to New York City in three hours.

The aircraft, operated by British Airways and Air France from 1976 to 2003, became synonymous with the rich and famous, with the Queen Mother among its VIP fans.

Cobus Reinach could miss Saints' Champions Cup clash with Leinster at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday evening.

The South African scrum-half took a knock during last weekend's 43-16 defeat to the Irish giants at Franklin's Gardens.

Academy product Connor Tupai replaced Reinach with 14 minutes to play.

And Tupai, who turned 20 last Sunday, or James Mitchell could now be forced to deputise from the start in Dublin.

"Cobus is touch and go probably this weekend - I'm not entirely sure as a forwards coach," said Phil Dowson.

"He was struggling with a slight knee niggle and he hasn't done a huge amount, but we haven't as a group just based on the fact that the intensity of the game was so high.

"We're trying to rest up and recover ahead of this weekend."

Chris Boyd confirmed last weekend that the likes of Courtney Lawes (hamstring), David Ribbans (back) and Owen Franks (thumb) would not be involved this weekend.

But new hooker Sam Matavesi is in line to make his debut in Dublin, having been registered in the European squad, taking the place of winger Ryan Olowofela.

Cobblers are eager to set the record straight when they host Forest Green Rovers this weekend after Jordan Turnbull revealed they were left 'a little bit fuming' by the nature of the goals conceded in defeat to Exeter City on Saturday.

All three Grecians goals stemmed from set-pieces, the first a free-kick and then two corners, as Town's unbeaten run in the league came to a crashing halt at St James Park.

But Saturday presents an immediate opportunity to put right those wrongs and defeat another team chasing promotion in Mark Cooper's third-placed Forest Green Rovers.

"The lads were fuming a little bit afterwards, especially given the manner of the goals we conceded," admitted Turnbull.

"It didn't go our way and ultimately three set-pieces have cost us the game.

"The third one came from the second phase but it's originally from a set-piece and that's a bit out of character for us because we work on them a lot, attacking and defensively, so it's disappointing.

"Otherwise there wasn't much in the game. We scored two good goals and we gave it everything but it didn't happen for us at the end and we fell short."

Exeter's second and third goals, scored within 90 seconds of one another, were particularly hard to swallow as both came from balls into the Cobblers penalty box.

"It's a bit out of character," added Turnbull. "We were slow to get up for the second goal and ultimately they've sucker-punched us again straight afterwards which is extremely disappointing.

"We'll watch the video, go through some things and make sure we don't switch off again, but there were a lot of positives to come out of the game - it was two top teams going at it and we threw everything at them but just couldn't get the ball in the net.

"I think a point would have been excellent but unfortunately it wasn't to be and we move on to the next game."

Phil Dowson says it is great to see Harry Mallinder 'back in the groove' at Saints.

Mallinder was warming up with the matchday squad ahead of last Saturday's 43-16 defeat to Leinster.

The talented 23-year-old utility back has not played for Saints since suffering a serious knee injury in a clash with Clermont Auvergne in October 2018.

But he is now closing in on a return to action.

And forwards coach Dowson said: "He did that (the warm-up before the Leinster game) to get back into the groove of things.

"We wanted to keep him within the group and he said to me when he warming up that he was ready to play.

"But we're going to wait and see and make sure Harry's fully ready to come back.

"He's had a long lay-off and we want to make sure he's 100 per cent, but at the same time we want to keep him in the group and let him soak up that atmosphere pre-game so he's ready to go next time.

"You see him train with the non-playing squad and his skill-set is great and his ability to manage the game is invaluable.

"It's great having him back out there - he's a top man."

Northamptonshire Police have said investigations into the murder of Levi Davis led to the recovery of CCTV footage showing the entire incident.

Levi Davis, 25, was killed in an incident in Wellingborough Road, Rushden, at around 8.30pm on Saturday, December 7.
Since then, detectives from the Major Crime Team have been working around the clock on a number of lines of enquiry.

Senior Investigating Officer Detective Inspector Pete Long said: "Our enquiries have led to the recovery of CCTV footage which actually shows the whole incident.

"This forms part of the evidence which was used to charge a 27-year-old man with attempted murder in connection with this case."

Jake Dean Swords, 27, of Rushden, appeared at Northampton Magistrates' Court earlier today (Tuesday) where he was charged with the attempted murder of Lucas Barnard, also 27.

A 27-year-old man is under arrest on suspicion of murder.

DI Long said: "I would still like to appeal however for anyone who may have witnessed this incident or the events that took place before it, to come forward.

“I am particularly interested in anyone who may have seen a white Vauxhall van and a black Volkswagen Polo driving in close proximity to each other between 7.30pm and 8.30pm on Saturday."

Superintendent Dennis Murray made a similar appeal for information about the two vehicles during a press briefing yesterday (Monday).
The black Volkswagen Polo was seen being recovered from Washbrook Road on Sunday.

DI Long said: "Please be assured that we will treat all reports in confidence, however if you don’t feel comfortable speaking directly to us, you can call Crimestoppers anonymously.

"We are aware of the extensive amount of interest and speculation surrounding this case and I want to reassure the public that our investigation into what happened continues to progress well.

"Specialist officers continue to work closely with Levi’s family at what is an exceptionally distressing and devastating time."

Anyone with information can call Northamptonshire Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

Increased police patrols by both response officers and neighbourhood officers continue to take place in the Rushden area to reassure the local community. If you have any concerns, please approach one of the officers who will be happy to assist.

The large bins at Auctioneer's Court were piled high with black bags, which also surrounded the floor around the bins, while a mattress was left against a wall last week.

The mess was cleared up by Northampton Borough Council but Tina Smith, who has lived there for more than 20 years, believes the mess will be back soon enough.

"This is not the first time this has happened. It's not just residents that use them, it's other people coming from elsewhere, people from canal boats too and people fly-tipping," she said.

"I have witnessed people coming in cars and dumping rubbish and driving off and if you go to confront them, you get a load of abuse.

"In this day and age you don't know what might happen - it's not worth the hassle."

Ms Smith, 52, said the communal bins were originally for the flats but now everyone in the cul-de-sac uses them.

She is certain the bins will keep getting over-filled if nothing is done about it - she suggested bringing back the personal wheelie bins but was overall unsure of a solution.

Muir Group Housing Association manages the area and a spokesman said: “Muir works with the council and our own contractors to maintain the bin storage area on the estate.

“We act when we become aware of any issues, and discuss potential improvements with residents and the council to help preserve a pleasant environment.”

A council spokesman said no issues had been reported to them about the bins but would look into whether any enforcement action is necessary.

It has amassed more than 33,000 views and gives a glimpse into Matavesi's work as an Able Rate in the Royal Navy, which he has been balancing with club rugby at Cornish Pirates and international action with Fiji.

"My wife fell pregnant and I needed a job to help me support the family," Matavesi explains in the video.

"Even though rugby is good it wasn't going to help me pay the bills so I joined the Navy and I haven't looked back."

But Matavesi, whose father, Sireli, represented the Fiji Barbarians and whose brother, Josh, plays for Newcastle Falcons, might just be able to make rugby pay now.

He agreed a switch to Saints last week, with the move coming about thanks to Chris Boyd's friendship with Cornish Pirates boss Chris Stirling and Fiji forwards coach Alan Muir.

And Matavesi, who predominantly plays at hooker but can also be called on at No.8, is now in line to make his debut in the massive Champions Cup clash with Leinster at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday evening.

"It's all a bit surreal at the minute," said Matavesi, who has replaced wing Ryan Olowofela in Saints' Champions Cup squad.

"But when you get to a new club, you want to play.

"You can earn the boys' respect a lot more when you're doing what you get paid for.

"I'm hoping I get a chance this weekend and what a test it will be.

"I need to get used to my role, what I need to do and I'll worry about what they (Leinster) bring on Saturday.

"I watched the game last Saturday and there's a reason why they're one of the best teams in Europe, but I don't think the scoreline reflected the play.

"Hopefully we can make it closer this week."

Matavesi, whose rugby journey started at Plymouth, still has 'one foot in the door' with the Navy, but he has been allowed the chance to pursue a career at Saints.

"The Navy has given me stability but also the chance to chase a dream," he said.

"Massive shout-out to everyone in the Navy who has helped me and is still backing me.

"You meet people every day and you get to see the world.

"I've got a sports draft and I don't technically get paid by the Navy now but I've still got one foot in the door.

"I will still play against the RAF and the Army."

The switch to Saints has capped a hugely eventful year for Camborne-born Matavesi, who has gone from the Pirates to Toulouse to the World Cup to Northampton.

And the stint at Toulouse certainly stands out, especially because the club claimed the Top 14 title while Matavesi was there as a medical joker.

"I played for Toulouse in the last five months of last season and it came around quite quickly," he explained.

"We (Fiji) played France and beat them in the November internationals and I had an alright game so it stuck in their mind.

"Toulouse had a few injuries and needed some cover, I had five months in France and they ended up winning the Top 14 while I was there.

"It's an incredible team and very much like this (Saints) in terms of how important the team is and how big a part it plays in what goes on.

"It's a very similar stadium, you can tell it's the hub of the place.

"It was an unbelievable experience.

"You walk into a team full of stars and it's pretty similar here.

"My first game was against Clermont in front of 35,000 people in the Toulouse football stadium.

"I played at Castres in a derby and it was awesome to be involved in.

"It was the first time they'd beaten them in a few years and everyone was pretty happy.

"It's pretty much like Northampton against Leicester, a niggly game.

"I also played against Pau and Perpignan and it was awesome."

Matavesi eventually left Toulouse and headed home for a week before flying out to Fiji for World Cup preparations.

He played against Wales, Australia, Georgia and Uruguay in the pool stages as his side bowed out.

But Matavesi was then hit by a deflating blow upon his return to England.

He explains: "I met my wife at Heathrow, we stayed in Shoreditch, quite a nice hotel, but we realised they had no hotel parking.

"They recommended we park at this car park and it was £60 to park a day but by then we were tired and we did it.

"We got up the next day, met my wife's little sister in London and then went back to the car in the afternoon and it had been burgled.

"I had two massive Fiji suitcases with shirts, cap, medals, boots, clothes.

"It put a massive bad feeling on what was a great experience.

"I got a cap and medal from World Rugby, I got a shirt from Fiji but they're not the shirts I wore against Wales, Australia, Georgia and Uruguay.

"There's not a lot I can do about it."

Matavesi, who this week won the sportsman of the year award at the Naval Service Sports Awards, will now hope to make many more memories at Saints.

And he can't wait to be part of a team that plays rugby the way he is used to.

"One massive thing is what sort of style a team plays and Saints probably play the best style of rugby in the Premiership," he said.

"It's an awesome club to join and it's even better they're playing that style of rugby."

More opportunities to play for the first-team will be given to Cobblers' youth players if they continue to work hard this season, manager Keith Curle has promised.

Academy players have combined for almost 100 appearances since Curle took the reins last October, most of which have gone to Shaun McWilliams, Jay Williams and Scott Pollock.

But with the Cobblers in such fine form over recent weeks and hunting down a top-seven spot in Sky Bet League Two, opportunities have been a little more limited this season.

Youngsters are regularly invited to train with the first-team, though, and Curle believes just being involved in the environment will do wonders for their progress.

He said: "They're on a development programme and part of their development is being in and around the first-team, training with them on a daily basis.

"The emergence of the young players and the game-time they've had in the first-team probably isn't as much as it has been previously.

"But within their development, some have been out of loan and some will still go out on loan when January comes around.

"The one downside is that they haven't had enough game-time but the team's winning and they're on the fringes, and if they maintain their upward spiral, they will get more opportunities."

Curle's dedication to promoting youth players was again evident last Tuesday when 18-year-old Michael Harding was given his senior debut at Portsmouth in the EFL Trophy while left-back Jacob Ballinger made the bench.

"It was good for both Mikey and Jacob," Curle added. "I spoke about those two young lads with Jon Brady and took advice from him on who's been doing well.

"I've also spoke to Kells (David Kelly) because he's been monitoring and watching the youth players and it was an opportunity for them to step up and be involved in our environment.

"I would have liked to get Jacob on the pitch as well but it's about getting them involved in our environment and they've trained with us again.

"That's how we operate - we invite the young players to come and train with us and they've got to show what they have to offer and the pleasing thing is we have a welcoming environment.

"It's demanding but it's welcoming and I can tell you now - those players won't be turning up with dirty boots! Players don't want dirty boots in their environment - they want high standards and they demand high standards."

A campaign to get people to show their loved ones they are there if they ever need to talk about their issues has been launched by a Northampton's Joe Plumb.

Joe, who set up an anti-bullying charity aged 13, wants people to use the hashtag #ImHere to let people know they are not alone and reduce stigmas around mental health.

"Suicide had increased year on year and it's important that we do all we can to stop this," he said.

"Suicide amongst men is ever increasing and there's still a stigma around men talking about their mental health and problems.

"I was a victim to that and we need to get the message out that no matter what gender, it's ok to not be ok and to talk about your mental health and wellbeing."

It all started with a post on Joe's Facebook page about suicide which ended up getting around 10,000 shares, inspiring him to keep using #ImHere.

The anti-hate campaigner hopes that more people spreading the message that it is okay to talk about your feelings, particularly with Christmas coming up, will make a difference.

"Christmas is an especially hard time for people and that's why this is so important, especially as a person who suffers from mental illness and has had problems with isolation and suicidal ideation," he said.

For more information about the campaign, visit joeplumb.org/post/imhere-online-mental-health-campaign

The damning report comes after a one-day inspection at Abington Vale Playschool, in Bridgewater Drive, on November 6.

The first line of the 'inadequate' report, published on December 5, is critical of managers and staff over the children's welfare.

It comes after the playschool, for three and four year olds, was previously rated ‘good’ for overall effectiveness in their previous inspection in April 2016.

The documents read: 'Children's welfare is not well supported by managers or staff.

'Managers and staff do not follow the setting's policies and procedures to protect children effectively and keep them safe'.

Ofsted inspector Caroline Clarke said managers have not addressed the weaknesses in their safeguarding practice, which have been previously highlighted to them.

She continued: 'Managers and staff fail to identify when to record their concerns about a child's welfare.

'They do not demonstrate sufficient knowledge to be able to respond to concerning information or identify and help children who may need support from other agencies'.

Other criticisms made by inspectors were about staff who do not encourage children to understand healthy food choices.

Another point she made was staff should be made to ensure children look after their personal care and children who need more support should be identified by staff quicker.

A Welfare Requirements Notice was served to the playschool, which is a legal notice that required the provider to take actions before 28 November 2019.

A further visit was made by Ofsted who have now found they have taken the necessary steps to meet the actions set out within the welfare requirements notice.

Positive remarks made by Ofsted include how staff help bring activities to life.

Children enjoy a parachute game where they are encouraged to use their imaginative skills.

Staff have also invited people into the playschool who help children to learn about snakes and cockroaches.

Praise was given to managers who make sure the playschool is well resourced and how they take into account all areas of learning when they plan activities for children.

Abington Vale Playschool has been given the opportunity to respond to this story.

A man stood in front of a grey Mercedes AMG and enticed the driver out of her car in the Morrisons car park in Kettering Road between 11.30am and 11.45am on Saturday, November 23.

As she got out, the offender got into the driver’s seat and attempted to start the engine, according to police.

The woman managed to pull the man out of her car before shouting for help, causing him to run off.

Anyone with information or who may have witnessed this incident is asked to call Northamptonshire Police on 101 quoting reference number 19000627908.

Forest Green Rovers manager Mark Cooper has called on his side to be more 'humble' after their slump in form continued with defeat to Carlisle United in Tuesday's FA Cup second-round replay.

Rovers lost 2-0 at home to Scunthorpe United on Saturday and were then beaten by Aaron Hayden's first-half header at Brunton Park.

Cooper's side were top of the table this time last month but just one win - a 4-2 victory at Leyton Orient - in their last seven games in all competitions has dropped them to third ahead of facing the Cobblers on Saturday.

"There was nothing in the game but we gave away a free header from a set-piece ," said Cooper after Tuesday's defeat.

"They didn't have many other chances and we didn't play particularly well but we should have got something out of the game with the opportunities we created.

"We have to do better than that. The players are hurting and we have to get back to where we were because we've been off it for the last two weeks since the Orient game.

"I'm not sure why that is. The team's been more or less the same but we need to be humble, we need to work hard and get back to where we were.

"We can't believe too much of the hype and we've got to start scrapping for everything."

Rovers also lost Udoka Godwin-Malife to a late injury on Tuesday. "I'm not sure how he is - he's being assessed by the doctor now," added Cooper.

The serious assault happened yesterday afternoon (Tuesday, December 10) between 2pm and 2.30pm in the Millers Meadow park area of the town - opposite the Super Sausage and Spencer Bridge Road crossroads.

The victim was assaulted by two males, which resulted in the 33-year-old being stabbed in his arm.

He was taken to hospital with serious but not life threatening injuries.

Anyone with information or who may have witnessed this incident is asked to call Northamptonshire Police on 101 quoting reference number 19000660380.

The incident occurred during Burton's 1-1 draw with Southend United earlier in the month when he was sent off after an altercation with visiting striker Tom Hopper on 33 minutes.

The 31-year-old, who was also fined £2,000, admitted a charge of 'using abusive and/or insulting and/or improper words' towards referee Darren Drysdale.

The two-match ban comes in addition to the original four-match suspension for the sending off and means the midfielder-turned-defender will miss games against Wycombe, Rochdale, Bolton and Accrington Stanley.

However, barring any more incidents, he'll be available for selection when his old club are in town on January 5.

Brewers manager Nigel Clough said: “We are disappointed with the severity of the punishment on the back of the four-game ban, which we appealed.

“But there is no excuse for what he did, the charge was accepted, and he was disciplined by the club when the charge came in, but to add another two games on for one comment we feel is harsh.”

Saints fly-half Dan Biggar says he has never been happier than he is at Franklin's Gardens.

The Wales star swapped Ospreys, where he started his career, for Saints in the summer of 2018 - and he hasn't looked back.

Biggar has been given a new lease of life by his move to England, flourishing under the tuition of the likes of Chris Boyd and Sam Vesty.

He played a key role last season, steering Saints to a top four finish in the Gallagher Premiership.

He helped Wales to reach the World Cup semi-finals in Japan and has since returned to his club, playing a starring role in wins against Lyon and Benetton.

And Biggar, who started in last Saturday's defeat to Leinster, said: "I find I'm learning things each day and becoming a better player each day.

"I genuinely think I've become a better player from being up here and being involved in the setup.

"It's down to the coaches but it's also down to the lads we've got here as well because they are just driving the standards and the enthusiasm.

"It's definitely the happiest I've ever been on a rugby field, which makes life a lot easier.

"We've had a really good start and I don't want us to get carried away and think we're the best team in the world because we're not, but if we can carry on doing what we've done in the past five or six weeks it gives us a real good chance to be in the mix come knockout time."

On the influence of Boyd and Vesty, Biggar said: "Chris (Boyd) gets all the plaudits and so he should because he's the best guy I've worked for and wanted to work for - and I've had a lot of good coaches over the years!

"I think all the guys feel the same because they don't want to let him down.

"Sam Vesty deserves huge amounts of credit also because he's ultra-positive and competitive.

"He wants us to be better and he wants us to come out with something at every training session and meeting.

"He wants us to have learned something and it's infectious when you're around guys like that and young guys who want to learn so much."

Two Northampton men are among the first motorists to be charged with drink or drug-driving as part of a month-long campaign to tackle offending over Christmas and New Year..

From yesterday (Monday, December 9), Northamptonshire Police is carrying out increased patrols and roadside checks to make the roads safer over the festive period.

Gheorghe Gandrabur, 31, of St James Park Road, was charged with driving whilst over the prescribed limit after being stopped by officers yesterday.

As was Viorel Gheorghe, 31, of Thatchwell Court, after being stopped by police today (Tuesday).

They are both due to appear before Northampton Magistrates’ Court on Monday, January 6.

To report suspected drink or drug driving in confidence, call the Drivewatch Hotline on 0800 174615 or call Northamptonshire Police on 101. In an emergency, call 999.