Ricky Holmes is happy just to be playing football again after his match-winning performance in the Cobblers’ win over Dagenham on Saturday.

The attacking midfielder spent a spell on the sidelines for parent club Portsmouth prior to his loan move to Sixfields in the first two days of the January transfer window.

It was an omission which did not sit well with the 27-year-old, who was the supporters’ player of the year at Fratton Park last season, but one which he has left behind to become a key man for Northampton.

“I’m happy just to be out on the grass again,” he said. “It was a long month being out of the side at Portsmouth and that’s never really happened to me before in my career.

“I’ve been quite lucky in that respect and I had to get out and play games. We’ve taken seven points from nine since I’ve been here and that’s very pleasing.”

Holmes left Sixfields on Saturday with the sponsors’ champagne after being named as man of the match and he has made an instant impression on the club’s supporters.

He feels it is part of his job to excite the fans and that the way Chris Wilder likes his wingers to play means they are more involved in the game.

“That’s the way I play, I believe that’s a winger’s job, to excite people and to get bums off seats,” he said. “That hasn’t really happened for me but hopefully I can go on a little run now.

“The gaffer gives you license to go inside a little bit here rather than stay at wide so you get more opportunities to score and get assists.

“Hopefully more of that will come - we could have put that game to bed after about 20 minutes and we have to keep this little run going now.”

Chris Wilder admits there are ‘a lot of things that have got to happen’ if the Cobblers are to be successful with their bid to extend the loan of midfielder Ricky Holmes.

As it stands, Holmes will play for Northampton in their next two games, against Newport at Sixfields on Saturday and then at Accrington on January 31.

At that point, his loan from Portsmouth will expire but Wilder would love to keep the player, who scored the winning goal in the 1-0 victory over Dagenham & Redbridge on Saturday, at the club for a longer period of time.

“We’d like to keep him, obviously there are a lot of things that go into signing a player but Ricky is enjoying his football here,” he said.

“He has done well in this period and hopefully it will be extended. He’s done great for us and it’s no coincidence that our results have picked up since he’s been here.

“Everybody who comes to this club gets well treated and looked after. It’s a friendly club and the people who work here do the maximum to treat the players well.

“We’ll see where we go with it. There are a lot of things that have got to happen before we can extend it.”

Portsmouth are desperate to reduce a squad size which was up to 32 before the January transfer window opened and it was believed at that time that they would be willing to allow their reigning player of the year to move on.

Holmes was the only short-term loanee in Saturday’s matchday squad, with Brendan Moloney on a deal until the end of the season and Kaid Mohamed out injured.

Villagers fighting plans for one of the UK’s biggest distribution centres near to their homes have disputed claims they were properly consulted with.

Milton Malsor Parish Council has hit out following a report in last week’s Chronicle & Echo in which head of investor relations at kitchen and joinery manufacturer at Howdens, Gary Rawlinson, said leaflets were sent out to the village, as well as Collingtree.

He also said there were two consultation events and a website for people to give their views.

But this morning, the parish council said Milton Malsor did not receive leaflets about the first consultation event.

A spokeswoman said: “Leaflets were not distributed to Milton Malsor ahead of the first public consultation on July 16, but Collingtree, Roade and Grange Park did receive them.

“Milton Malsor Parish Council found out by chance only a week before and immediately asked Howdens for leaflets to distribute themselves. They were advised that more leaflets needed to be printed, However, there would be another consultation in September.

“The parish council eventually obtained the leaflets and, though it was then too late for the first public consultation, they were distributed to all village homes on July 29.

“Howdens promised a full delivery to Milton Malsor prior to the second public consultation but, yet again, this did not occur - no councillors, who live in different parts of the village, received a copy.

“MMPC, with the support of their district councillor, obtained the plans and arranged for them to be displayed in the village hall for viewing by local residents,” she added.

“The planning application S/2014/2468/EIA locates the site as being in Courteenhall; the parish council can confirm that, apart from the road network, the site is entirely within the Parish of Milton Malsor.” the spokeswoman added.

Speaking last week, Mr Rawlinson said: “The fact is we are very happy to meet with anybody who has an interest in this. If the parish councils want representatives from the team to come and speak to them to talk about the proposals, we are more than happy to.”

The warehouse, if given the go-ahead, will be about 2.6 million square feet, the equivalent of 60 football pitches.

People living in the Grange Park area of Northampton have been left mystified after slices of pizza were posted through their letterboxes.

A number of residents living in the School Lane area reported that a slice of magherita pizza landed on their doormat on Sunday evening.

Tara Reilly, one of the residents who was targeted, said she had reported it to police as she was concerned it may have been an attempt to poison her Labrador dog.

Commenting on Facebook, Ranjan Bhayani said: “This shouldn’t be taken lightly. We’ve heard of one other person affected and also has a dog which could be linked. The person must be stopped. Keep a look out for anyone acting suspiciously with a slice of pizza.”

However, another Grange Park resident, who does not have a dog, said she had also had a piece of pizza posted through her letterbox.

A police spokesman said no record could be found of any reports of the pizza-related incidents.

Dylan Hartley says he is ‘honoured’ to have reached 200 appearances at Saints.

The skipper brought up the milestone in Sunday’s 20-9 Champions Cup win at Ospreys.

It was a successful return to the side following a three-week suspension, dished out after Hartley was sent off for elbowing Matt Smith in the win over Leicester on December 20.

And the England star was pleased to be back, helping to earn a vital victory and joining the select group of players in Saints’ 200 club.

“Sunday was all about the win, but with that out of the way it’s nice to celebrate the 200,” Hartley said. “There’s plenty more to come hopefully.

“I think only a couple of guys have done it recently in Stephen Myler and Soane Tonga’uiha, but there’s still a long way to go before I’m level with the likes of Vince Cannon!

“It’s something that’s not very common in the modern game though, and I’m honoured.”

Sileby Rangers moved six points clear of the UCL Premier Division relegation zone as unpredictable Desborough suffered a surprise 3-2 home reverse.

Mark Redding put Ar Tarn in front after 10 minutes.

Stuart McMichael equalised two minutes past the half hour and a 43rd-minute Aaron King goal had the visitors in front at the interval.

John Dean added Sileby’s third goal after 64 minutes.

Michael Byrne’s 19th goal of the season, an 80th-minute spot kick, closed the gap but Ar Tarn were unable to find a leveller.

In division one, ON Chenecks avenged an early season home loss to Lutterworth Athletic with a 2-0 win at Hall Park.

Ben Lewington broke the deadlock two minutes past the hour and the Chenecks win was wrapped up five minutes later when George Clarke scored from the penalty spot.

Bugbrooke took the points in their home fixture against Olney for the sixth time in seven seasons, winning 4-1.

Brad Janes put the home side in front after ten minutes.

Sam O’Neill equalised for the Nurserymen after 26 minutes.

The home lead was restored by Jamie Inwood seven minutes before the interval.

Janes added a home third three minutes into the second period.

The home success was sealed by Matt Johnson two minutes from time.

Woodford United picked up their first win in five outings with a 4-2 success at Blackstones.

Joe Henderson’s seventh-minute Reds opener was matched within a minute by a Kieran Arthur reply for Stones.

Arthur gave the home side the lead after 32 minutes.

Adam Creaney put Woodford level after 48 minutes.

On the hour Creaney gave Woodford the lead for a second time and their victory was sealed by Ben Foster after 73 minutes.

A Northampton man who is running an Arctic marathon in minus 30 degrees Celsius tempratures has said the thing he is most nervous of is the danger of being eaten by a polar bear.

Jonathan Davies, from Cross Brooks in Wootton Fields, will spend a week walking in temperatures below minus 30 degrees Celsius during the trip from Eagle Plains in Yukon, to the edge of the Arctic Ocean.

By undertaking the challenge, he aims to raise thousands of pounds for Great Ormond Street Hospital and Smith-Magenis Syndrome Foundation UK - a rare learning disability which his younger sister Clare has.

The 33-year-old paramedic said: “We had to sign a waiver about the risk of karibou attacks and being eaten by polar bears.”

Mr Davies will begin by flying to Vancouver in Canada on March 15, ready to begin the 350-mile trek on March 20.

He said: “I’ve been training for nine months and am currently running for about 35 hours per week in full kit, including the balaclava.

“But the race itself is walked because it’s important to control body temperature.

“About 30 people take part every year but only 11 people have completed it in the last nine years. But I don’t plan on failing.

“You spend most of the time alone, sometimes in white-out blizzards, and there is minimal help available. My plan is to walk about 50 miles per day and sleep for four hours at a time.”

The 6633 Ultra race claims to be the “toughest, coldest and windiest extreme ultra marathon on the planet” and sees participants complete 120 or 350-mile walking journeys mainly along the Dempster Highway - the treacherous ice road featured in Channel Five’s Ice Road Truckers -into the Arctic Circle and, for the longer race, up to the edge of the Arctic Ocean at Tuktoyaktuk.

Those taking part in the longer race, such as Mr Davies, will finish at Tuktoyaktuk. They will take with them an eight-day kit on a sled and stopping to camp and eat along the way.

There are two checkpoints before the finish line which guarantee only emergency shelter and hot water.

Already a keen athlete, Mr Davies has embarked on extreme physical challenges for charity and plans on taking part in seven marathons this year.

In preparation for the Ultra 6633, he has been doing long treks in Brompton Valley and along the Grand Canal in Northamptonshire, as well as up Mount Snowdon and around the Brecon Beacons in Wales.

Mr Davies said:“I’m excited but quite nervous - mainly about the prospect of going to the toilet in sub-zero temperatures as you cannot expose any part of your body at any point.

“I’ve had lots of support from my girlfriend, family and friends, including those back in my hometown of Larne in Northern Ireland.”

To add to the support and find out more, visit Mr Davies’ Facebook page: Jonny Davies Yukon 6633 2015.

A motorist in Northampton was punched in the face three times during a road rage attack in Northampton town centre.

The man was driving along Horsemarket at about 6am on Thursday, January 8, when he accidentally cut up another car, which looked like a silver Vauxhall Zafira.

The driver of the Zafira then shouted at the man, who drove through the red light to get away.

The Zafira driver then followed the man to the traffic lights in Grafton Street, opened his car door and punched him in the face three times.

The attacker was a white man in his early 20s. He was of medium build.

Witnesses, or anyone with any information about this incident, can call Northamptonshire Police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

Two cast iron Victorian planters have been stolen from outside a house in Northampton

The 18 inch tall planters were quite heavy and contained pink flowering shrubs.

They were stolen from a house in Stimpson Avenue, Abington, sometime between 9am and 1.30pm on Wednesday, January 7.

Witnesses, or anyone who knows anything about this theft, can call Northamptonshire Police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

The Cobblers have terminated striker Emile Sinclair’s contract at the club less than 12 months after signing the player.

Town brought in Sinclair, initially on loan from Crawley Town, in last season’s January transfer window and then made the move permanent on a two-year deal in the summer.

The 27-year-old scored three goals in 34 appearances, with the most vital ones being the brace he bagged in a crucial 2-1 win at Torquay United last season.

“Emile departs with our best wishes,” said manager Chris Wilder. “He came in last season at an important time and helped get us pick some up much needed results.

“He has fallen down the pecking order this season and that is a sign of the progress we have made. He needs to be playing regular football, which he would struggle to do here.

“We wish Emile well and we are looking to add to the squad before the transfer window closes.”

Other than the August transfer of Ryan Cresswell, Sinclair is the most recent player for which the Cobblers have paid a transfer fee.

Jim Mallinder is hoping Ben Foden will be fit to face Racing Metro after the full-back was forced off at Ospreys on Sunday.

Foden had to be helped to the bench after just 11 minutes at the Liberty Stadium, with James Wilson replacing the England man.

He was sent for a scan on his knee on Monday and looks to be a real doubt for Saturday’s crucial Champions Cup clash with Racing at Franklin’s Gardens..

But Mallinder is remaining upbeat after seeing Foden in good spirits following the 20-9 success in south-west Wales.

“Fingers crossed, it’s not too bad,” said the Saints boss. “He was involved in the post-match celebration - he stood up.

“Hopefully it’s not too bad and he’ll be back this week.”

Foden took to social media to update fans on his condition, tweeting: “Thanks for all the messages, gutted to come off but great result! Knee doesn’t feel too bad, scan today to make sure. Fingers crossed #COYS.”

Acrobats, martial arts and dragon costumes will be part of a Chinese New Year celebrations in Northampton Market Square.

The town’s inaugural Chinese New Year celebrations will take place on Sunday, March 1 between 11am and 3pm, will also host a food market with a variety of Southeast Asian foods on offer including Chinese, Thai, Vietnamese and Malaysian.

Organised by the Chinese community with the support of Northampton Borough Council and the University of Northampton, the celebrations are free to attend and will feature a programme of entertainment throughout the day on stage.

Family entertainment will include performances from the Chinese Acrobatic Company, Kung Fu demonstrations, a lantern design competition, rope dance contest and chess challenge, alongside information about and presentations from Chinese community elders and the Chinese Supplementary School.

Councillor David Mackintosh, leader of Northampton Borough Council, said: “The Chinese and South-East Asian communities are well established and respected within Northampton and this event provides the perfect opportunity to celebrate their New Year.

“Everyone likes Chinese and South-East Asian food, and many local restaurateurs will be taking part in the food market, so I’m looking forward to seeing the Market Square all lit up and welcoming people from across the town to celebrate the Chinese New Year together.”

Harry Mau, co-owner of the Oriental Garden restaurant, who is on the organising committee of the celebrations, said: “My big wish is that the Chinese community in Northampton join with local residents and those of other religions and cultures to celebrate the Chinese New Year.

“Northampton is my home and the town has such a lot to offer and I hope that the exciting programme of events will bring more people and more business into the town centre.”

The principal of a secondary school near Northampton has announced she is stepping down from her role.

In a letter sent home to parents on Friday, Pamela Hutchison, who has been in charge of the Elizabeth Woodville School since it was created in September 2011, said she felt it was the “right time for someone else to take over the school”.

EWS has campuses in Roade and Deanshanger and was formed through the merger of the former Roade School Sports College and Kingsbrook School in Deanshanger.

She said: “On Thursday night I told governors it was my intention to step down as principal of Elizabeth Woodville School (EWS).

“I very much enjoy working with staff, students and parents at EWS but it feels like the right time for someone else to take over and lead our school to outstanding.”

Mrs Hutchison said it was the intention of the academy’s sponsor, the Learning Schools Trust, to appoint a new principal by September.

Mrs Hutchison said she would be working with “all four academies” in the trust over the coming months and looked forward to working with EWS in the future.

A flat used for dealing drugs in Northampton has been closed for three months by police after complaints from neighbours.

Police had received “numerous complaints” about the property in Harding Terrace, which had been subject to raids by police officers since April last year.

Using new legislation, Northamptonshire Police applied to Northampton Magistrates’ Court to have the flat closed. The request was granted and the property was shut from January 8 to Friday, January 16.

The order was appealed by the resident but last Friday a further order was granted in court, this time for three months or until April 16, 2015.

A spokeswoman said: “The tenant has been evicted from the flat where officers have executed numerous misuse of drug warrants since April last year.

“This is the first time a residential property has been closed with immediate effect to everyone, including the tenant, in Northamptonshire since the Crime and Policing 2014 came into effect,” he said.

PC Colin Lee added: “We have had numerous complaints from people about drug use and the associated anti-social behaviour at this flat for some time.

“We have raided the property many times since April 2014 and I’m pleased to say it has now been closed under for three months under section 80 ASB, crime and policing act 2014.”

Gerald Davies, interim managing director of Northampton Partnership Homes, said: “Northampton Borough Council, supported by Northampton Partnership Homes, are working with Northamptonshire Police to address anti-social behaviour and are committed to ensuring that people who suffer from anti-social behaviour can be reasonably protected.”

Ah, January: the time when everyone seems to be desperately trying to shed a few of the festive pounds.

Christmas indulgence sees gyms bulging at the seams at men and women attempt to get back into the clothes that no longer appear to fit.

It all appears to be a necessary yet tortuous experience.

One of feast and famine as the December banquet turns into January starvation.

But not for me.

Because, as outlined in the first of these articles a couple of months ago, I’m not trying to lose weight, I’m attempting to gain it.

And it’s not quite as easy as you might think.

Yes, it would be easy to plump up, filling out like an actor who has won the role of Santa Claus.

But when you want to add pure muscle and stay lean, it is a fine balancing act.

The trainers at AGW Fitness, my local gym, continue to point me in the right direction and my bid to bulk is now in its fourth month.

Now, while I’m definitely not looking like Arnold Schwarzenegger, I have certainly seen improvements.

Dave, the affable personal trainer who has been putting together my programmes, provides constant encouragement.

He recently told me that my back had increased in size - and that statement was as welcome as a mulled wine of a cold winter afternoon.

It is great to know that others are seeing improvements in your stature because it is not always easy to notice when you look at yourself in the mirror each day.

And while I am clearly keen to improve my appearance by expanding my current stick-thin physique, it is not all about the aesthetics.

What is also rewarding is seeing your numbers increase as you add to your strength.

I have gone from struggling to do one chin up to being able to do 10 in succession, even at the end of a tiring programme.

It might not sound like much, but it shows that the hard work is paying off and, for a few seconds at least, makes you feel like the Hulk.

It is hugely satisfying and makes the experience far more enjoyable.

Failure is part of progression as you come back determined to push yourself a little more.

And when you achieve what you want to, the feeling of satisfaction makes it all worthwhile.

I didn’t think I was the kind of person who could commit not only to the gym, but to the kind of diet needed to make aims reality.

But I have discovered that I am.

In truth, you never really know until you give it a go.

AGW Fitness can be found at Towcestrians RFC on Greens Norton Road in Towcester.

Sign up to an annual gym membership in January and get the first month free (promo code AGW12MP). Find out more at agwfitness.co.uk or by calling 01327358727.

From never looking likely to win at Sale to never looking likely to lose at Ospreys - Saints produced exactly the reaction they wanted in south-west Wales on Sunday evening.

Jim Mallinder’s men put in a professional performance at the sparsely-populated Liberty Stadium to keep their Champions Cup bid firmly on track.

It was everything that the previous week’s 20-7 defeat at the AJ Bell Stadium wasn’t, not least in the second row, where Sam Dickinson and Christian Day excelled.

Dickinson had picked up a yellow card on that difficult afternoon at Sale, but here the only thing he was acquiring was the man of the match Champagne.

Meanwhile, last season’s players’ player of the year Day produced a display full of fizz as he once again underlined his importance to the Aviva Premiership champions.

It is said you only notice what you’ve got when it’s gone, and in the case of the Blackpool-born lock that statement rings true.

Saints were all at sea without their lineout guru in Salford, but here he was back to steer the ship.

He was also impressive in the loose, with he and Dickinson even finding time to combine in midfield with some nice hands helping earn a first-half penalty.

That second-row showing was a microcosm of Saints’ improvement as they upped their game in defence and attack.

Gone were the long spells out of possession, as the men in lime returned to their dominant best.

The forwards, who have been hurting after taking hits to their pride in recent weeks, were in control, especially during the second half.

And, overall, an Ospreys side who currently top the PRO12 were unable to pose any real threat as they failed to score a try against Saints for the second time this season.

It was all very routine and all very frustrating for the home fans, whose booing will still be ringing in the ears of the players and, especially, referee Jerome Garces this morning.

The French official was not a popular figure after opting to yellow card George Pisi rather than send the Samoan off for a tip tackle on Dan Biggar.

Saints, as they have so often recently, shrugged off the loss of a player and proceeded to score a try, through George North.

It means they have now registered 50 points while being down to 14 men this season.

It is a sign of their character and resilience that they are able to cope during those tricky spells and, in fact, make them harder for the opposition than themselves.

At Sale, when Dickinson and Calum Clark were sent to the sin bin, they were unable to do that.

But thanks to this gritty win across the border, Saints have ensured that Eccles encounter was an anomalie.

They bounced back when it mattered most and must now rediscover the consistency that has seen them enjoy long winning streaks this season.

With Racing Metro coming to town on Saturday, it is winner-takes-all in the bid to top Pool 5.

And Saints would certainly have settled for that scenario after the opening-day defeat in Paris.

On that occasion, they were not at their best, but they will know they need to be at Franklin’s Gardens this weekend.

How they rated...

BEN FODEN

Made one key tackle before being forced off with a knee injury. No time to make a real impact on the game... 6

KEN PISI

Looked razor sharp throughout, with some slick breaks forcing Ospreys to scramble and some big hits putting the Welsh side in their place... 7

GEORGE PISI

Provided plenty of early spark before seeing yellow for a tip tackle on Dan Biggar. That was the only blot on his copybook... 6

LUTHER BURRELL

Made the hit that forced Justin Tipuric to spill the ball into George North’s path for Saints’ second try and, overall, bounced back well from a difficult day at Sale... 7

GEORGE NORTH

This man just loves playing against Ospreys. He has now scored five tries against them this season and also registered at the Liberty Stadium last January. Impressive... 8

STEPHEN MYLER

Put Saints in the right positions with a good kicking display from hand and was also typically accurate from the tee, aside from one effort that hit the post... 8

LEE DICKSON

A trademark high-tempo display from the scrum-half, who kept Ospreys on the back foot with some quick thinking... 7

ALEX WALLER

Was part of a big forward effort as Saints bossed the scrum, stopping Ospreys getting momentum... 7

DYLAN HARTLEY

The skipper was making his 200th appearance in Saints colours and it was an assured display as he led the team well... 7

GARETH DENMAN

Relished the chance to start a big game after Salesi Ma’afu was hit with a ban and stepped up with a sizeable performance in the scrum and around the park... 7

SAM DICKINSON - CHRON STAR MAN

Didn’t have the best time of it at Sale on the previous weekend, but made up for it here as he seemed to be everywhere in an all-action display... 8

CHRISTIAN DAY

Returned after missing the defeat at Sale and made a massive difference to Saints, ensuring the lineout functioned and also making some big tackles and the odd break... 8

CALUM CLARK

Showed good awarenesss to pounce on Tom Wood’s charge-down and score Saints’ first try. This was another strong showing from the flanker... 7

TOM WOOD

Was full of desire as he got over the ball quickly and got to Ospreys scrum-half Rhys Webb to charge the ball down to earn Saints’ opening try... 8

SAMU MANOA

His team-mates were delighted to have him back from compassionate leave and he showed why with another good performance... 7

Replacements (who played more than 20 minutes)

JAMES WILSON (for Foden 11)

Did nothing wrong as he once again filled in for Foden and, as always, he looked hugely assured in all aspects of the game... 7

ALEX CORBISIERO (for A Waller 53)

Helped Saints maintain their dominance up front as Ospreys struggled to deal with the power of the Premiership champions... 6

A murder victim in Northampton was attacked by two men from behind shortly before he was found fatally injured in Barrack Road, Northampton, a senior investigator said today.

Detective Inspector Mark Brayfield, from Northamptonshire Police’s Major Crime Unit, said today that CCTV footage showed Jon Casey, aged 35, had been attacked by two black men who may have known him.

The altercation is believed to have started near the old Royal Mail sorting office in Barrack Road.

Mr Brayfield said: “We know that Jon got into an altercation with two males in Hester Street and that has then moved up to Barrack Road towards town where he was later found.

“It was about 5.20pm and there were lots of people around, lots of vehicles. The altercation actually spilled into the road and one car had to stop.”

Mr Brayfield said police were keeping an “open mind” about the motive and were appealing for eye-witnesses to come forward.

He said: “We do not believe there is a risk to anyone else. Whether it is a random attack is unclear at the moment. Potentially, Jon may have known his attackers.”

Mr Casey, 35, from Ecton Brook, in Northampton died in Northampton General Hospital one hour after he had been found in Barrack Road on Friday.

Northamptonshire Police has released a photograph of Mr Casey, who was a father of two.

Anyone with information should call Northamptonshire Police on 101 or, alternatively, Crimestoppers, on 0800 555111

The amount of spare money people have to spend has decreased more in Northampton than almost any major town or city, latest figures show.

Today’s Centre for Cities report shows that ‘real’ weekly wage (take home pay adjusted for inflation) dropped by just over seven per cent in Northampton between 2012 and 2013.

Data published today also shows that the average drop in ‘real’ weekly pay was about £35 in Northampton, putting it in 62nd position in the survey out of 64 places.

According to the report, the average working Northamptonian is paid £478 per week.

But Martin Lord, of central and east Northamptonshire Citizens’ Advice Bureau, said the fact that bills and other essential were going up was eating into how much people are able to buy, known as ‘spending power’.

He said: “We’re seeing more people presenting with debt problems and part of that is because heating, electricity, food, rent and mortgages are all rising and taking a bigger percentage of their income than they have had previously.

“In many cases, it’s a slow build-up of living costs that is seeing them in trouble.”

Meanwhile, although the Centre for Cities report showed the invention of new products was not Northampton’s strong point (patents were granted at the rate of one per 200,000 people, placing it low down in 60th position) it indicated that the town is very good at starting new businesses.

Only two other places in the survey started more businesses per 10,000 population (66.7 new firms) in 2013.

And digital connectivity was highlighted as a particular strength, with more than 80 per cent of homes and businesses able to receive super-fast broadband.

Councillor David Mackintosh, leader of Northampton Borough Council, said: “This report shows we have a vibrant business sector, and there can be no doubt that the Northampton Waterside Enterprise Zone has been a contributing factor in that.

“Our Northampton Alive programme of regeneration, supported by a strong partnership approach, is paying dividends as it lifts private sector confidence.”

An 18-year-old man suffered a broken wrist and fractured eye socket after he was assaulted in a bar in Northampton town centre.

The teenager was grabbed by the throat and pushed to the floor in Balloon Bar in Angel Street, Northampton, at about 2am on Sunday, 11 January.

The victim was then helped up by the same person who had pushed him, who proceeded to throw him out of the fire exit on to Angel Street.

He was then assaulted by three men and suffered a broken wrist and possibly a broken eye socket as a result.

Witnesses or anyone with information are asked to contact Northamptonshire Police on 101. Alternatively, information can be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

A cottage hospital in Northamptonshire is close due to a shortage of qualified staff, it has been revealed.

The trust running Brackley Cottage Hospital decided the close the facility at a special meeting on January 15.

The decision comes after years of campaigning to keep it open and several attempts to build a new one.

Trust chairman, George Britchfield, said the decision was made with ‘great regret’.

He said: “The trustees are very aware that to several residents the cottage hospital is their home and that this decision will mean a great wrench for them and their families, and it can only be repeated that this has caused much heartache to all involved in the decision-making.

“However, the final straw has been the shortage of qualified staff in the market-place and the one thing on which the trustees will not and cannot compromise is patient care.”

He added the trust was committed to and supportive of a proposed new 60-bed care home at the Network 401 development on the edge of town, which would include the relocation of the cottage hospital’s 12 beds.

In 1990, the hospital was first under threat of closure, but a public campaign led to a trust being established and the hospital being run as a charity organisation.

There have been several plans by various NHS trusts over the years to build new facilities, none of which have come to fruition.

Mr Britchfield added: “The trustees wish to record their sincere thanks also to the generous residents of Brackley and the surrounding area whose initial and ongoing financial support has enabled this charitable trust to continue for so long even when the light at the end of the tunnel was getting further and further away. Just as the end of the tunnel seemed at last to be in sight it is galling to have to take this irrevocable step.”