The family of a pedestrian who died after he was knocked down by a van have welcomed safety measures brought in after investigating police were critical of street lights being switched off in the area.

Ian Holloway was hit by a silver Ford Transit van as he crossed Weldon Road in Corby near the junction at Tesco and Station Road at around 5.20pm on December 10 last year. He died two days later of head injuries in Walsgrave Hospital in Coventry.

The investigating officer told an inquest yesterday, Thursday, that visibility in the area had deteriorated after the street lights were switched off. New safety measures have been introduced since the tragic accident.

During an inquest into Mr Hollowell’s death at Kettering Magistrates’ Court yesterday (Thursday) the driver of the van, Corby-based building business-owner Patrick Schalbetter, said that the 65-year-old, from Bentinck Way, Blackpool, “came out of nowhere” and he “didn’t know what happened.”

Mr Schalbetter said: “Suddenly, out of the corner of my eye I saw some movement to my left and, the next thing I knew, I heard a bang and caught site of something in the air. I went to look out of my left wing mirror but saw it was missing, so I stopped straight away and ran back to find a man lying in the road.

“There were some people there and a lady asked if I was alright, and an off-duty police officer said there was nothing I could have done. We tried to keep the man warm, I rubbed his hands.

“For the last few months I have been trying to work out how I didn’t see him coming and I wish someone could tell me what happened. He came out of nowhere. The traffic was busy in all directions and it was not a suitable place to cross.”

John Underwood, forensic collision investigator at Northamptonshire Police, confirmed that Mr Schalbetter, who said he was not exceeding the 40mph speed limit, had not been driving carelessly or dangerously.

He said: “Mr Holloway collided with the car about six or seven metres into the road, which would have taken him about two to three seconds to get there. Visibility deteriotes suddenly after that junction as some of the street lights were not switched on due to austerity measures. Pedestrians notoriously understimate their conspicuity and it would have been much easier for Mr Holloway to see Mr Schalbetter’s van than it would have been for Mr Schalbetter to see Mr Holloway, who was wearing dark clothing.

“It is my opinion that this accident occurred due to a misjudgement on the part of Mr Holloway, which could have been avoided had he been aware of a nearby pedestrian crossing.”

Because he had come out of Station Road, the court heard that it would have been unlikely for Mr Holloway to have seen the pedestrian crossing, as he was already further down the road. Since the incident, a new pedestrian crossing has been installed in the area and more lights have been switched on.

At the time of the incident, witnesses called the emergency services but Mr Holloway died of a head injury after first colliding with the left side of the van and then the road.

Hassan Shah, assistant coroner for northamptonshire concluded that Mr Holloway died as the result of a road traffic collision, with the precise cause of death being a head injury.

Following the hearing, Mr Holloway’s younger brother, Allan, said: “We heard the outcome we expected today. I believe it was an accident and we don’t hold any grudges against Mr Schalbetter. Ian was just in the wrong place at the wrong time.

“We are pleased that the local authorities have put some money into the traffic measures in that area to stop something like this happening again in the future.

“I loved my brother very much and he will be missed.”

Chris Wilder has warned his Cobblers players they are in for a tough pre-season when they return to Sixfields to prepare for the new Sky Bet League Two campaign next month.

Town’s squad will return to training on Monday, June 22, and as part of the pre-season programme it has been announced they will be spending a week in Brighton at a training camp, from July 5 to July 11.

During their stay on the south coast they will play friendlies at Worthing on July 7 (ko 7.30pm) and then Burgess Hill Town on July 11 (3pm), and Wilder is determined to ensure his team is fitter and better prepared for next season than they were for the one that has just finished.

“We are back in June 22, which is early, but everything is structured,” said Wilder.

“I’m not saying it to gain points in terms of public support, but I think the players have got to work a lot harder this pre-season.

“It’s important that my staff get that right, because we certainly didn’t get that right last summer, with the injuries we have had over the season.

“That might be the reason why things happen during games of football, why we do pick up injuries, maybe why we do switch off in certain situations.

“So it is important I get pre-season right.

“I am not going to say it is going to be a ridiculously gruelling, unbelievably tough pre-season, where we’re all collapsing and blowing up in January, because that’s not right.

“We have to plan it, we have to periodise it, and make sure we are right all the way through the season.”

“Alan Knill and I have enough experience in this league, and the majority of the time we have done the pre-seasons ourselves, and we will be more involved.”

As well as the friendlies at Worthing and Burgess Hill, who both played in the Ryman League Division One South last season, the Cobblers have also lined up a friendly at Sixfields against Sky Bet Championship side Birmingham City on July 21.

Further fixtures have yet to be confirmed, although the Cobblers will at some stage go to Brackley Town to play the NFA Maunsell Cup Final.

Burgess Hill were the winners of the Ryman League Division One South last season, and are managed by former Brighton player Ian Chapman, while Worthing finished sixth in the same division, and are managed by another former Seagulls player, Adam Hinshelwood.

Doctor Sonia Swart, the chief executive of Northampton General Hospital, has tweeted the Prime Minister a wishlist for her staff and patients, including fewer regulations.

It includes more money for A&E care and money for a bigger hospital site.

It has been sent in the wake of the Tory leader’s victory in an election where he pledged to invest heavily in the NHS.

The NGH boss, an NHS doctor for 37 years, has taken her chance to be one of the first to put in her bid for what she strongly believes her hospital needs.

Under the heading What do we need and what do our patients deserve? she asks for:

-financial support to redevelop the hospital site and “provide the modern wards and facilities that our patients and staff deserve”.

- funding mechanisms to cover the cost of care, particulalry emergency care.

- finance and expertise to get better value for patients

- fewer regulations

She says: “We know what needs to be done but we need some help.

“I need to tell you that staff in the NHS have never been under so much pressure and demand for services has never been so high.

Many staff are very demoralised.

“Like most hospitals we are struggling to provide high quality care within our current resources and struggling to recruit enough nurses and doctors in many areas.

“Our hospital is dominated by emergency care pressures and we feel the risks of this every day - clinically, operationally and financially.

“We also have an ageing estate with parts of the hospital dating back to the 18th Century. A new hospital is long overdue.

She adds: “I urge you to ensure the your government’s plans for the future focus on the need to support abd listen to frontline staff - this includes managers as well as doctors and nurses.”

It is ‘unlikely’ South African Richard Levi will be in the Northamptonshire side to face Derbyshire this weekend.

The opening batsman took a bang on his little finger while fielding against Lancashire in the previous LV= County Championship game and, with the NatWest T20 Blast due to begin next week, it seems no chances will be taken on his fitness for the match in Derby which starts on Sunday.

Head coach David Ripley explained: “He is going to have a test on his finger but it is unlikely he will play.

“There is a bit of ligament damage and with the T20 around the corner - something he is a key part of - we will probably give him a bit of extra time to recover.

“We have a practise match against Derbyshire next Thursday and we would expect him to play in that.

“Kyle Coetzer is in the squad to cover the opener’s position and he has well and truly been banging on the door.

“He’s got big runs in the second team and has played himself into the squad.

“He’s a good person to have around and a good professional who has earned his chance.”

There is also likely to be a change in the bowling attack following the fine performance put in by Steven Crook during his first appearance of the season in the game against Lancashire.

Crook scored 91 and 102 not out with the bat while also getting through 19 overs with the ball.

David Willey will return from England action to take his place in the side meaning Olly Stone seems likely to be left out.

“We’re getting to the part of the season when we talked about rotating the squad,” Ripley added.

“We gave David Willey a breather in the last game so he could prepare for his England opportunity but he will come back.

“Olly Stone has had some issues getting through seasons in the past and we want to get him rest when we choose rather than waiting until the really hectic part of the summer.

“He bowled particularly well in the first two games and got some runs as well.

“We’re delighted with him.”

A Northamptonshire man has appeared in front of magistrates charged with raping a woman in a park on Wednesday night.

Michael Small, 42, of Well Lane, Rothwell, appeared before Northampton Magistrates’ Court this afternoon in connection with the incident, which took place in the pocket park near Glendon Road, Rothwell, between 10pm and 10.25pm on Wednesday, May 6.

He appeared in the dock today in a grey tracksuit and spoke only to confirm his name and address.

During the hearing, prosecutor Kwok Wan outlined the case against Small.

He said the alleged victim was on her way home from work when she claims she was approached by Small in the park near Glendon Road.

Mr Wan said the defendant then proceeded to rape the woman in the park.

For Small, Chris Bennett disputed the prosecution version of events, claiming Small and the woman had consensual sex at his flat shortly after meeting in the park.

Small was remanded in custody until May 22 when he is due to appear at Northampton Crown Court for a preliminary hearing.

Robbers carrying a knife and crowbar tried to take cash from a service station in Northampton.

The robbery took place at the BP Service Station in Grange Park, Northampton, in the early hours of Tuesday, May 5. At about 1.50am, three men entered the shop and demanded staff give them access to the safe.

After trying to force open an office door, an alarm was activated and the men left the shop. It is believed they made their escape on foot.

The men were all white and wore dark clothing. Two of them carried weapons, believed to be a knife and a crow bar.

Witnesses, or anyone who saw anything suspicious in the area around the time of the incident, are asked to call Northamptonshire Police on 101.

Alternatively, they can call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or use the anonymous online form at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.

Here’s your guide to what’s on where around Northamptonshire in the coming week. Please email details of your event by noon on the Friday prior to publication to whatson@northantsnews.co.uk

FRIDAY MAY 8

MUSIC

Disco at The Sunnyside PH, Boughton Green Road, Npton, 8pm

Kontra Roots Club at Kennedy’s Bar, Finedon, 8pm. Free admission. www.kcbworld.co.uk

70s Party Night at Whittlebury Hall Hotel & Spa, 7.30pm, three-course set dinner, entertainment. To book www.whittleburyhall.co.uk or call 0845 400 1406

BB 70s & 80s Request Night – Disco at Golden Horse, Npton, 7.30pm

Memphis Blue at Kingsley Park WMC, Npton

Adam Donaldson at World’s End, Ecton, NN6 0QN, 8.15pm

THEATRE

King John, Holy Sepulchre Church, 7.30pm. Box Office 01604 624811

The Illegal Eagles, The Core at Corby Cube, 7.30pm. 01536 470470

OTHER

Gentle Yoga at Stanwick Village Hall, 2pm. 01832 358329

Towcester Farmers’ Market in Richmond Road car park, 9am to 1pm. Profits to support local charities

WI at Stanwick Village Hall, 7.30pm. Graham Ward will be giving tips on safer driving. www.stanwickwi.weebly.com

Quiz Night, hosted by Stanwick Pre-School at Stanwick Club, 7.30pm. £2 per entrant. www.stanwickpreschool.weebly.com

Free Taster Workshops led by theatre company Frantic Assembly. 10.30am-11.30am Pen Green Research Ctr, Corby & 7pm-9pm Oakley Vale Community Ctr, Corby. Ages 16-80.

SATURDAY MAY 9

MUSIC

Live DJ at Bootleggers, Wellingborough Road, Npton, 9pm till late

Paul Scott, Brafield Working Mens Club, A428, from 8pm (and bingo).

Neil Timothy at Northampton WMC, Sheep Street, Npton

Mad Mods & Englishmen at Great Doddington Club, Lower Street

The Great Divide at Walnut Tree Inn, Station Road, Blisworth, 9pm. Free entry.

Mod Story at Maltsters, Weedon, 9pm

“In prosperity and adversity…” Immanuel’s Ground in concert at King’s Sutton Parish Church, 7pm. A look at the life and times of George III. Entry £10, children free.

Music at Dingley – the Chamber Players, 7.30pm. Sextets by Strauss, Schoenberg and Brahms in Norman Church at Dingley. Tickets £19 (£10 students) – 01536 515087. www.musicatdingley.org.uk

Dance The Night Away at Weldon Village Hall, Bridge Street, 8pm. Entry £5 07718 519480 or email guido@derosa.me.uk

Kelly at Kettering Rifle Band Club, Havelock Street, Kettering

The Crew at Kingsley Park WMC, Npton

Tony Gee Motown & Soul Disco at The Sunnyside PH, Boughton Green Road, Npton

THEATRE

King John, Holy Sepulchre Church, 2.30pm/7.30pm. 01604 624811

A Slice of Variety, Royal Auditorium, 2.30pm/7.30pm. 01604 624811

We’ve Only Just Begun, Derngate Auditorium, 7.30pm. 01604 624811

The Corby Musical, The Core at Corby Cube, 2.30pm. 01536 470470

Ray Peacock, The Core at Corby Cube, 8pm. 01536 470470

OTHER

Saturday Stage Stars for ages 5-8 years at Stanwick Village Hall, 11.15am. £10.50 per week. 07788 983403

Clickers, Cutters & Quarrymen – Burton at Work exhibition in the Burton Latimer Heritage Museum.

Plant Sale with Coffee Morning & Cake Stall, St Francis Church, Eastfield Road, Duston, 10am–noon.

“Putting On The Ritz” hosted by Save the Children at St Michael’s Church, Garfield Street, Kettering, 2pm–4pm. Afternoon tea (1920s style) with cakes, waitress service and live piano music. 01536 771054 or 521860.

Wellingborough Ramblers walk (7.5 miles). Start at The Chequered Skipper PH, Ashton, 10am. 07740 995707

Afternoon Walk with The Ramblers Association (4.9 miles). Faxton Settlement. 2pm from outside Lamport Church. Unsuitable for dogs.

VE Day 70th Anniversary at the Old House, Guilsborough, in conjunction with the Gardens Open Day. Featuring the Northampton Army Cadet Band at 5.30pm (gardens open 2pm to 5.30pm.

Ukulele Workshop by Sara Spade – Beginners II. Northampton Museum & Art Gallery, 10am to 3pm. Adults only 16+. Booking essential. 01604 837397 to book.

Baby/Children’s Nearly New Sale at The Pemberton Centre, H E Bates Way, Rushden, 10am–noon. Entry £1, children free. To book a stall, email Karen_aves@hotmail.co.uk

Plant Fayre at Bringhurst School (LE16 8RH), noon to 2pm. Home-grown plant and home-made refreshments.

Table Top Sale, Reading Room, Whittlebury Hall, 10am– 2pm. Refreshments available. Free entry. In aid of Whittlebury “Hug”.

Northampton & Lamport Railway have an array of stationary engines running and steam on display (& May 10), Pitsford & Brampton Station, Pitsford Road, Chapel Brampton, 10am to 5pm. www.nlr.org

Spring into Summer Parish Bazaar, Spratton Hall School, Smith Street, , 10am to 4pm. Charity event.

Newton Bromswold Pre-loved toy Sale & Coffee Morning, 10am to noon, in the Village Hall. Plants also for sale. Proceeds to Church Funds.

St Peter’s Church Rushden Ladies Friendship Group Coffee Morning at Church Hall, Midland Road, Rushden, 10am–11.30am. Cakes, bric-a-brac, books. Admission 50p.

Stanion Spring Garage Sale, 10am–3pm. A map of participants from the Church in the High Street for £1. 01536 618428 or email Stanion.stpeters@gmail.com

Spring Foraging Workshop at Bay Tree Cottage, Maidford Road, Farthingstone. www.btcworkshops.co.uk

Bugbrooke Art Group Exhibition, Community Centre, Camp Hill, Bugbrooke, 11am–5pm (& May 10). Refreshments available.

For the Love of Venice – Exhibition showing the artistic inspiration of the City of Light at Northampton Museum & Art Gallery (until July 19)

Aubers Ridge Event at Abington Park Museum, noon–4pm. Exploring Northamptonshire’s First World War History. Free entry. “The Slaughter of the Steelbacks” talk at 1pm, £5, to book call 01604 837397

Stanwick Rovers Football Quiz Night. Bar available. www.stanwickrovers.co.uk

Free Taster Workshops led by theatre company Frantic Assembly. 11.15am-1pm Gretton Village Hall, 2pm-3.30pm Corby Football Ground & 4.30pm-6pm Corby Old Village Community Centre. Ages 16+

SUNDAY MAY 10

MUSIC

T.A.B. Sunday Jam at Thomas A Beckett, Npton, 9pm

Mick White, Brafield Working Mens Club, A428, from 8pm.

The Launceston Handbell Ringers with Lucy Kinch (folk singer) at King’s Sutton Parish Church, 3pm. Entry £10, children free. Proceeds shared between the church and the charity LARK (Linking Arms with Rescued Kids).

Birmingham Philharmonic Orchestra with Alison Roddy, Derngate Auditorium, 7.30pm. 01604 624811

Harborough Jazz presents the Alan Barnes Quartet at Angel Hotel, 37 High Street, Market Harborough, 12.30pm (doors open noon). Admission members and guests £13, non-members £15. Contact 01858 466737. www.harboroughjazz.com

Cats Eyes at Kingsley Park WMC, Npton

Acoustic Open Mic featuring Jacksboro’ B-Road at Artichoke, Church Street, Moulton, NN3 7SP, 8.30pm.

MONDAY MAY 11

MUSIC

Acoustic Open Mic at The Woolpack, Rothwell from 9pm.

THEATRE

King John, Holy Sepulchre Church, 7.30pm. Box Office 01604 624811

Anything Goes, Derngate Auditorium, 7.30pm. 01604 624811

OTHER

Movie Night at The Picturedrome, Npton, 8pm. Free entry. Tonight “Exodus: Gods and Kings”.

Lunchtime Bingo at Monks Park WMC, 259 Wellingborough Road, N’pton, 2.30pm

Network Arts Spring Exhibition at jgallery, 25 West Street, Moulton NN3 7SB, 10am to 4pm (until May 17). An exhibition of contemporary & traditional art from emerging & established artists in Northamptonshire. Free entry.

TUESDAY MAY 12

MUSIC

The Nighthawks at the Wig & Pen, Npton, 9pm. Free entry

Just Voices Community Choir meet (every Tues), 7pm to 8.30pm at Kingsthorpe Baptist Church, entrance from rear of Waitrose. New members very welcome. You don’t need to be able to read music, just enjoy singing. Details – Stuart Jenkins 01604 455682

Northampton Male Voice Choir (every Tues), 7.30pm at Kingsley Park Methodist Church Hall (opp St Matthews Church), visitors always welcome to come along and join us. For details www.nmvc.co.uk

Acoustic Open Mic featuring Stevie Rigsby & ‘Dem Urban Foxes at White Swan, Seaton Road, Harringworth, NN17 3AF, 8.30pm.

THEATRE

King John, Holy Sepulchre Church, 7.30pm. Box Office 01604 624811

Anything Goes, Derngate Auditorium, 7.30pm. Box Office 01604 624811

OTHER

Yoga for Well-Being at Spencer Dallington Community Ctr, Npton (every Tue), 9.30am to 11.30am. Free yoga for the local community

Salsa Estrellas at The Picturedrome, Npton. An evening of pure dancing and fitness, from 7.30pm.

Bingo at Monks Park WMC, N’pton, 8pm

Classic Movies Afternoon brings you films from the Golden Age of cinema at The Picturedrome, Npton, 1pm

Body Balance (every Tues) at Stanwick Village Hall, 1.30pm to 2.30pm. £4 a session. More info call Loraine 07958 382720

Iyengar Yoga, 7pm to 8.30pm, Perry Street – 07759 152986

Free Ballroom & Latin Dance Lessons (every Tues), 1.30pm to 3.30pm at Eden Close Community Room, Lakeview NN3 6NS. Tel 01604 787246

Absolute Beginners Dance Class – Ballroom and Latin, Weston Favell CE Primary School, Westwood Way (off Wellingborough Road), Npton, NN3 3HH, 7-8pm. £7pp, singles welcome.

Northampton Hope Centre Charity Evening at Papa Cino’s Italian Restaurant, Dychurch Lane, Npton, 7.30pm. Hot Italian buffet and music from a local blues band. Tickets £20 with a proportion of ticket sales and all the raffle proceeds being donated to the Hope Centre.

Wellingborough Ramblers walk (6.5 miles). Start at The Cock PH, Roade, 10am. Ring leader 01604 408499

Barton Seagrave Women’s Institute, Church House, St Botolph’s Road, Barton Seagrave are holidng a Resolutions evening and social time, 7.30pm. Competition – A flower from your garden

Gretton Womens Hour meet in Gretton Baptist Church Hall, 2.15pm. Sheila Addison will attend to talk to members and visitors. Hymns, prayers and readings with light refreshments. Enq 01536 770188.

Poker Night at The Sunnyside PH, Boughton Green Road, Npton, 8pm

WEDNESDAY MAY 13

MUSIC

“J for Jazz” at The Coach & Horse, Lubenham, 8.30pm. Free admission. 01848 463183 for details

Jazz & Blues at Charles Bradlaugh, Npton, 8.30pm. Free entry

The Freight Train Jam at Thomas A Becket, St James Road, Npton, 9pm. Tonight Sinbad & the Sailors.

Legends Open Mic at Kitty O’Shea’s, St Peter’s Way, Npton, 8pm

Cherry Lee Mewis – Wednesday Blues Club at The Malt Shovel Tavern, Bridge Street, Npton NN1 1QF, 8.45pm. Free entry

Vintage Stuff - Wednesday Beat Scene, The Headland, Longland Road, Npton, 8.30pm.

THEATRE

King John, Holy Sepulchre Church, 7.30pm. Box Office 01604 624811

Anything Goes, Derngate Auditorium, 2.30pm/7.30pm. Box Office 01604 624811

Katherine Ryan, Royal Auditorium, 7.45pm. Box Office 01604 624811

OTHER

Craft Club – knitting, stitching and cardmaking (every Wed). Hazlewood Community Ctr, Gainsborough Road, Corby, 7pm to 9pm. New members welcome. Contact Kay on 07910 989410

Mums, Grannies, Childminders & Toddlers meet (every Wed) in the Church Hall, Edinburgh Road, NN2 6PH, 1.30pm to 3pm. Nursery Rhymes and play. Refreshments available.

Wellingborough Ramblers walk (8 miles). Start at The Chester Arms PH, Chicheley, 9.30am. Ring leader 01234 713526

Evening Walk starting and finishing The White Hart, Great Houghton (about 6 miles), 6pm. 50p entry. See website for details www.waendel.org.uk

Morning Walk with The Ramblers Association (6.5 miles). 9.30am The Olde Sun PH, Nether Heyford. Limited parking at the pub for those frequenting after the walk. Pub lunch available. Unsuitable for dogs. About 3 stiles.

Bouquets & Handties - Floristry Workshop at Bay Tree Cottage, Maidford Road, Farthingstone, NN12 8HE. www.btcworkshops.co.uk

Witnesses are being sought after a cyclist was left with serious injuries following a collision with a sports car in Northamptonshire yesterday.

The incident happened shortly before 5pm in Prospect Way, Royal Oak Industrial Estate, Daventry, when the cyclist came into collison with a silver Nissan Skyline GT-R.

The cyclist, a 28-year-old man from Daventry, was taken by air ambulance to University Hospital Coventry with serious injuries.

A 24-year-old man, also from Daventry, was arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving and has been released on police bail pending further inquiries.

Witnesses to the collision or anyone with information is asked to call the Northamptonshire Police Drivewatch hotline on 0800 174615.

David Mackintosh, has given advice for his unnamed replacement to follow as he made a farewell speech at the Guildhall today.

Bowing out after four years, he said that it was a difficult job but the next borough leader had to simply stick by what they believed in.

He said: “It’s one of those jobs where you can’t please everybody all the time. but you need to ensure what you are doing is the right thing for Northampton.

“If you can do that, then you can sleep at soundly.”

It is widely expected that Councillor Mary Markham would become the next leader of the party should she be voted in in the Park ward (rather than the Obelisk Ward she will not defend) this evening, and therefore the leader of the council if the Tories win a majority.

There is likely to be a shake-up in the Labour party if they fail to have a very good night at the count, which takes place from 4pm at the Royal and Derngate.

The Conservatives hold 28 seats, Labour 14, the Lib Dems 4 and UKIP a single seat.

Asked whether he was sad that he would now have reduced influence over the town, Mr Mackintosh said he would still have significant input.

He said: “I’ve worked very closely with Brian Binley, so the MP does have some say.

“It’s a joint effort and a partnership to deliver things like jobs and infrastructure.”

Mr Mackintosh announced he would step down from the Guildhall as the MP for Northampton South in March. He is still a county councillor.

Chris Wilder has told the Cobblers supporters: ‘Judge me as manager from now’.

The former Oxford United boss has been at the Sixfields helm for 17 months, having taken over with the team rock-bottom of Sky Bet League Two in January, 2014.

There has been a big turnaroud in players, with Wilder first bringing in emergency recruits to avoid relegation from the Football League, then strengthening last summer, and then changing the face of his struggling squad again in this year’s January transfer window.

He announced even more change this week after the Cobblers wrapped up their season with a 3-2 home defeat to Wycombe Wanderers on Saturday, a result that saw them finish 12th in league two.

Seven out-of-contract players were released and two others in John-Joe O’Toole and Chris Hackett were transfer-listed.

It all means Wilder has been left with a squad he feels is his own for the first time since he became Town boss, and he said: “I think we have a fantastic base.

“When I first came into the club in the January, we had to offer contracts to players, and good lengths of contract, to get them through the door for the survival.

“Maybe in a different situation and scenario we wouldn’t have done that.

“The likes of Ricky Ravenhill and Emile Sinclair and other players wouldn’t have come for six months, and now we are at the stage I would like to be judged from, because it is my squad, and my group.

“I think people will understand that.”

With the players released, and with Hackett and O’Toole expected the leave, Wilder has just 12 outfield players contracted, with two of those in Sam Warburton and Danny Clifton expected to be sent out on loan.

It’s certainly not the biggest squad, but Wilder is happy with the quality and is now setting about adding the strength in depth required.

“Out of the players we have under contract, if I put a team up, then I think it would be good enough to compete at the top end of league two,” said the Cobblers boss, who currently doesn’t have a goalkeeper on the books, with Matt Duke released and no decision taken on Shwan Jalal.

“Now the key is to lift and improve, and provide competition to that group, so that when we do have an injury to Ricky Holmes, or have to give Lawson D’Ath or Ivan Toney a rest because they are young players that have played too many games, then we have players to go in and play in that position and offer competition.

“What we want then is those players to stay in the team, and it is up to likes of Ricky and Lawson, for example, to force their way back in.

“That is what we are looking for.”

A service has taken place in Northampton to mark the 70th anniversary of victory over the Nazis.

Public dignitaries and soldiers joined members of the public at All Saints’ Church this afternoon for a service of thanksgiving and remembrance of the original Victory in Europe Day, May 1945.

Readings given inside took up the theme of carrying on the spirit of that day for those that were absent.

Father David McConkey, parish priest said: “Few of the people who fought are here to celebrate this occasion of thanksgiving.

“It therefore behooves us born since to remmeber with gratitude those who gallantly and bravely bequeathed us freedom.”

After the service, the congregation gathered in front of the war memorial to hear the Ode to Remembrance and, along with the rest of the country, observe the two minute silence.

Warrant officer Adrian Leah - of 104 Battalion REME, which is now based in Northampton at Clare Street, The Mounts - was there representing modern day servicemen.

He said: “With nobody here today who fought for our freedom, it falls on our shoulders, as the local regiment, to remember their deeds.”

Eight vehicles were damaged by spray-paint vandals in Wellingborough last night.

The vehicles, which were all sprayed with paint, were parked in the Croyland Road area of the town, including in The Drive and Arthur Street.

Northamptonshire Police have asked for any witnesses to call them on 101.

A man approached two young children and struck one of them on the forehead this morning, causing a red mark.

The incident happened in Dulley Avenue, Wellingborough, between 8.40am and 8.50am.

The offender was a tall black man wearing a black scarf and dark clothing.

Police are asking anyone who was in the area around the time of the incident and may have witnessed it or have information about it to contact them on 101.

Alternatively, they can call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Fixture: Northampton Saints v London Welsh (Aviva Premiership - round 21)

Date/kick-off time: Saturday, May 9, 3.15pm

Venue: Franklin’s Gardens

Weather forecast: 16C, showers

Referee: Andrew Small

Saints: Tuala; K Pisi, G Pisi, Burrell, Elliott; Myler, Dickson; A Waller, Hartley (c), Denman; Lawes, Day; Wood, Clark, Manoa.

Replacements: Haywood, Corbisiero, Ma’afu, Dickinson, Fisher, Fotuali’i, Stephenson, Wilson.

London Welsh: Jewell; Awcock, Reynolds, May (c), Elder, Barkley, Rowley, Trevett, Britton, Cooper, West, Corker, Browne, Waters, Fonua.

Replacements: Morris, Aholelei, Gilding, Down, McNally, Liston, Lewis, Robinson.

Outs: Saints: Ben Foden (knee), George North (concussion). London Welsh: Nathan Vella, Matthew Dobson, Harry Allen, Shane Cahill, Taione Vea, Pablo Henn, Carl Kirwan, Alex Davies, Tim Molenaar, James Lewis, Nick Scott, Seb Stegmann (all injured), Chris Hala’ufia (suspended).

Most recent meeting: Sunday, November 30: London Welsh 14 Saints 43 (Aviva Premiership)

Tom’s preview: So this is it: the month that makes or breaks a team’s season.

The month when dreams are realised or ruined.

For players, May could end with a celebratory dance-off on the Twickenham pitch or an early holiday.

For fans, it could conclude with adulation in the Twickenham stands or in front of the TV watching another club’s supporters rejoicing.

Last May, it was the Saints players who were doing the dancing and the Saints fans who were sampling the delight of a first league crown.

And this year, Jim Mallinder’s men are in a great position to repeat history.

They need just two points to be sure of a home play-off semi-final and it would take an upset greater than David’s much talked about victory against Goliath to stop them.

Because with a London Welsh team who have lost all 30 of their games this season coming to town on Saturday, the chance to get the job done couldn’t be a better one.

Saints will surely not only claim the win, but the bonus point, too, to make sure of top spot in the process.

That would provide plenty of satisfaction as never before have Saints finished the season top of the Premiership pile.

And they would then have the enjoyment of heading to Welford Road next weekend to try to boot their local rivals, Leicester Tigers, out of the play-off race.

That is for another day, but it is clear that Saints are taking this Saturday’s clash very seriously.

There has been a little surprise that the team they have named is so strong.

In fact, you would say it is not too far off their likely play-off team.

But the players have had two weeks since their last game - the 25-20 success against Saracens - and it is important for them not to stagnate.

Also, if any knocks are picked up this weekend, they should have the luxury of resting those men at Leicester next Saturday, while still trying to maintain momentum.

As attack coach Alex King admitted earlier in the week, it is a great position to be in.

One Saints would have craved last summer when some doubted their ability to defend their title.

Now they have to make it count in the month of the season that means so much.

Tom’s prediction: Saints 52 London Welsh 10

The Conservative Party has retained control of South Northamptonshire Council.

With a strong turnout across the district coming in at 91 percent, the Tories came away with 35 seats, up three. The Liberal Democrats secured four seats, up one, independents won three seats. There are no Labour councillors.

The results are as follows (E indicates elected):

Astwell:

Simon Marinker (Conservative): 937 E

David Toman (Labour): 268

Turnout: 78.29%

Blakesley & Cote:

Roger Clarke (Conservative): 1563 E

Maureen Morris (Labour): 493

Sandi Smallman (Conservative): 1391 E

Turnout: 91.01%

Blisworth & Roade:

Stephen Clarke (Conservative): 1,313 E

Hywel Davies (Conservative): 1,197 E

Ray Dawkins (UKIP): 696

Ron Johnson (Independent): 523

Stephen Miller (Left Unity): 217

Brackley East:

Tony Bagot-Webb (Conservative): 1,023 E

Tony Quinn (UKIP): 608

Peter Rawlinson (Conservative): 947 E

Wilfrid Blake Stimpson (Independent): 829

Turnout: 84.66%

Brackley South:

John Frederick Baldry (UKIP): 395

Douglas Barry (Labour): 371

Caryl Suzanne Billingham (Independent): 791 E

Richard John Butler (Independent): 504

Alice Ord (Conservative): 627 E

Paul Wiltshire (Conservative): 555

Turnout: 70.27%

Brackley West:

Fiona Baker (Conservative): 1,174 E

Jim Broomfield (UKIP): 660

Chris Cartmell (Independent): 679

Michael Edward Genner (Independent): 374

Elaine Wiltshire (Conservative): 821 E

Turnout: 81.97%

Cosgrove & Grafton:

Rosemary Caroline Hill (Labour): 317

Ian McCord (Conservative): 858 E

Deanshanger:

David Louis Aaronson (Labour): 859

Dennis Eric Loveland (Conservative): 1287 E

Allen Walker (Conservative): 1261 E

Turnout: 79.03%

Grange Park:

Simon Clifford (Conservative): 1,459 E

Ian Grant (Labour): 584

Adil Sadygov (Conservative): 1,032 E

Harpole & Grange:

Ann Addison (Conservative): 1,856 E

Andy Clarke (Green): 933

Karen Elizabeth Cooper (Conservative): 1,459 E

Kings Sutton:

Michael William Bailey (Labour): 445

Ian Richard Morris (Conservative): 750 E

Middleton Cheney:

Judith Baxter (Conservative): 191 E

Val Furniss (Conservative): 267 E

John Richard Kilmister (Independent): 147

Turnout: 82.39%

Silverstone:

Dermot Bambridge (Conservative): 1,083 E

Michael Charles Alexander Caseman-Jones (Labour): 239

Tove:

Sandra Elizabeth Barnes (Conservative): 828 E

Roger French (UKIP): 254

Towcester Brook:

Peter Jeffrey Conquest (UKIP): 650

Richard Dallyn (Conservative): 1,080 E

John Gasking (Conservative): 1,050

Martin Johns (Liberal Democrat): 1,266 E

Lisa Samiotis (Liberal Democrat): 1,240 E

Andrea Storey (Labour): 529

David Tarbun (Liberal Democrat): 895

Richard Woods (Conservative): 866

Turnout: 78.55%

Towcester Mill:

Gail Susan Caseman-Jones (Labour): 251

Andrew Grant (Conservative): 773

Chris Lofts (Liberal Democrat): 995 E

Catharine Tarbun (Liberal Democrat): 854 E

Andrew Wilby (Conservative): 727

The main party leaders running for seats on Northampton Borough Council have been assessing their chances of victory after tonight’s election count.

There have been few surprises in the early seats declared at the Royal and Derngate this evening, with Labour’s group leader Les Marriott retaining his Semilong seat.

Mary Markham, who is expected to take over the Conservative leadership tomorrow if she wins her Park seat later in the night, said the Tories have run a ‘positive’ campaign.

The Tories currently hold the sway of power on the council with a 17 seat majority.

She said: “The one thing I’m happy with is the people is that the people we have selected have all worked hard.

“I believe our administration has worked hard and we have put Northampton back on the map.”

Les Marriott, said he was pleased to retain his seat after a ‘hectic campaign’, but added that overall he was concerned that Labour’s performance in the General Election could have a knock on effect for the council.

He said: “Anything can happen.

“It’s difficult, I’m nervous today, knowing full well people can vote one way nationally and one way locally.”

Liberal Democrats’ party chairman Brian Hoare was even more worried about how last night’s result - which saw catastrophic Lid Dem losses - would effect the council vote.

He said: “I’m concerned it’s not going to be about local activists and the work that they do.

“The local elections could mirror the national picture.”

UKIP’s only current sitting councillor Beverley Mennell, said she was ‘proud’ of her party’s four million votes in the parliamentary race.

But as to whether UKIP would pick up seats on the borough council tonight, she said: “It could be anyone’s game.

“This is a strange old election.

“I’m just hoping we get some bums on seats.”

Tesco is recalling a range of potato salad, coleslaw and salad products after concerns they may contain small pieces of metal.

The Food Standards Agency advised on Friday night that Tesco was withdrawing a number of products with a certain ‘use by’ date and urged people not to eat them but to return the items to their nearest store.

The full list of products is as follows:

Tesco Finest Charlotte Potato Salad, 275g

‘Use by’ date: 12 May 2015, 13 May 2015, 14 May 2015 and 15 May 2015

Tesco Finest Coleslaw and Potato Salad, 400g

‘Use by’ date: 11 May 2015, 12 May 2015, 13 May 2015, 14 May 2015 and 15 May 2015

Tesco Potato Salad, 300g

‘Use by’ dates: 17 May 2015 and 18 May 2015

Tesco Potato Salad, 600g

‘Use by’ dates: 17 May 2015, 18 May 2015 and 19 May 2015

Tesco Healthy Living Salad, 300g

‘Use by’ dates: 16 May 2015 and 17 May 2015

Tesco Coleslaw and Potato Salad Twin Pack, 500g

‘Use by’ dates: 14 May 2015, 15 May 2015, 16 May 2015, 17 May 2015 and 18 May 2015

Major scalps have been taken at the Northampton Borough Council elections with Abington councillor Iftikhar Choudary losing his seat to Labour candidate Zoe Smith.

However he said his defection to the Conservative party might have had an effect on being elected a third time.

“I’m not really disappointed,” he said afterwards. “I served my community and I helped a lot of people’s lives.”

It was dismal news for the Liberal Democrats in Delapre and Briar Hill with both Brendan Glynane and Mick Ford losing their seats.

Beverley Mennell lost UKIP’s only seat in Kingsley.

And Green Party parliamentary candidate Tony Clarke failed to take a seat on the council in Trinity ward.

But he said: “This election was not about us taking seats, it was about us building a base.

“We fought in seats we had never fought before and we raised our percentage. Who knows what will happen in the county council.”

It was a mixed night for husband and wife couples.

Labour candidates Teresa and Gareth Eales both took their respective seats in Kingsley and Spencer.

Gareth, who was claiming victory in his third election said: “I’m delighted for Teresa winning in Kings Heath, it’s an area that has been neglected for some time on the borough.”

And as to whether both of them serving on the council would have an impact on their home life, he said.” I don’t think so, all we do at home is talk about politics anyway.”

Nahar Begum and husband Azizur Rahman both switched to Conservative from Labour at the start of 2015.

But only Mr Rahman took the Castle seat under his new colours.

he said he would campaign for the North West bypass to alleviate traffic along the A508 and adjoining roads.

“I will try my best to improve the traffic issues in the area - I will really try to my heart out to get it.”

Despite the results making difficult reading for Liberal Democrats, a commendation has to be given to Talavera candidate Dennis Meredith who retained his seat despite falling a week before polling day - while campaigning in his ward - and breaking his collar bone.

Councilor Meredith said: “I’m very pleased and I have to say I really appreciate the support from the residents who had the faith to put me back in power.”

The Conservative party has taken control of Northampton Borough Council following the announcement of the election results on Friday night.

The final makeup of the council sees Conservatives with 26 seats; Labour with 17 and the Liberal Democrats with 2.

The full list of results is as follows:

Abington

Jamal ALWAHABI - Labour: 1,366

Tony ANSELL - Conservative: 1,661 (ELECTED)

Iftikhar Ahmed CHOUDARY - Conservative: 888

Drew David GRAY - Green: 719

Jill Denise PANEBIANCO - Liberal Democrat: 339

Regina ROGOLSKA - Liberal Democrat: 185

Zoe SMITH - Labour: 1,567 (ELECTED)

Billing

Tahmina Akther CHAUDHURY - Liberal Democrat: 338

Andrew Cameron KILBRIDE - Conservative: 1,670 (ELECTED)

Christopher John MALPAS - Conservative: 1,605 (ELECTED)

Anthea Elizabeth MITCHELL - Labour: 1,198

Leesa ROGERS - UK Independence Party: 1,045

Winston Allister STRACHAN - Labour: 967

Boothville

David GARLICK - Liberal Democrat: 260

Geoff HERBERT - Labour: 699

Jamie William LANE - Conservative: 1,458

Brookside

Irum CHOUDARY - The Conservative: 511

Clement CHUNGA - Labour Party: 979 (ELECTED)

Martin Gerard DE ROSARIO - UK Independence Party: 403

Michael Charles FULLER Liberal Democrat: 130

Castle

Nahar BEGUM - Conservative: 919

Muna CALI - Labour: 1,753 (ELECTED)

Enam HAQUE - Labour: 1,783 (ELECTED)

Julie Marie HAWKINS - Green: 932

Aktar HUSSEIN - Liberal Democrat: 387

Christopher John David KELLETT - Conservative: 1,073

Gregory Simon LUNN - Conservative:938

Danielle STONE - Labour: 2,198 (ELECTED)

Stuart TOWN - Green: 762

Delapre & Briar Hill

Norman ADAMS - Northampton Save Our Services: 462

Vicky CULBARD - Labour: 1,579 (ELECTED)

Richard John CULLIS - Conservative: 1,428

Julie Anne DAVENPORT - Labour: 1,883 (ELECTED)

Mick FORD - Liberal Democrat: 984

Brendan John GLYNANE - Liberal Democrat: 1,132

Nicola Claire HEDGES - Liberal Democrat: 870

Minesh KALARIA - Conservative: 1,234

Mark Andrew PLOWMAN - British National Party: 266

Kate TRUAX - UK Independence Party: 1,355

Graham John WALKER - Conservative: 1,676 (ELECTED)

Walter WLODZIMIERZ - Labour: 1,377

East Hunsbury

Richard ALEXANDER - Liberal Democrat: 676

Brandon ELDRED - Conservative: 3,312 (ELECTED)

Phil LARRATT - Conservative: 2,636 (ELECTED)

Anne WISHART - Labour: 1,099

James Stanley WISHART - Labour: 815

Eastfield

Colin Allan BRICHER - UK Independence Party: 457

Elizabeth GOWEN - Labour: 794 (ELECTED)

Roy Edward HICKEY - Conservative: 722

Farhana KHAN - Liberal Democrat: 70

Anthony James LOCHMULLER - Green: 105

Headlands

Naz ISLAM - Conservative: 793

Irene Patricia MARKHAM - Liberal Democrats: 261

Arthur Philip MCCUTCHEON - Labour: 1,124 (Elected)

Kings Heath

Paul Leslie CLARK - Conservative: 399

Fern Rachelle CONROY - Liberal Democrat: 117

Terrie EALES - Labour: 709 (ELECTED)

Matthew JONES - UK Independence Party: 381

Kingsley

Lord BUNGLE - The Eccentric Party of Great Britain: 63

Beverley Anne MENNELL - UK Independence Party: 423

Samuel Mark RUMENS - Conservative: 726

Cathrine Margaret RUSSELL - Labour: 876 (ELECTED)

Marianne TAYLOR - Liberal Democrat: 285

Kingsthorpe

Sally BEARDSWORTH - Liberal Democrat: 924 (Elected)

Alan Edward HAMES - UK Independence Party: 449

Barry Norman KIRBY - Labour: 410

Steve MILLER - Green Party: 101

Mike O`CONNOR - Conservative: 776

Nene Valley

Joe ATKINS - Labour: 846

Liam COSTELLO - Independent: 783

John Kenneth CRAKE - Liberal Democrat: 568

Michael HILL - Conservative: 2,444 (ELECTED)

Michael Richard JONES - UK Independence Party: 1,129

Jonathan NUNN - Conservative: 2,102 (ELECTED)

Denise O`HORA - Labour: 807

New Duston

Lian ALLEN - Green: 373

John CASWELL - Conservative: 2,181 (ELECTED)

Matthew John GOLBY - Conservative: 2,507 (ELECTED)

Dan GUILD - UK Independence Party: 1,355

David HUFFADINE-SMITH - Independent: 425

Timothy JECHE - Labour: 727

Alan Roger KINGSTON - Labour: 1,067

Julia Lynne MADDISON - Liberal Democrat: 329

Obelisk

Tom APPLEYARD - UK Independence Party: 454

Justin James BROWN - Independent: 139

Trini CRAKE - Liberal Democrat: 86

Paul JOYCE - Labour: 400

Samuel SHAW - Conservative: 532 (ELECTED)

Old Duston

Roger Henry CONROY - Liberal Democrat: 268

Christopher Simon GARDNER - Labour: 916

Dave GREEN - Northampton Save Our Services: 552

Tim HADLAND - Conservative: 1,985 (ELECTED)

Suresh PATEL - Conservative: 1,316 (ELECTED)

Geraldine Trudy TANDOH - Labour: 841

Dusan TORBICA - UK Independence Party: 889

Park

Roger Colin FEIST - UK Independence Party: 370

Axel Wolfgang LANDMANN - Liberal Democrat: 182

Mary Margaret MARKHAM - Conservative: 1,622 (ELECTED)

Mark Nicholas WALL - Labour: 621

Parklands

Karim Ali EL-AYOUBI - UK Independence Party: 359

Mike HALLAM - Conservative: 1,527

Mohammed Turon MIAH - Labour: 540

Mike TORPY - Liberal Democrat: 161

Phippsville

Anna Sarah KING - Conservative: 799 (ELECTED)

Steve O`CONNOR - Labour: 689

Marcus ROCK - Green Party: 238

Mark UNWIN - UK Independence Party: 307

Pamela VARNSVERRY - Liberal Democrat: 225

Rectory Farm

Celia Ann BURGE - Liberal Democrat: 142

James William HILL - Conservative: 814

Giash UDDIN - Labour: 631

Toni Marie WALKER - UK Independence Party: 505

Riverside

Richard David ARTERTON - Liberal Democrat: 114

Thomas George HARRISON - UK Independence Party: 420

Stephen John HIBBERT - Conservative: 799 (ELECTED)

Tipu RAHMAN - Labour: 568

Rushmills

Penny FLAVELL - Conservative: 1,212 (ELECTED)

Janet PHILLIPS - Labour: 601

Paul Anthony SCHOFIELD - Liberal Democrat: 188

Max Edward TITMUSS - UK Independence Party: 315

Semilong

Laura ELDRED - Conservative: 301

Ian Paul GIBBINS - UK Independence Party: 247

Les MARRIOTT - Labour: 642 (ELECTED)

Sarah Jane ULDALL - Liberal Democrat: 489

Spencer

Tim ARMIT - Conservative: 452

Sadik CHAUDHURY - Liberal Democrat: 279

Gareth Matthew EALES - Labour: 866 (ELECTED)

Irene MCGOWAN - UK Independence Party: 428

Spring Park

Mohammed AZIZUR RAHMAN - Conservative: 954 (ELECTED)

Michael BEARDSWORTH - Liberal Democrat: 251

Ray BEASLEY - British National Party: 13

Robin Harold FRUISH - UK Independence Party: 691

Dan KELSEY - Green: 142

Philippa Margaret SMITH - Labour: 650

St.Davids

Michael BAKER - UK Independence Party: 448

Naz CHOUDARY - Labour: 708 (ELECTED)

Arthur John NEWBURY - Conservative: 478

Martin TAYLOR - Liberal Democrat: 101

St.James

Rufia ASHRAF - Labour: 725 (ELECTED)

Phillip Andrew BUCHAN - Conservative: 382

Jill Susan HOPE - Liberal Democrat: 454

David Charles LEWIS - UK Independence Party: 281

Sunnyside

Titus AJAYI - Labour: 546

Nilesh PAREKH - Conservative: 1,007 (ELECTED)

Angela PATERSON - Liberal Democrat: 358

Talavera

John Victor ALLEN - UK Independence Party: 955

Janice Helen DUFFY - Labour: 1,368 (ELECTED)

Francesca KING - Conservative: 764

Dennis MEREDITH - Liberal Democrat: 1,342 (ELECTED)

Rona MEREDITH - Liberal Democrat: 910

Andrew Hillary PORTER - Labour: 1,106

Julie Sharon ROLFE - Conservative: 576

Trinity

Jane Linda BIRCH - Labour: 515 (ELECTED)

Tony CLARKE - Green Party: 234

Brian Colin HOARE - Liberal Democrat: 366

John Michael HOWSAM - UK Independence Party: 419

Arif RAHMAN - Conservative: 370

Upton

Alan BOTTWOOD - Conservative: 1,755 (ELECTED)

Daniel Joseph JONES - Liberal Democrat: 340

Repon MIAH - Labour: 578

Brian William SARGEANT - Conservative: 1,522 (ELECTED)

Leanne Belinda WARD - Labour: 699

West Hunsbury

Cerri Jacqueline GLYNANE - Liberal Democrat: 220

Brian OLDHAM - Conservative: 1,666 (ELECTED)

Alan Richard SMITH - Labour: 478

Westone

Toby John BIRCH - Labour: 722

Matt LYNCH - Conservative: 1,318

Brian MARKHAM - Liberal Democrat: 315

Councillor Mary Markham has been named as the successor to David Mackintosh as leader of Northampton Borough Council, after the Tories claimed victory in tonight’s election.

The final results see Conservative with 26 seats, Labour with 17 seats and the Liberal Democrats with two.

Park ward councillor Mary Markham, who has been officially named as Northampton’s new Conservative leader in the late few minutes, said she would be ‘honoured’ to become leader of the authority.

She said: “Four years ago we turned the town blue and I’m happy to say that in 2015 we have kept the town blue.

“The electorate feel that we have done what we said we were going to do. We made 40 pledges and we have stuck to every one.”

Labour’s group leader on Northampton borough Council has announced he is ‘considering his position’ though his party made gains in the central areas of the town tonight.

Councillor Les Marriott reclaimed his Semilong seat and saw his party move up to 17 seats, an improvement of seven on the party’s pre-election position, despite the fact the reds faired dismally in the parliamentary elections.

But as the Northampton Labour group is set to hold its annual general meeting tomorrow to decide who will lead the party in the coming term, Councillor Marriott said that he would be ‘considering’ his position.

He said; “We have moved up to 17 seats and we have some excellent new councillors.

“A lot of them are inexperienced councillors but I hope they will learn over the coming period and we will be an effective opposition part

“Our annual general meeting is tomorrow, I’ve been thinking for some time about my position as leader. I have a number of other interests and this last year has been time consuming.

“For me though I have left the party with a manifesto that I am very proud of.”

However Councillor Marriott said he would not speculate on who would become the new party leader.

Inside Labour sources suggest Castle ward Councillor Danielle Stone is his most likely successor.

It was a gloomy night for Liberal Democrats, who grabbed just two seats, a drop from the five they held pre-election. Eight years ago, the Lib Dems were the controlling party of Northampton Borough Council.

UKIP however, despite taking a strong overall share of the vote, finish the night with none.