Kellogg’s Special K Biscuit Moments Cioccolato packs sold at a Northampton shop have been recalled because they are in Italian.

The boxes containing five 25g bars are not in English and do not warn shoppers they contain soya, milk and wheat which may pose a risk to allergy sufferers.

The food watchdog warned people not to eat the bars but return them for a full refund.

The boxes with the best before dates 9 July 2016 and 14 July 2016 are sold by Hull-based Heron Foods which has stores in Daventry, Northampton and Corby.

No other Kellogg’s products are known to be affected.

The firm said: “As a precautionary measure Heron Foods is recalling the Kelloggs Special K Biscuit Moments Cioccolato due to Soya, Milk and Wheat not being declared in English.

“If you have purchased this product and are allergic to Soya, Milk or Wheat, do not eat this product. Instead, return it to your local Heron Foods/ Cool Trader store for a full refund.

“We are very sorry for any inconvenience caused. Any customers with queries or concerns can contact Heron Foods on 0845 6037300 or email info@heronfoods.com.”

The Food Standards Agency said: “The above product contains wheat (gluten), milk and soya which are not mentioned on the label in English.

“This means the product is a health risk to anyone with an allergy or intolerance to wheat (gluten), milk or soya.

“If you have bought the above product and have an allergy or intolerance to wheat (gluten), milk or soya do not eat it. Instead return it to the store from where you bought it for a full refund.”

Nicky Adams has spoken about his ‘difficult decision’ to swap Northampton Town for Carlisle United.

The attacking midfielder’s free transfer to Brunton Park came as a surprise earlier this week, not only to the Cobblers fans, but also to the player himself.

The 29-year-old still had two years remaining on his contract at Sixfields, and says that just a few weeks ago all of his thoughts were on planning for life as a Cobbler in Sky Bet League One.

But a ‘whirlwind’ few days that saw Town manager Chris Wilder and assistant up sticks and head for Sheffield United, meant doubts started to creep into Adams’ head about his own future at Sixfields.

Once Wilder had left, agents started circulating and made it clear they were keen on signing Adams if he were to become available.

And Adams, who admits he never spoke with incoming boss Rob Page, started to consider a move away from Northampton due to the uncertainty over what lay in store for him, providing he could move to a club nearer his Bolton home.

The keenest of the clubs pursuing Adams was Carlisle United, whose manager Keith Curle had been tracking the player for 12 months.

Adams suddenly had a decision to make and, after a lot of consideration, came to the conclusion he would leave the Cobblers with a heavy heart, and start again at Brunton Park.

When asked how the move to Carlisle came about, Adams told the Chron: “It was strange because we finished the season on sich a high, and then it was a bit of a whirlwind because the gaffer went, and then things change.

“A few of the lads were in a bit of limbo and weren’t sure who was going to come in, and then we had a few calls from different agents and stuff.

“They wanted to know what the situation was, and I told them at the time that I wasn’t sure and that it wasn’t something I had really thought about because I was on such a high from being promoted.

“But an agent I have known for a long time had a chat with Kelvin (Thomas), and Kelvin was great to be fair.

“With the new manager coming in it is something different, and I didn’t speak to him.

“It is a difficult situation, but I knew other people really wanted me and that sort of made my mind up a little bit.

“I had a few options when people got wind that I might be leaving, I had a few teams’ representatives phone me, but if I was going anywhere I would rather it would be closer to home, because a few of the teams were further away, which I didn’t want.

“So it did come as a surprise to people, but there is nothing better than being wanted.

“The manager at Carlisle, Keith Curle, has been brilliant and has shown such interest in me, and it is similar to what Chris Wilder did to bring me to Northampton last summer.

“When that happens it makes the decision easier, but I can’t thank everyone at Northampton enough.”

Adams has signed a two-year deal at Carlisle, and his commute to work will be significantly shorter than it was to Northampton.

A move closer to home hadn’t really been on the agenda for Adams though, until the day it was confirmed Wilder and Knill were leaving.

The pair were key in bringing the player to Sixfields, with Adams having worked with them both previously at Bury.

Adams is quick to point out his decision to leave is not linked in any way to the appointment of new boss Page, but it was affected by Wilder’s decision to leave.

“Me leaving has nothing to do with the new manager, and I wish him all the best,” said Adams. “I have never met the man, but he has got an unbelievable group of players there.

“But Chris Wilder and Alan Knill were a massive part of me coming down to Northampton.

“They brought the best out of me last season, and them leaving was disappointing for me.

“Then there is the unknown factor of not knowing what is going to happen next season.

“When my agent spoke to Kelvin (Thomas), he said ‘if he wants to go nearer to home, then okay’ and that sort of made my mind up.

“Kelvin sent me a really nice message, and all the staff have texted me as well, and it shows you what an unbelievable club Northampton is.

“It will always hold a special place in my heart.”

It seems pretty clear taling to Adams, that if Wilder had stayed at Sixfields, then so would the player, and he continued: “Me and Chris had not spoken about me moving, I was preparing for league one.

“But when you get that many calls from different people, and Kelvin knew there were a few teams interested, I made it clear that if I was going to leave then it would be closer to home.

“I have a young family up north, and I didn’t want to travel any further down south.

“I am 29 now, I have a family, I still live in Bolton and my kids are still in Bolton, but travelling to Northampton wasn’t a problem.

“The gaffer looked after us, and the arrangement we had last year was superb.

“It was worked around not just me, but a few of the other boys and those who lived down south as well.

“Kelvin was also spot on and I can’t fault him.

“It is difficult because I can’t fault anything at Northampton and it is a sad day, but I am now looking forward to the new challenge at Carlisle.”

Although he is now looking forward to a new chapter in his career in Cumbria, Adams says he will never forget his 12-month stint as a Northampton Town player.

“It is gutting to leave because everyone knows how much I enjoyed last season, it was special,” said Adams.

“It would be hard to repeat what we did, in the circumstances we were in before Christmas, and that just shows you what a special group of players we had there.

“Marc Richards has messaged me and nearly had me in tears, and I’ve had messages from Ricky (Holmes) and Joel (Byrom) and Dave Buchanan, and I am so close to them all.

“I think that’s what took us a long way, because we had such a tight-knit group and I will never forget them.

“I even spoke to Adam (Moreton) the kitman on Tuesday night, and he is a great guy, he’s my hero.

“I just can’t speak highly enough of the place and I just wish everybody at Northampton all the best, because last season is something I will never forget.

“The support the fans gave me, and not just myself, everybody, they got right behind the lads all year, especially in difficult times.

“I have been overwhelmed by the messages I have received from them.

“They treated me unbelievably and when they sing your name every week it is something special. I will miss that.”

The University of Northampton’s music department has been ranked number one for student satisfaction with teaching quality in the Guardian University League Tables for next year.

The department has also broken into the top 50 university music departments in the UK for the first time, was placed sixth in the student satisfaction with the course category and fourth for student satisfaction with assessment and feedback.

Dr Nathan Wiseman-Trowse, programme leader for music said: “We are absolutely thrilled with the music department’s results and I’m incredibly proud that we are holding our own against some of the most prestigious Higher Education music departments in the UK,

“All of my team work so hard to not only deliver exceptional teaching, but also a wider transformative experience for our Popular Music students while they’re at university.

“We provide excellent teaching and learning from internationally recognised, research-active staff; we give our students opportunities to pursue their own interests and introduce them to aspects of the music industries that they may not have encountered before; and we work hard to make sure that our students and course are a central part of Northamptonshire’s musical culture.”

Working alongside Dr Wiseman-Trowse are Jasmine Shadrack, senior lecturer in music, James Kelly, lecturer in music, Adam Jones, studio technician, with four associate lecturers complementing the team: Yoshe Watson, Mark McKnight, Tony Platt and Tim Whitehouse.

Some recent notable Music department alumni include:

Jordan Mackampa – Singer-songwriter who has just signed to International Booking Agency – home to Adele, Bob Dylan and Mumford & Sons – and is about to head out on his first UK tour.

Jo Burns Russell – Owner of Amplitude Media and Project Director for Northampton Music Festival.

Yoshe Watson – Presenter for BBC Introducing and Inspiration FM, Project Manager for Northampton Music Festival, owner of the Pop Up Connective.

Josh Astrop – Owner of Audio Works rehearsal studios.

Brady Deeprose – Guitarist with doom metal band Conjurer.

Gareth Griffiths – Singer and guitarist for indie band Institutes.

Acts from the University will have their own a stage at this year’s Northampton Music Festival, located at the Albion Brewery, Bridge Street, on Sunday, June 19 between 1pm and 7pm – entry is free.

Luther Burrell says he is peak condition as he bids to book his place on England’s tour of Australia.

Burrell was not named in the original squad for June’s three-Test series down under, but with Leicester Tigers centre Manu Tuilagi ruled out through injury, he has a chance to stake his claim.

That chance comes at Twickenham on Sunday, when Wales will provide the opposition in an Old Mutual Wealth Cup clash.

And Burrell feels he couldn’t be in a better state as he seeks to show England head coach Eddie Jones that he should take the Saints star to Australia.

“I am really excited about being part of this group again,” said the 28-year-old, who has not played for the Red Rose since England’s 25-20 Rugby World Cup warm-up loss to France last August.

“It is a fresh start, a clean slate and if you’re playing well then Eddie Jones is the sort of bloke that is going to pick the best players – all I can do is look after that.

“I have got to really knuckle down, train hard and show Eddie, Steve Borthwick and Paul Gustard that I am here, champing at the bit and want my opportunity to get back in the frame.

“Eddie is very good with the players, he is honest and if you’re not pulling your weight he will tell you.

“I am in the best condition I have been in.

“It is an exciting time for England Rugby and an exciting time for me.”

Burrell knows there is plenty of competition in England’s centre department, with Ollie Devoto, Henry Slade, Jonathan Joseph and Owen Farrell all vying for places.

And there is also a new face in the squad, with Worcester Warriors’ new recruit, Ben Te’o, included in the party that will tour Australia.

“At one point the centre position wasn’t really as strong as it is now,” said Burrell, who has 13 caps to his name.

“Te’o has been playing really well for Leinster outside Johnny Sexton and they have been firing, it is competition and it is a strong position.

“At one point the centre position wasn’t really as strong as it is now, it is an exciting time and keeps everyone on their toes and chomping at the bit to be part of this England squad.”

Burrell could line up against some familiar faces this weekend, including fellow Saints star George North.

And he said: “There’s Jamie Roberts, who is a fantastic player I have played against for England and with Northampton - he is a dangerous threat, and then there’s obviously my club team-mate George North – one hell of an athlete.”

Fairline Yachts has signed contracts with a design company to create ‘new and innovative’ yachts.

The Oundle firm will be working with the Alberto Mancini Yacht Design studio in what the company has called an “exciting strategic move to secure its collaboration to design new and innovative yachts that will surprise, excite and delight Fairline customers throughout the world”.

Head of design at Fairline Yachts Andrew Pope said: “Following an exhaustive selection process we are delighted to announce this design partnership.

“Alberto clearly demonstrated his understanding of the Fairline brand and we’re very excited to see him applying his talent and design language to our future new models.

“The addition of Vripack and the excellence in naval engineering that they bring will ensure each of our new models are at the leading edge of marine technology.”

Alberto Mancini has been responsible for the design of a number of innovative yachts launched in the last few years and has worked alongside many well-known shipyards on yachts ranging from 24 to 55 meters.

He said: “I am looking forward to creating a new era of Fairline yachts with a new, fresh, sleek design of both the interior and exterior.

“My inspiration is taken from my experience in the mega yacht field, but also from Fairline’s rich history of building timeless, classic, usable yachts for almost 50 years.

“In a romantic way, this partnership reminds me of a time from the 1950s and 1960s when famous British car makers and the Italian styling houses of Pininfarina, Touring Superleggera and Zagato created some of the most beautiful and classic designs.

“No doubt the best way to create a successful yacht is to receive a blank sheet of paper and begin sketching – and that is exactly what I am right now doing for Fairline Yachts.

“With the expertise of Vripack I believe we have the perfect collaboration of British craftsmanship, Italian style and Dutch engineering.”

Managing director of Fairline Yachts Russell Currie said: “Introducing the creative flair and style of Alberto Mancini with the engineering excellence of Vripack to the exceptional quality and British craftsmanship we already have at Fairline makes an exciting combination.

“I look forward to showing our new product designs over the coming weeks and months.”

The first of the Mancini - Fairline Yacht designs will be announced shortly.

A Wellingborough woman has helped to hand in what organisers say is “the biggest ever petition to Downing Street” against proposed pharmaceutical cuts.

In March it was claimed that {http://www.northantstelegraph.co.uk/news/top-stories/fears-pharmacies-in-northamptonshire-will-close-after-cuts-in-funding-1-7301938|up to a quarter of Northants pharmacies could close|} because of millions of pounds worth of Government cutbacks.

Yesterday (Wednesday) a group of representatives, including Dora Shergold of Wellingborough, handed in a petition representing 1.8 million voices against the cuts.

Mrs Shergold said: “I myself have health problems, and rely on a wheelchair when leaving the house. I am also the main carer for my husband.

“I do give back to society by working as a volunteer representing carers on several committees, I find it therapeutic, but when something like this budget cut is being discussed it really worries me as a service user and carer.

“Our Government has promoted the use of our local pharmacies as a first point of call when we need help/advice on health matters, then instead of proposing an increase in the budget to allow for more services to meet the increased numbers of additional inquiries it is instead looking to make cuts.

“This is a worry for someone like me.”

Pharmaceutical bosses believe the cuts will have catrastrophic effects on the level of services they can currently provide, including free home delivery.

It is expected that under the proposals up to 3,000 pharmacies across England would close, limiting future accessibility and putting increased pressure on GPs, emergency and urgent care.

Anne-Marie King, chief officer of Northants and Milton Keynes Local Pharmaceutical Committee, met several MPs in Westminster yesterday.

She said: “The speed briefing event was very well attended and now we must focus on challenging their thinking and letting 1.8 million voices be heard.

“The public need and want the services and accessibility and face-to-face contact that are provided by community pharmacies.

“About 1.6 million people visit a pharmacy every day in the UK and would clearly like to still be able to do so.”

Prepare for an evening of farce and outrageous naughtiness when one of Joe Orton’s most famous plays is presented at The Playhouse Theatre in Northampton.

What The Butler Saw is presented by the Masque Theatre Group and runs from Tuesday May 31 to Saturday June 4 and also blends seduction, hiding behind curtains and a policeman wearing women’s clothes.

The director Peter Darnell says: “The play involves cross dressing, nudity and many other outrageous acts. Orton was murdered by his partner Kenneth Halliwell on 10th August 1967 and the play didn’t open until 5th March 1969.

“It turned into a fiasco, on opening night the gallery barracked the farce with cries of ‘’filth!” Not until it was revived at The Royal Court in 1975 did it receive the accolades it deserved.”

To book tickets, simply log on to www.masquetheatre.co.uk to buy online, email tickets@masquetheatre.co.uk or call 07586 288793. The show starts at 7pm.

Tickets are also available from St. Giles Music, 16 St. Giles Terrace, Northampton.

A cluster of high-tech engineering businesses, has been identified in the area surrounding Silverstone Park by a new research report launched today.

The Silverstone Technology Cluster, which is being backed by the Government, highlights a market of “untapped potential”.

MEPC, who manage Silverstone Park, has identified over 4,000 small and mid-sized businesses within two hours of Silverstone specialising in aeronautics, automotive, medical industries, green energy, marine, defence, electronics and sensors, as well as motorsports.

Roz Bird, commercial director, said: “The potential of the Silverstone Technology Cluster is limitless. Having taken over management of Silverstone Park in 2013, we noticed this untapped market almost immediately and have been working with our partners to develop it.

“As an evolving engine room for UK innovation, the cluster is able to adapt and provide a continuing flow of entrepreneurial new firms.

“However, in order for the cluster to achieve its full potential further investment is needed.”

The report is a first step in creating a ‘cluster organisation’, which will match investors with untapped high-tech engineering firms.

Sajid Javid MP, secretary of state for business, said: “The Silverstone Technology Cluster is at the forefront of global technological innovation, skilled at

solving engineering problems and delivering solutions.

“It is an exemplary haven and one where young engineers can get the training they need to become the best in the world.”

Meeting demand for skills will be a challenge with a severe national shortage of engineers.

Cranfield University and Oxford Brookes play a crucial role in addressing this need within the Silverstone Technology Cluster by educating thousands of engineering students each year.

Jon Corbett, head of Northants business banking at Barclays said: “Establishing that there is a cluster is just the beginning; it is now critical for us to concentrate on how we address the skills shortage, attract investment finance, support innovation and, finally, how we create a network to support business acumen and commercialisation.”

Cancer Research UK is urgently calling on women across Northampton to sign-up for its forthcoming Race for Life event – as fewer than expected have registered for the life-saving fundraiser.

The charity is encouraging mums, daughters, sisters and friends to register now for the extravaganza at Abington Park on Sunday, June 5.

Organisers had hoped to recruit 2,700 women for the 5k race and 1,100 for the 10k. But so far only 1,596 have registered for the 5k and 831 for the 10k.

So they are sending out a heart-felt SOS to local ladies to join their ‘pink army’ at www.raceforlife.org

Simon Burley, the event manager, said: “We are concerned that places in this year’s Race for Life have been slow to fill, while other events around the UK have been snapped up quickly.

“It could be that many women have simply forgotten to enter this year or, having completed the events previously, feel that they don’t need to take part again. But we want to remind these ‘missing’ women just how important their contribution is.

“Half of the UK will be diagnosed with cancer at some point in their lives. Research is very expensive and the only way we can afford to fund it, and save lives, is with their help.”

Speaking on stage this year at the event will be local mum Deborah James, 36. Earlier this year Deborah was given the all clear after a battle with bowel cancer.

Deborah, who’s mum to Grace, 6, has taken part in Race for Life a number of times but never thought she would one day benefit from the research she’s helped to fund.

Deborah said: “I’m nervous about speaking on stage but looking forward to it. I’ll be taking part on the day with my team - the super strong Eagles!

“There are 13 of us including me and my daughter, friends and their children. It will be big day for us after everything that’s happened this past year.”

Deborah had been ill for around 18 months before her cancer was discovered.

She had been diagnosed with Coeliac Disease and changed her diet but was still experiencing severe bouts of sickness. A colonoscopy was carried out and the tumour was discovered.

Deborah said: “I’ve had amazing support from family and friends. It has been really tough though. My daughter went through a phase of asking, ‘Mummy are you going to die?’ I would tell her I wasn’t planning on it anytime soon.

“I just have to get on with it and get through the next few years. I have regular check-ups and everything has been fine so far. The first two years are when it’s most likely to come back, if I’m cancer free for five years I’ll be ok.”

Money raised through Race for Life allows Cancer Research UK’s doctors, nurses and scientists to advance research which is helping to save the lives of men, women and children.

Mr Burley said: “Race for Life events are not competitive. They are about an army of women crossing the finish line together in the fight against cancer. Whatever the distance, every step taken around the course will help bring us one step closer to the day when all cancers are cured.

“Everyone who takes part in Race for Life, and the people who support them, makes a massive contribution to their pioneering work. That’s why I’m issuing this plea to women across Northampton – please sign up now.”

To enter Race for Life visit www.raceforlife.org or call 0300 123 0770.

A secondary school in Northampton is planning to make about £200,000 in savings during the next five years to help cover the increasing cost of pension and insurance contributions.

Staff at Malcolm Arnold Academy, sponsored by the David Ross Education Trust, were recently told that some cutbacks will be needed in the next school year.

The academy is one of the biggest in Northampton and, in the 2014/15 school year, had a budget of £7.3 million, including more than £4 million for teaching and support staff.

The academy paid a total of £175,000 to the David Ross Education Trust last year for “central services” provided by the trust.

Chris Steed, Head at Malcolm Arnold Academy, said per-pupil funding was remaining static but the increase in pension and national insurance contributions meant the school would lose money.

He said: “The impact of these increases, and the movement in inflation, means that schools and academies are going to have to make some savings over the coming years.

“This is not unique to us. Every school will face similar pressures, but as we are a large school with a significant number of staff then we do feel the impact of changes in statutory contributions more strongly.

“We are fortunate that the school is in a relatively strong position financially, so savings can be made incrementally. It is right, however, that we live within our means and ensure that the money we do receive is used is efficiently and effectively to secure the best outcomes for our students.”

Five young entrepreneurs will be selling goods at Northampton Market this Saturday as part of an initiative to encourage young people into market trading.

Following a call for young entrepreneurs aged 14 to 25 to take part, the five business start-ups will be taking advantage of a free market stall on May 28 as part of the national Love Your Local Market campaign to celebrate markets across the country.

The young entrepreneurs, who will be selling everything from handmade products to cakes, biscuits, jams, puddings and printed clothing will be trading as part of the regular market from 8am to 5pm on Saturday and will be grouped together on a row near to the Market Walk entrance.

Emily Askew, aged 25, from East Hunsbury, has set up in business as The Classic Cake Pop Factory and will be selling cake pops, protein balls and handmade products from her stall on Saturday.

Speaking ahead of the event, Emily said: “It is an exciting opportunity to be involved in the youth market as part of the national Love Your Local Market campaign.

“When I visit places in or out of the UK I always research to whether they have a market as I love to visit them to buy local goods and to try new food.

“Throughout the year I hold craft stalls in Northampton but have never showcased my business outside in the open in the town centre so I am really intrigued and excited to see how the products are received and fingers crossed the weather stays nice!”

Councillor Jonathan Nunn, deputy leader of Northampton Borough Council, said it would be fantastic to see young people trying out their business ideas at the market for the first time.

He said: “Any young entrepreneurs who get a taste for market trading from the experience and would like to become a regular trader will also receive follow up support from the market team and we’ve got some great introductory rent offers for people bringing new product lines to the market.”

Anyone interested in starting up a stall at Northampton Market is encouraged to contact the market team at Northampton Borough Council on 07979 747081 or by email at markets@northampton.gov.uk

Plans to increase the capacity of Wollaston Community Primary School by more than 30 per cent have been met with a mixed response.

The plans, set to be discussed at a Northants County Council meeting on Thursday (June 2), would see the school’s capacity expand from 315 to a maximum of 420 pupils.

The school is currently full or over capacity in every year group bar Year Six, and was extended as recently as 2014.

But a number of people have raised concerns over space available on the school’s site and a lack of available parking.

One consultation response read: “I am not at all comfortable with any further expansion at the school as there has only recently been a large new building and subsequent rise in numbers.

“There is simply not enough space on the current school site without compromising significantly on the outside space.”

Another read: “There is already a bit of a problem with parking and traffic flow around the school.

“There is no obvious solution to either of these problems without moving the site.”

Other primary schools in the area are also under significant pressure, with schools in Grendon, Great Doddington, Irchester and Bozeat all full, over capacity or with limited availability.

Under the Wollaston Neighbourhood Plan, the village must provide 160 more homes by 2031.

The plans would also see the school have 60 pupils per year group and single year classes, rather than mixed age groups.

Those backing the plans say the expansion is vital to ensuring children in the village can attend school without having to travel.

One consultation response reads: “The village is growing and the school needs to grow alongside this.

“The school currently has a large field, an outdoor class area and large playground for the use of the children and this build will not impact on any of these.”

The plans have been backed by Wellingborough Council and Wollaston Parish Council.

If approved, the new 420-strong intake would start in September 2018.

A Northamptonshire County Council spokesman said: “We are looking to increase the number of pupil places from 315 to 420 pupils to enable more children to attend their local school.

“The proposed expansion has been strongly supported by the school and the parish council.

“The expansion would see an increase from 45 to 60 places per year group from September 2018, creating single year group classes rather than mixed-age classes as they do currently, and would involve a two-storey extension to the school building to provide three new classrooms.

“Cllr Matthew Golby, Cabinet Member for Learning, Skills and Education, will take into account all comments received during the consultation before making a cabinet member decision on the proposal next Thursday (June 2).”

Kettering Council has finally cleaned up what was believed to be human excrement from the doorstep of a closed hotel – six weeks after it was originally reported.

Disgusted resident Sue Bedford complained to the council’s environmental department on April 12 after spotting the mess at the Royal Hotel, which {http://www.northantstelegraph.co.uk/news/top-stories/closure-of-two-historic-kettering-hotels-a-great-shame-1-7278450|closed earlier this year|}.

She received acknowledgement of her complaint but after six weeks it was still there – and she branded the lack of dynamism a health hazard.

She said: “On or about April 12, someone (definitely human because it was witnessed) deposited two very large amounts of excrement in the second doorway down of the Royal Hotel in West Street.

“Seeing as the Royal Hotel is now closed you could hardly expect they would clear it up.

“This prompted me to report it to the council. I use West Street every day, so do many other residents.

“As you can imagine this was a disgusting sight to walk past every day, it would surely be a health hazard and I believed that the council would take prompt action.

“Wrong - obviously a few weeks have now elapsed, there are flies, the deposits have dried out, the doorway is often used for urination.”

When the Northants Telegraph put Ms Bedford’s complaint to a council spokesman, we were promised that the mess would be cleaned within an hour.

But when questioned as to why it took six weeks and whether there was a failure in the complaints system, the spokesman added that there was no further comment and that they “will be making inquiries”.

Ms Bedford says the situation may have been different if the mess was on the council’s doorstep.

She added: “I realise the person who did this may have had a problem but why did the council not do anything?”

“If this had been on the doorstep of the council buildings, would it have just been left to stagnate?”

In recent months, some Saints supporters have been casting envious eyes up the motorway.

They have looked at the recruitment done by local rivals Leicester Tigers, and especially Wasps, and feared that they may be the poor relations in the east midlands next season.

Wasps will be adding Australia star Kurtley Beale and Danny Cipriani to their star-studded backline and they have also been linked with South Africa full-back Willie Le Roux.

Meanwhile, in Leicester, lips are being licked at the prospect of Aussie ace Matt Toomua lining up alongside Manu Tuilagi in the centre department of a back division that will also include South Africa wing JP Pietersen.

Saints, of course, have their own headline acts, in the form of players such as George North and Ben Foden.

But the club have not added the sort of galacticos to their back line that others have and fans are eager to see more reinforcements come in.

France star Louis Picamoles will bolster an impressive-looking pack, while Nic Groom will replace Kahn Fotuali’i at scrum-half.

But do the Saints heirarchy feel under pressure to splash whatever cash is left in the newly-named salary framework, considering the stars coming to, and being linked with, the likes of Leicester and Wasps?

“At Northampton we are committed to being a top-four side,” said chairman Tony Hewitt.

“We want to remain competitive and we think the ideal mix is to have a mixture of homegrown players coming through - a lot of our success this season has been bringing through the Harry Mallinders, Teimana Harrisons, Mike Haywood - and then topping it up with one or two major signings coming in, like Louis Picamoles, Nic Groom and hopefully the two we’re trying to do at the moment.

“We feel with the homegrown players we’ve got and one or two additional players, we’ve got the right team to challenge for the top positions.

“What we’ve got to make sure we do is spend the money we can to make sure we’ve got the most competitive team possible.

“We are conscious of the fact that we’ve got people like George North already on our books. He’s extended his contract with us.

“We’ve also got the England skipper (Dylan Hartley).

Some fans felt frustrated at a perceived lack of entertainment at times at Franklin’s Gardens last season.

And Hewitt said: “We are still committed to spending the top of the salary framework.

“We’re committed to spending the maximum we can on that and we want to do it for the fans.

“A fan will always want you to sign every player because they want the best in their team, but we have to rely on the coaches to get the best to fit within the salary framework and a successful team.

“Jim (Mallinder) has been very good at doing that so we had ended up in that top four position since 2009.

“This year, we regarded as a failure, but we still finished fifth.

“We want to improve next year and be back in the top four.”

A Lampedusa Cross, hand-carved from the driftwood of capsized refugee boats, will be displayed in the Cathedral of Our Lady and St Thomas in Northampton in an act of solidarity with the plight of refugees.

The cross will then be taken on a tour of the Northampton Diocese when special events will be held.

The cross was presented to Bishop Peter Doyle by CAFOD Northampton representative Deborah Purfield.

The Lampedusa crosses are carved by hand by Italian carpenter, Francisco Tuccio. Mr Tuccio was so heartbroken when he met some of the survivors at his local church, he wanted to help but had nothing to give.

The only thing he could think to give them was a symbol of hope. He collected the broken pieces of wood that had washed ashore from the remainder of their boat and made the Lampedusa Cross. He offered this simple, handmade cross to the survivors of the disaster as a sign of hope, solidarity and love.

Pope Francis carried a Lampedusa cross at a memorial service for those who had died and one of the crosses is being displayed in the British Museum.

The crosses will now act as a symbol for communities in England and Wales as they respond to the refugee crisis. Parishioners from Northampton and the surrounding areas have organised pilgrimages, with the cross, to show solidarity with the refugees arriving in the UK, as well as praying for those far from our shores.

As part of a campaign led by the Catholic charities CAFOD, CSAN and the Jesuit Refugee Service, each Catholic cathedral in England and Wales has been presented with a cross and invited to display it.

Catholics of all ages in schools, churches and communities in Northampton are also sharing messages of welcome, hope and love, which will be shared with refugees in the UK as an act of solidarity and dedicated at a special event to take place in November.

CAFOD representative in Northampton, Deborah Purfiled said: “This is a wonderful symbol of solidarity. A very clear message that we stand alongside our refugee brothers and sisters who are facing such hardships. Parishes all over the diocese will be sending messages of hope so that they know they are not alone and that we are thinking of them.

“Many of us feel the same sentiment that the carpenter Francesco Tuccio has spoken of, that feeling of ‘what can I do to make a difference?’

“Through the pilgrimage, we feel we are offering a welcome to the refugees arriving in the UK, as well praying for those far from our shores. We also feel we are answering the call of Pope Francis to show our love for those who are suffering.”

CAFOD is working with local partner organisations in Europe and beyond to provide practical help to those fleeing their homes, calling on the UK government to take a fair and proportionate share of refugees – from both within and outside the European Union – and pushing for the establishment of safe and legal routes to enable refugees to reach safety.

The three Catholic charities have together produced a pilgrimage reflection, featuring seven stages where communities can consider the plight of refugees and reflect on Scripture and the recent teachings of Pope Francis. The reflection can be used by the many dioceses that are planning pilgrimages as part of the Year of Mercy announced by Pope Francis.

A Northamptonshire based photographer is fighting back against negative images of fatherhood by unveiling an ambitious project to celebrate great dads.

Jo Blackwell from Brixworth, also a writer, blogger and proud grandmother, aims to photograph men of all ages with their children for a major exhibition and book in 2017 to show fathers in their positive caring roles.

“The Fatherhood Portrait Project is a way of countering all the negative images of fatherhood that bombard us – from the ‘deadbeat dads’ portrayed in the media, to images of the hopeless and the derided in advertisements, to shocking inequalities in the family court system,” explains Jo.

She adds: “I have been truly blessed in my life to have been surrounded by good fathers – my son, my husband and my own dear Dad, whose love and strength outlived him to sustain me even now.

“This project is a perfect initiative to unveil on the eve of Fathers’ Day and a real chance for fathers of all ages and from all walks of life to celebrate their role as caring dads.”

To complete The Fatherhood Portrait Project Jo wants to hear from 50 dads of all ages and stages in fatherhood – from new dads to those with young children and teenagers through to fathers of grown-ups and those who have become grandfathers or even great grandfathers.

Fathers who get involved in the project will have the chance to take part in a photographic session with their child or children and spend time with Jo talking about their experiences of fatherhood.

The images and words put together by Jo will form the basis of an exhibition next year with an accompanying book of photographs and interviews.

She explains: “I’m looking for 50 fathers to come forward and join me on this exciting adventure where I can chat to them about their roles as dads and capture some beautiful images of them with their children which can be enjoyed for generations to come.

She adds: “In a world where ‘manliness’ has almost become a taboo word, I want to celebrate men who flourish in their caring roles. Good dads who are competent, responsible, conscious parents, who cherish their unique role in the lives of their children.”

To take part in The Fatherhood Portrait Project email Jo@joblackwell.co.uk, telling Jo a little about yourself and your children, including your location.

You can follow the Fatherhood Portrait Project on Facebook www.facebook.com/FatherhoodPortraitProject/

A Northampton-based firm that employs 1,600 people across the country has floated on the London Stock Exchange.

Building products manufacturer Forterra, which has its head office in Grange Park, made the move after what it described as a “steady growth in the UK’s homebuilding industry”.

The firm is the UK’s second largest manufacturer of bricks and aircrete blocks and employs more than 1,600 people at 18 sites across the country.

To mark the official entry of Forterra plc on the London Stock Exchange, several senior representatives of the company attended an event on the trading floor in the capital.

Stephen Harrison, UK managing director of Forterra, said: “We are delighted to mark our entry to the London Stock Exchange, and are excited to welcome our new shareholders as we look forward to the next phase of our development as a FTSE listed company.”

About 95 percent of the company’s revenue comes from the UK’s residential market, with the remaining five percent attributed to commercial construction. Conservative estimates predict demand for bricks in the UK will increase at a rate of more than five percent per year as the homebuilding sector continues to grow in response to the country’s increasing population.

“The fundamentals of our industry are attractive,” continued Stephen, “and with our efficient manufacturing base, strong positions across all product categories, long-standing customer relationships, and significant scope for future capacity expansion, we are very well placed for the future.”

Forterra is the only manufacturer of the iconic Fletton brick, sold under the London Brick brand, which were used in the original construction of nearly a quarter of England’s existing housing stock, and also owns the Thermalite brand, the most popular brand of aircrete blocks produced and sold in the UK.

Prepare to be bovvered when two comedians are bringing new shows to two venues in Northamptonshire.

It has been announced that Russell Howard will be trying out new material in two performances at The Core at Corby Cube while the ever popular Catherine Tate brings some of her most famous characters to the stage in a show coming to the Royal & Derngate in Northampton.

Audiences can see the star of Mock the Week and Russell Howard’s Good News on Tuesday November 1 and Wednesday November 2 at 7.30pm, for two ‘work-in-progress’ performances, as he tries out brand new material.

Tickets – priced £15.50 - are on sale and can be booked by calling 01536 470 470 or online at www.thecorecorby.com.

The critically acclaimed, award-winning comedian and actor Catherine Tate, will take The Catherine Tate Show - Live across the country this autumn and is coming to Northampton on Friday November 18.

In never-before-seen sketches, the tour will unite some of Catherine’s best-known characters from her hugely successful BBC series. The cast will include ‘Nan’ Taylor, Irish nurse Bernie, Geordie Georgie, Essex girl Sam… and the return of a certain argumentative teenager.

The tour will also guest star Mathew Horne from Gavin and Stacey who appeared in many sketches in the original TV show.

Tickets for the show are £36 and are likely to be in high demand.

For more details or to book tickets call the box office on 01604 624811 or visit www.royalandderngate.co.uk.

Saints forward Teimana Harrison will make his England debut in Sunday’s Test match against Wales at Twickenham.

Harrison starts at blindside flanker, and is one of four Northampton players in the starting line-up.

Also starting are Luther Burrell, Dylan Hartley and Courtney Lawes, while Paul Hill is on the bench.

Burrell will make his first appearance for England since his controversial omission from the World Cup squad in August.

The match will not involve players from Saracens or Exeter, who play in the Aviva Premiership Final on Saturday, and coach Eddie Jones says the absence of those players present a ‘a great opportunity’ for others.

“This will serve to strengthen the squad’s depth as we move towards the 2019 World Cup,” said Jones.

“We’ve picked a side we believe can beat Wales. It’s a good mixture of experienced players and youth.

“We are a young team learning our craft. Wales are an experienced team - it’ll be great test for us.”

England team to face Wales: Mike Brown, Anthony Watson, Jonathan Joseph, Luther Burrell, Marland Yarde, George Ford, Ben Youngs; Matt Mullan, Dylan Hartley, Dan Cole; Joe Launchbury, Courtney Lawes; Teimana Harrison, James Haskell, Jack Clifford. Replacements: Tommy Taylor, Ellis Genge, Paul Hill, Dave Attwood, Matt Kvesic, Danny Care, Ollie Devoto Elliot Daly.

He might be struggling to understand David Ripley’s Yorkshire accent, but Seekkuge Prasanna certainly doesn’t seem to need any help when it comes to the language of cricket.

The Sri Lanka all-rounder gave a couple of immediate demonstrations of his class in two fixtures against Leicestershire sides last week.

On Wednesday, he took one for 23 with the ball before bludgeoning 71 off just 37 balls in a game against Leicestershire IIs.

That innings included one over worth 31 as Prasanna smashed Rob Sayer for five sixes in a row before taking a single from the final ball.

The signs of his ability were there and he proceeded to take that kind of form into the NatWest T20 Blast opener against the same county two days later.

Prasanna bowled superbly, taking one for 21 from his four overs before heading to the crease with two balls of Northants’ reply remaining.

The Steelbacks needed two runs to win and Prasanna refused to display any nerves as he stepped up and hit his first ball in Northants colours for six to secure a five-wicket win.

It was a magic moment and one that made him an instant hit at Northants, where he is already a popular figure among his team-mates, despite the language barrier.

“He’s already famous in the squad,” said Muhammad Azharullah.

“He’s a brilliant talent, he bowls really well and he’s a very confident man.

“I think he’s going to give us good entertainment this year.”

As Northants’ go-to death bowler, Azharullah is a man used to sweeping aside the nerves.

And, it seems, that Prasanna has the same self-belief.

Azharuulah explained: “When we were coming down for the game I asked him: “Are you nervous?”

“He said: “I’m never nervous, just get me in there and I’ll entertain you.”

“He hit his first ball for a six and everyone’s happy that we signed a really good player.”

After the game, head coach Ripley was trying to get a message through to Prasanna about the County Championship Division Two game at Gloucestershire, which started on Sunday.

And the coach admitted: “A Yorkshireman and a Sri Lankan with poor English having a conversation isn’t working out too well so far, but there’s a lot of smiles, a lot of thumbs up and he’s certainly making himself very handy in the dressing room with the players.”

And when asked about the communication troubles between Prasanna and the others in the changing room, Azharullah smiled and said: “That’s a big fun.

“We try to communicate as much as possible.

“By the end of this tournament, he will be speaking fluently. He’s trying his best.”

Now Prasanna will look to be word perfect when Derbyshire Falcons come to town for the first home T20 fixture of 2016 tonight.

And Azharullah, whose heroics helped to win a couple of close matches at the County Ground last season, said: “I’m looking forward to it because we get a good crowd in there.

“We get families there and a really big buzz.

“Hopefully we can provide good entertainment for all of these Northamptonshire people. They love their cricket and we love entertaining them.

“Hopefully we can provide some good entertainment.”

Northants, champions in 2013, went all the way to the final of the T20 competition last season, eventually losing to Lancashire Lightning in the Edgbaston showpiece.

And there is now a huge determination to use that heartache to propel the club to glory this time round.

“Last year, we had a slow start,” Azharullah said.

“We had a very good T20 side, but we felt we didn’t do ourselves justice in the final.

“We’re working hard and hopefully we can get this trophy back.”