When the Lib Dems were elected to run Northampton Borough Council in 2007, we made the future of our town centre one of our top priorities.

For too long, Labour and Conservative Councillors, backed by their colleagues in Westminster, have neglected our town centre by allowing ever more out-of-town retail development, raising car parking charges and failing to invest in our town to attract the businesses, jobs and growth we need.

Since the Lib Dems’ Guildhall election win in 2007, we have frozen shoppers’ parking charges, reduced prices on Sundays, invested in the Market Square and signed an agreement for a massive expansion of the Grosvenor Centre.

Now our policies are coming under fire, with Conservative Councillors, supported by local MP, Brian Binley, opposing our firm stand against yet more out-of-town retail.

Conservatives say we should encourage supermarket developments outside our town centre that would destroy the town’s remaining small and medium-sized businesses and allow a handful of multi-nationals to take control of our shopping. In doing so, they are questioning our plans to redevelop the Grosvenor Centre and nearby Greyfriars Bus Station to provide a shopping centre fit for the 21st Century.

Lib Dems at the Guildhall have decided that it is time for a full and frank debate about the future of our town centre. We have invited Brian Binley MP to an open debate. He has accepted our invitation and will go head-to-head with Lib Dem Planning Spokesperson, Richard Church.

The debate will be completely free flowing. Anyone is welcome to attend and ask a question. With big differences between Liberal Democrat and Conservative plans for Northampton, this is sure to be a lively debate.

Places are limited so if you would like to attend, please email towncentredebate@northampton.gov.uk to reserve up to two tickets.

This is a vitally important moment for the future of our town. I hope you will be able to come along and join the debate.

The County Council are planning a new cycle route through Thornton (Kingsthorpe) park from Mill Lane to Harborough rd. Their proposed route would see a new path from opposite Osborne rd across the aprk, skirting the walled garden and then to Mill Lane via the old car park. The route would be lit. Richard has asked the council to consider an alternative route through the Park, alongside the allotments to join the path from Studland rd to Mill Lane. The route would also help pedestrians, who currently struggle over the earth mound by the Studland Rd footpath.

Kingsthorpe Focus number 200 is out now. Started over 30 years ago by Tony Rounthwaite, it has kept people in Kingsthorpe up to date with local issues and actions by the Lib Dem Focus Team.

A small event to celebrate the 200th issue of Focus was held in the village. Tony Rounthwaite came down from Northumberland to join us and is photographed with parliamentary candidate Andrew Simpson, Sally Beardsworth and Richard Church with copies of all 200 issues of Kingsthorpe Focus.

A major scheme to replace ageing gas pipes and improve traffic flow on the Harborough Rd. has begun.

Roadworks in Harborough Road are underway and will last for the next three months as National Grid replace their ageing iron pipes with modern plastic ones, and the County Council make improvements to the Cock Hotel junction.

The company brought forward its timescale for the replacement project following talks with Northamptonshire County Council, and it is now timed to make sure it does not clash with improvement works the council is planning to carry out in the area later in the year.

The County Council’s Kingsthorpe Corridor project will focus on sections of road at The Cock Hotel Junction, from Kingsthorpe Grove to Kingsland Avenue and the Welford Road/ Harborough Road Junction.

The council scheme will include carriageway widening to allow easier traffic flow, more effective traffic signals to minimise congestion and the re-positioning of pedestrian crossings.

These improvements are welcome, and it is good to hear that for a change the council and the utility companies are talking to one another to minimide disruption. Inevitably there will be hold-ops though. The national grid say they won’t have to do this again for 80 years! Sorry we won’t be around to check.

Congratulations to the NN2 Residents association for the completed purchase of 14 acres of land at Kingsthorpe Meadows. It isn’t all of what they wanted, due to the intervention of a Labour councillor who outbid them at auction. But the hard work of the committee and the patience and support of all of those who contributed to the fund have made the purchase of land closest to the houses possible.

With the land now in community ownership, work can not be done to improve it and keep it clean and tidy for the benefit of wildlife and local people.

Children and young people from the Kingsthorpe area of Northampton will soon be able to play to their hearts content on an exciting new adventure play area.

Work should begin on the play area in the new year and will be officially opened in the Spring with a community launch celebration day. Local residents who would like more information about the play area can contact Sara Kennedy at Northampton Borough Council on 01604 837073 or skennedy@northampton.gov.uk.

Incorrectly and inconsiderately parked vehicles cause a significant number of problems on our roads and pavements, from traffic jams to serious accidents and obstructing the emergency services. People living in the Kingsthorpe area are very concerned about the problem, so the Kingsthorpe Neighbourhood Management group are working in partnership with Northamptonshire Police and Northamptonshire County Council to educate thoughtless drivers and to crack down on those people who persistently offend.

The targeted action will rotate around zones in Kingsthorpe every six weeks for a minimum of six months. Anybody who spots a vehicle that is inconsiderately parked in Kingsthorpe, Boughton Green or St David can help the partnership by reporting the location and vehicle by calling 03000 1133.

A new sign on the village green depicting Kingsthorpe’s history has been formally unveiled by Sally Beardsworth. Two and a half years of planning, designing and creating the sign involved builders, blacksmiths, artists and stonemasons and the local community. Children from Kingsthorpe Primary school put together a time capsule encased in the sign.

The sign was funded by donations from the Kingsthorpe Manor and Town Trust and Sally Beardsworth’s ‘empowering councillors’ fund.

The County Council have new plans to ease traffic congestion on the Harborough Rd between the Cock Hotel and Welford Rd. Proposals include carriageway widening to allow easier traffic flow, more effective traffic signals and the re-positioning of pedestrian crossings. Congestion in this area has led to it being declared an air quality amangement area due to the pollution. Anything that can be done to improve the flow of traffic while also making better provision for pedestrians and cyclists will be welcome.

Have your say on the proposals at one of the public exhibitions atKingsthorpe Methodist Church. Friday Sept. 18th 11am-2pm, Saturday September 19th 11am-2pm and Thursday 24th September 4pm-7pm.

Heritage Open days this year are turning into a heritage open weekend with historic places all over Northampton open Friday, Saturday and Sunday 11th-13th September.

In Kingsthorpe, there will be an exhibition on Thornton Park in the Community Centre in Mill Lane on Saturday and Sunday 12th & 13th September 2.30pm-4.30pm. Trinity Church, Balmoral Rd, one of last built by local architect Matthew Holding, will open Friday 2pm-4pm and Saturday 10am-6pm. St. John the Baptist, our ancient village church will open 2pm-5pm Friday, 10am-5pm saturday and noon- 6pm on Sunday.

Throughout Northampton, other building are open, with an antiques fair on the Market Square and a family history exhibition in the ex servicemen’s club in Sheep St. For more information visit the Northampton Heritage Open Days website. There is much more to see in Northampton than the town is ever given credit for!

Door to door glass collections for recycling are to be extended to all homes which do not have wheelie bins, but have black sack collections. This will include streets like Balmoral Rd, Stanhope Rd, Lincoln & Washington streets.

Earlier this year over 65,000 households in Northampton received new black glass recycling boxes and over 700 tones of glass was collected in just 2 months. Over the next couple of weeks new calendars and black boxes will be delivered to an additional 15,000 houses so even more people can join in with glass recycling from the kerbside. For these households the new collection will start week commencing Monday 21 September. Glass bottles and jars will be collected every four weeks, on the same day as the black sack collection.We want to make it as easy as possible for people to recycle and reduce the amount of rubbish sent to landfill. This will give every household the chance to have their used bottles and jars turned into new glass. The new recycling calendars and black boxes will be delivered in early September

The West Northamptonshire Joint Strategic Planning Committee is staging a public exhibition at Kingsthorpe Library on Tuesday & Wednesday 1st & 2nd September from 9.30pm-5.30pm. The formal deadline for representations has been extended until 30th September, but it has been made clear that representations may be taken after that date.

There will also be an opportunity for further comments at the time of the submission of a proposed plan to the government inspector.

Builders have moved in to refurbish Kingsthorpe Grove Primary School.  Work has been going on for some weeks but it has stepped up several gears as the summer holidays have started. Steelwork for the new reception is already in place just days into the summer holidays.
The plan is to bring this wonderful old school up to the best modern standards while retaining its fantastic Edwardian heritage, architecture and features  by Summer 2010.

Rope bridges, climbing nets and a tunnel slide are all part of plans for a £49,000 adventure play area for 8-13 year old children proposed for Kingsthorpe Recreation Ground. The ‘Tree Top Village’ area will be built next to the old swings and climbing frames. Students from local schools have come up with the original ideas. Designs will be on display at Kingsthorpe Rec. From 17th 28th August 10am-12pm (not Saturdays and Sundays), and children young people and their parents can have their say in the design. It is planned that the play area will be finished and open to the public by the end of October.

‘We are delighted we have been given this money from the Playbuilders fund to create a really different and exciting new play facility’ said Sally Beardsworth.

Sally Beardsworth has been re-elected as the County Councillor for Kingsthorpe. The result in full-

Sally Beardsworth 1173

Conservative 663

BNP 392

Labour 328

Thank You to everyone who voted in this election

Richard Church attended a meeting of Kingsthorpe Hollow Residents Association on Thursday evening. Residents were particularly concerned that a number of new tenants in the flats were causing a nuisance, particularly where there were elderly neighbours in sheltered accomodation. Richard is also taking up a request from residents of Monarch Rd for the cul-de-sac sign to be replaced to stop lorries turning in.

There was a lively discussion about the town centre, and agreement on the need to redevelop the bus station and expand the Grosvenor centre to provide better facilities for bus passengers and a better selection of shops.

Kingsthorpe Youth Forum have launched their own website and blog http://kyf.easyjournal.com/

At the time of writing, it is only just starting, but we wish it well. They are doing a great job bringing young people in Kingsthorpe together and making sure that the authorities know what young people think on issues affecting Kingsthorpe.

A planning application has been submitted for two houses to be built at the back of 63-67 Mill Lane. The access will be from Mill Lane, although the land currently makes up part of the garden of a property in Freemeaux Terrace, Green End.

The plans can be viewed online at www.northampton.gov.uk and are available at the council offices in the Guildhall or Cliftonville House. The planning reference number is N/2009/0027.

There have been previous applications for this site, and it is important that residents make their views known. You can email planning@northampton.gov.uk

Will your New Year’s resolution be to become more involved in the community you live in, meet new people or perhaps just try something new?

Thornton Park sometimes known as Kingsthorpe Park used to have beautiful gardens which are some fifteen acres, which lie just off the main Market Harbrough Road leaving Northampton.

The gardens are in desperate need of restoration. A new group called the Friends of Thornton Park will be holding their inaugural meeting on Friday 23 January at 7pm in the Kingsthorpe Community Centre (entrance in Mill Lane)

As part of this meeting the Friends of Thornton Park are keen to hear from anyone who remembers these delightful gardens of old, or have fond memories or photographs they would be willing to share with the group.

UPDATE

There was an excellent turnout for the meeting, and many people came forward to help the new ‘Friends’ group. Contact Christine Teulon at 54 Clarence Avenue tel 01604 711755 if you would like to help.

Congratulations to Northampton Youth Forum for securing a £4,000 Money for Youth grant for the building of a large rock climbing structure in Kingsthorpe. The project is to offer opportunities for rock climbing and related activities for young people in the Kingsthorpe area. The Kingsthorpe Youth Forum are involved in shaping this project which comes from an idea sent in by a young person at Kingsthorpe College.

The location is yet to be agreed, but we hope it will be central, so that as many young people can use it as possible. and close to existing play facilities.

A public meeting was held on Monday 8th December in Spinney Hill Hall with the co-operation of Sally Keeble MP. Lib Dem prospective parliamentary candidate Andrew Simpson also attended to support local residents, together with Sally Beardsworth.

Cllr Choudary has offered to sell part of the land to the NN2 residents association, and the vote at the meeting seemed to show that this was the preferred option rather than to seek a lease for the land. There was though continuing anger at the way Cllr. Choudary has dealt with this matter.

Andrew Sally and I will continue to support the residents in their efforts. Purchase of part of the land would be a positive step forward.

Part of St. Davids Estate is to be a part of the £3 million pound plan to improve the standard of housing. 450 homes in Kingsley and Kingsthorpe will be brought up to the decent homes standard during 2009/10.

The area includes Queens Crescent, Queensland Gardens, St. Davids Rd., Langdale Rd, Rosedale Rd and part of Nursery Lane. The area was built in the 1920’s through to the 1950’s 1930’s with some improvements in the 1980’s. There will be some environmental works such as walls and fences done alongside the refurbishment.

Tenants will have received a letter from the Director of Housing and will be fully consulted on the plans for their homes in the new year.

Sally Beardsworth has allocated funds for new roadside trees to be planted in Gillsway on the grassed area. Up to three Rowan trees (which do not grow large) will be planted this winter.

Saturday 29th November 10am.
Alleyway at the back of Lincoln St and Washington St.
Richard Church & Sally Beardsworth will join local residents and the Borough Council’s neighbourhood warden Mike Davies to remove rubbish and make the area safe and attractive for all.

The Council are consulting on plans for dog control orders on selected open spaces in the area. For most parks, this will make no difference at all, for some allotments, cemeteries and other places dogs will have to be kept on a lead, and in a very few areas, like bowling greens and childrens play areas, dogs will not be allowed at all. The places where it is proposed dogs should be kept on a lead in our area are:-

Harborough Rd. cemetery.
Kingsthorpe/Thornton Park allotments
Studland Rd allotments
Welford Rd allotments

In addition dogs will be completely excluded from the bowling greens and tennis courts in Kingsthorpe Recreation ground.

Let Richard or Sally know if you have any views on these proposals.

The following is a letter I have written for publication in the Chronicle & Echo. I know many people are really angry about what has happened.

For the last three years, residents in the area I represent have joined together to protect and improve their local environment. Tirelessly, day by day, week by week, they raised enough money to buy a plot known as Kingsthorpe Meadows to create a community-owned wildlife park. Their plans have won the support of the River Nene Regional Park and West Northamptonshire Development Corporation.

Today, their dreams lie in ruins due to Labour councillor Ifty Choudary.

Earlier this year, Cllr Choudary outbid local residents at auction – bidding nearly twice the land’s market value - before proclaiming to the press that he had won the land for the community.

If Cllr. Choudary really had local residents at heart, you would expect him to talk to them and their representatives about it. Never once did he approach Sally Beardsworth or I as the local councillors about his plans. Since acquiring the land, Cllr Choudary’s statements about his plans for the land have been varied and evasive. He is also yet to explain why he is providing cover for an alleged anonymous buyer.

It’s time now for local councillors, community leaders and MP’s – of whatever party to stand up and be counted, to support local residents and ensure their hopes for their community are not thwarted.

Whatever Cllr Choudary’s motives, he must now be told, enough is enough. As a local representative himself he must think long and hard about the damage he is doing to the interests of a large part of our town.

Three years ago, there was a real threat of an illegal traveller encampment on the same site. Labour MP Sally Keeble was there for every photo opportunity and every media call. Today, Kingsthorpe residents want to know: Where are you now, Sally? – Whatever Cllr Choudary’s politics, he must be told to stop.

I would urge Mrs Keeble, and leaders across the town, to campaign for this land, and ensure its future as a community-owned park.

Richard Church
Borough Councillor for Kingsthorpe

Labour councillor Ifty Choudary has finally agreed to sell the land at Kingsthorpe Meadows to the NN2 Residents Association. After three weeks of uncertainty since he outbid the residents association at auction, this is a huge relief to the many people who have worked tirelessly to raise funds to buy the land for the local community.

I hope that the transfer of the land now goes smoothly, and that we can look forward to the land being a green and pleasant place for us all to enjoy.

UPDATE- Monday 20th Oct. It seems things are still not sorted!

Plans were revelaled at Tuesday’s neighbourhoood meeting for earth mounds to be put on a corner of Kingsthorpe Rec to provide a track for BMX bikers. Young people came to the meeting to speak in support of the idea. The mounds would be placed well away from housing, and would be funded by my colleague John Yates out of his Council Council ‘empowering councillors’ fund.

Instead of adults telling young people what they will have, this idea has come from young people themselves, and they have the guts to come to a public meeting in speak up for it against some opposition. A minority too often give young people a bad name, but they deserve a place which is their idea, their design and somewhere they can call their own.

Sadly, the NN2 residents association were outbid at auction for the land by the river known as Kingsthorpe Meadows. The highest bid was placed by Labour councillor Iftikhar Choudary acting on behalf of an anonymous bidder.

Councillor Choudary has never discussed his plans with Sally Beardsworth or myself as local councillors, and he does not speak or act on behalf of the council. Any plans to build a mosque or any other large building there would require planning permission, and as we know, the land is largely in the floodplain and has been identified as open space in the local plan.

We will wait to see what is proposed. If Cllr Choudary has plans for community use of the land, it is disappointing that he did not discuss these with residents or the councillors for the area before the auction. We will continue to support residents in their efforts to protect the land for the local community and await with interest news of Cllr. Choudary’s plans.

7.00pm 23rd September Pastures Community Centre, Acre Lane.

All welcome. Your chance to have your say on the work of the Kingsthorpe neighbourhood board. Police update and info on grass roots funding.

Andrew Simpson, Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate for Northampton North, has expressed concern over the future of Kingsthorpe (Thornton) Hall after publication of the latest historic buildings at risk register.

The register, published by English Heritage, draws public attention to important listed buildings that are neglected and, have fallen into disrepair, but have important historical character or significance.

“The hall was sold by the previous Labour administration of Northampton Borough Council to be converted for flats and whilst new flats and a small community centre have been built in the grounds there little has been done to restore the main building.”

Liberal Democrats opposed the loss of the community facilities in the hall, fearing that an important local building would be lost to the public. One of the arguments was that converting the building to flats was a way of preserving it, but it is now in a worse condition than when it was owned by the council.

“It looks like the developer has done the easy bit which is the construction of the new buildings in the grounds whilst still leaving the Hall to be completed. This calls into question whether it really is being preserved for future generations”.

Looking for something for the Kids to do over the long summer holiday? There’s local courses in Badminton, Golf, Netball, Girls football, Athletics and Cricket at reasonable prices

In addition theres multi-sport activities on the Racecourse (meet at the changing rooms) and Kingsthorpe Rec (meet at the booking office) from 28th July to 22nd August for 5 to 12 year olds. 2 sessions per day 10am-12pm, 1.30pm-3.30pm. Sessions are £1 per child or 50p if they have a leisure card. For more information contact Northampton Borough Council’s Sports Development Team on 01604 837774, email sportsdevelopment@northampton.gov.uk or visit their website www.northampton.gov.uk/sports.

Lib Dem Leader Nick Clegg has sent a message of congratulations to Liberal Democrats in Northampton celebrating a year of success in turning round Northampton Borough Council.

“It has been a fantastic year and I am very proud of the achievements of our councillors” writes Nick Clegg “The Council has made enormous progress in the last 12 months.”

A year since the Liberal Democrats took control of Northampton has been described as a year of solid achievement by Leader Cllr. Tony Woods “We inherited a council in a mess. A year ago Government inspectors had rated the council as one of the worst in the country, with weak political leadership and failure to deliver services people have a right to expect.”

“Three things stand out from our first year” said Tony Woods.

(1) The Council’s finances are under firmer control, with no cuts in this year’s budget.

(2) Day to day services such as planning, revenues and benefits, and housing management are at last showing real signs of improvement.

(3) We are setting in place firm foundations for the long term with progress on the Grosvenor centre and other key town centre projects.”

“We still have a long way to go” said Tony Woods. “We have more to do to persuade the people of Northampton that the council is improving. That will be our task in the year ahead.”

‘Putting the Pride back in Northampton -A year of Achievement’ A full briefing on the first year of Lib Dem run Northampton Borough Council can be downloaded from www.northamptonlibdems.org.uk

Residents of Clarence Avenue and Queens Park Parade have collected funds to build electronic gates on the rear service road. They have had continual problems with flytipping and nuisance at the rear of their properties. Sally Beardsworth has contributed £3,000 from the County Council to get the work done.

Residents have complained to me about children causing a nuisance at night around the garage and bus shelter on Welford Rd. I have reported these problems to the Police, who have responded promptly and said they will be talking to residents and businnesses on Welford Rd between the Recreation Ground and the library in the next few days. Meanwhile, do contact the Kingsthorpe Safer community Team at SCTKingsthorpeBoughtonGreen@northants.police.uk or phone 08453 700700 to report particular problems.

7 Julian way 2pm.

Refreshments
Plants
Tombola
Books
Raffle
Games
Bric a brac etc.

Yes it is that time again when you come along to catch up with friends old and new, buy your plants, your holiday reading and enjoy some of Sally Beadsworth’s very special Bread and Butter pudding! So please come and relax with us for what looks like being a very dry, warm and sunny afternoon in Kingsthorpe.

There will be a selection of bedding plants available (hopefully some geraniums too) along with many other plants for your summer garden pleasure. There are some new books in the book stock for you to buy to read as you relax in your garden amongst the flowers.

For those who like a gentle flutter with no chance of losing your shirt, there are the Tombola, the Raffle and a game or two to tempt you, so come along and have some fun whilst helping to raise a little for the funds and have a good time among friends.

All in aid of Focus community newsletters.

Community groups and sports clubs in Kingsthorpe, Boughton Green and St David’s are being given the opportunity to promote their services to local residents for free at an open day event on Saturday 10 May.

Groups from the area can apply to have a free stall at the ‘Get active, Get healthy, Get involved’ event which is being held at Kingsthorpe Community College from 11.00am until 3.00pm.

Last year approximately 300 residents attended the event which aims to get more people involved in sports clubs, physical activity and health initiatives in the local community. This year the event is also promoting the work of local community groups.

Northampton Borough Councillor Brendan Glynane, cabinet member for community engagement said: “This was such a popular event last year and we are expecting even more visitors to come along this year. It’s a great opportunity for local clubs and groups to promote their work and get more people involved in the activities they provide. We want as many stalls as possible so I would urge anyone who is interested in taking part in the event to get in touch as soon as they can.”

Sports clubs and local groups will be showcasing activities available to residents in the area including rugby, hockey, wrestling, ceroc, tennis and much more.

Other attractions at the event will include a bouncy castle, football, jugglers, skate park, circus skills, soccer shoot out, climbing wall demonstrations, freebies and competitions, stalls, Wii Sports plus free health checks and makeovers.

For more information about booking a free stall please contact Debbie Groom on 01604 716106 x 1219 or Jeanette Pidgen at Northampton Borough Council on 01604 837717.

Kingsthorpe College Saturday May 10th. 11am-3pm.

Sports clubs and healthy initiatives will be showcasing what is available in the area from rugby to hockey, ceroc to wrestling and netball to tennis.

Tethered hot air balloon flights, bouncy castles, football jugglers, skate park, circus skills, soccer shoot out, climbing wall, demonstrations and freebies, free health ckecks, makeovers and more!

Free entry and parking, healthy catering on site all day. For more information contact Debbie Groom on 716106 x1219.

Traffic in Kingsthorpe is polluting the air above acceptable levels set by the government.

The Borough Council have declared the Harborough Rd, from the Cock Hotel to past the Frog & Fiddler, and Kingsthorpe Grove on the Primary School to the Cock Hotel as an ‘air quality management area’.

The Council have been measuring levels of Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) in this area, and they have been higher then the recommended levels. The Council will now have to prepare within 18 months an Air Qulaity Action plan and any decisions, such as new developments, will have to take into account their impact upon the air quality in the area.

This is not the first Air Quality Management Area in Northamnpton, there are others on the M1, Victoria Promenade and St. James, but traffic levels are growing fast in Northampton, and we all have to do something to reduce traffic congestion if the air in the middle of Kingsthorpe is going to be safe to breathe. It isn’t just about new developments, it’s about all our lifestyles. Do you need the car for your next journey?

Despite public opposition it has been confirmed that Queens Park Post Office will close.

Clearly by announcing these closures earlier than originally planned the Post Office has ignored the case put by local people to keep these offices open. The whole consultation process appears to have been a sham – less than a month has been taken to look at people’s responses and decide which looks suspiciously like a decision that had already been made.

It seems that the Post Office was simply running a ‘numbers game’ where people don’t matter. How hollow their current advertising slogan now sounds.

The Labour Government clearly wanted to close 2,500 across the Country and that means closing offices in Northampton despite the strong cases made to keep them open. Labour MP Sally Keeble has supported her Governments plans for the Post Office in Parliament yet campaigned against the closures in Northampton. Clearly she has misled people by making them think there was a chance to change her Government’s plans – when there was not. She needs to explain her position.

Local Lib Dem Councillors will continue to do all we can to fight these closure plans.

Whitehills and Spring Park Residents Association are holding an open event at the Pastures Community Centre on Saturday 28th January from 1.40-5.30pm. The open day will include a letter writing advice centre to help people put on paper their concerns about plans to build 1,250 homes at Buckton Fields. There will also be refreshments, a supervised play area and some fun activities.

The address to send views on the planning application is Ken Thursfield, Development Control Manager, Planning Services, Daventry District Council, Lodge Rd, Daventry, Northamptonshire NN11 4FP. Quote reference no. DA/2007/1400.

Residents in Boughton Green, St Davids and Kingsthorpe are being asked for their ideas and suggestions to help shape the future of where they live.

The first ever open public meeting of the area’s new Neighbourhood Partnership will give local people the chance to come along and discuss issues affecting their local communities and have their say on how to make change.

This is a chance to find out more about Neighbourhood Management and meet Northampton Borough Council’s new Neighbourhood Coordinator for the area Jeanette Pidgen. Ward councillors, Northamptonshire Police, neighbourhood wardens, representatives from local schools and members of the residents associations will also be at the meeting.

Neighbourhood Coordinator, Jeanette Pidgeon added: “This is our first public meeting where residents can come along and have a real input into what issues we will be tackling in the first year. We need residents there so we can look at the issues that can have a long-term benefit to the area. We don’t have a magic wand and we don’t have all the answers, however, usually it’s something very simple that needs to be addressed which can make all the difference.”

The meeting will take place on Wednesday 9 January at Kingsthorpe Community Centre, Mill Lane from 7.00pm till 9.00pm. Light refreshments will be available.

Happy New Year

This seems like a suitable point to review 2007 - a successful year for Northampton Liberal Democrats - and look forward to some of the challenges that face us.

The 2007 local elections saw us achieve control of Northampton Borough Council for the first time – making gains from both Labour and Conservatives with 26 Councillors. A truly magnificent result.

But now we have to prove ourselves running the Council. A council that has many long-standing problems – that under both Labour and Conservatives had been rated one of the worst in the Country. It is a heavy responsibility for us Liberal Democrats to take this on – in many respects we hold the hopes of Northampton people in our hands – and a challenge to restore their faith in politics by proving that we are able to make a difference.

It will take time and involve us making unpopular but necessary decisions but in the longer term our town will be a better place to live in and Northampton should take its place rightfully as one of the Britain’s leading locations.

What we have done since May:

· Appointed a new Chief Executive

· Strengthened the Council’s Democracy with enhanced Scrutiny and increased accountability of the Cabinet

· Put the Finances onto a sounder footing whilst working within a restricted budget inherited from the Conservatives

· Kept open some public toilets previously planned for closure by the Conservatives

· Restored funding to provide some Christmas lights

· Cut Sunday car parking charges, introduced pay on foot in two car parks and free Sunday parking in two others

· Signed Heads of Agreement on the Grosvenor Centre/Greyfriars development

· Commenced work on plans for the Market Square and Abington Street.

2008 sees further challenges to improve the Council

· Agreeing the first Liberal Democrat Budget in February in a situation where Government funding has only increased by 1.2%

· Putting the Balloon Festival onto a sounder footing and agreeing long-term strategy

· Getting a further report from the Audit Commission in March 2008, which we expect, will show how things have improved.

· Improve the Council’s services across the board, making them more ‘customer focused’ and responsive to the needs of residents.

Turning round a poorly performing council will take time. We have made a start. However, it will take two or three years to put in place all of the changes and improvements that are necessary.

We have an excellent team in place to deliver the changes required and above all we will make sure the residents of Northampton are fully involved in that progress.

Have a happy 2008.

Cllr Tony Woods

Liberal Democrat Leader

Northampton Borough Council

The County Council have announced that they will resurface the footpaths in Thornby Drive and Welford Rd Service Rd. The Focus team have been pressing for this work to be done for several years, particularly since work was done in Kingsway and neighbouring roads last year.

Footways, kerbs and vehicle crossings will be reconstructed, and work is due to start early in the new year, depending on the weather. Any queries before work starts should be made to Mr Stephen Cross on 01604 883449. Detailed information when work has started on phasing, access and progress on site should be made to Mr. Tony Gale on 01604 654644.

Queens Park Post Office on Kingsley Rd is one of 8 Post Offices in Northampton set to close. Queens Park is used by many residents in Kingsthorpe, and is a result of Government policy to close thousands of post offices nationally. Lib Dem councillors are campaigning strongly against these closures. Sign our online petition on Andrew Simpson’s website here.

County Tories are raiding the coffers of Kingsthorpe Grove Primary School. £15,060 is being raided from the schools reserves, money that could be used to replace rotting roof timbers and window frames on this grade 2 listed building. For more information see the Northampton Lib Dem website

WEEKLY LIST OF PLANNING APPLICATIONS RECEIVED WEEK ENDING 19/10/2007

APPLICATION NO: N/2007/1319 Date Valid 15/10/2007
Proposal Replacement of existing public telephone kiosk with kiosk combining public payphone service and ATM service
Location Telephone Box Kingsthorpe Shopping Centre Harborough Road Northampton.
Applicant BT Payphones - G. McDonough Delta Point (PP05A23) 35 Wellesley Road Croydon Surrey CR9

Case Officer Parish Ward: Conservation Area Listed Building Grade
Ben Clarke N/A Kingsthorpe N/A N/A

APPLICATION NO: N/2007/1320 Date Valid 15/10/2007
Proposal First floor extension
Location 54 Fylingdale Northampton.
Applicant Mr. & Mrs. Michael Cox 54 Fylingdale Northampton NN2 8UR.
Agent Myles & Sims Architects 3 Kennel Terrace Brixworth Northampton NN6 9DL.
Case Officer Parish Ward: Conservation Area Listed Building Grade
Geoff Wyatt N/A Kingsthorpe N/A N/A

APPLICATION NO: N/2007/1332 Date Valid 17/10/2007
Proposal Single storey rear extension
Location 35 Thornby Drive Northampton.
Applicant Mr. & Mrs. Thomson 35 Thornby Drive Northampton NN2 8HA.
Agent T R Dobraszczyk Cotherstone Lodge Althorp Northampton NN7 4HH.
Case Officer Parish Ward: Conservation Area Listed Building Grade
Amy Mottram N/A Kingsthorpe N/A N/A

APPLICATION NO: N/2007/1336 Date Valid 17/10/2007
Proposal Installation of a double mobile classroom (NCC consultation)
Location Northgate School Kingsthorpe Road Northampton.
Applicant NCC Childrens &Young Peoples Service P.O. Box 216 John Dryden House 8-10 The Lakes Northampton

Case Officer Parish Ward: Conservation Area Listed Building Grade
Geoff Wyatt N/A Kingsthorpe N/A N/A

Only one new planning application this week. It is within Kingsthorpe Conservation Area, so the Conservation Area committee will be consulted. Applications can be viewed at Cliftonville House on the Bedford Rd, the Guildhall or on the councils website:

APPLICATION NO:     N/2007/1300                               Date Valid       09/10/2007 

 Proposal                Construction of new residential dwelling.

Location                 33A Manor Road Northampton.

Applicant                Halcrow Property Management  46 Roseholme Road Abington Northampton NN1 4TQ

Welcome to the FOCUS on Kingsthorpe website. I intend to use it to support FOCUS community newsletters in Kingsthorpe. Focus stories will be published here, together with notices of planning applications and local news of interest to residents. Tell me of any news you have about Kingsthorpe that you would like to add to this site.

I will be adding more community information in due course, links to websites of interest, and comment on relevant news from the council.

Richard Church

The Liberal Democrat administration of Northampton Borough Council is close to signing a deal to secure the future re-development of the Grosvenor centre and the Greyfriars bus station.

Agreement was reached between the Borough council and Legal & General on Monday on virtually all issues after several months of painstaking negotiations since the Liberal Democrats took control in May. A few outstanding issues are expected to be resolved shortly, with the completion of the Heads of Terms allowing the council to now progress the next stage of the re-development of reaching a Development Agreement.

Cllr Richard Church, cabinet member for Regeneration, said:

“We made a promise in our manifesto to be proactive in realising the redevelopment of Grosvenor Greyfriars project and that is precisely what we’ve done since taking control in May.

“We are very pleased to have reached this stage, having made it one of our top priorities after little visible progress in the last year or so.

“Although this will take many years to come to fruition, we believe the re-development of the Grosvenor Centre and Greyfriars bus station is absolutely key to re-invigorating the town centre in the future, and we will do all we can to make it a success

WEEKLY LIST OF PLANNING APPLICATIONS RECEIVED WEEK ENDING  28/9/7

APPLICATION NO:     N/2007/1248                           Date Valid       24/09/2007 Proposal                Erection of raised decking area to side/rear with two canopies. Location                  Halfway House Public House Kingsthorpe Road Northampton. Applicant                Enterprise Inns Plc  3 Monkspath Hall Road B90 4SJ Agent                    Wensley Contracts Ltd.  100 Manor Farm Road Tyseley Birmingham B11 2HX Case Officer           Ben Clarke              

APPLICATION NO:     N/2007/1249                                  Date Valid       24/09/2007 Proposal     Single storey rear extension Location  13 North Western Avenue Northampton. Applicant   G. Marsden  13 North Western Avenue Northampton NN2 8HH. Agent On Time Design  5 Wisteria Way Northampton NN3 3QB.