“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

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.

Following comments from residents, the height of the proposed flats has been lowered. Parking will still be at the back of the Romany pub, accessed from Balfour Rd. Parking associated with the garage has been a problem for residents of Stanhope Rd for many years. Flats here will certainly mean no an end to the commercial operation on the site and all the problems that has caused. Concern over the height of the flats remains fully justified.

Richard has also called on the owner to keep the property in good condition. Residents have a right to expect that the building is not left as a local eyesore. It should refurbished and put to good use.

There is an existing consent for conversion of the building to flats, with one new flat at the back and parking which could still be implemented. The applicant does have the right of appeal which his agent has threatened to use.

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.

APPLICATION NO: N/2008/261 Date Valid 05/03/2008
Proposal Demolition of existing buildings and erection of 22No flats with associated access and parking.
Location Land at Balmoral Road Northampton.
Applicant Babington Properties Ltd The Huntersfield Flore Northants NN7 4LZ
Agent B M Waine Shoosmiths The Lakes Bedford Road Northampton NN4 7SH.
NBC Case Officer Amy Mottram

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.