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News
This section is not restricted to Parish Council news. If you have a local community news item that you would like displayed here or would like help promoting a non-profit event please contact us with the details and we'll see what we can do.
Get Into the Stride
South Northamptonshire Council will be running a series of "Learn To" Nordic walking courses that provide an opportunity to try something fun and new.
Nordic walking is one of the fastest growing activities in the world. Invented by cross country skiers for their summer training it offers a unique way to keep fit and enjoy the outdoors. An enhancement of normal walking yet twice as effective, Nordic walking uses poles to add significant benefits:
- upper body muscles are used as well as lower
- it reduces the pressure on knees and joints
- it’s great for posture and can burn up to 46% more calories than normal walking
South Northamptonshire's portfolio holder for community wellbeing, Councillor Rosie Herring said, “Nordic walking fits in well with the council's aim to keep our district fit and healthy. It's a fantastic way to increase fitness and have fun at the same time. I hope people will make the most of this chance to give it a go.”
The "Learn To" courses run at:
Deanshanger Library; Saturdays from 4 to 25 February. 10am to 11.30am
Brackley Library; Saturdays from 10 to 31 March. 10am to 11am.
Roade Library; Saturdays from 14 April to 5 May. 10.30am to 11.30am
The courses each cost £25.
There's also a £5 taster session at Brackley Library on Saturday 3 March from 10am to 10.45am. For more details and to book a place email colin.hull@southnorthants.gov.uk or phone 01327 322337.
A43 Road Closures between 21st Nov and 11th dec
Work details: view / download
Southbound Closure: view / download
Northbound Closure: view / download
A361 now open to motorists
The A361 is now open again to traffic following flood alleviation works over the summer. The 850m section of the Banbury to Daventry road that was closed in March this year, was back in service 28th Oct 2011 and time 3.05pm
We have raised the surface level by up to 700mm and installed culverts underneath. This will reduce the frequency of flooding on this stretch of road. It will also allow the highways authorities time to plan an emergency closure if threatened by overspill from the flood storage area that we are currently constructing.
The July reopening of the road, just north of Junction 11 on the M40, was delayed after Northamptonshire County Council, which maintains the road, requested amendments to the agreed design.
Ian Tomes, Environment Agency Flood Risk Manager, said: “We know the extended closure has been very frustrating for local people, who have had to put up with more traffic through their villages. We would like to say thank you to them, and anyone else impacted by these works, for their patience. The benefit to Banbury will be significant and we are on track to complete the scheme by the New Year”
For further information, please visit our webpage: http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/banbury
Local Police: New 101 number
101 is now the number to call when you want to contact your local police - when it's less urgent than 999.
M1 Roadworks (J14 - J16)
Date added: 24/08/2011The works are to carry out road marking and stud renewal activities along the M1 between junction 14 and junction 16 on the northbound carriageway. These works are essential maintenance to help maintain road safety.
The work is expected to start on Monday, 5th September 2011 and be complete by Sunday, 18th September 2011, assuming reasonable weather conditions.
For details including what restrictions will be in place and what time periods please see this document.
Northamptonshire Bus Service Changes (5th September 2011)
New and revised bus services in Northamptonshire: view
Welland Valley Leaflet: View
Nene Valley Leaflet: View
Daventry Leaflet: View
South Northants: View
Grange Park Community & Sports Association
For a full brochure detailing all of the available facilities and hire costs please click here.
Primrose Park Closed
Date Added: 10/06/2011Due to further vandalism this park is closed for health and safety reasons until further notice.
An historic name for a forward thinking school
Date Added: 09/06/2011It was announced today that the proposed new school based in the villages of Roade and Deanshanger will be named Elizabeth Woodville School.
NAB Mobile Information Unit
The NAB Mobile Information Unit will be visiting locations in the county in 2011 and in May will be visiting the following location at the times stated:-
NORTHAMPTON
St Crispins Retirement Village
St Crispin Drive, Duston
Northampton
Wednesday, May 25th 2011
10:00am - 12:00pm
For further details please see the poster.
Future Of Public Transportation - Events Announced
As part of Northamptonshire County Council’s consultation on the future of public transport in the county, a number of public engagement events are being held to help people have a say on the proposals The venues and dates of the meetings are:
- Monday, 9 May, 10am-12noon The Tithe Barn, Wellingborough NN8 1AH
- Thursday, 12 May 10am-12noon Corby Cube, George Street, Corby NN17 1QG
- Friday, 13 May 2.30-4.30pm The Town Hall, Market Place, Brackley NN13 7AB
- Monday, 16 May 10am-12noon The Council Chamber, Daventry District Council, Lodge Road, Daventry, NN11 4FP
- Monday, 16 May 2pm-4pm The Cornmarket Hall, London Road, Kettering NN15 7QA
- Tuesday, 17 May 2.30-4.30pm Nene Centre, Cedar Drive, Thrapston NN14 4JY
- Wednesday, 18 May 2pm-4pm The Town Hall, 86 Watling Street, Towcester NN12 6BS
- Monday, 23 May 2.30-4.30pm The Court Room, The Guildhall, St Giles Square, Northampton NN1 1DE
The authority has examined every settlement in the county and used a number of criteria to assess what sort of transport would provide the best solution for a particular area.
People have until May 27 to comment on the proposals and it is expected that the new transport systems would be introduced in September. To have say on the future of public transport in Northamptonshire please go to www.northamptonshire.gov.uk/youchoose
Or write to : You Choose, Targeted Transport Passenger Measures, Northamptonshire County Council, Riverside House, Riverside Way, Bedford Road, Northampton, NN1 5NX.
Did you know there is a community library in Wootton?
It can be found in the Wooldale Centre for Learning? More details
Temporary Road Closure (A361)
The temporary closure of the A361, between Banbury and Daventry, will now begin on 28 March, until 11 July.
This is just north of the turning to Chacombe (between the junctions for Banbury Road and Williamscot Hill Spinney Unnamed Road). Traffic will divert via the A423/A425 to Southam, with signs in place directing road users. This is necessary to enable us to raise the height of the road for a length of 860 metres, as part of the Banbury flood alleviation scheme.
The diversion route is the agreed (and permanently signed) route that has been used previously when flooding has occurred on the A361. To reduce the amount of HGV traffic attempting to bypass the official diversion route there will be temporary 7.5t HGV weight restrictions in place on all the roads adjoining the A361 from Daventry to the point of the closure. This will allow for normal deliveries but not for any HGV’s attempting to gain access to Banbury from Daventry and vice versa along the A361.
Please visit the following website for maps of the diversion route and closure, and further details about the Banbury flood alleviation scheme: www.environment-agency.gov.uk/banbury
We have been working closely with Northamptonshire and Oxfordshire County Councils, the Highways Agency and emergency services, to inform road users about the closure.
Roade and Kingsbrook School Partnership
Digital Switchover Help
Do you know of anybody in your Community that may need help or advice about the Digital Switchover?
We are trying to contact people across Northamptonshire who are over 75 or disabled as they are eligible for assistance from the Switchover Help Scheme.
If you require any further information regarding the Scheme please contact Sarah Clarke at Northamptonshire ACRE on 01604 765888.
Stand Up For Your District
On 5 May, South Northamptonshire Council, like many local authorities, is holding its local elections. Councillors for the District, Town and Parish Councils will be elected, and South Northamptonshire Council is encouraging residents to think about standing as a candidate. As a Councillor you would:
- help shape the future development of the district or parish
- influence what goes on in the local area
- represent local community views
Jean Morgan is Returning Officer for these Elections. She will be talking about the role of a Councillor to anyone who is interested in standing as a candidate, at an informal meeting on Thursday 17 February, which is open to all. There is no obligation to sign up or make any commitment at this event, and everyone is welcome – you do not need to be a member of a political party, and many current Councillors are in full time employment.
Jean Morgan said, “Anyone who lives or works in South Northamptonshire can become a Councillor, and standing as a candidate in the local elections is a real way to make a difference in the local community.”
The event will be held on Thursday 17 February, 6-8 pm, in the Committee Room at the South Northamptonshire Council Offices, Springfields, Towcester, NN12 6AE.
To confirm attendance, please contact Maria Driscoll, PA to Jean Morgan, on 01327 322301 or maria.driscoll@southnorthants.gov.uk
UNPAID CARERS IN YOUR AREA
The Needs and Aspirations Project is a directory of activities and opportunities available to unpaid carers and includes those receiving Attendance Allowance. The project recognises the vital contribution made by Carers in our county.
We have promoted the project far and wide especially in places where the general public visit such as Libraries and doctors surgeries, but as we are trying to get information out to the many hidden carers that may not be aware of this exciting option we would be pleased if you could promote this via your networks.
Please find an electronic copy of the directory (both Word and PDF versions) for your use.
As you will see from the directory there is a wide range of opportunities which will suit all ages, offers options across the County and will also offer some much needed “me” time to carers.
Clearing Snow and Ice
The extreme weather last winter led to a string of enquiries regarding personal liability if householders attempted to clear snow and ice from pavements – and there was a lack of clear guidance available nationally. Now the government has published the Snow Code, which states
“There's no law stopping you from clearing snow and ice on the pavement outside your home or from public spaces. It's unlikely you'll be sued or held legally responsible for any injuries on the path if you have cleared it carefully. Follow the snow code when clearing snow and ice safely.”
The snow code - tips on clearing snow and ice from pavements or public spaces
If you clear snow and ice yourself, be careful - don’t make the pathways more dangerous by causing them to refreeze. But don’t be put off clearing paths because you’re afraid someone will get injured. Remember, people walking on
snow and ice have responsibility to be careful themselves. Follow the advice below to make sure you clear the pathway safely and effectively.
Clear the snow or ice early in the day
It’s easier to move fresh, loose snow rather than hard snow that has packed together from people walking on it. So if possible, start removing the snow and ice in the morning. If you remove the top layer of snow in the morning, any sunshine during the day will help melt any ice beneath. You can then cover the path with salt before nightfall to stop it refreezing overnight.
Use salt or sand - not water
If you use water to melt the snow, it may refreeze and turn to black ice. Black ice increases the risk of injuries as it is invisible and very slippery. You can prevent black ice by spreading some salt on the area you have cleared. You can use ordinary table or dishwasher salt - a tablespoon for each square metre you clear should work. Don’t use the salt found in salting bins - this will be needed to keep the roads clear. Be careful not to spread salt on plants or grass as it may cause them damage. If you don’t have enough salt, you can also use sand or ash. These won’t stop the path icing over as well as salt, but will provide good grip under foot.
Take care where you move the snow
When you’re shovelling snow, take care where you put it so it doesn’t block people’s paths or drains. Make sure you make a path down the middle of the area to be cleared firs, so you have a clear surface to walk on. Then shovel the snow from the centre of the path to the sides.
Offer to clear your neighbours’ paths
If your neighbour will have difficulty getting in and out of their home, offer to clear snow and ice around their property as well. Check that any elderly or disabled neighbours are alright in the cold weather. If you’re worried about them, contact your local council. The Snow Code is published at:
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Nl1/Newsroom/DG_191868
Master Composters
(added 13/12/10)Dear Parish Councillors / Town Clerks
South Northamptonshire Council are currently driving a 2nd phase of recruitment for Master Composters. These are local volunteers who get trained to be local mentors/champions and promotions officers for home composting. We had some people sign up earlier in the year, and now are re-opening the job roles again for round two. If you wouldn’t mind passing this information to any interested gardening clubs or “keen greens” you know of, I’d be grateful. Any interested parties need to let us know by the end of January please.
The details of the scheme are on the County Council website.
Please let me know if you have any specific questions about the scheme and what it involves.
Many thanks,
Louise Gibney