Information from West Northamptonshire Council relevant to the parish.  Please follow this link to their website: https://www.westnorthants.gov.uk

Northamptonshire Fix My Street: https://fixmystreet.northamptonshire.gov.uk/

Report portholes, gritting, fly tipping issues or highway problems: https://www.westnorthants.gov.uk/roads-and-paths/report-potholes-or-highway-problem

Help shape the future of biodiversity in West Northamptonshire

People across West Northamptonshire are being asked to share their views on this national campaign and let the Council know if they take part, so that it can gain a better understanding of how West Northamptonshire residents positively impacted biodiversity.  The six-week online engagement will take place from Monday 8 April to Sunday 19 May, and people can have their say here: https://westnorthants.citizenspace.com/cet/no-mow-may

Help shape West Northamptonshire’s approach to manage flood risk across the area

Under the Flood and Water Management Act 2010, WNC is required to develop, apply, and monitor a Local Flood Risk Management Strategy which sets out how it intends to manage floods and the effect of flooding on our area. The Strategy will focus on local flood risk from surface water, groundwater, and watercourses including rivers, streams and brooks, culverts and ditches and sets out the way the Council manage flood risks for the next six years.

To view the draft strategic objectives and provide your feedback from Monday 8 April to Sunday 16 June visit: https://westnorthants.citizenspace.com/cet/local-flood-risk-management-strategy

In order for us to shape the Strategy we would like to understand the public’s main issues and concerns in relation to flooding across West Northamptonshire to ensure we are focusing on the right themes to manage flood risk in the future.

WNC’s current Northamptonshire Strategy requires updating as a result of environmental and governmental changes, in addition to West Northamptonshire Council now operating as a unitary body. The feedback collated from the consultation will help to shape the Strategy during the early stages of its development. A statutory public consultation will take place once the draft Strategy has been developed, which will give you another opportunity to have your say. The Strategy will then be presented to cabinet for consideration and adoption.

WNC Support

Please find attached information on our Cost-of-Living Support Hub and NHFT/Mind Northamptonshire’s Mental Health Support Card, we have these available at our offices across the West to collect for distribution:-

  • The Abbey, St John’s Square, Daventry, NN11 4XG
  • Brackley Town Council, 20 High St, Brackley, NN13 7DS
  • The Forum, Moat Lane, Towcester, NN12 6AD
  • The Guildhall One Stop Shop, St Giles Square, Northampton NN1 1DE

For further information please see here Cost of living support | West Northamptonshire Council (westnorthants.gov.uk)

What is a Welcoming Space?

Welcoming Spaces are run by local people for local people from the voluntary, community and faith sectors across West Northamptonshire.  Residents are offered a warm, trusted setting for people to socialise and access services tackling social isolation and cost of living challenges.  They are also non-judgmental and safe, all guests are treated equally, with dignity and respect.  For more information please see Looking for welcoming spaces | West Northamptonshire Council (westnorthants.gov.uk)

What is the Chatty Café Scheme?

The Chatty Café Scheme is the UK’s leading non-profit organisation tackling loneliness.  Within West Northamptonshire we offer face to face meet ups where venues offer ‘Chatter and Natter’ tables, where customers can get together and chat. There are hundreds of venues around the UK, many Chatter and Natter tables are hosted by Chatty Table Volunteers and designed to reduce loneliness and/or social isolation.  For further information see Chatty Café Scheme | West Northamptonshire Council (westnorthants.gov.uk)

What is a Good Neighbours Scheme?

Good Neighbours Schemes are established and run by local people to provide day-to-day support for other residents who may need help on an occasional or regular basis.  The aim is to support neighbours to maintain a good quality of life, remain independent in their own homes if they wish to, and reduce their reliance on statutory health and care support systems.  Working in partnership with Northants ACRE there are many across West Northamptonshire.  For further information please view here Good Neighbours Scheme | West Northamptonshire Council (westnorthants.gov.uk)

Garden Waste Collections

Residents across West Northamptonshire can now sign up for optional, chargeable garden waste collections from April 2024.  The annual subscription charge for the fortnightly service from April 2024 to the end of March 2025 is £58 per bin and can be made online at www.westnorthants.gov.uk/gardenwaste.

Residents who are unable to access the internet can subscribe to the service by phoning the council on 0300 126 7000.

Latest news | West Northamptonshire Council (westnorthants.gov.uk)

WNC offers cost of living support

WNC have set up a new area on their website to help people access a range of support and advice to help them through the current cost of living crisis.  Financial help for low wage workers, households with children, and those most needing help towards rent, council tax, household bills including gas and electricity, childcare costs and important daily essentials.

Paid Casual Employment Opportunities (Elections)

Have you ever considered working in a Poll Station or at a Count Venue during an election and supporting the democratic process? The Returning Officer for West Northamptonshire employs casual staff at different times of the year to assist with the running of elections. Staff can sometimes be required at short notice, for example when a General Election is called.

You can apply for an election job at any time of the year. Even if there are no elections scheduled, we continuously recruit to the staffing database in preparation for the next electoral event. Once you have joined the staffing database, you will be the first to hear of available jobs and be invited to confirm your availability to work. Many roles require no previous electoral experience. Where appropriate, full training is provided.

All applicants must be aged at least 18 and have the right to work in the UK. Political working restrictions apply. To register your interest and for more detailed information on these jobs, please visit https://www.westnorthants.gov.uk/electoral-services and scroll down to the Employment Opportunities section.