Teenager from Kettering hopes to win at Youth Ambition Awards

Jamie Docherty. Visit his website here.

A teenager from Kettering is hoping to win 'Apprentice of the Year' at the Youth Ambition Awards on Thursday night (July 3rd).

Jamie Docherty 19, has been nominated for the award for excelling in his apprentice role at CJS Event Solutions.

Docherty, who also happens to be a professional magician in his spare time told us that being nominated 'means so much' to him.

He said:  "I'm really happy working for CJS they are a great team, I really didn't expect to be nominated at all!"

"I'm looking forward to the future, I'm hoping to carry on working for CJS, it's great fun, and I love the job!"

CJS Event Solutions organise events and conferences for both private and public sector clients.

Docherty is one of five who have been nominated for the award between the ages of 16 and 22 from Northamptonshire.

The Youth Ambition Awards are set up by Northamptonshire County Council (NCC) in conjunction with the Northamptonshire Newspapers' Education Awards and in partnership with youth organisation Connexions.

A statement on the NCC website said: "Investing in children and young people is a priority for the county council and we are working hard to improve outcomes for them."

The idea of the awards is to give young people across the county 'something they can aim for'.

We wish Jamie and all those nominated for an award all the best.

By Stephen Matthews

Zombies are coming to Northamptonshire

Image: here.

A new zombie experience is set to open in Northamptonshire.

zombieXperience are set to open their new site named 'The Bunker', in Northampton on August 9th.

'The Bunker' will see survivors try and fight off zombies in 10,000 acres of mixed terrain, ammo bunkers and swamps using replica weapons for three hours.

zombieXperience claim: "This is no easy task, and only those with the ability to think and act first will survive."

The UK's most realistic zombie experience already has a site at a former prison in Rutland, with a site set to open in Coventry also in early August.

You can book your experience here: https://zombiexperience.co.uk/booking/

By Joe Shine

Legal highs worry Northants Police

Image: here.

Northants Police and Crime Commisioner (PCC) spoke over his concerns of 'legal highs' at a conference in Northampton today.

PCC Adam Simmonds made his feelings clear at a conference this morning held at the Park Inn Radisson, which was organised by local charity Solve It.

The PCC said that the rise of legal highs should be a matter of concern for everyone, before saying that more could be done locally to tackle both legal and illegal substances.

He said: "Legal highs worry me as Police and Crime Commissioner; I know they concern my Chief Constable and they should give sufficient cause for concern both in our wider society and for our national government."

"According to latest figures published by the National Programme of Substance Abuse Deaths, legal highs directly attributed to the deaths of 68 people in the UK in 2012."

“For years governments of all colours and all political parties have failed to define their position on drugs related policy.

“While they take their time over how to legislate to address the growing problem of NPS and arguments continue to be waged over the legalisation of certain drugs, or maybe drugs in general, they are legitimising their continued use.”

“We need a clear national policy to assist us and we need to change society to be less tolerant of the presence of drugs in our communities.

“The Force needs to continue to tackle the issue of drug supply in our markets, but it is also increasingly important that police begin to tackle the demand for drugs in the first place.

“Perhaps most importantly, it is time that organisations like Solve It, the police, the county council, schools, prisons, providers of rehabilitation services and health work much more closely together to rid our society of the scourge of drugs.

“Finally, we need a legislative framework that on the whole is more nimble in adapting to changes in substances and chemical compounds.

“If we all work together to eradicate drugs by reducing demand, disrupting their supply, providing better preventions and early interventions, continuing to rehabilitate and to further educate our children, young people, adults and society- we can make Northamptonshire a safer place.”

By Stephen Matthews

Looking for work? Look no further

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A new voluntary organisation has been set-up with the aim of finding Kettering residents employment or training.

Employment Resource Support Group (ERSG) is a new innovative idea dedicated to helping local people find work. 

Job opportunities and training courses will be freely advertised to the public via their website, and social media platforms.

A statement on their Facebook page said: "ERSG is a free service bringing work opportunities and local people together."

Despite not currently having a website, plans are well underway for one to be created before the 'end of summer'.

You can find them on Twitter @ERSG_org or on Facebook here.

By Stephen Matthews

Council needs help from the kids

An image of the Royal Anglian Regiment. Available here.

All children of the Kettering area have been called upon by the Council.

Kettering Borough Council have publically asked the children of the area to create a poster to mark the Homecoming Parade on the 21st July.

200 soldiers from the Royal Anglian Regiment will be welcomed home at 3:40pm on the 21st July in Kettering town centre.

Sue Lyons, Kettering Borough Council’s (KBC) Head of Democratic and Legal Services, said on KBC website: “The Mayor wants everyone to be involved in the Homecoming Parade to support and thank our soldiers. The Poster Competition is a very unique opportunity for the children of Kettering to be a part of a momentous event.”

Councillor Duncan Bain, Mayor of the Borough of Kettering will choose three winning posters, promising the winners 'special goody bags'.

The lucky winners and runners-up will also be invited to a prize-giving ceremony to receive their treats.

If you want to get your hands on a goody bag, all you have to do is design an A3/A4 poster that includes the words "Heroes' Welcome in Kettering".

The three age categories for winners are: children aged under 7, children aged between 7-11, and children aged between 12 and 14.

By Stephen Matthews

Return of the Poppies?

Kettering Town FC's current ground Latimer Park.
Image: here.

The return of Kettering Town F.C. (KTFC) is on the agenda for a Kettering Councillor. 

KTFC are hoping to be able to play their home games in Kettering once again for the start of the 2015/16 season.

Previous stadium plans under Imraan Ladak pointed to an area on the A43/A6003, however it is unsure whether this is still an option for the club.

KTFC Kit-man Aaron Lewer dropped a hint: "I know that they're likely to find somewhere to build on this season and are hoping to move there next season."

All Saints Councillor Michael Brown told us that he was 'desperate' to see the Poppies return to the town, before adding that there were 'some ideas'.

He made it clear that both he and Ritchie Jeune, KTFC Chairman 'talk a lot', and said: "I'm doing everything I can to try and help him where I can." 

Kettering has been without a home-based football club since the controversial decision to leave Rockingham Road in May 2011.

The now abandoned Rockingham Road ground.
Image: here.

The move to Nene Park was the first time since 1872 that Kettering didn't have a home-based football club.

Leaving the town meant the loss of a community, a sporting centre, and a significant financial income to Kettering.

MP Philip Hollobone, when speaking to the Northants Telegraph in 2011, said: "It is very important for the town to have a successful football club and unless this ground issue is sorted out we could even lose the local club altogether."

However, Kettering F.C. are set to announce their new home ground for the upcoming season - meaning Kettering will have a home-based football club despite the Poppies absence.

By Stephen Matthews

Is the one-way system on it's way out?

The dreadful one-way system in Kettering town centre could be on it's way out.

According to All Saints Councillor Michael Brown, Kettering Borough Council (KBC) are in the process of  'drawing up some plans' to remove the one-way system. 

Cllr Brown told us, "We are looking at plans now of turning Eskdail Street two-way."

He also told us that KBC are considering plans to open up Newlands Street to traffic, however money issues could prevent the plans from going ahead. 

KBC have a yearly budget of around £6 million, but the plans to remove the one-way system are estimated to cost up to £4 million.

The aim of the two-way project is to allow traffic to freely move around the town centre, preventing all of the 'ratruns' around the backstreets. 

Cllr Brown said of the plans, "People can come into Kettering, they can get around it, they can get in and they can get out."

By Stephen Matthews

Kettering's oldest Pub creates a petition to save business

Image: here.

A petition has been created in order to bring back live music being performed at Kettering's oldest Pub.

The Cherry Tree Pub has been told to 'cease' it's live music from the Environmental Health Department (EHD) at the Kettering Borough Council (KBC).

Thousands of musicians and bands have performed at the popular Pub over the years.

Gary Heronsby-Smith, manager of the Pub, made his feelings clear: "This is not over by all means, the fight for live music at The Cherry Tree will continue."

"A meeting was held today between the owners of The Cherry Tree and Environmental Health, I was not asked to attend."

"In their infinite wisdom they have decided between them that all live music will cease forthwith."

The Cherry Tree plays a pivotal role in the up-keeping of the community, with it dating back all the way to the 15th century.

Fans of live music from across all age ranges flock to the pub reguarly to support upcoming, as well as established musicians.

The unpopular decision to stop live music from being performed could have detrimental affects on business.

You can sign the petition here.

We want to know your views on whether live-music should continue at one of Kettering's most popular pubs.

By Stephen Matthews

Who really is your local Football club?

Having a town with a population of more than 67,000 which has no Football team plying it's trade there would be embarrassing. Luckily for us however, we have Kettering F.C. 

Little coverage in the local paper means you probably didn't even know of their existence. Kettering Online News plans to keep you up to date with your home-town football club throughout the up-coming season and longer.

Who are they?

Founded in 2012. Football is now rightfully back in Kettering with Kettering F.C. with them set to announce their new ground to the public in the upcoming weeks. Ran by the fans, for the fans - everyone involved received a 'huge pat on the back' when they were awarded their F.A. Charter Standard accreditation.

Image of KTFC's old ground, Rockingham Road. 

"Our ultimate aim is for the club to become a full community club to give all who live in the town a target to play their football, also we would, in the long term, aim to put a community stadium in the town so the club can continue to grow and show that football can be for all and sustainable whilst striving for success both on and off the pitch" Phillip Coe, Secretary and Welfare Officer for Kettering F.C.

When the Poppies moved out in May 2011, it was the first-time since their formation in 1872 that our town didn't have a home-based football club.  The controversial decision to move the club out of the town meant the loss of a community and sporting centre, and a significant financial income to the town. This angered many fans - and still does to this day. Many cited the downward spiral of the one-man ownership at the club as the reason as to why Kettering FC was formed. 

Those involved with Kettering F.C. have an 'extensive' background in football and the local community. Previous roles of the backroom staff have included being directors of Kettering Town Football Club (KTFC), Chairmen of KTFC Supporters Trust, Kettering Borough Councillors. Don't forget the array of officials at all levels of local football. 

It all started with an Under-18's boys team playing in the Northants Senior Youth League, then it moved onto the Girls/Ladies set-up. Starting with the Adult Ladies, then the Under-14 and Under-12 Girls. The  Under-15 Girls (Under 14's in previous season) completed the treble in just their second season of representing the club. League Champions, N.T.F.A Cup Winners & League Cup Winners.

The club is always on the look out for sponsors and advertisers so any publicity the club can gain can only be beneficial. Click here if you're interested.

By Stephen Matthews

Kettering set to receive an award?

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Kettering Borough Council (KBC) are bidding to receive an award based on the quality and diversity of their night time economy.

The 'Purple Flag' award has already been granted to 25 towns, with Kettering aiming to be the first in the county to receive it.

The award, set up by the Association of Town Centre Management is focused on improving towns' night-time economies. 

A report on the KBC website said: ""We are working with partners to develop a bid that would look to improve the offer within the town so as to attract a greater proportion of the population from the surrounding areas into the town centre at night."

"[The award would be] recognition of the hard work being done to improve the evening economy in Kettering."

Kettering Town Centre Task Force are actively involved with the bid process, with them consisting of an array of notable stakeholders including members from Northants Police, KBC and local businesses.

KBC recently put up a survey asking for your opnions on the nightlife economy in the town centre.

Councillor for the All Saints ward Michael Brown said that the survey was a bit of 'market research'.

He added: "Do you want the nightime economy to be somewhere to go and drink and dance or do you want it to be somewhere you can out for a meal, or do you want it to be a mixture of the two?"

By Stephen Matthews

  

Potholes will always be a problem in Kettering

Northamptonshire is never going to be rid of its pothole problem, according to a local Councillor.

All Saints Councillor Michael Brown has said that there just isn't ‘the money there’ to eradicate the pothole problem in our area.

In an exclusive interview with us, he said: “I think potholes are getting better but I don’t think it’s ever going to a problem that is gonna be perfect and ever gonna be solved. I just don’t think there is the money there to do it and I don’t think there ever will be.”

“There is enough road in Northamptonshire to go from here to India and back.”

“Monitoring that amount of road even if you had a team of ten people on it all year round… you wouldn’t get it all done.

He went on to say that both he and County Councillor Bill Parker go round in a car together every so often to highlight the potholes.

Cllr Brown added: “We go around in the car once every 6 months/yearish, and we have a map, mark down where all the potholes are in our area, and he goes off to the county council, takes the map, and they do tend to get filled in.”

If there is a pothole that bothers you, you can report it here: http://www.northamptonshire.gov.uk/en/councilservices/Transport/roads/Pages/report_problem.aspx

By Joe Shine

Council set aside £40,000 for community groups

Image: here.

Kettering Borough Council have set aside £40,000 in an attempt to help improve the local community.

The Council have agreed to donate money mainly through a 'matched funding' scheme to groups who prove they are making a positive impact on the community.

Councillor for the All Saints, Michael Brown said: "If they [those applying for funding] can demonstrate they are a legitimate community group that does work on behalf of the community, then we're willing to match fund up to £2,500."

All Saints Parish Church was one of the firsts to benefit from the Council's funding.

£2,500 was given to the Church in order to fix the heating system that had broke over the winter.

Cllr Brown admitted he was 'proud' of the funding given to the Church, before adding that there was 'big agenda' in his area.

He said, "There's certainly things in my ward i'd like to work on." 

He later added that he'd like some more work to happen at the Rockingham Road Pleasure Park.

By Tom McCartin

EDIT - All Saints Parish Church funding was 'from a different pot'.

Watch England on the BIG screen

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Kettering Borough Council have agreed to show England's final group game on the BIG screen.

Get down to the Market Place on Tuesday 24th June for the 5pm kick-off against Costa Rica. 

The 20-ft high screen in the Market Place will attract hundreds of fans to cheer on the country together.

Joe Shine 19, said: "It's a great idea, let's just hope England don't disappoint."

England's hopes of qualifying for the knock-out stages will more than likely come down to the final group game, due to their opening 2-1 defeat to Italy.

The Council have also agreed to show the big game between Portugal and Germany tomorrow, with the same 5pm kick-off.

By Stephen Matthews

Eric's decision puts Kettering in a pickle

Image: ConstructionEnquirer. Available here.

The approval of the £50M Rushden Lakes project is 'not good' for Kettering according to a councillor.

The major shopping and leisure complex, approved by Eric Pickles, Secretary of State, has 'dissapointed' Cllr Michael Brown.

The All Saints councillor told us in an exclusive interview: "This is going to affect investment into this town."

"[It's] disappointing that it has gone ahead."

"We've already invested a considerable amount of time and energy in trying to oppose those plans."

"It would be against the joint planning unit (JPU) rules and what we all agreed as councils."

"Rushden Lakes goes against these principles that we all agreed."

Councils from Northampton, Kettering, Corby, East Northants and Wellingborough joined together to form the 'JPU'.

The aim of the 'JPU' is to make sure that 'no-body steps on each others toes' so that all of the councils can 'grow together'.

However, leader of Rushden Town Council, Cllr Sarah Peacock believes Pickles decision was the right one, with the promise of 2,000 permanent jobs.

She said: "The whole town and the district will benefit from it, it will bring us employment."

By Stephen Matthews

Is Kettering following in Bristol's footsteps with plans to ban skateboarding?

Photo: Josh Green

A fence has mysteriously appeared outside a supermarket in Kettering in order to deter skaters.

The area just outside of Morrisons on Fleet St is frequently used by young groups of skaters.

However it won't be for much longer, with the installation of a 6-foot metal fence blocking the path.

19 year old roller-blader Josh Green told us that he thought the decision to install a fence was 'stupid'.

He added, "It's not gonna stop people skating under there it's just an inconvenience."

A Morrisons employee at the Kettering store who wished to remain anonymous also said it was 'stupid', adding "[It] will be a burden for people walking to the car park as well."

It could well be a mimicking of the proposed plans to stop skateboarding in the city of Bristol. 

However, it is unsure whether this was a decision made by Morrisons or if it was made by Kettering Borough Council.

By Stephen Matthews

Your chance to see teddy bears parachuting off of a church

Image: here.

Ever wondered what it is like to see teddy bears parachuting off of a Church? Visit Titchmarsh Fete this Saturday (14th June) and you'll find out.

The Fete is planned and carried out by the Titchmarsh villagers themselves, in order to raise money for local groups and other worthy causes.

Last year they managed to raise over £5,000, yet it's hoped that this year will manage to beat that amount, with an array of activities available.

A statement on their website reads: "The Titchmarsh Fete is a fun afternoon, enjoyed by all, so come along and support the village and it's organisations!"

The infamous 'Parachuting Teddies' event at the Titchmarsh Fete is back once again. Strapping a makeshift parachute onto your prized Teddy-Bear is arguably the biggest hit at the Fete, with the winner being determined by whose teddy stays in the air the longest.

Golf hole-in-one, the ladder game, smash the egg, hook a duck, table skittles, a bouncy castle and a bungee run. You won't get bored in Titchmarsh this Saturday!

You won't go hungry or thirsty this Saturday either, with an array of stalls designed to keep you and your family happy.

By Joe Shine

Kettering Rugby Club Beer and Music Festival

Image: KRFC. Available here.

Tomorrow (12th June) sees the start of the hugely successful Kettering Rugby Club Beer and Music Festival.

For the eighth year running the festival returns to Waverley Road, lasting right through until Sunday.

This year's festival promises to be 'the best yet' with around 60 beers and 20 ciders available, alongside talented local musicians who will be performing live.

Robert Castley, Communications Officer for The Blues [Kettering Rugby Football Club] said: "[It's] A fantastic social event for all the family as we have acres of space for everyone."

He added, "Every year just gets busier and busier and helps to raise money for local charities and the club itself."

With the weather set to be fairly promising this weekend, the organisers couldn't have picked a better date to start their 2014 festival.

Entry is free on Thursday and Sunday, with Friday and Saturday costing just £3 for anyone over the age of 18. A festival pass is available for £5.

Do not fear - the England game will be shown on Saturday night for those of you who want to watch our campaign in the World Cup.

By Stephen Matthews

More houses set to be built in Kettering

Photo: Charlie Gwent

Plans are underway to knock down an old shoe factory on Stamford Road and turn it into houses.

MGM Property Co. UK Ltd handed in their planning application last week, with the proposal of 10 three-storey houses being built.

They said on their planning application: "Our proposal is to remove the existing buildings and erect a series of new dwellings."

A final decision as to whether the houses will be built is set to be announced on the 1st September 2014. 

By Stephen Matthews

A43 all-set to become dual carriageway

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Plans to dual the A43 between it's busy Kettering to Northampton stretch are advancing.

However, a lack of funding means that the development of the proposed dual carriageway construction will be split into at least 4 phases.

A report before Northamptonshire County Council’s cabinet today (Tuesday, June 10) pin pointed on the phase between the Round Spinney and the Moulton roundabouts - with work set to commence in Spring 2015. 

Cllr Michael Clarke, county council cabinet member for transport, highways and environment, said: “A good link between Northampton and Kettering is absolutely essential for the county and a key priority for the county council.

“Anyone who has travelled on this route knows just how busy it can be and, not only is this inconvenient, it is also an impediment to further economic growth and associated benefits.

Around 20,000 vehicles use the A43 every day, with congestion being at it's worst heading south in the morning rush hour.

Traffic is set to become even more of a nightmare in the Kettering area due to the proposed widening of the A43. 

This comes at an awkward time, with the widening of the A14 into a three-lane through Junctions 7-9 still ongoing for at least another year.

Phase 1A - Improvements to Round Spinney roundabout. £3.425 million scheme set to start this financial year.

Phase 1B - Dual carriageway linking Round Spinney and Moulton roundabouts - £18.75 million scheme set to start Spring 2015.

Phase 2 - Extending the dual carriageway to the Moulton roundabout. Estimated to cost £20 million.

Further phases - Further extension of dual carriageway from the Holcot/Sywell roundabout to the A14. Estimated cost £65 million.

By Stephen Matthews

Three men robbed at knife-point on busy Kettering Road

Police are looking for witnesses to a robbery that took place on Rockingham Road.

The robbery took place on Wednesday, 21 May, at around 10:45pm, where three men were approached by three other men near Duke Street.

The victims were threatened with a knife and had cash, jewellery and an iPhone stolen from them.

One of the victims was punched in the face, causing a broken cheekbone.

The offenders were described as about 6ft 2in, black, slim build and looked in their late 20’s, early 30’s and were all wearing dark clothing.

After the robbery, the offenders took off towards the town centre in a light grey/silver BMW 5 series.

Any witnesses to this incident are asked to phone Northamptonshire Police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

By Joe Shine

New £1M MRI scanner at KGH

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A new MRI scanner worth £1M has been purchased by Kettering General Hospital.

Designed to improve the care for around 13,000 people who need these type of scans each year, however it won't be available for a few months.

Set to be up and running by November, work will begin tomorrow (Monday 9th June) to extend the existing MRI department to accommodate the new scanner.

Grace Goh, consultant radiologist at the hospital said in one of their press statements: "We may be able to identify problems - such as stroke or cancer - at an earlier stage."

Building work is set to take around 18 weeks, which will involve establishing 'a small compound' between the A&E department and the main reception.

Despite it being a large investment, the Trust say that it will save money in the long-term due to the hiring of the mobile scanner being around £500,000 a year. 

The hospital currently only has one MRI scanner, with them hiring out a mobile scanner to complete heavy workloads. 

By Stephen Matthews

Kettering General Hospital opens new stroke unit

The official opening, image here.

A new dedicated stroke unit was officially opened by Kettering General Hospital yesterday, Tuesday 3rd June.

The new two-floor dedicated stroke unit is located in the Cranford Unit Ward Block, right next to the Treatment Centre.

Launched as part of the Academy of Geratology Excellence (AGE) promgramme set up by the Trust, it is one of only 6 hospitals in the country taking part.

Kettering General Hospital's Director of Nursing and Quality, Clare Culpin, said: "This is one of the first improvements we have made as part of our AGE programme.

The aim of the programme is to improve care for older people, with the unit set to raise the bar on standards of health care for stroke victims.

The move has allowed more space to be given to those victims of strokes, with specialized staff and improved rehabilitation facilities.

Previously, stroke patients were sent to the Naseby Ward Block, but the setting up of a specialized stroke area comes as a huge success to many people.

A 19 year old stroke victim from Broughton said that it was 'ideal', before adding, "I don't need as much time off work to travel to and from appointments."

By Stephen Matthews

Northamptonshire Police campaign to show domestic abuse the red card

You can watch their video here.

A campaign against domestic violence has been launched by Northamptonshire Police to coincide with the World Cup.

Supported by Northamptonshire Against Domestic Abuse (NADA) and the Community Safety Partnership, the police are sending a clear message: Domestic abuse is being shown the red card.

Detective Chief Inspector Steve Lingley, head of the Protecting Vulnerable Persons Unit, said "There is evidence that the threat of domestic violence increases with major football tournaments. Football doesn't cause domestic abuse, but linked to increased alcohol consumption and the emotion sporting events bring it can impact upon some relationships."

Leaflets have been distributed to promote the campaign, they can be found in local outlets such as hospitals, colleges, pubs and police stations.

In addition to this, advertisements will be aired on Heart FM throughout the football tournament.

Northamptonshire Police and Crime Commissioner Adam Simmonds is backing the campaign. He said "One of my main priorities is to cut violent crime by at least 40%, and this can only happen if victims have the confidence to come forward to report crimes and seek justice.

"It is essential that we address domestic abuse effectively and we need people to feel confident in reporting it in order to do that."

By Tom Hornbuckle