Gas attack in Kettering nightclub

Image: Jazza Wallace. http://www.jazzajewelz.co.uk/

One person was taken to hospital after what is believed to be a gas canister was let off inside a Kettering nightclub.

Two other people were treated for breathing difficulties after a suspected gas attack at Bar Qbano, Ebenezer Place.

More than 100 people were inside the the club at the time, but all were evacuated safely at around 2:30AM.

Police believed the attack was down to a "CS-type gas" that was released inside the club.

A spokesperson for East Midlands Ambulance Service told a BBC reporter: "Three patients required treatment for breathing difficulties and abdominal pain.

"Two of those were treated on the scene and one patient was taken to Kettering General Hospital."

A spokesperson from Bar Qbano said the venue had now reopened.

By Stephen Matthews

Kettering Town 2 - Chalfont St. Peter 0

THE Poppies maintained their five point lead at the top of the table following a comfortable two-goal win.

 

Kettering Town bounced back from Tuesday’s 1-0 loss to Bedworth Town in a 2-0 victory over Chalfont St. Peter at Latimer Park.

Poppies bosses Thomas Baillie and Scott Machin had to make some changes to the side that played against Bedworth as James Clifton and Andy Hall were both serving one-match bans.

Skipper Steve Kinniburgh returned to the squad along with James Jepson, Dubi Ogbonna and youngster Andrew Watts.

The first chance of the game came from The Poppies as Elliot Sandy forced a good save from Chalfont keeper Mike McEntegart which David Kolodonski followed up with a loft over the bar.

Chalfont’s first chance of the game came through Lloyd Stephenson as Louis Stead pulled the ball back for him but he saw his effort go wide.

It was just 21 minutes into the game when Kettering scored as Brett Solkhon smashed home at the far post from a corner.

Kolodynski had a few chances throughout; one long range effort which drifted just wide and an audacious overhead kick which was hit just over the bar.

The second half saw the hosts dominate play but it wasn’t until the 72^nd minute when they scored again.

Kolodynski was brought down in the box and Kettering were awarded a penalty which Ogbonna calmly converted making it 12 goals for him this season.

Just before the end, The Poppies had a chance to completely finish the game through Sandy but his goal was ruled offside.

By Joe Shine

Northants Police make major progress

NORTHAMPTONSHIRE Police has made major progress in their bid to become the safest location in England, reveals a major report issued today.

A PEEL (Police Effectiveness, Efficiency and Legitimacy) assessment has been assembled by Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC), in an attempt to discover the performance levels of every police force in England and Wales.

The report uses a rating system to decide the quality of the force’s from the past 12 months – outstanding, good, requires improvement or inadequate - in three key areas; efficiency, effectiveness and legitimacy.

Zoe Billingham, HMIC’s inspector for the Eastern Region in her evaluation on Northamptonshire Police said: “I have been impressed with the Force’s focus on preventing crime. It works well with partners, such as local councils in understanding local priorities and ensuring the public receive joined-up service.

“Anti-social behaviour is a key priority for the Force and there is some good work going on across the county to reduce it and to support and protect victims.

“The force faces a challenging financial future but it understands the issues and continues to take positive steps to achieve savings while keeping its communities safe.”

The efficiency of the force was decided on whether it delivers affordable regulation, as well as the step-by-step planning for the force’s financial situation in the long haul.

Effectiveness was calculated on how well crime is inspected and how effective the force is at protecting individuals who are most likely to find themselves in danger.

Finally, the legitimacy of Northamptonshire Police is amassed on the level of quality their information and data is, whether they carry out their tasks with reliability and the general public opinion of the force.

The force proved to be efficient in improving their financial state, in which they need to accumulate £23m by 2018, as well as being effective at lowering levels of anti-social behaviour (ASB) and crime.

Northamptonshire Police received a rating of ‘good’ for it positive results in decreasing and stopping criminal behaviour levels, with law-breaking dwindling at a larger amount than the average in England and Wales throughout the past four years, and even more in the year to March when it plummeted by 12 percent.

The report stated that there was a “clear and explicit determination to enhance the condition of victim-care, with superior officers setting a good example in relation to the significance of encountering and understanding the requirements of victims.

Additionally, the Force’s effectiveness in providing a wealth of resources and great preparation to challenge ASB was also rated as ‘good’ by the PEEL assessment.

Specialist squads handling issues such as sexual crimes and domestic violence were offering a good assistance, although the force was considered somewhat week in some exploration in offending.

Due to the Force managing to remain on-course to attain investments of £23m by 2018, despite spending very little and not having as much leeway in deducting costs, an efficiency grade of ‘good’ overall was awarded by the HMIC.

Adrian Lee, Chief Constable of Northamptonshire Police, said: “There are some really positive points to come out of this first, new style PEEL assessment. HMIC has recognised we are performing well in a challenging financial period and been innovative in terms of greater collaborative working and the programme to expand significantly our Special Constabulary.

“I am pleased too that HMIC has chosen to highlight our effectiveness in preventing crime and tackling ASB as well as supporting and protecting victims.

“There is however, no room for complacency and there remain areas where improvement is needed such as crime recording and our response to domestic abuse incidents. But real identifiable progress is being made in those areas since we were last subject to specific inspections on them. I hope the public will be reassured by our overall performance independently assessed here.”

Northamptonshire Police have recently conducted ground-breaking methods to develop regulation, which includes the foundation of Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner of the Institute of Public Safety Crime and Justice at the University of Northampton, which has ambitions to advance an approach which uses evidence to improve monitoring in the country.

Also, the Force has created a cyber-crime division to tackle online criminality.

The report by HMIC states that there is a “well-established” joint cooperation with the fire service, as well as substantial development in of the Special Constabulary inside the expenditure evaluations stage, when deciding whether affordable methods of policing were being carried out by the Force.

There was no legitimacy grade awarded to the Northamptonshire Police however, as a result of the timings of the HMIC’s precise reviews connecting with it, as not every necessary check-up activity has been carried out inside the time-frame provided in the initial PEEL assessment.

Nonetheless, the HMIC believes that Northamptonshire Police has a functioning Professional Standards Apartment (PSD), with a minor anti-corruption division involved.

 The report also notices the Force’s individual casualty gratification survey which contains information of the 12 months to last June, revealing that the Force had an above average rating for England and Wales of 86 percent of the public content with the service.

However, criticism which was provided by HMIC was that there were a “notable proportion” of crimes not being noted, and questions the correctness of particular decision-making.

In reaction to this condemnation of the report, the Force has been working on mending this area throughout the previous several months, and the development and forecasts of this particular work is presently being examined specifically by HMIC.

Nonetheless, the report believes the encouraging developments of Northamptonshire Police include the foundation of a cyber-crime division, the leading of a fresh patrolling approach originated on public enablement, improved cooperation with the Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service and additional local services, and the “ambitious” scheme to employee elite constables (which presently have 380, the biggest amount of any Force).

In reaction to HMIC’s report, Adam Simmonds, Police and Crime Commissioner for Northamptonshire, said: “This is a very encouraging snapshot which reflects the good work being done by Northamptonshire Police particularly in response to ASB and crime prevention and its ability to continue to innovate despite the financial pressures facing the service as a whole.

“It is good to see too that the HMIC has recognised how much is being done to improve support for victims and the ambition we have for the Specials recruitment campaign, both of which are key components of my Police and Crime Plan. This report tells me that the Force and the OPCC are definitely moving forward in the right direction.”

HMIC has also announced two additional examinations on the Northamptonshire Police, together with today’s report, one reviewing corruption and integrity, and one reviewing crime, and both of these examinations openly relate to the grades and assessments within PEEL.

Within the next three months, the Force needs to guarantee that staff and officers understand the mandatory principles inside the Victims’ Code of Practice, which is being tackled through continuing conferences across the force, was recommended by the HMIC.

Northamptonshire Police have also been advised to guarantee there is suitable supervising and inaccuracy of the level of assistance offered for sufferers, a factor which will be consulted succeeding the introduction last month by the Police and Crime Commissioner of VOICE, the witness and casualty service within Northamptonshire.

There have also been several developments which have occurred since the previous audit in 2012, which was discovered last July within the integrity and corruption evaluation.

The force has been applauded for implanting proficient performance in action and installing the Code of Ethics, according to the report.

The report testifies: “HMIC found officers and staff are very aware of how their personal behaviour and attitude affect others. They see this as positive and a clear strength for the Force.”

There were four endorsements offered, with one being that Northamptonshire Police should function alongside co-workers in EMSOU (The East Midlands Special Operations Unit, to guarantee there are practical procedures in operation to tackle counter-corruption, in deference of every staff member assigned to that division.

The HMIC evaluations on Crime Inspection and on Integrity and Corruption, the PEEL assessment for Northamptonshire Police and Tom Winsor’s Assessment of Policing can all be seen on HMIC’s website at:  www.justiceinspectorates.gov.uk/hmic

By Matt Hamblin

Man hit by vehicle and driven down busy road on bonnet

Image: Heart

A man was driven down one of Northampton's busiest roads on the bonnet of a car after being hit by the vehicle, allegedly.

A 44-year-old man travelled more than 550ft along Wellingborough Road, Northampton on the bonnet of a red Vauxhall Astra.

The incident occured sometime between the hours of 1:30am and 2:30am on Saturday, November 22.

A 54-year-old woman was arrested following the incidents.

Officers investigating the case would now like anyone who was in the Wellingborough Road area and who saw either what happened in the pub or in the street outside to contact them.

Witnesses, or anyone with any information, can call the police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

By Jordan Lyons

Who's to blame for Liverpool's crisis?

Image: BBC

You've been reading a book entitled 'What's gone wrong at Anfield' for the past five years. 

Your eyes are firmly glued to the page, mesmerised by the twists and turns in stages of decline of this once great football club. 

Chapter five finished. A glimmer of hope in your voice and a twinkle in your eye after you put the book down temporarily. 

What you believed was a positive turn in the story - it wasn't.

You pick the book back up, you just had to, the story is just too engaging. Prepare to dust yourself down and get ready for another twist as chapter six is ready to grip your attention ever tighter. 

'Who's to blame this time?' is what you're already thinking.

Pointing the finger at Brendan Rodgers is a brave move. 

This is the same man that fine-tuned an average Liverpool side into title contenders just six months ago, remember?

Coming out in public and accepting the blame for the recent poor run would have been an admirable decision by the Northern Irishman.

Well that's exactly what the 41-year-old did in a recent interview.

“I’m not arrogant enough to think that I will be in a job through anything,” Rodgers reveals,

“Any manager will tell you that you have to win games and you have to get results, especially after how we’ve been developing as a football club. 

"But I have a great communication line with the owners. 

"We’ve been honest enough with each other but ultimately you have to get results. 

"You have to perform."

Has it really been Rodgers' tactics that have silenced Liverpool fans this campaign, or is it the lack of effort some of the first team players appear to be giving?

Defence is the obvious key issue at Anfield.

Croatian centre-half Dejan Lovren joined the club in the summer in a midst of hype over Liverpool's first season back in Europe's elite competition - the Champions League.

Look down into the drain and you'll find the £20 million pounds spent on him.

The 25-year-old defender has struggled to break into the side, with Rodgers preferring French International Mamadou Sakho and fans favourite Martin Skrtel. 

Lovren has looked unmotivated in the games he has featured in, seeming to lack any passion for the game.

Simon Mignolet. Need I say more?

Mistake after mistake. He's cost us a lot of much-needed points this season.

Absentee Daniel Sturridge has also proved to be a huge loss for the red half of Merseyside.

Prolific and dangerous - he poses a threat against every team we play. Injured until New Year, we'll have to scrape through December and hope Ricky Lambert and Mario Balotelli can prove useful.

However there is one thing I can’t defend Rodgers on, and that’s replacing the poor replacement for the devastating loss of Luis Suarez to Barcelona.

Liverpool currently lay 12th in the Barclays Premier League - losing as many games as they did in last years campaign in just 12 fixtures.

By Daryl Greenland & Stephen Matthews

Poppies' Ogbonna linked with move to Luton Town

Image: SL10.ng

KETTERING Town forward Dubi Ogbonna has said leaving the club is the 'last thing on his mind', despite interest from Luton Town.

The 23-year-old has been heavily linked with a move to the Sky Bet League Two outfit.

Hatters' manager, John Still, was spotted at Latimer Park during the 5-0 demolition of St Ives Town earlier this season.

Nigerian-born Ogbonna said: "I joined Kettering because they have ambition and I want to move up the football ladder with them.

"But if an offer comes then it's something I would have to sit down and consider as I want to play as high as I can.

"I don't think it's a case of I will leave for any team higher in the league, I think it would have to be a Football League side.

"If something came up we would all sit down and decide but leaving Kettering is the last thing on my mind at the moment.

However, when asked about the interest from Luton Town, he said: "It's certainly something I would consider."

Ogbonna, who has scored 11 times this season, has previously attracted interest from Peterborough United and Northampton Town.

A source with-in the club revealed that Oxford United and Cambridge City have also sent scouts to watch the forward play this season.

By Stephen Matthews

Lock your doors and windows!

HOMEOWNERS in Kettering are being advised by police to lock windows and doors securely following burglaries that are occurring in the north east and central parts of town.

Properties which have had front doors and back doors left open, and windows left easily accessible were the reasons 11 out of 13 burglaries had happened in Kettering since the beginning of September.

The 13 burglaries were carried out in All Saints, Northfield, Avondale Grange and William Knibb wards.

Sector Inspector for Kettering, Richard Tall said: “It’s really concerning that so many of the burglaries reported recently have happened at unsecured properties.

“Many of the properties in this part of town are terraced houses where an opportunist burglar can just walk along the street trying each door and if they find one unlocked, it only takes seconds for them to sneak in and steal whatever is lying around. 

“They’ll also go around the back and try the back doors too. In fact, out of the 13 recent burglaries, the offender got in through an unlocked front door at five properties, an unlocked back door at another five, and one thief got in through an open window. 

“While we can’t be certain they wouldn't try to force their way in to a locked house, the chances are they’ll move on to the next one until they find an easier target.

“Most of the recent burglaries have happened overnight while people were at home and asleep but some have happened during the day too.

"So the message is, whatever time of day it is and even when you’re at home, please make sure you keep doors and windows locked!”

For further crime prevention and home security guidance, visit: www.northants.police.uk/crimeprevention

By Matt Hamblin

Northants Police support global campaign

Image: GlobalDimension

Northamptonshire Police and Northamptonshire County Council backed the UN’s International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.

Northants Police used the global campaign to encourage women who are victims of sexual assault and violence to come forward.

One in three women will experience physical or sexual violence at some point in their life.

Detective Chief Inspector Jen Helm, Head of Public Protection, said: “On average a woman is assaulted 35 times before reporting it to the police.

"I want to use this day to send out a very clear message to encourage all victims to pick up the phone and get help.

“We have specialist officers who offer as much assistance to victims as possible, whether that be helping them seek refuge, make a criminal complaint or find support from a partner organisation.

“We can help women get safe and stay safe.”

Staff awareness events providing advice and information were on Northamptonshire County Council's agenda for the day.

Deputy Leader Councillor Heather Smith said: “Violence against women and girls is often hidden. 

"In our safeguarding role, it’s crucial that our employees can recognise the signs of violence against women so that we and our partners can support them. 

“We’ve organised events for our staff specifically to mark this global campaign but for us, we work all year round to ensure our workforce is trained to recognise violence and abuse in all its forms.”

Northamptonshire against Domestic Abuse and Sexual Abuse (NADASA) also supported the campaign. 

NADASA is a forum which includes many of the agencies in the county who work with victims and perpetrators of domestic abuse. 

NADASA Chair, Wendy Lovell, said: "We are fortunate in this county to have a number of agencies working together to alleviate the impact of domestic and sexual abuse on families which lasts for many years.

“As we all work closely together - whether it be a voluntary sector or statutory organisation - we can make sure that victims can be signposted to the best agency to help, whatever the circumstances.”

Violence against women happens all around the world, with around 130 million women having undergone Female Genital Mutilation.

By Luke Atherton

Kettering Borough Council continue to make improvements

Kettering Borough Council (KBC) has improved the signage and the lighting around the town centre in recent months.

Following the influx of new bars and restaurants to improve Kettering’s night time community, work was done to make the town safer.

Improvement of lighting was 'a must' to ensure visitors and current citizens could enjoy a safe, vibrant and diverse evening out in the town.

Head of Community Services at KBC, Guy Holloway said: “These latest measures demonstrate that Kettering is continuing to develop and improve. 

"Kettering is without doubt gathering momentum. If you haven’t been in to town recently, why not come and have a look?”

The main walkways and alleyways around London Road car-park heading towards the Horsemarket have been upgraded.

Taller trees and lower shrubs have been trimmed back to open up areas and make people feel safer.

Lights are to set to be installed into some trees around the town, including one outside Abacus on Dalkeith Place and outside Mangiamo on Market Street - to create a more ambient atmosphere in the evening.

KBC have also took into consideration the lighting throughout the town to ensure the main walkways are well lit and the lights are in working order, staying on until a reasonable time.

Northamptonshire Police Crime Commissioner, Adam Simmonds, said: “The council have made great strides over the past six months in providing the leadership and drive with partners, businesses and the local community to improve Kettering town centre. 

"I see the project as a significant contributor to the county’s drive and commitment to the Local Alcohol Action Area work currently being taken forward across Northamptonshire.”  

By Daryl Greenland

Run Your Tongue in Kettering for free

KETTERING'S only spoken word night is back once again this week - with free entry!

The successful Run Your Tongue open mic night returns this Thursday, at the Three Cocks Inn.

Run Your Tongue has previously attracted big-name artists such as Andrew 'The MulletProof Poet' Graves and Jayne Stanton.

Robert Reeves, organiser of the event said: "We've got a new venue at the Three Cocks which I think lends itself really well to our set-up.

"The night isn't interrupted by anyone else, which is what happened before at the old venue sometimes.

Despite only re-launching a couple of months ago, the support for the event has been great, with Reeves revealing it's starting to 'take-off'.

He said: "I think its great that something like this is working in Kettering.

"Next year I think it's going to get even more popular."

Run Your Tongue is not ran as a contest, it works as a platform to speak, share and enjoy each others' work and ideas.

Anyone can perform, with each performer being given 10 minutes to showcase their verbal talents,

Reeves said: "We have had people perform who have been doing it for years, but we've also had a lot of people who have never done this sort of thing before.

"It just gives people a platform and whatever they want to do with their ten minutes is up to them.

"It's surprising how many people have taken to it - people I would never expect to be into this kind of thing have come up to me and asked if they could perform their poems and stories."

When asked if there were any plans in place to bring some more higher profile names to the event, Reeves said: "It would be nice to have high profile people like James Acaster.

"I know him and was thinking about asking him a while ago.

"I think it would have to be a low-key, unadvertised thing if he ever was up for doing it, but you never know he might turn up one day to do ten minutes!"

Acaster, who is from Kettering has been nominated for the Edinburgh Comedy Awards for three years running.

The 29-year-old recently posted a series of videos, poking fun at what he finds in his return to Kettering. 

Run Your Tongue will always be held on the final Thursday of every month, despite next month's event falling on Tuesday 23rd December because of Christmas.

By Stephen Matthews

Kettering General Hospital requires improvement

Image: BAUS

Inspectors have told Kettering General Hospital that it needs to improve.

An inspection that took place at the start of September by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) found that the hospital 'required improvement' in six out of eight areas.

The areas that the hospital requires improvement in are: Urgent and Emergency Services, Medical Care, Surgery, Critical Care, Maternity and Gynaecology, and Outpatients and Diagnostic Imaging.

Kettering General Hospital's Medical Director, Dr Andrew Chilton, said: "We are acting in the areas that the CQC found as requiring improvement.

"We immediately addressed the Intensive Care Unit staffing issue and are reviewing staffing levels of junior doctors in surgery.

“We are reviewing the leadership of end of life care and are in the process of establishing key strategic priorities to ensure the service we provide is of the highest quality.”

Kettering General Hospital was identified as being 'potentially high risk' on the CQC's Intelligent Monitoring system in July of this year.

This sparked a comprehensive inspection of the hospital between 2-4 September this year.

Services for Children and Young People was rated as good, despite the End of Life Care being branded 'inadequate'.

Kettering General Hospital’s Chairman, Graham Foster, said: “On behalf of the Board of Directors of Kettering General Hospital I accept the recommendations and feedback contained in the CQC report, much of which reflects existing programmes of work which are in progress at the hospital.

"I am confident that the Trust’s dedicated professional staff will continue to work closely with the CQC, and other commissioners and regulators, to deliver the improved service that the Board is committed to providing for the communities of North Northamptonshire.”

CQC did make it clear that they did witness several areas of 'outstanding practice', with the inspectors praising the caring staff.

By Stephen Matthews

Police cadets praised for helping the local community

Image: Northants Police

Northamptonshire's young police cadets have been praised for their commitment to helping the local community.

In recent months, the cadets have completed hundreds of hours of voluntary service in helping on police projects.

The cadets, who are all aged between 15 and 18, have helped to make sure major events such as the Shambala music festival went ahead safely.

Northamptonshire Police’s Chief Constable, Adrian Lee, said: “The cadets provide a great service to our community and are a credit to the force.

“It’s wonderful to see them both helping out our officers at events and working with the community to enhance the reputation of Northamptonshire Police.

“And as well as giving a lot to the community, I know the cadets themselves benefit greatly from the scheme.”

Introduced in 2011, The Police Cadets learn about law, first-aid, police procedures and crime prevention techniques.

More information about becoming a cadet is available at www.northants.police.uk or by emailing members of the Specials and volunteers department at sav@northants.pnn.police.uk.

By Jordan Lyons

Kettering Borough Council helps to Keep Britain Tidy

Image: available here.

KETTERING Borough Council has joined forces with environmental charity, Keep Britain Tidy, in an attempt to reduce dog fouling in areas across the Borough.

The new campaign will be launched by the end of November, following research that showed dog walkers are more prone to picking up their dog’s mess when they are being watched.

Keep Britain Tidy’s experiment showed that dog fouling tends to occur at night time and during the winter months as dog owners feel they cannot be seen 'under the cover of darkness'.

Shirley Plenderleith, Head of Environmental Health at Kettering Borough Council, said: “Dog fouling is still a key issue in certain areas of the Borough.

"The vast majority of dog owners are responsible and pick up after their dog but unfortunately a few irresponsible owners spoil an area for everyone.

"We hope this campaign reinforces the strong message that dog fouling is unacceptable."

Kettering Borough Council described the new poster campaign as ‘edgy’ and uses innovative, cutting-edge materials.

It involves glow in the dark posters with the slightly unnerving words ‘We’re watching you’ sprayed across them.

Also, Environmental Wardens will be patrolling on foot in the highest affected areas to make sure dog owners are being responsible.

Anyone found failing to clear up after their dog by these Wardens will be facing a hefty on-the-spot fine of £75.

After trialing these posters in other areas in the country, Keep Britain Tidy found that there was an average reduction of 46% in the levels of dog fouling.

Keep Britain Tidy Chief Executive Phil Barton, said: “We are delighted that Kettering Borough Council is joining with us for this campaign. 

"Our research tells us that people see dog fouling as, by far, the most unacceptable and dirtiest type of litter. 

"This campaign has been proven to make a difference and encourage the minority of dog owners who don’t pick up after their pets to do the right thing.”

Councillor Derek Zanger, Kettering Borough Council’s Portfolio Holder for Regeneration, said: “We are thrilled to be working with Keep Britain Tidy and being a part of such a cutting edge campaign. 

"We hope that we will see the same results as the local authorities who took part in the trial in helping to combat dog fouling in the local area.”

By Joe Shine

Police officer stabbed with sword in Northampton

A police officer in Northampton was stabbed with a sword on Sunday evening (23 November).

The officer was seriously injured during an incident which occured in the Lakeview area of Northampton.

Northants Police said a man was in custody, with them not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident.

Chief Superintendent Paul Fell said: "Officers were called to an incident in Appleby Walk at about 7:45pm on Sunday.

"During the course of the incident an officer was stabbed in the leg with a sword.

"He was admitted to Northampton General Hospital for medical treatment and his injury, whilst serious, is not life threatening. He is expected to make a full recovery."

By Stephen Matthews

House used by drug dealers and squatters closed by Police

AN abandoned house which was being used as a drug den by drug dealers and squatters has been closed by Northamptonshire Police under new legislation.

 

The property at 111 Midland Road, Wellingborough was closed for two days this week under new laws that came into force in October this year as part of the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014.

Magistrates have backed a police application to close the house for a further three months.

Inspector Paul Valentine from Northamptonshire Police said: “This building has really fallen into disrepair and become a derelict drugs den and a centre for anti-social behaviour.

“We’ve had many complaints from people who live nearby about its condition, so I’m delighted that we have been able to close it down.

“It is also pleasing that Northamptonshire Police is at the forefront of using this new legislation for the benefit of the whole community.”

Northampton Police are only the second force in the country to use this new legislation which makes it illegal for anyone but those authorised to enter the house.

Wellingborough Borough Council are considering whether to use their compulsory purchase powers on the property.

By Joe Shine