Kettering Town 5 - Royston Town 0

DAVID Kolodynski sealed his first Poppies hat-trick in a five-goal thriller against Royston Town.

A red card for Scott Bridges and goals from Hall and Sandy made sure Kettering Town stay top of the league after thrashing Royston Town 5-0. 

Andy Hall came in for Claudiu Hoban and Gooding replaced in-form Ogbonna after failing a fitness test.

The first chance of the game came to Royston Town 11 minutes in when Kaan Fehmi took an audacious attempt from long-range but it was saved well by Richard Knight.

The Poppies responded well six minutes later when Elliot Sandy picked up the ball in the box and had his shot tipped over the bar by Royston keeper Ron Yates.

Sandy wasn't stopping there though as he made a great run towards the box but his effort was deflected into Yates’ arms. 

Nothing much happened after that until the 41st minute when Scott Bridges was sent off for a late challenge on Tommy Hull.

Kettering Town started the first half brightly as Steve Kinniburgh’s cross was poorly dealt with by the Royston defenders and Hall smashed it home.

The Poppies found the back of the net just three minutes later as Sandy finished into an empty net following a goalkeeper error.

Royston had a great chance to pull a goal back after their corner was flicked onto the back post but Fehmi’s sliding shot somehow went over from two yards out. 

The visitors were punished for that miss one minute later when David Kolodynski tapped in his first Poppies goal.

Kolodynski then had his first shot saved but slotted home the rebound to make it 4-0.

The Poppies weren't done there however as Elliot Sandy attempted a bicycle kick that had to be saved.

Kolodynski rounded off the game in the final minute after Sandy was taken down in the box, calmly finishing the penalty.

By Joe Shine

County Council look at saving £66 million next year

Image: BBC

Northamptonshire County Council are looking at making £66 million worth of savings next year in their draft budget.

An increase of just under 2% in Band D Council Tax has been proposed as a way of increasing revenue for the 2015/16 draft budget.

The council plans to save just short of £150 million within the next five years, in order to help reduce the national deficit.

Cllr Bill Parker, county council cabinet member for finance, told the Northants Telegraph: “The financial challenge we are facing is immense and we simply cannot continue to deliver our services in the same way we have in the past.

“This means we are having to increase the amount we charge our customers for some services.

“As an authority, we must look towards becoming more self-financing because we can no longer rely on funding from central government and council tax, with demand for our services exceeding our income.

“These fee increases are largely in line with inflation and will enable the council to best serve the needs of the people of Northamptonshire.”

Public services are at risk, with the 'biggest ever transformation' necessary if they are to continue to be delivered. 

A small inflationary rise in charges for civil partnership and marriage ceremonies has also been proposed, alongside parking at country parks.

The draft budget is subject to a six-week consultation, but the final decision won't be made until the full council meeting on February 19th of next year. 

By Stephen Matthews

Northants Police send reminder to motorists

Image: nn4now

Northamptonshire Police are reminding motorists to not leave their car without supervision with the engine on while it defrosts due to frosty mornings and cooler weather.

Three vehicles were reported stolen due to residents leaving their keys in the ignition while the car was defrosted or warming up in 2013.

Nonetheless, the statistics for this particular crime was worse in 2012, since 10 thefts took place.

 Inspector Phil Mills, a member of the force’s volume crime team, is warning drivers to remain alert regarding their vehicles at all times on frosty mornings.
 

He said: “Although we haven’t had reports of any vehicles being stolen in this way so far this winter, we’ve had a few frosty mornings with no doubt more to come, and we don’t want people to be caught out.

“Of course, it’s vital that vehicles ae clear of frost and snow before being driven but it is important that people stay with their car while it’s defrosting.

“It’s natural to think your car will be safe outside your house for a few minutes but unfortunately, the opportunist thief is always on the lookout for an easy target and an unattended car with the key in the ignition is just that. 

“The inconvenience and cost of having your car stolen in this way can be prevented and I would urge drivers to allow extra time to safely clear their windscreens in the morning and to stay with their vehicles while doing so.”

For additional safety information, visit www.northants.police.uk/crimeprevention.

By Matt Hamblin

Northants Police Twitterthon

Northamptonshire Police will tweet details of the calls its Force Control Room collects, for 24 hours in the build-up before Christmas.

The force carried out its first Twitterthon in September, which resulted in over 270,000 people seeing tweets regarding calls made to the police both on the emergency 999 number and the non-emergency 101 line.

There is a plan in place to hold a second Twitterthon on Wednesday, December 10, after the great success of the original.

The purpose of the next Twitterthon will be to alert residents of the various types of calls the force receives throughout December.

Chief Inspector Fay Tennet, who is in charge of the control room said: “The last Twitterthon we held was a great success and really showed people both the volume of calls we receive and the nature of the calls.

“I think people were really interested to see how our staff deals with major incidents and also surprised by the number of inappropriate calls we receive – particularly to the 999 line.

“It will be interesting now to show people the type of calls we get as Christmas approaches because we expect the next few weeks to be particularly busy ones for us.”

The Twitterthon will last from 7am on Wednesday, December 10 until 7am on Thursday, December 11.

Associates of Northamptonshire Police’s news and publishing team will tweet about events reported to the Force Control Room using the hashtag #FCR24 on the @northantspolice account throughout the occasion.

By Matt Hamblin

Council welcomes funding for A14 junction

Kettering Borough Council welcomes the Government’s funding towards the cost of a new junction on the A14.

The proposed junction 10A will receive vital funding from the Department of Transport’s Road Investment Strategy for the Midlands.

Phillip Hollobone, MP for Kettering, said: “A lot of people have worked extremely hard in order to make the case for funding for the new A14 junction 10A.

“Today’s announcement from the Government comes almost three years after funding was announced for the widening of the A14.

“Together these two major road improvements can provide a significant springboard for future investment in jobs in the area.”

Hollobone said in parliament that the cost of the junction is estimated to be around £39 million.

Kettering Borough Council has been trying to secure an additional junction for the A14 for many years.

Junction 10A will provide a link to new housing, education and employment in the new East Kettering development.

By Stephen Matthews

Woman dies in fatal car crash near Finedon

A woman died following a horrific crash on the A510 Thrapston Road, near Finedon on Friday evening.

A grey Peugeot 206 being driven by a 27-year-old woman was going towards Finedon when it collided with a yellow Suzuki Alto, being driven by a 56-year-old woman, at about 5.10pm.

The woman driving Suzuki was unfortunately pronounced dead at the scene and the woman driving the Peugeot was taken to Kettering General Hospital with serious injuries.

It is unknown right now what lead to the crash occurring.

Police are appealing for anyone who may have witnessed this collision or who may have any information about it.

Anyone with information or who witnessed this incident is asked to call the Drivewatch Hotline on 0800 174615.

By Joe Shine

Hanwell Town 0 - Kettering Town 1

ELLIOT Sandy scored the only goal of the game to maintain Kettering Town’s lead at the top of the league in a 1-0 victory at Hanwell Town.

The Poppies’ win gives them a ten-point lead over both Aylesbury and Hanwell who are placed third and fourth in the Evo-Stik Southern League Division One.

Second placed Bedworth United also won today meaning that the difference between them and Kettering stays at five points.

Kettering started the game well but it was half an hour into the game when the first chance came through Dubi Ogbonna who forced Hanwell goalkeeper Alex Tokarczyk to make a good reflex save.

Hanwell also had a close chance not long after with Billy Adcock and Bill Healey both having efforts blocked during a goalmouth scramble.

The last chance of the half came from Kettering when David Kolodynski burst down the pitch but Tommy Hull smashed it wide when the ball fell to him.

The Poppies started the second half strongly when Sandy held the ball up for James Clifton who got into the box but hit it over the bar.

Kettering’s goal came in the 52^nd minute as Ogbonna gave it to Sandy who finished well from close-range.

After the goal, The Poppies dominated play and Ogbonna’s shot forced Tokarczyk to tip the ball over before substitute Andy Hall seized upon a defensive error from Kyle Waton but his effort was deflected just wide.

Hall had a great chance to finish off the game but blasted it wide after beating Tokarczyk to the ball.

The hosts caused a couple of problems in the dying minutes but The Poppies defended well and saw the game off to seal yet another crucial victory.

By Joe Shine

Free parking in Kettering on some days

Kettering Borough Council is offering free parking in the town on specific days in December.

The festive parking dates shall be all day on Saturday 6th, 13th and 20th December 2014, and after 3pm on Thursday 4th, 11th and 18th December 2014.

The dates are in addition to the free parking already offered in Council owned car parks on Sundays and evenings (after 6pm).

Guy Holloway who is  Head of Corporate Development at Kettering Borough Council, said: “There’s never been a better time to get into Kettering town centre.  I am looking forward to seeing everybody enjoying the free activities on offer."

Free parking will be in the Kettering Borough Council car parks in London Road, Queen Street, School Lane, School Lane Pop & Shop, Wadcroft and Commercial Road. 
By Jordan Lyons

Small Business Saturday returns to Kettering tomorrow

Small Business Saturday is coming back to Kettering tomorrow, Saturday 6 December.

Having only launched in 2010, Small Business Saturday has raised around £3.5 billion in the U.S alone, with Kettering Borough Council looking to build on the success in this country.

Small Business Saturday is designed to help local traders and businesses, with it occurring on the busiest shopping day of the year - the first Saturday of December.

Guy Holloway, Head of Community Services at Kettering Borough Council, said: “Small independent retailers, businesses and traders are the lifeblood of the communities in which we live and work, and are integral to the health of our economy.  

"We are looking forward to showing people what it means to keep trade local, and highlighting the great things Kettering has to offer both to the local community and visitors all year round.”

To promote the campaign Kettering Markets are offering new and existing Traders a stall at £10 a pitch, Pitches can be booked at www.kettering.gov.uk/markets.

As well as Small Business Saturday Kettering on the Catwalk will also be returning with a festive Christmas Fashion Show. 

Local stores will be showcasing their cloths at 12pm on the catwalk on the High Street. Stores include:

Next, Marks and Spencer, Dorothy Perkins, Officers Club, Body Shop, Peacocks, Roman Originals, Oxfam, Extra Care, Cransley Hospice, Laura Ashley, Bon Marche, Toni and Guy, M&Co, TK Maxx and Select.

By Jordan Lyons

Man arrested for allegedly taking inappropriate pictures

Image: Geolocation

Northamptonshire Police are appealing for a crucial witness to come 

forward after a man was arrested for allegedly taking inappropriate 

photographs of women.

A 52-year-old man was arrested following numerous incidents that took place at the Riverside retail park, Northampton on Thursday 4 December.

Officers overseeing the case are specifically interested in speaking to a woman who was shopping at roughly 2.30pm on December 4 in Poundland, as she could possibly be a vital witness.

She is described as having blonde shoulder length hair and was wearing a black skirt.

The woman, or any individual with any information about this recent incident, can ring Northamptonshire Police on 101 or Crimestoppers in confidence on 0800 555111.

By Matt Hamblin

Put fire safety at the top of your Christmas list

Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service and the Fire Kills campaign are urging Northamptonshire residents to put fire safety at the top of their Christmas lists.

Around 2,700 accidental fires happened in homes across England last December - more than any other month of the year.

Whilst fire safety is a key issue throughout the year, it's important to be extra careful when Christmas time comes.

Baz Fox, Prevention and Community Protection Manager for Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue, said: “Christmas is a time for festive cheer with family and friends, but fairy lights, candles and decorations can pose a fire risk if we don’t use them safely and we should all plan to take extra care to keep our loved ones safe from fire.”

Make sure you keep safe this Christmas and follow a few simple tips from the Fire Kills campaign:

• Ensure you have working smoke alarms installed on all levels of your home. A working alarm can give you the vital time needed to escape from a fire. Test your smoke alarms regularly and never remove batteries!
• Never leave cooking unattended. The majority of fires start in the kitchen, so this is a high risk area. Many of us enjoy a merry tipple over the festive season but avoid cooking whilst under the influence of alcohol. Always remember to turn off kitchen appliances when you have finished cooking.
• Never leave burning candles unattended. Keep candles out of the reach of children, and away from decorations, cards and wrapping paper, fires, lights and heaters. Ensure you place candles and tea lights in suitable holders to avoid dripping hot wax on flammable items and keep them away from curtains.
• Put your cigarette out, right out. Make sure your cigarette is fully extinguished and take care when under the influence of alcohol or tired. It’s very easy to fall asleep while your cigarette is still burning and set furniture alight.
• Don’t overload sockets. Ensure only one plug per socket. Remember extension leads are meant for temporary use, not as a regular solution to a lack of sockets. Always turn off plugs when they are not in use, except those that are designed to be left on, like freezers.
• Ensure you switch off fairy lights and unplug them before you go to bed, or leave the house. Check your Christmas tree lights conform to the British Standard (BS EN 60598) and are in good working order before use.
• Always use an RCD (residual current device) on outdoor electrical equipment. This safety device can save lives by instantly switching off the power if there is a fault and can be found in any DIY store.
• Community Spirit – help someone out this Christmas. Offer to test the smoke alarms of someone you know who may need help such as an older relative or neighbour to ensure their safety, as they may be at greater risk from fire, especially if they have decreased mobility.
• Make sure that everyone in your home knows what to do in a fire – in the event of fire you should get out, stay out and call 999.

By Stephen Matthews

Kettering police station to close front desk

Image: Paul J Lashmar

Kettering police station's front office services will be shut in April next year.

Northamptonshire Police plan to shut the service at the Kettering station in just four months.

People with inquiries or wanting to report incidents are being asked to go to the nearby borough council offices.

Supt Andy Cox told the Northants Telegraph: “I hope people will be happy to see police staff when they call into the council offices and maybe consider coming to us for some crime prevention advice or to report an incident while they’re paying their council tax or speaking to a housing officer.”

County councillors have already issued warnings over plans to close the police stations in Kettering, Wellingborough and Rushden.

Labour leader Cllr John McGhee told Northants Telegraph: “They are a front-line service. I know my constituents like to go and speak to someone directly.”

Whilst Labour county councillor Mick Scrimshaw admitted that people would be 'concerned'.

He told the Northants Telegraph: “I think the annoying thing is that this has been done to save money and not to offer a better service."

By Stephen Matthews

75 vehicles seized by Northants Police last month

Over 75 vehicles were detained by Northamptonshire Police throughout a month-long procedure to pursue individuals driving without correct insurance on the county’s roads.

The idea behind the procedure was to warn people they will be discovered and punished if they drive without a lawful insurance.

The main roads were targeted by the police, and to classify unregistered vehicles they used automatic number plate recognition technology (ANPR), and the procedure lasted from 27 October to 21 November.

Sergeant Darron Bishop, who was in charge of the procedure, said: “Although this was a specific operation to focus on uninsured drivers, it’s something we look out for all year round and the message is clear – there is no excuse for not having insurance; it is illegal and officers will seize your vehicle if you are not covered.

“As well as the inconvenience of having no car, drivers without insurance also face a fine, storage costs and a charge to collect the vehicle as well as six points on their licence. No vehicle is released until proof of insurance is produced and if this does not happen, the vehicle it may be destroyed.”

Over a four-week time slot, 77 vehicles were found to have been uninsured.

Northamptonshire Police had assistance to carry out the procedure from officers of nearby forces who together shape a section of the East Midlands Operational Support Service.

The yearly cost of uninsured driving is projected by the Motor Insurers Bureau to be £400 million.

Motor Insurers Bureau also project 130 people are killed and 26,500 people are injured, as a result of 9,000 unregistered drivers and vehicles on the county’s roads annually.

By Matt Hamblin

Teenager assaulted in Kettering

An 18-year-old man received facial injuries after being assaulted in Kettering on Saturday, 1 November.

The man was attacked on Rothwell Road, just opposite the turning for Kettering General Hospital A&E shortly after 10pm.

Police are appealing for witnesses to the incident or anyone who has any information to come forward.

The offenders are believed to have used a silver 4x4 vehicle both before and after the attack.

Witnesses or anyone with information about this incident is asked to call police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

By Stephen Matthews

Police crack down on drink drivers

Northamptonshire Police’s yearly Christmas drink-driving campaign resulted in over 50 drivers undergoing breath tests on Monday morning (1 December).

Drivers in Bedford Road, Northampton were pulled over by police to ensure they were not driving over the legal limit after consuming alcohol the previous night.

Sergeant Tony Hopkins who carried out the operation, warned drivers not to be surprised by additional procedures which will also be carried out within the next four weeks.

He stated: “There will be a lot of officers out on the roads doing these kinds of tests during December because we want to make sure people are thinking about the dangers of drink-driving and not doing it.”

Over 100 drink-drivers were discovered by police on Northamptonshire’s roads in December last year, which was still a better result than when 130 drink-drivers were discovered in 2012.

However, none of the 50 drivers that were pulled over throughout Monday’s procedure were found to have been driving over the legal limit.

Sgt Hopkins remains optimistic that the number of drink-drivers will continue to plummet this year, with motorists understanding that driving under the influence causes great danger to other drivers and is socially intolerable.

He stated: “People need to think about the impact getting a driving ban would have. Would they be able to keep their job and get the children to school without a driving licence?

“People need to think, is it worth risking everything to drive instead of getting a taxi or walking home?”

Punishments ranging from a driving ban of minimum a year, six months prison sentence and fines of up to £5000 can be handed out to motorists found to be driving or attempting to drive under the influence.

More severe punishments in the case of death can include up to 14 years imprisonment, a two-year driving ban and a limitless fine.

Throughout December, drivers are being encouraged by police to plan before journeys, and ensure they have other means of transport before any Christmas parties to minimise the risk of driving after alcohol consumption.

By Matt Hamblin