Adam Brown

Team of UON Multimedia Journalism students alongside NLive Radio.

University of Northampton students’ election coverage earns national award nomin...

The SLRR is still closed on June 27. It was supposed to open at the end of May. Credit: Richard Durham

Controversial ‘relief' road still closed, marking one-month delay and counting

Top: Original, uncropped image screenshotted by former WNC leader Adam Brown showing the rainbow Pride flag flying from the Guildhall mast during last year’s Northampton Saints victory parade. Bottom: Alleged cropped version used by West Northamptonshire Council, with the Pride flag removed, currently displayed on their Facebook page.

WNC responds to calls from ex-leader for answers over cropped LGBTQ+ flag photo

The southern section of the SLRR is set to be completed this week, but no official opening date has been confirmed by WNC.

'Relief road' set for completion this week – no opening date confirmed

The council's annual meeting will be held at The Guildhall tonight (Thursday May 15). Mark Arnull (inset) has been elected as Reform's leader.

Reform leader and newly elected councillors to meet for the first time TONIGHT

Sally Keeble (left), Dan Lister (top right) and Jonathan Harris have taken up leadership positions on West Northamptonshire Council after the local elections last week.
Credit: WNC / Nadia Lincoln LDRS

New opposition leaders speak out after Reform takes charge

Here's every councillor elected for West Northants Council at the May elections

The Sandy Lane Relief Road: The northern section (top), built by Miller Homes, connects Berrywood Road to the A4500. The southern section (bottom) - known as the “road to nowhere” - has remained incomplete since 2010 but is finally set to open at the end of May 2025. Credit: Clare Malings

Controversial ‘relief road’ set to finally open this month

Reform UK stormed to victory, forming a new majority on West Northants Council. (Image: Nadia Lincoln LDRS)

Reform councillors 'absolutely determined' to make Northants 'one of the best'

Mark Arnull, chairman of Reform Northamptonshire.

‘The people have spoken and we are here for them’ says Reform leader

Reform candidates celebrating winning control of WNC. Photo: Kirsty Edmonds.

Local elections 2025: All the results for every ward as Reform takes control

Conservative Party candidates and supporters at their manifesto launch near Towcester

POLITICAL OPINION: Conservative manifesto sets out the next moves forward for We...

Council leader Adam Brown (left) claims the Sandy Lane Relief Road will be completed 'early' this Spring. PHOTO: Clare Malings

Timeline of events that lead to relief road being opened early, according to WNC

Our vision

The bold new vision for West Northamptonshire moves forward

There has been an increase of more than 1,000 fly-tips cleared by the authority compared to the same three-month area the year before.

Council criticises ‘abominable and astonishing figures’ for flytipping

Councillor Wendy Randall, leader of the Labour Group, and Councillor Sally Beardsworth, leader of the Liberal Democrats, were approached for comment by this newspaper on the proposal.

Labour claims free parking proposal was lifted from rejected budget amendment
The leader of the West Northamptonshire Labour Group has claimed that the Conservatives’ free town centre parking proposal was lifted from their recently rejected budget amendments.
Katie Wheatley

WNC leader Councillor Adam Brown says the proposal will cover two hours of free parking on seven days a week in two town centre car parks with “significant unused capacity” – which includes St Michaels and Mayorhold.

Council leader proposes two hours of free town centre car parking every day

One Angel Square, West Northamptonshire Council.
Credit: Nadia Lincoln LDRS

Budget passed including council tax rise despite criticism from opposition

WI Members in full voice!

'Show the Love' campaign in Towcester

Each year this fundraiser offers participants a glimpse of what it is like to sleep on the streets during one of the coldest months of the year.

PICTURES: Northampton braves Hope Centre’s 14th Big Sleep Out to tackle hardship

People taking part in the Hope Centre's Big Sleep Out in 2024.

Homeless charity users and supporters back huge fundraising event

The unjoined southern section of the major relief road in Northampton, fenced off and uncomplete since 2009, is set to connect to the A4500 once construction is completed in May 2025. Photo: Clare Malings

Works to join up final section of major relief road in set to start

The cafe at Sainsbury's off Weedon Road, Sixfields is set to close.

Customers express sadness as popular cafe at Sainsbury’s set to close

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Community-led changes to parish boundaries and governance confirmed

West Northamptonshire Council negotiated the £3 million loan to the Grosvenor Centre to bring in H&M and create flexible office spaces.

Special meeting to be held to scrutinise £3 million loan to shopping centre

West Northamptonshire Council is offering a £3 million loan to the Grosvenor Centre to bring in H&M and create flexible office spaces.

£3 million loan to shopping centre called in for scrutiny after concerns raised

West Northamptonshire Council is offering a £3 million loan to the Grosvenor Centre to bring in H&M and create flexible office spaces.

Opposition expresses discomfort as council approves £3m loan to shopping centre
Opposition councillors have expressed their discomfort at plans to loan a prominent Northampton shopping centre £3 million, as cabinet members have backed the financial proposals.
Nadia Lincoln

West Northamptonshire Council offices at One Angel Square, Northampton.

What WNC is proposing for the next budget including £12m for road improvements

One Angel Square, Northampton, headquarters of West Northamptonshire Council. (Image: Nadia Lincoln LDRS).

Regulator finds ‘serious failings’ in social housing

Land behind the Mereway Ambulance Station is set to be sold on.

Council agrees to sell off assets including pocket park, care home and buildings

Cllr James Hill, Conservative, Billing and Rectory Farm.

Complaints about social housing 'skyrocket' since damning report

Councillor Adam Brown talking at the launch of the One West Northamptonshire plan.

One West Northants plan launched by council in a bid to improve lives

Councillor Lizzy Bowen.

Long-standing Conservative councillor resigns due to 'work commitments'

The eastbound section of the A4500 from the unconnected section of the Sandy Lane Relief Road to the Sixfields roundabout at Tollgate Way will be resurfaced between 6 January and 3 February

More traffic chaos to hit thousands of motorists as major road set to CLOSE

West Northamptonshire Council has finalised the changes to parish boundaries to better represent communities and account for growth in areas.

CONFIRMED: Boundary shake-up for towns and parishes ahead of local elections

Politicians from various parties, Faith Leaders and community representatives come together.

Northampton Unites in celebration of community spirit and cohesion

WNC leader Cllr Adam Brown at Northampton Washlands on Wednesday (October 2) speaking with the media.

Council leader calls for improvements at holiday park following latest flooding

The unjoined southern section of the major relief road in Northampton, fenced off and uncomplete since 2009, is set to connect to the A4500 once construction is completed. Photo: Clare Malings

Latest update on the progress of 'much-anticipated' unfinished major relief road

The Guildhall, Northampton.

Council housing ‘not good enough’ as shortfalls in tenant satisfaction found

One Angel Square, Northampton, headquarters of West Northamptonshire Council.

£20 million budget for more council-owned children homes in backed

he two potential children's homes will be discussed by the Children's Trust Joint Committee at Swanspool House, Wellingborough. Credit: Nadia Lincoln LDRS / NCT

Two council-owned buildings to be turned into children's homes

Councillor Louisa Fowler (left) has quit the West Northamptonshire Conservative Party following an unspecified 'incident'

Mystery surrounds councillor's departure from Tory party after 'incident'

Leader of West Northamptonshire Council Adam Brown (left) and Leader of North Northamptonshire Council Jason Smithers.

Councils settle million pound dispute over disaggregation finances

WNC faced Corporate Peer Challenge in March this year. The council now says action is already underway to address the recommendations.

Council publishes action plan to address recommendations made by peer review

Parents from West Northants SEND Action Group attended full council at the Northampton Guildhall to raise the county's recent Ofsted report and their lived experience with special needs children.

SEND parents 'cut off' from speaking at council meeting after Ofsted report

Calls have been made for councillor Fiona Baker to resign following a damning OFSTED report into SEND children's services at WNC.

Opposition calls for councillor to resign after damning OFSTED report

The Guildhall, Northampton. (Credit: Nadia Lincoln LDRS)

All councillors at West Northants will now be DBS checked

Sandy Lane, situated between Duston and Harpole, has been closed to thousands of motorists since June 2023 for reconstruction as part of a broader initiative to build hundreds of new homes. Photo: West Northamptonshire Council.

First section of delayed multi-million pound relief road NOW OPEN

Drone footage taken this month (June) shows the latest state of the Sandy Lane Relief Road. PHOTO: Clare Malings

CONFIRMED: Here's when a controversially delayed 'relief road' will OPEN

Councillor Phil Larratt has been reinstated to his cabinet position at West Northamptonshire Council (WNC).

Councillor reinstated to cabinet following 'inappropriate conduct' allegations

The northern section of the SLRR is set to open in June, according to the leader of WNC.

Controversially delayed road set to OPEN to thousands of motorists next month

Councillor Phil Larratt has been suspended by the ruling Conservative Party while an investigation into allegations of rule breaking takes place.

Prominent Conservative councillor SUSPENDED while investigation takes place

WNC faced Corporate Peer Challenge in March this year.

Peer review says there has been progress 'at pace' within WNC but 'more to do'

Cllr Adam Brown has been selected as the new leader of West Northamptonshire Council.

New leader of WNC officially voted in at annual meeting

Domestic abuse campaigners marched down to the Northampton Guildhall on Thursday.

Domestic abuse march held amid ex-council leader allegations

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