Council

We believe free parking is key to the success of the town centre this festive period and the survival of the beloved businesses at the backbone of the Northampton community into 2027 and beyond.

Business slams WNC for ‘zero understanding’ of town parking impact

Our campaigning reporter, Katie Wheatley, who has passionately fought for independent businesses for more than four years, responds to the opinion piece published yesterday from the leader of West Northamptonshire Council, Councillor Mark Arnull.

WNC leader stating Chron campaign is ‘easiest headline’ is insulting

Lakeside Close estate just off Mill Lane in Dallington

Council threatens enforcement action against housing developer over £80,000 debt

Park the Charges is calling for free parking at all council-owned multi-storey and surface car parks, as well as the premium on-street parking, on Saturdays and Sundays from November 21 until December 20 – as well as Christmas Eve for last minute shoppers.

‘The town centre is going to die,’ says founder if changes aren’t made

The Northampton Town Centre Business Improvement District (BID), a business-led partnership and non-profit organisation created to make the town centre a more vibrant place, is the latest to issue their response to the Park the Charges campaign.

BID ‘supportive’ of measures to make town centre ‘more attractive’

Our Park the Charges campaign is calling for free parking at all council-owned multi-storey and surface car parks, as well as the premium on-street parking, on Saturdays and Sundays from November 21 until December 20 – as well as Christmas Eve for last minute shoppers.

WNC says scrapping parking charges is ‘not a sustainable solution’

What we want to see is free parking at all council-owned multi-storey and surface car parks, as well as the premium on-street parking, on Saturdays and Sundays from November 21 until December 20 – as well as Christmas Eve for last minute shoppers.

Chron calls for WNC to SCRAP town centre Christmas parking charges

West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) started phase two of its Abington Active Travel Scheme on Monday, June 8, focusing on Park Avenue South. Photo from June 11.

Council explains why busy road has been dug up AGAIN after active travel works

West Northamptonshire ranks among England’s worst councils for issuing education plans to special needs children on time

WNC among England’s worst for issuing special needs children's education plans

Road repairs are finally being carried out in Kings Heath

Estate to have ‘frustrating’ pothole problem fixed months after urgent calls

Scrubland - a fly-tipping hotspot - at the end of Walter Tull Way was targeted three times by arsonists in just over a week

Council blasts fly-tippers after three fires at hotspot area

WNC has agreed to buy the 87 properties from Tilia Homes at the Landimore Road development in Hardingstone, Northampton.

Council purchases 87 affordable new build homes to buy and rent in Northampton

The camera at Upton Valley Way East was put up in April

Council plans 10 new traffic enforcement cameras across town

Abington Park

What would make our parks better? Council wants to hear from you

Ecton Lane Household Waste and Recycling Centre.

Council announces early closures at recycling centres amid 35C forecast

Duston Community Centre

Council extends consultation on future of adult social care as event announced
Northampton residents are being given more time to have their say on the future of adult social care services, with a face-to-face event taking place in the town next month.
David Summers

Local residents and councillors have demanded a pause in construction works to properly assess the impact on nearby trees and save them for future generations Credit: Nadia Lincoln LDRS

Council pauses £4.7m travel scheme after tree damage sparks protest

Flytipping on streets in the Semilong area. Credit: Cllr Farzana Aldridge

Council confirms flytipping in hotspot area has "increased significantly"

Work has begun to remove the infrastructure in Primrose Hill, Daventry (pic Stuart Andrew, Conservative MP)

Council reveal cost of work to install and remove parking infrastructure

Cllr Mark Arnull - Reform UK Group Leader & Leader of West Northamptonshire Council

Council leader defends ending Pride officer support over £10,000 taxpayer cost

Saints Coffee in St Giles’ Street closed its doors for good on January 11.

Council gives update on former town centre coffee shop empty unit

Abington Park

Council launches to gather views on parks across town

The road being connected to Mill Lane

‘Serious’ concerns raised about 3,000-home development next to Kings Heath

The homes will be bought on the Malabar development in Daventry.

Council agrees to buy 47 'affordable rent' flats on new build estate

New Malabar sustainable urban extension, on the western edge of Daventry. Credit: Google Maps

Council could buy 47 new homes on estate to boost affordable housing

WNC emailed Ciro's Place and Fryin Brian on Wednesday (April 29) threatening legal proceedings if they do not leave the Market Square

Food vans defying eviction order told to leave or face potential court action

Northampton Rugby Football Club has applied to host up to 6,000 people at the outdoor music event in the stadium bowl on Saturday June 27.

Council to decide fate of music event at rugby ground after noise concern
A line-up of tribute acts could take over the home of the Northampton Saints this summer, should West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) agree to grant them a licence.
Nadia Lincoln, Local Democracy Reporter

Two long-standing food trucks on Northampton’s Market Square – Ciro’s Place and Fryin’ Brian – have been given four days’ notice to leave the site by West Northamptonshire Council (WNC).

Protest planned at Market Square opposing WNC's move to boot traders off site

Ciro's Place and Fryin Brian's food trucks have been told by WNC that they need to pack up and leave the Market Square for good despite trading on there for years.

‘Ridiculous’ - Passionate residents react to decision to evict two food vans

Maya Lounge, in Wellingborough Road, formerly home to The Volunteer pub, could lose its licence over noise complaints. WNC is also looking to prosecute the venue for allowing smoking in the shisha lounge at the rear (pictured below), which does not have planning permission.

Council pursues legal action against controversial shisha lounge and bar

Amy Whiting founded Amy’s Vintage Teas in 2013 when she started collecting vintage china and knew it was time to start something of her own.

We Mean Business: ‘My business has 13k followers and posts only get seen by 400’

Figures obtained by the Chronicle & Echo reveal which councillors are handling the highest and lowest numbers of member enquiries since Reform UK took control of West Northamptonshire Council in May.

Here's how many enquiries your councillor has put in since being elected to WNC

A report going before full council next week asks members to approve the absence of Councillor Jeffrey Johnson (pictured) on health grounds. (Credit: Getty and WNC)

Reform councillor’s illness could leave the party at risk of losing control

Mark Watson sent FOI requests to both WNC and Buckinghamshire Council in October last year, requesting data on how many people had been fined for throwing litter out of cars, vans and lorries between January 1 to October 25, 2025.

Tidy Our Town: WNC responds as Womble calls for crackdown on roadside litter

From April 1, Everyone Active will take over Danes Camp Leisure Centre, Mounts Baths and Lings Forum Leisure Centre under a new contract with West Northamptonshire Council, replacing current operator Trilogy Active.

Concerns over membership pricing with new leisure centre operator

Ability Community Transport was set up in 2018 as a not-for-profit community interest company with the aim of reducing social isolation and loneliness by helping pensioners get around Banbury, Brackley, Northampton and Towcester. Credit: Ability

Pensioner's 'lifeline' bus service makes 'difficult' decision to close

West Northants Council has responded to concerns that Northampton’s recently refurbished £15 million Market Square is empty. Picture taken on October 16.

Council outlines how it will bring more traders to market after concerns

The new 361-home estate will link onto the west of Collingtree Park once the development is complete (Vistry Latimer Collingtree LLP and Lagan Homes)

Council approve plans to build 361 new homes despite local objection

CGI illustrations of the proposed scheme at the old school site.
Credit: West Northamptonshire Council

'Unusual solution to very urgent problem' - More than 100 modular homes approved

Labour group leader Cllr Sally Keeble has criticised proposals by Reform-led West Northamptonshire Council that could see charges rise by up to 50 per cent for some residents in council-run care homes

WNC slammed over plans to hike care home charges by up to 50%

How does burning affect your health?

Burning at home or being affected by burning nearby? We want to hear from you!

Northampton Guildhall, West Northamptonshire Council.

WNC issues Home Office with 21-day deadline over asylum hotels

One Angel Square, Northampton, West Northamptonshire Council

WNC announce maximum council tax rise of 4.99 per cent

Adrian Little, Reform UK councillor for the Towcester ward

West Northants Reform councillor backtracks on resignation

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Have your say on the future of transport in West Northamptonshire

Community Matters

New year brings new opportunities for residents to help shape the future of grow...

Community Matters

Changes to WNC’s Housing Services set to progress after scrutiny meeting

The Guildhall extension at St Giles' Square

Northampton Town Council backs in principle agreement to secure Guildhall extens...

Northampton Guildhall, West Northamptonshire Council.

Reform's proposed changes to constitution labelled 'showboating' by opposition

The bright, multi-coloured signage advertises the shop as a 24/7 vape and convenience store. However, it does not have planning permission for the new signage.

WNC investigating new 24/7 vape shop's neon signage at Grade II listed building

The 36 properties had originally been earmarked for a private affordable housing provider, but following the collapse of that arrangement, WNC stepped in to secure the homes at a discounted rate.

Council to buy 36 new affordable homes for rent and temporary accommodation

Community Matters

Funding available for community groups to support rough sleeping prevention and ...

Honouring Remembrance 2025 with creativity and community spirit! A heartfelt thank you to Cosy Rosie UK, Fibre Art Friends, and the Duston Knitwits for their hard work that bring beauty and meaning to Duston. Together, we remember.”

Duston’s remembrance poppy display restored with a new addition honouring animal...

West Northants Council's £2.3 million project, located on the site of the former Chalk Lane Car Park, opened to the public on Saturday (October 18).

In pictures: New £2.3m heritage park opens on former car park in Northampton

Community Matters

Families in West Northamptonshire set to benefit from more face-to-face activiti...

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