First-ever Elections to the new West Northamptonshire Council

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Residents in Daventry, Northampton and South Northamptonshire are being encouraged to apply early to vote by post for the first-ever elections to the new West Northamptonshire Council this spring.

On Thursday, 6 May voters across the three areas will go to the polls to elect a total of 93 councillors for the new unitary authority, which will be formed on 1 April this year, replacing the existing district, borough and county councils.

On Polling Day residents will also be able to cast votes for the Northamptonshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner and to elect representatives for many of their local parish councils.

Work is underway to ensure that residents can cast their votes safely during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, with a range of Covid-safe measures being planned for polling stations, alongside the other usual options such as voting by post or by proxy (when someone votes on your behalf).

People are urged to apply for postal votes as early as possible ahead of the deadline of 5:00pm on 20 April and those wishing to vote by proxy can also do this now before the deadline of 5:00pm on 27 April.

Anyone who is not yet registered to vote must do so by Monday, 19 April in order to take part in this spring’s elections.

Polling arrangements are currently being organised by elections staff in Daventry District, South Northants and Northampton until the new West Northamptonshire Council is formed on 1 April. In the run-up to this, residents will still need to apply for postal and proxy votes via their existing district or borough councils.

Voters in Daventry District can apply by emailing electoralservices@daventrydc.gov.uk  or calling 01327 871100, Northampton residents should email elecreg@northampton.gov.uk or call 0300 330 7000, and people living in South Northants should email elections@southnorthants.gov.uk or call 01327 322128.

Residents unsure whether or not they are registered to vote can check by contacting their local elections team on the contact details above. Those who need to register can do so online, where they will be asked to provide their name, National Insurance Number and date of birth.

REGISTER TO VOTE

Catalytic Converter Thefts

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Northamptonshire Police has identified a recent increase in thefts of catalytic converters (part of the exhaust system) from certain makes of cars. Catalytic converters contain valuable metals and thieves can jack the vehicle up and cut them off in a couple of minutes. This will leave you with a hefty replacement bill or insurance excess fee, not to mention having your vehicle off the road whilst awaiting a replacement part.

As a catalytic converter costs hundreds of pounds to replace, marking it will help de-value it to thieves and make it more difficult to sell on.

Information on the Retainagroup Self-Etching Labels can be found here.  –

Advice for motorists

· TOP TIP Many car dealerships sell locking devices for catalytic converters, for example, CATLOC. These tough metal locks cover the catalytic converter to make it too time consuming for thieves to steal it. Check with your dealership for options to fit your vehicle.

· Whenever possible, park your vehicle in a locked garage, as close to your home as possible or in a parking spot overlooked by neighbours. Avoid parking your vehicle half on the pavement and half on the road, as this can make it easier for thieves to access the catalytic converter

· If parking in a public car park, always park alongside other cars and drive into the space as the catalytic converter is positioned towards the front of your vehicle. This will make it harder for thieves to get close enough to steal it. If possible, use ‘Park Mark’ accredited car parks as these have CCTV as part of the accreditation

· Consider installing a Thatcham approved alarm to your vehicle. Alarms that activate if the vehicle is lifted or tilted are particularly effective

For further advice email crimeprevention@northants.pnn.police.uk
Message Sent By
Les Conopo (Police, Community Support Officer, Daventry & South Northants)

Yelvertoft Neighbourhood Watch – WhatsApp Crime Alert Group

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Welcome to Yelvertoft Neighbourhood Watch – WhatsApp Crime Alert Group

What is it?

The Parish Council have started a WhatsApp group intended to be used by villagers to alert the community to urgent crime issues such as;

● Crimes in Progress
● Suspicious behaviour (non Covid related)
● Cry for help
● Suspicious vehicles
● To pass on reports from elsewhere

Important – You must still report serious crime to the police and get a crime number – you should then share this number with the group.

What is it not?

The group is not for moaning, chatting, gossip, reporting neighbours or parking issues It must be kept clear for important alerts.

The Parish Council will remove any group member who misuses the system.

What about my privacy

WhatsApp requires you to download the app to your mobile phone. Your telephone number will be visible to all other members however your name or any other info will only be visible to people who already have you in their phone contacts.

How do I join

First download the WhatsApp application from your App Store onto your phone.  It looks like this:

whatspp

Then follow the instructions to sign up and set up alerts in your phone settings.

To Join the group follow this link on your phone or scan this QR code with your camera:

nhw whatsapp qcode

 

 

 

 

Census 2021

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Every ten years the census takes place in England and Wales, providing insight into the people who live across the country and what their lives are like. This year, census day is on Sunday 21 March. You may already have seen advertisements on the TV,  in newspapers and social media.

What is the census?

The census is a series of questions that gives a data picture of British society and this year it will give future generations a fascinating insight into how we lived during the coronavirus pandemic.

But, more importantly, it helps the government plan and fund services in local communities. The responses might highlight a need for a new school, increased health care facilities or other services in your area.

How does it work?

Next week (from 22 February) every house will be sent a Purple Postcard in the post to remind everyone that the census is on its way.

The following week every house will be sent an Information Pack. This will contain a unique code which will give access to the census form online using any device. The Pack will also explain how to complete the census and how to get help if anyone needs it.

If someone doesn’t want to complete the census themself, a family member or a trusted person can do it on their behalf. People can also request a paper copy. Everything will explained in the Information Pack.

What information is collected?

The census collects information about individuals, their households and their homes. This information is collated and analysed and the first figures will be released next year. Billions of pounds of funding depend on the results of the census.

Is personal information safe?

Yes. Any information that is published following the census is fully anonymised. This year’s census records will be held securely and will be released into the public domain in 2121 when they will be available for everyone to read.

Does everyone have to complete the census form?

Yes. It’s a legal requirement to complete the census.

A dedicated telephone number has been released for people who want to request a paper form: 0800 876 6276.  No other help will be available on this number.  The general help line number of 0800 141 2021 remains and over 500 additional staff will be answering calls.

For more information visit census.gov.uk

 

Garden Waste at Yelvertoft Allotments

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Yelvertoft Parish Council would like to remind all local residents that the dumping of garden waste at Yelvertoft Allotments is strictly prohibited.

The dumping of domestic garden waste has increasingly become a problem at the allotment site over recent years.

Access to Yelvertoft Allotments is for plotholders only  and we are in the process of making security improvements at the site.

We would like to ensure everyone is aware of this position and thank you for your cooperation.

 

Grant funding for Northamptonshire Schools

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NORTHAMPTONSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL TO PROVIDE THE COUNTY’S SCHOOLS WITH COVID-19 RESPONSE GRANT FUNDING

Financial support will now be given to Northamptonshire schools from the County Council through COVID-19 grant funding of £24.90 per pupil; total funding allocation of £3m. This funding will be used to cover future costs or those already incurred from infection prevention and control measures on items not already covered by government funding.

Schools across the county have been responding to COVID-19 on the front line since March last year, working extremely hard to follow all of the necessary guidance to operate in a way that is COVID-19 safe and secure for all pupils.

As a result of this, additional costs for schools have been incurred during a time when they are already under immense pressure.

The grant will be given to schools on the express condition that all monies received will be used only in accordance with the spending criteria, on eligible items permitted and in line with the objectives of the grant.

Cllr Fiona Baker, cabinet member for children, families and education at Northamptonshire County Council, said “This year has been incredibly difficult for everyone and our local schools must be commended for their dedication to making their learning environments as safe as possible so that the county’s children can continue to access the best possible education.

We’d like to thank our county’s schools for their continued hard work, continuing to put the interests and wellbeing of pupils first during this extremely challenging period.”

For more information please email csaliwonczyk@northamptonshire.gov.uk

Bus Service Petition

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We all have the right to a full, rich life – wherever we live. But without regular bus services, many people in rural communities are being cut off, isolated and left without the means to live an independent life.

The people living in our towns and villages deserve better.

As we start to rebuild, will you join us in calling for a reliable bus service for every community, wherever they live?

More than 25,000 people have already signed our petition – will you add your name?

 

CPRE, Feb 2021

 

Neighbourhood Police Officers in communities set to double

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The number of neighbourhood police officers focusing on local policing in communities in Northamptonshire, is set to double in a major investment of resources in visible, effective local crimefighting.

The increase will take the number of dedicated neighbourhood policing constables across rural and urban parts of the county, from 50 to 100 over the next 18 months, with further increases anticipated in the future.

The additional constables will join the officers and PCSOs that currently make up the neighbourhood teams already in place across Northamptonshire.

The investment marks a new focus that will put neighbourhood policing at the heart of the fight against crime, tackling problems that matter to local people at the first opportunity and being visible and accessible to local communities.

Neighbourhood policing has always been a priority for Northamptonshire Police, but this renewed focus has now been made possible thanks to additional investment in funding from local council taxpayers, and the Government’s uplift funding for recruitment.

Read more and view video here:
www.northantspfcc.org.uk/back-on-the-beat-neighbourhood-officer-numbers-set-to-double-in-northamptonshire/
Message Sent By
Helen Franks (Police, Social Media Engagement Officer, Northants Fire & Rescue Service and Office of Police, Fire & Crime Commissioner)

Would you like to be a Parish Councillor?

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Have you ever considered volunteering to become a Parish Councillor? If the answer is no, then you should reconsider. Here are a few reasons why you should give the role your consideration:

  • You would like to help keep the Parish a desirable place to live
  • If you’re female or under 25 then have a good think, as women and youngsters are under-represented in local authorities
  • You are interested in planning and development
  • Be a voice for the people of the Parish
  • Training and support are available
  • As a resident your opinions are important

Why become a Parish Councillor?

Seeing your community change for the better, as a result of decisions you have helped to make, is something that can give you a sense of achievement and pride.  The Parish Council helps to ensure the area continues to be a desirable place to live, go to school, work and visit.

What decisions do Parish Councils make?

Parish councils make all kinds of decisions on issues that affect their local community. Probably the most common topics are planning matters, highways issues and campaigning for and delivering better services and facilities. It’s true to say that on their own, parish councils have limited powers to make decisions, but they do have the ability to negotiate with, and the power to influence, those other organisations that do make the final decisions. In this respect parish councils are extremely powerful.

How much time does it take up?

We meet 10 times p.a. Meetings usually last three hours, depending on the agenda set for the meeting to discuss. In addition to the regular meetings, councillors are occasionally required to attend other meetings. Such meetings won’t happen too frequently, so it’s not going to take over your life.

What support is there?

The Parish Council is supported by NCALC, which offers advice and training. The other councillors are friendly and always there to help. The role of the Clerk is to support the Parish Council. The clerk carries out administration tasks, acts as legal adviser/researcher and liaises with outside agencies. The role of parish councillor is voluntary but expenses can be paid. We have a training budget for Councillors to attend any training course they require to carry out their duties.

Don’t take our word for it!  The best way to find out what it’s like to be a parish councillor is to talk to someone who’s doing it now. Come along to a Parish Council meeting, or speak to one of our councillors and find out what they think of the role, or contact the Clerk.

We currently have two vacancies and are asking for residents to come forward to be co-opted onto the Council.  If you are interested please do take a read of our co-option policy and send your completed application form to the Clerk at clerk@yelvertoft-pc.gov.uk.    Co Option Policy Oct 2018

Notice of Casual Vacancies

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NOTICE OF CASUAL VACANCIES

I herewith give notice of a vacancy for a Parish Councillor arising from the resignation of Councillor

……………….JESSON……………………………………………………………………………………..

Unless ten electors of the Parish give written notice to the *Proper Officer of the District Council within 14 days# after the date of this notice requesting an election to fill this vacancy, the Parish Council will fill the vacancy by co-option.

Signed…….S. Haywood……………………………..            Date…….13.02.21…………………………..

Parish Clerk

*         The Proper Officer of the District Council, Elections Section, Daventry District Council, Lodge Road, Daventry, NN11 4FP

#        Excluding Saturdays, Sundays, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Good Friday and bank holidays.

_____________________________________

I herewith give notice of a vacancy for a Parish Councillor arising from the resignation of Councillor

……………….OWEN……………………………………………………………………………………..

Unless ten electors of the Parish give written notice to the *Proper Officer of the District Council within 14 days# after the date of this notice requesting an election to fill this vacancy, the Parish Council will fill the vacancy by co-option.

Signed…….S. Haywood……………………………..            Date…….13.02.21…………………………..

Parish Clerk

*         The Proper Officer of the District Council, Elections Section, Daventry District Council, Lodge Road, Daventry, NN11 4FP

#        Excluding Saturdays, Sundays, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Good Friday and bank holidays.