Daventry Calling magazine Autumn 2016 by Daventry District Council

Issue 89 Autumn 2016

Developing a Better District

In this issueâ&#x20AC;Ś Phoenix renovation work underway Our annual review of 2015/16 Waste and recycling changes agreed

All the latest Council news and information online Keeping in touch with us Daventry District Council provides a wide range of services including waste and recycling collections, street cleaning and grounds maintenance, Council Tax collection and benefits, elections, Homechoice lettings, economic development and regeneration, community safety, planning and development control and environmental health issues such as dealing with food safety, noise, pollution and environnmental crimes.

Twitter

www.twitter.com/daventrydc www.twitter.com/love_daventry

Scan this image with your Smartphone to take you to DDC’s website – www.daventrydc.gov.uk

www.facebook.com/daventrydistrict Or visit the Daventry Country Park page at www.facebook.com/daventrycountrypark Or the Love Daventry page at www.facebook.com/Lovedaventrydistrict

Daventry Calling is a quarterly magazine with the next issue due out in the Winter.

We’re always keen to hear what you think about the magazine and any suggestions you have for future editions. Please contact us at news@ daventrydc.gov.uk or call 01327 871100 You can also read Daventry Calling online at www.daventrydc.gov.uk/ daventry-calling

Daventry Calling is available on request in large print, audiotape or in Braille.

Disclaimer: We care about accuracy and aim to correct any mistake in subsequent issues of Daventry Calling if you let us know where we’ve gone wrong. Every effort is made to ensure articles are accurate and up to date. No responsibility can be accepted for inaccuracies or omissions however caused. Contributed material does not necessarily reflect the opinion of Daventry District Council. This magazine is printed on an FSC® certified material. DDC cannot accept any responsibility for claims made by advertisers and their inclusion in Daventry Calling should not be taken as endorsement by Daventry District Council.

Call: 01327 871100 Email: comments@daventrydc.gov.uk Web: www.daventrydc.gov.uk Write to: Daventry District Council, Lodge Road, Daventry NN11 4FP

Other useful contacts Northamptonshire County Council (NCC) NCC deals with various services including: roads, paths, street lighting and drainage, potholes, bus passes and bus services, Blue Badges, road gritting, social care, schools admissions, register of births, deaths and marriages, libraries, household waste and recycling centres. Call 0300 126 1000 www.northamptonshire.gov.uk Your town or parish council Daventry District has 72 parishes and one town council covering services such as allotments, village halls and recreation grounds, grass cutting and street cleaning, cemeteries (outside of Daventry Town). To find out contact details for your parish, visit www.daventrydc.gov.uk/parishcouncils Northamptonshire Police Call 101 or visit www.northants.police.uk Always dial 999 in an emergency Northamptonshire Credit Union Call 01604 250016 www.northamptonshirecu.co.uk Daventry & District Housing Call 0300 4562531 www.ddh.org.uk Bromford Housing Association 0330 1234034 Job Centre Plus Call 0845 6043719

when you have finished with this magazine please recycle it.

Government services and information www.gov.uk

Viewpoint

Leading the way Following the EU Referendum result of Brexit, it is probably far too early to assess the long-term impacts on our national economy; a recent update from the Bank of England confirmed that business uncertainty had risen markedly, but as yet there was no clear evidence of a sharp general slowing in business activity. It is important that we collectively accept the democratic will of the referendum result and move forward in a positive way by continuing our plans to attract further inward investment into our District. On that basis we are delighted that Volvo Car UK is wanting to invest £6m in the creation of a brand new facility at its Training and Development Centre in Daventry, which is set to open in the summer of 2017. Our local tourism industry may well benefit from the devaluation of sterling since the vote, as we note nationally that more overseas visitors are taking advantage of the weaker pound. I hope this will result in attracting more visitors to our wonderful District, with so much on offer to see and enjoy. You can find out more about our area’s great attractions and days out at www.lovedaventry.com I recently attended a Ministerial Challenge meeting in London where I was acting as an advocate for the South East Midlands Local Enterprise Partnership (SEMLEP) – a partnership between local authorities and business that promotes economic growth and job creation in our region and works to attract Government funding to support local schemes and projects in a very competitive national arena. Two specific

schemes relate to our District: The first is a very exciting unique automotive research and development proposal which will be globally significant as the only one of its kind open to the market. Named as the Catesby Aero Research Facility, this project would give the UK a clear competitive advantage in vehicle testing and technology and would enhance the UK’s infrastructure and skills around aerodynamics and other forms of vehicle testing. It would create over 200 high-value jobs plus many other associated jobs across the region and also deliver an associated 4.5 acre science park. The second scheme is a bid for funding to support the building of the long-awaited North West Relief Road around Northampton, between the A428 Harlestone and the A5199 Welford Road. This would greatly benefit the existing local highway network in that area and also allow some additional housing to meet local requirements. You will note from our Annual Review in this edition of Daventry Calling (Pages 4-10), the wide range of services and activities that your District Council delivers on your behalf, and all for a modest cost of £2.56 per week on the average Band “D” council tax level. Having said that, the considerable financial challenges facing all local government will continue in the years ahead and whilst we currently operate extremely well in our own right, we are constantly planning ahead to ensure we offer our residents and local taxpayers the best deal possible both in terms of service provision and value for money. Finally our Ageing Well Strategy consultation, in partnership with the Daventry and District Forum, has

concluded as we set our Council’s aspirations to ensure our District is a place where residents can enjoy a good quality of life and lead independent, healthy and happy lifestyles. If you would like to find out more about the strategy or getting involved in the Forum, please visit www.daventrydc. gov.uk/ddf or call Emma Parry on 01327 302418. Councillor Chris Millar Leader - Daventry District Council

Contents Annual Review and Summary of Accounts 2015/16: Find out how Daventry District Council performed and spent its money during 2015/16. Pages 4-10 A Phoenix rising: Read the latest on the renovation of a popular community centre in Daventry. Page 11 Easy as 1-2-3: Find out more about the future of waste and recycling services in Daventry District. Pages 12-13 News: A selection of the latest news and updates from Daventry District Council. Page 14 What’s on: Your guide to what’s happening where in Daventry District this autumn. Pages 15-16

Daventry District Council Annual Review 2015/16

Reviewing our year of progress Welcome to our Annual Review and Summary of Accounts for 2015/16 - an overview of the many services, projects and activities carried out during the financial year, as well as a look at the money Daventry District Council received and spent. All the work we do contributes to four key objectives we set to help achieve our vision to ‘Develop a Better District’. These are: To Improve our Business Economy, Learning and Skills; to Protect and Enhance our Environment; to Promote Healthy, Safe and Strong Communities and Individuals; and to be an efficient and effective council Council.

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Over the next seven pages we highlight some of the work carried out during the 2015/16 financial year towards achieving those objectives. It is also important to look forward, and you will find on page 10 a summary of what’s in store for 2016/17. Councillor Chris Millar Leader - Daventry District Council

To be an Efficient and Effective Council

• We organised and staged elections in our district for the Parliamentary seat for the Daventry Constituency, one-third of the seats on Daventry District Council, by-elections for Daventry Town Council and Spratton Parish Council, and a Neighbourhood Development Plan Referendum for West Haddon. • Online services were further developed, including improved customer accounts for managing Council Tax, and developments to our mapping tool which allow users to view all undetermined planning applications in their area as well as the locations of polling stations.

• We successfully introduced the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL), a planning charge which sees developers charged on the amount of floor space created by their development, with the money generated then used to fund improvements to local infrastructure. • Council Tax discounts awarded to people who live on their own were reviewed across Daventry District as part of Northamptonshire-wide checks to reduce any inappropriate discounts awarded in the county.

529 The average number of reports and requests made through our online self-serve system per month.

• We adopted a revised Community Engagement Strategy, which sets out how we will involve local people in shaping the area where they live and the services they receive. Residents were also consulted on a wide-range of issues throughout the year. • We reduced our CO2 emissions by 25% in 2015/16 and secured Government funding towards an electric vehicle for use as a pool car by staff travelling on essential business as well as a new fast electric charge point. • We developed a Counter Fraud Strategy, setting out our approach to managing the risk of fraud and holding exercises to better understand the fraud threats facing the Council.

Votes are counted in the local elections

• We managed our finances prudently, delivering a balanced budget and continuing to work on a number of invest-to-save projects aimed at improving our communities and aiding economic growth while also generating revenue income to support the delivery of our services.

Daventry District Council Annual Review 2015/16 r Oum Ai

Promote Healthy, Safe and Strong Communities and Individuals

• We launched the Eat Out Eat Well scheme in Daventry District to help encourage food businesses to offer healthier options on their menus, with 28 firms earning awards in the first year, ten of those the highest gold standard. Local caterers also took part in a healthy baking competition, resulting in the publication of a healthy recipe book. • Our Community Projects Team delivered 13 community events including Wicked Wednesdays, Monday Mini-Adventures, a Family Fun Day, Cyclefest, Easter, Halloween and Christmas activities and the free Family Cinema Day at Daventry Country Park. • A total of 247 people across Daventry District changed their energy providers through our Big Switch scheme, saving on average £260 each – a combined saving of £62,000. • An effective multi-agency approach to improving community safety included a range of activities such as Days of Action, the Operation Stay Safe summer safety campaign, and the continuation of the Street Art Project. • A second Young Citizen event was run in Daventry District by the Community Safety Partnership, bringing to more than 1,000 the number of Year 6 pupils that have taken part in the scheme. • Working in partnership with Daventry Jobcentre Plus we launched the MOJO (Moving On To Job Opportunities) scheme, helping 12 people on Employment and Support Allowance to return to work. • Work started on two new Local Plans that will play an important role in shaping the future development of Daventry District - the Settlements and Countryside Local Plan and the Gypsy, Traveller and Travelling Showpeople Local Plan.

1,400 the number of people who enjoyed last year’s Daventry Family Cinema Day.

• A Christmas campaign led by the Community Safety Partnership resulted in 24 comfort parcels and more than 100 Christmas gifts being wrapped up and donated to families living in refuges as a result of domestic violence. • We awarded more than £163,000 of grant funding to more than 40 community and voluntary organisations, including revenue grants of £60,000 for the Citizen’s Advice Bureau and £20,000 for Daventry Area Community Transport. A total of 39 other rewards were made to community groups across the district for capital projects, training and equipment, and one-off fundraising events. • We supported the Daventry and District Forum for over 50s, organising five events which each attracted around 70 visitors. • Everyone Active provided a comprehensive range of activities throughout the district, offering netfit, under 5s gymnastics, swimming, dancing, badminton, walking football and gym giraffes. A total of 18,090 sports development contacts were made, exceeding targets by 41%. • Work continued on proposals for a new leisure centre in the east of our district, which included identifying the best location as well as the need for extra swimming and sports facilities. • Work was completed on a £90,000 project to transform play equipment for youngsters at Wimborne Place, in Ashby Fields, Daventry. Playgrounds in Daneholme Park, Edgehill Drive, Dee Walk, The Severn, The Roundway and Grenadier Road also benefitted from £30,000 of new equipment or repairs to existing apparatus.

403,701 the number of visits to Daventry Leisure Centre, exceeding targets by 120%

Wimborne Place play area

Christmas comfort parcels • Successful court prosecutions underlined our work toward protecting the health and safety of residents. We successfully prosecuted a firm for health and safety failings after a contractor working there suffered severe injuries when a wooden pallet fell on him. Our Environmental Health Officers also removed 16 pallets of out-of-date meat destined for public consumption after discovering it in a cold store. The resulting investigation led to the company director being fined £10,500 by magistrates. • Our Licensing Committee revoked a taxi driver’s licence to operate after he was convicted of driving without due care and attention following a collision. • A total of 90 affordable homes were provided across the district, and we completed housing needs surveys for Walgrave, Holcot, Old and Hannington, and started work on surveys for Norton and Crick.

£8 the amount of external funding levered in for every £1 committed to community building projects through our Capital Grants programme.

Eat Out Eat Well baking contest

Daventry District Council Annual Review 2015/16 r Oum Ai

Protect and Enhance our Environment

300 the estimated number of volunteers across the district who took part in the Clean for the Queen initiative.

200 the number of premises we treated to control rodents and insects. Clean for the Queen litter picking • A total of 13 groups took advantage of our Energy Efficiency Grants for Community Buildings scheme to gain a free Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) assessment for their community building. The new scheme offers grants of up to £6,000 for renewable energy projects in eligible buildings.

• We introduced a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) to give enforcement officers broader powers to deal with dog owners who fail to properly control their pets in public open spaces across the district, including a new rule requiring dog walkers to carry a poop bag or other means for clearing up after their pet.

• Daventry Country Park was awarded the Green Flag Award.

• Innovative approaches to tackling environmental crime earned the Council bronze in the small local authority category in the Clean Britain Awards organised by The Chartered Institution of Waste Management (CIWM).

• Our spray-painting initiative to tackle dog fouling continued to yield results, with Brixworth Parish Council reporting a significant reduction in fouling following the introduction of the scheme there. • Through our involvement in the Northamptonshire Waste Partnership, more than 250 residents across Daventry District signed up to the ‘In to Win’ initiative which aims to reward residents who recycle their food waste. • The demolition of the former bowls club pavilion in Daventry town centre was completed, increasing the New Street Recreation Ground’s usable space. • We dealt with more than 50 complaints about poor housing conditions in the private sector and served ten formal notices on landlords requiring them to address poor standards.

• West Haddon became the first village in the district to have a Neighbourhood Development Plan ‘made’, after it received support from 91% of villagers who voted in a referendum. Neighbourhood plans were also progressed for Barby and Onley, Braunston, Brixworth, Flore, Kilsby, Moulton, Spratton, and Weedon Bec. • The Council worked with partners to organise and support clean-up events as part of the national Clean for the Queen initiative ahead of her Majesty’s 90th birthday. Hundreds of volunteers were involved in clean-ups across Daventry, when 142 bags of rubbish were collected. Events also took place in villages including Brixworth, Arthingworth, Crick, Kilsby, Moulton, Weedon and Whilton.

3kg the weight of wildflower seed handed out to communities as part of our Mini-Meadows project – enough to cover an area the size of five tennis courts.

• Working with partners we organised a Smarter, Greener Businesses event, offering local firms networking opportunities as well as advice on how to save money and reduce their impact on the environment. • The first Neighbourhood Forum in the District was designated at Charwelton which together with Welford and Crick were also designated as Neighbourhood Development Areas. The first Business area in the district was designated for part of Crick parish. We also adopted Village Design Statements for Arthingworth, Byfield and Yelvertoft. • As part of our commitment to reducing noise nuisance we seized a home entertainment system from a resident who was making their neighbours’ lives a misery with excessive noise. We resolved 300 noise complaints in total and consulted on the potential nuisance implications of more than 500 planning applications and a further 400 licensing applications.

Daventry District Council Annual Review 2015/16 r Oum Ai

Improve our Business Economy, Learning and Skills

The Festival of Education

• Councillors agreed to enter into a funding agreement with Northamptonshire County Council to deliver the Daventry Development Link Road. Construction is underway on the road, which will bypass the villages of Flore, Weedon and Dodford and pave the way for the sustainable growth of Daventry. • Construction work on a large extension to Hambleside Danelaw’s Long March headquarters got underway. We invested £3.178m of capital funding in the project and will lease the completed facility to Hambleside Danelaw on a long-term basis. • We worked with partners to organise a Festival of Education in order to showcase the opportunities and celebrate successes of Daventry’s schools and colleges. • The Council completed the acquisition and registration of all of the land required to accommodate its Town Centre Vision regeneration projects. • The Mind charity moved into a new home at the old gas works car park off Braunston Road in Daventry following the completion of an eight month construction. The charity was relocated from its former premises in North Street as part of preparations for the regeneration of Daventry town centre (also known as Town Centre Vision Site 1).

• Revised plans for a retail and leisure development to the north-west of Daventry town centre were approved by councillors. The site, in the Waterloo/Gasworks/Chaucer Way area of Daventry (also known as Town Centre Vision Site 5), could provide a range of retail units, fast food and sit-in restaurants, a hotel and retirement housing complex. • Plans to regenerate Daventry town centre were showcased to potential investors worldwide after being included in a new prospectus of Midlands regeneration opportunities launched by the Government at an international real estate show in Cannes. Key projects, including the Daventry WaterSpace, Daventry Canal Arm and retail and leisure developments were included.

£35m the approximate overall cost of the Daventry Development Link Road, more than £20m of which will come from local sources such as the New Homes Bonus and developer contributions.

30,000 the size in square feet of the new extension at Hambleside Danelaw’s Long March HQ.

• We stepped in to take action to repair a dilapidated property in Warwick Street, Daventry, covering Council costs and the private owner’s mortgage debt through the eventual sale of the property at auction. • The Rural Transport and Economic Strategy 2015 -2020 was adopted to identify issues and help in the development of projects and actions to resolve them.

The Mind building opens

Daventry District Council Annual Review 2015/16

Summary of Accounts

Our revenue spending for 2015/16 What is revenue spending? This is the money that is spent on the day-to-day running of services including employee, premises and supplies and services costs. Before the start of each year, the Council sets a budget to finance the services it provides.

How was this money spent in 2015/16? The table on the right shows the net expenditure for 2015/16 compared to the previous year and what amount of this was met from local and national tax income – for example Council Tax, localisation of Business Rates and the Revenue Support Grant the Council receives from Government.

How much of my Council Tax bill went to Daventry District Council? We received a total of £3.852m from Council Tax – which equates to £141.14 per household* and (9.9%) of your total Council Tax Bill. The remainder of the Council Tax went to Parish Councils (4.3%), Northamptonshire County Council (72.2%) and the Northamptonshire Police and Crime Commissioner (13.6%). *based on DDC’s proportion of the Council Tax bill from an average Band D Property

What We Spent - Running our services (Revenue)

2014/15

2015/16

£’000

695 Central Service to the public (e.g. Electoral Registration, Land Charges, Financial Services regarding Council Tax, Business Rates and Benefits)

789

Cultural & Related Services

921

803

Environmental Services

2,486

2,719

Planning and Development Services

1,824

1,741

Highways, Roads and Transport

1,115

1,057

Housing Services

1,545

1,595

Corporate and Democratic Core (e.g. External Audit Fees and Management Costs)

1,802

1,416

Non Distributed Costs

(5)

Net Cost of Services

10,390

10,115

Pension inflation change

Other Operating Expenditure

(3,322)

(211)

Investment Income

(486)

(552)

Capital Expenditure financed from Revenue

179

243

Money taken to/from Earmarked Reserves for future use

1,817

2,545

Cost of Local Services met by Local and National Taxes and General Reserves

8,578

12,140

In 2015/16 we collected 97.76% of Council Tax and 99.42% of Business Rates.

Where did the money come from? After allowing for income such as rents and investments, fees and charges from services we provide, a total of £12.140m was spent on running services that were financed using local and national taxes.

How we paid for services 2014/15 £’000 (919)

How we paid for services 2015/16 £’000 (699) 4,162

2,331

3,852 5,451

The charts to the right show where this money came from:

3,226

3,314

Local Taxes - Council Tax National Taxes - Government Grant Business Rates General Reserves

Daventry District Council Annual Review 2015/16 Did we have any money left over? The table to the right shows that the net cost of services resulted in a surplus of £0.699m in 2015/16. Future years, due to continuing government funding cuts, show an underlying deficit position. The Council will be addressing the budget deficit, and the affordability and sustainability of future services as part of the 2017/18 budget preparation process and the Medium-Term Financial Plan.

Income & Expenditure Account

2014/15

2015/16

£’000

Cost of Services

8,578

12,140

Income from Local and National Taxes

(9,497)

(12,839)

(Surplus)/Deficit for the Year

(919)

(699)

Our Capital Spending for 2015/16 What is capital spending?

What we spent - investing in property and land (capital)

2014/15

2015/16

£’000

Improvement to dwellings

828

629

Environmental improvements

How did we spend this money in 2015/16?

Leisure

203

311

Offices

The table to the right shows the net expenditure for 2015/16 compared to the previous year.

Economic Development & Regeneration

907

3,511

Information Technology

209

113

Waste Collection and Disposal

Cemetery & Crematoria

Total Capital Expenditure

2,262

4,645

Where did the money come from?

2014/15

2015/16

£’000

Use of Capital Receipts

1,735

4,003

Use of External Contributions and Government Grants

348

399

Contributions from Revenue

179

243

Total Funding for Capital Expenditure

2,262

4,645

Total Net Worth

2014/15

2015/16

£’000

Value of Land and Property

57,126

60,142

• How much our property and land is worth (i.e. the value of our assets);

Cash Investments and Cash at Bank

39,409

45,943

Money Owed to Daventry District Council

8,613

8,529

• How much cash and money we have invested;

Money Owed by Daventry District Council

(6,773)

(8,904)

Pension Liability

(32,024)

(25,184)

• What money is due to be paid to the Council;

Other Long Term Liabilities

(2,632)

(2,705)

Total Assets less Liabilities

63,719

77,821

This is money that we invest in land and property, for its purchase and improvement and is accounted for separately from the day-to-day revenue expenditure.

What are we worth? At the end of each year we draw up a balance sheet, which represents:-

• What money is due to be paid out by the Council.

Resources Statement As Daventry’s statutory Chief Financial Officer, I can confirm that this year’s statement of accounts has been prepared in line with the CIPFA Local Authority Accounting Code of Practice. The figures in this summary of accounts have been compiled from the full statement of accounts, which is currently being audited by our appointed auditor, KPMG LLP.

A full audited statement of accounts will be available as soon as the audit is complete on the Daventry website at www. daventrydc.gov.uk/accounts Audra Statham Chief Financial Officer

Daventry District Council Annual Review 2015/16

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What’s in store for 2016/17 • We will continue to work on a strategy for creating the infrastructure needed to support greater take-up of electric vehicles in the district, including the installation of further electric charge points at key locations. • Work will continue to explore options for the delivery of waste and recycling services beyond the end of the current contract in June 2018. • Further consultation will be undertaken on the Settlements and Countryside Local Plan and the Gypsy, Traveller and Travelling Showpeople Local Plan.

Improved infrastructure for electric vehicles • We will continue to make improvements to our website which will improve the experience for mobile and tablet users as well as allowing customers to pay online for a wider range of services. • We will develop a Workplace Wellbeing Charter to improve the health and wellbeing of our staff. • We will work with our partner organisations to tackle food fraud in the district. • The 30,000 sq ft extension to Hambleside Danelaw in Daventry will be completed and will begin manufacturing operations. • Construction work to extend the gymnasium and improve the Phoenix Youth Centre in Ashby Road, Daventry, will be undertaken. • Further areas of roads and footways will be completed at Middlemore estate and an extension to the car park at Daventry Country Park will be completed.

Love Daventry campaign

• Daventry Town Centre Vision projects will continue to make progress, with the Council’s development partner Henry Boot Developments Ltd due to submit a planning application for the revised retail and leisure scheme in the Waterloo/ Gasworks/Chaucer Way area. Work will also continue to progress a viable leisure-led scheme for land to the north of High Street.

• We will work to identify and investigate cases of fraud against the Council as well as launch a district-wide marketing campaign to raise awareness of the fraud threats affecting the Council and to promote the methods available to report fraud, bribery or corruption. • Our Love Daventry campaign will continue to promote the District as a place to live, work and prosper.

• Plans for a primary school at the Monksmoor estate will continue to progress and both the new Northampton College campus in Daventry and the Daventry Hill School for pupils with special educational needs will open their doors to students. • Plans to link the pocket park next to Mayfield Park Sports Club on the Timken housing estate in Daventry to the existing cycle track and footpath on the old railway line will make progress alongside work to explore the feasibility of extending the path to Braunston.

Local Plan consultations

• Work to help secure the restoration of the Victorian Grade II-listed Overstone Hall will continue. • Further information to support the planning application for the proposed Daventry Canal Arm will be submitted, with a view to achieving determination of the application.

Town Centre Vision projects will progress

Focus On

Expansion project set to transform popular youth centre and volunteers ready to start offering new and exciting sports and activities for young people once we reopen next spring. “These are very exciting times for The Phoenix Youth Centre and we are grateful to Sport England, Landform and Daventry District Council for their support and belief throughout this project. It has been a triumph for teamwork.” Councillor Alan Hills, Portfolio Holder for Community, Culture and Leisure on Daventry District Council, said: “The Phoenix Youth Centre is one of the best youth centres in the county. This renovation means better facilities for the young people of Daventry District and we welcome that as a council.”

Families and young people can look forward to a state-of-the-art sports and community facility at the Phoenix Youth Centre in Daventry after work started on a major renovation project. The £1.7m build will transform the centre in Ashby Road, allowing it to offer an even wider range of activities and opportunities for young people in Daventry District for generations to come. Daventry District Council (DDC) is working with The Phoenix Youth Centre team in order to complete the project, which also has support and funding from Sport England and Landform. The new-look centre, which is expected to open in spring 2017, will feature an extended gymnastics hall with foam pits and floor-level trampolines, which will also help those with disabilities participate in activities. The larger area will allow for a wider range of equipment as well as improved audience space for competitions and festivals, while new toilets and changing areas will be fullyaccessible to wheelchair users. The centre will also benefit from complete renovation and modernisation, with better changing facilities, improved insulation, a new roof for the main hall and more efficient heating and lighting.

Gymnastics activities are taking place off Churchill Way in High March, Daventry while the renovation work takes place. Built in 1969, the popular centre welcomed 30,000 visits by children and young people in the last year, but with the future expansion of Daventry that is expected to grow to more than 50,000 visits per year by 2021. Elaine Bedford, President of the Centre, said: “The Phoenix Youth Club has been very popular for a number of years. We have lots of different activities going on, but our main focus has always been on gymnastics, so it’s really pleasing to be able to expand the centre to provide better facilities, particularly for people with disabilities. “We’ve had hundreds of thousands of young people through the doors over the years, and this modernisation and extension will allow us to meet the needs of the growing numbers of young people in Daventry District in future. “We will spend time during the refurbishment work on expanding and training our team of staff, apprentices

Sport England is investing £500,000 in the new-look centre. Sport England Property Director Charles Johnston said: “We know people have a better experience of sport when they have good facilities in which to play. This is why we’re investing in the Phoenix Youth Centre and working with Daventry District Council. We want to build new facilities that are more appealing to young people and help them to develop a lifelong sporting habit.” Between 2012 and 2017, Sport England will invest £45 million of Lottery funding through the Improvement Fund into medium sized projects to improve grassroots sports facilities.

Focus On

Bin collections face future changes Plans to change future waste and recycling collections in Daventry District are continuing to move forward. This summer Daventry District Council (DDC) agreed proposals for a new type of waste and recycling service from June 2018, when the current environmental services contract with Amey/ Enterprise ends. Called a ‘1-2-3’ service, it would comprise (1) a weekly food waste collection, (2) a twoweekly recycling collection using a fullsize compartmentalised wheelie bin and (3) a three-weekly general waste collection. A separate garden waste collection service would also be made available at an additional cost for those who want it. DDC intends to introduce the new type of service when the contract ends as keeping the existing one would likely mean an increase in running costs of £1.25m a year. The 1-2-3 service is the most affordable option, will help meet national recycling targets and also change some of the things people don’t like about their current collections.

1-2-3 service offers an affordable way forward Nearly 1,000 people gave their feedback on the proposal during a public consultation during February and March and the option was approved by the Council on 28 July. Detailed work will now move forward on how these future collections are to be delivered. Options could include the Council running the waste and recycling service in-house, sharing it with another council or councils, or outsourcing to a contractor. Councillor Jo Gilford, Daventry District Council’s Environment Portfolio Holder said: “When our current waste and recycling contract ends in 2018, we

know the future cost of the service will be a lot higher, regardless of design or supplier. The contract has been running since 2011 and there have since been lots of changes to the waste industry, including a considerable drop in prices received for recycling materials which is unlikely to change in the near future. “Keeping the existing collections service is just too expensive and our challenge has been to find an alternative that’s not only the most affordable but also the best fit for our District. Having now looked at all the options available, we believe the ‘1-2-3’ service is the way

forward. It will enable us to deliver a quality service to our residents that can be managed within our budgets whilst encouraging a future increase in recycling which is good for the environment. “I would like to thank everyone who gave their views on the proposals as the process moved forward. Now we have agreed on what the future service should look like, the next step is to explore how it will be delivered and by whom.” To find out more about the proposals, including a quick video guide and FAQs, visit www.daventrydc.gov.uk/ wasteoptions2018

Focus On

Hundreds of households in Daventry District are feeding their food waste bins for the chance to win some fantastic prizes in a countywide competition. And residents not already taking part can still register for the free I’m In to Win scheme, to be in the running for prizes ranging from free leisure experiences and days out to shopping and restaurant vouchers. The competition, which was launched by the Northamptonshire Waste Partnership (NWP) in November last year, is run across four council areas: Daventry District, South Northants, East Northants and Corby. Those residents taking part place a sticker on their brown food waste bin when they put it out for collection and a winner is picked monthly from those registered households who are regularly recycling. In its first six months of the scheme’s launch, the NWP has charted a 10% increase in food waste recycling coupled with £17,000 saving in disposal costs. The scheme has been such a success it has now also been adopted by councils in Warwickshire.

Here’s how to join in: • Register online at www. feedyourcaddy.co.uk. You’ll then receive a registration pack, including an “I’m In to Win” sticker. If you need to order a new or replacement food bin or kitchen caddy, you can do this here too. • Simply put the sticker on your brown food waste bin and put it out for weekly collection. • One lucky winner from Daventry District will be chosen at random every month, receiving an email inviting them to choose a prize that suits them best. Councillor Chris Millar, Leader of DDC and Chair of the NWP, said: “We are delighted with the success of the I’m In to Win campaign, with more than 3,100 families signing up and over 300 additional tonnes of food waste recycled since its launch.

An improved recycling service Plans to introduce a large wheelie bin for all recyclables will tackle a number of concerns by residents about the existing recycling service. Under the 1-2-3 service set to be introduced in June 2018, the current system of sorting and placing recycling into red and blue boxes for weekly collection will be replaced with a wheelie bin for mixed recycling and separate insert for glass that can sit in the top of the bin or alongside it. The new lidded bin will mean more space for recyclables, save residents from having to separate their paper from plastics and cans and stop items getting wet or blowing away during bad weather. For more details on what you can recycle, visit www.daventrydc.gov.uk/recycling

“Some amazing, local prizes have been won and I would encourage residents to sign up to be in with the chance of being rewarded for their food waste recycling.”

News

Overstone Hall restoration within reach the future of the Victorian Grade II-listed premises, which were badly damaged by fire in 2001 and have continued to gradually decay.

Fresh steps are being taken towards restoring an important piece of local heritage back to its former glory. Daventry District Council is working with the new owners of Overstone Hall, Barry Howard Homes (BHH), to secure

They will be pursuing an approach to restore the site based on Historic England’s policy on ‘enabling development’ – this is when development normally considered unacceptable is permitted, because the resulting public benefits outweigh the harm. An example would be to build new houses where planning policy would normally prohibit them, with the profits used to pay to restore an important heritage asset. BHH, which purchased Overstone Hall this summer from the New Testament Church

‘Paint Means Poo’ as successful dog fouling campaign returns Parishes across Daventry District are taking part in a renewed campaign to rid our streets and open spaces of dog fouling. The Paint Means Poo campaign revisits the successful paint spraying scheme first launched in 2013, which saw volunteers spraying dog mess with brightly-colour biodegradable paint in order to highlight the extent of fouling and shame offenders into picking up. This time more than 30 parishes are taking part and have been provided with cans of spray paint as well as awareness

posters by Daventry District Council. It is hoped the fresh campaign will yield similar results to those recorded last year in Brixworth, where spraying of dog fouling resulted in drastic reductions of the amount of mess – from 146 piles recorded during one week in March, down to just 6 when the same patrols were made the following September. A special toolkit is also being produced to help volunteer groups take part in the campaign in their communities too. Find out more at www.daventrydc.gov. uk/dogfouling

of God, is a development company previously involved with the restoration of Coton House, an 18th-century country house near Rugby. Various parcels of land are being considered for an enabling scheme and DDC officers will continue to work closely with the new owners on bringing proposals forward. Councillor David James, Daventry District Council’s Strategic Planning Portfolio Holder, said: “Achieving the restoration of Overstone Hall after it was ravaged by fire 15 years ago has been a long-standing objective for us. It has been a long and challenging journey at times, but we are now in a position where the goal of restoration appears to be within reach.”

Cut bills with the Big Switch Residents have another chance to save big on their gas and electricity bills with the return of Daventry District Council’s (DDC) energy switching initiative. The Big Switch Daventry District scheme is a joint effort between DDC and its switching partner iChoosr to use collective purchasing power to secure better energy deals for residents. The autumn scheme is underway and people have until October 10 to register at www.daventrydc.gov.uk/ bigswitchdaventry or by phoning DDC on 01327 871100.

Come to a committee meeting All the meetings listed start at 6.15pm and take place at the Civic Offices, in Lodge Road, Daventry.

Committee

Date of meeting

Corporate Governance Committee

Tuesday 13 September

Strategy Group

Thursday 15 September

All meetings are open for the public to attend. For more information visit www.daventrydc.gov.uk/meetings, email jfindlay@daventrydc.gov.uk or phone 01327 871100.

Planning Committee

Wednesday 21 September

Council

Thursday 6 October

Planning Committee

Wednesday 12 October

Strategy Group

Thursday 13 October

Planning Committee

Wednesday 2 November

Scrutiny & Improvement Committee

Tuesday 8 November

Licensing Committee

Thursday 10 November

Planning Committee

Wednesday 23 November

Strategy Group

Thursday 24 November

Council

Thursday 8 December

To listen to an audio recording of a meeting, visit www.daventrydc.gov.uk/ audiorecordings

What’s on

Spooky tales and ghostly trails

Some ghoulishly good tales are set to enthral children at this year’s free Halloween Spooktacular at Daventry Country Park. Story teller Karen Rogers will perform A Dark, Dark Tale and Teeny Tiny and the Witch Woman for over 5s, while younger children are sure to love Room on the Broom and Funny Bones.

competition, with prizes awarded in three age groups : 0-2, 3-6 and over 6s.

Karen will also be leading story-creating activities and performing magic tricks at the event, at 3pm on Monday, October 31.

All children must be accompanied by an adult during the event and will need to bring torches with them as it will be getting dark at that time of the afternoon.

Children are invited to wear Halloween fancy dress and register at the visitor centre to take part in the costume

There will also be a Spooktacular trail around the park with goodies to be found.

To book a place at the event please phone 01327 871100.

Fun race for children of all abilities Youngsters can keep fit and active by taking part in a free weekly running event in Daventry. Daventry junior parkrun is a free 2km event for junior runners of all standards and takes place each Sunday at 9am at Daventry Sports Park, in Browns Road, Daventry. The younger cousin of the popular weekly parkrun around Daventry Country Park, junior parkrun is for ages four to 14 and regularly attracts

more than 50 children of all abilities for a fun timed race. The event is totally free to enter but entrants need to register first at www.parkrun.org.uk/register For more information, including details of volunteering opportunities, visit www.parkrun.org.uk/daventry-juniors

Get active with half term sports camps Fun sports activities to keep children active and occupied during half term are being offered by Daventry District Council’s leisure partner Everyone Active. Youngsters can take part in sports including trampolining and inclusive multi-sports during the Sports Camps running from October 24 to 28. All of the sessions are for children aged 5 to 16 and run from 10am to 3pm at a cost of £13 a day. Children booking onto them can also pay £2.40 to join the Connections Club, which offers a variety of games and activities from 8.30am until the start of the camp as well as a free hour swim at the leisure centre pool between 1.30pm and 4.30pm. To find out more and book a place on one of the camps, phone 01327 871144 or visit www.everyoneactive. com/daventry

What’s on

Events in Daventry District this Autumn September to December Collect-O-Mania exhibition at Daventry Museum, in 3 New Street, featuring collectables submitted by the public. The museum is open TuesdayFriday 9.30am-1.30pm and the first Saturday of each month from 10am-4pm. More at www.daventrymuseum.org.uk

September 10 Heritage Open Day at the Holy Cross Church, Daventry from 10.30am12.30pm for tours and bell ringing demonstrations.

September 17 to 24 Spratton Festival 2016 featuring a produce show, harvest festival, church tours, music, photography, a talent show and more. Concludes on Saturday, September 24 with a concert by Boobs & Brass at 7.30pm in St Andrew’s Church. Concert tickets cost £10 each from David Bennett on 01604 821785, with proceeds to breast cancer research and the church.

Spotlight on bomber crash display People can find out more about a unique piece of Daventry’s history at a museum exhibition. A display at Sywell Aviation Museum tells the story of the B17 American bomber that crashed on Borough Hill on 15 December 1944 with the loss of nine American airmen, and includes information about the crew together with artefacts from the site. Located at the aerodrome at Sywell near Moulton, the museum also features exhibits on local RAF crews and the history of the aerodrome. It is open at weekends and bank holidays from Easter until the end of September each year and is also available for group visits with prior arrangement. Find out more at www.sywellaerodrome.co.uk/museum.php

October 1 Garage & Driveway Clutter Sale in Clipston from 2pm to 5pm. Teas, cakes and a map of homes taking part available at the church. More on 01858 525566.

October 8 Traditional Church Jumble Sale at the Village Hall in Station Road, Lilbourne from 1pm. Entry 30p (under 12s go free) with proceeds to All Saints’ Church. More at allsaintschurchlilbourne.wordpress.com or on 01788 860126.

October 31 Halloween Spooktacular at Daventry Country Park – see page 15 for details.

November 5 September 18 Dahlia Festival at Kelmarsh Hall, featuring a programme of speciallythemed activities, including talks and workshops. More at www.kelmarsh.com or on 01604 686543.

Bonfire Party Night at Hollowell Rally Field. Gates open at 5pm, followed by the lighting of the bonfire at 7pm and fireworks at 7.30pm. Entry costs £1 per person.

September 25 20 million steps event organised by Daventry Town Council with Health for Well Being. A 10,000-step circular walk from Daventry Library around Daventry Country Park, starting at midday. If you would like to include forthcoming events in the District in Daventry Calling please email news@daventrydc.gov.uk Due to distribution schedules, some areas of the district may receive Daventry Calling later than the date of some featured events.

Firework Display at the Parker E-Act Academy, Ashby Road, Daventry. More at www.daventrytowncouncil.gov.uk

November 11 Armistice Day – meet at the top of Sheaf Street, Daventry, at 10.45am for a short service and two-minute silence.

November 12 Daventry District bellringers meet at Barby church from 3-4pm, and at the four bells at Kilsby Church from 3.30-4.30pm. Evening ringing from 7-8.30pm at Crick Church. All welcome.

November 13 Remembrance Sunday Parade and Service in Daventry town centre from 10.30am, including a two-minute silence at the War Memorial and Service of Remembrance at Holy Cross Church.

November 26 Classical music for all in All Saints Church, Clipston, including a 2.30pm matinee for families, followed by a 7.30pm show with favourites from Classic FM’s Hall of Fame. Tickets cost £10 for adults, £5 for children and £7.50 for seniors on 01858 525275. Tasting Fair of Christmas foods at Hellidon Village Hall from 2pm to 5pm with local produce to try. Entry costs £2 (under 15s go free) which includes a glass of mulled wine and a mince pie.

December 2 Daventry Christmas Lantern Parade in the town centre. Find out more at www.daventrytowncouncil.gov.uk

Discover more days out at www.lovedaventry.com/whats-on