Latest news with #Northampton
BBC News
20 hours ago
- General
- BBC News
Calls for more youth services in West Northamptonshire
There are calls by providers, young people and backed by councillors for more youth services, like youth clubs and youth workers, in West Northamptonshire Council recently committed to exploring new opportunities for improving youth support and Family Centre in Northampton provides 16 youth sessions a week over six Malatji, Development Manager at the centre, said: "There's definitely a need for a better youth system in Northampton to support all the kids." "We have people from all sorts of backgrounds, the majority of the kids are in overcrowded housing, they have two to four siblings, plus two parents in a two-bedroom house," Mr Malatji said. "There is no room to play or even for them to do their homework or just to breathe."So having this space within their community is helpful to get away from that crowded environment."Springs Family Centre has seen a 37% increase in attendance in the first six months of this year compared to the same period in people between eight and 25 years old can attend the centre, but most (70%) are aged between 11 and 18. Teenager Cedric Kwarteng said coming to the youth club has "had a positive impact" on him. "I get to meet new people from different backgrounds and understand where they've come from, and it just builds me as a person," the 18-year-old said.A cross-party group of West Northamptonshire Council members recently visited the WEST London Youth Zone in Shepherd's Bush to see what facilities are provided for young Arnull, leader of West Northamptonshire Council, said: "It was inspiring to learn from such a positive initiative and how we can take away key points to consider our opportunities for our young people locally here in West Northants."Every area is so different, and we definitely need to scope out the art of the possible within our local area, however it is encouraging to see this cross-party support and to experience such a positive scheme." Follow Northamptonshire news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
BBC News
20 hours ago
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Northampton Royal & Derngate shortlisted for theatre award
A town's theatre has been named as a finalist for the UK's most welcoming theatre Royal & Derngate has been shortlisted for the prize alongside Birmingham Rep and the Shakespeare North Playhouse in winner will be revealed at this year's UK Theatre Awards, which will take place in London on 12 Royal & Derngate's chief executive, Jo Gordon, said the theatre was "thrilled" to be up for the award. Ms Gordon said: "It's been a challenging few years for Royal & Derngate, particularly with the discovery of reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (Raac) concrete in our foyer spaces in 2023. "It's so important to us that we've consistently been able to maintain a warm, welcoming and safe experience for audiences, and in particular for our access customers."The theatre's artistic director Jesse Jones said: "We're pleased to have still been able to prioritise initiatives such as dedicated access hosts, sensory bags and a sensory pod, our Step Up work experience programme and our guide dog socialisation scheme. "We've also introduced innovative new uses for our wider foyer spaces now they are fully reopened, including vintage clothes sales, video gaming experiences and art exhibitions. "We are at the heart of the local community, so we are truly thrilled to have been shortlisted for such a prestigious award in the wider theatre world." UK Theatre member venues were invited to apply for the most welcoming theatre award, and the finalists were selected based on factors ranging from accessibility and inclusion practices, to programming, outreach, workforce and audience development. Follow Northamptonshire news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
BBC News
a day ago
- BBC News
Northampton Summertime Live assault investigated by police
Police are appealing for witnesses after a woman was assaulted at an outdoor music Police said the woman, aged in her 30s, was attacked "by a group of up to seven people" at the Summertime Live event at Delapre Abbey in Northampton on 19 said the incident happened near to a toilet area between 20:00 and 20:30 BST. They said one of the offenders verbally abused the woman and threw water in her face before the rest of the group joined in the assault by punching and kicking her.A 40-year-old woman from Northampton has been arrested on suspicion of assault and is on police bail pending further inquiries. Police want anyone who witnessed the incident to contact them on 101, or alternatively call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111. Follow Northamptonshire news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
BBC News
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Northampton clown 'buzzing' about return after 11-year break
A clown who started in the industry when he was seven said he was "buzzing" to be back after an 11-year Reed, better known as Clumsy, attended his first clown convention in Bognor Regis as a child, which inspired a 30-year career. He will be performing twice a day, six days a week at Billing Aquadrome holiday park in Northampton as part of its Circus Fiesta event. Mr Reed decided to take a break to settle down with his partner and focus on his business but, after putting on his clown make-up once again, he said: "I feel unbelievable. I look in the mirror and it's shocking." Mr Reed acknowledged a lot of people suffered from coulrophobia, a fear of clowns, which meant he needed to adjust his performance according to the crowd."It's all about the way you approach the situation," he said. "People that are scared end up getting used to me and we have photos together after the show." His fascination with clowns began at the age of three, when he was taken to his first circus, inspiring him to start dressing up and attending said: "My parents always thought I'd grow out of it."Clowning has taken a back seat for over a decade but when he got the call to be a part of the Circus Fiesta, he said he was "buzzing like you wouldn't believe"."It's bonkers how everything's slotted into place. It's like it's meant to be." Follow Northamptonshire news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Yahoo
Nursery to stay closed after sexual assault arrest
A nursery that closed when a staff member was arrested on suspicion of sexual assault nearly three months ago said it would not reopen. Child First Nursery in Moulton, Northampton was shut by watchdog Ofsted on 9 May due to safeguarding concerns. Northamptonshire Police previously arrested a member of staff, who were later released on bail while inquiries continued. A spokesperson for Child First said: "It was always our intention to reopen. However, with the investigation ongoing, we believe this is the best course of action to end any uncertainty for all those impacted." Police have not confirmed where the offence was alleged to have taken place. The childcare setting was last inspected by Ofsted last year, when it was given a good rating. The provider runs five nurseries across Aylesbury, Northampton and Banbury and Bicester. At the time of the immediate closure, a spokesperson for Ofsted said: "Children's safety is our priority and we suspended this nursery on 9 May because we had reasonable cause to believe that children may be exposed to a risk of harm." A spokesperson for Child First said it had apologised to parents over the closure and offered support to find alternative childcare arrangements. It said: "We have taken the very difficult decision to permanently close the nursery. "We will continue to cooperate fully with the investigation." It said staff would be offered new roles across its other nurseries or will be supported to find a new role elsewhere. "We appreciate the support shown by our families and our staff team during this time. "The safety and welfare of the children in our care has always been our highest priority." Follow Northamptonshire news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X. Related internet links Child First Ofsted
