Laura Coffey

North Northamptonshire Council is seeking approval to recommission the Holiday Activities and Food Programme, which provides free meals and activities to five- to 16-year-olds receiving benefit-related free school meals. The existing contract with Northamptonshire Sport ends in March 2027, and the council plans to tender a replacement contract for award in November if approved. More than 2,100 children attended in summer 2025, down from 2,630 in 2024, with officials attributing the decline partly to a new booking system. The programme is funded by the Department for Education as part of a national three-year, £600m extension.

A new community centre and sports complex at Towcester Grange remains closed 18 months after completion due to unresolved financial and legal arrangements between Towcester Town Council and West Northamptonshire Council. Developer Persimmon Homes says required payments were made and the site transfer is pending, while residents and Towcester Town Football Club express frustration over lack of access and strained capacity. Both councils say they are working to resolve outstanding issues to open the facilities safely and sustainably.

Parents in Old Stratford presented a petition opposing the withdrawal of a free bus service to Elizabeth Woodville School, arguing the walking route is unsafe due to poor lighting, overgrown foliage and proximity to a busy road. West Northamptonshire Council said the route meets safety guidelines and students are not eligible for free transport based on distance, though improvements are being made before the new school year. Local councillor Ian McCord supported parents’ concerns and urged repairs to the path.

Corby has been shortlisted for the UK's first Town of Culture 2028 award, selected from nearly 400 entrants across Britain. It will compete in the medium towns category alongside Great Yarmouth, Leith, Pontypridd and Port Talbot. Each shortlisted town will receive £60,000 to prepare full bids to be reviewed by an independent panel, with category winners and an overall winner to be announced next year. The competition is part of the government's Pride in Place Programme aimed at boosting local pride and supporting community renewal.

An Ofsted inspection reports significant improvements at Northamptonshire Children’s Trust, which took over the county’s children’s services after earlier failings. Young people leaving care describe crucial support in housing, wellbeing and independence, while staff cite better leadership visibility, reduced agency reliance and more stable workloads. The trust now supports more than 7,000 children and is viewed as more responsive and effective since becoming an independent body.