Lizzy Bowen - Conservative Councillor, Nene Valley

The 7th LORD LIEUTENANTs Annual LEADERS Forum

On Thursday I attended the 7th Lord Lieutenants Annual Leaders Forum.
A collaboration of Business, Education, Government both political and officer and the Third Sector.

Thank you to Julie Abraham CEO of RICHER SOUNDS PLC and DR Roger Barker Director of Policy and Governance at the Institute of Directors ( IOD) who inspired us.

High on the AGENDA was:
How can Education and Business work together to better match the skills shortages for the future.
Employee …people …the benefits of an employee owned trust. Looking after and motivating employees for optimum performance.
Building more Governance into Business to facilitate trust. A recent survey has shown this is at an all time low of 50%

Fantastic CATCHING UP with:
Rachel Mallows DL, MBE and congratulating on the WEETABIX Northamptonshire Food and Drinks awards.
William Church of CHURCH’s / PRADA shoes.
David Laing …Previous LL
Lucy Reece Raybould; CEO of the BRITISH FOOTWEAR ASSOCIATION
John Brownhill, DEPUTY LORD LIEUTENANT and
Rachel McGRATH, Edward FOWLER and Jonathon NUNN / Louis Devayya of Economy at WNC.

A special mention to GOODWILL SOLUTIONS also in attendance.

It was great to chat with Graeme KANE from North Northampton Unitary Authority; reminiscing about our work together on Chester House Estates.

A real bonus was also catching up with Lorraine LEWIS from the Crime Prosecution Service in London, who I worked very closely with as a Magistrate.

Huge thanks must go to ADRIAN PRYCE …Deputy Lord Lieutenant, Associate Professor at UON and friend; who pulled the event together and so excellently hosted the night.

All in all a fantastic event and finally thank you to James Saunders Watson our Lord Lieutenant.

I think this is a great idea.

Whilst I could never understand why London to Birmingham was prioritised above the Northern part first, it does create capacity which is very much needed. It would also bring something back to our area.

I am delighted that the Government has said it is considering the proposed Silverstone International railway station as part of its assessment of how it might spend the funds freed up as a result of the cancellation of the second phase of HS2.

Read the full text of the Minister's answer below 👇

Following the Prime Minister’s announcement of the cancellation of the second phase of HS2, my Department is working through the detailed implications of this decision on the London to West Midlands section of the railway, including an assessment of the scope of the railway. The proposal for a station at Silverstone will form part of that assessment.

PREFERRED DEVELOPER ANNOUNCED FOR £130m WATERSIDE & MAREFAIR SITES

West Northamptonshire Council has confirmed that National regeneration developer, Cityheart has been announced as their preferred development partner to bring forward the Four Waterside and Marefair sites. Working in a joint venture partnership with West Northamptonshire Council (‘WNC’) Cityheart will deliver a transformational and ambitious scheme for the town centre.

Situated at the entrance of the town from Northampton’s railway station, the Four Waterside and Marefair scheme is one of the largest brownfield developments in the county with two sites totaling five acres. Work is anticipated to start in 2025 to unlock this space, providing a new hotel, grade A office space for new and existing businesses, high-quality homes and improved paving and planting to elevate the area.

With nearly 20 years of experience, Cityheart works in partnership with councils across the country to rejuvenate towns and cities, including the £135 million Galleries town centre redevelopment in Wigan. This eight acre, highly sustainable mixed-use regeneration site providing a new market and hotel, high-quality homes, leisure venues, co-working space and events space.

This is Cityheart’s first appointment via the Pagabo National Framework Agreement for Developer Led schemes (Region: East Midlands Lot 3c [£40m+] = Mixed Use).

WNC has secured a £1.5 million grant from The Towns Fund and a further £7 million from the Northampton Waterside Enterprise Zone, to help deliver the project which will contribute to the wider transformation across the town. This funding will enable the development to be brought forward and have a significant impact on the local economy with a projected £130 million gross development value.

The Towns Fund is part of the Government’s plan for ‘Levelling Up’ the UK economy and the Council has secured £24.9 million to invest into transforming Northampton’s Town Centre.

Cllr Daniel Lister, cabinet member for economic development, town centre regeneration and growth, said: “We are delighted to announce that we are working with Cityheart to deliver this significant development. Their expertise will be invaluable in transforming the two vacant brownfield sites and providing high-quality facilities to meet the needs of our local community and benefit our local economy.

“This area has stood empty for too long, and we are excited to now begin the relevant preparation before we start work in 2025. Once complete, this development has the potential to have a transformational impact upon Northampton town centre and beyond.”

Andrew Sanderson, development director of Cityheart added: “This superb site will open up the gateway to the town centre from the rail station and will be transformational for Northampton. It will deliver waterside residences and highly sustainable workspace, enhancing the living experience for people in the town centre. Ciyheart is extremely proud to be appointed as preferred developer and we look forward to making a start on the project before the end of the year.”

To find out more about the regeneration of Northampton and projects taking place across the town, visit www.wearenorthampton.com

Having recently been bitten by an aggressive dog, I really welcome this!

Requirements relating to dog control and smoking in public open spaces across the Northampton area to be introduced in October Additional measures to encourage responsible dog ownership and ban smoking in specific public open spaces in the Northampton area, will be implemented from 3 October 2023 for a period of two years following approval by West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) cabinet on 19 September.

In memory of Ian Morris. Friend, Lawyer, Actor,
Councillor. May he never be forgotten.

Will you leave a gift of hope after providing for loved ones?

Great to be out on Sunday in Tamworth with # Suzanne Webb MP for Stourbridge Coleman, Jo Gilford and our one of our young conservatives who is studying at Coventry University. She has just taken on the role of setting up a Conservative Association at the Uni 🥰

Delighted to introduce Mobola Bakare. Area Chairman for Conservative Womens Organisation in Northamptonshire.

She is working hard at getting more local women interested in politics.

Mobola is a law graduate with over 30 years of experience within the Legal, Financial, and Health and Safety sectors. She is passionate about social issues, particularly the criminal justice system.
Mobola campaigns for the party and stood as a candidate for the Northampton ward of “Headlands” in the May 2021 elections.

If you want a confidential discussion about roles in politics or indeed contacting Mobola do message me.

There has been a lot of work behind the scenes to get this over the line….excuse the pun!

Fantastic news.

EXCITING NEWS! Rugby World Cup 2025 is coming to Northampton! 🙌🎉

The 10th edition of the women’s pinnacle global tournament is set to take place at Franklins Gardens stadium - home of the internationally renowned Northampton Saints.

Read more at https://ow.ly/kwKe50PBPaQ

Photo credit: Adam Gumbs

Out in Talavera ward in Northampton North with Michael Ellis MP, Taylor , Callum and Tristan.

Had a warm welcome with lots of discussion around immigration, NHS and cost of living pressures.

Hope the leg injury heals quickly Sam Rumens!

Yesterday I, Phil Larratt and Jonathon Nunn were out surveying the Queen Eleanor Roundabout between Wootton and Hardingstone.

The long awaited improvements are finally getting underway this Autumn.
This will provide the much needed capacity to a very congested road network.

As ever, do contact us if you have any queries.

This is really exciting!

Leisure developer - STACK Northampton is set to transform the vacant Market Walk shopping centre in Northampton Town Centre after completing the acquisition of the site on Monday, 1 August.

This exciting regeneration will transform this site into an innovative food hall and leisure space.

Read more at: https://ow.ly/YGqH50PtSEI

138th Blakesley Show TODAY!

Do pop along to support. Lots on offer including local food producers, farming demos and machinery by the truck load!

Great to see Charlotte and Gilly Sykes presenting their Stowe Heights weekly fresh produce deliveries.

Under the boundary changes, Nene Valley boundary will include Grange Park losing both Collingtree and Great Houghton villages in the 2025 elections. Collingtree will join the Hunsburys, whilst Great Houghton will join the Little Houghton cluster.

Nene Valley will still be a 3 member ward. All villages are being consulted to discuss the impact of these boundary changes on them.

If you want to discuss, please do contact me.

The number of West Northamptonshire unitary councillors will reduce from 93 to 76 at the next local elections in 2025 under the final recommendations of a review by the Local Government Boundary Commission for England.

Read more at https://ow.ly/qQAA50Pq0gr

Tackling antisocial behaviour. Have your say.

We are seeking residents’ views on renewing a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) in Northampton to help tackle nuisance and problem behaviour.

Please have your say at https://ow.ly/v3VH50PqI8r

Out in Collingtree this morning. We thought we were attending a meeting about the proposed additional housing alongside the Hilton Hotel.

Turns out we were a month early! But got to chat to residents and also familiarise ourselves with the site.

What’s very clear from surveying the area is the need for more parking especially to service the nearby sports pavilion. That will definitely be in our asks when s106 is being agreed.

Had a quick look at the allotments too!

Just signed up to a monthly donation to Pancreatic Cancer UK.

Half of all people diagnosed, sadly die within 3 months.

Survival rates for Leukaemia have quadrupled thanks to significant and constant investment. PCUK's aim is to seek £35m of annual funding.
It's the only way researchers will be able to find the breakthrough to save lives.

In memory of my dear friend and work colleague Ian Morris.

You've signed! One more thing, will you help fund our research? We’re facing a pancreatic cancer emergency – half of people diagnosed die within 3 months. Research is the key to saving lives. Help with a gift today.

Race for Life for Bowelbabe ❤ Money raised will go directly to the Fund.

Government launches new drive to support rural communities Unleashing Rural Opportunity document launched

Tina was one of my icons. I was lucky to have been at the NEC front row on one of her tours. An utterly fantastic performer. May she rest in peace 🙏

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Tina Turner. With her music and her boundless passion for life, she enchanted millions of fans around the world and inspired the stars of tomorrow. Today we say goodbye to a dear friend who leaves us all her greatest work: her music. All our heartfelt compassion goes out to her family. Tina, we will miss you dearly. (© Peter Lindbergh)

A productive sunny morning helping Andrew Lewer MP in Northampton South.

Also helping out are my fellow colleagues the lovely Matt Golby and Nigel Hinch of “Ability Transport”and Chairman of Northampton South Association.

UK ASIAN HOME COOK OF THE YEAR 2023

Delighted to present awards at the first UK Asian Female cooking competition here in Northampton. Contestants invited from across the UK.

Congratulations Muhammad Ali for organising at Northampton College and to “ Chief Chef” Phil Martin.

With International Sponsors and Media Partner; Channel S, Chief Judge was a previous chef from Marco Pierre Whites’ restaurant.

Next venue in London 2024 date tbc. Sponsors needed so do let me know if you are interested. You have a year to budget it in!

A quick special mention to our newly appointed Mayor: Stephen Hibbert who was attending his first event.

Fantastic news!

🆙 NORTHAMPTON TOWN ARE PROMOTED! 🆙

A promotion made together by the club, the Shoe Army and the community. ❤️

A promotion made with resilience and determination. ❤️

A special club, special people, special supporters. ❤️

WE DID IT! 🍾

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Another night in Kingsthorpe!

Enjoying chatting with residents in and around Hinton Road this evening, along with Cllr Mohammed Aziz - Councillor for Kingsthorpe North and Lizzy Bowen - Conservative Councillor, Nene Valley.

Coming to a door near you soon!

Latest update on Towcester Relief Road

🛣️TOWCESTER RELIEF ROAD UPDATE 🛣️

I was pleased to visit the site of the Towcester Relief Road this morning for an update and a tour by Persimmon and their contractors. Whilst the site is still looking quite incomplete, I was given specific dates by Persimmon by which time Towcester residents should see significant changes and improvements.

These are:

🗓️ End of May - the first roundabout and first section of road from the A5 roundabout should be complete (note it will not yet reach the A5 as the roundabout itself will not be finished!)

🗓️ Middle of June - upgrades to water mains by Anglian Water should be completed next to the A5 roundabout. (I will be contacting Anglian Water to ask them to expedite the work.) This will enable the final work on the A5 roundabout to be completed.

🗓️ End of July - Persimmon hope to have the A5 roundabout opened in time for Silverstone and the whole works to finish the A5 roundabout completed by the end of July. The roundabout will be open from early July but will continue to have speed restrictions in place.

In summary, Persimmon plan to have met the overdue terms of the Section 106 agreement by the end of July, subject to any unforeseen further problems.

As things stand, Persimmon hopes to finalise the engineering design for the A43 roundabout by the end of May this year, and to finish much of the rest of the relief road by the end of 2023, leaving only a bridge at the A43 end, plus the A43 roundabout itself to be built, and their best estimate remains that the entire road will be open in time for the British Grand Prix in 2024!

The map in this post provides further details.

I was relieved to see that following various heated exchanges with me in recent months, Persimmon are convincingly determined to deliver for local residents. They have told me that they are planning to create their own local website for Towcester residents to give a step by step update on different elements of the relief road as they open up so residents can report any questions or comments. I hope this provides residents with a new level of reassurance that Persimmon are focused on getting the Relief Road finally completed. I will, of course, continue with my monthly progress meetings with Persimmon, National Highways and WNC.

🙏

Northamptonshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Stephen Mold has welcomed Nick Adderley back to the helm of Northamptonshire Police after a short break between contracts.

Nick Adderley was sworn in as Chief Constable this morning (Monday 3 April). Stephen Mold said that he is now looking forward to working with Nick to strengthen local engagement and policing and focus on the crimes that matter to people in their neighbourhoods.

Read more on our website:
https://northantspfcc.org.uk/welcome-back-nick-adderley-as-chief-constable/

This is fantastic news!

Amazing news for young people in . We've been awarded a life-changing grant from Department for Culture, Media and Sport and Social Investment Business to boost our & reach more young people, creating safe spaces and new opportunities to enhance their health, skills & wellbeing.

Our grant is one of the first 43 new projects funded by , announced today!

The lowdown has been awarded the funding to extend and refurbish its Kingswell Street building and expand their youth services to support on their journey towards positive emotional health and wellbeing.

https://youthinvestmentfund.org.uk/news/

Great to be out supporting my friend and work colleague Pinder Chauhan, in her newly appointed Parliamentary Seat of Bedford and Kempston.

Joined by Pinder’s adorable Dad ( photo on left ) and the association team from Beds Cons Association.
Raul out there supporting his mum too 🥰