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Northampton Commemorates 350 Years Since the Great Fire

A week of powerful community events will culminate in a spectacular finale on Saturday 20 September, as Northampton marks the 350th anniversary of the Great Fire with a full day of free activities in Market Square.

Great Fire Image children meeting the Duchess of Edinburgh

👑 HRH The Duchess of Edinburgh will join crowds for the closing celebration, which includes:

🕯️ A service at All Saints’ Church at 7.30pm featuring Rev Richard Coles
🎬 A premiere of a community-created animation at 1.30pm
🎶 Live music and DJ sets from Inspiration FM, Saphron, United African Association & more
🛍️ An extended Makers Market with artisan producers
🎨 Displays from Northamptonshire Police, Fire & Rescue, and local creatives
🍹 A bar by V&B and performances by the Bach Choir
🌆 A nightly light show on All Saints’ Church from 15–20 September
🎺 Fiori Musicali performing Handel’s Music for the Royal Fireworks on 18 September

This event is the grand finale of a five-month programme honouring the town’s resilience and spirit since the devastating blaze of 1675, which destroyed 700 buildings and reshaped Northampton’s future.

📲 Learn more about the anniversary and full event programme:
🔗 West Northamptonshire Council’s event page https://www.westnorthants.gov.uk/news/week-activities-commemorate-350-year-anniversary-great-fire-northampton
🔗 Northampton Town Council’s Great Fire 350 hub https://www.northamptontowncouncil.gov.uk/greatfire350

#GreatFire350 #NorthamptonHistory #CommunitySpirit #WNCevents

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📢 Have Your Say on Planning Application Requirements

West Northamptonshire Council has launched a public consultation on its draft Local Validation List — a key document outlining what applicants must include when seeking planning permission.

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This initiative forms part of the Council’s broader Planning and Building Control Service Improvement Plan, designed to make the planning process more efficient, transparent, and responsive to local needs.

📝 Why It Matters

The draft list aims to provide clarity for applicants and streamline decision-making. The Council is inviting feedback on:

– Whether the draft is clear and easy to understand
– How well it balances national standards with local priorities
– Suggestions for additions or revisions
– Views on the supporting matrix tool for different application types

💬 Get Involved

Submit your views by completing the online survey https://westnorthants.citizenspace.com/planning/local-validation-list/ before the consultation closes on Sunday 26 October 2025.

For questions or alternative formats, please contact: [email protected]

Your input will help shape the final version — ensuring planning applications meet the right standards from the start.

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📢 National Emergency Alert Test – Sunday 7 September, 3pm

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This Sunday, the UK Government will be running a test of the Emergency Alerts system.

✅ At 3pm, compatible mobile phones and tablets will:
🔊 Make a loud siren-like sound
📳 Vibrate
📲 Display a test message

No action is needed — this is just a test.

The system is designed to warn people if there’s a danger to life nearby, such as severe weather or other emergencies. Regular testing makes sure it works when it’s really needed.

ℹ️ Find out more: 👉 gov.uk/alerts

#EmergencyAlert #UKTest #PublicSafety

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📢 West Northamptonshire Council Responds to Epping Asylum Appeal Ruling

West Northamptonshire Council has acknowledged the Court of Appeal’s decision to overturn the High Court’s interim injunction granted to Epping Forest District Council. The Council is continuing its planning and legal actions ahead of the full injunction hearing in October.

WNC Council offices

Council Leader Cllr Mark Arnull stated that the ruling does not alter the Council’s position:

“The use of the three hotels for asylum accommodation remains unsuitable and places unsustainable strain on local services. These concerns have been strongly reiterated to the Home Office.”

The Council is actively gathering evidence to support its case and remains committed to addressing residents’ concerns and ensuring their safety.

Read the article at:

https://www.westnorthants.gov.uk/news/statement-regarding-epping-asylum-appeal-ruling

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📢 West Northamptonshire Council invites residents to take part in September’s Preparedness Month campaign – part of the national #30Days30WaysUK initiative.

🗓️ Running from 1–30 September, the campaign offers daily tips and activities to help individuals and communities prepare for emergencies – from power cuts and flooding to fire safety, first aid, and mental health.

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Ahead of the campaign, residents are encouraged to complete a short survey launching on 1 September to assess how prepared they currently feel.

💬 Cllr Andrew Last, Cabinet Member for Corporate Services, HR and Regulatory Services, said:

“Being prepared is just as important for everyday disruptions like power cuts or severe weather as it is for major emergencies. A few simple steps can make a big difference.”

🗣️ Joanne Maddams, Emergency Planning and Business Continuity Manager, added:

“We’re proud to be part of this growing national campaign, sharing practical advice that anyone can follow.”

📲 Follow daily updates via social media using #30Days30WaysUK and explore resources on the campaign website.

https://the-eps.org/30days30waysuk

📧 For more info, email: [email protected]

#WestNorthantsCouncil #EmergencyPreparedness #30Days30WaysUK #CommunityResilience #BePrepared

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