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Articles by Alex Pope
Affordable homes secured after council purchase
Dozens of affordable homes are being bought by a council after it revealed there was a risk they would not be built on a new development. West Northamptonshire Council said it had secured 87 properties from Tila Homes, in the Landimore Road development in Hardingstone, Northampton, as "there was a risk the affordable housing provision would not be delivered as intended". It said 61 homes would be available for social rent and 26 for shared ownership.
Driver with life-threatening injuries after A5 crash
A driver has taken to hospital with suspected life-threatening injuries after a crash on the A5, which left the road closed for 8 hours. Police said it happened at about 06:00 BST, at Watling Street, between Weedon and Kilsby, Northamptonshire, with the force and the fire service both in attendance. It said a white Kia Sportage and a black BMW X5 collided leaving Kia driver injured.
Burst water main floods homes and closes roads
Homes have been flooded in the Duston area of Northampton Large parts of Northampton are without water and several roads have been closed after a mains pipe burst, spilling water on to several streets. Closures are in place in the Duston area from Mendip Road to Cotswold Avenue, and Chiltern Avenue to Malvern Grove and Bants Lane. Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service said it was called at 01:30 BST and crews helped evacuate homes affected by the flooding.
Man who staged wife's suicide jailed for murder
Kimberley Thompson was murdered in August 2025 A man has been jailed for life after being found guilty of the rape and murder of his estranged wife and staging a scene to make her death look like suicide. Michael Thompson, 56, from Northampton, refused to enter Nottingham Crown Court for his sentencing earlier. On Wednesday he was found to have killed Kimberley Thompson, 43, at their home in Pinewood Road, Northampton, last August.
Fire crews dealing with blaze at former school
Alex Pope Wed, May 13, 2026 at 5:48 a.m. UTC 1 min read Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. Firefighters worked through the night to bring the blaze under control [Suffolk Fire and Rescue] Several crews have been tackling a significant building fire at a former school in Suffolk overnight. The county's fire service said it was called to the former Parkway Middle School, on Park Road in Haverhill, at about 20:20 BST on Tuesday.
Fire crews dealing with blaze at former school
Alex Pope Wed 13 May 2026 at 5:48 am UTC 1 min read Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. Firefighters worked through the night to bring the blaze under control [Suffolk Fire and Rescue] Several crews have been tackling a significant building fire at a former school in Suffolk overnight. The county's fire service said it was called to the former Parkway Middle School, on Park Road in Haverhill, at about 20:20 BST on Tuesday.
Fire crews dealing with blaze at former school
Tue, May 12, 2026 at 8:54 PM UTC Emergency services were called to Park Road in Haverhill on Tuesday evening Several crews have been tackling a significant building fire at a former school in Suffolk. The county's fire service said it was called to the former Parkway Middle School, on Park Road in Haverhill, at about 20:20 BST. It advised residents to keep their windows and doors closed, to avoid the area and not to travel towards the incident unless essential.
Man, 20, charged with murder over fatal stabbing
Alex Pope; Kris Holland - Northamptonshire Tue, May 5, 2026 at 10:22 AM UTC A tightly cropped view of a police vest. Police is spelt in blue. A police car is to the left. A man has been charged with murder following a fatal stabbing. Darren King, 38, was pronounced dead at the scene after emergency services were called to Birchfield Road in Wellingborough at about 15:05 BST on Sunday.
Man in his 20s dies after crash with guided bus
Alex Pope - Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire Wed, March 18, 2026 at 8:10 PM UTC The guided busway route was closed earlier A man in his 20s has died following a crash on a guided busway. Bedfordshire Police said it was called at about 01:18 GMT to reports of an injured man, following the collision in Telford Way, Luton, on the route that links the town with Dunstable. Emergency services were called to the scene and the man was later pronounced dead.
The two new grey caddies being delivered to homes
Alex Pope - in Bedford January 16, 2026 at 8:45 AM The larger one stays outside while the smaller one is for inside use [Bedford Borough Council] Two new grey bins have started to be delivered across the county ahead of weekly food waste collections starting. Bedford Borough Council said leftovers, out-of-date food, tea bags, pet food and scraps will be collected from Monday, 30 March, and should no longer be put in black bags. The waste will then be turned into renewable energy and fertiliser.
Power cut forces town centre shops to shut
Signs have appeared at the front of several Northampton town centre businesses [Alex Pope/BBC] Several businesses in the centre of Northampton have been forced to close after a power cut. National Grid said power was lost at 07:46 GMT when an underground cable fault was discovered in the area around Abington Street, Fish Street and Greyfriars. It said engineers arrived and found 19 properties without an electricity supply.
Windsor Castle restorers work wonders on windows
Tom and George Bayliss' expertise has been called on to help restore the windows [North Northamptonshire Council] Craftsmen behind restoration work at Windsor Castle and the Tower of London are applying their skills to replace the windows at a historic Northamptonshire building. Tom and George Bayliss, stained glass restorers from Birmingham, are helping to update Kettering Library and Art Gallery, known as Cornerstone, in Northamptonshire, as part of a £7m renovation project.
F1 star goes incognito at go-karting session
Alex Pope; Helen Mulroy - Buckinghamshire December 17, 2025 at 2:51 AM Kimi Antonelli finished seventh in the F1 2025 drivers' championship [Getty Images] F1 driver Kimi Antonelli has surprised local go-karters by going incognito at a packed racing session. Antonelli attended Daytona Milton Keynes on Saturday and registered under the name "Henry Shovlin". The 19-year-old, who drives professionally for Mercedes, set the fastest lap of the session in the main race but did not win his race.
Human trafficking arrests during day of action
Search query Human trafficking arrests during day of action Sun, December 7, 2025 at 6:48 AM UTC Police and partner agencies carried out checks on vehicles and occupants at Copdock [Suffolk Police] Two people were arrested on suspicion of human trafficking during a day of action against criminals who use the roads network.
'Harry would be super proud that I'm an MBE'
Alex Pope - Northamptonshire November 20, 2025 at 1:06 AM Charlotte Charles went to Windsor Castle on Wednesday for her MBE investiture and said she would "treasure it forever" [Getty Images] The mother of motorcyclist Harry Dunn, whose death led to a transatlantic diplomatic row, has said becoming an MBE is "surreal", and her son would have been "super proud".
Man, 83, jailed for New Year assault on woman, 81
Police said they were called by South Central Ambulance Service to Buckingham Street in Aylesbury [Google] An 83-year-old man has been jailed for one year and eight months after admitting causing grievous bodily harm with intent to an 81-year-old woman over New Year. Terrence Clarke, of Buckingham Street, Aylesbury, was charged with attempting to murder the elderly woman. At a previous court hearing Clarke denied attempted murder but admitted assault causing grievous bodily harm.
Arson attack destroys town's 'iconic' bandstand
An "iconic" bandstand has been destroyed in a "heart-breaking" fire, a council has said. The leader of Harlow Council, Dan Swords, said the authority was alerted to the blaze in the Grade II-listed Town Park at about 01:00 BST, adding that fire crews worked "tirelessly through the night" to put it out. Essex Police confirmed the case was being treated as arson.
Journalist shocked at police 'harassment' visit
A journalist said she was "shocked" after being questioned by a police officer for the alleged "harassment" of a former councillor. Sarah Ward from NN Journal, an online Northamptonshire news site, said an officer visited her home on Tuesday. She was told it was because she had approached Matthew Binley for comment several times after it was reported he admitted he had been accused of having sex with an underage girl.
Fox trapped in fence rescued by volunteers
A fox that was trapped in a fence and left hanging by its front legs has been rescued by four volunteers. The male cub was discovered stuck between a fence and its concrete pillar and was set free with help from Fox Angles Foundation helpers, on Thursday in Leyton, east London. He was taken to the South Essex Wildlife Hospital in Orsett, for X-rays, the charity said. Vet Alda nursed him for a wound in his rump, cleaned up him and he was responding well to the treatment, it confirmed.
'The Church of Glastonbury is my religious retreat'
A soon-to-be ordained curate said working at the Church of Glastonbury for the second year running will be a religious "retreat where I can feel close to God". Lewis Simonds, 39, who lives in Milton Keynes and is based at St Frideswide's Church in Water Eaton, Bletchley, will spend the festival weekend in a simple marquee which he described as "a very gentle expression of church".
Tributes paid to much-loved ice cream man
Tributes have been paid to a much-loved ice cream man who has died. The family of Gerry the Ice Cream Man, who worked across Royston, Hertfordshire, since the 1980s, said he "truly was an amazing man". They said the husband, dad, grandfather and friend "will be greatly missed by so many". Royston In Blue, who organise an annual charity 5k fun run and walk in the town, said it was "deeply saddened" by the news as Gerry had donated to it for many years.
Airport expansion 'a once-in-a-generation opportunity'
The number of passengers flying in and out of London Luton Airport (LLA) is expected to rise to 32 million per year by 2043 after the government approved its expansion. With Universal planning to building its first theme park in Europe close to Bedford, many tourists are expected to use the airport, currently the UK's fifth-busiest, bringing a possible double economic boom to Bedfordshire.
M1 partly closed overnight after serious crash
A northbound section of the M1 in Hertfordshire was closed overnight after a serious collision, just a few miles from where the M1 in Bedfordshire was closed earlier. Police said at about 16:40 BST, they dealt with a crash between junction eight for Hemel Hempstead and junction nine for Flamstead in Herts. The other emergency services, including the air ambulance, were at the scene and diversions were put in place, said National Highways.
Bollards removed six months after woman injured
A woman who claimed she was seriously injured after tripping over a collapsed bollard said she was both "angry and happy" they have been removed. Jilly Fernandez, from Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire, said she has been left with life-changing injuries after the fall in the town centre on 12 December. Gennaro Borrelli, a local business owner, said the bollards were taken away this month, two weeks after some had been replaced.
'If I'm frustrated by school, farm calms me down'
Pupils and staff at a special educational needs school said having a small farm full of animals on its site helped them feel cheerful, happy, calm and safe. Sheep, pigs, goats, chickens and a pony share the grounds of Grange Academy, in Kempston, Bedfordshire, with its 150 students, and it is hosting a fundraising open day on Saturday.
'Neglected' corner of churchyard transformed
A "once neglected" corner of a churchyard described as an "eyesore" has been renovated and transformed by students and volunteers. The area of St Giles churchyard in Northampton town centre was now a "beautiful and useful space", said Kardi Somerfield from the church's community group. The site had been known to collect litter and attract antisocial behaviour.
Major dual carriageway to close for four nights
The northbound stretch of a major dual carriageway is due to close over four nights. National Highways said the stretch of the A1 would shut between Tempsford in Bedfordshire and the Black Cat roundabout, which is close to St Neots in Cambridgeshire. It will be shut between 21:00 BST and 05:00, from Monday 9 June to Thursday 12 June. UK Power Networks will remove overhead power cables close to the road. The work is part of a £1bn project to build a new carriageway.
Crash PC no longer in life-threatening condition
The condition of a police officer left critically injured in a crash while on duty has improved in hospital, a police force has confirmed. Thames Valley Police said PC Christopher Miller was no longer in a life-threatening condition following the road traffic collision on the B416 Bells Hill in Stoke Poges, Buckinghamshire, on 22 May. In total, five people have been arrested in connection with the incident.
Police force to trial facial recognition technology
A police force is to trial live facial recognition (LFR) technology in a town centre for a day to find criminals and prevent crime. Suffolk Police said two vans and equipment, borrowed from Essex Police, will be in Ipswich on Saturday, 22 February. The force said it was "well-acquainted to embracing innovative technology to protect the public from serious harm". The kit would only be used to find criminals and anyone who they are not looking for will have their image deleted immediately.
What young think about Universal theme park plans
September 23, 2024 at 12:17 AM Pupils from Wootton Upper School discussed the impact the Universal theme park would have on the area [Alex Pope/BBC] Universal has yet to make a formal decision if it will go ahead and build a new theme park on a 476-acre (192-hectare) plot of land it owns south of Bedford. The company says a project of this scale "could be transformative for Bedford and deliver significant economic benefits to the region and for the UK economy".
'Shoplifting is a tale we're very familiar with'
August 29, 2024 at 7:15 AM Norfolk Chief Constable Paul Sanford says shoplifting has been an issue since he was a PC [Norfolk Police] A police chief has said more officers on the street and "swift sanctions" are crucial in the battle against shoplifting. Norfolk's Chief Constable, Paul Sanford, told the BBC his force charges people in 31.7% of cases - the highest charge rate for shoplifting offences in England and Wales - because of the action it takes.
Brain injury care home upgraded to mark 30 years
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Crazy golf course aims to highlight town's past
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Crazy golf course aims to highlight town's past
The golf course includes versions of the Cardington hangars, the Faces statue and a Bedford market stall [Alex Pope/BBC] A crazy golf course that features miniature models of two historical airship sheds, a statue of John Bunyan and a Corn Exchange where Glenn Miller played aims to be accessible all year round.
Great Siege play to be 'our own Les Misérables'
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Southend is not a 'no-go zone', says police chief
Alex Pope - BBC News, Essex August 18, 2024 at 1:38 PM·2 min read A senior police officer has said Southend-on-Sea is not a "no-go zone" after "disparaging" comments were made in the national media following a massive brawl last month. Ch Supt Leighton Hammett, from Essex Police, said: "Despite the picture some are trying to paint, Southend is a really safe place." He said it was disappointing that there were people seeking "to talk the city and its people down".
Ten-second triage kits to be added to fire engines
All of Northamptonshire's fire engines are due to have "ten-second triage kits" on board that can be used to prioritise patients at major incidents. The county's fire service said colour-coded slap wristbands that highlight how injured a person is would be available to firefighters by the end of September. The kits allow fire crews "to identify what category of care an injured patient needs within ten seconds" so they can apply wristbands.
Woman rescued from burning bed caused by cigarette
Crews from Orsett and Grays were called to the scene on Saturday afternoon [PA Media] A woman in her 80s has been saved from a blaze in her bed after a lit cigarette set it on fire. Emergency crews were called to the flat on Vigerons Way, Chadwell St Mary, at about 14:55 BST on Saturday. The blaze was put out by firefighters after the woman's neighbour heard a smoke alarm and saw flames. He went to investigate and rescued her from her bed in the living room, Essex fire service said.
Police pledge to stay tough on anti-social behaviour
Alex Pope - BBC News, Essex August 17, 2024 at 9:54 AM·2 min read There is still more work to do to tackle anti-social behaviour in a seaside area despite a large decrease in problem behaviour, a police force has said. In the last two years, incidents have fallen by almost half in Tendring, which includes Clacton-on-Sea, according to Essex Police.
Scarecrow festival 'is all about the puns'
Alex Pope - BBC News, Hertfordshire August 17, 2024 at 9:22 AM·1 min read A three-day scarecrow festival that has raised tens of thousands of pounds for charity has been celebrating its 20th anniversary with an array of wacky creations. For two decades, residents of Flamstead in Hertfordshire have got as creative as possible and made many characters out of straw. Catherine Stackhouse, who this year turned rock bank Oasis into "Crowasis", said her interactive scenes were "all about the puns".
The club helping people find their voice
July 27, 2024 at 1:15 AM Zarifa said she is only too happy to learn English at the club that meets weekly [King's Arms Project] An English Language Club is helping immigrants and refugees have a voice, find their confidence and get jobs, members said. The club at King's Arms Project, Bedford, started in 2020 and has 91 participants with a waiting list of more than 30 people. Zarifa, who came from Afghanistan, said as a woman she was now able to "go to school" and now "I can speak".
Cave carvings inspire football club's new shirt
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Teachers get unexpected honorary degree upgrade
July 21, 2024 at 1:35 AM Ian and Jan Ball said it was a "very special day" when they received their honorary degrees [Jan Ball] A couple who met and married at a teacher training college in the 1970s have returned to their former alma mater to have their qualifications "upgraded" in an honorary degree ceremony. Jan and Ian Ball, who live in St Neots, Cambridgeshire, went to Shoreditch College between 1969 and 1974.
Football game abandoned after racial abuse claims
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Football game abandoned after racial abuse claims
The match between Sheringham FC and Easton FV on Tuesday was abandoned [Getty Images] A non-league football club's pre-season friendly was abandoned after claims a player was racially abused. Sheringham Football Club, based in Norfolk, was hosting Easton FC on Tuesday night. The club, in the Thurlow Nunn Premier League - the ninth tier of English Football - said a member of the public, not linked to the clubs, "made racially aggravated remarks towards a player".
Non-judgemental mental health group 'saving lives'
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Non-judgemental mental health group 'saving lives'
July 12, 2024 at 10:07 PM Fiore Sannio said B Positive Bedford was all about helping others [B Positive Bedford] A free and non-judgemental weekly mental health support group is helping to "save lives", its founder has said. B Positive Bedford, which was started in January by Fiore Sannio, 52, an approved mental health professional, has about 20 people attending its weekly sessions.
Cancer charity is mother's 'lasting legacy'
Welcome to NewsBreak, an open platform where diverse perspectives converge. Most of our content comes from established publications and journalists, as well as from our extensive network of tens of thousands of creators who contribute to our platform. We empower individuals to share insightful viewpoints through short posts and comments.
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