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Articles by Laura Coffey
Council chief vows full support for public inquiry
A council leader says he will support a public inquiry into contaminated land in a town, following a report published last week that revealed it could pose a risk to human health. The charity Earthwatch Europe says trained citizen scientists have found potentially harmful levels of metal or metalloid at 52 freshwater sites across Corby. Children in Corby have been born with birth defects, believed to have been caused when steelworks were demolished in the 1980s.
Mum critical of delays to ADHD and autism assessments
Victoria McConnachie's nine-year-old daughter Alba is waiting for an ADHD and autism assessment Some parents have been told they face delays to assessments for autism and ADHD diagnoses in Northamptonshire. Victoria McConnachie from Gayton said her daughter Alba, nine, has been on the NHS waiting list for an assessment since 2023, and earlier this year the family applied to the NHS who agreed to fund a private assessment.
Mum critical of delays to ADHD and autism assessments
Some parents have been told they face delays to assessments for autism and ADHD diagnoses in Northamptonshire. Victoria McConnachie from Gayton said her daughter Alba, nine, has been on the NHS waiting list for an assessment since 2023, and earlier this year the family applied to the NHS who agreed to fund a private assessment. However, last month the mum was told by the provider that the county's NHS Integrated Care Board (ICB) had set limits and assessments were on hold.
Mum critical of delays to ADHD and autism assessments
Some parents have been told they face delays to assessments for autism and ADHD diagnoses in Northamptonshire. Victoria McConnachie from Gayton said her daughter Alba, nine, has been on the NHS waiting list for an assessment since 2023, and earlier this year the family applied to the NHS who agreed to fund a private assessment. However, last month the mum was told by the provider that the county's NHS Integrated Care Board (ICB) had set limits and assessments were on hold.
Government gives go-ahead to major solar farm
Follow Government gives go-ahead to major solar farm Laura Coffey - Northamptonshire political reporter Thu, October 8, 2026 at 12:39 PM EDT The Green Hill Solar Farm facility is expected to span thousands of acres of land across Northamptonshire [Getty Images] The government has approved what could be one of the UK's largest solar farms. Green Hill Solar Farm would cover about 2,965 acres (1,200 hectares) of land south and west of Wellingborough and north of Northampton.
Plans for Wantage Park crematorium re-submitted
Follow Plans for Wantage Park crematorium re-submitted Laura Coffey - Northamptonshire political reporter Thu, October 8, 2026 at 1:33 AM EDT The crematorium was planned for land next to a new secondary school and housing development [West Northamptonshire Council] New plans for a large crematorium next to a village have been submitted again five months after they were thrown out by planners.
Three towns back proposed law on contaminated land
Three town councils have supported a proposed law to ensure greater transparency over contaminated land, after North Northamptonshire Council rejected it in March. Kettering, Corby and Wellingborough town councils have passed motions supporting the principles of Zane's Law which is named after Zane Gbangbola, whose parents say was killed by gas from landfill when their home in Surrey flooded in 2014.
'Don't call us snowflakes – life can be challenging'
It is a term now so common that it features in the Oxford English Dictionary. Snowflake: an insult to describe someone who is overly sensitive or as feeling entitled to special treatment or consideration. But Prof Peter Fonagy, the head of an independent review into mental health, ADHD and autism, said recently in an exclusive BBC interview that there had been a real rise in mental distress among children and young people, with anxiety, depression, self-harm and eating disorders the most common.
Council formally fights government on housing plan
A plan for 47,300 new homes was rejected by West Northamptonshire Council A council has formally put its case to the government on why it believes intervention in its local plan is not appropriate. West Northamptonshire Council wrote to the housing and planning minister Matthew Pennycook on Monday, ahead of Tuesday's deadline, setting out what it says are exceptional circumstances which mean intervention is not necessary.
Council formally fights government on housing plan
Follow Council formally fights government on housing plan Laura Coffey - Northamptonshire political reporter Tue, September 29, 2026 at 8:44 AM EDT A plan for 47,300 new homes was rejected by West Northamptonshire Council [PA Media] A council has formally put its case to the government on why it believes intervention in its local plan is not appropriate.
Council to fight government decision on housing plan
A plan for 47,300 new homes was rejected by West Northamptonshire Council A council is to put its case to the government on why pulling its current local plan and starting a new one is the best option. The proposals are part of West Northamptonshire Council's draft local plan, which could see up to 47,300 new homes built across the area by 2043.
Council to fight government decision on housing plan
A council is to put its case to the government on why pulling its current local plan and starting a new one is the best option. The proposals are part of West Northamptonshire Council's draft local plan, which could see up to 47,300 new homes built across the area by 2043. Less than 24 hours after rejecting the plan and deciding to start again, the Reform UK-led authority was told by the Minister of State for Housing and Planning, Matthew Pennycook, it must continue with the existing plan.
Reform could scrap climate emergency declaration
Reform UK is proposing to ditch a council's declaration of a "Climate and Environment Emergency" that was made five years ago. Just months after North Northamptonshire Council was established in 2021, the authority, then Conservative-run, declared a climate emergency.
Reform could scrap climate emergency declaration
Leon Gibbs said his party was "focused on achievable and measurable improvements to the local environment" Reform UK is proposing to ditch a council's declaration of a "Climate and Environment Emergency" that was made five years ago. Just months after North Northamptonshire Council was established in 2021, the authority, then Conservative-run, declared a climate emergency.
Modular homes for temporary housing nearly complete
Follow Modular homes for temporary housing nearly complete Laura Coffey - Northamptonshire political reporter Tue, September 22, 2026 at 1:38 AM EDT Modular homes for temporary housing nearly complete A new development to provide temporary accommodation to help families and individuals facing homelessness is nearly complete. The purpose-built scheme will deliver 38 two-bedroom apartments at a former school site off Billing Brook Road in Northampton.
Modular homes for temporary housing nearly complete
A new development to provide temporary accommodation to help families and individuals facing homelessness is nearly complete. The purpose-built scheme will deliver 38 two-bedroom apartments at a former school site off Billing Brook Road in Northampton. The plans were signed off earlier this year despite Northampton Academy raising concerns the homes would overlook a playground - creating a safeguarding issue.
Why has a plan for 47,000 homes been so controversial?
Residents and golf club members demonstrated outside Northampton Guildhall to protest against the proposed housing Plans for thousands of new homes have faced protests and now a government intervention. The proposals are part of West Northamptonshire Council's draft Local Plan, which could see up to 47,300 new homes built across the region by 2043. But after protests, petitions, changes and being rejected the government has stepped in. Why has this local plan caused so many issues?
Why has a plan for 47,000 homes been so controversial?
Plans for thousands of new homes have faced protests and now a government intervention. The proposals are part of West Northamptonshire Council's draft Local Plan, which could see up to 47,300 new homes built across the region by 2043. But after protests, petitions, changes and being rejected the government has stepped in. Why has this local plan caused so many issues? What is a local plan?
Review into withheld police video due in December
Nadine Buzzard-Quashie is pursuing a damages claim against the force for assault and wrongful arrest An independent review into what, how and why Northamptonshire Police failed to hand over body-worn video of an arrest to the courts is expected to report in December. Nadine Buzzard-Quashie's car was stopped and she said her face was pushed into stinging nettles during the incident in September 2021.
Government intervenes on ditched housing plan
Follow Government intervenes on ditched housing plan Laura Coffey - Northamptonshire political reporter Wed, September 16, 2026 at 8:09 AM EDT West Northamptonshire Council ditched its local plan earlier on Monday [West Northamptonshire Council] The government has told a council it must continue with a local plan that includes proposals for 40,000 new homes despite it being rejected.
Government intervenes on ditched housing plan
The government has told a council it must continue with a local plan that includes proposals for 40,000 new homes despite it being rejected. West Northamptonshire Council's Local Plan was discussed and dismissed by the three Reform UK cabinet members on the Planning Policy Committee on Monday. On Tuesday, the government's housing minister, Matthew Pennycook, told the authority it must continue with the existing plan.
New service for people with high blood pressure
Follow New service for people with high blood pressure Laura Coffey - Northamptonshire political reporter Tue, September 15, 2026 at 1:18 AM EDT Health officials say people can choose the best support for them [PA Media] A new NHS support programme will be available from October for people living with high blood pressure.
New service for people with high blood pressure
Health officials say people can choose the best support for them A new NHS support programme will be available from October for people living with high blood pressure. People living in parts of Northampton and Wellingborough will be able to access the Northamptonshire High Blood Pressure Support Programme, funded by the British Heart Foundation (BHF). The programme aims to reach people who may face barriers accessing traditional healthcare services.
Mental health hospital has 'sufficient staff to be safe'
A council meeting has been told a mental health provider has "sufficient clinical staffing to be safe", according to the trust due to take over the running of it. Earlier this month, councillors on the adult social care, health and communities overview and scrutiny committee at West Northamptonshire Council received an update on St Andrew's Hospital. In July, Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust agreed to take over care at the site from mid-September.
Mental health hospital has 'sufficient staff to be safe'
Follow Mental health hospital has 'sufficient staff to be safe' Laura Coffey - Northamptonshire political reporter Fri, September 11, 2026 at 12:48 AM EDT St Andrew's Healthcare in Northampton [Dawid Wojtowicz] A council meeting has been told a mental health provider has "sufficient clinical staffing to be safe", according to the trust due to take over the running of it.
PM pays tribute to boy who died from cancer
Follow PM pays tribute to boy who died from cancer Laura Coffey - Northamptonshire political reporter Wed, September 2, 2026 at 9:26 AM EDT Max died in August after being diagnosed with brain cancer late last year [Family Handout] The prime minister has paid tribute to a 14-year-old boy who died nine months after being diagnosed with brain cancer. Max Hall from Corby was diagnosed with an "incurable" brain tumour last year and died in August.
Buyer hit with costs as planning delay stops move
A man said he has faced unexpected costs after pulling out of buying a shared-ownership home because he was unable to move in as the developer had not fulfilled planning conditions. Simon Hawking, 49, who lives in Milton Keynes, planned to move into a two-bedroom house that was part of the Prospect Place development in Rushden, Northamptonshire, in March. North Northamptonshire Council said the development was subject to a number of conditions such as improving roads.
Search goes on to get oldest pub back on tap
Follow Search goes on to get oldest pub back on tap Laura Coffey - Northamptonshire political reporter Fri, August 28, 2026 at 1:19 AM EDT The Old Black Lion had been due to open early in 2025 but faced delays [Carroll Weston/BBC] Drinkers looking to quench their thirst at Northampton's oldest pub must wait a while as the hunt for a new operator continues following a £3.5m renovation.
Council joining women's rough sleeping census
West Northamptonshire Council will take part in the voluntary census in September A local authority is taking part in the national Women's Rough Sleeping Census for the first time this year. The voluntary census takes place over the week of 21-27 September and is being led by two charities — Solace Women's Aid and the Single Homeless Project. Reform UK-run West Northamptonshire Council said it would work with statutory and voluntary organisations that support women who are sleeping outdoors.
Bid to extend holiday food and activities programme
Follow Bid to extend holiday food and activities programme Laura Coffey - Northamptonshire political reporter Thu, August 6, 2026 at 12:16 AM EDT North Northamptonshire Council is looking to extend the Holiday Activities and Food Programme [PA Media] Plans to extend a scheme that provides free activities and meals to children during school holidays have been recommended for approval.
'No stairlift and she'll be stuck - it's wrong'
Residents of a council-owned sheltered housing scheme are concerned about their future after being told communal stairlifts will not be replaced if they break. People living in Saxon Close in Desborough, Northamptonshire, have also been informed that installing external lifts would be too costly. Steve Crooks' 95-year-old mother, Joyce Harper, lives in one of the first-floor flats. He said if the stairlift went, she would effectively be "stuck" in a "box". "It's wrong," he added.
Campaigners oppose solar farm on former airfield
Follow Campaigners oppose solar farm on former airfield Laura Coffey - Northamptonshire political reporter Wed, July 29, 2026 at 5:23 AM UTC Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. Residents have formed a campaign group opposing the plans [BBC] A campaign group has been formed to oppose a proposed solar farm on a former RAF airfield.
Petition calls for return of disability forum
Follow Petition calls for return of disability forum Laura Coffey - Northamptonshire political reporter Tue, July 28, 2026 at 5:28 AM UTC Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. West Northamptonshire Council recently rejected a call to bring back its Disabled People's Forum [BBC] A petition has been launched calling for a disability forum to be reinstated.
Resident frustrated as new sports hub stays shut
A man living on a housing estate said he was disappointed a community centre, football pitches and sports courts remained closed 18 months after being built. The facilities, which also include changing rooms and parking, were completed in January 2025 as part of Towcester Grange, a housing development in Towcester, Northamptonshire. Yet they remain closed because of a dispute over payment between Towcester Town Council and West Northamptonshire Council, according to the site's developer Persimmon.
Withdrawing bus service 'wholly unsafe' say parents
A petition against plans to withdraw a free home-to-school bus service between a village and a secondary school was presented to a council. Parents were told that the service between Old Stratford and Elizabeth Woodville School in Deanshanger, Northamptonshire, would no longer run from September.
Community centre closes for health and safety checks
Follow Community centre closes for health and safety checks Laura Coffey - Northamptonshire political reporter Fri, July 17, 2026 at 4:34 AM UTC Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. Community centre closes for health and safety checks A community centre has been temporarily closed as a precaution while a health and safety review is carried out.
Council leader ends support for town's Pride events
Follow Council leader ends support for town's Pride events Laura Coffey - Northamptonshire political reporter Tue, July 14, 2026 at 12:29 PM UTC Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. Hundreds of people attended the Northampton Pride event at the weekend [PA Media] The leader of a local authority has said no council officer time will be spent on a town's Pride events going forward.
First Restore Britain councillors for West Northants
Follow First Restore Britain councillors for West Northants Laura Coffey - Northamptonshire political reporter Tue, July 14, 2026 at 8:36 AM UTC Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. Cameron Emery and Joanne Blythe are the first Restore Britain members on West Northamptonshire Council [BBC] Two former Reform UK councillors have joined Rupert Lowe's Restore Britain party.
Corby makes UK Town of Culture 2028 shortlist
Follow Corby makes UK Town of Culture 2028 shortlist Laura Coffey - Northamptonshire political reporter Thu, July 9, 2026 at 4:17 PM UTC Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. Corby has made it to the shortlist for the UK's first Town of Culture 2028. Nearly 400 towns across Britain entered the competition, including four others in Northamptonshire - Northampton, Wellingborough, Kettering and Rothwell.
Energy secretary considers plans for solar farm
Follow Energy secretary considers plans for solar farm Laura Coffey - Northamptonshire political reporter Thu, July 9, 2026 at 11:45 AM UTC Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google.
'If it wasn't for the children's trust, I probably wouldn't be here'
A trust that provides children's services to two councils has "significantly improved", say inspectors. So what has changed and what do staff and people receiving its support think? "I'm thankful for them helping me. If they didn't help me, I probably wouldn't even be here – I'd probably be arrested or something," says James, who entered care aged 17.
Children's services significantly improved - Ofsted
Follow Children's services significantly improved - Ofsted Laura Coffey - Northamptonshire political reporter Tue, July 7, 2026 at 11:02 AM UTC Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. Ofsted inspected Northamptonshire Children's Trust between 11 and 22 May [Getty Images] A trust that delivers children's services for two local authorities has "significantly improved" since its last inspection in 2022, a regulator has said.
Should there be more sex education in schools?
Relationship and sex education (RSE) could become mandatory up to the age of 18 in a bid to prevent violence against women and girls. The Labour MP for Hitchin, Alistair Strathern, has been pressing the government for change and pledged to end a postcode lottery of provision for teenagers in further education, with the introduction of his private member's bill.
Domestic abuse charity pauses waiting list for children
Follow Domestic abuse charity pauses waiting list for children The charity said more children were experiencing emotional distress, anxiety, and trauma linked to abuse in the home [Getty Images] A domestic abuse charity said it has made the difficult decision to temporarily close its waiting list for children's services.
Will rejected plans for a new 850-home development go ahead?
After nearly three hours of discussions, plans to build a new housing development of up to 850 homes were rejected by West Northamptonshire Council It had received more than 500 letters of objection and two in support of the proposed estate that would be built near Grange Park on the outskirts of Northampton. Despite council officers recommending it for approval, the strategic planning committee rejected it. But is that the end of the road for these new homes? What was planned?
Plans for 850 new homes rejected by councillors
Laura Coffey - Northamptonshire political reporter; Nadia Lincoln - Local Democracy reporter Wed, June 17, 2026 at 7:58 AM UTC 3 min read Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. Plans for 850 new homes rejected by councillors Plans to build a new housing development of up to 850 homes have been rejected by a council.
Council chairman resigns over social media posts
A council chairman has resigned after admitting to posting offensive social media posts before he was elected. Maurice Eglin, of Reform UK, was appointed to the role at North Northamptonshire Council having served as deputy chairman last year. The NN Journal reported that the posts were discriminatory against Muslims and included a repost from far-right Britain First leader Paul Golding. The BBC has been unable to verify the contents of the posts.
Palliative care beds to be reinstated in hospital
Laura Coffey - Northamptonshire political reporter Thu, June 11, 2026 at 5:36 AM UTC 2 min read Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. Palliative care beds to be reinstated in hospital Palliative care beds are being reinstated in a hospital for end-of-life patients, an NHS trust has said.
Council faces £7m overspend due to high demand
A council is reporting a provisional end-of-year overspend of £7m for the 2025-26 financial year on its £431.8m net revenue budget. Reform UK took control of West Northamptonshire Council in May 2025 after the 2025-26 budget had been set by the previous Conservative-run authority. The council report, to be considered by Cabinet, said in adults' and children's social care, rising costs linked to the volume and complexity of care packages remained a key driver of financial pressure.
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