Northampton Chronicle and Echo (Northampton, England) back issues from February 2008:
Pensioner fights off burglar with pick-axe handle.
Feb 01, 2008 ... A defiant pensioner chased off a burglar with a pick-axe handle after she found him in her Northamptonshire home. Betty Henson, aged 77, said she was shocked after being confronted with the intruder in the hallway of her bungalow in West Street, Welford. But the ...
Bookie facing charges of fraud.
Feb 01, 2008 ... A former duty manager of Totesport bookmakers has been charged with fraud by betting on events that had already happened. Stephen Urch, 23, who used to live in Dorset Gardens in Kingsthorpe before moving to Cheshunt in Hertfordshire, appeared at Northampton ...
80 new jobs promised as firm moves to Northampton.
Feb 01, 2008 ... A technology firm says it will create at least 80 manufacturing jobs in Northampton following its move to the town. Thermal imaging equipment maker Irisys has moved from its original base in Towcester to new headquarters on the Swan Valley and Westgate industrial estates. ...
Man jailed for taking offensive weapon to Tesco.
Feb 01, 2008 ... A man who went to Tesco with the intention of attacking his housemate with a wooden bat has been jailed for four months. Kevin Pearson, of Kingscroft Court, Bellinge had already pleaded guilty to possessing an offensive weapon, a 12 inch wooden bat, at the Weston Favell Tesco, ...
Pair charged with having a kilo of drugs.
Feb 01, 2008 ... Two people staying at the same Northampton home as a major drugs dealer who admits possessing [pounds sterling]120,000 worth of cocaine are to face a jury trial later this year. Emmanuel Okolu, aged 31, and Collins Ugbabe, also 31, are charged with possessing more than a kilo of ...
House prices fall for a third month.
Feb 01, 2008 ... House prices have fallen for the third month in a row, according to the Nationwide Building Society. Figures released by the company show property prices in the UK fell by 0.1 per cent in January, curtailing annual house price inflation to only 4.2 per cent - the lowest rate ...
High winds bring down trees.
Feb 01, 2008 ... Heavy winds battered Northamptonshire with one school closed and trees blown down across the county. Across Northampton, bins were blown onto their sides by the winds, while in Semilong the contents of recycling boxes were scattered across pavements. Students and ...
Tragic Jade's parents speak of 'best daughter in world'.
Feb 01, 2008 ... The loving parents of tragic nine-year-old Jade Johnstone have paid a heartfelt tribute to their "little angel". The Lyncrest Primary School pupil died during a swimming lesson on Monday at nearby The Duston School in Northampton. Paying tribute to their only child, ...
Football match in memory of crash student.(Obituary)
Feb 01, 2008 ... Friends of a Northampton University student who died in a car accident on Monday have played a football game in memory of the 20-year-old. Ernest Ansah, of Milton Keynes, lost control of his car as he was driving with two friends down Boughton Green Road in Kingsthorpe. ...
Council now paying 74 staff more than [pounds sterling]50k.
Feb 01, 2008 ... Two local authorities in Northamptonshire employ nearly nine times as many managers on [pounds sterling]50,000-plus packages as they did 10 years ago, new figures reveal. According to figures published by the Taxpayers' Alliance, Northamptonshire County Council had 74 middle and ...
Troubled town centre pub stays shut.
Feb 01, 2008 ... A troubled Northampton town centre pub has been prevented from re-opening despite its owners pledging a [pounds sterling]250,000 investment for improvements. The Wedgwood in Abington Street, was closed at the end of last year after police discovered staff were serving children. ...
Post office crisis: Only one is saved.
Feb 01, 2008 ... Despite a massive protest campaign, 26 of the 27 Northamptonshire post offices earmarked for closure will be axed, the Chron can reveal. Gloucester Avenue Post Office in Delapre, Northampton, is the sole survivor from the condemned list. Six post offices in the ...
The post offices which will close.
Feb 01, 2008 ... These are the post offices in Northamptonshire that are to be closed. In Northampton: Booth Lane North, Boothville Broadmead Avenue, Abington Kingsley Road, Queens Park Brookside Centre, Billingbrook Road, Lumbertubs ...
Man in court on 64 fraud charges totalling [pounds sterling]2.5m.
Feb 01, 2008 ... A 49-year-old man has appeared at Northampton Magistrates Court facing 64 charges of fraud and theft amounting to [pounds sterling]2.5 million. Garry Marsden, who lives in Horsefair, Banbury, is accused of deceiving 45 people out of thousands of pounds, including one charge of ...
Train services hit by accident.
Feb 01, 2008 ... Train services calling at Wellingborough and Kettering are under incresed pressure this morning as the railway line is blocked north of Leicester due to an accident early this morning. A train driver was trapped in his cabin after hitting a footbridge as it fell on to the track ...
240 LCD televisions stolen.
Feb 01, 2008 ... Police are appealing for witnesses after about 240 televisions were taken from a lorry parked in Crick. The incident took place at about 4am today when the lorry was in Danes Way at the DIRFT site in Crick. The offenders are believed to have used a 7.5 tonne lorry, ...
Packaging firm battling higher costs.
Feb 01, 2008 ... One of Europe's biggest plastic packaging firms today said higher sales had been "largely eroded" by the spiralling cost of raw materials. RPC Group recently extended its product range to include the packaging for Heinz microwaveable baked beans. It also manufactures jars for ...
Martin King's Sports Betting: Look low down for big money.
Feb 01, 2008 ... FOOTBALL: You'll have to dig down into the Football League's basement division for the best value this weekend. Darlington are one of the bets of the season at 6/5 (Sportingbet) to beat rock-bottom Wrexham in Coca-Cola League Two tomorrow. There have been signs of ...
Alec Swann: Northants depend heavily on Sales.
Feb 01, 2008 ... David Sales is one of the best - if not the best - batsman in England never to have played for his country. Considering some of Sales' peers who have played at an international level - Solanki, Troughton, Trott, McGrath, Maddy, Yardy - well, you get the picture. For ...
Athletics: Brown misses England date.
Feb 01, 2008 ... Rugby & Northampton ace Celia Brown was forced to withdraw from the England team that competed at the Elan indoor international meeting in Bratislava on thursday night. The middle-distance runner, who ran a World Indoor Championships 1500m qualifying time in Vienna on Tuesday, ...
What are these lights in sky over Northampton?
Feb 01, 2008 ... An amateur cameraman claims to have seen and photographed a UFO over Northampton. As newly-released Ministry of Defence papers showed a total of 27 officially-recorded UFO sightings over Northamptonshire, the camerman from Moulton filmed what he said was a possible unidentified ...
Three arrests after high-speed car chase.
Feb 01, 2008 ... Three men have been arrested after a high-speed car chase through Northamptonshire. The men were arrested near junction 14 of the M1 after Northamptonshire Police officers spotted a car travelling at high speed along the motorway at about 3.30pm on Thursday. Officers ...
Woman robbed in street after being grabbed from behind.
Feb 01, 2008 ... A woman was robbed of her mobile phone when she was grabbed from behind in a Northampton street. The robbery took place at about 8.30pm on Thursday in Billing Brook Road when the victim was approached by the man, who made off with a purple mobile phone after a brief struggle. ...
Mobile phone drivers face big crackdown after tragedy.
Feb 01, 2008 ... Police in Northamptonshire are aiming to reduce the number of people who use their mobile phones while driving. The campaign was launched on the same day a motorist who was texting on her phone when she hit and killed a cyclist was convicted of causing death by dangerous ...
Donkey rescued from muddy pond.
Feb 01, 2008 ... A donkey which became stuck in a muddy pond had to be freed by firefighters. Firefighters from Hook Norton were called to Manor Farm in Great Rollright ...
Travellers' caravans set alight.
Feb 01, 2008 ... Two derelict caravans went up in flames at an abandoned traveller site in Wellingborough in an arson attack. Five gas canisters were also involved in the ...
Mum saved from burning house by son.
Feb 01, 2008 ... A mother was rescued from a burning house in Westminster Road, Wellingborough, by her son. Fire broke out at about 10.50pm on Thursday. Two fire crews ...
Pink Floyd act suffers dark side of the monsoon!
Feb 02, 2008 ... A Pink Floyd tribute band from Northampton embarked on a 10,500-mile round-trip to take the dark side of the moon to India ...and was washed out by rain. Pink Floyd tribute band Breathe made the four-day trip to Bengal at the end of last month to open proceedings at Spring Fest, ...
Campaigners kick up stink over pong.
Feb 02, 2008 ... Calls have been made for an investigation into the conduct of Northampton Borough Council over its alleged failure to take action against a smelly sewage plant. Environmental health officials were accused by Jim Crabtree, chairman of The Campaign for Lower Ecton Action Now ...
Police faces on pub beer mats.
Feb 02, 2008 ... Pub goers in Northampton will be resting their drinks on beer mats featuring the faces of local police officers from this weekend. The scheme aims to put a familiar face on community policing and raise public awareness of who local police are, what issues each officer ...
Stones thrown at home on two occasions.
Feb 02, 2008 ... Police are investigating after stones were thrown at a home in Northampton on two occasions. The incidents took place in Foxwell Square about 8pm on Thursday January 24 and on various occasions during the evening on Monday January ...
'Keep backing us' say axed postmasters.
Feb 02, 2008 ... Postmasters facing up to the loss of their post offices have called on communities to help them keep their remaining businesses alive. Many branches confirmed for closure are operated alongside newsagents, off-licences and general stores, and with the post office side of the ...
Post Office told: You ignored out campaigns.
Feb 02, 2008 ... Leading political figures have reacted angrily to news that all but one of the Northamptonshire post offices earmarked for closure will be axed. The Post Office confirmed 26 of the threatened 27 branches are to be shut in the spring. Despite a chorus of objections to ...
Large haul of gold jewellery taken from home.
Feb 02, 2008 ... A large amount of distinctive gold jewellery was taken in a burglary at a Northampton home. The break-in took place between 9.45am and 12.20pm on Thursday at a home in Collingwood Road. The offenders climbed over the rear fence before levering open a rear window. ...
Damning report reveals fears of boy who died.
Feb 02, 2008 ... A damning report has revealed a vulnerable teenager who died after taking a cocktail of illicit drugs had told authorities of his concerns at living with a known addict the day before his body was discovered. On June 16, 2006, Miles Shanks ran away from home and told police he ...
Judge speaks out on 'absolute classic case of our times'.
Feb 02, 2008 ... A mentally-ill teenager who assaulted an elderly pensioner when she broke into her Northampton home faces being sectioned under the Mental Health Act indefinitely. Hayley Turner, aged 19, stole the woman's purse, cash and bank cards when she committed the burglary in Queens ...
Have your say about Headlands.
Feb 02, 2008 ... Northampton MP Sally Keeble has appealed for people living in the Headlands estate to have their say on how the area might be improved. A developer is planning to build new homes on the site of the former Cherry Orchard Middle School and may be required to provide ...
Housing plan for school site.
Feb 02, 2008 ... A housing developer has launched new plans to build homes on the site of a former village school in east Northampton. Martin King Construction was given permission to redevelop the grounds of Weston Favell Lower School last summer, but called work to a halt last month after ...
Today's papers: Spice split and huge jump in BA profits.
Feb 02, 2008 ... Here are the leading stories in today's national newspapers. SUN LILY DUMPED Pop's Lily Allen has been dumped by Chemical Brother Ed Simons - weeks after losing their unborn baby. STORMS WRECK 3 SHIPS Rescue bids were launched for ...
Boxing: Singh powers into championship semis.
Feb 02, 2008 ... Jimmy Singh once again enhanced his growing reputation by powering into the semi-finals of the NACYPs in his first attempt in the championships. And he joins Kingsthorpe ABC club-mate Brendan Joyce, who was a losing NACYP finalist last season, in the semi-finals after he was ...
Boxing: England call-up gives Smith an Olympic chance.
Feb 02, 2008 ... Sammy Smith has been given a chance to stake his claims for the Beijing Olympics after being selected to box for England against Ireland. Head coach Mick Gannon has picked the Kingsthorpe ABC boxer in a squad of 14 to take on their Irish counterparts at the Castle Court Hotel, ...
Golf: Kingsthorpe to host Championship.
Feb 02, 2008 ... Kingsthorpe have secured a major coup for the 2008 season after being told they will host this year's County Championships. Kingsley Road will play host to the event on June 14, while the NGU Open will be played at Staverton on September 28. Oundle will host the final ...
Golf: County champion Ryan heading to Portugal.
Feb 02, 2008 ... County champion Ryan Evans has gained entry into the Portuguese Amateur Championships at Estela Links later this month. The Wellingborough member's handicap of +2.2 helped him secure the 118th place out of 120 for the first major European amateur championship on the 2008 ...
Agen in the race to sign Spencer.
Feb 02, 2008 ... French outfit Agen are bidding to tempt Kiwi star Carlos Spencer away from Franklin's Gardens. Spencer's contract runs out at the end of the season and he is in talks with the club about a new deal. But Agen, who Spencer was linked with last season, are understood to ...
Cox: Swindon was first choice.
Feb 02, 2008 ... Simon Cox insists Swindon Town was always his first choice after the striker left Premier League outfit Reading. The striker held talks with Northampton Town and the Robins on transfer deadline day but opted for a two-and-a-half-year deal in Wiltshire on a reported salary of ...
Golf: Prize for Paul.
Feb 02, 2008 ... Paul Askew will pick up his 2007 Player of the Year title at Cold Ashby's annual presentation evening tonight. Last year's captain Terry Jackson will hand out the awards with the likes of Liam Cope, Andrew Aveyard, Paul Adams, Sonja McCabe, Barbara Steane and Andy Clark set to ...
Golf: Mitchell leads way.
Feb 02, 2008 ... Bruce Mitchell led the way in the sixth round of the winter stableford series at Northampton Golf Club. The 14-handicapper picked up 39 points in the latest stage of the tournament, on Sunday. But he needed countback to seal top spot, on a day where all the top ...
Boxing: Pensee to top bill in Derby.
Feb 02, 2008 ... Joshua Pensee has been pencilled in for a top-of-the-bill clash at Derby this Wednesday. The Far Cotton ABC 56kg senior is due to take on Derby ABC's Scott Slatter over four two-minute rounds. Far Cotton ABC are also hoping to have junior George Marsh on the bill as ...
Today's papers: Gerrard for Capello and Ronaldo was nearly for Arsenal...
Feb 02, 2008 ... Here are the leading stories in today's national newspapers. THE SUN Steven Gerrard will be Fabio Capello's first captain. But the position of permanent England skipper is still up for grabs. Also: Arsene Wenger has revealed he almost signed up Cristiano Ronaldo. ...
Premier League: City beaten as Arsenal reclaim top spot.
Feb 02, 2008 ... Arsenal climbed back to the top of the table - at least temporarily - as they saw off Manchester City. A two-goal strike by Emmanuel Adebayor and an outstanding Eduardo da Silva strike saw the Gunners to a 3-1 victory at Eastlands. Arsenal took the lead in the ninth ...
Championship: Dowie delight as under-fire Best seals win.
Feb 02, 2008 ... Iain Dowie was vindicated in his decision to reject offers for Leon Best after his brace helped Coventry to a 4-0 win over Barnsley at the Ricoh Arena. The Sky Blues finally picked up their first Championship points of the year thanks to a barnstorming performance from Best, a ...
Championship: Mowbray's high praise for winner Roman.
Feb 02, 2008 ... West Brom manager Tony Mowbray hailed in-form striker Roman Bednar after he fired leaders to a 2-1 victory against Burnley at The Hawthorns. On-loan Hearts' marksman Bednar scored his 12th goal in 14 games in the 60th minute to strengthen Albion's position at the top of the ...
Championship: Holloway slams dismal Foxes.
Feb 02, 2008 ... Leicester manager Ian Holloway slammed his side after their dismal 2-1 defeat at Blackpool. The Foxes had lost just once in their last seven league games to climb away from danger but Blackpool's first win in five took them above Leicester and left Holloway's men just two places ...
Happy Gray looking for Leeds revenge.
Feb 02, 2008 ... Stuart Gray saw his Northampton Town team earn a deserved draw at Swindon and then warned: "We're ready for Leeds." Adebayo Akinfenwa scored on his debut as the Cobblers extended their unbeaten run to five matches in a game that saw Simon Cox unable to make his debut for the ...
League Two: Wright hat-trick as Dons hit back.
Feb 02, 2008 ... Mark Wright hit a hat-trick to help leaders MK Dons keep their promotion campaign on course with a 5-1 thrashing of Bury at Gigg Lane. Wright opened the scoring in the 10th minute before he found the net again in the 36th and 68th minutes. Lloyd Dyer (23) and Kevin Gallen (81) ...
Championship: Wolves sunk as Hornets claim top-two spot.
Feb 02, 2008 ... Winger Tommy Smith's rapid-fire double gave Watford their first home league win since October and lifted Adrian Boothroyd's side back into the automatic promotion places. The Hornets crushed Wolves 3-0 at Vicarage Road. They Champiotook the lead after just 59 seconds ...
Diggin treble is boost for Corby.
Feb 02, 2008 ... Former Cogenhoe striker Steve Diggin bagged a hat-trick to give Corby Town a big boost. Diggin, who switched to Rockingham Triangle last summer and is the Steelmen's top scorer, struck three times as Corby claimed a 4-2 victory over bashley in the BGB Southern League Premier ...
Premier League: Owen will score goals again - Keegan.
Feb 03, 2008 ... Kevin Keegan has backed Michael Owen to prove his worth to England boss Fabio Capello after ending his goal drought. The 28-year-old struck with a deft 60th-minute header - his first league goal since October 7 and his club's first in 455 minutes - in Newcastle's 1-1 derby draw ...
Club celebrates 135th!
Feb 03, 2008 ... The longest-serving members of a businessmen's club dined at a lunch celebrating the club's 135th birthday. The 50 longest-serving members of the Northampton and County Club, who have a combined total of 2,500 years of membership, were at the meal at the club's ...
Coach to Wembley for England match.
Feb 03, 2008 ... Football fans from Northampton will be able to catch a bus directly to Wembley for England's game against Switzerland on Wednesday. Coach firm National Express announced plans to lay on a special coach from Northampton to the stadium for every major event. Paul ...
70 drivers caught flouting law in just three days.
Feb 03, 2008 ... Almost 100 drivers were stopped in Northamptonshire during a three-day crackdown targeting motorists spotted flouting the law. Operation Motor was aimed at punishing people who drive while using a handheld mobile phone and those who fail to use their seatbelt. In ...
60% of new Northampton cabbies fail first est.
Feb 03, 2008 ... Cab drivers who want to start working in Northampton will be forced to take English tests after it was revealed many would-be drivers have little grasp of the language. Members of Northampton Borough Council's licensing committee were told that following an influx of drivers, ...
Man caught with drugs has 125 convictions.
Feb 03, 2008 ... An addict found with [pounds sterling]8,800 worth of drugs claimed he was looking after them for a dealer currently accused of murder, a court heard. Police were initially called to Richard Freeman's home on June 9 last year after receiving an allegation he was responsible for ...
Pubs face up to patio heaters ban.
Feb 03, 2008 ... Pubs in Northampton say a ban on patio heaters in their gardens will not hit trade despite smokers being driven outdoors. The European Parliament is to set a timetable for abolishing goods with low energy-efficiency ratings, with outdoor patio heaters named in the motion by MEPs ...
[pounds sterling]2.5m boost for arts groups in Northamptonshire.
Feb 03, 2008 ... Arts groups in Northamptonshire are [pounds sterling]2.5 million better off following a funding boost from Arts Council England. The cash, which will be invested over the next three years, will go to Northampton's Royal & Derngate Theatres, Northamptonshire Rural Touring, ...