A firework night went off without a hitch thanks to homebuilder Barratt Homes Northampton, which provided the spectacle for people at its Saxon Rise development in Brixworth.

The free Guy Fawkes Night event took place at the development’s new village green off Northampton Road as a way of helping people who have recently moved there get to know one another.

Saxon Rise resident Hayley Clarke, said, “We knew they’d be doing something but we hadn’t expected such a lovely gesture. We had a wonderful time and got to meet lots of our new neighbours properly as well - it was a very happy event.”

The firework display, which lasted just over ten minutes, was attended by more than 100 people, including residents and staff at the new development.

Andrew Swindell, managing director of Barratt Homes Northampton, said, “We thought we’d put on a bit of a show on Saxon Rise’s large village green and invited all of our new residents to attend the event.

“Here at Barratt Homes Northampton we want to build communities as well as quality new homes, which is why we support local events and community groups that bring local people together.”

The homebuilder recently announced contributions towards local primary and secondary educational facilities, local healthcare services and many other additional projects such as extra car parking spaces in Brixworth village centre and a fully-equipped children’s play area on the development itself.

Parents of children at the Danetre and Southbrook Learning Village (DSLV) have been reassured it is ‘business as usual’ following the shock departure of principal David Howell.

Mr Howell resigned as the principal of the learning village – which is sponsored by education firm E-ACT – with immediate effect last Friday.

Angie Lakey, vice principal, is now leading the academy as acting principal and has reassured parents that education of pupils will not be affected by the sudden changes.

She said: “When David revealed that he had resigned on Friday it was a massive shock for everyone, but the reaction that we have had from the staff and the pupils has been absolutely fantastic.

“I want to assure parents that it is business as usual at the academy. My door is always open if anyone has any questions or concerns.”

Mr Howell served as principal of DSLV and the former Danetre School for a combined total of seven years.

Ms Lakey has been at the school for the past 14 years, having served under both Mr Howell and his predecessor Linda Brooks. She also formerly worked at Campion School in Bugbrooke.

She told the Daventry Express that she understood Mr Howell’s departure is due to personal reasons.”

She added: “It is now a huge honour to take on the role of principal at DSLV.

“I have been vice principal at DSLV for seven years and therefore know the staff, students, parents and community well.

“The academy has dedicated staff who work extremely hard and it is our aim that all students can be happy and successful and are prepared for employment or further education when they leave us.

Ms Lakey will be supported in her new role by Kelly McKay, who will work with the secondary site. Kathy Allen is to support the primary side of the academy.

Ms Lakey said: “While there has been a lot of changes at the school, we are not standing still.

“We will continue to work very hard to ensure that our students achieve the very highest results academically.

“I think one of the reasons why I have been asked to do this is because I know the school, the pupils and the local community really well.

“I think that is why E-ACT has made the appointment so that there is a sense of continuity with the previous regime.

“It is also probably why we have not had a lot of reaction from parents.

“There was an open session where E-ACT were on hand to answer questions and there was only a handful of parents that turned up.”

Plans to appoint a permanent replacement for Mr Howell are under way with adverts for the role already placed.

It is hoped the successor will be in position by Easter.

Ms Lakey said: “It is a fantastic school with great staff and students.

“I will be here to make sure that they continue to make good progress during their time at the academy.”

A spokesman for E-ACT said: “E-ACT can confirm there has been a change of leadership at DSLV. David Howell has resigned from his role as principal.

“Staff, parents and pupils have been informed of the change.

“We thank David for his seven years of leadership at the academy and wish him the best.”

Luther Burrell and Calum Clark will be available for Saints’ Aviva Premiership game at Saracens on Sunday after being released by England.

The pair had returned to Pennyhill Park as part of a 28-man group training ahead of the Red Rose’s battle with Samoa at Twickenham on Saturday.

But both have been omitted from the 23-man squad for the game, meaning they can play for their club in the crucial league game at Allianz Park.

Dylan Hartley, Courtney Lawes and Tom Wood will not be available for Saints’ though, as they have once again been retained by England.

The trio have started both autumn internationals so far, suffering narrow defeats to New Zealand and South Africa.

The team to face Samoa will be announced on Wednesday at 4.15pm.

England squad to face Samoa: Attwood (Bath), Brookes (Newcastle), Hartley (Saints), Haskell (Wasps), Kruis (Saracens), Lawes (Saints), Marler (Harlequins), Morgan (Gloucester), Mullan (Wasps), Robshaw (Harlequins, captain), Rob Webber (Bath), Wilson (Bath), Wood (Saints); Barritt (Saracens), Brown (Harlequins), Farrell (Saracens), Ford (Bath), May (Gloucester), Watson (Bath), Wigglesworth (Saracens), Yarde (Harlequins), B Youngs (Leicester).

The M1 in Northamptonshire will remain closed until 10pm tonight between Junction 15a and Junction 18 northbound after an accident, according to the police.

The road was shut at about 2am after an accident involving a lorry and a fuel spillage.

Diversions are in operation through the A43, A5 and A428 to Junction 18. The road remains closed.

The closure has caused huge tailbacks on the M1 and severe delays around the Weedon Bec at the A5 and A45 junction, as well as southbound on the A43 near Towcester and the A5 junction northbound.

Pc Dave Lee, from Northants Police, said the road was not due to reopen until 10pm tonight from Junction 15a northbound to junction 17.

James Wilson would be happy to ease Saints’ wing worries at Saracens on Sunday.

The Kiwi utility back was forced into the action early last Friday night as Tom Collins picked up a hamstring injury in the formative stages of the clash with Exeter.

With Ken Pisi and George North away on international duty, Wilson stepped into the left wing berth and performed admirably, creating a second-half try for Tom Stephenson.

And the 31-year-old, who has predominantly played centre or full-back for Saints, would be happy to be a wide man again this weekend.

“If that’s what they want me to do, that’s what I’ll do,” Wilson said.

“That (versatility) is me in a nutshell throughout my three years here and I’m happy to be a part of it.

“I had a spell on the wing through the winter of a season here and I enjoy being out there.

“Just being part of this great team, I love doing it.”

Sub-contractors and suppliers from Daventry are being urged to attend an upcoming Meet the Buyer event.

It will highlight supply chain opportunities for public sector construction projects in the area.

The free event is being hosted by building contractors Jeakins Weir, Wates, Morgan Sindall and Clegg Construction. All of the businesses are looking to attract new supply chain partners for their work on the Empa II (East Midlands Property Alliance) Construction Framework.

It will be held on Thursday November 27 from 9am to 1pm at the iCon Centre.

The event is being supported by Daventry District Council and the leader Cllr Chris Millar will formally open it with an address at the start. Further information on the Meet the Buyer event can be obtained by calling Tony Shipley, – business development manager at Jeakins Weir – on 01536 454400 or alternatively by emailing tony@jeakinsweir.co.uk.

Dylan Hartley and Tom Wood will be on the bench for England’s game against Samoa on Saturday.

The pair had started the previous two autumn Tests, against New Zealand and South Africa, but will only be among the replacements at Twickenham this weekend.

Bath’s Rob Webber takes Hartley’s place in the side, while Wood is replaced by Wasps flanker James Haskell.

Courtney Lawes is the solitary Saints presence in a starting 15 that includes both George Ford and Owen Farrell, who shifts from 10 to 12.

England will be bidding to claim their first victory of the autumn, having suffered narrow defeats to the All Blacks and the Springboks.

“Those selected have a great opportunity to show what they can do against what will be a highly motivated Samoa team,” said England head coach Stuart Lancaster.

“It’s great to give George (Ford) a start in this series, having missed the summer tour through injury. He has been impressive in camp and now fully up to speed with the game plan and he is ready to run the game.

“Owen (Farrell) switches to 12 and I am sure will support George well. In the back row both James (Haskell) and Ben (Morgan) have been in great form and I am sure they will bring their physical presence to the game.

“Hooker is another competitive position and we believe Rob (Webber) is ready for the start and will continue the progress he made on the New Zealand tour.”

Alex Waller says no sympathy has been afforded to the Saints players snubbed by England.

Instead, he insists the likes of Calum Clark and Luther Burrell are keeping their heads up as they bid to prove a point against Saracens on Sunday.

Clark and Burrell were named in England’s 28-man training group ahead of Saturday’s game against Samoa.

But neither made the final 23, being sent back to Saints ahead of this weekend’s Aviva Premiership trip to Allianz Park.

And Waller said: “It’s obviously a bit disappointing for them, but the lads are focused enough and we’ve got a good enough culture here that if they come back they’re straight back into it.

“There’s no sympathy, no walking around with heads down, they’re here to do a job and everyone’s the same.

“We’re not going to sit and sulk about it, the decision’s been made and they’re keen to prove a point at the weekend, which is the only way you can get back in the side.”

Waller had been in the England squad as injury cover ahead of the first Test against New Zealand earlier in the month.

But he was no able to break into the matchday squads, with Harlequins’ Joe Marler and Wasps’ Matt Mullan the preferred choices.

“I was glad to get the call up when Joe (Marler) had a bit of a niggle,” said Waller. “It was good to be around the camp, I put my hand up and if there are any injuries, hopefully I’ll be involved.

“I’m just looking to play my best for the club and whatever else happens is a bonus.

“I know what I’ve got to work on, I speak with the coaches when I need to, we go over scrums and stuff, but I think I’m moving in the right direction.

“If there’s an injury, hopefully I’ve done enough to show I can step up, but I’m not disappointed as such.

“Playing for England is a massive honour and something I want to achieve, but right now I’m focusing on my job and if it happens, it happens.”

Tools have been taken from a van in Brixworth on Tuesday.

The theft happened outside a property in Glass Slade between 3.20pm and 3.30pm, when the offenders removed two power tools from a van parked on the driveway.

Two men were seen approaching the van and they then drove off towards the centre of Brixworth in another vehicle driven by a third man.

One of the men is described as white, about 6ft and was wearing dark clothing. The second man was also white, about 5ft 8in, with an athletic build and black, medium-length hair. He was wearing a dark, short-sleeved top with a white collar. The driver is described as white, with a big build and wearing a red jumper.

Witnesses, or anyone with information, are asked to call Northamptonshire Police on 101. Alternatively, they can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

Police officers have gone out to DIRFT this afternoon to reports of a concrete mixer on its side.

The force has put road closures place in and around the area after the accident happened on the A5/A428 this afternoon (Thursday).

Emergency services and Highways Authority are currently trying to clear the concrete before it sets.

David Smith has left his position as chief executive of Northamptonshire County Cricket Club.

He has been in the job for nearly three years - having been appointed as replacement to Mark Tagg in 2012 - but has become another casualty of the club’s poor 2014 season.

Smith, who previously held the same role at Leicestershire, oversaw several off-pitch developments at the County Ground as well as the side’s Friends Life T20 success and LV= County Championship promotion last year.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my three years at Northants Cricket,” said Smith.

“During that time we have seen close on three million pounds worth of capital investment into members and spectators facilities.

“When our conference and facilities suite is finished in December, the club will have a real opportunity to develop a 52 week sustainable business model that will be less reliant on cricket match day associated revenues.

“We won the T20 competition in 2013, the club’s first trophy in 21 years, as well as gaining promotion to division one during that year, so I feel I can look back with real pride on my contribution while CEO of the cricket club.

“The time is now right for me to look at other opportunities and for someone else to take the club to the next stage of its development.

“I would like to place on record my sincere thanks to the board of directors for their support throughout my time at Northants Cricket and I wish the club all the very best for the future.”

Northants Cricket Chairman, Gavin Warren, added: “In the rapidly changing world of professional sport, it is vital for the club to continue to move forward and develop.

“Thanks to the good work over the last three years we have many opportunities both on and off the field, and the new chief executive will be appointed in the next few months to develop these.”

A child is on the road to recovery after being hit by a bus in Guilsborough.

The accident happened on Wednesday afternoon around 3.30pm. It was later revealed the boy had suffered a fractured skull. He is currently recovering at a hospital in Oxford.

While the child, who is in Year Six at Guilsborough Primary School, had left school and was heading towards the park, the school has been helping children left upset at the incident.

A spokesman for the school said: “There was a school teacher from Guilsborough Secondary School who was on the bus who administered first aid to the child.

“We are working with the police to see if there is anyway we can improve the safety around the school.

“The student is very popular and is friends have been left saddened by what happened. We are offering counselling to any of the students who have been left affected by the incident.

“Parents have obviously been very concerned by what has happened and we have been grateful for the offers of support that they have offered.”

Daniel Stewart says no one will want to play his Long Buckby side right now.

Stewart believes the Bucks are building up a head of steam as they bid to secure their first UCL Premier Division victory of the season.

That makes them a dangerous proposition, with opposition teams wary of being the first to lose to the Station Road side.

Peterborough Northern Star just edged past Stewart’s men last weekend and the manager believes the 15-game winless league run is close to reaching its conclusion.

“We’ve been vastly improved of late and we’re getting closer (to that first win),” said Stewart.

“I’m of the belief that the fact we’re improving means nobody wants to play us at the moment.

“The Peterborough Northern Star management said teams will start fearing us and they gave us a lot of credit.

“We’re a potential banana skin for anyone and we can use that fear to our advantage.”

Buckby, who were beaten 3-2 by Northern Star, are currently six points adrift at the bottom of the standings going into Saturday’s game at Wellingborough Town.

But Stewart is paying little attention to the league table, instead preferring to focus on performances rather than points.

“I don’t take much interest in the table,” he said.

“I’m more looking at individuals and the development of the team.

“I knew it wouldn’t be easy with a young squad and me being a young gaffer, but we’ve been getting stronger.”

And on Saturday’s trip to Wellingborough, Stewart said: “It will be a tight game.

“We’ve got a couple of players suspended and one injured but there’s every chance we can take something from the game.”

Three players with combined ages of 114 gave a ‘Dad’s Army’ appearance to the Daventry Town team which provided new managers Allan Smart and Ady Fuller with their first taste of success against North Greenford United last weekend.

Comeback kid Ian King (40) was joined by former Town captain Aaron Parkinson (35) and grey-haired striker Howard Forinton, who has had more clubs than Jack Nicklaus!

King’s defence-splitting passes made him the home team’s best player in the first hour, while central defender Parkinson who also plays for AFC Rushden and Diamonds in the UCL, presided over the Heathrow Academy youngsters like a mother hen.

The end result was a six-pointer 2-1 win over North Greenford after goals from livewire second half substitute Jack Howard and a revitalised Tom Berwick who is now in his fifth spell at Communications Park.

Unfortunately, ‘Parky’ is likely to be recalled by the Diamonds this Saturday for an FA Vase tie which will see the UCL leaders without three suspended players including ex-Daventry striker Russell Dunkley.

Incoming Browns Road boss Smart started his tenure with defeats at Chalfont St Peter, Egham and Stratford-upon-Avon, but the new blend of youth and experience finally hit the jackpot at North Greenford’s expense.

With 23 points already in the bag, Daventry’s next ‘must win’ fixture will come against bottom-of-the-table AFC Hayes in exactly a month’s time.

Meanwhile keeping tabs with the comings and goings at Communications Park is turning into a full-time occupation!

Four recent departures will be followed by three new signings this week.

Kieran Fitzgerald took up the seven-day approach from St Ives Town whilst steadily improving midfield man Barry Deacon has thrown in his lot with Coalville Town.

Harder to get your head round are the decisions of Josh O’Grady and Martin Hutchcox to drop down three levels to play for admittedly upwardly mobile step seven outfit Coventry United from the Midland League Division One.

On the credit side young striker Josh Francis will arrive on loan from Aldershot while Jamie Calvin is also expected to rejoin the Daventry club after netting goals galore in pre-season friendlies. Turning the clock back even further will be popular flying winger Richard Wesley who scored eight goals as the Purple Army climbed out of the UCL five years ago.

Current club captain Ash Deeney has also decided to stay loyal to the Daventry club as has irreplaceable utility player Josh Blake who made more than 400 appearances for Leamington in his younger days.

Young goalkeeper Ben Heath has also committed his immediate future to the cause whilst midfield maestro Ryan Howell - he was in the starting line-up at Chesterfield a year ago - is also due back from injury in two days’ time.

This Saturday Daventry travel to Leighton Buzzard to take on an Aylesbury United side which lost by the odd-goal in five at home to Rugby Town last weekend. A point would come in handy.

Victory over North Greenford who have yet to lower the Town’s colours in 10 attempts, means Daventry still need up to another 12 points this season to avoid possible relegation from the Southern League. Encouragingly, despite the recent upheavals, the Greenford game attracted a crowd of 156 which was the highest attendance at Communications Park this season.

Woodford United travel to Rushden & Higham United on Saturday, aiming to bounce back from their midweek UCL Division One defeat at high-flying ON Chenecks.

Adam Knight’s men gave a good account of themselves at Billing Road, but the third-place team won it thanks to an Adam Hancock winner 14 minutes from time.

Chenecks had taken an early lead, but Woodford levelled before the break through new signing Adam Creaney.

Woodford are still looking in decent shape in ninth place in the division one table, with the Reds 4-1 winners at Irchester United last weekend.

Tommy Waldock gave Woodford the lead after 22 minutes.

Knight made it 2-0 on 44 minutes, before Irchester pulled one back.

Waldock scored again on 59 minutes, this time an excellent solo goal, and Joe Henderson’s close range header six minutes past the hour sealed the Woodford success.

A new sport aimed at people over the age of 50 has been launched at Daventry Leisure Centre.

Walking Football sessions started on Thursday last week and will continue every Thursday from 2pm to 3pm.

The sessions cost £3.05 to take part. For further details about the scheme and to book a place call 01327 871144.

Alex King says England prop Alex Corbisiero remains on course for a return at the start of the new year.

Corbisiero has been out since September after suffering shoulder ligament damage in Saints’ win against Bath.

The 26-year-old was forced to have surgery on the problem, with Alex Waller once again stepping in to fill the void left by the former London Irish loosehead.

But Corbisiero is progressing well and King remains hopeful that he will be able to return in the not too distant future.

“He’s improving and going really well,” said the Saints attack coach. “He’s on schedule and we’ll hopefully see him back as soon as possible.

“It will be good to have him back as another option but we’re following the proper protocol and can’t give a definitive date as yet.”

No.8 Sam Dickinson is also making good progress as he recovers from the neck injury he sustained at the end of last season.

And King said: “Sam’s doing really well and he’s started to get involved in training.

“It’s always difficult when guys get long-term injuries, but he’s making good progress and hopefully we’ll have him back soon.”

But flanker Jon Fisher, who picked up a toe injury in the LV= Cup win at Scarlets earlier this month, looks likely to be sidelined for a big longer.

“Jon might be out for a bit longer than Sam,” said King. “He’s working hard to get back to fitness.”

James Wilson will start on the wing for Saints at Saracens on Sunday.

The Kiwi utility back was forced into action in the opening minutes of the defeat to Exeter last weekend after Tom Collins suffered a hamstring injury.

Wilson will line up at 11 in a backline that also contains centre Luther Burrell, who was released by England earlier in the week.

James Craig returns from injury to take his place in the second row, with Samu Manoa reverting to No.8 and Phil Dowson back on the flank.

Saracens are also able to name a powerful side for the clash at Allianz Park, with Billy Vunipola back in their team after he was let go by England.

Former Saints hooker Brett Sharman will be on among the home side’s replacements, with the likes of Jacques Burger and Ernst Joubert also in reserve.

Saracens: Goode; Ashton, Tompkins, Wyles, Strettle; Hodgson, Spencer; Gill, George, Figallo; Hamilton, Hargreaves; Wray, Fraser, B Vunipola.

Replacements: Sharman, Barrington, Johnston, Itoje, Burger, Joubert, de Kock, Ransom.

Saints: Foden; Elliott, Stephenson, Burrell, Wilson; Myler, Dickson; A Waller, Haywood, Ma’afu; Craig, Day; Clark, Dowson, Manoa.

Replacements: McMillan, E Waller, Denman, Harrison, Nutley, Hodgson, Waldouck, Packman.

Fixture: Saracens v Northampton Saints (Aviva Premiership round eight)

Date/kick-off time: Sunday, November 23, 1pm

Venue: Allianz Park

Weather forecast: 11C, chance of rain

Saracens: Goode; Ashton, Tompkins, Wyles, Strettle; Hodgson, Spencer; Gill, George, Figallo; Hamilton, Hargreaves; Wray, Fraser, B Vunipola.

Replacements: Sharman, Barrington, Johnston, Itoje, Burger, Joubert, de Kock, Ransom

Saints: Foden; Elliott, Stephenson, Burrell, Wilson; Myler, Dickson; A Waller, Haywood, Ma’afu; Craig, Day; Clark, Dowson, Manoa.

Replacements: McMillan, E Waller, Denman, Harrison, Nutley, Hodgson, Waldouck, Packman

Outs: Saracens: M Vunipola (knee), Brits (knee), Kruis, Wigglesworth, Farrell, Barritt (international duty).

Saints: Corbisiero (shoulder), G Pisi (hamstring), Dickinson (neck), Fisher (toe), Fotuali’i, K Pisi, Hartley, Lawes, Wood, North (international duty).

Most recent meeting: Saturday, May 31: Saracens 20 Saints 24

Tom’s preview: They may not be at full strength, but one look at last weekend’s line-ups shows you why Saracens and Saints contested the most recent Aviva Premiership final.

Saints were shorn of eight international stars and still managed to field a side containing Samu Manoa, Stephen Myler, Luther Burrell et al.

The result against Exeter may not have gone their way, as the Chiefs’ cohesion - and kicking game - won the day, but Saints couldn’t blame a low-key cast list for the lack of a happy ending.

And Saracens, too, could have no excuses after surrendering a lead to draw at Leicester, as Mark McCall’s squad was saturated with talent.

The sort of depth on show at both clubs is evidence as to why Sarries and Saints were there in May and should be there or thereabouts next spring.

They can both almost field two teams good enough to not only compete, but do well in the division.

And there can be no doubt Sunday’s reunion in Barnet should be a fascinating battle.

Saracens will fancy exacting a bit of revenge for the late heartbreak Saints inflicted on them at Twickenham, where Alex Waller’s outstretched hand grabbed a memorable win.

But of more concern to the men in black and red will be seizing their chance to return to the Aviva Premiership summit.

Last season, top spot was almost exclusively theirs as they set the tone and proceeded to motor ahead, leaving others trailing in their wake.

Even Saints were unable to keep up, being made to settle for second.

There is no doubt Jim Mallinder’s men would like to finish first this time round though, to hammer home their champion status.

And if they are to do that, a win at Allianz Park would do very nicely indeed.

There has been huge motivation at Franklin’s Gardens this week, with players desperate to prove a point.

Released England players want to prove Stuart Lancaster wrong.

And everyone wants to prove last Friday’s defeat to Exeter was just a blip.

A success at Saracens would be an emphatic statement of intent ahead of a trip to London Welsh next weekend.

And it would set Saints up nicely for a run of games - past the Welsh fixture - that is fraught with danger.

Leicester and Harlequins lie in wait in December, which also includes back-to-back Champions Cup clashes with Treviso.

Saints will have their international players back for those matches, but this bunch will feel they are good enough to lay the foundations at Saracens this weekend.

Tom’s prediction: Saracens 23 Saints 16

Darren Taylor scored four times as Daventry Drayton Grange stayed top of division one of the Northants Combination with a 10-0 thrashing of Corby Ravens.

Adam Cox and Richard Maloney both scored twice, and there were singles for Jed Brennan and Chris Trill.

Weedon also enjoyed a win on the road, although theirs was a more hard fought 2-1 victory at Clipston.

The men on the mark for the villagers were Ashley Brown and Thomas Murfitt.

In Reserve Division Two, West Haddon Albion were beaten 4-3 at home by Bugbrooke B.

Connor Pittam scored a double, with Karl Shingler also finding the target.

West Haddon Albion’s first team were in NFA Lower Junior Cup action, and were on the wrong end of a 7-3 scoreline in their clash at Wellingborough Gleneagles.

Albion’s goals came from Mark Cadman, Gavin Cope and Joe Smith.

In the NFA Area Cup, Weedon Reserves went down 1-0 at home to Yardley United, but there was better 
news for Drayton Grange Reserves as they squeezed through by beating Brackley Old Boys 5-3.

Daniel Hutchinson was the hat-trick hero for Grange, with Alex O’Connor and Marcin Chmielewski also on target.