A limited train service is now serving Northampton station again after damage caused by Storm Bert.

Services had been affected after the River Nene burst its banks in the early hours of Monday (25/11) morning, flooding the tracks and signalling through Northampton station.

After a period of suspension, Northampton station will be served by a limited hourly service in each direction between Milton Keynes, Northampton, Rugby, Coventry and Birmingham.

This train will be supplemented by a replacement bus service running Milton Keynes-Northampton and Northampton-Rugby routes.

London North Western Railway have said that disruption is still to be expected for the remainder of the week while the station is prepared to run a full service again.

Jonny Wiseman, customer experience director for London Northwestern Railway, said, “I would like to thank our passengers for their patience while we have worked with Network Rail to restore train services to Northampton. The flooding has had a significant impact across our network and I am sorry for the disruption this has caused to our customers.

“Due to ongoing infrastructure challenges caused by the flooding, including some damage to our train fleet, a limited timetable will be in operation for the remainder of this week. I urge passengers to check their journeys before setting out.”

Gary Walsh, director for Network Rail’s West Coast South route, added, “We’re pleased to have been able to reopen lines through Northampton station following Monday’s severe flooding caused by Storm Bert. Our teams are continuing to work around the clock to meticulously clean, test and repair water-damaged equipment so we can restore a full timetable as quickly as possible.

“I’d like to thank passengers for their patience while our complex repairs continue and urge people travelling this week to check their journeys at www.nationalrail.co.uk or with London Northwestern Railway.”

A new festival called Forever Now will be held at the National Bowl in Milton Keynes in June 2025.

The one-day event will be held on June 22nd 2025, with the first wave of acts announced on Monday December 2nd.

The event is the third confirmed event to be taking place at the National Bowl next year, alongside the Reggae Land Festival and a concert by Australian electronic act Pendulum.

Forever Now Festival is intended as a one-day multi-stage at the National Bowl running as a sister event to the Cruel World Festival held in California, with the event run by promoters AEG Presents.

Acts such as Morrissey, Blondie, Devo, Iggy Pop, Billy Idol, The Human League, Duran Duran, Adam Ant and Soft Cell have performed at the Cruel World event in the past, with New Order, Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, Madness, Garbage, OMD and the Buzzcocks confirmed for the 2025 edition.

Forever Now intends to run as a festival celebrating alternative rock culture, featuring acts from genres ranging from new wave to post-punk, psychedelia and alt-rock.

Steve Homer, CEO, AEG Presents, said, “We are delighted to present a festival that reflects the rich heritage of artists in the alternative music field. The day will feature some amazing artists, unique sets, and collaborations not seen on a UK stage before. As the birthplace of alt counterculture, the UK is the perfect home for a festival to pay homage to alternative creative artistry.’’

The one-day multi-stage festival will not only feature two stages dedicated to music, but also a third stage, The Echo Chamber. Hosted by legendary music journalist John Robb, The Echo Chamber will delve into the artistry, movement and culture through in-depth discussions with renowned artists, going behind the scenes to reveal their stories.

John Robb said, “The world just got less cruel with this announcement of the Forever Now festival that brings the cream of the post-punk crop to Milton Keynes this summer, mixing the old, new, borrowed and blue in a line-up of classic and cutting edge. If you feel a nostalgia for an age yet to come whilst still seeking the classic and have a curiosity for the next wave, then this will be a day to get immersed in.”

Pre-sale access starts from 5th December with a limited first release ticket available from £85, while general sale opens at 10am on Friday 6th December with tickets available from AXS and Ticketmaster and premium VIP packages available.

Anyone looking for more can sign up for more information and pre-sale access at forevernowfestival.co.uk

The automotive manufacturer Stellantis has announced it intends to close down the Vauxhall factory in Luton.

The decision intends to shut down a manufacturing facility in the Bedfordshire town that has been open for 120 years and puts over 1,100 jobs at risk.

Stellantis says it will transfer some staff to its site in Ellesmere Port near Liverpool if the proposals go ahead.

The French-Italian car maker, which also owns Citroen, Peugeot and Fiat, currently builds Vauxhall-branded petrol and diesel vans and the company had originally planned to build electric vehicles at the plant from 2025, but has now u-turned, claiming it wishes to create a single UK base at Ellesmere Port for production instead.

In a statement, Stellantis said, “Whilst strengthening Ellesmere Port as its sustainable light-commercial vehicle hub in the UK with the transfer of Luton operations, Stellantis remains committed to acting responsibly toward its employees in Luton and, if the company proposal is approved, will offer relocation support to facilitate employees wishing to transfer to the Ellesmere Port site with an attractive package, where hundreds of permanent jobs will be created.

“Dedicated comprehensive job support, including opportunities for retraining for all employees affected, will also be implemented in the very active Luton area, just one mile from the international airport. At the same time, Stellantis will work with local government and local employers to identify new employment opportunities within the Luton area for Stellantis employees who might be impacted by this proposal if it goes ahead.”

Stellantis has been reportedly motivated to make the decision as part of its opposition to UK government targets on electric vehicles. Rules changed in 2022 are intended to phase out production of petrol and diesel powered vehicles, with rules mandating that electric cars must make 28% of new vehicle sales in the UK next year and 100% by 2035.

Among the critics of the decision by Stellantis has been the trade union Unite.

In a statement, they said, “The proposal that has been tabled today has been a complete slap in face for our members in Luton, where Vauxhall vehicles have been manufactured for 120 years. Whatever the positive benefits this plan may have for Ellesmere Port, that is not acceptable.

“We stand ready to support our members in doing whatever we can to ensure that historical vehicle manufacturing is maintained in Luton and we call on the government to do the same.”

Luton Borough Council also voiced their disappointment.

Cllr Hazel Simmons MBE, Leader of Luton Council, said, “Today’s news that Vauxhall plans to close its van making factory in Luton is a devastating blow for our town.

“First and foremost, our thoughts are with the employees and their families who have received this deeply distressing news.

“We are ready to support in any way we can and will be meeting with the plant’s management and Trade Unions to discuss practical help we can give at this time. When other firms have closed locally we have an excellent track record supporting employees to find alternative work utilising their transferrable skills and are fully committed to doing the same with our local Vauxhall community where a transfer to Ellesmere Port is not feasible for them.

“We are also seeking clarity from the government on what support they may also be able to provide for employees at this time.

Vauxhall has been an integral part of Luton’s heritage, and this is a sad day for our town, but we are a strong and resilient town and always bounce back. We will do exactly the same following today’s news.

Northampton’s winless run was extended after they were defeated 2-1 at Wigan Athletic.

Two goals in the early stages by Thelo Aasgaard and Jonny Smith proved decisive for the Latics. Substitute Tom Eaves had brought Northampton a goal back in the second half, but it wasn’t enough for the Cobblers.

The result means Northampton are now without a win in 5 League One games ahead of the division’s week off due to the FA Cup. They now sit in 18th position in the table and three points ahead of the relegation zone.

Wigan took the lead early on after Dale Taylor’s pass released Aasgaard, who burst through before beating Lee Burge in a one-on-one.

Five minutes later, Wigan scored again, as Smith was able to collect the ball, work space outside the box and curl a fine shot into the top corner.

Northampton nearly fell further behind in the first half, with Taylor firing a shot over before Jensen Weir had a shot blocked on the line by Aaron McGowan.

But the Cobblers would grab a goal back ten minutes after the break. Nesta Guinness-Walker’s cross picked out Eaves, who held off his defensive marker before slotting a strike into the back of the net.

This was the cue for Northampton to make their best opportunities. Liam McCarron was denied by Wigan goalkeeper Sam Tickle in a one-on-one after an underhit backpass released the Northampton substitute.

In the late stages, Tickle was called upon again to make a big stop to keep out Sam Hoskins after he could only parry Eaves’ initial cross.

But the visitors ran out of time to gather an equaliser, and they ultimately left Wigan defeated.

Northampton are next in action in a week’s time, which will see them travel to play Stevenage.