Northampton Chronicle & Echo • 23rd December 2025

Resident slams Northampton’s ‘graffiti epidemic’ as discouraging visitors and investment

A resident has slammed Northampton’s “graffiti epidemic” as discouraging people from visiting and investing in the town because of the negative message it sends. Mark Watson moved to Northampton around three years ago, and is a resident and Parish Councillor in Upton and a committee member for the Northants Litter Wombles.

Northampton Chronicle & Echo • 23rd December 2025

Daughter of former Strictly star and rugby player, aged just 9, reaches new heights as double national champion

The daughter of a former Strictly Come Dancing star and a rugby player, aged just nine, has reached new heights as she is now a double national champion. Mila Cohen, whose parents are Kristina Rihanoff and Ben Cohen, kickstarted her competition success last year when she was named one of the ‘juvenile soloists of the year’ in the under 12s category at the Le Classique Industry Awards.

Northampton Chronicle & Echo • 23rd December 2025

Father-of-two turns fundraising efforts to autism support group close to his heart in Northampton

A father-of-two has turned his fundraising efforts towards an autism support group which is close to his heart in Northampton. Piotr Maciaszek, who is a proud dad to Emily and Simon, has completed a few skydives since the summer of 2022 to fundraise for SENDS 4 Dad and The Frank Bruno Foundation.

Northampton Chronicle & Echo • 22nd December 2025

Mixed response to ‘easy target’ proposals for Northampton town centre parking rises – which could scrap free two weekend hours

There has been a mixed response to proposals to increase car parking prices in Northampton town centre, which could also scrap the two hours free on weekends for a £3 day rate. Proposals for Northampton town centre, as well as scrapping free parking in Daventry and Towcester town centres, will be discussed by West Northamptonshire Council’s cabinet on Monday, December 22.

Northampton Chronicle & Echo • 22nd December 2025

Much-loved Northampton business crowned county winner at the National Bakery Awards 2025

A much-loved business was recently crowned the county winner for Northamptonshire at the National Bakery Awards 2025. Magee Street Bakery, located in Derby Road, was first opened in January 2015 by Tom and Maddie who sold it to Elliot and Alfie after a year-and-a-half.

Northampton Chronicle & Echo • 22nd December 2025

Award-winning dog care business says it is ‘especially important’ to support independents in 2026

An award-winning dog care business in Northampton says it is “especially important” to support independents as we wave goodbye to 2025 and welcome 2026. Teddy’s Dog Care, in Newport Pagnell Road, was founded by Michelle Wilson in 2010 after she adopted her pug Teddy – who inspired her to expand her love and care to more dogs across the county.

Northampton Chronicle & Echo • 18th December 2025

‘I asked five Northampton founders what they wish they had known before starting a business – their honesty surprised me’

I asked five Northampton founders what they wish they had known before starting a business, and their insightful responses speak for themselves. Our county is full to the brim with innovative independent businesses, and many of them go on a journey of evolution from when they start to where they are now.

Northampton Chronicle & Echo • 18th December 2025

Tidy Our Town: How far has Northampton come in tackling the littering and fly tipping epidemic in 2025?

As 2025 draws to a close, we are reflecting on how far Northampton has come in tackling the littering and fly tipping epidemic over the past 12 months – and what needs to be done to make further progress in 2026. This newspaper’s Tidy Our Town campaign launched in collaboration with the Northants Litter Wombles in February 2024, with the aim of raising awareness of the drastic change needed for the greater good of Northampton and celebrating those fighting to make it happen.

Northampton Chronicle & Echo • 18th December 2025

Take a look at the 15 best restaurants across Northampton in 2025, according to Google Reviews

As we approach 2026, take a look at which 15 restaurants are currently the best rated across Northampton according to Google Reviews. It is the perfect season to spend time with loved ones, so why not visit one of these popular venues that have already been tried and tested by your fellow residents?

Northampton Chronicle & Echo • 18th December 2025

IN PICTURES: Take a look at the businesses that sadly CLOSED DOWN in 2025 across Northampton

Take a look at the businesses that sadly closed down for good across Northampton throughout 2025. Thankfully there were more openings than closures in our town over the past 12 months, which is a promising pattern for the town’s business community.

Northampton Chronicle & Echo • 18th December 2025

IN PICTURES: Take a look at the businesses that excitingly OPENED across Northampton in 2025

As 2025 draws to a close, let’s take a look back on the businesses that have opened their doors across Northampton this year. While some of these were brand new additions, others moved to different locations and left behind where they previously traded in the town.

Northampton Chronicle & Echo • 17th December 2025

Festive Faces: Leading town centre restaurant owner proud to have served generations of customers for decades

This week, the Chronicle & Echo is bringing you five features to meet the owners behind some of Northampton town centre’s innovative businesses as we count down to Christmas. In collaboration with the Northampton Town Centre Business Improvement District (BID), the aim of the Festive Faces campaign is to shed light on the passion that goes into running an independent and the variety on offer if you visit the heart of town.

Northampton Chronicle & Echo • 17th December 2025

Festive Faces: Abington Street business is hopeful for ‘vibrant economy’ as we approach 2026

This week, the Chronicle & Echo is bringing you five features to meet the owners behind some of Northampton town centre’s innovative businesses as we count down to Christmas. In collaboration with the Northampton Town Centre Business Improvement District (BID), the aim of the Festive Faces campaign is to shed light on the passion that goes into running an independent and the variety on offer if you visit the heart of town.

Northampton Chronicle & Echo • 17th December 2025

Festive Faces: Independent fashion boutique urges support for the town centre as it tries to improve

This week, the Chronicle & Echo is bringing you five features to meet the owners behind some of Northampton town centre’s innovative businesses as we count down to Christmas. In collaboration with the Northampton Town Centre Business Improvement District (BID), the aim of the Festive Faces campaign is to shed light on the passion that goes into running an independent and the variety on offer if you visit the heart of town.

Northampton Chronicle & Echo • 16th December 2025

Festive Faces: This Northampton town centre business is proud to offer as much as they can under one roof

This week, the Chronicle & Echo is bringing you five features to meet the owners behind some of Northampton town centre’s innovative businesses as we count down to Christmas. In collaboration with the Northampton Town Centre Business Improvement District (BID), the aim of the Festive Faces campaign is to shed light on the passion that goes into running an independent and the variety on offer if you visit the heart of town.

Northampton Chronicle & Echo • 16th December 2025

Thousands raised for ‘bright and courageous’ six-year-old to make family home safe and accessible

Thousands of pounds have already been raised to help make a “bright and courageous” six-year-old’s family home safe and accessible after an unexpected health journey began when she was just 20 months old. Margot Jones-Billington lives with a significant brain injury following a brain haemorrhage and stroke when she was four months from celebrating her second birthday.

Northampton Chronicle & Echo • 16th December 2025

Family-run Northampton gymnastics club celebrates ‘electric’ experience at national final

A family-run Northampton gymnastics club is celebrating their “electric” experience at a national final, with four of their gymnasts having secured prestigious spots. Jo Kelly is the founder and owner of GLK Gymnastics in Bugbrooke, and she is supported by coach and competition organiser Jess Legge.

Northampton Chronicle & Echo • 15th December 2025

Festive Faces: Meet the owner of one of Northampton’s longest-standing jewellers of more than four decades

This week, the Chronicle & Echo is bringing you five features to meet the owners behind some of Northampton town centre’s innovative businesses as we count down to Christmas. In collaboration with the Northampton Town Centre Business Improvement District (BID), the aim of the Festive Faces campaign is to shed light on the passion that goes into running an independent and the variety on offer if you visit the heart of town.

Northampton Chronicle & Echo • 15th December 2025

Long-standing business of a decade ‘sad’ to leave Northampton behind but excited for new journey

The owner of a long-standing business of a decade was “sad” to leave Northampton behind, but excited to begin her journey in a new location by the sea. Seasons Greetings Cardshop, which closed for the final time in cabin eight at Billing Garden Village on November 29, was founded by Karen Douglas-Walton.

Northampton Chronicle & Echo • 15th December 2025

Meet the woman who went from a housebound size 26 wheelchair user when she lost her dad to a size 12

Meet the Northamptonshire woman who went from a housebound, size 26 wheelchair user when she lost her father in 2021, to a full-of-life size 12 as we approach 2026. Katie Dixon-Hancock, from Towcester, shared her inspiring journey with the Chronicle & Echo to spread hope that things can get better.