December Kickoff Highlights

Hey folks,

Hope the holiday lights are brightening your days here in Wellingborough. We've had some big local wins this month, from developers getting a nudge to deliver promised shops to our Greenway project shining at business awards—

Let's catch up on the top stories keeping our town moving.

Since construction kicked off in 2018, Stanton Cross (a joint Vistry Homes and Riverside Regeneration project) has delivered 1,345 homes, drawing families to this expanding estate off the A45. But locals fumed over the missing retail hub promised in the original plans—no Tesco, no shops despite 300+ objections highlighting kids trekking miles for basics. Developers sought a delay until after 2,000 homes in October, blaming "no commercial interest," but North Northants Council slammed the door unanimously on Dec 10. Cllr William Colquhoun called their excuses "weak" (citing Little Stanion's portacabin shops as proof it's doable), while Cllr Marion Turner-Hawes accused them of lacking faith in Wellingborough. Residents' association chair Shereen Okotie beamed: "Our thriving community gets what was pledged." Expect enforcement notices soon—vital amenities post-1,200th home trigger.

Our Council's ambitious Greenway paths—linking homes, schools, and businesses for safer walking/cycling—nabbed Special Recognition at the Dec 5 Chamber of Commerce Awards at Wellingborough Golf Club. Judges praised its role in cutting car use, boosting accessibility for all ages, and sparking economic ties; more routes and school programs are in the pipeline to connect our town further.

Woodhead & Co's December report (building on November trends) shows asking prices climbing 2.3% to £279,751—the highest since 2021—while actual sold prices settled at £234,489 after fierce 26% negotiations. Rental stock exploded 39% to 230 homes at £1,025pcm average, giving tenants leverage ahead of 2026's Renters’ Rights Act, scrapping no-fault evictions.

Northamptonshire Police's trial (rolled out late November across three centres, including ours) used AI scans to bag six watchlist hits by Dec 11—sex offenders and fugitives nabbed, underscoring tech's role in keeping our high streets secure without constant patrols.

The Dec 9 Wellingborough Business Buzz at Castello Lounge packed in local entrepreneurs amid festive lights, swapping leads on everything from staffing to 2026 expansions—timely as 68 property sales agreed in seven weeks signal buyer confidence.

With cases popping in North Northants, Council health teams urge spotting/reporting sick or dead wild birds—don't touch, call the hotline to shield pets, kids, and our wetlands ecosystem.

That‘s it for today.

If there’s anything you’d like covered in more depth next time – or if you’ve got a tip about something happening locally – just hit reply and let me know.