Big police raids on town centre shops
Police, trading standards and HMRC carried out a series of raids on shops around Market Street, Cambridge Street and Victoria Road, and what they found was pretty shocking.
Officers seized:
Around 203,000 fake cigarettes and about 40kg of illicit tobacco, worth roughly £120,000 in unpaid tax
More than 3,500 illegal vapes, including suspected cannabis vapes
A machete, nitrous oxide canisters, fireworks, fake clothing and toys, non‑compliant medicines and over £7,000 in cash.
The operation came directly off the back of complaints from local residents, so people speaking up clearly made a difference. Police say it’s part of a “zero‑tolerance” approach to criminal activity in local shops and are asking people to keep reporting anything that feels off – dodgy vapes, suspicious goods, or unusual comings and goings
Northamptonshire Police
In practice, this could mean some shops changing hands, temporarily closing or tightening what they sell, but the idea is to make the town centre feel safer and more trustworthy.
Teen murder trial in focus – Wellingborough tragedy in court.
You may have seen national coverage of the trial of a 13‑year‑old girl accused of murdering 43‑year‑old Marta Bednarczyk at a house in Wellingborough back in March.
The case is being heard at Lincoln Crown Court and has raised some difficult questions about mental health and responsibility:
Prosecutors say Marta was stabbed more than 140 times with more than one knife, and her body was then set on fire.
The teenager admits to unlawfully killing Marta, but denies murder, arguing diminished responsibility because of mental health issues.
One forensic psychiatrist previously told the court she did not believe the girl was suffering from depression at the time of the killing.
More recently, psychologist Sir Simon Baron‑Cohen told the jury he believes the girl had a mental disorder which left her “distressed” and reduced her ability to think clearly and control her actions.
Jurors have heard about disturbing internet searches, including “What happens when a 13‑year‑old murders?” as well as visits to websites showing murder and torture.
The trial is ongoing, and the outcome will almost certainly reopen conversations locally about youth support, online safety, and mental health services – not just in Wellingborough, but across Northamptonshire.
Old post office finally getting a new life – 74 new flats approved
If you’ve walked down Midland Road, you’ll know the old post office – it’s been sitting empty and increasingly sad‑looking for around 25 years.
North Northamptonshire Council’s planning committee has now approved plans to demolish it and replace it with two blocks of flats:
74 apartments in total – 45 one‑bed and 29 two‑bed
The main block will be five storeys, with a sixth level partly within the roof.
Just 14 car parking spaces in total (six underground, eight at surface level) plus racks for 24 bicycles
Councillors called the site an “eyesore” and said it’s good to see something finally happening after decades of it standing empty. But not everyone is happy:
The council received 20 letters of objection and just one in support, mainly worried about parking, heritage, and over‑development.
Even councillors who backed the scheme admitted parking will be tight, but argued the location is well served by public transport, walking, and cycling.
For the town centre, it means more residents living right in the heart of Wellingborough – which could help local shops and cafés, but will also put pressure on parking and local services. Expect demolition work and building activity in this part of town over the coming months. Photos from last Sunday’s hill session!
A quick brighter note – Beauty & the Beast at Castle Theatre.
Our own Castle Theatre is right in the middle of its big “Beauty & the Beast” Christmas pantomime run.
The show runs from December 5 through to December 31, 2025.
Expect the full panto treatment – big musical numbers, colourful sets, lots of “oh no it isn’t!” energy and plenty for families to enjoy.
If you fancy something festive that doesn’t involve shopping or crowds, this is a really nice option to support a local venue and have a proper night out in town.
Fun fact to finish
Wellingborough owes its name to water. The town was originally known as “Wendelingburgh” and is famously linked to five historic wells – Redwell, Hemmingwell, Lady’s Well, Whytewell, and Witch’s Well – which are even shown on the town’s coat of arms.
For a while in the 1600s, people actually came here to “take the waters”, a bit like a tiny spa town of its day..
That’s it for this week.
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