Northampton Town Centre Task Group

Quick guide

By working together, everyone can help make Northampton Town Centre a better place for all.

The general public can help keep Northampton Town Centre up to high standards by looking and following these guidelines.

Clean and safe communities

• Business and commercial waste collections - services that remove waste from establishments
• Environmental policy  - information on keeping bins off of pavements and highways
• Pest control  - advice and treatments for homes, some businesses, and other places like schools, for common pests

It is important to report issues like fly-tipping, graffiti, street cleaning, litter bins, and dog fouling.

Please alert us of people sleeping rough via StreetLink or contact the homelessness team on 0300 126 7000.

Safe spaces

• Report anti-social behaviour - you can report anti-social behaviour to the Council or directly to Northants Police
• Northampton Town Anti-Social Behaviour Reporting Scheme (NTARS) - helps businesses in Northampton Town to collect and share information about anti-social behaviour
• CCTV - cameras offer a direct link to shops to deter crime and anti-social behaviour
• Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs) - these are in place in the town to stop many problem activities

Trading

Licensing for trades means getting official permission to work in a specific job.

You can apply for a licence if your business involves any of the following:

• sale of alcohol
• regulated entertainment
• late night refreshment
• gambling activities such as betting, bingo and gaming machines

You need to get a café pavement licence if you want to put tables and chairs on the pavement for your customers.

For more information on Trading Standards and health and safety, see:

• Trading Standards guides
• Health and safety basics for your business

Highways and planning

• Make a planning application - information for undertaking a construction project that requires approval from your local planning authority
• Pre-application advice service - guidance provided by a planning authority to a potential developer before they submit a formal planning application
• How to apply for listed building consent - submit an application to your local planning authority

Night time economy

• Northampton Pubwatch - local independent scheme that brings together licensed venues
• Safer Streets scheme - these initiatives aim to enhance security and ensure a safer environment for all residents and visitors
• Purple Flag accreditation - the recognition highlights the partnership's commitment to creating a dynamic, secure, and vibrant night-time economy

General information

Our WNC App now has a new Report It feature. You can easily tell us about fly-tipping using your phone. Download the app for free from Google Play or the Apple Store.

Find community projects and events led by Northampton Town Council here.

West Northants Public Health has created a free Workplace Wellbeing Toolkit for businesses to use.

Last updated 03 March 2025