Laura Coffey

United Kingdom

Political Reporter at BBC Radio Gloucestershire

Articles

DHL warehouse plan is approved after public inquiry

2 weeks ago | ca.news.yahoo.com | Nadia Lincoln |Laura Coffey

The warehouse will be built on the edge of Towcester, off the A5 [DHL]A large warehouse will be built on the outskirts of a town despite more than a thousand local objections. DHL was originally refused planning permission by West Northamptonshire Council to build a logistics hub on the edge of Towcester. But after a nine-day hearing, the government's planning inspectorate has given it the go-ahead.
A guide to Northamptonshire's local elections 2025

3 weeks ago | bbc.com | Laura Coffey

A guide to Northamptonshire's local elections 2025Laura CoffeyBBC political reporter, NorthamptonshireGetty ImagesThis year's elections take place on Thursday, 1 May, and all the seats on both of the county's unitary councils are up for grabs. It is only the second time voters have had a chance to elect members to North and West Northamptonshire councils.
Final arguments made in DHL Towcester warehouse appeal

1 month ago | bbc.com | Laura Coffey

Final arguments made in DHL warehouse appealLaura CoffeyBBC political reporter, NorthamptonshireLaura Coffey/BBCCampaigners lobbied councillors at a planning meeting in September 2024A hearing to decide whether a logistics giant should be allowed to build a large warehouse on the edge of a rural town has heard closing submissions. DHL was refused permission by Conservative-controlled West Northamptonshire Council to build a hub on the outskirts of Towcester.
Theatres in the East are recovering five years after Covid

1 month ago | bbc.com | Laura Coffey

Theatres speak of recovery five years after CovidLaura CoffeyBBC News, East of EnglandRobert DayThe Jolly Christmas Postman proved popular with audiences in DecemberFive years since the curtains came down on theatres across the country due to the Covid-19 pandemic, those in the industry have told the BBC it is recovering but challenges remain. What has been the impact and what is the future looking like now?
Polish parents in Northamptonshire want children to know heritage

1 month ago | bbc.com | Laura Coffey

'We want our kids to know their Polish heritage'Laura CoffeyPolitical reporter, BBC NorthamptonshireReporting fromWellingboroughSubmittedKarolina (second from left) with her three daughters Amelia, Lilly and Vivienne (left to right), who all attend or have attended the supplementary schoolA Saturday school in Northamptonshire aims to teach children about their Polish heritage and language. But many of its pupils - and teachers - have returned to Poland since Brexit.
Another Conservative councillor moves to Reform UK

1 month ago | msn.com | Laura Coffey
Another North Northamptonshire councillor switches to Reform UK

1 month ago | bbc.com | Laura Coffey

Another Conservative councillor moves to Reform UKLaura CoffeyBBC political reporter, NorthamptonshireKirk HarrisonKirk Harrison was elected to North Northamptonshire Council in 2021Another member of North Northamptonshire Council has joined Reform UK. Kirk Harrison, the member for Irthlingborough, has defected from the Conservative Party. He becomes Reform's third member on the council.
Another Conservative councillor moves to Reform UK

1 month ago | yahoo.com | Laura Coffey

Laura Coffey - BBC political reporter, NorthamptonshireMon, March 3, 2025 at 3:26 PM UTC1 min readKirk Harrison was elected to North Northamptonshire Council in 2021 [Kirk Harrison]Another member of North Northamptonshire Council has joined Reform UK. Kirk Harrison, the member for Irthlingborough, has defected from the Conservative Party. He becomes Reform's third member on the council. "I firmly believe that Britain needs real change and that Reform UK is best placed to deliver it," Harrison said.
Farmer losing land to HS2 questions value of 'pointless' line

1 month ago | bbc.com | Laura Coffey

Farmer losing land to HS2 questions value of lineLaura CoffeyBBC political reporter, NorthamptonshireBBCStephen Adkins says the HS2 railway is "pointless"A farmer who had his land compulsory purchased to make way for HS2 said if England was going to benefit then it would have been worth it, but described the line as "pointless". Stephen Adkins is a fifth generation farmer at Greatworth Hall, a mainly arable farm with a flock of 200 breeding ewes as well as offices, workshops and a cafe.
Farmer losing land to HS2 questions value of line

1 month ago | aol.com | Laura Coffey

A farmer who had his land compulsory purchased to make way for HS2 said if England was going to benefit then it would have been worth it, but described the line as "pointless". Stephen Adkins is a fifth generation farmer at Greatworth Hall, a mainly arable farm with a flock of 200 breeding ewes as well as offices, workshops and a cafe. The high-speed rail line will link London and Birmingham and crosses south Northamptonshire.