Friday brief: Housing association u-turns on eviction of Afghan widow

Plus three Northants MPs rebel over new Covid restrictions and our usual Independent of the Week and NN Culture features

A woman from Afghanistan who was facing eviction by Northampton Partnership Homes (NPH) following the death of her husband has been told she can now stay in her flat. 

Last week NN Journal exclusively reported how Samia* had come to the UK in February to join her husband who was a British citizen. Within two months of her arrival he sadly died of Covid, leaving her alone and pregnant in a new country. The housing association then told her she would need to move out of the flat they shared as the tenancy was only in her husband’s name.

Deputy leader of West Northants Council and cabinet member for housing Cllr Adam Brown intervened in her case after reading about it in NN Journal.

“I wasn’t personally aware of the case before I saw the article but as soon as I read it I got in touch with NPH. Andrew Lewer MP has also been working on this and we can confirm that NPH has now reassessed the situation and because Samia’s immigration status has changed since the first decision was made they can now use their discretion to let her stay,” Cllr Brown said.

Cllr Brown

The news couldn’t come at a better time for Samia as she gave birth to a healthy baby girl this week. Although she wasn’t due to be born until January, both mother and baby are doing well.

The founder of the Northampton Afghan Community group Obaidullah Khushull, who has been supporting Samia, said it has been a very emotional few days. As Samia has no family in the UK Khushull’s sister-in-law was with her for the birth.

“Samia was crying a lot during the birth because all she could think about was her husband. But she is feeling much better now and this news will be such a relief for her. She had been so worried about losing her home.

“The baby is small but very beautiful, and the hospital says they are both doing very well. We are very grateful to everyone who has helped.”

*Name has been changed

News in brief:

• More than a dozen people were helped by the Safer Nights Out van which parked up for the first time in Northampton town centre at the weekend. Manned by a group of volunteers the van, which is funded by the police and crime commissioner’s office, offers a safe place to go for people who have been enjoying a night out and can provide sustenance and advice. The van has been introduced following a series of drink spikings in the town and also some sexual assaults on women.

• The budgets for the unitary councils for next year have been published and are now out for consultation. Both authorities are proposing a 3 per cent increase on council tax. The budgets can be found on the councils websites and next week we will be having a look at each proposed budget in detail. 

• The Royal and Derngate in Northampton has been nominated for Theatre of the Year in The Stage Awards 2022. The theatre has been recognised for its work throughout 2021 including reopening after the pandemic closure with acclaimed shows such as new musical Gin Craze! and taking Ralph Fiennes in Four Quartets to the West End. Its launch of a new three year partnership with the National Youth Theatre and community and outreach programme have also been noted.

Independent of the week

Salerno’s is a fantastic Italian restaurant situated on Oundle’s West Street. Run by Gerald Salerno and his family, the restaurant is among the best rated places to eat in the market town according to TripAdvisor.

Westminster Watch

Plan B Rebels: Bone, Leadsom and Lewer (L-R)

Three of the county’s MPs were part of the band of 100 Conservative rebels who voted against the government’s new legislation on Covid passports on Tuesday. Wellingborough MP Peter Bone, South Northants MP Andrea Leadsom and Northampton South MP Andrew Lewer all decided to go against their leader Boris Johnson’s Plan B and say no to the public health measures being introduced as the Omicrom variant surges across the county recording record rates for daily infections.

The Labour opposition MPs voted for the new measures and so the new legislation has been passed. The new laws now mean mandatory mask wearing (except in pubs and restaurants) and NHS Covid passes (showing proof of two vaccines or a negative Covid test) for entry to large venues. Working from home is now also the guidance.  

NN Culture

💃DJ Trevor Nelson is performing at the Roadmender, Northampton on Saturday from 9pm to 2pm. Tickets still available.

♪ Carols by Candelight at the Oundle CE Primary School on Sunday from 6pm to 7pm.

⚽ Corby Town FC are playing Bedworth United on Saturday from 3pm to 4.45pm.

*Please note these events were still being advertised at the time we went to press and so please check they are still being held before attending.

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