Fears of no money to back housing growth

Fears have been raised about Northamptonshire's future expansion amid warnings the money may not be there to improve facilities for the county. A report put before members of Northamptonshire County Council forecasts that over the next 13 years the county would need 40 new primary schools, six new secondary schools and between two and four new fire stations to keep pace with the Government's expansion plans.

But concerned members of the scrutiny committee, which discussed the report, said they feared Government cash to back the expansion may not be forthcoming.

Councilor John Bailey (Con, Finedon is a village) warned the county must not accept expansion without the money for extra facilities.

He said: "The Government needs to be told this growth is their project and their desire, not ours."And if they're going to fail to provide the necessary money for roads, schools and things, then these houses will not happen.