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How modern safety systems protect people at work

Gedling Eye
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How modern safety systems protect people at work

Creating a safe workplace is about far more than meeting legal obligations. Every organisation has a responsibility to protect the people who keep it running, whether they work in manufacturing, construction, warehousing, facilities management or commercial property. Modern safety systems have transformed the way businesses approach workplace hazards, helping to prevent accidents before they happen while creating environments where employees can work with greater confidence.

As workplaces become more complex, investing in reliable safety solutions is one of the most effective ways to reduce risk and support long-term operational success.

Moving Beyond Basic Safety Measures

Traditional workplace safety often relied on warning signs, basic personal protective equipment, and reactive maintenance. While these measures still have an important role, they are no longer enough on their own.

Today’s safety systems are designed to identify hazards, control access to dangerous areas, and provide physical protection wherever people are working. This proactive approach helps organisations reduce the likelihood of incidents rather than simply responding after something has gone wrong.

From clearly marked walkways to edge protection and safe access routes, every component works together to create a safer working environment.

Physical Barriers That Prevent Accidents

Many workplace injuries result from slips, trips and falls. Installing physical safety systems is one of the simplest and most effective ways to minimise these risks.

Safety railings, guardrails and barrier systems provide clear boundaries around hazardous areas, preventing accidental access while guiding people along designated routes. In environments where employees regularly work at height or around machinery, these systems provide a constant layer of protection without interrupting day-to-day operations.

Choosing durable, well-designed products also means businesses benefit from long-lasting safety solutions that continue performing in demanding environments.

Businesses looking for dependable perimeter protection often choose Kee Klamp handrails because they offer a versatile solution for creating secure walkways, platforms, and protected working areas across a wide variety of sites.

Supporting Employees Every Day

The best safety systems work quietly in the background. Employees may not consciously notice them throughout the working day, but they rely on them every time they use a staircase, cross an elevated platform or move through a busy production area.

Visible safety features also encourage safer behaviour. Clearly defined routes help reduce confusion, while physical barriers remind workers where hazards exist without relying solely on signs or instructions.

When staff feel confident that their workplace has been designed with their wellbeing in mind, it can also contribute to improved morale and greater trust in their employer.

Safety That Grows with the Workplace

Modern workplaces are rarely static. New equipment is introduced, layouts change, and businesses expand to meet growing demand.

Flexible safety systems make it easier to adapt to these changes without compromising protection. Modular designs can often be extended or reconfigured as facilities evolve, helping organisations maintain consistent safety standards while avoiding unnecessary disruption.

This adaptability makes safety investments more valuable over time, ensuring protection keeps pace with operational requirements.

Building a Stronger Safety Culture

Technology and equipment play an important role, but they are most effective when supported by a strong workplace safety culture. Regular inspections, ongoing training and clear communication all help reinforce safe working practices.

When employees understand why safety measures are in place and see that their organisation continues to invest in high-quality protection, they are more likely to follow procedures and report potential hazards before they become serious issues.

Ultimately, modern safety systems are about creating workplaces where people can perform their jobs efficiently without unnecessary risk. By combining thoughtful planning, reliable equipment and a commitment to continuous improvement, businesses can protect their workforce while supporting productivity, compliance and long-term success.

Buses to faith schools in Gedling borough could soon be axed

Lauren Monaghan
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Buses to faith schools in Gedling borough could soon be axed

Discretionary school transport for children attending faith schools in Gedling borough could end next year

The Reform-led Nottinghamshire County Council has been reviewing its discretionary bus service that serves more than 500 pupils attending Catholic and Church of England schools.

In a cabinet meeting next Thursday (July 16), the authority is recommending that it ends this discretionary transport from September 2027 after facing “significant financial pressure”, where any savings could help the council achieve its multi-million-pound savings plan.

Currently, 520 pupils attending these faith schools in Nottinghamshire travel there on council-subsidised transport, where parents cover around 20 percent of the cost and the council paying the remaining 80 percent. It costs the authority around £1 million a year to run the service.

The County Council’s consultation on the topic closed in June, including removing the scheme from either September 2027 or 2031, maintaining it or increasing parents’ financial contributions.

But it appears the authority has come to a conclusion, where, depending on the cabinet’s approval next week, the scheme could be removed by September 2027.

Speaking on Tuesday (July 7), Councillor John Semens (Ref), deputy cabinet member for transport and environment, said: “We’re aware this is a very sensitive and emotive issue, but as all councils in the country, we’re all under the same financial strain and this is a discretionary service, it’s not part of our statutory obligations.

“We need to make sure it’s fair and equal when you’re using public money… we’ve pledged to find savings where we can and one of the areas we’re going to look at is the non-statutory services we provide.”

Cllr Semens said it is estimated around 22 percent of the 520 impacted pupils would not have access to their school with public transport and be able to “easily” get there, saying the authority “fully recognises the upheaval that may cause”.

Any changes will not impact those pupils who come from low income families and the authority says a mitigation package, involving journey planning, will be available for families.

The council says its cost of school transport across mainstream and special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) schools has increased by 75 percent in the last four years, where current projections estimate a further 36 percent increase over the next three years.

For 2026/27, the cost of mainstream school transport, which includes the faith scheme, is forecast at £11.7 million, up from £6.3 million in 2022/23. For SEND school transport, this cost is projected at £28.8 million for 2026/27, up for £13.7 million in 2022/23.

The budget for faith school travel has risen in recent years. In the 2023/24 financial year, the council spent £1.34 million, rising to £1.46 million in 2024/25 and the 2025/26 budget stands at £1.54 million.

Cllr Semens said the around £900,000 saving from the scheme is not a huge amount of money “in the grand scheme of things”, but it “makes sense” for the money to be put back into its statutory services – services which are often struggling.

David Langford, director of highways at the authority, said the council was aiming to save about £45 million over the next three years.

He said: “Regardless of where the specific pound [within the saving] gets allocated, based on the medium term financial strategy, if the savings aren’t made then in a few years’ time council tax the Nottinghamshire community is going to be higher than it would otherwise… every household will have to pay a piece towards that £45 million.”

James McGeachie, chief executive of Our Lady of Lourdes Multi-Academy Trust, previously told the LDRS in June removing the service would mean children’s safety would be “put at risk” with longer journey times and walking in the dark.

In a statement he said: “Their safety and well-being would be put at risk due to longer journey times and the need to change buses, often in large towns or rural areas and in many cases having to walk between stops in the dark for much of the year.

“The savings the council would make through these proposals do not justify the increased risk to vulnerable children, especially when they are about to receive a 31 percent increase in their funding from central government.”

Responding to this on Tuesday, Mr Langford said the extra money from the government “is all gone” and has been “eaten up” by all of the service pressures within the authority in recent years.

Fifteen faith schools are currently benefiting from the transport scheme, 10 of which are in Nottinghamshire, two are in Nottingham, two are in neighbouring Derbyshire, and one is in Doncaster.

If no changes are made to the service, the authority says the cost over the next six years will be between £7.25 million and £7.5 million.

The school bus services that would be impacted by any changes:

  • Christ the King School, Arnold – 910
  • Good Shepherd Primary Catholic Academy, Woodthorpe – 652
  • Burntstump Seely, Arnold – 710

Services to The Minster School in Southwell are not listed in the council’s proposals due to the school transport not wholly or mainly providing transport for pupils on the discretionary faith-based scheme, but the authority says faith pupils on the scheme could “expect a rise” in transport costs under the review.

Similar schemes in Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Lincolnshire no longer exist.

This topic was looked into by the authority more than 20 years ago, where it was decided that parents would begin to contribute some money towards it to keep it running. It was also up for consideration back in 2018.

Van involved in prison drone drugs drop stopped by police in Daybrook

Emily Sanchez
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Van involved in prison drone drugs drop stopped by police in Daybrook

Two men who flew a drone over a prison to drop off drugs have found themselves behind bars.

Police responded to a drone incursion at HMP Lowdham Grange on September 5, 2023.

CCTV footage showed a package being dropped into the grounds shortly after 4pm.

Prison staff recovered the package and found it contained cannabis resin, deal bags and larger bags of cannabis, and a mobile phone.

Police teams were deployed to the area, and a vehicle of interest was discovered to have been close to the prison moments before the drone drop.

The Peugeot van was traced to the Daybrook area, followed and secured by officers when it pulled into a retail park.

Reece Dhaliwal and Jamie Simpson were inside the van and were arrested when prison staff confirmed details about the recovery of the package.

A rucksack was found in the back of the van containing a drone, drone controller, cannabis resin, pills and two burner-style phones.

Further cannabis and another burner phone were in the front of the vehicle.

Both men’s fingerprints were later found on items within the package which had been recovered from the prison.

Dhaliwal, aged 25, of Crampers Fields, Coventry, and 29-year-old Simpson, of Gingham Drive, Bedworth, Warwickshire, both pleaded guilty to three counts of conveying prohibited items into a prison.

At Nottingham Crown Court on Wednesday (1 July) they were each jailed for two years and three months.

Detective Constable Robert McGhee, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “Officers and prison staff liaised very closely to successfully recover the package and locate these two suspects where they were caught red-handed with the drone.

“Forensic evidence was then secured which proved the two men had handled items within a package dropped into the prison grounds.

“This teamwork has allowed us to stay a step ahead of these criminals and bring them to justice.

“Smuggling drugs and other items into a prison is a serious offence because of the host of problems and dangers it creates for both inmates and staff.

“We will continue to work alongside prisons to prevent drone incursions from taking place.”

Carlton school pupils burst into colour to raise more than £2,300 for local children’s charity

Emily Sanchez
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Carlton school pupils burst into colour to raise more than £2,300 for local children’s charity

Children at Haddon Primary & Nursery School have taken part in a vibrant and joy‑filled Colour Dash, raising an impressive £2,331 for Lifting Children’s Hopes (LCH), a charity supporting children and young people across the East Midlands.

LCH provides mental health support, financial assistance for low‑income families, and enriching experiences such as day trips, short breaks and family events. The charity also works closely with schools, championing its vision of a world where every child has the opportunity to flourish.

On a sunny day that seemed made for the occasion, around 230 children, along with teachers and support staff, raced through clouds of brightly coloured powder, creating a lively spectacle of laughter, teamwork and community spirit.

Photograph: Year 4 children at Haddon Primary & Nursery School on the fun‑filled day.

Nathan Burton, Deputy Headteacher, said the school chose to support LCH because of the charity’s direct impact on their pupils and families.

Screenshot

“Through their generosity, they have helped with clothing, cinema tickets, Santa visits, school equipment and toiletries, making a significant difference to some of our most vulnerable children and families,” he said.

He added that the Colour Dash gave pupils “a meaningful, real‑world opportunity to demonstrate compassion, generosity and outstanding citizenship.”

Year 4 pupil Rafferty was among the top fundraisers, collecting around £190. He described the event as “really fun for everybody in school,” adding that even those who didn’t want to get messy enjoyed cheering their classmates on.

“My favourite part was my class’s second run, because we already knew what was coming and I ran super-fast and finished first,” he said. “This experience was something I have never done before and something I will never forget.”

Teaching Assistant Alice Hallam said the Colour Dash was “undoubtedly one of the highlights of the fundraising event,” praising the atmosphere of excitement and teamwork. Fellow Teaching Assistant Jennifer Etherington added that staff were “immensely proud of all the children who took part.”

Business Manager Fiona Hutchinson said the event reflected the school’s DREAM values, noting the pupils’ responsibility, determination and kindness.

“The money raised is a true reflection of the generosity, enthusiasm and commitment shown by our pupils, families and staff,” she said. “We are so excited to continue to work with the Lifting Children’s Hopes Charity.”

National Bingo Day: Where Does British Bingo Fever Burn Brightest?

Graham Finch
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National Bingo Day: Where Does British Bingo Fever Burn Brightest?

Photo by dylan nolte on Unsplash 

The game of bingo is synonymous with British culture, having been a leisure stalwart for over a century. What’s more, its popularity is showing no signs of slowing, as it continues to adapt and evolve to entertain each new generation. Yet, through each new iteration, the game continues to maintain its social heart. In honour of the recent National Bingo Day, Gambling.com conducted a study to find out where in the UK the love of bingo burns the fiercest. 

Why Bingo Still Matters to Britain

A quick look at the search data reveals a story. Across the UK, 42,000 people search for the word ‘bingo’ on Google every month. Those figures are startling for a game that many critics say belongs to a bygone era and is specifically an elderly pastime.

However, the truth is that bingo is actually seeing a steady increase in general interest. From bingo halls and community centres to more modern online experiences, each platform is reporting increased public interest. For many, though, the appeal is not about the numbers being called or the classically funny names for certain digits, nor is it about the prizes. It is about the sense of connection and community. In our modern world where people reportedly feel more isolated than ever, bingo remains a game that unites people for a few hours, with plenty of time between games for real conversation and connection. 

To determine the UK’s most enthusiastic bingo location, researchers at Gambling.com, a leading resource for the top-rated online casinos in the UK, analysed Google Trends data over the past 12 months. Using six core bingo-related search terms, they created a scoring system based on search volume relative to population size. The results created a ranking that revealed some surprising placements.

Tipton Takes the Crown

Standing tall at the top of the table is the town of Tipton. Located in the West Midlands, it is more commonly associated with its industrial past than with having its eyes down for a full house. Yet across all six tracked phrases, Tipton scored 330 points and had the second-highest search volume for the word ‘bingo’ nationwide. That is no small task for a town that sits outside the top 200 in the English town population rankings.

The second-placed location is almost more impressive. Burton upon Stather is a small village in North Lincolnshire with a population of under 3,000. Scoring 324 points with such a small population suggests that bingo is likely ingrained into the daily life of many residents. Rounding out the podium is South Shields on Tyneside with a total score of 314. A coastal town, it performed consistently across all six search terms, but none ranked among the top. Completing the top five bingo-loving towns and cities are two North East locations: Hartlepool and Blyth.

A Northern and Midlands Affair

Interestingly, the South of England was poorly represented in the results. The top 20 bingo-loving locations were almost entirely dominated by towns and villages in the Midlands, the North of England and even into Scotland. In fact, to find the first location that could be argued to sit in the South of England, you need to look at the 25th-placed village of Mistley in Essex. 

Looking at the list from a county level, County Durham and Tyne and Wear each have three locations in the top 20. This makes them the two most heavily represented counties in the report. Following them are Northumberland, Lincolnshire, West Yorkshire, North Yorkshire and Lancashire, each with two locations reaching the top 20. Between them, these five counties account for half of the top 20, painting a clear geographical picture of where bingo fever is at its most fervent. While the rankings are clearly dominated by English locations, Scotland made the list too, with Greenock sneaking into the 17th spot, showing that a good round of bingo knows no borders. 

Why These Places Might Love Bingo So Much

With the rankings calculated, the next obvious query is why bingo holds such great appeal or even importance to certain parts of the UK. Looking at the leading locations and their history, it’s easy to see that they have historically thrived on the idea of community. Bingo is a great fit for close-knit, hard-working towns and villages, where a sense of togetherness and shared pastimes carry genuine social weight. It not only brings a large portion of the local community together but is also an affordable night out. While only one person can win the main prize – barring a highly unlikely draw – everybody who takes part knows they all win because they are spending time together with friends and loved ones. 

While bingo halls remain popular, digital versions of the game offer people even more time to socialise, as modern scorepads can keep track of the numbers and automatically alert players to winnings. Beyond that, for those who don’t want to or perhaps cannot leave the house for whatever reason, online games can be found everywhere. 

A Game That Refuses to Fade

Regardless of what city, town or village ranked where, or which counties they belong to, the results show something much simpler and more endearing: bingo has a resilience that will never die. The game has survived the mass closure of live bingo halls and has conquered the sweeping waves of new forms of entertainment. It is often mocked or derided as a game for the blue-haired brigade, but the proof is in the analytics. Search interest remains strong, meaning the love of bingo remains steadfast, and it is all because of the British public’s continued want and need for connection and community. Tipton holds the crown this National Bingo Day, but with interest still high across the UK, there is every chance a new winner will be crowned next year.

Six arrested after police find machete and suspected drugs in car stopped in Arnold

Emily Sanchez
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Six arrested after police find machete and suspected drugs in car stopped in Arnold

Six people have been arrested after police discovered a machete, suspected Class A drugs and cannabis during a late-night vehicle stop in Arnold.

Operational Support officers were patrolling Arnold at around 10.30pm on Friday, July 3, when they stopped a car in Coppice Road over concerns it could be linked to drug-related activity.

All six occupants were detained while officers searched the vehicle.

During the search, police found wraps of suspected Class A drugs hidden in the centre console. Further items recovered from the boot included cannabis, weighing scales, cash and a machete left on the parcel shelf.

Two men, aged 25 and 30, a 35-year-old woman, a 16-year-old boy and two 16-year-old girls were arrested on suspicion of possessing Class A and Class B drugs with intent to supply, as well as possession of an offensive weapon.

The 25-year-old man and the teenage boy were also arrested on suspicion of affray in connection with an earlier incident.

Police later searched a property and reportedly recovered a taser-style weapon. The 16-year-old boy was subsequently further arrested on suspicion of possessing an electrical incapacitation device.

Detective Sergeant Elina Falcon, of Nottinghamshire Police, said officers stopped the vehicle after receiving intelligence suggesting it may have been involved in drug crime.

She said officers found evidence that the car was allegedly being used to deal drugs and highlighted the discovery of the machete in the boot.

“There is never any excuse to be driving around with a weapon of this nature,” she said.

Investigations are continuing.

Froch urges council to ‘think of the people’ as Mapperley Golf Course faces threat from 750-home plan

Lauren Monaghan
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Froch urges council to ‘think of the people’ as Mapperley Golf Course faces threat from 750-home plan

A former world champion boxer has called on a council to “think of the people” ahead of potential plans to build hundreds of homes on a much-loved golf course in Mapperley

Nottingham boxing legend Carl Froch, who held the WBC super-middleweight title twice, has publicly joined the fight to protect Mapperley Golf Club from being used to hit council housing targets.

The club’s future has been left threatened, with the site back under Gedling Borough Council’s spotlight to potentially be used for up to 750 homes.

The authority is currently consulting on its draft local development plan, which has identified key areas and bits of green space across the borough that could be used to allocate an extra 6,045 homes by 2043 to ensure housing targets are met.

Parts of Gedling’s swathes of countryside have been put forward, along with the edges of villages such as Calverton and Ravenshead, but one spot contained in Nottingham’s urban sprawl is the 127-year-old, 18-hole golf club.

The outcry to protect the “jewel in the crown” golf club has been building momentum in recent months, with the club’s chairman, Paul Cookson, saying back in May he intended to “fight the good fight” in getting the council to remove the site from housing plans.

Mr Froch has taken to Facebook in June and July to help raise awareness in the club’s campaign, posting on July 4 that he had played a round of golf at the course the day before and linking the website where residents can learn how to submit their objections in the ongoing consultation.

Speaking on Tuesday (July 7), Mr Froch said: “There’s too many houses in one area, there’s an overkill.

“The amount of planning I’ve had refused for a potential single dwelling out of the way, now all of a sudden [the council] can [potentially] demolish the whole golf course, and fit their agenda and their plans.”

The former boxer says he “urges” people to visit the site, noting the wildlife and trees at the spot, saying: “You walk out the urban jungle and straight away into the countryside – it’s beautiful, phenomenal.”

While also acknowledging the council’s recent decision to close the Richard Herrod Centre in Carlton to make way for a new leisure centre – effectively displacing the long-standing Gedling Indoor Bowls Club – Mr Froch asked: “Why are the leisure and recreational facilities under attack? Where people go and communicate and create a community and enjoy themselves and breathe the fresh outdoors.”

He continued: “Health benefits from sports – it’s so positive and encourages regular exercise. Golf improves walking, balance, and cardiovascular fitness. Indoor bowls helps with mobility, coordination, flexibility, especially for older adults.

“Their mental wellbeing, help reduce stress, improve mental health, give people a routine, a purpose, especially older people. Trying to get rid of all of this and build some more houses?… [Older people] might not have the facilities and capabilities of going to another golf club.”

Mr Froch told the LDRS he wants the council to “think of the people” when concluding its consultation on its draft local development plan.

He said: “Think of the people, what do the people want? The people you’re supposed to serve, the people that pay their council tax, pay their taxes and have lived there for many years, generations a lot of them – think about them and what they’re going to do when they lose this golf course.

“Once it’s gone, it will never return, so have a think about that, the impact you’re having on the environment and the people, especially the elderly.”

Back in June, Gedling Borough Conservative councillor, Sam Smith, told the LDRS the potential “erosion” of the golf course was “the saddest” part of the authority’s proposed housing allocations.

He said: “It’s the only golf course this side of Calverton. It’s the jewel in Gedling’s crown.

“It brings in spending to Gedling borough. Others stop off for lunch, have breakfast, it’s a great venue for community events, birthdays. To build on that is a disgrace, and it will absolutely increase flooding.

“The council talk about wellbeing and lifestyle choices. They have already closed Gedling Indoor Bowls Club’s site, now it’s the golf club – what it does for senior residents’ and mental health and wellbeing is amazing.”

In May, the ‘thriving’ club’s membership stood at nearly 500 members, where around 50 of them joined within the last year. Non-member footfall also increased by around 20 per cent in 2025 on the previous year.

This is not the first time the golf course has been threatened with development. The council allocated the area for up to 1,900 homes until 2011, but this fell through.

A 4,000-person strong campaign opposing the development followed and planning officials decided it would be too expensive to build there in the end.

Speaking on the land being back under the spotlight, Mr Froch said: “This should not be happening – nobody will ever convince me that they need to destroy a golf club on Mapperley, which is totally full of hills and banks… to build out on that place, that’s going to be a nightmare.”

A council spokesperson previously said in a statement: “[The council] will allow a period of public consultation in respect of all the policies and allocations proposed, including Mapperley Golf Course.

“The Plan proposes a spatial strategy based on a settlement hierarchy with the proposed site allocations being in accordance with this. As much housing as is feasible is proposed to be located within and adjoining the main built up area of Nottingham.”

The council’s six-week consultation on its housing allocation plans closes on August 3.

£100,000 secured to transform Papplewick’s QEII playground

David Bratton
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£100,000 secured to transform Papplewick’s QEII playground

Funding has been approved to refurbish the Papplewick QEII Playground behind the Village Hall on Linby Lane.

Children and residents are set to benefit from a major upgrade thanks to a £100,000 grant from FCC Communities Foundation.

The funding will support the full redesign and redevelopment of the much‑loved play area on the QEII playing field, a long-standing hub for local families. The refreshed playground will feature exciting new equipment for all ages—from pre‑school children to teenagers—creating a space the whole community can enjoy.

Carolyn Hesketh, Chair of Papplewick Parish Council, said the project will make a significant difference to village life.

“We believe this investment will give residents a playground they can be proud of and help breathe new life and community spirit into the heart of Papplewick for years to come.”

She added:

“This project will provide a real boost for local families. We’re thrilled that FCC Communities Foundation has awarded us the funding, and we’re looking forward to seeing the new playground take shape over the coming months.”

FCC Communities Foundation is a not‑for‑profit organisation that supports community projects through the Landfill Communities Fund.

Cheryl Raynor, Grant Manager at FCC Communities Foundation, said:

“We’re delighted to support the refurbishment of the QEII Playground in Papplewick. This funding will help create a welcoming and accessible space for residents of all ages. We look forward to seeing the positive impact the new facilities will have on families in the village.”

The refurbished playground is expected to be ready for use by October 2026.

Roadworks and closures planned for Gedling borough this week

Gedling Eye Reporter
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Roadworks and closures planned for Gedling borough this week

Take a look at the roadworks and closures scheduled for Gedling borough’s roads for the week beginning July 6.

Make sure to plan your journey and check before your travel as these planned works could affect you. 

Chaworth Road, Colwick
08 July – 12 July
Road closure

Kirkby Road, Ravenshead
08 July – 12 July
Road closure

Meadow Road, Netherfield
08 July – 12 July
Road closure
Responsibility for event: Nottinghamshire County Council

Buxton Avenue, Carlton
08 July
Road closure
Responsibility for event: Nottinghamshire County Council

Buxton Avenue, Carlton
08 July
Road closure
Responsibility for works: Severn Trent Water

Chaworth Road, Netherfield
08 July – 12 July
Road closure between 20:00 – 06:00
Responsibility for works: Nottinghamshire County Council

Coppice Road, Arnold
08 July – 10 July
Roadworks, Delays likely
Responsibility for works: Nottinghamshire County Council

High Street, Arnold
09 July – 5 July
Delays likely for lane closure
Responsibility for works: Severn Trent Water

Kirkby Road, Ravenshead
08 July – 12 July
Road closure
Responsibility for works: Nottinghamshire County Council

Road No 1, Colwick
08 July – 12 July
Road closure from end Of Anti Skid Xylem Entrance to Surface Joint Prior Matlock Street
Responsibility for works: Nottinghamshire County Council

Crookdole Lane, Calverton
07 July – 09 July
Roadworks, Delays possible
Responsibility for works: Openreach

Kenia Close, Carlton
11 July – 13 July
Roadworks, Delays possible
Responsibility for works: Severn Trent Water

Linby Lane, Linby
10 July
Roadworks, Delays possible
Responsibility for works: Severn Trent Water

Park Lane, Lambley
07 July – 08 July
Roadworks, Delays possible
Responsibility for works: Nottinghamshire County Council

Sheepwalk Lane, Ravenshead
09 July – 13 July
Roadworks, Delays possible
Responsibility for works: Virgin Media

Sherbrooke Close, Calverton
07 July – 09 July
Roadworks, Delays possible
Responsibility for works: Openreach

Spring Lane, Lambley
07 July – 08 July
Roadworks, Delays possible
Responsibility for works: Nottinghamshire County Council

Standhill Road, Carlton
08 July – 09 July
Roadworks, Delays possible
Responsibility for works: Severn Trent Water

Stiles Road, Arnold
09 July – 13 July
Roadworks, Delays possible
Responsibility for works: Openreach

The Spinney, Bestwood Village
08 July – 09 July
Roadworks, Delays possible
Responsibility for works: Severn Trent Water

Thorndale Road, Calverton
07 July – 09 July
Roadworks, Delays possible
Responsibility for works: Openreach

TONY CAVE: Netherfield’s 10.10 Skegness train sees rising numbers — and a few confused travellers

Tony Cave
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TONY CAVE: Netherfield’s 10.10 Skegness train sees rising numbers — and a few confused travellers

Local rail users have been keeping station adopter Tony Cave busy this summer, with the return of the 10.10 Skegness service bringing a mix of eager day‑trippers, confused passengers, and the occasional abandoned ticket.

Tony reports that on the very first day of the service, 17 May, four people were already waiting at Netherfield. Three boarded happily, while one intending to travel to Nottingham had missed the small print: his train required a short walk to Carlton for the 10.35 connection. “A good job I was there,” Tony notes, after steering him in the right direction.

Passenger numbers have steadily grown over the first five weeks, with 16 people joining the service on one day alone. Not all journeys have gone smoothly, however. One traveller mistakenly believed the train went to Grantham and ended up needing a taxi back to Nottingham. Tony points out he’d have been better off staying aboard until Bingham for the 11.01 connection.

The Skegness train typically runs with four coaches on Mondays, Fridays and Saturdays, and two on other days. Tony advises passengers to walk down the platform, as the front coaches are usually quieter — and you’ll arrive at Skegness quicker, thanks to the route avoiding Grantham.

Ticket Machine Troubles

Between 5 and 12 June, three passengers failed to collect their tickets from Netherfield’s smart machine — all singles to Radcliffe, Ruskington and Grantham. Tony now checks the machine daily, and even found an unclaimed Nottingham ticket at Carlton. In that same period, the machine was used seven times.

Carlton Station: Gardens & Buses

Tony’s long‑running work on Carlton’s flower planters continues, though he admits heavy compost bags are becoming harder to manage. Self‑setting plants and annuals now form the backbone of the displays, with watering and pruning still part of his routine.

A new poster board at Platform 1 outlines onward bus travel, including Nottingham City Transport routes 25, 26, 44 and the new 45. The suggested nine‑minute walk to Carlton Square “is a bit tight,” Tony says, noting Burton Road stops are closer. Route 45 replaces the former 24, looping through Rivendell and Burton Road before returning to Nottingham.

Brief Encounters

Parliament recently discussed future changes to passenger fares, including integrated contactless ticketing for Manchester and the West Midlands in 2026/7, with trials planned for the North and East Midlands. Meanwhile, open‑access operator Lumo has begun running services between Stirling and London Euston — meaning Carlton passengers could reach Stirling with just one change at Crewe.

Locally, Newark Book Festival returns 9–12 July, with stalls in the Town Hall colonnades and Market Place. Tony will be helping at the Dawn Book Supply stand. Early 20th‑century Midland Railway signalling diagrams remain available for viewing at DBS until the end of August.

20 Years of Station Adoption

Tony marks 20 years as station adopter this spring, having taken on Carlton in 2006 and later Netherfield. Back then, facilities were sparse: no seats, graffiti‑covered shelters, overgrown bushes, and cleaners visiting only once a fortnight. “We have come a long way since then,” he writes, though he still hopes for more platform seating and a ticket machine on Carlton’s Platform 1.

He recalls duplicating timetables for Carlton Library in the 1990s, and even running a stall on Platform 2 in 2006 with timetable leaflets and a prize draw for Lincoln tickets. A Nottingham Evening Post photographer captured the moment, featuring Tony in the Neighbourhood News section.

His memories stretch back to the 1980s and 60s — including a night when a derailment at Staythorpe forced single‑line working, and a freight locomotive was used to haul passenger coaches. “In those days the notion of cancelling a train… was unthinkable,” he quotes from an East Coast Main Line controller.

Engineering Works – July

  • 11 & 18 July (Saturdays): Lincoln–Crewe trains terminate at Derby; buses replace Derby–Crewe.
  • 20–24 July (Mon–Fri): The 23.00 Lincoln–Nottingham service is replaced by buses; the 22.34 Nottingham–Lincoln runs four minutes earlier.

Tony signs off with his usual reminder: information is accurate to the best of his knowledge, but passengers should always check official sources.

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