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Tony Cave: Plans in place to reinstate direct trains to Lincoln this May

Gedling Eye
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Tony Cave: Plans in place to reinstate direct trains to Lincoln this May

Netherfield Station news

The only change in the new timetable that came in on December 15, 2024 is on Saturdays, when what was the 07.41 to Nottingham is retimed to 07.34. We still have the Saturday-only direct train to Sheffield, Manchester and Liverpool and other stations at 08.29am.

A splash of colour has appeared on the boarded up shelter under the road bridge with a mural painted by a professional graffiti artist. I noticed it included the words, Netherfield and Colwick, which is what the station should still be called.

Carlton Station news

On Saturday, January 4 and Sunday 5 buses replace trains between Nottingham and Newark.

Additional trains have been added on 09.57am (10.08 Saturdays) and 15.02pm Mondays to Saturdays to Newark Castle. (from Crewe). Also 11.04 (11.07 Sats.) and 16.05 (16.06 Sats) to Crewe, which re-instates the hourly Monday to Saturday service we had pre-Covid. Three other trains have been retimed by one minute. There will be no change on Sundays.

It is being proposed that from the May 2025 timetable change, the Crewe to Newark and return trains will be extended to Lincoln. This will give two trains an hour from Lincoln to Nottingham, and a direct hourly service from Carlton, saving the frustration of having to go via Nottingham or wait half-an-hour hour on Newark platform.

The station announcements seem to be a bit hit and miss at the moment. They are missing when you want the information and unnecessary at other times. For example at 10.00am one morning it announced: “We are sorry that the 12.03 service to Newark Castle is currently being delayed.” By the time the train is due to leave Nottingham it can have made up for lost time – and of course we have a train before that at 11.05am.

Station usage figures

This covers the period from 1st April 2023 to 31st March 2024 and includes nine months of PMT and ASLEF strikes and overtime bans, but even so, many stations have shown increases over the 12 months, and with the disputes now over there is a good chance that on the Lincoln line, with services restored to pre-Covid levels, we will be back, or even exceed 2019/20 figures which are included to show the last full year before Covid.

EMR train at Carlton Station
train usage at Carlton Station is returning to pre-Covid levels (PHOTO: Gedling Eye)

There are 2,585 stations on the Network (7 new stations opened during this period), and each one is ranked according to usage from London Liverpool Street at 94,499,824 to Denton between Stalybridge and Stockport which has seen 54 passengers using the 2 trains it has each week on a Saturday.

Station2023/42022/32019/20RankChangeGoing to Notts
Carlton43,12036,84657,5522,043+6,27410,704
Netherfield7,7806,9468,2922,374+ 7,1081,784
Both stations50,90043,79265,844–+7,10812,488
Burton Joyce11,0149,42615,3302,340+1,588–

Finally on this subject, season tickets issued at Carlton were 3,426 (3,864 2022/3) and Netherfield 1,162 (604 2022/3), both stations combined an increase of 120.

(Information from the Office of Road & Rail. orr.gov.uk .EMR = East Midlands Railway)

Celebrating 200 years of the first passenger train on the Stockton & Darlington Railway

To mark this milestone, a number of events throughout the country have been organised. Nearest to us will be Alstom UK’s ‘The Greatest Gathering’ at their Litchurch Lane works in Derby on August 1 – 3, which will be the largest temporary public exhibition of rolling stock (coaches, locos., etc.) and railway-related exhibits in recent decades.

Further details, including a national railway ticket sale, can be found at www.railway200.co.uk

Brief encounters…

As January is mostly a quieter Month for people travelling, some railway companies have special offers. For example last year Northern Trains had cheap fares starting at 50p! I know of one person who travelled from Sheffield to Glasgow for £1.00!

Nottingham Forest and Coventry City football clubs are currently lobbying the government to re-instate the direct train service between the two cities via Leicester. It is backed by Midlands Connect.

The ticket vending machines will not sell group travel tickets but conductor guards on the trains can still issue them.

Beeston Station lifts are due to be operational very soon, if not already, giving step-free access. There are hourly services from Carlton Station between Monday and Sat.

I have queried a sign which has appeared at Netherfield station to say you must have a ticket before joining A train. Whilst EMR prefers you to buy your ticket before travelling, this is not mandatory at stations on the Newark and Grantham lines which are unstaffed

At Birmingham New Street station train doors are now closed 40 seconds before departure time, instead of 30 seconds

For much of the year the 10.20 Carlton to Leicester (from Lincoln), is full and standing when it calls on Saturdays only. Best to get the 10.07 and change at Nottingham.

Rail fares are set to increase by around 4.6% from 2nd March. Railcards £5 more.

It pays to talk

I think it was Central Trains who asked passengers to talk to each other. Whilst some are happy to talk, others aren’t as I have found out. However some recent comments made include “This is a small station”. The person hadn’t noticed the other platform over the level crossing.

“I thought this was Netherfield”.

“Is the car park pay and display?” No, it is free to rail travellers.

“I’ve given up my car, the roads are too busy” – which prompted another passenger to join in and agree.

Burton Joyce station volunteers get national award nominations for site improvement works

Gedling Eye Reporter
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Burton Joyce station volunteers get national award nominations for site improvement works

A team of volunteers who look after and improve the station at Burton Joyce have been rewarded for their efforts with national award nominations.

The Friends of Lowdham and Burton Joyce Station have now been shortlisted for ‘It’s Your Staton’ at Silver Level – a national award organised by the Community Rail Network.

The nomination rewards the group for their gardening efforts at both stations along with the installation of local history boards and artwork which involved Lowdham and Burton Joyce Primary Schools.

Rail protest Burton Joyce
PICTURED: Campaigners and councillors on the platform of Burton Joyce rail station have been campaigning for more trains at the station

A spokesman for the group said: “With their help and grants from EMR and Community Rail we really have made a difference.

“We continue to campaign for more stopping trains at Burton Joyce too. EMR has now accepted that we should have more according to the size of our population which is a major step forward.

“The award ceremony is being held in Newcastle this year. We have been shortlisted before but didn’t win so fingers crossed this time. Even if we don’t it is a major achievement for our small group of dedicated adopters.

“Thank you to everyone who has played a part in this and don’t forget to use the train whenever you can please.”

Detectives release images of stolen jewellery from Ravenshead home

Gedling Eye Reporter
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Detectives release images of stolen jewellery from Ravenshead home

Detectives investigating a burglary in Ravenshead have released images of various items of stolen jewellery.

The break-in happened in Kirkby Road between 10am and 12pm on Tuesday, December 10.

Designer handbags and wallets were stolen along with several high-value watches and rings.

Examples of watches stolen during the break-in (IMAGE: Notts Police)
Items stolen during the break-in (IMAGE: Notts Police)

Officers have now released images of some of the stolen items and have urged anyone who has been offered them for sale to come forward.

Detective Constable Alexander Tennant, of Nottinghamshire Police’s burglary and robbery team, said: “This was an upsetting incident for the victims and we are determined to track down the person or people responsible.

“We are currently pursuing a number of lines of inquiry and hope these images will serve to jog people’s memory.

“It is likely these items have been or will be offered for sale so we urge anyone in the business of buying such items to keep an eye out for these items.”

Two Brothers locked up following violent street attack in Arnold

Emily Sanchez
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Two Brothers locked up following violent street attack in Arnold

Two brothers have been put behind bars after leaving a man with serious facial injuries following a street attack in Arnold.

The victim was set upon by Jayreece and Jushaun Redmond after he intervened to stop an assault on a woman in Front Street

He was punched, stamped on and kicked in a sustained attack in the early hours of February 3, 2024.

The victim required surgery in hospital after suffering two broken cheekbones, a broken nose and a fractured jaw.

Detectives analysed CCTV footage to identify the offenders and the brothers were arrested.

Jayreece Redmond, aged 21, of High Street, Heanor, Derbyshire, and 18-year-old Jushaun Redmond, of Birchfield Road, Arnold, pleaded guilty to committing grievous bodily harm with intent.

At Nottingham Crown Court on Friday, December 20, Jayreece Redmond was jailed for a total of six years, while Jushaun Redmond was sent to a youth offenders’ institution for five years.

The victim told officers he had intervened after seeing Jushaun Redmond assaulting a woman outside a bar.

In the melee which followed both brothers repeatedly struck the victim before fleeing the scene.

Detective Sergeant Nathan Bingham, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “This was a sustained attack on a man who was trying to prevent a woman being hurt.

“The two brothers responded to his intervention by punching, kicking and stamping on the victim.

“He was left with significant injuries which still to this day have an impact on both his and his family’s lives.

“We won’t tolerate the sort of violent behaviour displayed by the two brothers.

“Officers worked hard to trace the offenders and build a watertight case against them.

“We believe a number of people will have witnessed this disorder so I hope they welcome our robust response and the sentences handed down.”

Police operation tackles off-road bike nuisance in Calverton

Gedling Eye
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Police operation tackles off-road bike nuisance in Calverton

Officers have launched an operation to crack down on off-road bikers and antisocial behaviour in Calverton.

The Gedling Central Beat Team conducted the off-road motorbike operation following complaints from local residents about off-road bikes being ridden in a dangerous manner.

Officers said eight riders who were riding around the Calverton Colliery site in an Anti-Social Manner were stopped and issued with Section 59 Notices.

A police team on bikes was sent out to foil off-road bikers in Calverton (PHOTO: Notts Police)

The legislation surrounding off-road bikes is that they can be used on private land, with the landowner’s permission. The Road Traffic Act 1988 includes provisions that make it illegal to drive a mechanically propelled vehicle on land where permission has not been given.

The Road Traffic Act 1988 (section 34) states that it is illegal to drive or ride a mechanically propelled vehicle without lawful authority on common land, moorland or land not forming part of a road, or on any road which is a footpath, bridleway or restricted byway.

Unsurfaced unclassified roads (often know as green roads or green lanes) and byways open to all traffic (BOATs) are roads, so riders would need to have a driving licence and insurance, and the quad bike must be taxed and registered (as per the Road Traffic Act).

To ride on public land like parks, riders would need the local authority’s permission.

A police spokesman said: “We will be conducting more Operations of this nature in the future.”

Council set to make decision over £2 parking fee at Gedling Country Park

Gedling Eye
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Council set to make decision over £2 parking fee at Gedling Country Park

Gedling Borough Council Cabinet members will decide on whether to approve plans to introduce parking charges at Gedling Country Park and roll out cashless payment options across the borough’s car parks at their Cabinet meeting on January 9.

The council recently launched a consultation to get public feedback on these changes, which they say will enhance convenience for users and generate essential funding for park maintenance.

The council said it had listened to the feedback from the responses and is now proposing to introduce a permit system for regular visitors and for member and volunteers of the ‘Friends of Gedling Country Park’ group.

Feedback from the consultation about the times of charging were also considered by the council and it is being proposed that charging will be applicable from 8am – 6pm, to allow for early morning or late evening regular visitors to access the park at no extra cost. 

Currently, parking at Gedling Country Park is free, with voluntary donations generating approximately £4,000 to £6,000 annually.

Gedling_Country_Park
PICTURED: Gedling Borough Council Cabinet members will decide on whether to approve plans to introduce parking charges at Gedling Country Park next week (Photo: Gedling Eye)

Under the new proposal, a daily charge of £2 would be introduced, which the council said would ensure that the park can continue to meet maintenance needs, such as addressing potholes in the upper car park. This fee, which they said is ‘competitive with other country parks in Nottinghamshire’, could raise up to £200,000 per year towards the maintenance and upkeep of the Green Flag award winning park.

Cashless car park payments

In addition to the introduction of charges at Gedling Country Park, the council also plans to modernise its parking systems across the borough by introducing cashless payment options.

car park ticket machine in Netherfield
PICTURED: A car park ticket machine in Netherfield (IMAGE: Gedling Eye)

Users will be able to pay with an app or phone and extend their parking stay remotely. Card payment options will also be added to selected machines for those preferring not to use the app.

Cash will continue to be accepted at all car parks.

Councillor John Clarke MBE, Leader of Gedling Borough Council, said: “These proposals aim to strike a balance between ensuring our parks and public spaces are well-maintained while making parking more convenient for residents and visitors.

“The introduction of £2 all day charges at Gedling Country Park will help us sustain and improve this community space for the long term and is the same cost as a cup of tea at the park’s café, which we think is very reasonable compared to other country park car park charges.

“We’ve listened to feedback from the consultation and while we know people would prefer it to stay free, we have to be realistic but we will offer regular visitors the opportunity to purchase permits which will reduce the cost to them over the year.

He added: “We are very proud of our award winning flagship park and we are confident that the thousands of people who visit the park will understand our need to keep the park running effectively. “

Police inspector updates Gedling borough residents on progress made in fight against local crime

Emily Sanchez
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Police inspector updates Gedling borough residents on progress made in fight against local crime

Gedling Neighbourhood Policing Inspector Inspector Heather Harding has issued her latest update to the community on progress being made in the fight against local crime…

Happy New Year to you all. I hope you all enjoyed the festive period.

Your local Neighbourhood Team have been working hard to address the community priorities over the last few weeks, as well as attending engagement events and festive activities within the areas.

ASB in Arnold – The youth outreach work has continued with some positive outcomes evident. The reported incidents of ASB have reduced which is a positive step towards solving this problem. Through community and partner engagement the team have highlighted the main offenders and will be taking positive action in relation to these people and any offences identified.

ASB in Calverton – As a result of the hard work from the local NPT team, the incidents reported have subsided and the group causing problems are no longer an issue. The team have built bridges and developed good relationships with some of the young people involved which will mean that they will be steered away from causing problems in the future.

Car cruising in Gedling South – Collaborative working between the local NPT and Gedling Borough Council has led to a number of positive results in relation to the Public Spaces Protection Order in the local area which is to deter vehicle related nuisance. This work will continue in the New Year, with further operations planned to address the issue and to improve awareness of the PSPO and the conditions within it.

The local priorities for the upcoming quarter are:

• Youth related ASB

• Vehicle related ASB

• Begging

There are no concerning crime trends to report, but I would like to take this opportunity to remind you to secure your properties and always be vigilant. If you see something concerning, please report to 101 in a non-emergency, or 999 if a crime is taking place.

Drink-driving arrest after car crashed into parked vehicle in Calverton

Emily Sanchez
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Drink-driving arrest after car crashed into parked vehicle in Calverton

A suspected drink driver was arrested after a car crashed into a parked vehicle in Calverton.

Emergency services were called to an address in Hollinwood Lane at 10.49pm on Saturday December 28 after the car left the road and careered into a driveway.

Damaged was caused to a ground floor flat and to a lamppost.

A 25-year-old man was arrested shortly before 1.30am on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol and was taken to hospital for assessment.

No serious injuries were reported and an investigation into what happened is ongoing.

PC Jessica Birch, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “Thanks to the good work of officers at the scene, a suspect in this case was soon identified and arrested. Our investigation into what happened is continuing.”

Anyone with additional information is asked to call 101 quoting incident 639 of 28 December 2024.

Colwick firm rolls out year-long Christmas gift for local charities

Emily Sanchez
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Colwick firm rolls out year-long Christmas gift for local charities

Forget the 12 days of Christmas – Colwick-based packaging firm The Wilkins Group is rolling out ‘12 months of Christmas’ with an inspired fundraising campaign that symbolises the true spirit of the season. 

Each month in 2025, the family run business will be donating much-needed funds to a different Nottinghamshire charity.

To kick-start the year of giving and highlight the charity recipients, the firm has parcelled up an innovative charity calendar and desk tidy that it has sent to its customers as a Christmas gift. 

In line with its company values and its Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) policy, The Wilkins Group said it wanted to support local environmental and conservation charities that were close to home and important to its teams. 

Wilkins_group
PICTURED: The Wilkins Group headquarters in Colwick

Justin Wilkins, joint managing director at The Wilkins Group, said: “We think this is a fabulous idea that not only fulfils the true spirit of Christmas but also keeps that spirit going throughout the year.

“As a company, we especially take our ESG commitment very seriously. We are innovators in environmental packaging and have a love for our home city of Nottingham as well as our staff, many of whom live locally. So, this year we drew all our values into one year-long Christmas gift that we hope our customers will love and that also benefits the city and its inhabitants.” 

The calendar box measures 221mm wide by 123mm tall and consists of 14 cards, each beautifully designed, with 12 of those cards dedicated to the individual charities that the firm has chosen to support during 2025. All of these client gifts are cleverly wrapped in a gift box that doubles as a stylish desk tidy.  

By scanning a QR Code, recipients of the calendar gift box can find instructions to easily assemble the desk tidy, where the design provides slots for the calendar, a phone, and pens.

Each month, a card is dedicated to one of the 12 charities being supported. The front of each card bears the month’s calendar information and details of how The Wilkins Group will support the chosen charity. The reverse of each page showcases the work of that charity. At the end of each month, the charity featured will receive a donation from the firm to support their good work. 

The charities selected are all in close proximity to The Wilkins Group’s Nottingham factory and are small or medium-sized ventures. The giving campaign starts off with Green’s Windmill Trust, based in Sneinton, which supports the area’s landmark windmill and science museum, once home to scientist George Green.   

Other Nottinghamshire charities benefiting from the campaign include Papplewick Pumping Station, Stonebridge City Farm, Walesby Forest, Nottinghamshire Beekeepers’ Association, Nottinghamshire

Wildlife Trust, Gedling Conservation Trust, Canalside Heritage Centre and Eco Works, a community garden charity in St Ann’s, Nottingham.  

Other charities set to receive recognition and funding as part of the year of giving, include Hedgepigs, which provides medical care or assistance for injured hedgehogs, Bulwell Forest Garden, a community garden project, and Mansfield Wildlife Rescue. 

The international Wilkins Group employs over 370 people at its Nottingham headquarters and produces packaging for major global brands and supermarkets. The firm also operates sites in Sri Lanka, China and Bangladesh.

Justin added: “We are proud of our heritage and the growth our company has achieved since my grandfather set it up in the 1960s. Although now an international business, we will always respect our Nottingham beginnings.” 

Creating functional and elegant dividers with glass partitions

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