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Fake Carlton landlord scammed tenants out of £1000s on Facebook Marketplace with ‘cruel’ rental scam

A bogus landlord from Carlton who duped five families out of large sums in a “cruel” rental scam has been sentenced.

Gullriaz Tajpuri, aged 49, used Facebook Marketplace to fraudulently advertise two properties for rent in Nottingham that he did not own.

He then received money in the form of deposits from five victims of the fraud – totalling £3,130.

Nottingham Crown Court heard all five victims agreed to rent a three-bedroom property from Tajpuri after he provided them with a virtual tour in 2021.

Four paid him a £695 deposit, while the fifth victim parted with £350.

An investigation was launched after one of the victims, a mum in her 30s, reported the scam to Nottinghamshire Police.

The woman told detectives she had planned to move into the property in time for Christmas with her partner and young daughter and that the scam had left her feeling “depressed.”

In a statement to the court, she said: “Before Christmas 2021, our daughter was so looking forward to moving into the new home. However I had to tell her there was no new home.

“All our friends and relatives were asking if we had moved into the new property yet. It felt embarrassing.”

The second victim, a man in his 40s, told the court he and his wife were left homeless as a result of the “cruel” scam and had to borrow money to buy a trailer tent to live in.

The third victim said she’d been dealing with a divorce around the time she was duped by Tajpuri, who blocked her phone number when she chased him for a moving in date. She told the court it’d been an “awful” experience.

The fourth victims were a married couple who also had to borrow money to get by after losing £695 to the scam.

Meanwhile, the fifth victim told the court she and her husband felt “disgusted” by Tajpuri’s cruelty after losing £350.

Tajpuri, of Cornhill Road, Carlton, Nottingham, pleaded guilty to two counts of fraud by false representation in relation to the two properties he fraudulently advertised and the money he took from five victims.

He was sentenced to 13 months in jail suspended for 18 months when he appeared at Nottingham Crown Court on Wednesday (25 September).

Following the sentencing, Detective Constable Harminder Rai-Mottram, who led the investigation, said:

“Tajpuri is a callous fraudster who inflicted financial hardship and enormous misery to a number of families in the lead up to Christmas.

“His crimes took place during the Covid pandemic, causing the victims to endure additional distress during an already turbulent time.

“This sentence sends a strong message that fraud does not go unpunished and I hope Tajpuri now uses this opportunity to change the direction of his life.

“I also want to take this opportunity to encourage people to be wary of scams taking place through Facebook Marketplace and other online platforms.

“The property rental market is currently very competitive, and potential tenants may be fooled into thinking that paying a deposit will help them secure a property.

“This is not the case and I’d urge anyone who sees a property advertised online to view the address in person before parting with any money.”

“It’s going to be the best around here”: Vandalised Calverton park to get £235k makeover

A Calverton park targeted by vandals is getting a makeover from next week, with help from grants and primary school children.

James Seely Park in Calverton will have a total of around £235,000 spent on it by the end of the year.

The play area was set on fire in September 2019 and has been repeatedly vandalised since then.

Chairman of Calverton Parish Council, Councillor Andy Meads, has been part of a project to secure as much funding as possible to help renovate the park.

Last December the Parish Council was granted £100,000 from the FCC Community Action Fund.

They also were granted £20,000 from Nottinghamshire County Council, with the rest of the bill mostly being covered by various developer contributions called Section 106 contributions.

These funds are provided by housing developers to local councils through the planning process to improve facilities and give back to a community’s infrastructure.

Cllr Meads also approached three primary schools, St Wilfrid’s Primary School, Manor Park Infant and Nursery School and Sir John Sherbrooke Junior School to ask children to vote on the style of new play park equipment.

Cllr Meads said: “I got kids to vote on what they wanted, gave them a choice of swings, climbing towers, we gave them coloured dot stickers so they could vote.”

He said the park had felt “neglected” and was overdue regeneration.

He said: “Everybody loves the park, I think people in this village deserve something special – I used to use it when I was a kid and it is about time we had something decent there.”

The equipment plans feature a three-storey tower with slides, a multiplay unit, swings and other features.

An accessible seesaw and swing for children in wheelchairs are also included.

Cllr Meads added: “I think it’s going to be as good as we could ever have a park, it’s definitely going to be the best park around here, plus we are catering for kids in wheelchairs now, which a lot of parks don’t.

“I think it’s the best parish council facility that we know of.”

The Parish Council spent around £75,000 last year on the installation of twin zip wires, meaning the total cost on park renovations in recent years, once all are complete, will pass £300,000.

Renovations will also include new surfacing with a tarmac path, to make the park directly accessible for those in wheelchairs or with reduced mobility.

Approval for layout of 750 home development at Top Wighay

Plans for the layout of an estate of 750 homes close to Nottinghamshire County Council’s new headquarters in Gedling borough have been approved.

The council’s planning committee met on Thursday (September 26) to discuss the development near Top Wighay.

The project is being built by the County Council in Gedling, meaning it needed permission from the borough council.

In March 2022 the initial County Council application sought 805 homes, land for employment, a local centre and a primary school.

The application approved yesterday relates to the layout, scale, landscaping and appearance of 763 homes on site.

The County Council’s new headquarters building, Oak House, is currently still being developed near the proposed home development as a seperate project.

The estate will be split into distinct neighbourhoods, with smaller homes in the north, stone material homes around the centre and larger detached “semi-rural” houses in the south to reflect Linby.

There will be a “clear hierarchy of roads” around the site, according to planning documents, with a main road from the southern access at Wighay Road and connections through the site to Annesley Road to the west.

Land has also been kept for a potential future NET tram extension.

The main central play and park area is located at the centre of the site, including a multi-use games area, skate park, 9v9 sports pitches and table tennis tables.

Councillor Sam Smith (Con) praised the skate park feature saying: “There’s teenagers across the borough crying out for skate parks, I am absolutely delighted this planning application comes with one.”

Councillor Martin Smith (Con) expressed concern about the 9v9 football pitches included in the development.

He said: “9v9 football pitches are primarily used by children in the under 9 and under 10 category, I don’t understand why we have been so restrictive on the young people who will be allowed to use these pitches for competitive games.

“Please go away and try squeeze in an 11v11 pitch, they can be marked with a 9v9 pitch in the centre of them.

“Under-9s and under-10s inevitably will grow, they’ll get older, those children will then be looking for another pitch to play on in the same location.”

Mark Avery, Director of Place said there had been previous difficulties in accommodating the original pitches, and that they were previously agreed by the committee, but noted Cllr Smith’s comments.

Sport England objected over a lack of changing rooms for the football pitches, but space south of the pitches has been identified as a potential workaround.

Cllr Martin Smith (Con) expressed his “sympathy” for Linby and Pappelwick residents with inevitable increased traffic flow for the villages.

He said: “Peak times in both of those villages is horrendous and there is nothing I see in this scheme that mitigates against that, all I can see is the situation gets worse.”

The development includes two play areas, along with pedestrian and cycle routes being provided by a green ‘spine’ through the middle of the site.

For affordable rent homes, there will be four one-beds, 38 two-beds, 29 three-beds, eight four-beds and two five-beds. There will be various wheelchair-adapted bungalows.

The Linden Homes phase comprises of 288 homes, accessible from the road leading beyond the County Council’s new office development.

The Bovis Homes phase contains 158 homes with a play area and Countryside Partnerships, across two phases, holds 317 homes.

A primary school, delivered by the County Council, will be built in a later phase.

Homes across the site would range from one-bed to five-bed houses.

The committee voted in favour of passing the development. Further applications will be needed at a later stage to decide individual details of each phase of the development.

Advice on travel to Nottingham’s Goose Fair following 10-day tram strike decision

Due to industrial action, there will be no tram service to Goose Fair at The Forest tram stop from Friday, September 27. This is expected to continue until the last day of the event on Sunday, October 6.

Goose Fair opens at 4pm at the Forest Recreation Ground today (Friday 27 September).

Trams are expected to run from 7am – 3.40pm, every 15 minutes between Phoenix Park and Hucknall to Nottingham Station, and from 3.40pm – 6.30pm, every 15 minutes only from Phoenix Park and Hucknall to Wilkinson Street. There will be notrams to Clifton or Beeston and no service on Sunday 29 September, Friday 4 October, Saturday 5 October or Sunday 6 October before normal service is expected to resume on Monday 7 October.

Goose Fair attendees are advised to make alternative travel arrangements for visiting the fair.

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Bus

Journeys can be planned via NCT or trentbarton buses. Single adult fares are £2, or for just £8.50 the Grouprider ticket allows unlimited day travel on all NCT buses in the City Zone for up to 5 people (max 2 adults). The trentbarton zigzag group ticket allows unlimited day travel on trentbarton buses for £18 (up to 5 people).

NCT will run frequent services on the Yellow, Brown, Purple, and Lime routes, stopping on Mansfield Road at Forest Gate. Buses will run every 3-4 minutes on Friday and Saturday and every 4-6 minutes on Sunday. In the city centre, boardthese buses on Parliament Street or Milton Street.

Car

Blue Badge event parking is available for £10 per car at the Forest Recreation Ground. There is no other public vehicle parking permitted on site. Visitors are not permitted to park on residential streets in the area – this will be strictly enforced.

Visitors can use city centre car parks including Trinity Square, Victoria Centre, Q Park Talbot Street, Crowne Plaza Wollaton Street, Lace Market, and Broad Marsh. It takes approximately 30 minutes to walk to the Forest Recreation Ground from the city centre.

Visitors can also use Wilkinson Street and Park & Rides to ‘park and stride’ to the fair. Wilkinson Street is a 20 minute walk from the Forest Recreation Ground.

Taxi

Private hire taxis will be able to pick up/drop off on Bentinck Road.

Cycling

Visitors can travel to Goose Fair via bicycle or on a Lime e-bike. E-bikes can be parked at one of the bays near the Forest Recreation Ground, or there is event cycle parking for both bicycles and e-bikes, which can be accessed from gate 11 at the junction of Forest Road East and Waverley Street.

E-bikes can be hired through the Lime app, available on the App Store or Google Play. Lime is currently offering new users two free trips using code NOTTFRESHERS24, enabling new users to get to the fair and back for free.

Co-op set to tackle £40m shoplifting losses with AI-powered security

Co-op is planning to use artificial intelligence to detect offenders carrying concealed weapons or stolen goods in stores after revealing thefts have cost the chain almost £40m during the first half of the year.

The technology is currently being trialled and can detect physical assaults on staff and notify a central monitoring station operated by Mitie who can then request support, The Guardian has reported.

The retailer has spent £18m so far this year on measures to protect staff in its food business, including rolling out body-worn cameras and fortified kiosks.

This also includes installing AI technology in 14 of its stores to detect if someone has left without paying for an item, or whether someone has entered with a concealed weapon.

The Co-op said incidents of shoplifting, abuse, violence and anti-social behaviour increased by 44% last year, as it faced an average of 1,000 incidents each day. Leakage costs from theft and fraud rose by 19% to £39.5m in the first half of the year.

Food managing director Matt Hood said: “The reality is every day four of my colleagues will be attacked and a further 116 colleagues will be seriously abused.”

Hood revealed that police failed to attend 79% of incidents last year where a criminal had been detained.

“We are 100% committed to tackling it and to making our colleagues safe and over £200m has been spent over recent years in safety and insecurity. But as an industry we can’t fix this on our own.”

In the King’s speech earlier this year, it was revealed that attacking or abusing a shopworker will be made a standalone offence, which both Co-op and Tesco welcomed.

Gedling borough MPs defend vote to cut winter fuel allowance

Two Gedling borough Labour MPs who voted to cut the winter fuel allowance have defended the decision as opponents told them they should be ashamed of the move.

Gedling MP Michael Payne and Sherwood MP Michelle Welsh were among those who voted for a government policy to restrict the payments to pensioners earlier this month.

Both spoke about their reasons for supporting the cut during a debate at Nottinghamshire County Council, where they both also sit as councillors.

During the meeting a motion condemning the government cut passed by 44 votes to 13, with Conservatives and Independents saying Labour “should be ashamed” of the decision.

They warned many elderly people would face to a choice between heating and eating this winter.

Just over 200,000 pensioners in the county received between £100 and £300 towards their heating bills in 2023 to get them through the colder months.

PICTURED: Labour MPs Michelle Welsh, left and Michael Payne, right were among those who voted for a government policy to restrict the payments to pensioners

Labour MPs in Parliament were ordered to vote against a motion condemning the change last month

However, 147,000 who aren’t on means-tested benefits will miss out this year, according to council figures.

Labour MPs in Parliament were ordered to vote against a motion condemning the change last month, with the majority – including all of Nottinghamshire’s MPs – obeying the whip. 

Ms Welsh, who was elected in July, told the meeting: “It wasn’t an easy decision when we walked through that lobby. It does keep me up at night and make me worry.

“There is a safety net missing for pensioners, and I wrote to Chancellor Rachel Reeves before the vote about my concerns. I will carry on pushing that.”

Mr Payne said: “The previous Labour government lifted millions of pensioners out of poverty – if we haven’t done that by the end of Parliament, I will come back and apologise.”

“Nobody wants to see a single pensioner die this year [because of the cut]. I will do whatever I can in every waking moment as an MP and councillor to support those struggling.”

The Labour government says it had been forced to make the drastic cut in order to bridge a £22bn blackhole left by the previous administration.

Responding to Mr Payne, Councillor Sam Smith (Con) said: “Actions speak louder than words. We’ve heard his words but what did he do? He voted to cut the allowance.

“Shame on you. This will have a devastating impact on residents.”

Independent Councillor Steve Carr, who proposed the motion, told the meeting: “People I speak to are frightened about losing a lifeline. This policy is using a sledgehammer to crack a nut.”

He warned the NHS and the council’s care services would face even greater demand from pensioners this winter because of the cut.

How Gedling’s schools are adapting to the digital age: integrating technology in the classroom

Schools in Gedling have, like many institutions in the UK, integrated different tech tools into their classrooms. Chalkboards and overhead projectors are a thing of the past. Schools have indeed stepped into the digital age, making learning more vibrant and interactive. It boosts student engagement in learning and their motivation to do schoolwork. One of the reasons students get stuck with assignments and wonder, “Who can help write my essay UK?” is the low motivation towards learning. Integrating tech in the classroom helps solve such challenges.

With all the ultramodern gadgets and endless possibilities technology presents, students in Gedling are not only getting geared for the future but already living it. The integration of tech into different learning activities is making schools a place where students can get curious and creative simultaneously. Here’s how this new technology era is influencing learning in Gedling.

Integration of Interactive Learning Tools

Schools are gradually moving away from traditional teaching models, and with interactive tools, classrooms have become the perfect blend of technology and education. From gamified learning to augmented and virtual reality, institutions use several tools to make learning more dynamic. Major interactive tools found in most classrooms are the interactive whiteboards. These tools make learning more fun since students write, draw, and even play games in one place. Besides, whiteboards have made learning more practical. For instance, students studying subjects like Geography can zoom maps and highlight diagrams.

Other significant interactive tech tools are augmented and virtual reality tools. Augmented reality brings textbooks to life since students can scan diagrams on their textbooks and watch them spring to life. It creates a connection between the physical and digital worlds by making theoretical concepts tangible. On the other hand, virtual reality gives students immersive experiences in different environments virtually. For example, students can walk through ancient Egypt without leaving the class.

Blended Learning

By mixing traditional and digital learning, students can now experience the best of both worlds. Whether students are at home or in school, they can access learning materials from anywhere, which means they can study at their own pace. Applications such as Google Classroom and Moodle allow students to access lessons and assignments at any time, meaning they can review lessons as often as they like.

One of the best ways Gedling institutions are applying blended learning is by implementing the flipped classroom model. Instead of sitting through lectures in class, students can access recorded lessons online and use the class time to engage in hands-on activities and various projects. Additionally, watching lessons at home turns home into prep time and classes into problem-solving sessions. Blended learning ensures that learning is not limited to a physical class, which makes it a more dynamic and ongoing process. 

Collaborative Learning

Institutions have also used technology to advance collaborative learning, which involves students and teachers working simultaneously on different projects. Collaboration used to be challenging, but now it is well-orchestrated thanks to digital tools that allow everyone to work in sync regardless of where they are. Applications such as Google Docs allow students to collaborate on assignments and group projects. Teachers can also jump on assignments and give instant feedback.

With applications such as Microsoft Teams, teachers can review assignments even when they are in progress and comment on the document, helping students adjust on the fly. If one has a question, they can ask the teacher on the same document instead of waiting for the next time they will be in class.

Video conferencing platforms also allow students to work with their classmates on a brainstorming session, presentation rehearsal, or regular group discussions. Students can now work together even without physically meeting, whether through video calls, sharing documents, or holding real-time conversations on digital whiteboards.   

Gamified Learning

Gedling schools are catching up with something students have been familiar with for some time: gaming. Learning becomes more interactive and effective when it feels like a game. Schools utilize gamified learning platforms such as Classcraft to make learning and assignments fun. On the platform, students take up new challenges of learning new topics and earn points. Furthermore, they can solve puzzles and work through different challenges to earn rewards and points. Schools also use a board to make learning more competitive. Some of the common games schools use include:

  • Kahoot
  • Quizizz
  • Minecraft (Education version)
  • Classcraft
  • Prodigy
  • Duolingo

Applications like Quizlet allow students to compete against each other to answer questions faster. The results of the challenges on these applications are revealed in real-time so that students can know how they rank against their peers.

Remote Learning

Schools in Gedling have strengthened their abilities to offer virtual learning to create a flexible learning environment where students can thrive. Technology has reshaped how learning is conducted, and learning is no longer restricted to the classroom walls. Institutions in Gedling are surfing the new technology wave that is always connected and accessible. Snow days and long commutes are no longer a problem for students in Gedling since they can attend their lessons from anywhere, thanks to the integration of remote learning into their school systems.

From recorded lessons to online libraries, institutions have completely dived into the world of virtual learning, making it convenient to access learning materials at any time and from anywhere. One of the major upsides of virtual learning has been independence among students, as they can create their study schedules with teachers instructing them from a distance. Aside from lessons, students can also take assessments virtually with applications like Google Forms, which allows teachers to create assessment questions students can answer from home and receive instant feedback.

Closing Remarks

Technology has made classrooms more of an adventure. Whether they are competing to top the leaderboard or unlocking new rewards, classrooms in Gedling have now become an exciting environment as well as high-tech hubs. Tools such as virtual and augmented technology have made learning less theoretical since students can actively explore various places and concepts virtually.

Learning is now limitless thanks to the diverse EdTech tools that have changed the classroom dynamics into a more engaging and interactive environment. As technology continues to evolve, learning becomes more simplified and customized, making it easier for students and teachers to actualize their goals.

London Florist Delivery: The best UK flowers for every occasion

London, in the centre of the United Kingdom, is not only well-known for its famous sites but also a hive of floral delivery businesses. Giving a doddle is changed by the ease of getting beautiful blossoms delivered right to your door. Depending on the situation, a few clicks will make someone’s day better. Let’s explore the finest London florist delivery flowers to provide for every event!

Best UK Flowers for Bouquets: Timeless Choices for Every Occasion

Classic Roses for Romance

Roses have long been the go-to for romance, and it’s no wonder! The best love token is their smell and grace. Whether your preferred red is a traditional for a special someone or a vivid blend to convey your emotions, London florists work their magic to produce amazing rose bouquets.

Elegant Lilies for Celebrations

Lilies are symbols of purity and celebration, making them a versatile choice for any event. From weddings to anniversaries, these stunning flowers fit right in. Imagine a bouquet bursting with white and pink lilies, perfectly suited for your best mate’s big day.

Bright Daisy and Sunflowers for Cheerful Moments

When you need to send some sunshine, daisies and sunflowers are your best mates! Birthdays, thanks, or get-well-soon sentiments call for these happy blossoms. Their vivid hues and happy demeanour capture optimism, so lifting anyone’s day.

Common Occasions for Giving Flowers in the UK

Birthdays and Anniversaries

London florists are pros at helping you celebrate life’s milestones. Popular choices for birthdays include:

  • Roses: A popular choice for their symbolic of love and beauty.
  • Mixed Bouquets: A vibrant array that adds excitement to any birthday.
  • Lilies: Elegant and sophisticated, perfect for anniversaries.

Mother’s Day and Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day have long-cherished customs, including sending flowers. Among the top choices are:

  • Roses: Constantly a romantic favourite; they convey intense love.
  • Tulips: Simple but elegant, tulips capture this feeling.
  • Carnations: Symbolising a mother’s love, making them a heartfelt choice.

Sympathy and Get-Well Wishes

Flowers are not only for joyful events; they are also rather important for providing comfort in trying circumstances. Common choices include:

  • White Roses: Representing purity and remembrance.
  • Daisies: Simple and cheerful, bringing a touch of positivity.
  • Chrysanthemums: Often associated with sympathy and care.

Conclusion: Finding the Perfect Florist in London

Making every occasion memorable depends on selecting a trustworthy flower delivery company in London. Every occasion calls for a different bloom, from traditional roses to sophisticated lilies to happy daisies. Thus, keep in mind the vivid world of London florists the next time you want to make someone’s day joyful!

Over £60,000 wanted to improve facilities at two Calverton parks

Two Calverton parks could receive a combined £60,000 in funding to bring forward improvements like new equipment, bins and fencing.

Calverton Parish Council has requested the cash from Gedling Borough Council to improve James Seely Park and William Lee Park.

The cash would come from Section 106 contributions – which is to money provided by developers to local councils through the planning process – to improve facilities and give back to a community’s infrastructure.

The money from these contributions regularly funds improvements to open spaces, as well as other community elements like roads, schools or GP practices.

Papers say Gedling Borough Council holds more than £60,000 for Calverton, with slightly less than £50,000 from a previous development in 2020 and £13,000 from a car park development in 2021.

Papers say Gedling Borough Council holds more than £60,000 for Calverton

The Parish council wants to use this cash to help fund the provision and installation of new play equipment, bins, benches, re-surfacing, the repainting of fencing and other works at the two parks.

Currently, the total cost of these proposed works has been quoted at about £233,000.

In a report published by Gedling Borough Council today (September 24), the authority says it doesn’t currently have any alternative projects that the two sums of money could go towards.

From this, it has proposed the money should be transferred to the Parish Council to make the park improvements.

Part of the Section 106 agreement requires that if contributions are not spent in a timely manner, then they have to be paid back to the original developer.

This decision by the Borough Council to transfer funding to the Parish Council has been recommended to be approved but is still subject to determination by the authority.

Pubs won’t be forced to close early in England, says top Starmer ally who poured cold water on health minister’s idea

A cabinet minister has said pubs are “a great part of British life” as he poured cold water on the suggestion there could be changes to their opening hours.

Pat McFadden vowed to table an emergency resolution at his party’s conference to halt any alleged change to venue licensing times “if that’s on the agenda”.

His comments come after a report in The Telegraph that public health and prevention minister Andrew Gwynne suggested “tightening up on some of the hours of operation”.

Pint being pulled
A report claimed that public health and prevention minister Andrew Gwynne suggested “tightening up on some of the hours of operation”

The Department of Health and Social Care said it was “categorically untrue” to suggest it was considering changes to licensing policy.

McFadden told LBC: “I don’t think there’s any plan to shut the pubs early. The pub is a great part of British life. I don’t have a drink during the conference, but that is partly so I can look forward to having a nice one when the conference is over, and I hope the pub will be open when I go in.”

Speaking at the Labour Party conference in Liverpool, Gwynne is reported to have said there “are discussions that we have got to have – even if it’s just about tightening up on some of the hours of operation, particularly where there are concerns that people are drinking too much”.

But a spokesman for his department said: “It is categorically untrue that the government is considering changing alcohol licensing hours.”