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Police called after reports 12-year-old boy is threatened with knife on Arnold street

Police are investigating reports a 12-year-old was threatened with a knife in Arnold.

The boy was walking along St Albans Road when he was approached by someone on a scooter.

At that point, he was reportedly threatened with a knife and chased up the road by the unknown male rider.

The victim wasn’t hurt but was left shaken up by the incident, just after 6.30pm on Wednesday (September 4).

Police said they were made aware of the incident the following day.

Police are now appealing for anyone who witnessed what happened to come forward. PHOTO: Adobe Stock

The boy’s reported attacker has been described as being aged around 14 or 15.

He was also wearing a bright green T-shirt and riding a blue Pure scooter at the time of the incident.

Police are now appealing for anyone who witnessed what happened to come forward.

Sergeant James Carrington, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “This would’ve been a very scary experience for the victim, who has understandably been shaken up by this.

“We’re in the process of trying to establish all the facts about what happened, and this includes analysing all of the available CCTV.

“As part of this, we’d ask that anyone who has any footage – whether CCTV, dash-cam, or doorbell – gets in touch with us.

“We also want to hear from anyone who may have seen what happened, or has any other information.

“This can be left with the police by calling 101, quoting incident 147 of 5 September 2024, while information can also be reported anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

‘Thieves are using wheelie bins to clear entire aisles’ says Co-op boss

The Co-op has said it is experiencing the highest levels of crime and abuse in its stores that it has ever seen – with shoplifting levels in the UK hitting a 20-year high.

Speaking with the Justice and Home Affairs Committee today (3 September), The Co-op Group public affairs and board secretariat director Paul Gerrard told the Justice and Home Affairs Committee that in the convenience retailer’s stores, levels of crime have risen by 44% and within that, it has seen a rise of 35% in violence and abuse.

“That level of crime in our stores is 1,000 incidents every single day. That is the highest level we have ever seen,” he said.

“Levels of abuse are at the highest level we have ever seen and violence has dipped slightly in 2024, but it still a very high level.”

Gerrard said he didn’t think the cost-of-living crisis, it isn’t what is driving the rise.

Netherfield co-op
The Co-op boss said his stores are experiencing 1,000 incidents of shoplifting every single day (PHOTO: Neil Slack Photography)

He said: “What is driving a 44% increase is people who are stealing to order huge volumes, people coming into our stores with wheelie bins, people coming into our store with builders bags to steal the entire confectionery section, the entire spirit section, the entire meat section.”

“If one of my colleagues gets in the way, there will be a violent threat. There might be a knife, there might be a syringe. I’ve had colleagues attacked with a medieval mace, we’ve had colleagues lose their eye, we’ve had colleagues miscarry.”

Gerrard said that the retailer’s “first priority” is “keeping colleagues safe”.

“We spend money to keep the colleagues safe in the store. If an incident happens, then we take a number of measures,” he said.

“The colleague will be looked after, they’ll get counselling, they’ll have time off as they need it, we will increase the security we need in that store, we will close the store, we will do whatever we need to do to keep colleagues safe because stock can be replaced, colleagues can’t.”

He added that if a colleague is threatened, Co-op will report this to the police, while it also deploys undercover guards who are “highly trained” through its security contractor.

“They operate undercover and they will apprehend individuals in store who are attacking colleagues or large scale theft. They will then detain them, make a citizen’s arrest and call the police,” he explained.

Sadness as Arnold gaming hub reveals plans to close doors for good in New Year

A much-loved Arnold gaming hub has revealed it plans to close its doors for the final time in the New Year

Owners of The Dice and Balls Hub, in Market Place, said they have taken the sad decision because it is no longer financially viable to operate.

The hub opened last August and offered locals a place to meet up and play board games. 

In a post, owners Phire and Zoe wrote: “We need to share some difficult news. After much thought, we’ve decided to close our hub after Christmas. 

“The reality is that the hub hasn’t been financially sustainable. Despite our best efforts and the love we’ve poured into it, the numbers just don’t add up. 

The AMP
Dice and Balls is based in the £4m AMP building (PHOTO: Gedling Eye)

“We’ve been working other jobs to support ourselves and haven’t taken any money from the company, but unfortunately, that hasn’t been enough to keep the hub going. 

“It’s been a tough decision, but we have to be honest about what’s best for the future of Dice and Balls.

“But this isn’t the end of our journey! Dice and Balls will continue, and we’re excited to take the fun on the road. We’ll still be bringing joy to local events, care homes, hospitals, youth groups, and beyond.

“We’re so grateful for your support over the past year, and while we’ll miss the hub, we’re looking forward to what’s next. Thank you for being part of our story!”

Gamers shared their sadness in replies to the post.

Peter Andrews posted: “This will be a great loss to Arnold. Dice and Balls is a great place to visit and meet new people while having a great time playing board games. Zoe and Phire thanks for all your hard work over the last year for the people of Arnold and the surrounding areas. I’ll miss just popping in to see you both and chatting.”

Karen Smith wrote: “It will be a huge loss to the local and surrounding communities. Not only did you provided a place for games, but you also provided a safe space for people. You guys will be missed.”

The Pride of Gedling Awards are back – here’s how to nominate

Nominations are wanted to honour the best businesses and local heroes across Gedling borough.

It’s that time again – The Pride of Gedling Awards are BACK. And Gedling Borough Council are looking for YOU to help them with nominations.

The awards are an opportunity to recognise and celebrate the incredible individuals, businesses, and community groups who go above and beyond to make a real difference in the borough.

The Pride of Gedling Awards shine a light on the extraordinary achievements that often go unnoticed. Whether it’s a dedicated volunteer, a compassionate neighbour, a thriving business, or an impactful community project, this is our chance to honour those who work tirelessly to improve the lives of others.

Last year, the council received over 230 nominations across six categories, reflecting the generosity and community spirit in Gedling.

The awards are being held at the Civic Centre in Arnot Hill Park

If you know a friend, colleague, neighbour, local community group, or business that deserves recognition for their outstanding contributions, you are encouraged to submit a nomination. In addition to the six main categories, one exceptional nominee will be chosen to receive the prestigious Overall Pride of Gedling Award. Last year, this honour was awarded to Lauren Cope for her vital fundraising efforts and unwavering commitment to supporting communities across Gedling.

Leader of Gedling Borough Council, Councillor John Clarke MBE, shared his thoughts on the awards.

He said: “The Pride of Gedling Awards exemplify the remarkable spirit of our community. It’s a privilege to recognise those who contribute so much to our borough, often without seeking any recognition. I urge everyone to take a moment to nominate the extraordinary people and groups who deserve to be celebrated for their dedication and hard work.”

The six award categories for 2024 are:

  • Community Hero(es) Award
  • The Dylan Barker (Young Person of the Year) Award
  • Business in the Community Award
  • Outstanding Community Project Award
  • Environmental Hero Award
  • Inspirational Healthy Lifestyles Award

Nominations are open to everyone, so don’t miss the opportunity to celebrate those who truly make a difference in the Gedling Borough community.

Nominations will be accepted until Friday 27 September 2024. The awards ceremony will take place at the council’s Civic Centre on Wednesday 6 November 2024.

For more information about the Pride of Gedling Awards and the nomination process, please visit www.prideofgedling.co.uk.

Teenagers arrested after knife-point bike robbery in Woodthorpe

Three teenagers were arrested on suspicion of a knife-point robbery after targeting a boy for his bike in Woodthorpe.

Officers managed to locate all three suspects in less than 20 minutes of the incident being reported on Saturday, August 31 just before 5pm.

They were also able to return the bike to its rightful owner.

The incident happened in Coronation Road. The 15-year-old victim had been lured to the area by someone he knew.

Once there, he was confronted by two boys in balaclavas who punched him, threatened him with a knife, and then stole his bike.

The suspects then fled the scene but were found in Woodborough Road shortly after the incident. The bike and knife were recovered.

A 14-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of robbery and possession of a knife in a public place.

Another 14-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of robbery. A 14-year-old girl was also arrested on suspicion of conspiring to commit robbery.

They have been released on conditional bail with strict conditions while investigations continue.

Chief Inspector Iain Blackstock said: “This would have been a deeply distressing incident for the 15-year-old victim to encounter.

“Thanks to a coordinated police response we were able to track down all three suspects in less than 20 minutes and bring them into custody.

“We were also able to return the bike to its rightful owner.

“As a force, we will continuously target anyone who thinks they can carry a knife in public.

“Knife crime ruins lives and that is why it simply won’t be tolerated on the streets of our city.”

The planned roadworks and road changes in Gedling borough

A number of roadworks, and changes to the roads, are set to take place on Gedling borough’s roads during the next few weeks.

The roadworks and road changes include things such as speed alterations, repair works and changing the layout of the roads. 

Most of the roadworks are being undertaken by Nottinghamshire County Council while a couple are being led by Severn Trent Water, National Grid and OpenReach

These are the roadworks and closures you need to know about

Old Rufford Road, Calverton
04 September – 14 September
Roadworks, Delays possible for resurfacing of the A614 Old Rufford Road/ Whinbush Lane/ Longdale Lane roundabout
Responsibility for works: Nottinghamshire County Council

Besecar Avenue, Gedling
04 September – 06 September
Roadworks, Delays possible
Responsibility for works: National Grid

Westdale Lane East, Gedling
04 September – 06 September
Responsibility for works: National Grid

Colwick Loop Road, Colwick
04 September
Roadworks, Delays possible due to lane closure
Responsibility for works: Nottinghamshire County Council

Broadfields, Calverton
04 September – 06 September
Roadworks, Delays possible
Responsibility for works: Nottinghamshire County Council

Stoke Lane, Stoke Bardolph
04 September – 06 September
Roadworks, Delays possible
Responsibility for works: Nottinghamshire County Council

Howbeck Road, Arnold
04 September – 06 September
Roadworks, Delays possible
Responsibility for works: Nottinghamshire County Council

Arnold Lane, Gedling
05 September – 09 September
Roadworks, Delays likely
Responsibility for works: National Grid

Arnot Hill Road, Arnold
05 September
Roadworks, Delays possible
Responsibility for works: Severn Trent Water

Mansfield Road, Arnold
05 September
Roadworks, Delays likely
Responsibility for works: CityFibre

Buxton Avenue, Carlton
05 September – 06 September
Roadworks, Delays possible
Responsibility for works: Severn Trent Water

Darlton Drive, Arnold,
05 September – 06 September
Roadworks, Delays possible
Responsibility for works: Nottinghamshire County Council

Buxton Avenue, Carlton
05 September – 06 September
Roadworks, Delays possible
Responsibility for works: Severn Trent Water

Birchfield Road, Arnold
05 September – 07 September
Roadworks, Delays possible
Responsibility for works: Cadent

Byron Street, Newstead
05 September – 06 September
Roadworks, Delays possible
Responsibility for works: Nottinghamshire County Council

Main Street, Woodborough
05 September – 06 September
Roadworks, Delays possible
Responsibility for works: Nottinghamshire County Council

Leapool Roundabout, Arnold
05 September
Delays possible due to lane closure
Responsibility for works: Nottinghamshire County Council

Stoke Lane, Gedling, Nottinghamshire
05 September – 05 September
Roadworks, Delays possible
Responsibility for works: Nottinghamshire County Council

South View Road, Carlton
05 September – 06 September
Roadworks, Delays possible
Responsibility for works: Nottinghamshire County Council

Colwick Loop Road, Colwick
07 September
Roadworks, Delays possible
Traffic management: Lane closure
Responsibility for works: Nottinghamshire County Council

Vale Road, Colwick
08 September
Delays likely due to road closure
Responsibility for works: Severn Trent Water

Road No 2, Colwick
08 September
Roadworks, Delays possible
Responsibility for works: Severn Trent Water

Main Road, Gedling
09 September – 11 September
Roadworks, Delays likely
Responsibility for works: Severn Trent Water

Besecar Avenue, Gedling
09 September – 10 September
Roadworks, Delays possible
Responsibility for works: Severn Trent Water

Burntstump Hill, Calverton
09 September – 09 September
Roadworks, Delays possible
Responsibility for works: Severn Trent Water

Calverton Road, Arnold
09 September – 09 September
Roadworks, Delays possible
Responsibility for works: Openreach

Church Road, Burton Joyce
09 September – 11 September
Roadworks, Delays possible
Responsibility for works: Nottinghamshire County Council

Bestwood Lodge Drive, Arnold
10 September – 13 September
Roadworks, Delays possible
Responsibility for works: Openreach

Church Street, Lambley
09 September – 11 September
Roadworks, Delays possible
Responsibility for works: Nottinghamshire County Council

Carnarvon Drive, Burton Joyce
09 September – 20 September
Roadworks, Delays possible
Responsibility for works: Severn Trent Water

Green Lane, Lambley
09 September – 11 September
Roadworks, Delays possible
Responsibility for works: Nottinghamshire County Council

Hereford Road, Gedling
09 September – 11 September
Roadworks, Delays possible
Responsibility for works: Severn Trent Water

Main Street, Burton Joyce,
09 September – 13 September
Roadworks, Delays possible
Responsibility for works: Openreach

Main Street, Burton Joyce
09 September – 20 September
Roadworks, Delays possible
Responsibility for works: Severn Trent Water

Home Close, Arnold
09 September – 11 September
Roadworks, Delays possible
Responsibility for works: Openreach

Mayfield Road, Carlton,
09 September – 12 September
Roadworks, Delays possible
Responsibility for works: Severn Trent Water

Park Lane, Lambley
09 September – 11 September
Roadworks, Delays possible
Responsibility for works: Nottinghamshire County Council

High Street, Arnold
10 September – 12 September
Roadworks, Delays possible due to lane closure from Cross Street to Arnot Hill Road junction.
Responsibility for works: Nottinghamshire County Council

High Street, Arnold
10 September – 12 September
Roadworks, Delays possible lane closure from Cross Street travelling south to St. Albans Road/Arnot Hill Road junction.
Responsibility for works: Nottinghamshire County Council

High Street, Arnold
10 September – 12 September
Roadworks, Delays possible from Arnot Hill Road junction to Cross Street.
Responsibility for works: Nottinghamshire County Council

Hucknall Road, Newstead
10 September – 10 September
Roadworks, Delays possible
Responsibility for works: National Grid

Lambley Lane, Gedling
10 September – 13 September
Roadworks, Delays possible
Responsibility for works: Severn Trent Water

Nottingham Road, Arnold
10 September – 12 September
Roadworks, Delays possible
Responsibility for works: Nottinghamshire County Council

Nottingham Road, Arnold
10 September – 12 September
Roadworks and delays possible due to lane closure
Responsibility for works: Nottinghamshire County Council

Carmel Gardens, Arnold
11 September – 17 September
Roadworks, Delays possible
Responsibility for works: Global Utility Connections

St Albans Road, Arnold
11 September
Delays likely due to road closure
Responsibility for works: Nottinghamshire County Council

Thackerays Lane, Woodthorpe
10 September – 12 September
Roadworks, Delays possible
Responsibility for works: Nottinghamshire County Council

Wheatsheaf Court, Burton Joyce
09 September – 13 September
Roadworks, Delays possible
Responsibility for works: Openreach

Netherfield man suspected of abducting teenage girl who vanished

A missing Derbyshire teenager has been located and a Netherfield man has now appeared in court after being charged with an offence under the Child Abduction Act.

The school-aged girl was reported missing after leaving her Derbyshire home on Friday and was later found by officers at a different address.

Tautvydas Balionis, aged 28, has now been charged with an offence under the Child Abduction Act.

Balionis, of Victoria Road, Netherfield, appeared at Nottingham Magistrates’ Court on Monday and was remanded into custody.

He is due to appear at Nottingham Crown Court on 30 September.

The girl has since been returned safely to her family and investigations are ongoing.

MATCH REPORT: Carlton Town 1-0 Stamford

A last gasp goal from Lamin Manneh in the second minute of added time saw Carlton Town knock higher ranked Stamford out of the FA Cup with a 1-0 win at Stoke Lane.

It was no more than the Millers deserved after an impressive display, particularly in the second half, against a side who came into the game top of their league and unbeaten this campaign.  But Carlton worked incredibly hard, restricted the Danield to just a couple of opportunities, and but for some good saves from visiting goalkeeper Thomas Jackson, would have won the tie by a greater margin.  As it is, the victory meant Carlton knocked out step 3 opposition for the second consecutive season in this round.

Mark Harvey and Tommy Brookbanks made two enforced changes from the side which had lost at Garforth last time out.  Nat Watson was suspended and Jack Newall not permitted to be cup-tied by Burton Albion.  Into the side came Shea Thompson-Harris, for his first start of the season, and Niall Hylton. 

There was the welcome return of Lawrence Gorman on the bench.

Stamford’s squad contained no less than four former Carlton players with Charlie Marzano starting and Oliver Clark, Billy Bennet and Connor Bartle all on the bench.  Former manager Wayne Scott was also present in his role as part of the Stamford coaching staff.

The Daniels suffered an early blow when the influential Dale Vince had to leave the field due to injury on just seven minutes, with Clark his replacement.

The first half was a tight affair with Stamford playing into a strong headwind but enjoying the majority of possession.  Carlton, with Manneh playing up front as a lone striker, allowed Stamford no time on the ball with Michael Ford, back in midfield following Thompson-Harris’s return, and Alex Howes both having fine games alongside the ever-reliable Khyle Sargent and Hylton.

Indeed, the first real chance of the game came just after the half hour mark when Hylton’s shot was well saved by Jackson following an excellent run and cross by Manneh.

“As the game progressed Stamford made a flurry of substitutions to try and regain some measure of control but it was Carlton who looked the more likely to score. “

Stamford started to push Carlton back as the half progressed and Dean Freeman and Dan Brown at the back had plenty of involvement repelling Stamford advances, with Thompson-Harris and Durow doing likewise on the flanks.  But what chances there were were falling to the home side with Howes seeing a shot blocked after a lovely Hylton pass.

Thompson-Harris made a superb last-ditch clearance to deny what looked a certain goal from Rob Morgan before Tom Siddons lifted a close-range effort over the bar following a Lee Shaw cross.  Stamford claimed a penalty deep into first half added time when Tobias Liversidge was pulled back by Durow following a fine Clark pass, but the linesman and referee deemed the challenge to have been outside the box and the free kick came to nothing.

Stamford had a chance early in the second half when Clark fired over but after that Carlton seized control of the game.  A fine move involving Howes, Niall Davie, Hylton led to a Manneh shot which was saved by Jackson.  Shortly afterwards Manneh ghosted past Joe Burgess and fired at goal only to be denied again by Jackson.

The work-rate across the pitch from the Millers was terrific and there was no evidence of any difference in levels between the teams.  On 65 minutes Carlton thought they had made the breakthrough.  A Durow throw was flicked on by Freeman and Howes stabbed the ball home, only to be denied by an offside flag.

As the game progressed Stamford made a flurry of substitutions to try and regain some measure of control but it was Carlton who looked the more likely to score.  Howes saw another effort fly over and a couple of Carlton crosses went behind the goal from good positions.  Davie then played a lovely ball into the path of Ford, but his attempts to get a shot away were well defended by Stamford.

The visitors had a couple of chances to snatch the tie in the final three minutes of normal time but Jack Duffy hit a shot over the bar and Sargent was on hand to block a shot from Jon Challinor.

With the game into the second of four added minutes and a replay looking the likely outcome Carlton snatched a dramatic late winner.  Davie won a header in midfield and the ball was well-shielded by Hylton who flicked a pass into the path of Manneh.  He darted forward, held off Jordon Cooke and William Glennon and fired past Jackson to spark ecstatic scenes on the Carlton bench and amongst the home fans.

The Millers had to survive another five minutes, which included one Stamford corner, but some intelligent play by Neo Saunders and Hylton towards the end ensured that the Daniels ran out of time and Carlton celebrated an excellent victory with their jubilant supporters.

Carlton Town: F Annan, S Thompson-Harris, L Durow, D Brown, D Freeman (L Gorman 87), K Sargent, N Hylton, M Ford, N Davie (N Saunders 90+4), A Howes, L Manneh.  Unused subs: Z Hill, J Gilbert, L Richardson

Goals: Lamin Manneh 90+2

Carlton Town Supporters Club MOM – Lamin Manneh

Attendance: 190

Memorial purchases at Gedling Crematorium may help protect the planet

Families who buy a memorial at Gedling Crematorium could help protect the planet by triggering a donation to World Land Trust (WLT), an international conservation charity that protects the world’s most biologically significant and threatened habitats.

For every memorial purchased between September 9 and October 6, the crematorium’s parent company, Westerleigh Group, will donate £100 to WLT’s Buy an Acre programme – at no cost to the memorial buyer.

Westerleigh Group has pledged to donate at least £45,500 to the programme, and even more, depending on how many memorials are sold.

Every £100 funds the purchase and protection of one acre of land in some of the most biodiverse habitats on earth, but which faces threats such as deforestation, urbanisation and agriculture.

WLT, which has Sir David Attenborough as one of its patrons, works with a network of partner organisations around the world who are committed to placing local communities at the heart of conservation efforts.

WLT partners are the stewards of the land, working with their local communities throughout the conservation process and managing and monitoring the area to help resident species thrive.

For every memorial purchased during the qualifying period at any of its sites, Westerleigh will make the £100 donation from its metal recycling scheme.

With the consent of families, metals recovered during cremation are recycled, and any money raised is used to support selected charities, local activities and environmental initiatives.

Giles Palmer, Head of Grounds at Westerleigh Group, said: “Westerleigh Group is proud of its commitment to provide exceptional care to the bereaved and their loved ones.

Gedling crematorium
For every memorial purchased between September 9 and October 6, the crematorium’s parent company, Westerleigh Group, will donate £100 to WLT’s Buy an Acre programme – at no cost to the memorial buyer.

“But our care goes much further than that and we also care deeply about the wider communities, which includes minimising our environmental impact by conducting our business in a responsible, sustainable and ethical way and working with partners who share same values.

“I became aware of World Land Trust in 2017 when I was working on a conservation project in Vietnam and started talking to them again earlier this year, about how WLT and Westerleigh Group might tie up.

“It’s a brilliant organisation, securing the land but then ensuring it is managed by local people, who are passionate about preserving and protecting it.

“If you have a loved one who cared in any way about the environment, the climate or endangered species, our offer presents a fantastic way to honour them; not only do you receive a beautiful memorial at one of our sites but also the added comfort of knowing you are also making a meaningful difference to something your loved one was passionate about.

“That is a very fitting tribute to your loved one.”

Gedling Crematorium manager, Giulia McDonough, added: We offer a huge range of memorialisation options here, from family gardens, benches and bird baths to cremation tablets and memorial jewellery, memorial trees, and many others.

“We support families to make memorials as uniquely personal to the individual being honoured as possible. Families do not need to have held a service in our crematorium in order to arrange a memorial through us.

“And now, when you make a memorial purchase during the qualifying period, you also have the chance of being part of something truly special, helping to protect ecologically important land.”

Tracey Butler, Corporate Partnerships Manager from World Land Trust, said: “We are honoured to partner with Westerleigh Group and tremendously grateful for their generosity on behalf of families and loved ones.

“This support will achieve incredible impact by bringing crucial habitat under protection – for species, biodiversity, local people and the planet.”

To find out more about World Land Trust, visit: www.worldlandtrust.org

Anyone who wants to find out more about Gedling Crematorium, and the many memorialisation options available, visitwww.gedlingcrematorium.co.uk/buy-an-acre

Wetherspoons to slash prices on food and drink later this month at borough pubs

Wetherspoons is set to slash prices on all food and drink later this month at its pubs in the borough.

The chain is offering customers a 7.5 per cent reduction to celebrate Tax Equality Day, it has confirmed.

The promotion aims to highlight the benefit of a permanent VAT reduction in the hospitality industry. Normally, all food and drinks in pubs are subject to 20% VAT. In comparison, supermarkets pay zero VAT on food.

The chain operates pubs in Arnold, Carlton and Mapperley.

PICTURED: Wetherspoons owner Tim Martin

The discounted prices will be offered on Thursday, September 12, and customers will be able to get a large breakfast, which normally costs £9.99, for £9.25 – saving 74p.

A breakfast wrap, priced at £6.21, would cost £5.75 on September 21, saving you 46p.

A pint of Bud Light, priced at £4.42, would cost you £4.09 – 33p less than usual.

And a 500ml bottle of Kopparberg cider, usually priced at £5.64, would cost £5.22 on the day.

Wetherspoon boss Tim Martin claims supermarkets use these savings to “sell alcohol to customers at a discounted price”.

He said the “vast disparity in tax treatment” among pubs, restaurants and supermarkets is one of the “biggest threats” to the hospitality industry.

Mr Martin said: “Pubs have been under fantastic pressure for decades, because of the tax disadvantages which they have with supermarkets. It doesn’t make sense for the hospitality industry to subsidise supermarkets.

“A VAT cut to 12.5% is needed to ensure that pubs, bars and restaurants do not continue to close, but instead thrive, invest and create new jobs.

“Customers coming to Wetherspoon’s pubs on Thursday 12 September will find the price of their food and drinks to be lower than normal. We call on the chancellor to create tax equality between the hospitality industry and supermarkets.”