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Burglary suspect tracked down by police on Carlton Hill after nearby house break-in

Police have arrested a suspected burglar after a break-in during the early hours of Monday (29) morning in Carlton.

Officers attended New Row around 2am following reports a front window had been smashed at a property.

The victim also said he had been threatened by a man through his letterbox and had fled into a neighbouring garden to escape.

Officers began searching the area armed with a description of the offender.

The suspect was found on Carlton Hill (PHOTO: Gedling Eye)

A suspect was located a short time later in Carlton Hill and detained.

During the arrest, one officer also reported being racially abused.

A 28-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of burglary and causing racially aggravated alarm or distress.

Inspector Alice Bartle, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “Home break-ins of this nature are taken very seriously by the force because of the impact we know they have on victims.

“Officers have attended the scene and worked efficiently to both support the victim and quickly track down a suspect.

“We won’t tolerate racist abuse of officers and anyone suspected of this sort of behaviour can always expect a robust response from the force.”

Morrisons in Netherfield has opened new ‘Kids corner’ with books, games and puzzles to keep children entertained this summer

Morrisons is to introduce a new kids activity station at its Netherfield store to keep children entertained throughout the summer.

The ‘Kids Corner’ initiative in collaboration with National Literacy Trust, looks to boost literacy for children and includes a book swap, games and puzzles.

The idea builds on the supermarket giant’s Little Libraries, which was launched in 2021 in partnership with Canterbury-based children’s author Rebecca Smith.

All of Morrisons 397 cafés nationwide will feature the stations, which will host activity sheets and games, with free colouring crayons available.

The book swap scheme aims to keep reading skills sharp during the summer holidays, as according to research conducted by National Literacy Trust, due to the rising cost of living, 20% of parents are buying fewer books for their children, increasing to 36.1% of those who are struggling financially as a result of the crisis.

To fund the scheme, the Morrisons Foundation, which supports charities and looks to make a positive difference in local communities, has donated £100,000.

Morrisons corporate affairs manager for community and Morrisons Foundation Joseph Clark-Bland said: “We understand the importance of keeping children entertained and nourished during the summer holidays.

“By offering a fun way to hone their literacy skills alongside the National Literacy Trust, plus, free meals in our Cafés, we aim to support families and make every visit to Morrisons enjoyable and memorable.”

National Literacy Trust head of local areas Jason Vit added: When children have access to books and enjoy reading, it can boost their confidence and wellbeing and help them do better at school.

“But our research shows that too many children are missing out on these benefits because they don’t have books at home or at school. The Kids Activity Stations in Morrisons cafés will help more children and families unlock the magic of books this summer.”

It comes as the grocer has introduced a range of child-friendly initiatives in recent months, including child-friendly checkouts and child-sized trolleys.

Get on board the Sherwood Arrow for free every weekend in August

Bus passengers in parts of Gedling borough can travel on Stagecoach’s Sherwood Arrow bus for free every weekend throughout August, including all three days of the bank holiday weekend. 

The bus stops has stops in Arnold and Redhill.

The offer, which is being funded by Nottinghamshire County Council as part of their Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP), means that passengers will be able to travel without charge to Sherwood Forest, where the Robin Hood Festival and Nottinghamshire Day celebrations will take place, and Rufford Abbey Country Park as well as other attractions including White Post Farm, Wheelgate Park and Clumber Park. 

Nottinghamshire Day celebrations will take place at Sherwood Forest on Sunday, August 25 and visitors can enjoy a range of activities including craft making workshops, Outlaw Orienteering, poetry writing workshops – not to mention a whole lot of festival fun at Robin Hood Festival with archery, historical re-enactments, music, comedy acts, and much more.

The 38th Robin Hood Festival kicks off at Sherwood Forest on Saturday, August 3 and will be running every weekend throughout August until Bank Holiday Monday (26). 

Councillor Neil Clarke MBE, Cabinet Member for Transport and Environment at Nottinghamshire County Council, said: “We have been working closely with Stagecoach to make this offer possible and we would like to thank them for their part in helping us to achieve this.

“Every year people travel from far and wide to visit the delights of Sherwood Forest and it is great news that visitors to the annual Robin Hood Festival will be able to get there free of charge by bus. 

“Of course, we cannot forget Nottinghamshire Day – a day which celebrates our great county – and what better way to do this than to offer free travel for what promises to be a fun-filled day out for all the family. 

“You may have heard the words Bus Service Improvement Plan in our news a lot over the last few months and that is because we are committed to using this funding to deliver improvements that bus passengers across Nottinghamshire and Nottingham will value.”

Dave Skepper, Commercial Director, Stagecoach East Midlands, said: “We’re pleased to be working with the Nottinghamshire County Council team to offer free bus journeys on the Sherwood Arrow over summer weekends in August. With regular departures taking people into the heart of Sherwood Forest Visitor Centre and Rufford Park. Using the Sherwood Arrow is the best route to a great day out in the beautiful Nottinghamshire countryside.”

Arnold care home residents treated to first McDonalds as takeaway giant celebrates golden anniversary

85-year-old Brian Lawson and his fellow residents from Coppice Lodge care home in Arnold were invited to celebrate McDonald’s 50th anniversary at their local branch in Daybrook, where Brian would enjoy his first ever McDonald’s meal.

The McDonald’s staff gave the residents a warm welcome, showing them to their VIP table, where the residents browsed the menu. Brian opted for a classic cheeseburger and fries, eager to sample the fast food he’s heard so much about.

Brian said, ‘This is absolutely delicious. I can see why all the kids love it so much now – can we come here again?’

99-year-old Rose Seston, another resident who had never eaten at McDonald’s before, added, ‘The food is lovely, but I just can’t believe how kindly everyone has treated us today.’ 

Sarah Barnes, the Home Manager at Coppice Lodge, commented, ‘The McDonald’s 50thanniversary was a true celebration of community. Our residents had a wonderful time sampling the menu and they can’t wait to come back.

‘McDonald’s have even offered to visit our home for a pop-up restaurant, which we’re sure will be a huge success. We’re excited to build on this fantastic new community relationship.’

You can meet the residents and team at Coppice Lodge at the home’s Summer Party on Tuesday 30th July. From 14:00 until 17:00, all are welcome to enjoy live entertainment, a petting zoo, delicious refreshments and lots of family fun.

To find out more about Coppice Lodge, call 0115 920 5906 or email coppice.lodge@idealcarehomes.co.uk.

Coppice Lodge, located on Coppice Road in Arnold, is a purpose-built, luxury residential and dementia care home with 64 ensuite bedrooms. With an all-inclusive fee offer designed to give residents peace of mind, it is rated good by the Care Quality Commission.

Letters: Has new Labour MP been absorbed into the Westminster bubble and given up on Gedling already?

Our readers from across the borough give their weekly take on the biggest issues impacting Gedling and beyond.

Join the debate by sending your letter to letters@gedlingeye.co.uk . Please put ‘Letters’ in the subject line. You can also submit a letter by filling in the simple form below, and it may appear online.

Some letters refer to past correspondence which can be found by clicking HERE

Names and addresses will be withheld by request but must be included in the email. We reserve the right to edit letters. Letters published do not reflect the views of Gedling Eye


Has our new MP been absorbed into the Westminster bubble and given up on us already?

Sir,

Thanks to intense lobbying by our former Conservative MP, Tom Randall, Carlton was awarded £20 million in March with a newly formed Carlton Town Board responsible for the development of a 10-year vision for Carlton. This includes a three-year investment plan outlining how these funds are to be spent across Greater Carlton, including Carlton Hill, Netherfield, Gedling, Colwick, Burton Joyce, Stoke Bardolph, Mapperley and Mapperley Top.

After listening to the spending priorities of our constituents in Gedling, Stoke Bardolph and Burton Joyce, Cllr Mike Adams and I have submitted spending ideas to the Carlton Town Board. Tom Randall also consulted residents across Carlton prior to the recent General Election and will be sharing that feedback from residents with the Board.

The Carlton Town Board is chaired by Sir John Peace as their Interim Independent Chairman and also includes a number of board members, including our local MP as a mandatory requirement. The first meeting of Carlton’s Town Board took place on Wednesday 10th July 2024 but, to my surprise and disappointment, our new MP did not attend this meeting.

Before the Conservative Government allocated the £20 million for Carlton, Sick and tired”: Anger and disappointment as Gedling borough misses out for THIRD time on ‘Levelling Up’ funding was just one of the many stories I read on Gedling Eye over the years from Michael Payne expressing his anger and disappointment at Gedling not receiving funding from central Government. I have also sat in lots of Council meetings listening to Cllr Payne calling on the Government to invest in Gedling, including in November of last year when Cllr Payne seconded a motion expressing the Council’s ‘disappointment and anger’ in not receiving levelling-up funding.

So, it would seem that investment into Gedling was a matter of priority for Michael Payne until it actually came to attending the inaugural meeting of the Carlton Town Board last Wednesday, where discussions were had on how the £20 million for Greater Carlton should be spent. Words and not action. Like many residents across our Borough,

I am as disappointed in our MPs lack of attendance as he was in Gedling not previously receiving levelling-up funding.

I note that instead of attending Wednesday’s Carlton Town Board and representing the spending priority views of residents across Carlton, Michael Payne was instead being sworn in as our MP in Parliament. Other new MPs were sworn in on Thursday, July 11, including Payne’s contemporary at Gedling Borough Council, Cllr Welsh, who is the newly elected MP for the Sherwood Forest constituency, which I believe Payne could have done instead to allow him to attend the Town Board meeting.

Has our new MP been absorbed into the Westminster bubble and turned his back on Gedling already?

Councillor Sam Smith,
Gedling Borough Conservative Councillor for the Trent Valley Ward


Letter writer is a ‘disgrace’

Sir,

Why in God’s name would you publish that letter from Ron Lim (Letters 04/07/2024) about taking bus passes off pensioners and handing them to school kids.

Ron Lim is a vile individual, judging from his letter, and so is your publication for giving him a voice via your letter column.

I won’t be reading Gedling Eye anymore and will be telling my friends to ignore this publication as well.

Good riddance Gedling Eye!

And Ron Lim – get stuffed!

Julia Stansbury,
via email


Do we need another gambling outlet in Arnold?

Sir,

After reading your story “Former fishmonger in Arnold to become 24-hour adult gaming centre (25/07/2024)” I have to ask do we really need another gambling outlet in Arnold?We have to many already.

We also have too many bars and so much crime going on.

Arnold used to be a good place to live but not any more.  

The authorities have a duty to invest in young people. The future of the country depends on them.

Patricia Knott ,
Arnold


Ignorant litterers spoiling our beautiful countryside

Sir,

I was taking my dog for a walk down the path that runs by the River Trent in Stoke Bardolph recently

We stopped to rest our legs on a bench.

It was a beautiful day, the sun shining and a pleasant breeze rustling the leaves on the trees.

As we returned to the car park I witnessed a woman lifting a pushchair out of the car boot. She changed the baby, then proceeded to throw the soiled nappy in an orange nappy bag into the foliage and set off out of the village.

A lovely day was spoilt by an ignorant person. The most annoying thing was that there was a bin nearby but because it was full she decided the grass would be the only other option.

The very next day I passed a family group – grandparents, parents and children – feeding the ducks.

Walking back later I came across two empty bread bags discarded on the river bank. A fine example to set for the children.

Anthony Slater,
Netherfield


Give Netherfield shoplifter a chance

Sir,

I’ve just read the story about the prolific shop lifter Thomas Howitt (“Prolific Netherfield shoplifter now behind bars after breaching community behaviour order” 15/07/2024)

Yes, he’s broken the law many times, but surely the way he’s  being handled in terms of his rehabilitation is clearly not working.

Has anyone actually sat down with him and asked him why he keeps doing it and what could be done to help him stop and turn his life around?!

He, to me, is crying out for help and keeps attention seeking as he’s desperate for someone to get to the root cause of his persistent ‘bad’ behaviour and help him turn his life around and live a more fulfilled offending free future.

I read a very interesting article in The Sunday Express paper from June 30, 2024 page 28 entitled ‘Ready steady, crook!  About trying a different approach to treating criminals at HMP Rye Hill.

By virtue of them being incarcerated is a punishment in itself and if you continue the current format that clearly for many isn’t working, then you’re going to get the same results.

So, why not try something different?! At first there will be the sceptics, who are perfectly entitled to have their opinion, but give things a try and see what happens.  It doesn’t have to cost anymore money, but use the facilities/resources more intelligently.

Thank you and best wishes.

Vicky Arnall,
via email


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    17-year-old left with potentially life-changing injuries following Carlton Hill street fight

    Police have arrested two suspects after a teenager was injured in a street fight on Carlton Hill

    Officers were called yesterday (24) following reports of violent disorder.

    A Force spokesman said multiple people were reportedly involved in the fight, which happened outside a takeaway around 8.50pm.   

    Police attended shortly afterwards and located a 17-year-old boy with potentially life-altering injuries to his leg.

    Two suspects – a 16-year-old boy and 17-year-old boy – were subsequently arrested on suspicion of affray.  

    Detective Sergeant Rachel Mayfield, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “We are still in the early stages of trying to piece together exactly what happened here.

    “As such, we would ask that anyone who saw what happened, or has any information that could assist us, gets in touch with the police right away.

    “We’d also ask anyone with any CCTV, dash-cam, or any other footage of the incident to come forward, as this could really help our investigation.”

    Information can be left with the police by calling 101, quoting incident 800 of 24 July 2024, or can alternatively be reported anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

    Ravenshead man, 21, jailed over horror crash that almost killed his friend

    A young driver from Ravenshead has been jailed after critically injuring his close friend in a car crash.

    Josh Murdon, 21, was speeding heavily when he lost control of a Volkswagen Golf GTI along Hucknall Road, near Linby, on April 20 last year.

    Nottingham Crown Court heard he was also under the influence of drugs and crashed after striking a kerb.

    The car flipped a number of times before coming to rest in a field (pictured, above).

    Emergency services attended and both Murdon and his passenger were taken to hospital.

    Murdon sustained only minor injuries, with tests showing he was over the legal drug-drive limit for cannabis at the time of the collision.

    Meanwhile, his passenger – his second cousin as well as a close friend – was left in a coma with life-threatening injuries. The court heard he survived the crash with medics describing him as a “walking miracle”.

    Murdon refused to comment when interviewed by police a few weeks after the crash, but the court heard he told paramedics on the way to hospital that he had been driving at around 70mph when he hit the kerb.

    He also told them his phone had been ringing and that the collision happened as he looked down at the phone with the intention of declining the call.

    The passenger spent several weeks in hospital before providing a statement in which he claimed Murdon repeatedly broke the speed limit during the car journey, including driving at over 100mph along the A611 Annesley Road bypass moments before the crash.

    The passenger, aged 23 at the time, told police he had told Murdon to slow down but was ignored.

    As a result of the crash, he sustained 20 broken bones – including his skull, back and ribs – that continue to cause him physical and mental pain every day.

    Murdon, of Chapel Lane, Ravenshead, went on to plead guilty to causing serious injury by dangerous driving and was jailed for two years and two months on Tuesday (July 23). He was also disqualified from driving for four years and three months.

    Following the sentencing, PC Haddon Smith, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “Murdon showed a complete lack of regard for the rules of the road and drove at excessive speed while under the influence of drugs, which were still in his system after he’d taken them the night before.

    “As a result, he inflicted life-changing and lifelong injuries on his friend and relative. When questioned in two police interviews, Murdon did not have the courage to accept responsibility for his actions – something that upset his victim considerably. 

    “The police investigation into this incident has always been to seek the truth, achieve answers for the victim and to hold Murdon to account. I hope the conclusion of the subsequent court proceedings has brought some comfort and closure to the victim and his family. 

    “This has been a life-changing incident for the victim who bravely stood in front of the courtroom and read out his moving victim personal statement. The sentence passed down to Murdon reflects the seriousness of his actions – but while he’ll be able to return to some form of normality following his release from prison, his victim’s life has changed forever.

    “Despite this, I hope he continues to defy the odds and overcome the medical diagnoses that have resulted from this crash. As the court heard, he is a walking miracle and I wish him the very best going forward.”

    Meet the Gedling teenager helping East Midlands charity to end homelessness

    The first ever Youth Patron for Framework will be encouraging other young people to follow his example to support the charity working to end homelessness. 

    Isa Biçer, 13, of Gedling, has gone above and beyond over the past three years to help make a difference to those who are experiencing homelessness. Now he has accepted the charity’s invitation to become its first ever Youth Patron.

    As Youth Patron, Isa will advocate for the work of Framework among his peers, talk in school and at his Scout group about what Framework does and encourage other young people to raise funds and awareness for the charity. 

    Isa said: “When I was asked to take on this role, I felt so happy. I said yes immediately. The increasing issues related to homelessness continue to concern and upset me. I believe that the only way this is ever going to change is by people getting actively involved, especially young people who are the future of our communities.

    “Over the next year in my role as Youth Patron I aim to engage more young people in supporting Framework and understanding the issues surrounding homelessness. I plan to arrange a virtual Sleep Out where any young person can sleep out in their gardens and raise much-needed funds. I also hope to speak at school about my role and the work of Framework.”

    After taking part in Framework’s own Big Sleep Out event with his Scout group in 2021 and 2022, Isa decided he wanted to do more to support Framework after members of his family were left homeless as a result of the earthquakes in Turkey last year. Before participating in Framework’s Big Sleep Out event in 2023, he slept out in his garden for three more nights along with his brothers to raise extra funds. 

    He designed his own Christmas card, which he printed and sold for Framework’s benefit. Selling over 300 copies himself, Framework also adopted his design for its own Christmas card to supporters. 

    Matt Cooke, Fundraising Team Manager, Framework, said: “Isa’s contribution to Framework by raising money and awareness has been enormous. He’s made an immense impact – not just on our work and the lives of those we support but also on other young people, setting a shining example to his peers and demonstrating the impact young people can have in their local community by simply showing some empathy and kindness towards others.

    “It’s for this reason that we asked Isa to represent Framework as our first ever Youth Patron. Given the sheer value of the support Framework receives from young people, we felt it was only natural that we should appoint a Youth Patron to represent our work among their peers, and Isa was the obvious choice. We are so proud of him and cannot wait to see what he achieves in this new and exciting role.”

    Whether through sponsored Sleep Outs at school, by taking part in Framework’s fundraising events or by organising their own, a number of schools and youth groups – as well as some very selfless individual young people – make significant contributions each year towards Framework’s mission to end homelessness and tackle disadvantage.

    In the year from April 2023 to April 2024, the hard work and commitment of several schools, Scout groups and individual young people across Nottinghamshire generated over £8,000 in donations for Framework, every penny of which has been earmarked for the Building Better Futures fundraising appeal. This total will enable Framework to fully furnish five new flats for former rough sleepers, helping turn brand-new, single-occupancy accommodation into welcoming new homes for people experiencing homelessness.  

    By way of thanks for all the young people who have contributed towards this outstanding effort, Framework recognised 4 schools and groups and 8 individuals with awards at its third annual Young Supporters Awards.

    Year 7 scholars from Djanogly City Academy, children from Brookside Primary School and Beeston Rylands Junior School as well as Scouts from several groups in the Central Notts Scouts District were among those awarded for their support. They were joined by sisters Amber and Jasmine Millar (14 and 12), brothers Isa, Emre and Rada Biçer (13, 12 and 12), Sam Jones (11), Josie Peaurt (11) and Jack Hodson (10). 

    Ernehale Junior School celebrates ‘Good’ rating in new Ofsted report

    Ernehale Junior School in Arnold has been graded a GOOD school during its recent Ofsted inspection.

    The report said the school has ‘high expectations of what pupils can achieve, personally and academically’ going on to say, ‘pupils know that their teachers believe in them and are there to help them reach their full potential. In lessons pupils give their complete attention. They are ready to answer their teachers’ questions, share their opinions or read confidently in front of their peers.’

    The school is praised in the report for prioritising reading and bringing learning to life for pupils. Staff were found to demonstrate high levels of care for their pupils. It said, ‘Pupils enjoy school and attend well. They unanimously agree that they would recommend Ernehale Junior School to a friend.’

    Inspectors said children’s manners were ‘superb’ stating, ‘They greet visitors politely, ask how their day is and offer to shake hands. They get on well together. They encourage each other to follow the school’s values: ‘aim high, be their best and to choose kindness’.’

    The school’s curriculum is described as ‘highly ambitious’ and ‘designed to provide pupils with a deep understanding of each subject.’ The report says, ‘The curriculum is planned with meticulous care. Staff know precisely what they need to teach and when. Teachers ensure that pupils remember vital learning from previous lessons. Each lesson begins with a ‘reactivate’ task so that pupils have opportunities to recall this key knowledge. Pupils understand why this is important. One pupil said: ‘It gets our brains learning’.’

    ‘Pupils’ wider development is prioritised’ said the report, ‘Pupils develop leadership skills that will: ‘empower them to make a difference’.’

    Safeguarding was found to be effective at the school.

    Carmel Atkinson is Headteacher at Ernehale Junior School and said, “We are delighted that the report has recognised so many positive aspects of the school. Our children were fantastic during the inspection and made us so proud. I would like to thank the staff team for their dedication and hard work; for truly making every day count for our children. Ernehale Junior’s is such a wonderful school, and this is thanks to our parents and carers working in partnership with the staff team to provide the very best they can for our wonderful Ernehale children.”    

    Former fishmonger in Arnold to become 24-hour adult gaming centre

    A former fishmonger in the centre of Arnold will become a 24-hour adult gaming centre after plans were approved.

    Luxury Leisure, a provider of slot machine and gaming venues in the UK, has been given permission to open the unit on Front Street.

    The company currently operates the Admiral Casino on the ground floor of 91b Front Street, and the Kwik Tan tanning salon is based on the first floor above it.

    Planning documents say the neighbouring property at 91A Front Street is “vacant and dead in the street scene with a steel roller shutter permanently pulled down.”

    “As it stands the property does not contribute anything to the vitality and viability of the town centre,” documents, prepared by RR Planning, say.

    It was last used as a fishmonger, Shayan’s Fishmongers, in 2021. The business has since closed.

    On July 19, Gedling Borough Council’s planning officers gave the scheme the green light.

    Luxury Leisure, which is part of the Novomatic Group, runs 250 high street and seaside gaming venues in the UK and the group employs more than 2,000 staff, according to planning documents.

    It says it accounts for 22.5 per cent of the UK adult gaming centre market, and the group says “it is a highly experienced responsible operator in this market”.

    “Internally, there will be no noisy amusement arcade equipment which attracts under 18s and has an impact on amenity,” a design and access statement says.

    “Unlike an arcade, which is noisy to attract passing custom of all ages, there is a statutory obligation to exclude under 18s from adult gaming centres (ACGs).

    “Such AGC establishments are commonly found at the heart of hundreds of shopping centres throughout the UK and are not uncommon even in previously defined primary shopping frontages.

    “Indeed, many shopping centres have more than one AGC in the town centre.

    “There is no evidence that AGC uses have harmed any interest of acknowledged importance.

    “Such uses rely on pedestrian flows and trade successfully in busy town centres and contribute as a complementary use to the overall attraction of town centres to the shopping public.

    “As an acceptable town centre use, AGCs are found in busy locations where there is even residential use above or in adjoining properties.

    “The proposed use itself is not an inherently noisy activity nor in relation to the comings and goings of customers.

    “There are no adverse impacts and there is no evidence of any anti-social behaviour being exacerbated by such uses.

    “There is no audible trading noise break-out through the premises shop front even excluding the masking effects of levels of existing ambient noise in the area.

    “We should also add that the proposed use is strictly governed and regulated under the council’s licensing regime where the local authority, separately as the Licensing Authority, is legally obliged to take into consideration issues of the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, the prevention of public nuisance which includes amenity concerns such as noise, threats to community safety, litter, odour, smoke, and light; and the protection of children
    from harm.

    “Hours of use primarily also fall under the licensing regime within which the existing AGC already operates benefits from 24-hour consent.”