Home Blog Page 242

B&M welcomes first customers as new Arnold store opens its doors

Arnold’s brand new B&M store opened its doors on Front Street this morning (21).

The discount retailer has taken possession of the former Wilko and has undergone a comprehensive internal and external refurbishment programme. The launch of the new store has created more than 35 jobs for local people.

Customers can find a wide variety of branded groceries at low prices including a range of food, drink and pet food.

There is also a fantastic selection of quality health and beauty products, homeware, electricals, DIY essentials, toys, games, gifts and plenty more to explore. 

Staff at the new store were asked to nominate a local charity they think truly deserves some VIP treatment for the work they do for the local community. They chose the team from Bags of Blessings who were invited to officially unveil the new B&M store.

A large selection of food items are available in the new store

Many soft drinks are on offer to customers

The DIY aisle at the B&M store which opened today in Arnold

The new team celebrate the opening of their new B&M store on Front Street

The Mayor of Gedling Councillor Julie Najuk and Deputy Leader of Gedling Borough Council, Councillor Michael Payne were invited to assist with the opening of the new store

Bags of Blessings are a local charity who distribute donated gifts to deprived young people in the Nottingham area. The donations include small toys, stationery and books which are then sorted into age groups, gift wrapped and are distributed to young people aged 0-16 via food banks, homeless and refugee charities or organisations that support disadvantaged children.

Through the support of donations and volunteers, Bags of Blessings have grown from creating toy sacks for Christmas in 2018 to now creating Easter packs, summer holiday packs and hygiene packs throughout the year.

The charity will also receive £250 worth of B&M vouchers, which will go towards helping the charity to continue doing the great work they do.  

In addition to the charity, Front Street store was also delighted to welcome the Mayor of Gedling Councillor Julie Najuk and Deputy Leader of Gedling Borough Council, Councillor Michael Payne to attend and assist the charity with the opening the store.

The new store manager, said: “It was really exciting to welcome customers through the doors; the feedback so far has been fantastic.”

“A big thank you to the team at Bags of Blessings, Julie Najuk Michael Payne and who helped us open the store.

“We hope that our donation to the charity can help them to continue to do the great work they do.”

Beer fans looking forward to return of Paviors Annual Beer Festival in Arnold

Beer lovers are already counting down the days to this year’s Paviors Beer Festival, which will take place in Arnold from March 1 to March 3.

The annual beer festival which will run over three days combines a fantastic line-up of local craft beers with a thrilling weekend of rugby action at their home ground and clubhouse at Burntstump Hill, Arnold, NG5 8PQ.

Formally announcing the event on their social media channel the club, which runs over twenty teams will kick off the festivities on Friday night with Paviors U14Ws going head-to-head with Mansfield U14W under the dazzling lights at 6:45 pm. Following that, Paviors ‘Social’ Team The Horns will clash against Ashfield IIs at 7:30 pm.


In what promises to be a cracking match on Saturday (2) beer lovers can see Pavior’s first team taking on Matlock at 3.00pm while on Sunday (3) Pavior’s minis and juniors take the field for their games as the three day beer and rugby festival draws to a close.

Paviors Rugby Club play at Burntstump Hill, Arnold, NG5 8PQ and the club runs over twenty teams. New players are always welcome – girls, boys, men & women, there is a team for all.

Further information about the club including contact details can be found on http://www.paviorsrfc.co.uk/ or via their social channel HERE.

Aldi to create 5,000 jobs as expansion plans steam ahead

Aldi has today announced it is to create 5,500 new jobs throughout 2024 as it pushes ahead with expansion plans.

The German discounter has said it will be hiring for store assistants, managers and cleaners at new stores that will be opening this year, as well as for roles at its head office and across its 11 regional distribution centres.

Aldi is aiming to reach it’s long-term goal of opening 1,500 UK stores by 2025.

Last September, the supermarket unveiled plans to invest £1.4bn over the next two years to achieve these growth targets. They will be investing £550m in expanding its store and distribution network this year through launching new locations across the country and upgrading its existing stores and distribution centres.

Speaking of the recruitment drive, Aldi UK chief executive Giles Hurley said: “Our colleagues work incredibly hard and are without a doubt a huge part of our success at Aldi.

“We continue to welcome more and more customers to Aldi stores every week, not just because of our unbeatable prices and British sourcing, but also our amazing colleagues.

“We are looking forward to welcoming even more colleagues up and down the country to Team Aldi during 2024 as we progress towards our goal of making affordable, quality food accessible to everyone.”

Last month, the grocer unveiled plans to recruit more than 500 new apprentices across the UK this year to “bolster” its team, with opportunities across stores, buying, logistics, and HGV driver roles.

Colwick park and ride ‘saved’ as cash-strapped council reveals outcome of transport consultation

The immediate future of the park and ride at Colwick appears to have been secured after Nottingham City Council revealed the outcome of a consultation with the public over proposed sweeping transport budget cuts.

The park and ride sites at Colwick Racecourse and Queen’s Drive were placed under threat after proposals were shared to close them to save council cash.

The council also revealed it was proposing to cut off real-time information at bus stops in a bid to slash the transport budget.

But the consultation revealed that the public felt strongly about keeping both the park and ride sites and bus stop information, and they will now remain in place with ‘alternative funding sources’ being used to keep them operational.

The Red 44 bus currently serves the Colwick Racecourse park and ride site, which was facing the axe as part of the council’s budget cut proposals

Nottingham City Council now has to make sweeping cuts as it faces a £23m in-year budget gap and a £53m gap in the 12 months beginning April 2024.

A council spokesman said: “Back in December, Nottingham City Council put forward a number of proposed budget cuts, including a variety of potential changes to how public transport.

“Last week, the Council discussed the budget proposals required to close the £50 million funding gap in 2024/2025.

“We asked for your input on some of the transport-specific proposals in the budget, so that we could get more information on how they would impact on residents and use that evidence to try to mitigate some of the proposed cuts.

“Public transport infrastructure, including Park & Ride sites at Queen’s Drive and Colwick and the real time information displays at bus stops, will be retained by using alternative funding sources, subject to review in the wider region and the emerging Combined Authority from 2025/26.”

Nottingham City Council now has to make sweeping cuts as it faces a £23m in-year budget gap and a £53m gap in the 12 months beginning April 2024.

The council issued a Section 114 notice, effectively declaring bankruptcy, in November, while a series of significant cuts to libraries, care homes and jobs have been proposed next year.

However, even with the latest cuts the budget hole cannot be filled, meaning the council has requested a mechanism known as exceptional financial support (EFS) from the Government for £25m for the current year and £40m for the next.

People invited to pay tribute to mothers at Gedling Crematorium

Gedling Crematorium is inviting people to visit to remember and pay tribute to loved ones they have lost in honour of Mother’s Day.

On Saturday, March 9, between 11am and 1pm, the chapel will be open to anyone who wants to visit and have some quiet time for reflection and remembrance.

There will be a remembrance tree in the waiting room along with tags which people can write personal messages on, to be hung on the tree.

Gedling Crematorium is part of Westerleigh Group, one of the UK’s largest independent owners and operators of crematoria and cemeteries, with 40 sites in England, Scotland, and Wales, all set within beautifully landscaped gardens of remembrance which provide pleasant, peaceful places for people to visit and reflect.

Manager Giulia McDonough said: “We know that occasions like Mother’s Day are when people can particularly feel the loss of a loved one, which is why we always like to offer something to enable people to pay tribute in a special way.

“Something else that visitors to our site can do is post a Mother’s Day card in our Letters To Loved Ones memorial post box, which we know has given people a sense of comfort and a feeling of connection to someone they have lost. Paper and pens will be available on-site.

“Regardless of whether they’re newly bereaved or lost their loved one a while ago, or where their funeral took place, our Mother’s Day invitation is open to anyone who is looking for a quiet place of reflection and comfort at this special time of year.”

For more information about Mother’s Day at Gedling Crematorium, as well as the exceptional care and support it provides to the bereaved in creating uniquely personal funerals and memorials for their loved ones, visit www.gedlingcrematorium.co.uk.

Gedling borough weather Wednesday, February 21

Gedling borough residents can expect a cloudy morning, with outbreaks of heavy rain and brisk winds. Tending to become drier through the afternoon, with some brighter spells possible later. Staying on the mild side for the time of year. Maximum temperature 13 °C.

Tonight is forecast to be mostly dry with variable amounts of cloud. However towards the end of the night, a band of heavy squally rain will move in from the northwest. Chillier than of late. Minimum temperature 5 °C.

Tomorrow you can expect heavy rain and gusty winds to move southeastwards through the morning. Brighter for the afternoon, with sunny spells and blustery showers. Feeling colder compared to recent days. Maximum temperature 8 °C.

Blow to hard-pressed Gedling borough residents with council tax bills expected to rise this April

Nottinghamshire County Council and Gedling Borough Council are planning to put council tax up as high as possible from April.

They are now in the process of setting their budgets and council tax rates for the new financial year, which is the 12 months from April.

Inflation and the rising cost of services remain a key concern for councils and other public bodies.

All local households pay a precept in their annual council tax bills, of about 15 per cent of the total, to both Nottinghamshire Police and Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service.

The rest of the bill depends on whether you live in Nottingham city or Nottinghamshire county.

For residents outside the city, Nottinghamshire County Council will take around 75 per cent of bills.

County Hall Nottinghamshire
Nottinghamshire County Council will take around 75 per cent of all council tax bills across Notts

10 per cent of council tax bills goes to Gedling Borough Council

Police and Crime Commissioner Caroline Henry asked councillors for a 4.8 per cent raise in the tax share that goes towards funding Nottinghamshire Police

The other 10 per cent in the county goes to the household’s local district or borough council.

The county council is entitled to raise council tax by up to 4.99 per cent as they provide care services.

The lower tier councils can raise by up to 2.99 per cent.

While council purses are stretched by inflation and greater demand for their services, many are planning on using the maximum increases.

Nottinghamshire County Council

The county council says it will be able to balance its budget for the next two years.

It is proposing a rise of 2.84 per cent plus a two percent rise for a second charge, the Adult Social Care Precept, for a total of 4.84 per cent.

The Cabinet has recommended this rise, and it will be decided by full council on Thursday, February 22.

Gedling Borough Council

Gedling residents will likely be asked to pay 2.988 per cent more.

Budget papers say that it expects to continue increasing council tax at the maximum threshold for the next few years, unless funding from central government improves.

Both Cabinet and full council will meet on Wednesday, February 21 to agree the rates.

Nottinghamshire Police

The precept to pay for Nottinghamshire Police is set by the Police and Crime Commissioner Caroline Henry (Con).

She appeared before councillors earlier this month, asking for their backing to raise it by 4.8 per cent.

She argued the public is willing to pay more to keep the force properly funded, and that freezing tax during uncertain times would have been financially irresponsible.

Councillors agreed with the proposal, and a final decision is expected in the coming weeks.

Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue

All Nottinghamshire residents are expected to be asked to pay an extra 2.95 per cent towards the fire and rescue service from April.

The proposals will be discussed county councillors on Friday, February 23.

BARGAIN OF THE YEAR: Carlton Male Voice Choir offer an evening’s entertainment for £1

That’s a big claim but Nottingham’s largest male voice choir, Carlton, believe their latest ticket price deal lives up to it.  They want to help Nottingham fight the cost of living crisis by offering a great Saturday evening’s entertainment for just £1.00.

Carlton’s first concert in Nottingham in 2024 is on Saturday April 6 at 7.30pm at St Paul’s, Mansfield Road, Daybrook, Nottingham. NG5 6BH.  

They will be joined by celebrated guest organist David Butterworth and by a second group, Kidderminster Male Voice Choir.  With an estimated 100 performers on stage, it works out at around 1 penny per singer.  Where else could such excellent value for money be had in 2024?

Ian Watts, Carlton’s Musical Director, said “What a fabulous way to kick start our Nottingham performances in 2024.  We hope the £1.00 ticket offer will see us welcome back regular supporters and attract a new audience too. Done well, like Carlton do it, an evening of male voice singing is thrilling entertainment.  With similar groups doing well on talent shows on TV, why not see and hear just how great this is, live. And at £1.00 a ticket, what’s not to like?”

PICTURED: Carlton Male Voice Choir

Male voice choirs started in the 20th Century but many, like Carlton, have been up-dated for the 21st Century.   Carlton has a modern look and sings up-to-date music, such as “It’s All About You” and “Viva La Vida,” as well as timeless classics and songs written for the group by Nottingham composer David Machell.

If you’ve not seen and heard a male voice choir live, now is the ideal opportunity to try it out.  Be prepared to be amazed and delighted: all for just £1.00.

Tickets (for £1.00 plus a small booking fee) are only available on-line at Two Choir Concert Tickets, Sat 6 Apr 2024 at 19:30 | Eventbrite   Given the price, they will sell out quickly so buy yours to-day.

Carlton MVC is always happy to welcome potential new singers to its Wednesday evening rehearsals. More details at Join Us – We are Carlton Male Voice Choir (carltonmvc.org)

Further information and contact details for the Carlton Male Voice Choir can be found on their facebook page HERE or on their website www.carltonmvc.org

Mapperley drink-drive suspect due in court after crashing into parked cars

A Mapperley man was arrested for a string of traffic offences following a late-night police pursuit in Nottingham

Officers spotted a blue Volkswagen Scirocco (pictured, above) driving at speed along Maid Marian Way shortly after 4am on Sunday (18).

They caught up with the car and illuminated their lights and sirens after it went through a red light in South Sherwood Street.

The car failed to stop and carried on at speed into St Ann’s, where it crashed into two parked cars in Hungerhill Road.

This car failed to stop and carried on at speed into St Ann’s, where it crashed into two parked cars

The 26-year-old was bailed and is due to appear at Nottingham Magistrates’ Court on March 5 (PHOTO: Gedling Eye)

The driver was arrested and taken into custody.

Declan Muers, of Brewsters Road in Mapperley has been charged with dangerous driving, failing to stop when required by a police constable and drink-driving.

The 26-year-old was bailed and is due to appear at Nottingham Magistrates’ Court on March 5.

PC Fraser Heaton, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “As our response to this incident demonstrates, we are committed to protecting the public and will look to take appropriate action against anyone who threatens public safety in this way.

“The consequences of drink and dangerous driving can be devastating – for the driver themselves, other road users and pedestrians too – which is precisely why we take these matters seriously and will always seek to put suspects before the courts.”

VIDEO: Shoplifter chased out of store and detained in car park by off-duty police officer

A shoplifter was caught red-handed after an off-duty police officer spotted him acting suspiciously in a store.

PC Luke Kerruish was shopping at the One Beyond store on Lady Bay Retail Park on Monday, February 12 when he noticed the man erratically filling a bag with products. He followed the man as he walked back towards the store entrance.

The shoplifter then ran outside the store and PC Kerruish gave chase, apprehending him in the car park.

PC Kerruish informed him he was an off-duty officer and detained him at the scene until uniformed colleagues arrived to arrest him.

Enquiries linked him to a spate of shop thefts committed at stores across Nottingham in recent weeks.

Off-duty officer PC Luke Kerruish begins to chase the suspected shoplifter out of the One Beyond store on Lady Bay Retail Park (IMAGE: Notts Police)

The shoplifter then ran outside the store and PC Kerruish gave chase, apprehending him in the car park. (IMAGE: Notts Police)


Liam Clarke, of Hodgkinson Street, Netherfield, was later charged and put before the courts.

The 40-year-old appeared at Nottingham Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday (14 February) and pleaded guilty to ten shop thefts between 12 January and 12 February this year.

He was jailed for 10 weeks, suspended for 12 months, and ordered to pay £401.50 compensation.

Sergeant Stephanie Clough, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “Shoplifting can have a huge impact on both businesses and those who work for them and often comes hand-in-hand with other crimes, including criminal damage and violence.

“We hope this conviction will show Clarke and other shoplifters that our dedicated officers work hard to tackle this type of offending – both on and off duty.

“As demonstrated by PC Kerruish, police officers may be off-duty but they are always ready to spring into action if and when they need to.”