He said: “It is two years today since the fire at the Rolleston Drive site in Arnold and yet there are still no firm plans in place for the land. The site has been totally abandoned by the Conservatives.
Mr Coaker said that despite requests for information and calls for action, the site remains “an eyesore” and “abandoned by Nottinghamshire County Council.”
PICTURED: Vernon Coaker at the site in Rolleston Drive, Arnold
Mr Coaker said he had been left frustrated over the lack of plans for the land.
He said: “I have asked the questions, I have attended meetings, I have requested information, unfortunately I am not getting a response which is anywhere near satisfactory from Nottinghamshire County Council.
“It is now two years since the fire and they still do not have a plan in place for that site.
“I believe the community deserve some answers, it is not acceptable that local Conservatives have abandoned areas of land in Gedling when others are working so hard to make Gedling a great place to live, work and learn.
“The communities of Gedling deserve better than this and that is why I am asking for an urgent meeting with those responsible at Nottinghamshire County Council and I expect to see real plans for this site.
“Enough is enough”
Gedling Eye has contacted Nottinghamshire County Council for comment.
A new pedestrian crossing could be built on a road in Calverton after years of wrangling.
If approved, it will be built just under 20 metres from where 88-year-old Lilian Hamblin was fatally injured in a traffic collision in May.
A police investigation into the incident is continuing.
Two previous attempts have been made to build a crossing at the site, on Main Street, over the last decade.
But after some local opposition and concerns with previous designs – including from the parish council – a crossing is yet to be built.
PICTURED: Boyd Elliot, right, with Ray Laverick
Now, it is hoped one could be in place by early next year, after new road layouts were agreed.
A consultation has just finished, and a public meeting about the issue was held on the site on Thursday (August 15).
It is expected the final designs will be approved by Conservative-led Nottinghamshire County Council in the coming weeks.
Jean Laverick, 76, was among those who attended the meeting. She and her husband Ray, also 76, have to cross the road to get from their house to the shops.
Mrs Laverick said: “If I won the lottery I don’t want a bigger house, I don’t want a new car, I’ve never been abroad, I just want a crossing.
PICTURED: The tree at the centre of the controversy
“I would honestly pay for it myself if I could. I just have to live long enough to see a bit of paint on the road.”
One concern raised by residents is a large tree near to where the crossing will be.
It was originally feared the tree would have to be cut down because it might block drivers from seeing waiting pedestrians.
Conservative councillor Boyd Elliot represents the area for both Gedling Borough Council and Nottinghamshire County Council.
He has been working to have the crossing installed in the village, and said tweaks to the humped zebra-crossing design proposed mean the tree could now be kept.
He estimates the crossing will cost £75,000, and could be finished between January and March next year if it’s given the go-ahead following the consultation.
Stephen Kopyrko, 59, from the village, said: “I think if the crossing isn’t built there will likely be more accidents.
“At the moment, speeding is a big issue, because a lot of people use it as a rat run. I’ve seen people driving through at 60 or 70 miles per hour.
“When I drive through at 30, which is the law, you get people tailgating you, and you end up thinking you’re the one who is breaking the law.”
Gentlemen at a care home in Arnold are feeling smarter than ever thanks to the services of a local barber.
Wayne Page is giving complimentary Turkish-style hot wrap shaves to residents at Coppice Lodge in the town.
Wayne, whose mother Margaret moved into the home last year, has been so impressed by the warm and friendly atmosphere at the care home that he decided he wanted to ‘give something back’.
He now visits Coppice Lodge every Monday to give male residents some extra pampering in the home’s on-site hair salon, in addition to their regular hairdressing appointments included at the home.
Wayne, said: “My mum came to live here last April and I’ve been blown away by how well she has settled in. This is partly due to the amazing team that has worked so hard to make her feel at home and I felt strongly that I wanted to do something in return.
“I’m a barber by trade and thought what better way to give something back, than to offer the gents the opportunity to enjoy a hot wrap Turkish shave. It’s a really invigorating experience and they’ve commented on how good it makes them feel. We have a great chat and laugh together and I’ve learnt so much about their lives – it really is the highlight of my week.”
Margaret added: “I’m very proud of my son. He’s so generous and understands how important it is to take the time to pamper and invest in ourselves. I absolutely love getting my hair done and I know the gentlemen feel the same way about their own grooming habits. Everybody is looking very smart indeed!”
Lorna Thornley, lifestyle manager at Coppice Lodge, commented: “Wayne has a big heart and a bigger personality and the men who live with us are really enjoying the theatre of the whole experience. From the chatter and the towels to the steam – it’s just as though they’re in an authentic Turkish barber!”
Coppice Lodge, on Coppice Road in Arnold, is operated by Ideal Carehomes and offers 24 hour residential and dementia care for up to 64 residents.
Labour will remain fully committed to extending the Nottingham Tram Network if they get into power at the next general election – and this could include an extension to Gedling.
Speaking
during a visit to Nottingham, the shadow transport secretary Andy McDonald said
the tram network had brought huge benefits to the city, and the East Midlands,
and further extensions would advance this.
The tram network’s construction was funded by a private
finance initiative (PFI), which involved commercial loans from banks. Mr
McDonald said a Labour government would “look afresh” at whether this would be
the best model to pay for the extension, and that they would “learn lessons in
the future”.
Mr McDonald did not say what the total cost would be,
but he did praise the workplace parking levy as “imaginative”, and said his
government would look at alternative tax-raising models.
He said: “Nottingham’s tram is a great example of what
can be achieved in a city on this scale.
PICTURED: Transport secretary Andy McDonald
“But there is yet further potential that we could do,
and there are plans to look at extensions to the system, so that’s a really
exciting prospect, because we need to capitalise on the success that’s already
there.
“We’ve already got that infrastructure there. It’s
already established it’s a case of getting greater benefits by expanding that.”
Asked about how much the extension would cost, and how
he planned to pay for it, he said: “Frankly the cost of this whole system is
surprisingly economical and under control. I’m really quite impressed by the
cost.
“The challenge for this sector is to bring those costs
down and there is already a consultation underway about where further tram
networks can be expanded.
“But we are talking about hundreds of millions for
certain stretches, which I think represents an excellent return.”
Mr McDonald was joined on his tram journey from
Nottingham to Toton Park and Ride by Greg Marshall, Labour’s candidate at the
next general election.
Mr Marshall, who is also the Labour councillor for the
Beeston ward on Broxtowe Borough Council, said: “The Kimberley line is
absolutely something people want in the town. It’s all about regeneration and
improving areas that have been left behind and forgotten. This is a fantastic
opportunity for us to invest in the town.
“It will reduce commuter problems into Nottingham city
and be an opportunity for a regular, safe, clean and efficient public transport
network, and it’s also about addressing climate change problems we are
facing.
“It’s an ongoing problem the world is facing, and
anything that reduces emissions has got to be a good thing.”
It is thought the line could travel through Kimberley
on former rail lines – which would minimise construction disruption – before continuing
to Giltbrook, where Ikea is based.
Councillor David Mellen, leader of Nottingham City
Council, and said: “We’re pleased that there’s a recognition of the success and
popularity of our tram network, with different areas keen to explore the
possibility of bringing its swift, reliable services to them.
“There’s no doubt that expanding our already well
connected tram network would help to further reduce congestion around the city,
and we are continuing to look at options for future extensions across the whole
of Nottingham.
“This includes Kimberley, as well as options to extend
to HS2, Fairham Pastures and Gedling, but it would clearly need significant
support and financial input from the Government to make this happen.”
A spokeswoman for the Department for Transport said:
“Passengers across Derby and Nottingham are benefitting from new technology,
including real-time travel information and a roll out of smart ticketing,
thanks to £7 million from our Transforming Cities Fund.
“We are also working with both councils to develop
plans for a share of the second £1.22 billion round of the fund, supporting
larger improvements to public and sustainable transport in the city regions.
“We will consider proposals to fund additional tram
schemes, based on value for money for the taxpayer and benefits for passengers
and the wider community.”
Train passengers making plans for the bank holiday weekend have been warned of significant disruption in Carlton and Burton Joyce.
A section of track is being upgraded at Newark, meaning the line will be closed between Saturday, August 24 through until August 26 so work can take place.
This will affect services on Leicester-Nottingham-Lincoln and Matlock-Derby-Newark Castle routes. Rail replacement services will run instead.
This is how services will be affected over the three days:
Saturday, August 24
Leicester to Lincoln trains will run between Leicester and Nottingham only. Rail replacement coaches will run between Nottingham and Lincoln, including Carlton and Burton Joyce.
Matlock to Newark Castle trains will run between Matlock and Nottingham only. Rail replacement coaches will run between Nottingham and Newark Castle, calling at Carlton and Burton Joyce
The amended timetables for Carlton and Burton Joyce to Lincoln Central can be found HERE
Sunday, August 25
Nottingham to Lincoln trains will not run. Rail replacement coaches will run on this route.
Lincoln to Newark North Gate trains will not run. Rail replacement coaches will run on this route.
Amended timetable for Lincoln Central – Newark – Nottingham can be foundhere
Monday, August 26
Leicester to Lincoln trains will run between Leicester and Nottingham only. Rail replacement coaches will run between Nottingham and Lincoln all day.
Matlock to Newark Castle trains will run between Matlock and Nottingham. Rail replacement coaches will run between Nottingham and Newark Castle, including Carlton and Burton Joyce all day.
The amended timetable for Leicester – Lincoln Central can be foundhere:
The amended timetable for Matlock – Nottingham – Newark Castle can be foundhere:
WHERE WILL THE BUS STOPS BE?
Burton Joyce – On the road adjacent to the level crossing
Hopes for a tram extension to Gedling could be dashed if Labour get into power at the next general election.
Speaking during a visit to Nottingham, the shadow transport secretary Andy McDonald said Nottingham’s tram network would be extended from Phoenix Park to Kimberley, and from Toton to East Midlands Airport if Labour got into power.
Mr McDonald said: “Nottingham’s tram is a great example of what can be achieved in a city on this scale.
PICTURED: Shadow transport secretary Andy McDonald, right, in Nottingham earlier today
“But there is yet further potential that we could do, and there are plans to look at extensions to the system, so that’s a really exciting prospect, because we need to capitalise on the success that’s already there.
“We’ve already got that infrastructure there. It’s already established it’s a case of getting greater benefits by expanding that.”
Asked about how much the extension would cost, and how he planned to pay for it, he said: “Frankly the cost of this whole system is surprisingly economical and under control. I’m really quite impressed by the cost.
“The challenge for this sector is to bring those costs down and there is already a consultation underway about where further tram networks can be expanded.
“But we are talking about hundreds of millions for certain stretches, which I think represents an excellent return.”
Councillor David Mellen, leader of Nottingham City Council, and said: “We’re pleased that there’s a recognition of the success and popularity of our tram network, with different areas keen to explore the possibility of bringing its swift, reliable services to them.
“There’s no doubt that expanding our already well connected tram network would help to further reduce congestion around the city, and we are continuing to look at options for future extensions across the whole of Nottingham.
A spokeswoman for the Department for Transport said: “Passengers across Derby and Nottingham are benefitting from new technology, including real-time travel information and a roll out of smart ticketing, thanks to £7 million from our Transforming Cities Fund.
“We are also working with both councils to develop plans for a share of the second £1.22 billion round of the fund, supporting larger improvements to public and sustainable transport in the city regions.
“We will consider proposals to fund additional tram schemes, based on value for money for the taxpayer and benefits for passengers and the wider community.”
Two Gedling leaders are asking people in the borough to back a bid to secure Gedling Country Park a top award – before time runs out.
Gedling MP Vernon Coaker and Gedling Borough Council Leader Councillor John Clarke are urging residents of Gedling to support the park in a UK-wide competition organised by green space charity, Fields in Trust by voting for the park before Monday’s deadline.
Time is running out and you only have until noon on Monday, August 19 to vote.
Vernon Coaker MP said “Gedling Country Park is a much-loved part
of Gedling and we are very proud of it. I think Gedling Country Park is not
only an exceptional place with something for the whole community to enjoy, but
it has maintained strong connections to the local mining heritage and history,
which is very important to people across Gedling.
PICTURED: Gedling MP Vernon Coaker, left, and Cllr John Clarke, leader of Gedling Borough Council
“I was at the Park only last week with the Leader of Gedling Borough Council Councillor John Clarke, talking to local people about what a fantastic place it is and walking one of the many footpaths.
“Gedling Country Park has something for everyone, providing a retreat for many, a chance to be outdoors. It creates a real appreciation for nature and wildlife. The paths, trails, playpark, cafe and viewpoints at Gedling Country Park have created a destination that everyone in Gedling can be truly proud of. I am once again urging everyone to please vote for the exceptional Gedling Country park, let us bring this award to Gedling’
Leader of Gedling Borough Council, Councillor John Clarke said: “We’re delighted that Gedling Country Park has been shortlisted for this award and we ask residents of Gedling to get behind us and vote for it to be recognised as one of the best in the country.
“Visiting the Park again only last week with Vernon Coaker MP, it was great to see so many residents enjoying the various aspects of the park, it really is a beautiful part of Gedling. The park has some of the best facilities including a fantastic children’s play area, a modern café and ‘changing places’ facilities for the severally disabled.
Mr Clarke added: “Voting is really quick and easy so please visit the Fields in Trust website and vote for Gedling Country Park. Time is running out, it would be great if as many of you as possible could please place your vote Gedling Country Park”
People are being invited to have their say on new designs for an upgrade of Carlton Square, which were unveiled this week.
Gedling Borough Council have been working on the new designs with Waypoint, the company that manages Carlton Square and will be at the shopping centre this week to get the views of local people.
As part of the improvements there will be upgrades to the entrance areas, new paving and lighting changes to the car park layout and new street furniture.
It is hoped that Carlton Square upgrade will be finished in time for Christmas 2020.
A council spokesman said: “We are still working together to finalise the elements that will make up the scheme but have addressed the comments you made.
“This next stage is to show you the sort of changes that could happen and to get your feedback. Do you like the proposals? Do you see any problems? Are there parts you really dislike? Let us know.”
Gedling Borough Council will be visiting Carlton Square at the following times and will be located under a Council banner:
Wednesday, August 14 between 12:00pm -14:00pm
Thursday, August 15, between 10:00am -12:00pm
Monday, August 19, between 14:00pm-16:00pm
The team will also be at the Carlton Fun Day at 13:00-16.00 on Wednesday, August 21.
You can see the proposed changes in more detail by reading the council’s Before and After Document, which shows you impressions of various views of Carlton Square so you can see the sort of changes that may be made.
These are the latest planned roadworks taking place across Gedling borough over the next few weeks.
This list contains only the roadworks considered to be most likely to cause delays on key routes as well as those involving road closures and temporary traffic lights.
The list is not exhaustive and does not feature some minor or emergency repairs that come up after publication.
Other roadworks may finish or start before schedule or be cancelled altogether.
All information is from Highways England, local authorities and utility companies.
BURTON JOYCE
A612 Church Road
August 20 — 22
Delays possible due to some carriageway incursion
CARLTON
Greenhill Rise
August 19 — 20 August
Delays likely due to road closure
B686 Burton Road
August 13— 15
Delays possible due to some carriageway incursion from the
junction with Orlando Drive to opposite to the junction of Freemans Terrace
A number of volunteers will not be going anywhere on October 5 – despite undertaking a 12-hour cycling marathon.
The Gedling Inn is organising a static cycle challenge to raise funds for a local charity on October 5 and is calling on people to take part.
Every mile on the clock raises more funds for the Harley Jae Trust, who support children’s intensive care wards at the QMC.
The Gedling Inn’s landlady Beccy Webster said: “People taking part in the challenge can do from as little as one mile or as many as they can
PICTURED: The Gedling Inn
“We will have multiple static bikes on the day and the aim is to do a relay to keep them all moving until 9pm and see how many miles in total we can cover in that time.”
“With every mile we cover on our bikes we raise more money, so let’s try and ride to Paris, Rome or even New York in 12 hours!”
The event will have a 90s theme, so a themed disco will also be taking place on the day along with raffle and kids’ entertainment.
Volunteers will need to raise a minimum of £50 to take part.
If you want to sign up for the challenge email jenny@theharleyjaetrust.org or call 07495184545. You can also contact Beccy at The Gedling Inn on 0115 9878686
