Free school bus passes for children in Nottinghamshire will continue for the time being.
A decision was made in 2016 to take away free bus travel for some children travelling to school.
The change was expected to come into effect from September this year.
PICTURED: County Hall
But now, the move has been delayed.
By law, Nottinghamshire County Council has to provide bus travel for some children who live a certain distance from schools. But currently it provides bus travel for more than it has to.
Children aged eight and over are entitled to free transport to and from school if they live more than three miles away, while children under eight get free travel if they live two miles away.
However the council also provides help to the parents of 5,000 children who are not legally entitled to it. This costs the council around £4.5 million every year.
This will now continue until a review of bus transport throughout the county is published in the coming months.
The decision to take away some free bus travel was taken in 2016 when Labour ran the council, in an attempt to save money and bring the council in line with neighbouring authorities.
But the move has been paused by the council, which is now led by the Conservatives.
Councillor Philip Owen represents the ward for the Conservatives, and said: “The last Labour administration decided that it wanted to end all non-statutory school transport.
“If a child lives a certain distance from a school then they are entitled to statutory support.
“But we as an authority over many years have gone beyond that, particularly in respect of the faith schools.
“Those schools tend to be much further away, and the parents and children have been offered a bus pass.
“That is what the Labour group decided they wanted to end in 2016.
“When we took control last year we decided that we wanted to put a pause on that and review the consequences.”
A final decision is expected after a wider review of bus travel in the county is published in the coming months.
Gedling Eye now has a Whatsapp group so you can keep up to date with the latest news from across the borough. We will send you one message a day with our main headlines, as well as the big breaking news alerts. To sign up text NEWS to 07958532672. Make sure you add the number to your contacts as ‘Gedling Eye’. We won’t share your phone number or use it anywhere else.
It looks like being a fortnight to remember for filmgoers in Gedling borough with two open air screenings under the stars taking place in Mapperley and Bestwood Village.
Sunset Cinema Club has two events planned over the next two weeks, with pop-up cinemas appearing at Haywood Road in Mapperley and at the Winding Engine House in Bestwood Village over the next fortnight.
PICTURED: A previous Sunset Cinema Club event in Mapperley
Back by popular demand – following screenings earlier in the summer – the open air cinemas will be screening Bridesmaids and Harry Potter (and the Philosphers Stone) next weekend in Mapperley, and then end their season with ‘a last dance’ with Dirty Dancing at Bestwood Village on Saturday, September 15.
More than 500 people are expected to head outdoors as the sun sets to see their favourite film over the period, under the stars and in front of a giant 8m screen.[irp]
Louise Darby, founder of Sunset Cinema Club, who are based in Sherwood, said: “We hope to see new and old faces in the crowd as we gather at Sunset to end our summer season in two fabulous local spots.
“We have been grateful for the support of Gedling Borough Council, the Friends of Bestwood Country Park, BRAG and Haywood Road Community Centre to name but a few in helping to put together some truly GREAT events”.
Film goers are invited to bring a picnic to settle in, and can expect licensed pop-up bars run by community groups at both sites too (with profits helping to maintain the spaces), and with pizza available too.
Tickets, which must be bought in advance, cost £8–£11.50 and are still available here: www.sunsetcinemaclub.co.uk
Gedling Eye now has a Whatsapp group so you can keep up to date with the latest news from across the borough. We will send you one message a day with our main headlines, as well as the big breaking news alerts. To sign up text NEWS to 07958532672. Make sure you add the number to your contacts as ‘Gedling Eye’. We won’t share your phone number or use it anywhere else.
The deputy leader of Gedling Borough Council has said slammed plans to spend £270,000 on preparing a case for creating a ‘super council’ in Nottinghamshire – calling it a ‘shocking waste of taxpayers’ money’
Cllr Michael Payne told Gedling Eye it was ‘utterly unacceptable’ that Nottinghamshire County Council are proposing to spend up to £270,000 on external support for the preparation of the case for their idea of a ‘super council’ for Nottinghamshire.
The proposals being put forward by Nottinghamshire County Council would see a unitary council being created that would result in all small local authorities being abolished.
PICTURED: Cllr Michael Payne (Photo: Facebook)
He said: “This is a shocking waste of precious taxpayers’ money at a time when Nottinghamshire County Council is cutting frontline services left, right and centre.
“In our own local area Cllr. Kay Cutts and her team at County Hall plan to press ahead with the closure of our vital local care home – Leivers Court. It’s also been over a year now from the devastating fire at the Rolleston Drive site owned by the County Council; there have been warm words but little to no action by the county council to make good use of the site.
“Today’s news of the proposal to spend over a quarter of a million pounds on this costly vanity project to create a super council for Nottinghamshire is shocking and utterly unacceptable – it must be halted immediately.
“It’s time the Leader of the County Council focussed on the day job rather than wasting taxpayers’ money on an ill-thought-through power grab by redrawing boundaries for local government in Nottinghamshire.”
Nottinghamshire County Council yesterday revealed it intends to spend more than a quarter of a million pounds drawing up the plan, known as a business case, for the ‘super council’
It estimates that the costs of creating the business case include £50,000 on ‘independent financial validation’, £190,000 on consultation, and between £10,000 and £20,000 on legal advice.
On the timetable released, it says councillors will be given an update in November before a full report is presented in December.
If approved, there would be a formal public consultation between January and March. A final case would then be voted on in May.
PICTURED: Cllr Kay Cutts
Leader of Nottinghamshire County Council, Cllr Kay Cutts said there was a pressing case for change in the way local government is organised in Nottinghamshire.
She said: “We are faced with significant financial challenges and the need to live within our means, so it is only right that we do our bit to eliminate waste, bureaucracy and inefficiency in the provision of local government services.
Gedling Eye approached Nottinghamshire County Council about the proposed spend.
A spokesman for Nottinghamshire County Council said: “The total cost to prepare the case for change document is expected to be £270,000 of which £190,000 would be spent on community consultation and engagement.
“The total project costs represent just 0.05% of the County Council’s overall £495.9m total budget and are a fraction of the estimated savings local government reorganisation could deliver. ”
Cllr Cutts responded to our request for a response about the closure of Leivers Court.
She said: “Earlier this year we signed off plans to double the number of ‘housing with care’ units to 500 over the next three years in Nottinghamshire, which will provide an alternative to residential care for older people and will increase to 1,000 homes by 2025.
“The plans to close the Council’s remaining Care and Support Centres were agreed in February 2015 under the previous Labour administration.”
Cllr Payne is now calling on local people who are against the plans for a ‘super council’ to sign a petition calling on Nottinghamshire County Council to keep their ‘Hands off Gedling’
He said: “If you haven’t yet signed our petition to tell Cllr Cutts ‘Hands Off Gedling’, then today she’s given you 270,000 more reasons to do so.
“Join our efforts to stop this bonkers plan in its tracks before more of your money is wasted.”
Gedling Eye now has a Whatsapp group so you can keep up to date with the latest news from across the borough. We will send you one message a day with our main headlines, as well as the big breaking news alerts. To sign up text NEWS to 07958532672. Make sure you add the number to your contacts as ‘Gedling Eye’. We won’t share your phone number or use it anywhere else.
Three local parks and green spaces are in the running to be named among the nation’s top ten favourites, if they can secure the public’s support in an online vote.
Gedling Country Park, Arnot Hill Park in Arnold and Woodthorpe Grange Park were all handed a prestigious Green Flag Award in July.
PICTURED: Gedling Country Park (Photo: Gedling Eye)
Now, the award scheme is urging the nation to have its say and decide which parks and green spaces should receive the People’s Choice Award for being the UK’s favourites.
If you think your one of your local favourites deserves to be in the top 10 People’s Choice then cast your vote.
All you have to do is go to www.greenflagaward.org find your park on the winners map and click the voting button.[irp]
Once you’ve registered your vote, why not encourage others to get involved too through social media using the hashtag #PeoplesChoice
Voting is now open and closes on September 30, with the top 10 sites being announced on October 16.
Councillor Peter Barnes, Portfolio Holder for Environment said he was proud that two of the three parks were managed by Gedling Borough Council.
He said: “We are proud to have not one, but two, Green Flag Award winning parks in our borough. Both parks are incredibly popular places that everyone can enjoy, a fact that the public can cement by voting for them as the People’s Choice 2018”
Paul Todd, Green Flag Award manager said: This year 1883 parks and green spaces met the tough standards demanded by our Green Flag Award Judges but we want to know which parks the UK public love the most.
“The People’s Choice award is a chance to show how much your favourite park means to you. If it’s worth shouting about, make your voice heard and vote now.”
Work to refurbish a primary school in Carlton has now been completed – in time for the start of the new term.
Haddon Primary and Nursery School specialises in the education of pupils aged between three and 11, and is part of the Flying High Trust – a multi-academy trust (MAT) comprising 22 primary schools located across the East Midlands.
PICTURED: Inside one of the classrooms at Haddon Primary and Nursery School
Since its creation in 1976, the school had been confined to one level, with classrooms separated by curtains.
The project, which commenced in July 2017, also entailed the construction of a new assembly/sports hall, a library, and a sensory room.
Works at the school on Haddon Close were phased to minimise disruption to pupils, staff and visitors, with the refurbishment of the year six classroom and corridor undertaken during the 2017 summer holidays.
The project, which reached completion in early September, has been commended by staff, children and pupils alike, with eight-year-old Emaan Khan commenting: “I think it’s really good, it’s much bigger and better! I really like my classroom and I think I will learn better because the building is quieter with the new doors and windows. I think the teachers are happy, too!”
Headteacher Nina Capek added: “We are already seeing that the improved environment is having a positive effect on everyone, particularly with regards to teaching and learning.
“The new classrooms have vastly improved our previous problems of sound travelling through the building, now we have wonderfully quiet and calm corridors and each classroom is carefully designed to optimise its use for the children.
“Lessons can now be far more exciting as we no longer need to worry about lack of space or disturbing the other classes. We are all very excited about the future at Haddon and both the staff and pupils will thrive in the new building and learning spaces. Now we can really start to dream big and aim high!”
Pete Woods, construction director at J Tomlinson, who were responsible for carrying out work on the school, said: “It has been a pleasure to work with Haddon Primary School and to oversee the school’s considerable transformation over the past twelve months. We are particularly heartened to see what the refurbishment works means to pupils and staff; it’s great to hear how the learning environment has flourished across the school.
He added: “We look forward to continuing our relationship with the Flying High Trust.”
Carlton Town lost a third match in succession as they went down 2-1 at home to Brighouse Town.
To add injury to insult, striker Tyler Blake, making his first start this season after re-signing in the week, left the field on a stretcher with what looked to be a serious injury.
Chairman Mick Garton will also be concerned at the low attendance. Just 67 were present for a Saturday match, the lowest for some years.
Following defeats against Wisbech and Worksop, manager Wayne Scott made three changes, bringing back Daniel Fletcher and Ben Hutchinson in addition to Blake, with Khyle Sargent, Jordan Pick and Luke Smithson making way. With new signing Joshua Kwadu on the bench, there was no place in the 16 for Kyle Stovell.
Brighouse started the better in this first ever meeting between the clubs and Jack Steggles made an excellent save as early as the seventh minute, tipping away a close range Thomas Robinson header after a good run a cross by Thomas Haigh.
The visitors continued to push forward and it was no surprise when they opened the scoring somewhat fortuitously on 23 minutes.
Iwan Heely sent in a cross from the left which Kieran Walker met ahead of Mohammed Ibrahim, only to head the ball past Steggles and into his own net.
The Carlton captain took just five minutes to make amends with an instrumental part in the Millers’ equaliser. His long throw was met by a powerful Ben Hutchinson header. Goalkeeper Jordan Porter had come off his line and called for the ball but was nowhere near it and could only look on helplessly as Hutchinson’s header flew over him and into the unguarded net.
Three minutes later another Hutchinson header from a Walker throw drew a fingertip save from Porter, who this time stayed on his line.
Early in the second half Edward Clarke did well to block an Ibrahim effort before Scott brought on Smithson to bolster the midfield.
The change almost had an immediate effect as Smithson turned beautifully and crossed for Hutchinson whose miscued effort eventually went out for a corner.
Heeley then fired a golden chance over the bar for Brighouse after a good run and cross by Jack Normanton.
There was controversy when the visitors bagged the winning goal on 82 minutes.
A ball into the area looked to have been deal with as Carlton moved the ball into the left back position. However, the Millers took far too long to clear it and when the ball was eventually struck, the clearance was blocked and sent straight back into the Carlton penalty area.
Normanton fired at goal, Steggles made a superb save tipping the ball onto the post. The rebound fell to Johnson whose header drew another magnificent Steggles save. The ball was cleared away with Brighouse claiming it had gone over the line.
The referee and players looked to the linesman, who made no signal and looked to indicate “no goal”. The game played on with Carlton on the counter attack through Smithson who beat one defender but his shot ricocheted off a second and was gathered by Porter.
Only then, a minute later, did the players realise that the referee had gone to speak to the linesman at the behest of the Brighouse players and he must have indicated that, despite his lack of a flag, the ball had indeed crossed the line because the referee then signalled a goal.
Three minutes later matters got worse for Carlton as Blake went down in a challenge with James Hurtley and after lengthy treatment on the pitch he was stretchered off.
Having used up their three substitutes Carlton played out the final five minutes with 10 men and were unable to fashion a second equaliser.
A hat-trick from Tim Hopkinson put Gedling Miners Welfare to the sword as Ilkeston Town ran out comfortable winners in the First Qualifying Round of the FA Vase in front of a bumper crowd at Plains Road.
The Robins travelled to Mapperley topping the Midland Football League Premier division and, in what was their first venture into the FA Vase, there was early evidence they were in no mood for an upset as they began on the front foot looking toward their tricky attacking threat early on to cause problems.
Jamie Walker registered their first shot on Gedling’s goal but his snapshot, after good work previously, flew over the crossbar. As expected, Ilkeston started the dominant of the two teams and their flowing football was commendable. They had the best chance to open the scoring on 8 minutes but, after the visitors counter attacked quickly, neither Alex Marshall, Lavell White nor Kyle Dixon could capitalise on a defensive error. The latter missing the target when it was arguably easier to score.
They continued to press, however, and it was no surprise when, 2 minutes after squandering their best chance to lead, they went ahead. Following a Billy Bennett throw-in down the left, Marshall’s cleverly flicked header around the corner found Tim Hopkinson and the striker was left all alone on the penalty spot to pass over Danny Brown for the game’s opener. 3 minutes later and Walker, once again showing trickery on the edge of the area, tested Brown but the ‘keeper matched his effort superbly down to his right.
Despite the start, Gedling showed no intent in lying down for their higher ranked opponents and started to display a more composed approach when in possession. The midfield trio of Liam Corrigan, Sam Mellor and Jimmy Spiers slowly ascended into the game and their link up play with Mason Coy and Dwayne Brown down respective flanks was looking promising.
Ilkeston, though, remained resilient defensively and always looked a threat going forward. Bennett, this time, taking matters into his own hands on 18 minutes but his shot, through a congested penalty area, was once again matched by Brown who portrayed a busy figure in the home goal in the early exchanges.
The pressure was continuous and Gedling found it difficult to venture out of their half for much of the first period and on 25 minutes, following a flurry of corners in succession, Ilkeston doubled their lead.
After a quick corner caught Miners unawares, Dixon found time and space to delightfully his cross to the unmarked Hopkinson who duly dispatched his header past Brown for his second of the game. The ex-Nottingham Forest centre forward really showing his worth throughout and he may have had his hat trick shortly before the half an hour mark but his thunderous effort crashed off the crossbar before the ball was cleared.
Despite showing early signs of potential, Gedling couldn’t find any rhythm, though they did have their fair share of possession throughout the first half but failed to really test Liam Mitchell in the Town goal.
Dixon may have extended Ilkeston’s leader 10 minutes before the half but, in a carbon copy of the opening goal, his effort could only clip the outside of the post. 3 minutes later and following a fine deep cross from Thomas Marshall, namesake Alex’s header down into the ground bounced over Brown and the crossbar.
The home side continued to push forward and, irrespective of the scoreline, were impressive in the final stages of the half. They registered their first real opportunity shortly before the break but, after Baz Payne was felled, Ross McCaughey’s dangerous free kick wasn’t met at the far post and the ball was cleared.
2 minutes later and they may have reduced the arrears headed into the interval but, after turning well to avoid any attention, Dwayne Brown’s delightfully curled effort from 25-yards skimmed the post with Mitchell beaten as referee Wayne Cooper concluded the half.
Gedling came out the better of the two sides as it seemed the break was beneficial. Corrigan set about rectifying the deficit early in the second period but his volley from the edge of the area flew over.
The home side continued to frustrate Ilkeston and the introduction of Bijan Pakrouz, replacing the injured Coy, was a positive one. His direct and pacey approach down the right started gave Ryan Whitehurst more to think about. In their first foray forward on 59 minutes, Hopkinson found himself in behind looking to put the game out of Gedling’s reach, but the committed efforts of Steven Brett and Charlie Roberts thwarted any chance.
The game mellowed and it appeared Ilkeston had weathered any threat Gedling had posed and on 69 minutes they sealed the victory and comfortably confirmed their passage into the next qualifying round.
After a long arrowed pass from Whitehurst excellently found Alex Marshall, the striker controlled and composed himself before volleying past Brown into the bottom corner to book a date with Graham Street Prims.
Not looking to consolidate, Ilkeston continued to pour forward and the introduction of Malachi Lavelle-Moore was an appreciated one as the experienced forward, 5 minutes after entering the fray, played a key part in adding a fourth for his side.
After he collected the ball in space, his through ball, aimed for Hopkinson, was met first by Brown but after the ball came loose, Hopkinson, from an extremely tight angle, found the far corner that sealed his hat trick as he celebrated with the travelling fans behind the goal.
Respectfully, Gedling continued to press looking for a consolation and, despite the score, were extremely eager when venturing forward and should have been rewarded with their efforts. 10 minutes from time and after a fine McCaughey cross, Spiers couldn’t keep his effort down and Mitchell watched the ball curl wide of the post.
5 minutes later, and after some hesitant defending by Chris Shaw, Pakrouz found himself one-on-one with Mitchell but the former Notts County ‘keeper saved well with his body from a tight angle. At the other end, Hopkinson may have notched another next to his name on the scoresheet but, after good build up play between himself and Lavelle-Moore, Brown emulated Mitchell’s exploits and excellently saved with an outstretched hand. With the last attack of the game, the lively White failed to keep any real composure and, after being played in by Whitehurst, he blazed his effort over the bar.
As Gedling bow out of the competition for this season, they can take plenty of positives from this performance against a higher ranked, and very well respected, outfit in Ilkeston. They were admirable in possession and certainly tested a team who will be favourites to clinch the MFA Premier title this season. They look to take this form into league action next Saturday (8th September) when Ashby Ivanhoe are the visitors to Plains Road in the East Midlands Counties League, kick off 3pm.
One lucky person playing a charity lottery run by a hospice in Mapperley this week is guaranteed to scoop £10k as the rollover reaches its maximum limit.
One lucky Your Hospice Lottery player will receive a boost to their bank account, as the rollover jackpot reaches the maximum of £10,000 this Friday (7).
The jackpot cannot rollover again, so a winner is guaranteed.
Michelle Macrae, who scooped the maximum jackpot on 1st December last year, said: “I would say to anyone who gets to know about the lottery, just go for it and sign up. It’s just a small amount to give and makes such a massive difference. You’ve got to be in it to win it!”
Anita Harris, head of fundraising at Nottinghamshire Hospice, said: “We are very excited to be giving away £10,000 and making one lucky player very happy!
“Don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity to win our rollover jackpot and raise vital funds for Nottinghamshire Hospice, there is not a better time to join!
Your Hospice Lottery enables players to select which individual hospice they wish to support with their membership.
By working in collaboration with the other hospices, the lottery’s overheads and costs are kept to a minimum so more funds raised can be used to directly benefit patients and their families.
To be in with a chance of winning the £10,000 jackpot on September 7 or one of the other 136 weekly guaranteed cash prizes ranging from £10 to £1,000, pay online by debit or credit card at www.yourhospicelottery.org.uk by 12pm on Thursday, September 6 or telephone the lottery office on 0800 285 1390 (minimum payment £10 for 10 weeks play).
Lottery players must be 16 or over. Each number played costs £1 per week.
To be entered into this very special £10,000 guaranteed draw you must pay online or over the phone by card payment (not DD) by 12pm on Thursday 6th September.
As from Monday, September 3 trains will again be running between Nottingham and Derby; the Birmingham/Cardiff services will also be back on their normal route. Trains from Carlton will run through to Derby, but Derby to Matlock will be replaced by buses until October 7. From Monday, October 8 all train services will be back to normal.
Carlton and Netherfield stations update
Carlton – Passenger numbers are holding up despite the temporary loss of through services to Derby and Matlock. For example, over the five days, (August 13-17) 106 joined the 08.08 train to Nottingham. The same week in 2017 was recorded as 108. For the 09.05 Nottingham it was 60 compared to 61 in 2017.
Off-peak numbers seem to be steadily increasing and I would now estimate the average on 22 of the off-peak services is 5. At least 18 got off the 15.55 to Newark on Wed, August 18. which is off-peak.
I did another survey of all nine trains between 06.01 and 09.05 on Thursday, July 12 and there were 112 passengers (101 on and 11 off). Wednesday 9th May it was 99 and Thurs. 11th May 2017 it was 91. From, current figures say 100 in the morning and the same in the evening and 110 off-peak, rounded down to 300 per day plus say 100 on Saturday and Sunday combined, makes 1,600 per week and over 51 weeks is 81,600. Thanks to all who provide me with numbers on trains which you travel on. A full survey of services from 06.01 to 23.19 weekdays, if it could be done, would be interesting.
Car park – There has been quite a delay in getting the resurfacing work done. However, work should take place in the near future and advance notice of the date will be given, as the car park will be closed on the day the work takes place.
Netherfield – On Thursday, July 12 there were 18 passengers on and off the three morning trains. On May 9 it was 28. Back in May 11, 2017 30 had used this service. Tuesday, July 31 saw 14 adults and 14 children join the 08.51 to Skegness.
The Summer Sunday services run for the last time on September 9, which means the 12.18 to Nottingham does not run after this date. All other Sunday services are unaffected. The Sunday Lincoln to Cleethorpes trains also, cease after September 9.
New East Midlands Franchise
Further information has been given to me by the Rail Policy officer in Lincoln regarding the ‘invitation to tender’ issued by the Department for Transport. Basically from 2021 the Lincoln to Leicester service will terminate at Nottingham, although it could link with another service. From this date it is specified that 13 services are required to run Nottingham, Lincoln to Grimsby.
There is aspiration also to run a Lincoln to Birmingham service in the future, as outlined in Midlands Connect Strategy.
Recently the Northern Powerhouse announced a £67 million investment in Grimsby to build 10,000 new homes and provide 8,000 jobs.
The wrong Carlton
On Saturday, July 7 a person alighting from the 10.07 to Matlock asked me where he could buy sunglasses. I asked him if he was going to Carlton or Netherfield? He showed me the address he was heading to on his ‘phone, and it was a conference centre at Carlton…in BEDFORD! “Oh dear, you are in the wrong county,” I told him. “What ticket do you have?” It was Sheffield to Carlton, and what is more, he had missed the stop and had to get off at Lowdham, hence the reason for getting off a train from Newark. All I could suggest was that he got a bus to Nottingham and to ask the bus driver for Manvers Street. There was a possibility he might catch the 11.12 Nottingham to Bedford, as the next train from Carlton would not connect with this service. We are the only Carlton in the UK lucky enough to have a station.
An American visitor got off the 08.33 at Netherfield and said she had missed her stop at Radcliffe. “I think I must have pressed the ‘close door’ button,” she said. Fortunately there is the 08.51 back to Radcliffe, so it could have been worse. She had traveled from Stratford (London) and said she thought British trains were good.
The story of the Class 153 trains transferred from the Great Western to EMT
All four class 153 trains were sorry to be leaving their chums behind, but looking forward to exploring a new area in the East Midlands. However, when they arrived at Derby and saw all the other trains in their bright livery, well – they were green with envy and told the Depot Manager they wanted to be in the same bright colours. But the passengers won’t mind what colour you are in, all they want is a comfortable train to travel in, the manager told them. This did not satisfy them, and they dug in their (w)heels. So the manager relented and said they could have a new coat of paint. Towards the end of July they started making themselves useful, helping out their hard working East Midlands mates, and this also made the passengers very happy. Their identities 153 318/368/372/382. They retain their dark blue upholstery.
Housing developments locally
Development at Teal Close, Netherfield (described as a “mini city”) has commenced, the first phase being 199 homes. A major development at Chase Farm, Gedling is underway. Also within 1 mile of Carlton and mile of Netherfield stations, plans have been submitted to convert the former police station into 42 apartments with a new block of 24. Former Carlton Urban District Council offices are also being developed. New Medical Centre on Ashwell Street would release land on Forester St. Netherfield. All have potential to provide more customers at our local stations.
News in brief
EMT is the first to trial personalised messages through Facebook Messenger, which will let you know of any disruption to your journey. You can opt in to receive the messages through a “keep me updated” button on the EMT website. These are tailored to each person’s journey and cover any delays greater than 10% of the total travel time. This is due to be extended to other rail websites in the Autumn
Announced in early July, a multi-million pound investment in the rail network as part of a 20- year strategy to create a new Midlands Rail Hub. The plan is for the number of trains from Nottingham to Birmingham and Lincoln to double, with four an hour to Birmingham and two to Lincoln and a saving in journey times of 20 minutes to Birmingham and 8 mins to Lincoln
A major refurbishment has been completed at Worksop station with new ticket machines and repainting of the footbridge and canopies
Refurbishment of class 158 and 156 EMT stock is taking place and this will include a new toilet to meet the 2020 deadline when trains will have to be suitable for Persons of Restricted Mobility to access the toilet. The first 156 to be completed is 156 410 and it looks very smart
Contactless bank cards or smart-phone payments will be accepted on Nottingham’s trams and buses in 2019! The report said it will cover all public transport in the Robin Hood network. I don’t know if this means trains, but certainly changes are afoot.
