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People in Gedling to have say on ‘super council’ plan for Notts

David Bratton
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People in Gedling to have say on ‘super council’ plan for Notts

People in Gedling borough are being given the chance to have their say on plans to create a ‘super council’ across Nottinghamshire.

An informal consultation was launched today (3) by Nottinghamshire County Council, who wants residents, businesses and councils to share their views on future plans for the local government in Nottinghamshire.

The council have said that this isn’t a formal consultation, but they are now seeking the views of local people “as they will help to shape any potential future plans for restructuring in the future.”

Councillors will consider responses to this first phase of public engagement alongside a raft of other evidence at the the Full Council meeting on December 13, when they will decide whether or not to pursue plans for a unitary council — which the Council would then formally consult the public on next year.

Councillor Kay Cutts, Leader of Nottinghamshire County Council, said: “Local government in Nottinghamshire is at a crossroads.

Cllr Kay Cutts: “Local government in Nottinghamshire is at a crossroads. “

“Due to significant reductions in the funding we receive to provide services and continually increasing demand for our social care services, we are facing the prospect of huge cuts to frontline services and increasing council tax, year-on-year, unless there is a fundamental change in the way we operate.[irp]


“Since 2010 – under different political leaderships – the Council has saved over £270m in running costs, yet we still face a budget gap of £54m. We have exhausted all the options available to make the cost reductions we need without significantly impacting local people and reorganisation of local government in the county appears to be the only alternative.

IMAGE: Map shows how Notts is currently governed (PICTURE: NCC)

She added: “Local government services impact every one of us, every day of our lives, so this is a very important debate. I would urge everyone to read the Future Nottinghamshire document and let us know their views.”

The public engagement work is being carried out by independent social research company, ORS.

The first phase of the public engagement work taking place this month will include:

  • An online survey at www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/futurenotts
  • Focus groups with members of the public from across the county
  • Meetings with district councils, parish councils, businesses and the voluntary sector

Further details, including the Future Nottinghamshire public engagement document which contains comprehensive background information, are available from all 60 Nottinghamshire libraries or online at www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/futurenotts

The survey closes on Wednesday, October 31.

D-Day veteran Ray hailed a hero on his return to Normandy

Emily Sanchez
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D-Day veteran Ray hailed a hero on his return to Normandy

D-DAY veteran Ray Mellors was given a hero’s welcome while paying an emotional return visit to the beaches of Normandy for the first time in 74 years.

Ray, 93, who is a patient at Nottinghamshire Hospice in Mapperley, had not been back to France since he fought in the allied invasion of Western Europe back in 1944.

He took part in a week long remembrance tour organised by the travel arm of the Royal British Legion, during which he placed a wreath at the spot where he lost a close comrade.

His trip took in the five Normandy beaches of Sword, Juno, Gold, Utah and Omaha, Bayeux Cathedral and War Cemetery as well as Grimbosq Bridge, where he was invited to place the wreath.

Ray, with others from the South Staffordshire Regiment, landed on Sword beach in 1944 shortly after D-Day and was heavily involved in the liberation of Caen before moving further into France and on to Belgium. He later joined Blackwatch regiment and took part in the Rhine crossing.

PICTURED: Ray Mellors pays tribute to the fallen during his visit to Normandy where he was involved in the D-Day landings

Ray said: “Looking at the beaches when the tide was out you realise how much beach we had to cross before we got onto the sand banks. It’s no wonder so many people were killed. I had tears in my eyes, especially when I placed the wreath. It really tugged at the heart strings.”

French villagers came out to meet the veterans and many wanted to thank Ray personally for his part in the liberation of France.

“People of all ages came up to me, grabbed me by the hand and said ‘Thank you!’ including one young woman whose mother was an Auschwitz survivor,” he said.

“Even though I said when I got home after the war I’m never going to cross that channel ever again, I wouldn’t have missed it for the world.”

Ray’s daughters Sharon and Carol responded to a call for surviving World War II veterans to join tours provided free by the Royal British Legion after staff at Nottinghamshire Hospice spotted the opportunity.


Carol said: “Dad has had a brilliant time and he’s been on a high ever since. We thought he might be tired but he is still buzzing from the trip.”

She praised Ray’s carer, Jim Kenyon, a former paratrooper sourced by the Royal British Legion to accompany Ray on the tour.

“Dad hadn’t met Jim before he set off, but he was perfect and he kept in touch with us, sending us photos so we could follow Dad’s progress.”

Jim has promised to keep in touch and has offered to come to the hospice to talk to patients.

Jim said: “It was an absolute pleasure to accompany Ray and share his experiences. To listen to Ray and the other veterans is something money can’t buy.”

Liz Morgan, Clinical Nurse Specialist at Nottinghamshire Hospice, said it was important for patients to take opportunities like this while they can.

She said: “Ray really benefitted from his trip and was overwhelmed by the welcome he received, he hadn’t realised people were so grateful.  We are enjoying looking at his photos and hearing all about it.”

Over 1,000 cannabis plants found inside house in Gedling

Gedling Eye Reporter
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Over 1,000 cannabis plants found inside house in Gedling

Police have uncovered over 1,000 cannabis plants with an estimated street value of up to £1.1 million inside a house in Gedling.

An officer was called to an address in St Michael’s Avenue at around 1pm yesterday (2) following reports of suspicious activity.

He found the kitchen door wide open at the property and also two Asian men inside, who offered few details before making off on foot.

PICTURED: Plants found inside the property in St Michael’s Avenue in Gedling (PICS: Notts Police)

Following a search of the house, over 1,100 cannabis plants covering three bedrooms were found.



Police say that had the plants been given the opportunity to reach maturity, they would have had an estimated street value of up to £1.1 million.

The Drug Support Team attended and dismantled the cannabis plants and inquiries are on-going.

The two Asian men who fled the property are believed to be in their twenties.

If you have any information, or can help with the investigation, contact police on 101, quoting incident number 376 of 2 October 2018.

RACHAEL FOSTER: Hallowe’en can be a right horror show in my house

Gedling Eye Reporter
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RACHAEL FOSTER: Hallowe’en can be a right horror show in my house

Well, the summer has now passed and being a single mum of five made if felt like 6 years – not 6 weeks!

I considered purchasing a wig at one point during the holidays due to the amount of stress which left me regularly pulling my hair out — decent wigs are surprisingly cheap on eBay as it goes!

Finally, the miracle of September arrived and I could see the light at the end of the tunnel. How siblings can argue and wind each other up deliberately is beyond me; I’m sure its a form of sadistic personal entertainment. The thing is, it’s always me that ends up having to deal with!

The new term brought joy to me and a cloud of doom to my older children: days of lessons, routine and the dreaded homework. As a full-time single mother nothing pleases me more than them returning to their educational institutions. It may seem like a daily prison to them, but it’s a form of relief for myself!

However, now comes the lead up to Hallowe’en, Bonfire night and Christmas. All of these involve purchasing items and entertaining children in a way they will only appreciate monetarily, making a huge dent in a parents pocket. I feel obliged to involve my kids in all these celebrations so they ‘don’t feel left out’ (Christmas is a must obviously, even though we are not religious? Hmmm).

Hallowe’en  — or All Hallows Eve as it’s also known — is an imported ritualistic festival that is believed to be the one night where ghosts, ghouls and spirits can be seen by all mortal beings, therefore we feel obliged to buy a considerable amount of cheap black and orange plastic tat to celebrate, just to keep our children amused for one evening.

Halloween_stock

The idea of dressing up as a masked murderer brandishing plastic swords or devil with a pointed killing stick is acceptable once a year, to, er, get sweets and chocolate from your neighbours — does anyone else think this is odd apart from me? Oh well.. its a few weeks away and the shops will relish the financial rewards from Hallowe’en in which many of us will take part in..  and that’s just because we do.. for our kids.



I try and limit new purchases and have a box in the loft containing many a Hallowe’en decoration and sweet bowl accumulated over the 13 years I have been popping children into the world. Unfortunately, my children grow so new costumes have to be brought every couple of years.

Part of me resents the amount of effort one has to go to for only one evening of a few hours of activity. Pumpkin carving alone with five kids can take up so much time, time I would be rather be doing watching Coronation Street on catch-up. The mess these huge round orange fruits make once cut and attacked by several children is indescribable… but its a ‘fun activity’ and a necessity. Annoyingly  it always falls to me to spend hours scooping out the crazy amount of flesh and seeds these wonderful objects hide within themselves. The kids start attacking the inner contents with joy but after 3 scoops soon get bored and that’s when I am summoned to finish the job — sigh. Then comes the inevitable ‘face carving’. As quite a creative person I cannot help but to subtly infringe my ideas on my kids ‘designs’, constructive pumpkin design criticism from ‘Mum’ I have learnt over the years is really not altogether appreciated. As a borderline perfectionist I cannot cope looking at wonky cut eyebrows, or uneven jagged teeth, so the prep for this inherited ‘one night of fun can be quite hard for me on a personal level.

And then comes Bonfire night only a few days later. As a youngster I always thought It was spelt ‘bombfire’, relating to the meaning of explosion, in the sense that Mr Faulks was going to blow up the Houses of Parliament. Years later I’ve come to discover that its actual meaning is from the old English word for bone and fire. The term originally denoted a large open fire in which bones were burnt, sometimes as part of a celebration.

This celebration is more pleasing to me as I can purchase a few inadequate over-priced rays of spouting colour, along with sparkly sticks that can be appreciated in my own back garden (minimal preparation and planning). I have to remain hopeful I don’t set fire to my fence while staring at the wonders of a ‘Catherine wheel’ — God bless Catherine.

Rachael Foster is a single mum to five children and lives in Netherfield. You can read her popular blog about parenting at  www.yummymummy-5.co.uk

MATCH REPORT: Lincoln Utd 1-1 Carlton Town

Alan Murphy
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Jack Steggles made a series of outstanding saves as Carlton Town drew 1-1 at Lincoln Utd.

Steggles made three excellent saves in particular in the first half as Lincoln looked much improved on the side that went down to the Millers in the league cup just ten days earlier.

The Whites, featuring ex-Miller Rob Norris in their starting line-up, began well and should have taken the lead on 11 minutes.  Tom Garrick saw a volley from a corner hit the post and his follow-up shot drew a stunning save from Steggles at point blank range.  The loose ball fell to Matt Cotton who looked certain to score but he blazed high over the bar.

Kallum Smith then fired low into the corner from the edge of the box only for another flying save from Steggles to deny him.

Carlton’s first good move of the game involved Oliver Clark, Hutchinson and Luke Smithson with the latter seeing his shot deflected wide.

Oliver Robinson then combined with Smithson before firing over the bar from a tight angle.

Back came Lincoln and when Norris beat Davie and crossed to Cotton the striker looked certain to score, only for Steggles to make his best save of the game and somehow keep the ball out.

At the other end Carlton did look capable of scoring, and Kieran Walker went close with a header from a Hutchinson cross.

Still, Lincoln had the majority of the play and Smith fired just wide while James Blunden put a free header over the bar.

Carlton punished Lincoln for their profligacy on 43 minutes when they opened the scoring.  Connor Bartle’s vicious angled free kick was met with a glancing Hutchinson header into the corner of the net to the delight of the travelling support.

The goal inspired Carlton and for the first 15 minutes of the second half they pushed forward trying to kill the game.  Clark met a Bartle throw-in and saw his effort deflected onto the cross bar with Lincoln desperately clearing the ball.

Smithson then fired over the top from a Walker throw-in, while Aidan Austin saw a dangerous cross cleared.

Lincoln regained their composure and enjoyed a series of corners which tested Steggles in bright sunshine, with Hutchinson having to head off the line at one point.

Carlton survived and a lovely move involving Smithson, Hutchinson and Austin saw a cross just tipped away from the on-rushing Hutchinson.

Kevin Hemagou then volleyed high over the bar before the Whites levelled on 72 minutes.  A corner wasn’t cleared and Andy Hutchinson rifled a powerful strike home from inside the area.

That led the Whites to storm the Carlton goal for the final period of the game.  All of the Carlton players battled hard, but struggled to keep possession.  Sean Wright put one effort over the bar and Steggles made another save, this time from Liam Dickens.

In the second of seven added minutes Carlton scrambled the ball off the line from a corner and Michael Jacklin headed over the bar at the far post.

The Millers kept their wits about them and saw out the extended end to the game to pick up a point definitely gained.

Watch CBeebies Christmas panto live at cinema in Arnold

Gedling Eye
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Watch CBeebies Christmas panto live at cinema in Arnold

Tiny tots will be able to enjoy this year’s CBeebies panto on the big screen for the first time at Bonington Theatre this December.

The BBC channel’s annual Christmas show is being shown at cinemas around the UK via a live stream from the Regent Theatre in Stoke-on-Trent, where the festive extravaganza is being recorded.

Arnold‘s Bonington Theatre is host to one of the screens which has been chosen to show the live production on Saturday, December 15 at 2pm.

This year, the classic tale of Thumbelina is being performed by a number of Cbeebies favorites and follows in the footsteps of previous productions which include Alice in Wonderland, A Christmas Carol and Snow Queen.




A BBC spokesman said: This CBeebies Christmas Show recreates on the big screen the live Thumbelina performance and includes an exclusive, additional show made for cinema audiences only starring the much-loved Justin Fletcher (Something Special) in “Justin’s Countdown to Christmas”.

“This holiday season, laugh and sing along with your favourite CBeebies Stars and be part of a fabulous interactive show for all the family.

You can buy tickets online now from the Bonington Theatre: http://www.boningtontheatre.co.uk/whatson/event/cbeebies-christmas-show-thumbelina.php

CCTV images released of offenders wanted after robbery at Mapperley convenience store

Emily Sanchez
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CCTV images released of offenders wanted after robbery at Mapperley convenience store

Police hunting for two offenders after a robbery at a Mapperley convenience store have released new CCTV images.

Officers were called to Bargain Booze in Westdale Lane West at around 8.10pm on Sunday, September 16 to reports that two men had threatened the shop worker and fled with cash.

Police are now hoping the public can help them trace both men.

PICTURED: Images from CCTV during a robbery Bargain Booze on Westdale Lane West (IMAGE: Notts Police)



A spokesman said: “We appreciate that you can’t see the faces of those in the photos but you might just recognise their clothing.”

Anyone with information that could help should contact police on 101 quoting incident 813 of 16 September. You can also call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Carlton Hill retailers hit charity calendar fundraising target in one night

Gedling Eye
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Carlton Hill retailers hit charity calendar fundraising target in one night

A group of kind-hearted retailers from Carlton hit their charity fundraising target in one evening following a successful event held last week.

Carlton Hill retailers have launched a charity calendar which was on sale at a launch event held at Piginns Cafe Bar on Friday evening.

The group had a long-term objective of selling enough to raise £1,000 for good causes, but the event was so successful that they managed to hit the total in one night.

As well as the launch, an auction and raffle was held on the evening to boost funds.

 

Local dignitaries attended the event including Gedling MP Vernon Coaker and local councillor Jim Creamer.

Marie Jackson, who owns the Piginns Cafe on Carlton Hill said: “I would like to sincerely thank all participating in this event for the use of their efforts, free time and hard work.”

Calendars are still on sale via retailers on Carlton Hill and the funds raised will go to Age Concerns and other local causes.

You can read more about the event at the Piginns Cafe website here

Past pupils of Carlton le Willows invited to launch event for new society

Gedling Eye
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Past pupils of Carlton le Willows invited to launch event for new society

Former students of all ages are being invited to attend a gathering at Carlton le Willows Academy for the launch of a society aimed at celebrating 60 years of education on the Gedling site.

The Salix Society aims to bring together former students of the Gedling school, from its creation as a grammar school in 1953 – to its current position as one of the best performing schools in the county.

Society chairman Steve Watts has high hopes of attracting a bumper crowd for the inaugural meeting, from 2pm – 5pm, on October 6 and is urging everyone who has been involved with the school at some point in its past to come along.

Mayor of Gedling Coun Barbara Miller has already confirmed her attendance and organisers are hopeful that Gedling MP Vernon Coaker will also find time in his busy schedule to attend the event.

Free tickets are available for all former students and staff from 1953 – 2018, with guests getting the chance of a guided tour of Carlton le Willows Academy, see memorabilia displays from across the years and also meet members of the Salix Society committee.

Current Academy students are currently taking part in a competition to design a logo for the new Salix Society, which will also be judged on the launch date.

For tickets email enquiries.clews@gmail.com

Properties in Lambley and Lowdham among 18 burgled by duo

Gedling Eye Reporter
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Properties in Lambley and Lowdham among 18 burgled by duo

Homes in Lambley and Lowdham were among those targeted by two men, who were jailed for a combined 12 years and 14 months for the offences.

The two burglars committed a string of house burglaries across Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and Leicestershire.

Ashley Simpson, 32, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to 18 counts of burglary.

Timothy Wilson, 34, formerly of Woodfield Road, Nottingham, pleaded guilty to 10 counts of burglary, two counts of attempted burglary and two counts of theft.

Simpson was locked up for seven years and Wilson for five years and four months when they appeared at Nottingham Crown Court on Friday (September 28) for sentencing.

It followed a Nottinghamshire Police investigation into a series of house burglaries which happened between 4 January and 15 March 15, 2018 across the three counties. In a number of the cases Simpson and Wilson stole car keys from the properties before stealing the vehicles.

The court heard how Simpson and Wilson also stole electrical items and jewellery from the homes they’d broken into.

The pair used a car which they stole from a property in Lambley Road, Lowdham, on 21 January 2018, in a number of the other burglaries, with the car displaying cloned number plates from matching vehicles.

The stolen car was recovered in the Bestwood area of Nottingham on February 6 2018. Officers found two sets of number plates and some screws used to fasten them to the bumper. Wilson’s DNA was found on the screw.

Officers found a black bin bag inside another car, stolen from a property in Cartwright Close, Melbourne, Derbyshire, on February 14, 2018 and which was used in other burglaries. Wilson’s fingerprints were found on the bag.

The court also heard how Simpson was identified from CCTV footage at one of the burglary scenes and a large amount of stolen property was recovered from the address where he was arrested.

Mobile phone enquires showed that Simpson was at the location of all 18 burglaries he was charged with. Mobile phone evidence also linked Wilson to multiple burglaries.

The 18 burglaries were committed at the following locations:

Lambley Road, Lowdham, Nottinghamshire (January 21, 2018)

Barkestone Lane, Plungar, Leicestershire (30 January 2018)

Lightning Grove, Hucknall, Nottinghamshire (30 January 2018)

Admiral Close, East Leake, Nottinghamshire (31 January 2018)

Main Street, Gibsmere, Bleasby, Nottinghamshire (1 February 2018)

Ruby Court, Southwell, Nottinghamshire (12 February 2018)

Haddon Crescent, Chilwell, Nottinghamshire (13 February 2018)

Nicker Hill, Keyworth, Nottinghamshire (13 February 2018)

Cartwright Close, Melbourne, Derbyshire (14 February 2018)

Burton Lane, Whatton, Nottinghamshire (16 February 2018)

Catfoot Lane, Lambley, Nottinghamshire (between 18 and 20 February 2018)

Beaumont Avenue, Southwell, Nottinghamshire (23 February 2018)

Wymeswold Road, Thorpe-in-the-Glebe, Nottinghamshire (4 March 2018)

Lady Gate, Diseworth, Leicestershire (6 March 2018)

Wellin Lane, Edwalton, Nottinghamshire (7 March 2018)

Falcon Way, East Leake, Nottinghamshire (7 March 2018)

Kirkland Close, Sutton-in-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire (8 March 2018)

Musters Road, Ruddington, Nottinghamshire (12 March 2018).

Simpson was jailed for six years for each count of burglary, to be served concurrently. He also received a 12-month prison sentence, to be served consecutively, after pleading guilty to dangerous driving. He was banned from driving for six-and-a-half years and told he must take an extended re-test.

Wilson was jailed for five years and four months for each of his counts of burglary, to be served concurrently. He also received three-year prison sentences, to be served concurrently, for two counts of attempted burglary, and two-year sentences, to be served concurrently, for two counts of theft.

Speaking after their sentencing Detective Constable Stuart Kirkham said: “We take reports of burglary very seriously, but they can be difficult crimes to investigate as the more experienced offenders tend to leave very little evidence behind.

“This sentencing is a result of weeks of hard work by various individuals across Nottinghamshire Police. Simpson and Wilson were responsible for a large number of offences over a relatively short period of time, so having them in custody may have prevented an untold number of similar burglaries being committed.”

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