There’s a warning to dog owners across Gedling borough to be more responsible after a number of guide dogs have been attacked and left traumatised.
National charity Guide Dogs is calling for urgent support from dog owners, as latest data reveals the aggressor dog was off the lead in 60% of these attacks.
In addition to the emotional and physical trauma of an attack, for the dog and owner, this serious issue has cost the charity over £1.3million since 2010 – the equivalent of 90,000 guide dog leads.
Today, the charity is launching their Take the Lead campaign, calling for the public to put their dog on a lead when they see a guide dog working. Canine researchers from the charity say this simple action could be the key to preventing future attacks.
Guide Dogs has campaigned on the issue of dog attacks in the past and back in 2014 tougher laws were introduced meaning if your dog attacked an assistance dog you could face up to a three-year jail sentence. However, the charity feels more needs to be done to prevent attacks and is now looking to the nation’s dog owners for support.
Guide Dogs researcher, Rachel Moxon, said: “Guide dogs are life-changing for those living with sight loss, helping their owners live life to the full.
“Attacks on our dogs destroy confidence and can mean a guide dog owner once again loses their freedom and independence. Putting your dog on a lead when you see a guide dog working, allows you to have more control over the situation. Even if you know your dog is well-behaved, it’s always better to be safe than sorry.”
Attacks on guide dogs can have long-lasting affects for both the dog and owner.
Claire Cooper’s guide dog, Minnie was attacked in October last year and the pair are still dealing with the repercussions of that day.
She said: “Thankfully Minnie was not hurt, but as time has passed her behaviour has changed. She now shows signs of anxiety and has become fearful of unfamiliar small dogs, especially when working in harness.
“As I am unable to see potential danger, I cannot protect her and I feel we are both vulnerable.
She added: “When a guide dog is attacked, the physical injuries may be visible, but what cannot be seen is the potential loss of independence to the person living with sight loss. Attacks could be avoided if dog owners put their dog on a lead when they see a guide dog working.”
Police have arrested two boys following a robbery at the Daybrook Retail Park
The incident took place on Wednesday (4) afternoon at the park in Woodthorpe.
Officers were called after a report that two suspects armed with a knife and a gun had stolen three mobile phones from three boys. It happened at about 3.10pm.
Officers recovered a loaded gas-powered BB gun nearby. Two boys, aged 11 and 15, were arrested on suspicion of robbery and remain in police custody.
A spokesman for Nottinghamshire Police said: “We are not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident.”
Anyone with any information is urged to call Nottinghamshire Police on 101, quoting incident number 526 of 4 April 2018, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
A supermarket’s own brand water will soon be on sale in 50 per cent recycled bottles to customers in Gedling borough – although they will be cloudier and greyer in appearance than usual.
The bottles will be sourced in the UK and be 100% recyclable, says the Group. The change will be introduced for all its own-brand still, sparkling and flavoured water later this year.
It is the first retailer to run this initiative, which it estimates can save almost 350 tonnes of plastic annually.
Jo Whitfield, chief executive at Co-op Food, said: “We know that by working closely with our supply and waste-value chains we can find new ways of sourcing sustainable alternatives. Our customers expect us to respond to this challenge and help them make more ethical choices, and we’re dedicated to doing just that.
“Making these changes will also create new uses for recycled materials which in turn gives our customers greater confidence in recycling. We’re constantly listening to our members and customers, understanding what they need, where and when they need it, and we’re committed to continuing to explore the opportunities.”
PICTURED: Water will be sold in recycled bottles which look slightly cloudier (IMAGE: Co-op Group)
In his 29 years with the retailer, environment manager Iain Ferguson has led a number of radical changes to the way it packages food and produce.
He said: “Suppliers are working hard to make the bottle clearer – and they already have.
“In the meantime, our bottles will wear this greyish colour which I see as a badge of honour – we are part of the market for recycled products and are proud of that.”
The retailer has set a target to make 100% of its packaging recyclable with an interim goal of 80% by 2020. It also plans to get rid of black and dark coloured plastic. This cannot be identified by sorting plants, which use optical sorting techniques to identify polymers, and contaminates the recycling stream, reducing the usefulness and value of the recovered material.
It is estimated that this adds at least 30,000 tonnes of plastic each year to waste.
Nottinghamshire Police want to speak to a man captured on CCTV following a theft from a store in Bestwood.
Officers want assistance the identifying the male in the CCTV image about the theft from the Co-op store on Arnold Road in Bestwood on April 2.
A spokesman said: “Anyone who can identify this male please call Nottinghamshire police on 101, incident number 375-02042018, or reply through this post.”
A flood alert has been issued to villages in Gedling borough as levels on the River Trent continue to rise following heavy rainfall.
The alert, issued this morning (Wednesday), says flooding of low lying agricultural land and roads in communities around the River Trent is possible and properties could be affected.
Heavy rainfall was blamed for the rise in river levels.
Properties in Burton Joyce, Colwick, parts of Carlton, Netherfield and Stoke Bardolph were named as those most at risk.
Levels are expected to fall tomorrow.
A spokesman for the Environment Agency, who issue the alerts, said: “We urge residents to prepare, remain vigilant and avoid walking and driving through flood water.
“We are closely monitoring the situation and will endeavour to provide an update on Wednesday evening, or as the situation changes.”
A new housing association group which this week took control of Gedling Homes has pledged to build new properties to help ease the housing crisis.
Jigsaw Homes Group Ltd is a new group of housing associations which owns more than 33,000 properties across the North West and East Midlands and launched this week
The group say they have plans to deliver in excess of 2,700 new homes over the next three years.
The new organisation is now one of the largest housing providers in the UK following the merger of New Charter Group, which owns Gedling Homes, and the Adactus Housing Group, based in Leigh.
The new organisation seeks to address the housing crisis by investing in a mix of quality homes across Greater Manchester, Merseyside, Cheshire, Lancashire and Gedling borough – including properties for affordable rent, shared ownership, Rent to Buy, for sale and private rent.
The group say there will be no immediate change to day-to-day landlord activities, although residents will benefit from Jigsaw Rewards, an innovative Group-wide scheme of collecting points in exchange for feedback on services and plans for the future.
Adactus’ former head and now Jigsaw Group Chief Executive, Hilary Roberts said: “We have come from two successful organisations with strong track records of providing quality homes, services and support, but together we will do more and do better.”
New Charter’s current Chair, Fay Selvan, is the new Group’s Chair with Jane Clayton, former Adactus Chair, as the new company’s Vice Chair.
New Charter’s Chief Executive Ian Munro remains in the business for a period of time to help ensure a smooth transition.
How many times do we hear someone say, “I’m OCD about being tidy” or “I am obsessive compulsive about getting my spreadsheets finished on time”? In fact, a hotel group recently advertised for someone who was OCD about their work as they wanted a perfectionist.
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is much more than being a perfectionist. It is a serious anxiety related condition which is often driven by the sufferer not being able to live with elements of doubt or needing black and white answers to everything in life, which is not realistic.
If someone has OCD they will have frequent, intrusive and obsessional thoughts that can take over their lives. This will be coupled with repetitive impulses and urges.
OCD comes in many forms and, as ever, everyone who has OCD will have different symptoms. In general, they will experience obsessional thoughts, images, impulses, fears and urges that interfere with their day to day living. These thoughts are not wanted but they continue to have them and the thoughts often intrude in all activities which then affect relationships despite the fact the sufferer knows they are irrational.
The only way for someone with OCD to get any relief from the anxiety that these thoughts cause is to complete compulsive behaviours. These again irrationally believe will protect them from harm or someone they love from harm. They often have an anxiety issue which is caused by a feeling of responsibility for other people’s well-being or protecting others from harm – it’s their ‘job’ to make sure others are ok. Sometimes they have no perspective on the threat of harm to others, for example, a person with OCD may feel that the plague is on its way back and it’s their responsibility to stop it getting to their children.
These compulsive behaviours can be physical, a thought process or avoidance and will become ritualistic. If the sufferer cannot complete these behaviours then their anxiety level is heightened and panic or shutdown may take place. The relief felt is only temporary for the person with OCD, so the original obsessive thought is then reinforced and the behaviour has to take place again.
OCD comes in many forms and, as ever, everyone who has OCD will have different symptoms. In general, they will experience obsessional thoughts, images, impulses, fears and urges that interfere with their day to day living.
OCD behaviours fall into several categories and can be seen as checking (the door, the gas etc.), contamination (cleaning, hand washing etc), hoarding (collecting food or clothing) and finally intrusive thoughts (the world is going to end, next door is a spy etc).
From time to time all of us may show signs of OCD behaviour, mostly when we are stressed or anxious, which results in actions like checking we have locked the door one more time or worrying if we have left the iron all day and the house has burned down. For OCD sufferers the thought and behaviours do not stop and often increase over time.
One of the most difficult issues for anyone with OCD is the fact that their logical brain remains active all the time when they have the intrusive thoughts and are compelled to take the actions they need to get relief. Most people with OCD know that their thoughts and behaviour are irrational but cannot find a way to stop them. The fear is too great for them to stop as there will be a negative outcome for themselves or a loved one. So, no matter how small the risk or how much someone with OCD knows this, they still have to complete the compulsive action.
OCD often comes with other mental health issues that have anxiety driven behaviours. These include Body Dysmorphic Disorder where someone obsessively worries about the perceived bodily flaws they have and so develop compulsive behaviours to deal with these worries. Compulsive skin picking to relieve anxiety and similarly, Trichotillomania or hair picking, for the same reason. Obsessive Compulsive Personality disorder a personality disorder that is based on anxiety but manifests as a need for order, being unrealistic with standards for self and others, catastrophizing when a mistake is made or everything is not perfect.
The good news is there is help for OCD. Medication can help relieve some of the obsessive thoughts and this is usually an anti-depressant. Therapy will help and one of the best forms for OCD is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy as this will help sufferers break down the thoughts, emotions and behaviours that drive the OCD. Then the therapist will help someone with OCD to face up to the thoughts and fears appear and then fade without using the compulsive behaviour.
There are online groups and support groups available for people with OCD. The charity OCD action can provide lists and contact for this issue – http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/
If OCD affects your life you do need to get professional help from a therapist or your GP, the sooner you seek this the sooner you can be free from the disturbing thoughts and obsessive behaviours.
Police are appealing for witnesses to a crash in Arnold last month to come forward.
Officers were called at around 5.45pm on Wednesday, March 25 to a crash between a Morris Minor and a Nissan Navara in Ollerton Road at the A614 Burntstump Hill junction.
Two men were taken to QMC, one with serious injuries.
A police spokesman said: “Were you in the area at the time? Do you have any dashcam footage? If you have any information that that could help with the investigation, please contact us.”
Preparations for this year’s Arnold Carnival – which takes place on June 16 and 17- are now underway, with a host of big entertainers already confirmed for the big day.
The annual free event returns to Arnot Hill park with a line-up including live music, dance, arts and crafts activities, a fun dog show, fun fair, BMX and skateboarding sessions, a memorial flypast and more.
Meanwhile, a host of big name tribute acts have now been lined up to entertain the crowds during the two-day event.
The events kick off on Saturday, June 16, with headliners THAT 80’S ROCK SHOW performing some of the biggest 80’s glam and hair-metal rock classics and power ballads from bands such as Def Leppard, Kiss, Whitesnake and many others.
COULD THEY BE MAGIC? Take That tribute act Take@That
Sunday’s headliners will be bringing the stadium rock to the park with performances from Queen tribute act Real Magic and Take That and Robbie Williams tribute Take@That.
Along with performances from professional musicians, there will also be a variety of community music, dance groups, local school bands, choirs and solo artists performing over the weekend.
The carnival has more to offer besides music, with over 150 craft, charity and trade stalls and a dedicated food and drink court with a fully licensed bar.
ROCK ON: 80s rock tribute group That 80s Rock Show
Children’s arts and crafts activity sessions will be hosted by Gedling Play Forum and a fun dog show will also be taking place over both days of the event.
The event is free to attend on both days with something for all the family to enjoy.
A mother from Colwick will take on her fourth half-marathon of the year later this month as she looks to raise funds for new facilities at her son’s school.
Gemma Bardwell is planning to run 12 marathons during 2018 in a bid to raise £10,000 which will fund a new art and music room for St John the Baptist School in the village.
The ‘marathon mum’ has so far completed three half marathons in 2018 in Whitby, Leicester and London.
Her efforts have so far raised £1,800 for the cause.
Gemma told Gedling Eye: “The support I have received has been overwhelming and people have continued to give me words of encouragment and make donations to my JustGiving page.
BACKING: Cllr Meredith Lawrence donates money to Gemma Bardwell’s (right) charity challenge aiming to raise £10,000 for St John the Baptist School in Colwick. Also pictured is headmaster Chris Belton, left,
“I’ve found it hard to balance training as well as looking after my children, going to work and fundraising, but it’s all been worth it so far.
“So far we have managed to raise approx £1,800. This includes offline fundraising, a generous corporate sponsorship from painting contractor Slack and Rose and a £200 contribution from our local councillor Meredith Lawrence who is also supporting our fundraising efforts.”
The donation from Gedling Borough Council’s Colwick ward councillor, Meredith Lawrence has come from his councillor community fund, although he also plans to make a personal donation online.
Cllr Lawrence was full of praise for Gemma’s efforts.
He said: “I am really impressed at Gemma’s commitment and happy to help.”
Gemma will be now running her next marathon later this month – although this time, she won’t be running alone. She’ll now be joined by her husband as they plan to mark their seventh wedding anniversary by running the Longhorn Half-Marathon together.
Mrs Bardwell said she was glad she could do something to help out a ‘fantastic school’, which provides a fantastic education for her young son.
MARATHON MUM: Gemma Bardwell in action
She said: “It’s a fantastic school and the staff go above and beyond in terms of helping children achieve their potential.
“I couldn’t wish for a better school for my son. By raising this money not only will it further enhance the school but it will benefit our children even more.
“The Headteacher Chris Belton and I have various other plans to try and raise money throughout the year but we are mainly relying on the generousity of the community to help us reach our target. We still have a long way to go though and I am determined to get as close to the target as possible.”
