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Councillor secures funding for study into ‘critical’ fourth Trent crossing at Colwick

A funding package has been confirmed to allow a feasibility study into creating a fourth Trent crossing at Colwick.

The study, which will assess the potential for a new bridge, will be paid for by the East Midlands Combined County Authority’s (EMCCA) City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement (CRSTS) revenue funding allocation.

The confirmation follows a letter sent by Cllr Mike Adams urging investment in this critical transport link.

Cllr Adams, who represents Carlton East on Nottinghamshire County Council, has long championed the need for a new bridge to alleviate congestion and improve connectivity for communities including Colwick, Netherfield, Gedling, Stoke Bardolph, Rivendell, and Burton Joyce.

“This is a really important milestone in the campaign for a fourth Trent crossing,” said Cllr Adams. “I have been fighting for this on behalf of local residents and businesses for years, and I’m delighted that my calls—backed by former Gedling MP Tom Randall—have been heard.

“This feasibility study is the first crucial step toward delivering real transport improvements that will ease congestion, boost economic growth, and create new job opportunities for our area.”

Leader of Nottinghamshire County Council, Cllr Sam Smith, confirmed that the feasibility study will be carried out by the Council, using part of the £1 million funding package allocated for transport development projects across the region.

He said: “This study is an essential step in addressing growing traffic pressures on the A612 and wider road network, I’d like to thank Cllr Adams for the role he has played in making this happen”

Cllr Adams added. “With traffic volumes increasing by 12.5% over the past year, commuters and businesses are facing daily delays, while HGVs are diverting through nearby villages, causing further disruption. A new crossing would be a game-changer, improving journey times and reducing pressure on local roads.”

The feasibility study will form part of a broader programme of transport development projects being supported by EMCCA funding.

“This is just the beginning,” Cllr Adams added.

“I will continue to push this project forward to ensure that it moves beyond feasibility and into real delivery. I look forward to seeing the study’s findings and working with all stakeholders to make this long-overdue infrastructure a reality.”

Further updates on the feasibility study and the wider transport investment programme are expected later in the year.

Three arrested after spate of BB gun shootings at cars, buildings and bus stops in Arnold and Calverton

Three men have been arrested following a spate of suspected BB gun shootings at cars, buildings and bus stops in Arnold and Calverton.

Officers have been investigating after reports of a spate of criminal damage in the area between March 13 and 20.

Properties in Bestwood and Sherwood were also targeted

A number of car windows, home windows and bus stops are reported to have been smashed and ball bearings have been recovered from some of the scenes.

No serious injuries have been reported following the incidents but neighbourhood policing teams have increased patrols.

Inquiries will continue locally as officers trawl through CCTV and doorbell footage in the areas affected.

Three men were arrested after police stopped a car in Daleside Road, Nottingham, around 9.10pm on Thursday (20 March).

The suspects, aged 18, 20 and 29, have been arrested on suspicion of possession of a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence, possession of an offensive weapon in a public place and criminal damage.

They remain in custody.

Detective Inspector James Oakton, of Nottinghamshire Police, said:

“We are taking these incidents extremely seriously and detectives are working hard on the investigation.

“High-visibility patrols have been put in place in the areas affected and I’d urge anyone with concerns to speak to an officer.

“While we do not believe anyone has been injured, considerable damage has been caused to people’s homes and cars and these incidents will have caused distress.

“These arrests are an important development but we still want to hear from anyone with any information or relevant CCTV, doorbell, dashcam or mobile phone footage.”

Anyone who can assist should call police on 101, quoting incident number 152 of 20 March 2025, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Work set to start on £100,000 revamp of Carlton play park

£100,000 is to be spent to upgrade a Carlton play park

Work to transform Valley Road Playground will begin on March 24, thanks to a grant from FCC Communities Foundation.

The improvements will see new play equipment installed, including a 30m zip line, swings, monkey bars, and a range of accessible and inclusive facilities such as a wheelchair-accessible seesaw, two DDA-compliant trampolines, a basket swing, and interactive play panels. Some of the existing equipment and flooring will also be refurbished.

To accommodate these developments, the playground will be temporarily closed for approximately 4-6 weeks from 24th March. However, it is expected that the completed project will offer long-term benefits and enjoyment for local families.

Penny Horne, FCC Communities Foundation Grant Manager, says: “We’re delighted to be supporting the Carlton – Valley Road Recreation Ground Play Area Refurbishment project and pleased our funding will provide such a fantastic facility for children and young families within Carlton and the surrounding neighbourhoods.FCC Communities Foundation is always happy to consider grant applications for projects that make a difference to local communities and we’re really looking forward to seeing this one take shape soon.”

Marie Spinks, Chair of the Friends of Valley Road Playing Field, said: “This project has been a long time in the making, and we’re so excited to see it finally come to life. The local community has been incredibly supportive, and we can’t wait to welcome families back to enjoy the new and improved playground.”

Councillor Viv McCrossen Portfolio Holder for Climate Change and Natural Habitat, said:
“Investing in our parks and play areas is a priority for Gedling Borough Council. We know how valued these spaces are by our residents, and this project, in partnership with FCC Communities Foundation and the Friends of Valley Road, will ensure the playground is a fantastic space for children of all abilities to enjoy.”

The park is leased to Gedling Borough Council by Nottinghamshire County Council, which has also supported the project.

Letters: A tram to Gedling is ‘much needed’

Our readers from across the borough give their weekly take on the biggest issues impacting Gedling and beyond.

Join the debate by sending your letter to letters@gedlingeye.co.uk . Please put ‘Letters’ in the subject line. You can also submit a letter by filling in the simple form below, and it may appear online.

Some letters refer to past correspondence which can be found by clicking HERE

Names and addresses will be withheld by request but must be included in the email. We reserve the right to edit letters. Letters published do not reflect the views of Gedling Eye

Tram to Gedling ‘much needed’

Sir,

As always, when the subject of a tram to Gedling is brought up all the motorists moan ‘it’s not needed – of course it is.

‘Don’t knock it until you’ve tried it’, my Dad used to say – and judging from your social media comments, most complaining haven’t.

I use it for work and find it very efficient. It would be a Godsend to get it from here to Nottingham.

A route from Netherfield to the QMC would also be great for a lot of people around here.

It would also help our high streets as many people curious about the area from other parts of the city might get on and start spending here.

To those saying it’s a ‘white elephant’, maybe if you used it, profits would rise.

Get out of your cars, stop polluting the planet and start using our wonderful public transport network.

L Sanders
Netherfield


Bus needed to crematorium

Sir,

Why isn’t there a bus from anywhere in Gedling Borough to the extremely well used,  prestigious Gedling Crematorium and cemetery.

Taxis are unaffordable to many of the bereaved families and friends. Many elderly people don’t drive. And it’s not everyone who does own a car.

Can we have a bus route to go by the Crematorium please. 

The 46 or 47 bus that went past the Travellers Rest pub, which was the nearest bus stop to the Crematorium was actually taken off and re-routed to go along Spring Lane as the new 61 to Calverton.

The people of Gedling borough need to be able to get to their own crematorium by using public transport, surely?

Sheila Mounteney,
via email


Do traffic patrols really take place?

Sir,

I am hoping your readers may be able to help me.

I was born Brenda Margaret Stoner on 16.11.1945

I believe I was born in November 1945 at Bottom Buildings in Calverton, which was where Jack and Eddie Knight lived.

Do your readers know if there is such an address and if it is it still there?

I believe it was a farm back then.

My husband and I are planning a trip around the area next year and wondered if this was worth a visit.

I hope your readers can help.

Mrs. Brenda Holdforth,
via email


Pensioners funding ‘hairbrained’ schemes

Sir,

Pensioners in this country are being depleted of any savings through taxation and cuts by this Government.

Most of us people left school at 15 years old and went to work in apprenticeships some into factory work and others into offices and work for the local authorities.

We all worked if they were males to the age of 65 years, women in most circumstances kept the home and later in life went back to work.

All of us usually paid into a company pension scheme to give us a small income in retirement to pay for our well earned treats.

This Government has totally wrecked our lives by stopping winter fuel payments increasing food prices but still giving countless millions to fund hairbrained schemes – like the new sculpture in Arnold town centre.

If a pensioner runs a small car it is usually fuelled by oil so they increase the price of fuel, increase the road tax to make us spend more of our savings to exist.

They then give us a rise in our pension but don’t increase the tax threshold so you pay the increase back making you still poorer.

Then when us elderly reach the end of life this Government still takes more of our money in taxes.

Alan Griffiths,
Colwick


Here’s where to get sandwiches in Gedling borough

Sir,

I can tell you where you can get the best sandwiches in Gedling borough that are all perfect for my taste.

The bread is perfect with the correct amount of my favourite butter; the fillings are all to my liking with just the correct amount of pickles or sauces; I particularly have a taste for salad cream, far better than this mayo muck.

Most importantly the costs: for a loaf of bread, cheese, ham, salad stuff, probably £10 – and that’s for a week’s supply.

Simply make it yourself and save a fortune.

Ron Lim,
Carlton

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    Nottinghamshire Hospice boosts shopping experience for those with disabilities at borough charity stores

    A charity has made changes to its Gedling borough shops to make pre-loved and vintage shopping more accessible for those with disabilities.

    Nottinghamshire Hospice have said the changes have come in to effect at their shops in Burton Joyce and Mapperley.

    A new Quiet Hour will be every Tuesday from 9.30-10.30am. Each shop will be reducing excess noise and create a calmer atmosphere by pausing restocking activities, closing their back-office doors, and taking phone calls away from the shop floor. 

    Doorbells have also been put in place, so staff and volunteers can be aware of anyone needing extra support getting into the building. They can also help to open heavy doors and take donated items.

    In some shops where entryway space is limited and difficult for wheelchair users, they can bring out items people wish to view.

    Linda Beard, Retail area manager, said: “Providing an inclusive space for our shoppers is so important; we know our shops are an important part of people’s week, and people really value the opportunity to shop in affordable and sustainable ways. What’s more, our customers love knowing that the profits we make go right back to end-of-life care in the community. Knowing even more people can experience this is a joy – we really do call our shops “community shops” for a reason!”

    The new systems follow a disability access review, to ensure that anyone can move around with adequate space for wheelchairs, pushchairs or walking support frames and sticks. Where possible, shops have been supplied with grab rails and portable ramps.

    Nottinghamshire Hospice provides vital end-of-life care to people diagnosed with an incurable illness.

    In 2023/24, the Hospice cared for 2,498 people, which included 38,774 hours of end-of-life care in people’s homes. 8 in 10 of Hospice patients would be in hospital if it wasn’t for its care (96% of people would prefer to die at home).

    Nottinghamshire Hospice is a charity and relies on donations and profits from its Community Shops to make its end-of-life care possible. £30 pays for an hour of care at someone’s home, £120 pays for a course of bereavement sessions, and £300 pays for a member of our team to stay overnight in somebody’s home.

    Next steps for Gedling Borough Council reorganisation agreed

    Councillors have formally agreed to submit plans to ministers for how local government in Gedling borough could be reorganised when all nine district and unitary councils are scrapped

    The Full Council met last night (19) at the Civic Centre to agree on the next stages of the Local Government Reorganisation set out by central government.

    Councillors debated proposals that would see the abolition of all nine district and unitary councils in the East Midlands and the creation of new unitary councils covering larger populations.

    Councillors agreed that an interim plan, which sets out three core options for reorganisation, will be submitted to central government on March 21.

    1. A new unitary authority combining Nottingham, Broxtowe, and Gedling, with a second unitary authority covering the rest of Nottinghamshire.
    2. A new unitary authority combining Nottingham, Broxtowe, and Rushcliffe, with a second unitary authority covering the rest of Nottinghamshire.
    3. Nottingham City remains a unitary authority, with a new single unitary authority covering the rest of Nottinghamshire.

    The agreement follows months of detailed work between the councils, supported by independent analysis, to explore how local government could be streamlined to improve services, increase efficiency, and strengthen local decision-making. The interim plan will inform the next phase of work, leading to a final proposal in November 2025.

    The government is expected to provide feedback on the interim plan before councils carry out further detailed analysis ahead of the final proposal later this year.

    Leader of Gedling Borough Council, Councillor John Clarke MBE, said: “We have taken the next steps towards one of the biggest shake-ups in local government in over 50 years. We have been working closely with all nine authorities in Nottinghamshire, and we have agreed that the three options on the table are the most suitable ones to take forward, as requested by central government.

    “I have a view, as do many other councillors, on what the preferred option for Gedling is, but we need to get more facts before we can make that decision. This is just the start of the process, no decision has been made, and there will be much more discussions, debates and we will look at the data to ensure we get the best possible outcome for our residents, businesses, and council employees. 

    “We now need to have some patience and wait for feedback from the government, the ball is in their court, and they will need to give us steer on what we must do next. We will be asking them for clarification about how people will be consulted as it’s imperative that the residents of our borough will be able to have their say on this incredibly important matter.”

    Gedling borough weather Thursday, March 20: Warm and dry with sunny

    Another dry and bright day with variable cloud but some sunny spells. Warm for the time of year. Wind picking up a little later. Maximum temperature 20 °C.

    Tonight:

    A dry night with lengthy clear spells, but becoming more windy. Becoming more cloudy from the west later in the night. Minimum temperature 3 °C.

    Friday:

    A dry start with some sunny spells. Cloud thickening, with outbreaks of rain later, these perhaps heavy with thunder. Warm, but feeling cooler in the wind and near coasts. Maximum temperature 19 °C.

    Outlook for Saturday to Monday:

    Rain and showers this weekend, these perhaps heavy with thunder, but some sunny intervals also possible. Probably drier Monday. Winds easing. Low cloud with fog at times, especially on coasts.

    Councillors expected to make final decision on plans for controversial battery farm near Lambley next week

    Plans to build a new battery energy storage system on farmland near Lambley have been recommended for approval, despite opposition.

    Councillors will next week decide whether to green light plans when an application from Grenergy Renewables UK Ltd to create a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) and associated infrastructure goes before the planning committee.

    The BESS would be based on land at Burton Wood Farm on Spring Lane.

    More than 250 objections to plans have been received from residents, Lambley Parish Council, Burton Joyce Parish Council and Gedling MP Michael Payne, with concerns about fires, explosions and environmental damage being raised.

    Nottingham Fire and Rescue had also voiced concerns relating to the proximity of the battery units to each other but amended plans were subsequently submitted increasing the distance between the units.

    A spokesman for Grenergy defended plans to Gedling Eye last month.

    They said: “All of our projects are developed in the interest of national need whilst considering the localised social and environmental impacts of development. Assessments into these aspects have been produced by experienced and qualified professionals who evaluate the development based on accepted national standards.

    “These are reviewed by equally suitable statutory consultees on behalf of the local planning authority and it should be noted that with regards to the Spring Lane planning application, we have received no objection from any of these professionals whom we rely upon to accurately assess these impacts.”

    In their report for councillors, planning officers recommended that the development goes ahead, if a number of conditions are met.

    They said: “In conclusion, and taking into account all relevant material planning considerations, it is considered that whilst the application would result in inappropriate development within the green belt; very special circumstances exist to allow the grant of planning permission.

    “Notably the detrimental impact on the character of the area would be minor and that the clear environmental benefits of the scheme would meet the very special circumstances threshold and allow the grant of planning permission.

    Planners said for planning permission to be approved, the development must not begin later than three years after the approval and that works shall not commence until a Battery Safety Management Plan (BSMP) and Emergency Response Plan have been submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority.

    The meeting takes place on Wednesday, March 24 at 6pm. It can be watched on a live stream HERE

    Arnold care home completes 62k dementia challenge walk with dogs

    Residents, staff and relatives from HC-One’s Coppice Lodge Care Home in Arnold took part in a challenging 62k walk with dogs to raise funds for Dementia UK.

    The event, held on Saturday March 15, saw participants walk through Gedling Country Park, with many bringing along their dogs for the challenge. Others borrowed a four-legged friend or simply joined on their own.

    Staff from Coppice Lodge including care manager Natalie Lowe, care home Manager Ken Buxton, care assistant Karen Salmon, and front of house manager Angela Allen, joined in too.

    Natalie Low, Coppice Lodge care manager, said, “This is more than just a walk – it’s a chance for our residents, staff, and community to unite for something truly meaningful.”

    Coppice Lodge, operated by HC-One, provides residential and dementia care for up to 64 residents. The care home focuses on person-centred support, promoting independence while offering tailored care to its residents.

    Full list of road closures and roadworks planned across Gedling borough

    There are a number of road closures in place across Gedling borough this week that drivers should be aware of.

    Some roads are closed while others have lane closures. Temporary traffic measures or diversion routes may also be in place on roads in the region. Motorists are urged to make allowances for these closures and alter their travel arrangements if necessary.

    If you’re planning to travel through the borough over the next few weeks take a look at the list below to see whether your journey will be affected.

    Arnold

    Furlong Street, Arnold
    18 March – 20 March
    Roadworks, Delays possible from West Street to Bond Street
    Responsibility for works: Nottinghamshire County Council

    Sherbrook Road, Arnold
    21 March
    Roadworks, Delays possible
    Responsibility for works: Severn Trent Water

    Trueman Gardens, Arnold
    24 March
    Roadworks, Delays possible
    Responsibility for works: Severn Trent Water

    Stiles Road, Arnold
    24 March
    Roadworks, Delays possible
    Responsibility for works: Severn Trent Water

    Bestwood

    No roadworks scheduled

    Burton Joyce

    Church Road, Burton Joyce
    22 March – 23 March
    Roadworks, Delays possible
    Responsibility for works: Nottinghamshire County Counci

    Calverton

    Main Street, Calverton,
    18 March – 21 March
    Roadworks, Delays possible
    Responsibility for works: Severn Trent Water

    Hoyle Road, Calverton
    19 March – 01 April
    Roadworks, Delays possible
    Responsibility for works: Nottinghamshire County Council

    Roadworks

    Carlton

    Standhill Road, Carlton
    19 March – 20 March
    Roadworks, Delays possible
    Responsibility for works: Severn Trent Water

    Carlton Hill, Carlton
    24 March
    Roadworks, Delays possible due to works taking place outside of Ladbrokes/Kudos Beauty
    Responsibility for works: Nottinghamshire County Council

    Wheatley Drive, Carlton
    24 March – 26 March
    Roadworks, Delays possible
    Responsibility for works: Openreach

    Colwick

    No roadworks scheduled

    Daybrook

    No roadworks scheduled

    Gedling

    Arnold Lane, Gedling
    21 March
    Roadworks, Delays possible from Jessop’s Lane to the mini-roundabout
    Responsibility for works: Nottinghamshire County Council

    Lambley

    No roadworks scheduled

    Linby

    No roadworks scheduled

    Mapperley

    No roadworks scheduled

    Netherfield

    No roadworks scheduled

    Ravenshead

    Longdale Lane, Ravenshead
    21 March
    Roadworks, Delays possible
    Responsibility for works: Nottinghamshire County Council

    Duncan Avenue, Ravenshead
    24 March – 09 April
    Roadworks, Delays possible
    Responsibility for works: Cadent

    Redhill

    Litchfield Rise, Redhill
    25 March
    Roadworks, Delays possible
    Responsibility for works: Severn Trent Water

    Woodborough

    No roadworks scheduled

    Woodthorpe

    Somersby Road, Woodthorpe
    24 March – 28 March
    Road closure for carriageway patching works from the junction with Plains Road and Arno Vale Road
    Responsibility for works: Nottinghamshire County Council