Residents in Gedling want action as traffic woes continue despite completion of £49m Colliery Way bypass

Emily Sanchez
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Residents in Gedling want action as traffic woes continue despite completion of £49m Colliery Way bypass

Residents in Gedling say they are yet to benefit from the completion of the £49m Gedling Access Road (GAR), with the amount of cars and HGVs passing through their village continuing to make their lives ‘a nightmare’.

Those living in Gedling say that Nottinghamshire County Council (NCC) made a commitment to reclassify the A Road Arnold Lane to a quieter B Road once the new bypass was completed in a bid to help tackle traffic and speeding – but they say they have seen no evidence of this classification change.

A weight limit of seven-and-a-half tonnes for HGVs was also set to be introduced in a bid to encourage them to use the new bypass rather than go through Gedling Village.

Arnold Lane
PICTURED: Arnold Lane (Google)
Colliery Way opening
Colliery Way was opened back in March

Terry Lock lives on Shearing Hill and is leading the call for action.

He told Gedling Eye: “We are still getting heavy traffic through the village despite the opening of the Gedling Access Road (GAR).

“We’ve not seen any benefit following the opening of the GAR and it’s making our lives a nightmare.

“Cars are still treating Arnold Lane as a racetrack and we were assured the completion of Gedling Access Road would stop all this but it’s just not happening.

“There is also meant to be a seven-and-a-half tonne limit introduced on lorries using Arnold Lane but this isn’t being reinforced. I see transporter lorries using the road all the time and they are way over the limit. It’s not being reinforced. They need to put cameras up.

“The GAR is a great road but I’d invite councillors down to spend a day here to see that it’s not being used properly and that you are risking life and limb to get onto Shearing Hill from Wood Lane.

Villager Helen Southall shared similar views.

She told Gedling Eye she wished she had moved five years’ ago.

“We’ve been waiting years for this new road as we through it would change our lives – but it just hasn’t happened.

“They promised us the GAR would improve our lives but it hasn’t.

“Everything we’ve been waiting for just isn’t happening – we are getting the same amount of traffic through the village and we are just not benefitting.”

Gedling resident David Pick agreed the new road had made little difference to traffic in the village.

He said: “The volume of traffic is no different now to what it was before GAR.

“We were promised by NCC and various construction companies that the new Arnold Lane would be downgraded to some sort of idyllic traffic-free country road. Fortunately those of us that live around here did not believe a word of it, so we are not too disappointed.

“The emergency vehicles have started using our road again as opposed to Colliery Way and it seems so have HGVs. We had a huge car transporter go past this morning.”

Concerns have also been raised about Keepmoat Homes not opening up the road connecting Chase Farm with Colliery Way, meaning residents on the estate are still forced to use Arnold Lane to access and leave the estate – creating more traffic.

But Nottinghamshire County Council this week told Gedling Eye that the agreed actions prior to the construction of Colliery Way had now been carried out.

Gary Wood, head of Highways and Transport, said: “Upon opening, Colliery Way became the A6211. This resulted in classification changes on the wider network, including on Arnold Lane, Main Road, Shearing Hill and Burton Road (between Shearing Hill and Colwick Loop Road) which are all now unclassified roads. 

“The section of Colwick Loop Road from Netherfield Retail Park to the Burton Road junction is now the B686.

“These classification changes were included in the Statutory Orders confirmed prior to the construction of Colliery Way starting, and it may take some time for maps and other information to be updated.

“All wider road signage installed as part of the delivery of Colliery Way reflects the new road numbers and classifications.”

They also confirmed the weight limit on Shearing Hill and Arnold Lane had now been introduced.

“The 7.5t weight limit has been introduced and is enforceable, and a review of wider advanced signage is underway to further support this. 

“Enforcement of Weight Limits is carried out by Trading Standards and the new limits are now being enforced. It should be noted that vehicles over 7.5 tonnes can still drive into the weight limit zone if accessing premises.

“We know that residents living on the new Chase Farm development will be keen to know when access to the newer part of the estate will open, and this will be done once the roads have been adopted as public highway.”

Gedling Eye contacted Keepmoat Homes around plans to open up access from the estate.

A spokesperson from Keepmoat Homes, said: “The Colliery Way access from Chase Farm will open to construction traffic and personnel only from September.

“The access road is intended to alleviate traffic through the village and make a positive impact to the area, as all deliveries will be made via the new route.

“All residents at our Chase Farm development and surrounding areas will still travel via Arnold Lane for the foreseeable future.”

Got a local story for Gedling Eye? Give our news team a shout by emailing [email protected]

Woman allegedly threatened with ‘machete-style’ knife in Daybrook

Gedling Eye Reporter
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Woman allegedly threatened with ‘machete-style’ knife in Daybrook

A man has been arrested after a woman was allegedly threatened with a ‘machete-style’ knife in Daybrook.

Officers on routine patrol spotted a disturbance in Mansfield Road at around 1.30am on Friday (August 5). 

A 23-year-old man was arrested at the scene on suspicion of affray, possession of a bladed article and possession of cannabis. A machete-style knife was found nearby. 

Inspector Ben Lawrence, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “Officers were very quickly on the scene of this incident and a suspect was taken into custody.

“Our priority is to keep people safe and, as a force, we remain determined to drive down knife crime in our communities.

“We will always treat incidents of this nature with the utmost seriousness and take swift action to investigate and track down suspects.

“The consequences of carrying a knife can be devastating which is why Nottinghamshire Police continues to work hard every day, working alongside its partners, to tackle the issue.

“This ongoing work includes targeting people who carry weapons on our streets as well as focusing on proactive preventative and educational work to prevent weapon-enabled crime and violence from happening in the first place.”

Anyone with additional information about this incident is asked to call police on 101, quoting incident 50 of 5 August 2022, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Last known portrait of DH Lawrence is now on display at Newstead Abbey

Gedling Eye Reporter
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Last known portrait of DH Lawrence is now on display at Newstead Abbey

A portrait of famous writer DH Lawrence, which is thought to be the last one painted while he was alive, has been brought permanently to Nottingham and put on public display for the first time.

Through generous external grant funding and public donations, Nottingham City Museums has been able to buy the last-known portrait painting of the controversial author from a private collector in the US.

The portrait was painted by the Dutch artist Joep Nicolas in 1929 and has now been put on display at Newstead Abbey.

Nicolas was the brother-in-law of novelist Aldous Huxley, who was a friend of Lawrence.

In 1929, while travelling from Spain to Germany, Lawrence stayed at Huxley’s home in Suresnes, France.

Nicolas was also staying and took the opportunity to paint Lawrence’s portrait.

Lawrence died the following year after earlier diagnoses of tuberculosis and malaria.

A spokesperson for Nottingham City Council, which owns Nottingham Museums, said it managed to buy the painting with funding from the V&A, Arts Council England and The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Councillor Pavlos Kotsonis, from the city council, said: “It is fundamental to Nottinghamshire’s cultural importance and we believe it will mean a great deal to many people.

“It is also a celebration of Nottingham’s rebellious literary history.

“We are showcasing this collection piece at Newstead Abbey and Gardens, so it can be enjoyed by as many visitors and local residents as possible in the future.”

DH Lawrence, who was from Eastwood, was best known for his novel Lady Chatterley’s Lover, among other works.

The book was famously unpublished in the UK until 1960 for fear of prosecution over its explicit content.

Aside from this, Lawrence was a prolific author of novels, short stories, poems and essays.

Although he enjoyed some success and recognition during his lifetime, he also faced controversy and censorship because of the way his work portrayed sexuality and relationships.

Over time public and critical understanding of Lawrence’s work changed and he is now one of the most significant authors of 20th century literature and his works are celebrated worldwide.

The planned roadworks and road changes in Gedling borough over the next few weeks

Gedling Eye Reporter
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The planned roadworks and road changes in Gedling borough over the next few weeks

A number of roadworks, and changes to the roads, are set to take place on Gedling borough’s roads during the next few weeks.

The roadworks and road changes include things such as speed alterations, repair works and changing the layout of the roads. 

Most of the roadworks are being undertaken by Nottinghamshire County Council while a couple are being led by Severn Trent Water.

These are the roadworks and closures you need to know about…

Arno Vale Road, Woodthorpe

15 August – 26 August

Responsibility for works: Cadent

Burton Road, Carlton

14 August – 14 August

Responsibility for works: Severn Trent Water

Gedling Road, Arnold

11 August – 11 August

Responsibility for works: Severn Trent Water

Westdale Lane West, Mapperley

13 August – 13 August

Responsibility for works: Severn Trent Water

Bestwood Lodge Drive, Arnold

10 August – 17 August

Responsibility for works: CITYFIBRE METRO NETWORKS LTD

Chandos Street, Netherfield

11 August – 12 August

Responsibility for works: Severn Trent Water

Cocker Beck, Lambley

12 August – 12 August

Responsibility for works: Nottinghamshire County Council

Coningsby Road, Woodthorpe

15 August – 22 August

Responsibility for works: Nottinghamshire County Council

Lambley Lane, Burton Joyce

15 August – 16 August

Responsibility for works: Severn Trent Water

Longdale Lane, Ravenshead

11 August – 12 August

Responsibility for works: Severn Trent Water000013113528

Longdale Lane, Ravenshead

16 August – 16 August

Responsibility for works: Nottinghamshire County Council

Maidens Dale, Arnold

17 August – 30 August

Responsibility for works: CITYFIBRE METRO NETWORKS LTD

Park Avenue, Woodborough

10 August – 12 August

Roadworks, Delays possible

Responsibility for works: Nottinghamshire County Council

Ploughman Avenue, Woodborough

10 August – 12 August

Responsibility for works: Nottinghamshire County Council

Porchester Road, Mapperley

15 August – 15 August

Responsibility for works: Severn Trent Water

Smalls Croft, Woodborough

10 August – 12 August

Responsibility for works: Nottinghamshire County Council

Vernon Crescent, Ravenshead

17 August – 19 August

Whites Croft, Woodborough

10 August – 12 August

Responsibility for works: Nottinghamshire County Council

Wood Lane, Gedling

11 August – 11 August

Responsibility for works: Openreach

Cost of living crisis: Gedling Borough councillors say they are being ‘bombarded’ with pleas for support and advice from residents

Andrew Topping (Local Democracy Reporter)
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Cost of living crisis: Gedling Borough councillors say they are being ‘bombarded’ with pleas for support and advice from residents

Struggling residents concerned about the cost of living crisis are ‘bombarding’ Gedling borough councillors with pleas for support and advice.

Elected members fear the situation is only going to get worse as recession looks increasingly likely – and they struggle to find the money to fund wage rises for council staff.

Michael Payne Gedling
CONCERNS: Michael Payne said he was worried we were entering a recession (PHOTO: Neil Slack Photography)

The Bank of England today confirmed interest rates will rise to 1.75 per cent – the highest in 27 years – amid rising inflationary pressure.

It warned the recession could begin in the autumn, fuelled by is creating more increases in gas and electricity prices.

Ofgem has announced the energy price cap will now be reviewed every three months, rather than every six, meaning more frequent increases in household bills.

Gedling councillors spoke out during a cabinet meeting on Thursday (August 4), calling for more action from the Government to prevent the situation from worsening.

They say local people are struggling to afford food, clothes and bills – and Government Mininsters should draw up a plan for economic growth.

Councillor Michael Payne (Lab), deputy leader of Gedling Borough Council, said: “We’re heading towards a recession, and I’m seriously concerned about that.

“Councillors have inboxes full of people who are struggling to buy school uniforms, to fill the tank in their cars, to pay heating bills and to buy their weekly shop.

“If we don’t have a plan for growth nationally, public services, businesses and residents are going to feel the strain.

“I find it really, really concerning that we’re back in the position [of a recession] and that, after 12 years, the country is no further forward on our economy position. How’s that going to affect the people in Gedling?”

Cllr John Clarke (Lab), the council’s leader, added: “We’re getting bombarded with questions asking, ‘how do we deal with this?’.

“I know it’s awfully political, but it has to be. It just isn’t fair – there are people out there who are really struggling with this.”

Concerns have also been voiced about how the council will fund a proposed pay rise to help its own staff with rising bills.

The authority had budgeted for a proposed three per cent staff pay award in 2022 – costing a total of around £420,000.

However, it has been met with an alternative proposal of about £1,925 as a flat rate for all staff members – equating to a seven per cent rise on average and more than double the authority’s budget.

Part of this will be offset by a projected £46,500 underspend for the first quarter of 2022/23, which will be put into a contingency pot to address inflationary pressure.

This would be joined by £250,000 previously put into this pot for the same reason, although the council says it would need other underspends to “absorb” pay rises of that size.

“This is the biggest area of concern we’ve got – the whole cost-of-living issue – and we’re having to carefully monitor that with real close scrutiny,” a council spokesperson added.

“It won’t be until the winter months when this truly comes to the fore.”

In response to concerns over the cost of living, a Government spokesperson said Whitehall is taking a “balanced approach and recognises “people are struggling with rising prices”.

The spokesman added: “We are protecting the eight million most vulnerable families with at least £1,200 of direct payments this year. All households will receive the £400 energy payments and 80 per cent will get the £150 Council Tax rebate.

“Through our £37bn package we have also saved the typical employee over £330 a year through a tax cut, allowing people on Universal Credit to keep £1,000 more of what they earn and in April we significantly increased the National Living Wage to £9.50.”

Gedling Borough Council launches consultation over sale of land for housing in Arnold

Gedling Eye Reporter
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Gedling Borough Council launches consultation over sale of land for housing in Arnold

Gedling Borough Council has announced plans to consult on the sale of land owned by the authority near Killisick Lane in Arnold that has been allocated for housing, subject to a consultation.

The council’s Local Plan included the site in its allocation for much needed new homes in the borough including an allocation for affordable homes on the site, subject to the usual planning permissions being granted.  

The land, which is currently uncultivated and overgrown, could be sold along with other privately owned pieces of land in the same area. 

If sold, the revenue generated would be used to improve essential council services as well as be reinvested in The Hobbucks Nature Reserve, adjacent to the land. 

A consultation will be launched to get the views of local residents before any decision is made. Residents can have their say when the council publicly advertises its notice of intention to sell the land, this is a statutory requirement to ensure people can comment on the matter. 

Leader of Gedling Borough Council, Councillor John Clarke MBE said:“We wanted to seek the views of nearby residents before we make any decision on what steps we take next.

“The land is suitable for much needed new homes, including affordable homes, and the money made from the sale would be reinvested back into council services. We have a well-established nature reserve on the nearby Hobbucks site and we have been clear that this open space will be protected and enhanced, using some of the revenue from any proposed sale. 

We have to strike a balance with providing open spaces, creating more homes and balancing our budget, which is harder than ever as we see less and less government funding which is why we need to look at assets like council owned land. We want local residents to read the proposals and have their say and we will take all comments into consideration before we make any decisions.”

Mapperley arrest leads to drugs and cash discovery at house in Carlton

Gedling Eye Reporter
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Mapperley arrest leads to drugs and cash discovery at house in Carlton

Police have arrested a wanted man who was spotted in a Mapperley restaurant.

Officers attended the restaurant in Woodborough Road at around 4.05pm on Tuesday (2), following calls that the known suspect could be inside.

After receiving intelligence that linked the suspect to a number of serious alleged offences in the region, officers made their move and detained him at the scene.

A 25-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm, obstructing police, and possession of a bladed article, while he was also wanted on re-call to prison.

A search was then carried out at a house in Foxhill Road East, Carlton, which resulted in a quantity of cash and suspected cocaine being seized from inside.

Following the discovery, the man was further arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply Class A drugs.

A 22-year-old woman was also arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply Class A drugs.

Both remain in police custody.

Detective Sergeant James Hirst, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “We have been able to take some dangerous drugs off our streets and out of harm’s way, while also arresting a suspect wanted in connection with a number of serious offences.

“We have now arrested two suspects in connection with this investigation but would ask anyone who has any information that could further assist our enquiries to call the police on 101, quoting incident 121 of 2 August 2022, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

Levelling Up bid: Opposition say other parts of borough are ‘missing out’ following unveiling of council’s £50m Arnold improvement plan

Matt Jarram (LDR Reporter)
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Levelling Up bid: Opposition say other parts of borough are ‘missing out’ following unveiling of council’s £50m Arnold improvement plan

Conservative councillors have said that other parts of the borough are ‘missing out’ following a bid by the council to get £50m of Levelling Up cash to revamp parts of Arnold town centre

The Labour-run Gedling Borough Council says it is one of the most poorly-funded councils in the country and the money would be pumped into a project called ‘Ambition Arnold.’

Levelling Up bid Arnold
PICTURED: Deputy council leader Michael Payne outside Arnold’s leisure centre – which they want to redevelop with the government cash (PHOTO: GBC)
Mike Adams
“MISSING OUT” : Councillor Michael Adams thinks the cash should be spent elsewhere

However the council’s opposition Conservative leader Cllr Michael Adams claims the authority is ignoring investment opportunities in other parts of the borough.

Last week, the council announced the anchor store for the new Arnold Market – set to open later this year –  would be the Post Office.

The £4m project, which was initially planned for a spring opening before Covid-related delays, is in the final stages of construction.

If the £50m Levelling Up bid is successful, plans include a new leisure centre and theatre to replace the current Arnold Leisure Centre and Bonington Theatre, which have been operating since the 1980s.

The bid also includes plans for a new library and public space at the northern part of the town centre and improved access from Front Street to High Street.

The council’s previous bid for £20 million in the first round of Levelling Up funding was unsuccessful. It says its second round bid uses feedback it received from the first.

Cllr John Clarke (Lab), leader of the council, said: “As with our previous application, we think this is a strong proposal that will help rebuild our town centre.

“It includes ambitious proposals for a brand-new leisure and culture site at the north part of Arnold town.

John Clarke Gedling
PICTURED: Cllr Jon Clarke, leader of Gedling Borough Council says he thinks it’s a strong proposal

“Residents in Arnold have told us that the physical appearance of the area and variety of shops is an issue. This money would be used to improve those areas and create a real buzz in the town centre.

“We have already shown our intentions with the multi-million-pound investments we have made in the new Arnold Market Place and the refurbishment of Carlton town centre,.

“We will continue to do everything we can to improve the borough for our residents and businesses.”

But Cllr Adams (Cons), ward councillor for Trent Valley, told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: “I am happy they are applying again and have put a bid together. However, my own feeling overall is this whole administration always thinks about Arnold.

“There are places like Netherfield, Mapperley, Carlton, Daybrook, Calverton and Colwick that are desperate for investment.

“It is Arnold again and it is always Arnold, and I don’t know why?  We should be thinking about the bigger picture… about getting the whole area uplifted rather than just this section.”

The Government’s Levelling Up Fund runs until 2024-2025.

Closure in place tonight on section of Colliery Way

Gedling Eye Reporter
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Closure in place tonight on section of Colliery Way

A section of Colliery Way will close tonight so fencing can be removed.

The site compound area off Lambley Lane is being taken down as part of the demobilisation of the construction site that has been in place since January 2020.

As part of the site demobilisation, temporary fencing that has been in place along the route to keep the site safe and secure needs to be taken down.

The council say most of this can be done with no impact to the travelling public, however there is a section on the uphill link of Colliery Way between the five-arm roundabout and Mapperley Plains that can now only be accessed from the road.

This means that from 6pm tonight (Wednesday 3), there will be a closure in place on the uphill section to allow for the site team to remove this section of temporary fencing both safely and efficiently.

The downhill section of Colliery Way from Mapperley Plains will be unaffected. The closure will be in place for a number of hours.

At the five-arm roundabout, traffic should use the Arnold Lane link that joins up to Mapperley Plains. All manoeuvres are permissible at the traffic light junctions, but please bear in mind that turning right may take a bit longer due to the phasing of the lights.

As soon as the fencing is removed, the temporary closure will be taken off.

A spokesman for Nottinghamshire County Council said: “We would once again like to thank you for your patience and hope that you are enjoying using the new Colliery Way.”

Carlton woman gets city landmarks illuminated in recognition of lifesaving nutrition treatments that saved her life

Gedling Eye Reporter
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Carlton woman gets city landmarks illuminated in recognition of lifesaving nutrition treatments that saved her life

Two iconic buildings in Nottingham city centre will be illuminated on Monday night (August 1) as part of a Carlton woman’s campaign to raise awareness of an artificial nutrition that saved her life.

Natalie Maltby appealed to Nottingham City Council to illuminate the buildings to mark the start of Home Artificial Nutrition (HAN) Awareness Week which runs for the first week of August. 

Natalie, who is currently undergoing treatment at the Queens Medical Centre, began her journey with artificial nutrition in 2007 when, at the age of 25, she was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis (UC).

Natalie said: “I had just given birth to my second child, meaning I had two children under the age of two. I assumed I would just be able to take a couple of tablets and be fine, but within 18 months my UC had got so bad I was hospitalised. Whilst in hospital my large bowel perforated and I had emergency surgery to remove it, saving my life.”

For five years Natalie faced repeated hospital admissions, including undergoing stoma reversal surgery in 2012 which led to a 10 month stay in hospital. In 2014, Natalie started on Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN) through a Hickman Line – a narrow tube inserted into a vein in the chest.

“Once I was stabilised and able to eat, I was moved off TPN onto IV fluids and discharged, having two litres of fluids a night, seven nights a week. Sadly, as the years went on my health deteriorated further and I had to give up my job as a HR manager and it was a struggle coping with two young children and the challenges my illness presented.

“At the end of 2019 I started feeling really rubbish. I couldn’t eat without being in absolute agony and I was constantly tired. Some days I would sleep for 22 hours! When the world shut down with Covid in 2020 I didn’t even notice, as I was spending all day, every day in bed. In 2020 I also suffered my first bowel obstruction and, after narrowly avoiding surgery, I started on TPN again. In the last two years I’ve had multiple bowel obstructions and been diagnosed with Crohn’s disease. Last year, my consultant advised me to stop eating as it was causing me so much pain and making the obstructions worse, so TPN has now become a permanent fixture in my life.”

TPN is a method of feeding that bypasses the gastrointestinal tract. A special formula given through a vein provides most of the nutrients the body needs. 

Natalie continued: “I know some people are reluctant to go onto TPN, but for me it’s been a relief to finally get proper nutrition into my body, which in turn has made me healthier and stronger. Unfortunately, it’s hard to be prepared for the emotional side effects of TPN and not eating. I soon realised that almost every social event involves food and drink – parties, birthdays, mums’ nights out – the list is endless. I’ve found that I do a lot of cooking at home as it gives me a way to experience food without eating it. I still sit down at the table at dinner time as it’s one of the rare times we are all together as a family and it’s an opportunity for me to talk with my now teenage children.

“One thing I really missed doing as a result of having a Hickman Line was swimming. But I’ve recently discovered a waterproof dressing, when I go on holiday to Cornwall later this month, I will be able to go swimming with my kids for the first time in eight years.”

Natalie’s found that writing her blog, More Than Just a Bag Lady, has changed the way she thinks about the challenges of living with IBD and being on TPN. “I still have days where I’m so poorly I can’t get out of bed, but on my good days I’m determined to live life to the full and say yes to any opportunities that come my way!

“While artificial nutrition is only needed for a small group of patients, it is lifesaving, and I hope this illumination in Nottingham will raise awareness of it, and the incredible support that PINNT provide.”

PINNT is a national, independent charity which provides mutual support and advocacy for adults and children and their families adapting to life on home artificial nutrition (HAN). It is estimated that around 50,000 people in the UK are dependent on enteral nutrition at home, while around 2,750 rely on parenteral nutrition (where nutrients are delivered directly into the bloodstream) at home.

PINNT Chair, Carolyn Wheatley said: “HAN includes parenteral, enteral and oral nutritional supplements and, every year, HAN Week is dedicated to raising awareness of these lifesaving, life-changing home treatments that provide nutrition and hydration for people without the ability to eat and drink normally.

“The conditions that Natalie lives with – Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn’s disease – are fairly well known, but living on TPN is lesser so, and this illumination is an opportunity to get people talking about its importance. Natalie’s story and her drive to raise awareness in Nottingham is truly inspiring, and I hope empowers others to share their stories.” 

To find out more and get involved with HAN Week 2022, visit pinnt.com or follow us on Twitter @PINNTCharity.

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