A “haunted” murder stone put in place for a Papplewick teenager has a tragic story behind it after the 17-year-old was beaten to death by Charles Rotherham more than 200 years ago.
Largely forgotten in the undergrowth of Thieves Wood, this simple stone was erected in 1819 by the shocked residents in response to the murder of a teenager from the rural village of Papplewick.
Seventeen-year-old Elizabeth “Bessie” Sheppard failed to return home in July 1817, after looking for work in the nearby town of Mansfield. She had been beaten to death with a hedge stake by Charles Rotherham, a Napoleonic War veteran from Sheffield, who had been drinking in the nearby Hutt public house.
Rotherham relieved Bessie of her only saleable possessions, a pair of shoes and an umbrella, and disposed of her body in a ditch. He returned to the Hutt, where he failed to sell his stolen goods, before continuing south towards Nottingham. He attempted to sell them again at another pub on the way, before finally succeeding in offloading the incriminating umbrella and shoes in a third pub in Redhill, Arnold.
After a huge manhunt, Rotherham was finally apprehended loitering on a canal bridge in Loughborough, Leicestershire, and sent back to Nottingham, where his subsequent trial and public execution by hanging drew large crowds.
Visitors looking for the often-overgrown memorial to Elizabeth Sheppard should take note that the ghost of Bessie is said to appear every time the stone is disturbed. The A60 Nottingham Road was widened in the 1930s and the stone moved back several feet. An eerie figure was seen loitering around the spot where the stone used to be for a number of days afterward. Similar sightings were reported 20 years later after the stone was hit by a car.
A final curious event happened in 1988, when vandals struck the cemetery in Papplewick where Sheppard is buried, and her gravestone went missing. A police officer was photographed by the Bessie Sheppard Stone for an item in a local newspaper about the vandalism. Feeling a strange need to touch the stone, the officer had a revelation, immediately returned to Papplewick and located the missing gravestone buried in vegetation 200 feet away from the grave. This gave Bessie her gravestone back, and the local newspaper a much more interesting story than they first anticipated.
Traders on Arnold Market have warned the closure of the town’s Wilkos store has badly affected footfall in the area.
The market is made up of stalls trading on Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays selling products including meat, fruit and veg, and fashion.
But three of the five stallholders on the market said the trade in general is now “on its way out”.
Traders were moved to the square from their original town centre location after 50 years there while the works were carried out on the £4m Arnold Market Place (AMP) development, which opened in 2022.
Gedling Borough Council is planning for the traders to stay at the Eagle Square location for another year, before a consultation takes place on a permanent relocation.
PICTURED: The Wilkos store in Arnold closed recently (PIC: LDRS)
The consultation was meant to take place in 2022 but was delayed due to “a restructure and changes in staffing”.
Traders told the Local Democracy Reporting Service they want to stay at their current location.
Market trader Ben Bradley, who has been working as a trader for 20 years, said he is happy with the current spot as “there’s nowhere else for us to go”.
He said: “The market has been here for two years now so I’d rather we stay.
“Customers have got used to it being here.
“The footfall was alright but it is quieter now Wilkos has shut.
“When the market was at the old location it was a bit dreary and drab.
“You could have the best stalls in the country but if it’s pouring with rain people won’t come.
“The best thing the council can do is leave us alone, we just get on with it.”
Andrew Webb, who runs a watch stall, and has been a trader for 40 years, said “markets aren’t like they used to be”.
He said: “40 years ago there were 100 stalls and they were all full. It took me ages to get a spot there.
“We want the council to arrange a bigger overhang on the stalls because when it rains we’ve got no shelter.
“We relied on Wilkos and now it’s shut it has made a big difference.
“Once people pack it in here we’ll be the last of the Mohicans. There will be no new blood coming through.”
David Rogers, who works on a DVD stall, added: “Now that Wilkos is shut there’s a lot less footfall than before.
“Markets are on their way out and there’s not a lot you can do about it. But I’m happy where we are in this spot.
“I’ve been in the trade for 40 years. I’m pretty busy but if I didn’t have regulars I would struggle.
“No matter what the council do, it won’t make any difference. I trade at Bulwell and Newark as well and they’re struggling.”
Councillor Jenny Hollingsworth, the borough council’s portfolio holder for sustainable growth and economy said: “We’ve approved an extension for Arnold Market to continue to take place at Eagle Square, Arnold, and will be consulting with traders, residents, and businesses to get their views on the location of the market going forwards and what we can do to help improve the site.
“Our Town Centre Manager will be working closely with market traders to explore how the council can support them and help attract more visitors to our town centres.”
When it comes to fishing holidays, the UK offers a diverse range of options for anglers of all levels.
From tranquil lakes to winding rivers and expansive coastal shores, this island nation is a haven for those seeking the thrill of the catch.
To help you see why, we’ve put together a comprehensive guide to fishing holidays UK style.
Choose your location wisely
The UK boasts a plethora of fishing spots, each with its unique charm. More importantly, you can find many of these special spots at a range of holiday parks across the UK.
This way, you can blend the joys and wonders of fishing with the ease and luxury of incredible holiday park locations.
For instance, you might prefer the rugged coastlines of Cornwall or the peaceful rivers of Norfolk.
Your choice of location will determine the type of fishing experience you’ll have, so it’s worth doing a bit of research to find the setting that suits you best.
Select the right accommodation
To truly immerse yourself in the fishing experience, consider staying in a holiday home that caters specifically to anglers.
You’ll find a range of caravans and lodges, for instance, that offer amazing amenities for your holiday, which are situated conveniently close to prime fishing spots.
You can wake up, step outside, and be casting your line in no time.
Know your fish
Before heading out, familiarise yourself with the types of fish you’re likely to encounter at your chosen location.
Different species have different habits and habitats, so understanding their behaviour can significantly improve your chances of success.
Whether you’re targeting trout, carp, or sea bass, for example, a little knowledge can go a long way.
Pack the right gear
Some holiday parks provide basic fishing equipment, but it’s always a good idea to bring your own if you’re serious about the sport.
Make sure you have the appropriate rods, reels, lines, and hooks for the type of fishing you’ll be doing.
Don’t forget to pack essential accessories like bait, tackle boxes, and a comfortable fishing chair for those patient waits.
Respect the environment
Preserving the natural beauty of the UK’s fishing spots is crucial for future generations of anglers.
Always follow local fishing regulations and guidelines, including catch and release policies if they apply, and safe disposal of any waste to leave the area as you found it.
Check with your chosen holiday park to find out what rules you need to follow for a fun and safe fishing holiday.
Embrace the experience
Whilst landing a big catch can be exhilarating, don’t forget that fishing is also about relaxation and appreciating nature.
Take in the sights and sounds around you, and relish the opportunity to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
This can also be great for newcomers to the fishing world. Even if you don’t catch anything, it’s the experience and spending time with loved ones that really counts.
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The UK offers an array of fishing holidays to suit every angler’s preference. Whether you’re after the thrill of deep-sea fishing or the tranquillity of a secluded lake, there’s a spot for you.
Detectives have spoken of the painstaking work involved in a chilling case which led to police stopping a dangerous predator in his tracks before he could commit even more serious sexual offences.
Former Netherfield man Stanislaw Filipiak, 39, was locked up after using the cover of his job as a fast-food delivery driver to prey on young women, finding out where they lived before covertly recording videos and photos of them, including in very intimate situations, while they were in their homes.
Nottingham Crown Court heard how Filipiak’s disturbing behaviour had escalated over a period of months.
On one occasion, after becoming fixated with a woman in The Park area of Nottingham, his hands were seen coming through her ground floor bathroom window while she was showering.
It was subsequently discovered Filipiak had previously been inside her home, at least twice, while she was away on holiday.
He had rifled through her underwear drawer and taken images of her expired passport, Facebook account log-in details, and other sensitive password information which was held on an iPad.
Further inquiries led to police later finding what was described as a potential ‘rape kit’ in a bag at his home. Items inside included rope, duct tape, a blindfold, condoms, and metal ankle chains.
It was also revealed he had Googled the victim’s name more than 45 times having developed a fascination with her.
Detective Constable Ben Grayson, of Nottinghamshire Police, led an extensive and complex investigation which was initially launched after it was reported Filipiak had been spotted creeping around outside addresses of young women in the Lenton area where he tried door handles and looked through their windows.
Filipiak was caught on doorbell camera footage loitering outside addresses and when he tried the door handle of one of them at 4.30am on 30 December 2022.
DC Grayson said: “That’s how he initially came to our attention. The victims described Filipiak in as much detail as possible. We had the doorbell camera footage, we were able to obtain a partial vehicle registration number for his moped, and were able to link him to the offences by comparing his clothing.
“He was stopped and arrested in Nottingham city centre on February 24, 2023 on suspicion of a couple of attempted burglaries. He was also arrested on suspicion of possession of an offensive weapon after a thick rubber cosh was found in his bag.
“When we interviewed him, he told us he was glad we had caught him and that he had done what he did to give himself a thrill.”
Filipiak was charged with stalking and possession of an offensive weapon.
But things took a more sinister turn when police seized and then analysed two of Filipiak’s mobile phones.
It was discovered he had secretly filmed videos of young women, and photographed them while they were in their bathrooms and bedrooms.
Pictures and recordings were taken through windows and gaps in their blinds, including while victims were in various stages of undress. Seven victims of voyeurism were identified.
DC Grayson continued: “It was shocking that he had wandered around busy residential streets, targeted young women, looked through their windows and took photos and videos of them without their knowledge.
“Images and videos were taken while they were in states of undress.”
Analysis of his phone also showed Filipiak had conducted disturbing internet searches, including about 24-hour key cutting in Nottingham, the reach of city centre CCTV cameras, and other searches which showed his interest in offences of a sexual nature as well as violent pornographic-related material.
Having uncovered the images and videos on his digital devices, the investigation team rose to the challenge of identifying all the victims.
DC Grayson said: “The videos and images we found were time and date stamped so we knew when they were taken. We cross-referenced that with location data we were able to find which gave us a general idea of where Filipiak was on certain dates and at certain times. That told us he was in these locations and was responsible for obtaining that media.
“It also gave me an idea of where the victims may be. However, we only had images and videos of women taken through gaps in their blinds or curtains and glimpses of window frames in some cases.
“It was then a case of cold calling, looking at streets and trying to match up details which might lead us to finding the victims. This work included looking at the blinds shown in his photos and videos, whether they were wooden or metal, horizontal or vertical, and looking for any other clues which might help identify the targeted addresses.
“In one instance I was able to identify a property from a wheelie bin where the paint had dripped on one of the numbers. That could be seen in one of the videos.
“In another case, I saw something in a reflection from a window in one of the videos. I could see a distinctive house on the other side of the street which gave me an idea of where that victim may live. There were also some things you could see inside the properties he filmed which helped us match details.
“My colleague DC Beth Foster was instrumental in reviewing Filipiak’s phones and identifying location data. We interrogated all recovered items to the very best of our ability to make sure we could identify the victims.
“DC Raj Johal helped me in delivering the news of what we had found to the victims as sensitively as possible and without judgement. They were all very shocked, scared, and upset. I think they felt embarrassed and violated by Filipiak’s shocking invasion of their privacy.
“By analysing his phone, we were able to establish he had previously delivered food to two of his voyeurism victims. It was the perfect cover for him. He was almost hiding in plain sight, no-one would have thought twice.
“From data on his phone we also knew he had been inside one of his victim’s homes twice while she was away, before he went on to later open her bathroom window.
“What if she had been at home when he entered? What would have happened if she had been there? Or if Filipiak had managed to get inside the homes of the young women after trying their door handles?
“What might he do next? That was my concern. As the judge said, there was an escalation in his case so I’m thankful we were able to stop him.
“It was alarming to find a potential rape kit and a cosh in his possession and we were pleased we made the arrest so quickly.”
DC Grayson also paid tribute to the victims for their support during the detailed investigation.
He added: “I built up a good rapport with them and kept in touch and visited them as much as I could to keep them updated. They were all really helpful and cooperative. The statements they provided were really articulate and well written as well as being really impactful.
“I also had a good relationship with the Crown Prosecution Service lawyer in this case, just to make sure we had everything on track. Their guidance and support helped us to build the case against Filipiak, to secure this result, and ensure he now faces the full consequences of his actions.”
Filipiak, formerly of Victoria Road, Netherfield, pleaded guilty to one count of trespass with intent to commit a sexual offence, namely voyeurism, seven counts of voyeurism, two counts of stalking, and possession of an offensive weapon.
He was given an extended nine-year sentence when he appeared at Nottingham Crown Court on October 27 2023. This includes a six-year prison sentence and a three-year extended licence period.
He was also ordered to sign the Sex Offenders’ Register indefinitely and made subject of a 10-year sexual harm prevention order and restraining order.
T1 (Maple) – Re-pollard; T2 (Pine) – Reduce to obtain an end height of 1m above ground level; T3 (Holly) – Reduce to obtain an end height of 6ft above ground level; and T4 (Pear) Remove.
Disa House Main Street Linby Nottinghamshire NG15 8AG . Ref. No: 2023/0783TCA
Discharge of condition 10 (Soft and hard landscape works) pursuant to planning application reference 2020/0922
49 Sandfield Road Arnold Nottinghamshire NG5 6QA Ref. No: 2023/0782
Discharge of condition 12 (Protection of trees and hedges) pursuant to planning application reference 2020/0922
49 Sandfield Road Arnold Nottinghamshire NG5 6QA. Ref. No: 2023/0781
Proposed flat roof instead of the approved pitched roof with a front porch extension.
Two storey and single storey side extension to dwelling, application of render and cladding, single storey rear extenson, entrance porch and fenestration alterations.
32 Holme Close Woodborough Nottinghamshire NG14 6EX. Ref. No: 2023/0766
New facade to front elevation and two storey side extension
55 Longdale Lane Ravenshead Nottinghamshire NG15 9AG. Ref. No: 2023/0764
Removal of hedge and erection of a fence – 1.2 metres in height along the boundary between 139 and 141 Worrall Avenue from the dwelling to the highway and 1.8 metres in height along the boundaries to the rear of the dwelling.
139 Worrall Avenue Arnold Nottinghamshire NG5 7GL. Ref. No: 2023/0762
Erection of single storey and two storey extensions to side and rear – retrospective application
Demolition of existing buildings for residential development of five detached dwellings, garages and curtilages, improvement of existing private access track to Mansfield Lane and demolition and repositioning of a detached garage to Whitehaven Farm (house) toprovide bespoke bat roost mitigation measures.
3 Lime trees (T34, T38 and T41) to be reduced in size due to large size / re-pollarded. 2 Horse Chestnuts (T35 and T38) to be re-pollarded. 1 Horse Chestnut (T39) to be removed because it is dead & a large piece has recently fallen off.
19 St Helens Grove Burton Joyce Nottinghamshire NG14 5AP. Ref. No: 2023/0686TPO
The erection of 5no. glamping units, a bike store, recycling/waste facilities, parking/turning area with electric vehicle charging points together with associated footpaths and a water treatment plant and biodiversity enhancements
Newstead Abbey Park, Nursery Gardens Station Avenue Newstead Nottinghamshire NG15 8GE. Ref. No: 2023/0657
A thriving local fitness equipment company is helping Gedling borough and Notts to shape up and get fit.
Colwick-based Fitness Marketplace – the brainchild of three former personal fitness instructors – is celebrating a record-breaking 2023.
Supplying a full range of discounted new and used home fitness equipment, the online specialists now operate out of a 10,000 square feet warehouse.
Brothers Adam and Martin Small, who grew up in Woodborough, and Matthew Knight are proud to supply a bespoke service to Notts area customers.
Adam said: “We are very proud of our local roots and the growth of the business has surpassed our wildest expectations.
“The three of us met up when we were personal trainers at a gym in Redhill many moons ago.
“Health and wellbeing is very important to all of us and the fitness marketplace sector is growing at a rapid rate.
“We offer a full range of top end to budget equipment at discounts of up to 60 per cent.
“Although a predominantly online business, customers can visit our Colwick warehouse by prior appointment.”
The origins of the company date back 15 years to when Adam operated out of a barn in the Notts countryside.
“I was offered a run-down treadmill, repaired it myself and that ultimately was the kickstarter for the business.
“All three of us are passionate about health and fitness. Our company helps to encourage people to achieve their own personal fitness and lifestyle ambitions, irrespective of age from beginner through to elite level.”
Official stockists of NordicTrack, ProForm, Jordan, Precor, Technogym, Life Fitness, Concept 2 and more, The Fitness Marketplace offers a full range of equipment including running machines, cross-trainers, treadmills, elliptical, steppers and rowing machines.
The company has also created its own in-house MAS range for the commercial sector featuring dual adjustable pulley machines, benches, dumbbells, weight plates, bars and racks.
Among the extensive client list are the city’s professional football clubs as well as Nottinghamshire police and the NHS.
Want an editorial promoting your business featured on Gedling Eye? Contact our advertising team on advertising@gedlingeye.co.uk or check out our advertising page for more details
Arnold will celebrate the switching on of the town’s Christmas lights this year on Friday, November 24.
The Christmas Light Switch On, which has been sponsored by Robert Ellis Estate Agents, will take place from 4pm, outside the AMP building at the former Arnold Market site.
The event will feature performances from local schools and choirs, a lantern parade, street entertainers and even a visit from Santa. A number of local businesses, including several at the AMP building, will also be staying open late throughout the event.
An indoor craft fair will be open next to the event, at Arnold Methodist Church, with stalls selling items such as cards, festive food and gifts.
The Christmas lights will be switched on by the Mayor of Gedling, Councillor Julie Najuk at 6.30pm
Leader of Gedling Borough Council, Councillor John Clarke MBE said: “I’m delighted to announce details of this year’s Arnold Christmas light switch event taking place later this month.
Last year was the first year hosting the event at our new venue outside the AMP building at the former Arnold Market Place, and what a great event that was with an incredible turn out.
I have no doubt that the event this year will be just as popular, and I’d like to invite residents to join us and enjoy this great community event as we kick off the festive season.”
A second Gedling Borough councillor has resigned from the Labour Party over their stance on the Israel-Gaza conflict.
Councillor Des Gibbons, who represents Bestwood St Albans, said he will now stand as an independent.
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has faced criticism from sections of the party nationally over his refusal to call for a ceasefire in the ongoing conflict.
More than 30 councillors across the country have so far resigned over the leader’s comments.
PICTURED: Cllr Des GibbonsPICTURED: Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer is yet to call for a ceasefire
Cllr Gibbons is the second to resign following Councillor Russell Whiting’s announcement that he would leave the Labour Party for similar reasons to become independent.
Nottingham City Labour Councillor Nadia Farhat has also left the party.
Cllr Gibbons told the Local Democracy Reporting Service it was a “difficult decision”.
In previous comments Sir Keir also suggested it was appropriate for Israel to withhold water and power from Gaza, later adding “everything should be done within international law”.
He has also refused to call for a ceasefire and instead has supported “humanitarian pauses”.
The Hamas group is based in Gaza and is considered a terror organisation in Israel and the UK.
It killed more than 1,400 people in Israel in a wave of attacks on October 7, and took more than 150 more hostage. In response Israel has launched air strikes which the Hamas-run health ministry says have so far killed more than 9,000 people.
Cllr Gibbons, who has been a Labour party member for around 20 years, said: “I did a lot of soul searching because my decision is nothing to do with Gelding Labour and I am fully supportive of them.
“Keir Starmer’s original statement set off alarm bells for me.
“My decision is against the leadership stance on not calling for a ceasefire.
“It is out of step with the public opinion in this country and with the United Nations.”
Cllr Gibbons previously suspended his Labour party membership over Tony Blair’s decision to send troops into Iraq in the early 2000s.
He added: “I can never condone what happened on October 7 but we have the carpet bombing and strikes on camps playing before our very eyes.
“I’ve always supported Palestinian rights and it has always been close to my heart.
“It’s a very emotive subject so it took me a long time to make my decision.
“It’s horrific to see what is happening and I am hoping the leadership will change its mind.”
In a speech on October 31, Sir Keir said: “While I understand calls for a ceasefire, at this stage I do not believe that is the correct position now, for two reasons.
“One, because a ceasefire always freezes any conflict in the state where it currently lies.
“And as we speak, that would leave Hamas with the infrastructure and the capability to carry out the sort of attack we saw on October the 7th.
“Attacks that are still ongoing. Hostages who should be released – still held.
“Hamas would be emboldened and start preparing for future violence immediately.”
The quiz is a Web based quiz so a phone tablet or laptop will be needed – don’t worry if not 100% with technology it’s really easy and our team are on hand to support if needed
Thu 26 Oct – Tue 14 Nov, Various Times £6.80pp £5.00pp on Tuesdays
In the summer of 2014, Bernard Jordan (Michael Caine) made global headlines. He had staged a “great escape” from his care home to join fellow war veterans on a beach in Normandy, commemorating their fallen comrades at the D-Day Landings 70th anniversary. It was a story that captured the imagination of the world as Bernie embodied the defiant, “can-do” spirit of a generation that was fast disappearing. But of course, it wasn’t the whole story.
It was an inspirational but sanitised retelling of one man’s need to come to terms with the lasting trauma of war. Bernie’s adventure, spanning a mere 48 hours, also marked the culmination of his 60-year marriage to Rene (Glenda Jackson) – The Great Escaper celebrates their enduring love but always with an eye to the lessons we might learn from the Greatest Generation.
The Old Oak is a special place. Not only is it the last pub standing, but it’s also the only remaining public space where people can meet in a once thriving mining community that has now fallen on hard times after 30 years of decline. TJ Ballantyne (Dave Turner) the landlord hangs on to The Old Oak by his fingertips, and his predicament is endangered even more when the pub becomes contested territory after the arrival of Syrian refugees who are placed in the village without any notice.
In an unlikely friendship TJ meets a curious young Syrian Yara (Ebla Mari) with her camera. Can they find a way for the two communities to understand each other? So unfolds a deeply moving drama about their fragilities and hopes.
EVENT CINEMA: The Prince of Egypt: The Musical (12A) – Bonington Cinema, Arnold
Sun 29 Oct – Sat 4 Nov, 12:30pm £12.50pp
Based on the classic DreamWorks Animation film and featuring Stephen Schwartz’s “miraculous music” (Time Out) – including his Academy Award®-winning song ‘When You Believe’ – and Sean Cheesman’s “astonishing choreography” (The Guardian), this epic, critically acclaimed production with an original London cast and orchestra of more than 60 artists tells an inspiring tale of resilience and hope.
Journey through the wonders of Ancient Egypt as two young men, raised together as brothers in a kingdom of privilege, find themselves suddenly divided by a secret past. One must rule as Pharaoh, the other must rise up and free his true people; both face a destiny that will change history forever.
Filmed live at the Dominion Theatre in London, this spectacular stage show comes to cinemas for the first time.
EVENT CINEMA: Exhibition on Screen: Klimt and the Kiss – Bonington Cinema, Arnold
Mon 30 Oct – Wed 8 Nov, Various Times £12.50pp
The Kiss by Gustav Klimt is one of the most recognised and reproduced paintings in the world. It is perhaps the most popular poster on student dorm walls from Beijing to Boston.
Painted in Vienna around 1908, the evocative image of an unknown embracing couple has captivated viewers with its mystery, sensuality and dazzling materials ever since it was created. But just what lies behind the appeal of the painting – and just who was the artist that created it?
Delving into the details of real gold, decorative designs, symbolism and simmering erotica, a close study of the painting takes us to the remarkable turn of the century Vienna when a new world was battling with the old.
From the director of Frida Kahlo and Mary Cassatt – Painting the Modern Woman comes a powerful, gripping and passionate new film.
Please contact venue to confirm availability and details
A quick word from ‘This is Gedling’ Magazine who sponsor The Vibe
Covering the whole of Gedlng borough ‘This is Gedling’ magazine is being distributed now – you can pick up a FREE copy at your local pub, club, venue, theatre, takeaway.
This is Gedling is a Not for Profit (NfP) community initiative that depends on the support of advertisers, contributors, readers and donors to continue to bring FREE borough news and general interest content to the all 46 square miles and 120k residents of Gedling borough.
November is here, and that means Nottinghamshire’s gritting teams move to full-time standby, ready for the winter ahead.
Each year the 31-strong fleet of gritters and their drivers go onto full-time, 24-hour standby marking the official start of winter for Nottinghamshire County Council and its highways partner Via East Midlands.
Last winter, gritting teams completed 70 gritting runs and travelled over 112,000 miles – equivalent to travelling four and a half times around the world!
Gritting forms just part of Nottinghamshire’s winter activity, with teams ready to respond to all types of severe weather and help keep Gedling borough and the county’s highways safe and moving.
The first named storm of the winter season, Storm Babet, hit Nottinghamshire just over a week ago bringing significant flooding to some areas. Via’s Incident Response Team dealt with over 380 reports related to the storm.
Councillor Neil Clarke MBE, Cabinet Member for Transport and Environment, said: “Our gritting teams have begun their full-time standby duties, and are well stocked and ready for winter and whatever the conditions may throw at us.
“Our gritting teams go out whenever the forecast suggests that road temperatures are going to be at or below zero degrees and it won’t surprise you to hear that the majority of their work takes place while the rest of us are at home in the warm.
“Our main routes make up just over a third of Nottinghamshire’s road network – 1,121 miles to be exact and are made up of all A and B roads and major bus routes, but in times of severe weather, we also grit our secondary or severe weather routes and include one road to every major settlement and some steep residential roads as well as access routes to special schools.
“You can find our gritting routes on the NCC website. That way, you’ll be able to look out for our friendly bunch of gritters and give them a wave if you see them pass by. You can view these routes by looking at the gritting maps on our website
“There is a common misconception that just because someone hasn’t seen a gritter pass through their area, it must mean that they haven’t been out, but certainly isn’t the case. The average gritting run takes between three and four hours and so if you see on our social media channels that our gritters are due to go out from say 6pm or 7pm, this could mean that they may not pass through your area until long after you’re tucked up in bed!
“While our gritting teams are a significant part of how we keep you safe in the colder months, I cannot mention our winter teams without recognising that it is not just our gritting teams who will be busy during the colder months.
“For our drainage teams, heavy rain, storms and flooding can lead to a spike in demand for their services, and when high winds lead to fallen trees, it is the forestry team who will be called out.
“As for our emergency response team, their 24/7, 365 days-a-year role can be easily impacted by adverse weather and could see them dealing with anything from managing road closures, to delivering sandbags and putting out flood boards.
“Alongside this, our maintenance and repair teams will be actively working to repair roads from the damage that winter conditions cause, delivering patch repairs to road surfaces and focusing on keeping well-used roads in the county safe for road users.
“I’d like to thank all the teams in advance for all the work they’ll be doing to keep things moving and to keep everyone safe.”
For more information about gritting, disruption, and winter weather, you can visit the Nottinghamshire County Council website HERE.
