Section of Gedling Road will be closed THIS SATURDAY for traffic light upgrade work

A section of Gedling Road will be closed on Saturday to allow for work to take place on a traffic signal upgrade.

New ducting is now required across the whole width of Gedling Road for the upgraded traffic signals to be installed.

Nottinghamshire County Council say they are unable to do this work in phases so a road closure will be necessary ‘to maintain safe working zones for the workforce and travelling public’.

To make sure these works can be completed, a road closure at the top of Gedling Road at its junction with Arnold Lane will be in place on Saturday, May 14 from 7am until 7pm. 

Access along the B684 Mapperley Plain / Plains Road will be unaffected during the closure.

Motorists travelling in the area should use the diversion route on Plains Road / Breck Hill Road / Arno Vale Road and vice versa.

A spokesman said: “We would like to thank you for your ongoing patience whilst our construction teams complete the next phase of works.”

Man arrested after explosive materials are discovered at house near Arnold

Residents were evacuated last night (11) after suspected explosive materials were found at a house in Warren Hill – which is on the border of Arnold and Top Valley.

Police officers attended an address in Finsbury Road after 11.50pm on Wednesday night (Wednesday).

Inside they found suspected explosive materials which have since been removed for further testing.

A 45-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of possessing an explosive substance. He remains in police custody.

Around 25 residents were evacuated from neighbouring properties as a precaution.

A scene will remain in place for much of today (Thursday) as investigations continue.

Police do not believe the incident to be terror related.

Detective Inspector Richard Guy, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “I would like to thank local residents for their cooperation last night in challenging circumstances.

“Acting out of an abundance of caution, emergency services took the decision to evacuate neighbouring properties while these substances were removed by appropriately trained experts. A suspect is now in custody and our investigation continues.”

Anyone with any information is asked to call 101 quoting incident 874 of 11 May 2022.

Some chicken products are being pulled from shelves in Gedling borough supermarkets

A number of supermarkets in Gedling borough have stopped selling some or all cooked chicken products following a salmonella scare at a major food processing plant.

The huge Cranswick factory in Hull processes around 160 tonnes of poultry a day and the food firm say the salmonella was detected during a ‘routine internal inspection’. 

Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Aldi and M&S have all started to pull chicken products from their shelves due to the scare.

The Food Standards Agency are now advising people from across the borough with any affected products not to eat them.

It is not yet known if anyone has been made ill by the bug, which normally kicks in between six hours to six days after infection.

A spokesman for Cranswick said: ‘As a precautionary measure, we have asked our customers to remove any of their products containing our ready to eat chicken produced during the affected period.

‘We are working closely with the Foods Standards Agency and will collaborate with their experts to resolve the matter’,

The factory will remain closed until the investigations are complete.

Marks & Spencer, Sainsbury’s and Aldi have all recalled certain products over fears they may be contaminated.

The majority of products that have been recalled are sandwiches and wraps containing cooked chicken. Customers have been urged not to eat the goods.

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has recalled batches of Aldi’s Eat + Go Chicken and Bacon Caesar Wrap, along with the triple version of the same product.

In a notice on its website, Aldi said the products are being recalled ‘due to the possible presence of salmonella’.

‘Customers are asked to return this product to their nearest store, where a full refund will be given.

‘We apologise for any inconvenience and thank you for your co-operation.’

Marks & Spencer has also issued a ‘precautionary recall’ of several chicken products due to the possibility a small number of them may contain salmonella.

Sainsbury’s has recalled more than 30 products in a similar ‘precautionary measure’ over fears the goods ‘may contain salmonella’.

In a statement on its website, Sainsbury’s said it had ‘taken the precautionary measure of recalling the above products as they may contain salmonella’.

‘We are asking customers who have purchased the above products not to consume them and to return them to their nearest Sainsbury’s store, where they will receive a full refund,’ the statement said.

The products the supermarket has recalled include Sainsbury’s Chicken Fajita Triple Wrap, Sainsbury’s Spring on the Lemon Chicken Sandwich, Sainsbury’s Jerk Chicken Wrap, Sainsbury’s chargrilled chicken slices 160g and Sainsbury’s Piri Piri Chicken Mini Fillets 170g all with a use by date from May 3 to May 20 22.

Stark warning from Ofgem boss on energy price rises in October

Householders in Gedling borough should expect a further rise in energy bills this October, the UK’s energy regulator has warned.

The boss of Ofgem Jonathan Brearley said prices in the wholesale energy market remained “highly volatile”.

He told the BBC: “Not being able to afford energy bills was a matter of life and death for some people.”

Analysts Cornwall Insight have now predicted that a typical domestic energy bill will go up by £600 a year in October, taking the typical household’s gas and and electricity bill to £2,595.

Mr Brearley said the effect of higher prices following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine was “putting huge strain on the customers we serve”.

Gas stove

“I talk to customers on a regular basis, and I know how tough rising energy prices are for many households and businesses,” he said.

“For some, not being able to afford rising energy bills is literally a matter of life and death.”

During a speech in Glasgow the Ofcom boss shared a story about a woman who was being treated for a brain tumour had worries about keeping up with energy bills.

“What was shocking was to learn that she feels more comfortable in hospital where she can eat and be warm than at home,” he said.

The expected price increase in October comes on top of a £700 typical rise in annual domestic gas and electricity bills, which took effect in April when the price cap was last raised.

Mr Brearley said he remained committed to updating the price cap, putting suppliers under greater scrutiny and helping move the UK away from a reliance on gas.

Happy meals: Aldi stores in Gedling launch their own versions of McDonald’s favourites – and they’re a lot cheaper

Budget supermarket chain Aldi has this week launched a new range inspired by McDonald’s favourites into stores across Gedling borough.

Just as McDonald’s has the announced the anticipated return of its sell-out McSpicy Chicken Burger, Aldi is selling a near identical product for a fraction of the price. Designed to fire up tastebuds, their tantalisingly tasty Roosters Gastro Flamin’ Hot Chicken Burger is a steal at £2.99. They contain two chicken breasts, tenderly spiced with herbs and a layer of crispy golden coating. Set to have McSpicy fans unable to spot the difference, this spicy chicken sensation can be enjoyed from the comforts of the home at a fraction of the price. Available in-store now. 

For even more McLoving, Aldi has also launched a brand new on-the-go wrap range to rival fast food giant McDonald’s – at a whopping 40% cheaper!    

Lovers of the Big Arches can avoid a trip to the drive-thru by stocking up on Aldi’s three new wraps. Meat lovers will adore the BBQ Chicken and Bacon Wrap (£1.95, 190g) which contains deliciously juicy pieces of seasoned chicken goujons, encased in a tangy BBQ sauce – flecked with tasty pepper and onion pieces.

The Piri Piri Chicken Wrap is filled with succulent pieces of chicken, coated in a mild chilli sauce and doused in a creamy garlic yoghurt.

And finally, a plant-based option sure to make veg lovers hap-pea, the Spicy Veggie Wrap (£1.95, 194g) boasts delightful Mexican falafel pieces and warming chipotle spice. Smoky and sweet tomato salsa is complemented with a subtle chilli jam kick for the ultimate veg-tastic treat!  

And last but not feast, McDonalds fans may be still missing the Chicken Big Mac, but Aldi has come to the rescue, with a version of this sell-out treat at a whopping 51% less than the Golden Arches version.The equally tasty Aldi version of this crispy chicken delight has all the tasty ingredients to create the iconic stack- at just £1.97 a burger.   

 Shoppers can start by lightly toasting Aldi’s Specially Selected Seeded Brioche Burger Buns (99p, 200g), before adding two crispy and succulent Roosters 2 Chicken Quarter Pounders (99p, 227g), melty Everyday Essentials 10 Mild Cheddar Slices (99p, 200g) and crunchy Nature’s Pick Iceberg Lettuce (46p). Finish with lashings of Bramwells Chunky Burger Sauce (79p, 250ml), which some shoppers say tastes just like Big Mac sauceiii,for the perfect fakeaway treat!    

 Ingredients to create the Aldi’s chicken stack burger, Roosters Gastro Flamin’ Hot Chicken Burger along with the On-the-Go wraps are available in stores across Gedling now.  

Ravenshead martial artist and Doctor Strange actress wife found guilty of sexually abusing teenage girl

A martial artist from Ravenshead and his film-star wife have been found guilty of sexually abusing a teenage girl.

Zara and Victor Marke abused the girl on multiple occasions when she was still a child.

The pair, who are well-known in the international martial arts community, were arrested after allegations were made against Victor Marke by another victim in December 2016.

She explained how he had abused her multiple times during her teenage years.

A subsequent lengthy investigation by specialist child abuse detectives at Nottinghamshire Police led to the discovery of a second victim and the involvement on Mrs Marke – formerly known as Zara Phythian.

The pair denied all allegations against them but were later charged with a string of sexual offences.

After a three-week trial at Nottingham Crown Court a jury has now delivered its verdict.

Victor Marke, aged 59, of Mavis Avenue, Ravenshead, was found guilty of 14 counts of sexual activity with a child in relation to one victim, and four counts of indecent assault against the other.

Zara Marke, aged 35, of Taurus Close, Mansfield, was found guilty of 14 counts of sexual activity with a child.

crown-court

Both have been remanded into custody and will be sentenced on Monday.

Victor Marke is an internationally renowned martial artist who has coached and mentored young people all over the country.

Detectives investigating the initial allegations against him recovered huge amounts of digital evidence from his personal devices – including large quantities of downloaded and homemade pornography.

He later admitted to having consensual sex with one of the women but denied any involvement by his wife.

Zara Marke is a renowned stuntwoman and actress who starred in the 2016 Marvel film Dr Strange.

Detective Constable Paula Wilson of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “I am delighted that this case has now concluded and relieved for the victims that justice has been served and the jury has come to the decision it has. This was a long and complex investigation made all the more challenging by the sheer volume of digital data we had to retrieve and examine, and the number of witnesses that were spoken to. Like all perpetrators of sexual abuse, the Markes were eventually undone by the determination of the victims who showed bravery and strength in coming forward and seeing this case through to the end.

Detective Inspector Parminder Dhillon, senior investigating officer, said: “I want to thank the two victims who have showed great courage in coming forward and talking about their ordeal. Although no punishment handed down by a court can undo the lifelong damage caused to the them, I do hope they take some degree of comfort from the knowledge that justice has now been done. I hope this case serves as a reminder to others – that we treat all allegations of sexual abuse with the utmost seriousness and that, even in cases where offences occurred many years ago, we will thoroughly investigate and we will do everything in our power to bring perpetrators to justice.”

Carlton garage repairs Ukrainian Chernobyl tour vehicle stolen and damaged by Russian troops

A Carlton garage has arranged for a tour vehicle used at the Chernobyl power plant in Ukraine to be repaired after it was stolen and vandalised by Russian troops following their occupation of the site.

The yellow Lada vehicle had been used for many years to take tourists on visits around the site of the former power plant and abandoned city of Pripyat.

Tour company SoloEast travel had the vehicle stolen by Russian troops when they invaded their property, but it was miraculously found through local help once the troops had left, and has now been repaired following help from Lindleys Autocentres on Oakdale Road in the town.

The vehicle had been sprayed with a ‘V’ sign which has been a common theme in Russian occupied vehicles throughout the conflict along with the ‘Z’ sign. It also required bodywork for dents, a new gearstick, and a new boot lock after they were damaged.

PICTURED: A ‘V’ sign sprayed onto the side of the vehicle

Russian troops seized Chernobyl at the beginning of their invasion of Ukraine on February 24. Thousands of tanks and troops rumbled into the forested Chernobyl exclusion zone in the earliest hours of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine churning up highly contaminated soil from the site of the 1986 accident that was the world’s worst nuclear disaster.

For more than a month, Russian soldiers dug trenches and bunked in the earth exposing themselves to radiation poisoning within sight of the massive structure built to contain radiation from the damaged Chernobyl nuclear reactor. They held personnel still working at the plant at gunpoint during a marathon shift of more than a month, with employees sleeping on tabletops and eating just twice a day.

Ryan O’Donnell, director at Lindleys Autocentres said: “After visiting the site last year with SoloEast and seeing a post on their Instagram page, I knew we could help them repair the vehicle and get them back on their feet. The situation across Ukraine is terrible and as a company, we’ve organised collections at our branches for essential goods and funds to donate to the people of Ukraine.”

Police make arrests after car crashes into house in Gedling

Police have arrested a man and a woman after a car crashed into a house in Gedling.

The incident happened at an address in Shaw Gardens at around 10.15pm on Monday (May 9, 2022).

Police say that no injuries were reported.

Nottinghamshire Police

Following enquiries officers arrested a 41-year-old man and 42-year-old woman on suspicion of failing to cooperate with a preliminary test.

Inspector Alice Bartle, of Nottinghamshire Police, aid: “Thankfully no-one was inside the house at the time and no injuries have been sustained.

“Our enquiries remain ongoing to establish the full circumstances surrounding this incident.”

Gedling borough: Planning applications submitted near you

An HMO in Netherfield and plans to convert a church into apartments are amongst the many applications submitted to Gedling Borough Council in the last week.  

Here is a round-up of the latest plans that the council’s planning officers will now decide on. 

Arnold

Two storey side extension to existing dwelling
56 Langley Avenue Arnold Nottinghamshire NG5 6NN
Ref. No: 2022/0463

Single storey rear extension
24 Arnot Hill Road Arnold Nottingham Nottinghamshire NG5 6LL
Ref. No: 2022/0416PN

Double storey side extension.
109 Ravenswood Road Arnold Nottinghamshire NG5 7FY
Ref. No: 2022/0343

Single storey side/rear extension
43 Castleton Avenue Arnold Nottingham Nottinghamshire NG5 6NH
Ref. No: 2021/1295 

Bestwood

No planning applications this week

Burton Joyce

No planning applications this week

Calverton

Carlton

Two storey side extension
4 Belper Avenue Carlton Nottinghamshire NG4 3SD
Ref. No: 2022/0324 

Removal of existing conservatory; two storey side extension and single storey rear extension
9 Egling Croft Colwick Nottinghamshire NG4 2DB
Ref. No: 2022/0322 

Single storey rear extension to replace existing conservatory
5 Acacia Crescent Carlton Nottinghamshire NG4 3JH
Ref. No: 2022/0297

Dropped kerb
113 Burton Road Carlton Nottingham Nottinghamshire NG4 3GN
Ref. No: 2022/0042

Colwick

Erection of an industrial building ancillary to existing manufacturing operations.
Luxfer Gas Cylinders Ltd Road No 2 Colwick Nottinghamshire NG4 2BH
Ref. No: 2022/0298

Proposed concrete mixing station
Chris Allsop Recycling LEEC Development Site Road No 2 Colwick Nottinghamshire NG4 2JR
Ref. No: 2021/0163

Gedling

Single storey & two storey front extensions; front flat roof dormer and roof alterations, single storey rear extension, erect two storey linked triple garage and render dwelling.
87 Main Road Gedling Nottinghamshire NG4 3HD
Ref. No: 2022/0270

House_building

Lambley

No planning applications this week

Linby

Full planning permission for 135 dwellings with access from Delia Avenue and Dorothy Avenue
Land Off Hayden Lane Linby Nottinghamshire
Ref. No: 2022/0501

Double Garage and Single Storey Side Extension.
14 Fountayne Close Linby NG15 8JQ
Ref. No: 2021/1435

Mapperley

Single storey rear extension
35 Bradstone Drive Mapperley Nottinghamshire NG3 5SY
Ref. No: 2022/0529 

Install extractor / ducting to side elevation of building
914 Woodborough Road Mapperley Nottinghamshire NG3 5QRRef. No: 2022/0300

Front porch, two storey side extension, single and two storey rear extensions
17 Robinson Road Mapperley Nottinghamshire NG3 6BA
Ref. No: 2022/0195

Single storey rear and side extension, raised patio and erection of porch
70A Whittingham Road Mapperley Nottingham Nottinghamshire NG3 6BH
Ref. No: 2022/0089

Netherfield

External wall insulation
15 Garnet Street Netherfield Nottinghamshire NG4 2FB
Ref. No: 2022/0254

External wall insulation
54 Carnarvon Street Netherfield Nottinghamshire NG4 2FP
Ref. No: 2022/0257

Conversion of existing church property, with subsequent change of use, from community centre (Class F2 – former class D2) to 13 one-bed residential dwelling spaces (Class C3) with accompanying internal and external communal spaces, secure bin store, cycle store and parking provisions.
Netherfield Methodist Church Victoria Road Netherfield Nottinghamshire NG4 2HU
Ref. No: 2022/0240

External wall insulation
31 Carnarvon Street Netherfield Nottinghamshire NG4 2FL
Ref. No: 2022/0238 

External wall insulation
38 Godfrey Street Netherfield Nottinghamshire NG4 2JG
Ref. No: 2022/0213

Proposed change of use from dwelling (C3) to 7 bedroom HMO including rear dormer loft conversion
49 Chandos Street Netherfield Nottinghamshire NG4 2LP
Ref. No: 2022/0153 

Newstead

No planning applications this week

Ravenshead

Demolition of existing dwelling proposed 4 bed detached house, detached annex & detached triple garage
54 Longdale Lane Ravenshead Nottinghamshire NG15 9AD
Ref. No: 2022/0540

Proposed single storey rear extensions, and alterations to existing roof. Proposed carport to front.
30 Rowan Avenue Ravenshead Nottingham Nottinghamshire NG15 9GA
Ref. No: 2022/0510

Proposed rear projection extension to existing Farmshop (following removal of existing rear timber store shed); and permission also being sought for extension to NW boundary curtilage (retrospective) and the retention of 3 no. cold stores (retrospective)
Ravenshead Farm Shop At 131 Main Road Ravenshead Nottinghamshire NG15 9GS
Ref. No: 2022/0181 

Single Storey Side Extension
36 Linwood Crescent Ravenshead NG15 9FZ
Ref. No: 2022/0038

Fell T13. Crown Lift and prune T3, T5, T8, and T9
The Hollies Ravenshead Nottinghamshire
Ref. No: 2021/1122TPO

Redhill

Two storey front and side extension and single storey rear extension
18 Redhill Lodge Drive Redhill Nottinghamshire NG5 8JH
Ref. No: 2022/0258

Woodborough

Proposed 2 No. 4 bedroom detached dwellings over two storeies with garages to the front.
Land On East Side Roe Hill Woodborough Nottinghamshire
Ref. No: 2022/0441 

Lawful Development Certificate to regularise use of land as garden land /residential curtilage
Ashvale Bank Hill Woodborough Nottinghamshire NG14 6EF
Ref. No: 2022/0331

Woodthorpe

Hill Bros premises which includes a single storey workshop on the right hand side and a two storey office and reception unit to the left. Also included small units to the rear.
34 Marlborough Road Woodthorpe Nottinghamshire NG5 4GB
Ref. No: 2022/0527 

Residents in Gedling borough could soon have powers to BLOCK new housing developments and extensions with ‘street votes’

Residents in Gedling borough will be allowed to hold referendums over the style and size of extensions, new homes and conversions on their street under plans outlined in the Queen’s Speech yesterday.

The Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill will allow ‘street votes’ where most loft conversions, conservatories and extensions can be built without full planning permission as long as a third of neighbours don’t object.

Ministers hope this will encourage more intensive development by allowing residents to increase the value of their own homes.

There will also be a raid on big developers’ profits to help fund schools, roads and surgeries.

The new street votes policy has been dismissed a gimmick designed to win over disenchanted Tory voters, but loyalists say it will ‘mean local residents can’t have unwanted development thrust down their throats’.

Housing secretary Michael Gove confirmed the new levelling up bill will include a proposal for ‘street votes’ aimed at ensuring local support for ‘gentle densification’ of housing.

House_building

Mr Gove said: “We will make sure that through local democratic ballots, sometimes street by street, we can have the enhancement that we need to see the additional homes being built.

“In a way that leads to what the experts call ‘gentle densification’, but what you or I would just recognise as simply building in tune with what’s already there.”

The purpose of the Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill is to take power out of the hands of developers and councils and give it to homeowners.

It will mean people will be able to decide if they want more development on brownfield sites in their local areas.

The layout of new developments, the facades of buildings or the materials to be used would also be decided by locals.

They will also be able to determine how levies on developers are spent so they can be directed towards building new homes or schools.

Under the Street Votes scheme, if a two-thirds ‘super-majority’ of residents agree to support a plan, it could go ahead.

Any development would have to be in keeping with the design styles favoured locally, and strict limits will prevent development from impacting neighbouring streets.

Other measures include the ability to make the pavement cafes which sprang up during the Covid-19 pandemic a permanent part of the town centre landscape.

Under the Levelling up and Regeneration Bill measures to revive England’s high streets, councils will be given powers to take control of buildings for the benefit of their communities.