Gedling councillor Sam Smith calls for Nottingham Council House bell to ring at 11pm on January 31 as UK leaves EU

Gedling borough councillor Sam Smith has written to the leader of Nottingham City Council calling for the city’s council house bell Little John to sound across Nottingham to mark Brexit.

Councillor Smith, who represents Trent Valley on Gedling Borough Council and is also chairman of Nottinghamshire Conservatives, has asked council chief David Mellen for Little John – the bell in the council house – to be rung on January 31, at 11pm, as the UK leave the EU.

He wrote: “Overall, Nottinghamshire, including Nottingham City, voted 57.9% in favour of leaving the EU and whether you personally voted to leave or remain, you cannot deny that leaving the EU marks a momentous change in direction for the UK and deserves to be recognised.

“As Nottingham City is the historic centre of the County of Nottinghamshire, I think it would be appropriate for the bell of Little John of the Council House to ring out at 11:00pm on Friday, January 31 to mark this historic moment.”

PICTURED: Councillor Sam Smith
Councillor Smith’s letter calling for the bell to be rung for Brexit

He added: “Although I understand that it is usual practice for the bell of Little John to stop ringing at 22.30, I am sure you will agree that the historic moment of leaving the EU should not go unmarked.”

Councillor Sam Smith is one of many campaigners wanting towns and cities in the UK to mark the UK’s exit from the European Union.

Leave.EU recently launched a high-profile campaign calling for church bells across the country to peal on February 1 to mark “the first morning of our independence”.

“Just as we did to mark the Allies’ victory in Europe in 1945, we’re calling on patriots to ring the bell of their local church at 9am on Saturday, February 1, to celebrate Britain’s new-found independence,” Leave.EU, the campaign group, said.

They also want Big Ben to chime at 11pm on January 31 to mark the moment of Brexit , although the Government has said it has no plans for the country’s most famous bell to bong.

But the government did confirm they have plans to mark the occasion by projecting a clock counting down to the second the United Kingdom leaves the European Union on January 31 onto the bricks of Downing Street. Government buildings around Whitehall will also be lit up throughout the historic evening.

Free period products available in every school across Gedling borough from today

Free period products will be available to all schools in Gedling borough from today (January 20), the government has said.

The new scheme is set to give pupils easy access to products and help ensure lessons aren’t disrupted by their period.

Children and Families Minister Michelle Donelan said: “Periods are a normal part of everyday life and we do not want young people missing out on lessons because of them.

“We know that it is not easy for everyone to access period products where and when they need them.

“This scheme will deal with those problems so young people can go about their daily lives without getting caught out if they have come on their period unexpectedly, forgotten to bring products with them or if they can’t afford the products they need.”

The new scheme has been launched just months before health education becomes a compulsory for all state funded primary and secondary schools in the borough under new guidance on relationships, sex and health education from September 2020 – to ensure all young people learn about living healthy lives, including menstrual wellbeing.

Amika George, founder of #FreePeriods, said campaigners had been waiting for this day for ‘a long time’:

She said: “Free Periods has been fighting for every single child in this country to be able to go to school without worrying about their next pad or tampon. For the first time in history, this scheme will ensure that becomes a reality.

“We ask that schools have open conversations with students about what they need and start signing up to the scheme – no child must miss out. Free products in schools will ensure that every child can learn and be their very best, without periods holding them back.”

Pizza and hotdogs on offer as Netherfield cafe announces plans to open late on Thursdays and Fridays

A cafe in Netherfield has announced it has extended its opening hours, allowing people to sample their popular menu on Thursday and Friday evenings.

The Corner Cafe on Victoria Road is now open until 8pm every Thursday and Friday evening.

Pizza, hot dogs and other specials will now be available in the evenings alongside popular food from the venues renowned menu.

PICTURED: Inside the Corner Cafe in Netherfield (IMAGE Facebook)

Diners are also being invited to bring along their own booze during the evening service – but no spirits please.

A spokesman for the cafe said: “We look forward to this new venture and hope you will come and join and support us.”

For more information visit the cafe’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/Corner-Cafe-Netherfield

Green light given for new CCTV camera to tackle anti-social behaviour in Arnold

A new CCTV camera is to be introduced to help deal with increasing reports of anti-social behaviour in Arnold.

The green light was given on Wednesday to erect a CCTV camera on a pole on Rolleston Drive in the town in a bid to help cut down on crime.

An application was submitted back in October for the camera that will go on a 10ft pole at the junction of Rolleston Drive and Brookfield Road, near the Major Oak pub.

The move comes after crime significantly fell in Smithy Crescent when a camera was installed back in October 2018.

PICTURED: The CCTV camera in the alley between Smithy Crescent and Front Street in Arnold (IMAGE: Gedling Eye)

The move has been praised by local people.

Amy Coleman, 22, of Arnold, said: “It has been bad round here for a while and you know the police can’t sit here 24/7, so a camera can be their extra eyes.

“It’s worked in other parts of town so hopefully it will help here.”

Leader of Gedling Borough Council, Councillor John Clarke said “We have also listened to residents’ concerns and are proposing that CCTV is installed in the hot spot area.

“We have seen some very good results from the camera installed on Smithy Crescent, Arnold, which has significantly reduced the number of incidents there and residents have given us some very positive feedback.

“The camera will be installed as soon as possible.”

Michael bounces back from Thomas Cook collapse by setting up holiday business in Carlton

A former employee with collapsed holiday firm Thomas Cook has bounced back from the shock of sudden redundancy by setting up a new travel business in his hometown of Carlton.

Michael Shanahan is now a franchisee with the independent Travel Counsellors – running his own business around-the-clock from his home in the town.

This new kind of travel agent specialises in a highly personalised service that is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, which means their counsellors can advise their customers when other travel agencies have their shutters firmly closed.

Michael Shanahan worked at Thomas Cook
PICTURED: Former Thomas Cook employee Michael Shanahan

Michael joined Travel Councillors – which now has more than 1,500 personal counsellors on the books – earlier this month after losing his job following the collapse of Thomas Cook.

The closure of the historic company hit 9,000 employees which included those in-store, overseas reps and cabin crew. It had more than 600 high street stores on a national scale which all closed after it collapsed on September 23.

He said: “I am delighted be part of Travel Counsellors and hope to bring a totally new kind of service to Gedling borough.

“The in-house technology available to me is incredible – better than anything I have used on the high street – and means I can search through thousands of holiday options for my customers at the best prices.

“Many people don’t have time to talk or even think about their holiday during the working week and that’s where I come in. I am available when it suits them and I can take all the hassle out of the booking process.

He added: “I think my customers will really value the personal, caring service and attention to detail I’m offering as a Travel Counsellor – you can’t get that online.”

For more information contact Michael Shanahan  on 01158320000 or e-mail michael.shanahan@travelcounsellors.com

Householders in Gedling borough being targeted by People’s Postcode Lottery scam

Fraudsters are targeting households in Gedling borough with a People’s Postcode Lottery scam.

A warning has been sent out to people across the borough by a local Neighbourhood Watch scheme after a resident was targeted by the scam.

They received a text message inviting them to visit a link to find out more details about a win on the lottery.

In the alert, Bob Vaughan-Newton from Neighbourhood Watch in Gedling North said: “The victim was sent a text message which addressed her by her forename and asked her to click on a link in the message to find out about a win on the Postcode Lottery.

scam-email
Beware of the People’s Postcode Lottery scam

“The link began with “http” whereas a genuine link of this kind would usually be secure (signified by “https”).

“She was suspicious and contacted the Postcode Lottery directly. They told her that this was nothing to do with them. They had already heard of this scam and had reported it to ActionFraud.

Mr Vaughan-Newton went on to warn: “Please be careful about text messages like this – particularly if the message addresses you by name.”

If you receive a scam message of this nature you can report it to Action Fraud by contacting

Scams can also be reported to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or by visiting www.actionfraud.police.uk .

Visit https://www.postcodelottery.co.uk/

Gedling MP Tom Randall teams up with elected Conservatives across county to look at improving life for those living in Notts

New Gedling MP Tom Randall met with other Conservatives elected across Nottinghamshire to discuss how they can work together to improve the county.

The group on Monday (January 15) met to work through regional priorities, including fairer police and local government funding and transport and infrastructure investment.

The MPs can now fight for Nottinghamshire with one voice and work together to secure positive changes to the County.

Tom Randall Brexit
PICTURED: Tom Randall is the new Conservative MP for Gedling

The election results mark a huge political shift, having turning most of Nottinghamshire blue. In 1997 Ken Clarke was the only Conservative MP in Notts, but in 2019 nearly every single constituency in the county voted Conservative, leaving Nottingham City and Nottingham East as the only areas now represented by Labour.

Tom Randall, MP said: “It was great to catch up with my colleagues from across the county and be part of such a fantastic, talented group of Nottinghamshire MPs.

“I look forward to working with them over the course of this Parliament to make Nottinghamshire an even better place to live, work and raise a family.”

46 extra new homes to be added to Chase Farm estate in Gedling

New homes are set to be added to the Chase Farm estate after an application from Nottingham City Council was approved.

The new properties will form part of a 1,000-home development based on a six acre site between Arnold Lane and Mapperley Plains, in Mapperley.

Unlike the rest of the houses, these homes will not be built by Keepmoat Homes. The applicant for the planning permission was Nottingham City Council.

The authority wants to build 46 homes on and around the site and it will be access through the Gedling Access Road.

Planning officers at Gedling Borough Council recommended the scheme be approved. 

A report on the issue said: “Development of the site for residential purposes would be seen as a logical extension to the existing built form. 

“The principle of development in this location is supported subject to the above criteria being satisfied. 

PICTURED: Chase Farm estate in Gedling

“The site has significant variations in ground levels, which will in part dictate how development could take place. 

“However, the indicative layout plan submitted demonstrates that residential development could be accommodated on the site in keeping with the adjacent residential development on Clementine Drive.”

Exact details of how the homes will look has not yet been finalised. The planning permission is ‘outline’, meaning the scheme has been approved in principle. 

A further planning application will now be needed to work out specifics of the development. 

The city council says now outline planning permission has been obtained, it will undertake a tendering process to find developers for the land.

Labour councillor Jenny Hollingsworth is the portfolio holder for growth and regeneration, and represents the Gedling ward.

She said: “Councillors approved outline planning permission for residential development with 20 percent of the build being affordable homes.

“This site has come forward due to the delivery of the new Gedling Access Road which will provide access close to Mapperley Plains.

“The road is a key infrastructure that will unlock the delivery of much needed new homes and help drive sustainable housing growth in the borough.”

Elwes Arms in Carlton to offer weekday carvery service due to popular demand

Sunday lunch fans will soon be able to get their teeth into a roast dinner during the week when a Carlton pub expands its carvery service later this month.

The Elwes Arms on Oakdale Road is to now offer its highly-rated carvery from Wednesday to Saturday, as well as Sunday, due to popular demand.

For just £4.99, diners will be able to sample the pub’s quality homemade carvery and also receive a soft drink between Wednesday and Friday. A roast meal on Saturday will set you back just £6.99. Sunday service remains the same.

The new weekday service will begin from Thursday, January 30.

PICTURED: The Elwes Arms on Oakdale Road

Landlady Beccy Webster said: “With our famous Sunday lunch being so popular, we decided to concentrate on what we do best and serve our roast dinners during the week. When we told our Sunday regulars, they were over the moon.

Beccy said that the pub’s independent status allowed them to offer something different to other carveries in the area.

She said: “The great thing about being independent is we can focus on a quality British homemade carvery using local produce and also support other small businesses with our meat and vegetable orders.”

Those searching for a meat-free meal will also not be disapppointed.

Beccy added: “Our commitment to vegan and vegetarian dishes is still at the forefront of our operation with some great options across the board. Gluten free and diary free options will also be available so we can cater for all.”

As well as the carvery offer, the pub will also continue serving traditional afternoon teas between 12-5pm. They will need 48 hours notice so they ‘can get baking.’

You can find out more details at the Elwes Arms Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/TheElwesArmsCarlton

Is Gedling borough’s pothole problem being ignored? Residents have their say

On Wednesday, Gedling Eye reader Paul Farrell contacted us to claim the prize for most potholed road in Gedling borough on behalf of a junction near his home in Carlton.

He said the junction of Mays Avenue with Mays Close was so bad that “even the pothole repairs have repairs”.

But many readers disagreed that this was the worst affected highway. Many of you have since contacted us via email and Facebook to highlight other areas plagued by potholes.

Elizabeth Whyler emailed us about a side street off Burton Close near her home in Carlton.

“The rain pores and fills the potholes with nowhere for it to run out and drain,” she said.

PICTURED: The road off Burton Close in Carlton (IMAGE: Elizabeth Whyler)

“Some potholes are over one-inch deep and its like the road has developed concrete pox as every three to five steps you take you’re in a pothole.

“I would love to have a tarmac road with a drainage system as our cars are constantly being damaged because of it. “

Arnold resident Ann-Marie Campion fears the holes some of the roads in the town could damage her vehicle.

She said: “Surgeys Lane and Cross Street are terrible. I  imagine my coil springs will not last long!”

Andrew Crane posted on Facebook after seeing our original article.

He wrote: “I’ve just had a wheel and tyre damaged by a big pothole on Shelford Road in Gedling. I tried to claim for the damage but the council sent me a letter saying they are not liable.”

Westdale Lane was a cause for concern.

Carlton_Hill_Pothole
(PICTURE: Philip Parr)

Readers Leanne Austin and Shirley Duthrie both called out the road for it’s worsening pothole problem.

Leanne wrote: “You should try driving up Westdale Lane (particularly from the speed camera up to the South View Rd junction) in a car with hard suspension!”

Shirley wrote: “I’ve had the springs replaced on my car for the last two years due to potholes near my road on Baslow Avenue. It’s disgusting.” 

Andrea Thornton called Coronation Walk ‘an absolute joke’.

She said: “They filled some of them a few weeks ago and within a day they’re already breaking down. Get them done properly and on both sides of the road!”

Debbie Odams described Parkdale Road in Carlton ‘horrendous’.

She wrote on Facebook: ” I’m alway reporting potholes – about 50 at a time. A couple of years ago I reported the and it was that bad they resurfaced sections of the roads in about five different places. I reported them again last year when I counted about 20 potholes but still they didn’t do a full check and ended coming out a further two times.

She added” “My son has already hit one of the holes and got a puncture.”

Paul Dobbs emailed to ask for sympathy on behalf of Netherfield residents.

He wrote: “Just look at the back streets in Netherfield. There’s more holes on some of them than the moon’s surface. It’s a joke. They never get repaired. I bet Arnold is done straight away when there is the slightest sign of a pothole problem. It’s where all the money goes.”

Gedling Eye has contacted Nottinghamshire County Council for comment.