Cllr Henry Wheeler, pictured, has campaigned for the defibrillator to be installed at Killisick Community Centre for three years
Cllr Wheeler is also portfolio holder for Lifestyles, Health & Wellbeing for the local authority.
He said: “I have been campaigning to get this installed at Killisick Community Centre for three years.
“I have been working with key individuals from the The South Nottinghamshire Place-Based Partnership and Gedling Borough Councils Health Development Officer.
“It was installed this week and staff at the Family Centre and Community Centre will receive training in how to use this life-saving equipment.”
A sex offender has been jailed after he was found in possession of more than 17,000 child sexual abuse images.
Lucas Banton, now aged 23, was exposed when an email address linked to him was used to upload two indecent videos of children to the internet.
Officers from Nottinghamshire Police attended his home address in February 2023 and seized two electronic devices form his home.
Forensic examination of the one of the devices revealed 60 Category A images and videos – each depicting the most serious sexual offences that can be committed by adults against children.
Banton was jailed at Nottingham Crown CourtBanton was charged with multiple offences and remained on police bail as investigations continued.
Banton was charged with multiple offences and remained on police bail as investigations continued.
During a routine monitoring visit nine months later, he confessed to downloading and viewing thousands of other images.
Examination of his mobile phone led to the discovery of nearly 17,000 indecent images – more than 200 of which were graded as Category A.
Banton, of Byron Street, Daybrook, later pleaded guilty to six counts of making indecent images of children.
Appearing at Nottingham Crown Court on Wednesday he was jailed for 33 months.
Detective Constable Peter Chappell, of Nottinghamshire Police’s internet child exploitation team, said: “Behind every one of these images is a real child somewhere in the world who has endured the most appalling sexual, physical and emotional abuse.
“Each has had their childhood stolen from them and each will live with the life-long physical and emotional impact of what has happened to them.
“People like Banton may not be committing this abuse themselves, but they are directly contributing to this suffering by consuming this appalling material.
“As Banton has just found out to his cost, the end result of this behaviour is very likely to be a prison sentence, so I hope this case serves as a warning to others who may be thinking of searching for such material.”
Our readers from across the borough give their weekly take on the biggest issues impacting Gedling and beyond.
Join the debate by sending your letter to letters@gedlingeye.co.uk . Please put ‘Letters’ in the subject line. You can also submit a letter by filling in the simple form below, and it may appear online.
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Names and addresses will be withheld by request but must be included in the email.We reserve the right to edit letters.Letters published do not reflect the views of Gedling Eye
‘Politicians should stop arguing over who won Carlton cash’
Was it Tom Randall? Was it Michael Payne? Both parties then arguing on Facebook about who it was won by.
If they were grown up about it Mr Randall should congratulate Mr Payne on getting it paid and Mr Payne should congratulate Randall for getting the bid started. I am pleased with them both so stop rowing.
All us people care about in town is how it is spent and not who won it.
L Roberts, Carlton
Thank you for town sculpture
I will not be popular for saying this but I actually would like to say thank you for the new sculpture in Arnold and well done to the artist on a nice piece of work and to the children who helped.
The new sculpture in Arnold town centre (PHOTO: GBC)
I was left very sad by the nasty remarks online by people saying it would be damaged and we should fix the roads instead – not all of us drive you know.
When things are done to improve the town people get angry; when nothing is done to improve our town, people get angry.
We should be more positive about our town.
I think it is a nice idea and it celebrates Arnold’s history and will make shoppers feel welcome when they come and visit the town.
I’ve seen the police monitoring the children coming out of school at 2.30pm and one even had to put his blue light on to gain access to the road due to cars being double parked. Some parents arrive as early as 2pm and sit with their engines running for 30 minutes.
I have attached a couple of photographs to show the reality of the traffic issues on Beaumaris Drive.
Margaret Stocks, Gedling
Free bus travel would end traffic woes
Sir,
Everyone is fed up with Gedling’s traffic meltdown, and things can only get worse now bus fares have gone up.
Now that the £2 fare cap will increase to £3 will surely see even more people using their cars.
Vale Road is a nightmare!
The only way to reduce car use and to cut vehicle emissions is cheaper and better public transport.
Gedling borough has a fantastic network of railway stations, but train travel can be expensive. We need to see fares cut, and the frequency of trains increased at Burton Joyce and Carlton to make them a better option for commuting.
However, it is buses that are the best hope for reducing our daily logjam. And cheaper tickets increase bus use, reduce congestion, and make our borough greener and cleaner.
Rather than upping bus fares we should be moving to free bus travel for all. If buses were free for everyone then it wouldn’t just be pensioners leaving their car at home.
‘Don’t blame elderly for problems of young people’
Sir,
I am a 75 year-old lady who has lived in Arnold all her life and I believe I am being a drain on this country according to some beliefs.
I would agree there are some my age that have not worked a day in their life some due to disabilities they have no control of and those who used every ailment possible to get out of work and have to say benefitting from all privileges available to them today, something I do not have due to working hard and going without to pay for a private pension.
There are so many in my generation like me who worked hard from the age of fifteen and because we did save and took out private pensions we still pay taxes.
There are also pensioners who worked hard in jobs that did not have the benefit of private pension but worked very hard and today struggle to eat a decent diet and keep warm. Also the taxes we paid all our lives paid towards education and NHS, which today’s generation benefit from. Our taxes also helped to pay off the national debt from the Second World War.
I say to the working generation think before you blame the senior citizens for what is wrong today. I would also like to state the women of my generation did not have the privilege of having 9 months off of work after giving birth, 6 weeks was all we had then back to work accept for those who lucky enough to afford not to work.
Christine Cassell, Arnold
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Nottinghamshire County Council (NCC) leader Cllr Sam Smith has moved to clarify the authority’s position on the planned Local Government Reorganisation of the county ahead of a meetings to discuss options.
Local authority leaders will come together next week to discuss three potential options for reorganisation, which have been developed by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PWC) following discussions with Gedling and all other existing Notts councils.
The Conservative leader said that NCC would be formally endorsing the ‘county only’ option on the table.
That would see Nottingham city remaining a unitary authority, with a new single unitary authority created for the rest of Nottinghamshire.
The other options are combining Nottingham, Broxtowe, and Gedling, with a second new unitary authority for the rest of Nottinghamshire or combining Nottingham, Broxtowe, and Rushcliffe, with a second new unitary authority for the rest of Nottinghamshire.
Council Leader Sam Smith said: “We have carefully considered the options available and it is clear that a ‘County Only’ model is the only way to ensure that all current county residents continue to receive high-quality services while keeping council tax low. The alternative proposals at this stage, in their current form, are not acceptable to this Conservative administration and would require significant boundary changes to make them feasible.”
He added: “The County Council remains committed to protecting vital services for all its residents. Unlike many adjoining areas facing significant financial cutbacks, this Conservative run Nottinghamshire County Council is keeping libraries open, spendingover £70m on repairing our roads and pavements, and continuing to support essential bus routes to ensure our communities remain well-connected.”
“Our priority, as always is the people of Nottinghamshire, and by endorsing the ‘County Only’ model, we are championing a stable and financially sustainable future for local government, that protects the services that matter most to our residents, ensuring that they continue to benefit from good quality provision.”
Gedling Borough Council leaders will join with other authority chiefs next week at a meeting to discuss how to progress with plans to merge councils across Nottinghamshire.
In February, the Government wrote to local authorities formally inviting them to submit proposals to create new structures of unitary authorities – which is a single tier of local government responsible for all local services in an area. The aim is to create more efficient and effective local government, potentially leading to streamlined services and cost savings for residents.
Now all nine local councils will come together at their Full Council meetings to discuss progress.
They will discuss an interim submission to Government (due on March 21), that outlines three core options.
In Nottingham and Nottinghamshire, the nine existing local authorities would be abolished, to create new unitary councils with a higher population of residents.
The three options for the formation of unitary councils up for discussion are as follows:
A new unitary authority combining Nottingham, Broxtowe, and Gedling, with a second new unitary authority for the rest of Nottinghamshire.A new unitary authority combining Nottingham, Broxtowe, and Rushcliffe, with a second new unitary authority for the rest of Nottinghamshire.Nottingham city remains a unitary authority, with a new single unitary authority for the rest of Nottinghamshire.
At their meeting on March 5, leaders accepted that some councils may still wish to continue to explore additional proposals alongside the three core options being tabled.
A spokesperson for the council leaders said: “This is arguably the biggest shake-up of local government in 50 years. In Nottingham and Nottinghamshire we are absolutely determined to work together to ensure the best outcome for local people.
“Councils will meet to note the submission of a collective interim plan, but it’s important to note that there is no decision being made at this point – this is simply one step in the Government’s process.
“We’ve been given an incredibly tight timescale to pull together these initial submissions, and we don’t yet have enough data to make a fully informed decision on a single option, but this is a good first step.
“Between now and November we are committed to further exploration of data that will allow us to make informed decisions, that also considers how we engage with local people and businesses – making our submission evidence-based, and the best one for our people.
“It is accepted that some councils may still wish to continue to explore alternative proposals beyond the three core options being tabled, but we are committed to continuing our work together to achieve an interim submission that will meet the Government’s deadline – to consider the art of the possible, and make the best of this opportunity.”
The Government has given all councils a deadline of November 28 to submit final, much more detailed, proposals.
Rail passengers across England will now be shown how often trains are cancelled and delayed at each station, with station performance stats being displayed on new screens and via QR codes.
The government said it hopes that in holding train operators to account, they will be encouraged to drive up efficiency and productivity – providing better value for money.
The data, broken down by operator, will go live at 1,700 stations today (6) for the first time.
The performance stats will show the percentage of trains cancelled and how punctual trains are at that station.
In February, it was reported that rail reliability across Britain was at a record low
They will be displayed at major stations through digital screens, while passengers at smaller stations will be able to scan a QR code and see the data online.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said the announcement “marks the beginning of a new era of rail accountability”.
She said: “These displays are a step towards rebuilding trust with passengers using our railways, as we continue to tackle the root causes of frustrating delays and cancellations.”
In February, it was reported that rail reliability across Britain was at a record low, with the equivalent of more than one in 25 services cancelled in the year to 1 February.
Independent rail consultant William Barter said it was “good” that punctuality data will now be presented with respect to individual stations, rather than arrivals at destinations, as there is “a tendency to pad timetables out with slack time immediately before the terminus”.
“This tends to make performance look good even though a train may have been late at every station until then,” he said.
Jacqueline Starr, chief executive of the Rail Delivery Group, which represents operators, said the transparency drive sends “a clear message to customers the rail sector is committed to improving punctuality and to find solutions to make train services more reliable”.
The decline in train reliability comes at a time of rising rail fares, which will go up again by 4.6% next week, while rail cards will also become more expensive.
Labour is planning to nationalise passenger rail services, with the first coming into public ownership in May 2025, with the aim of nationalisation helping to improve reliability rather than reduce ticket costs.
A night of RnB, Reggae, Dancehall, Garage, Hip-hop and Drum’N’Bass. It’s a promise that bangers and floor fillers will be played all night. No membership required
Burton Joyce Community Market is held the second Saturday of every month. Stall holders sell a variety of produce including fresh vegetables and fruit, jam, marmalade, chutney honey and bread, along with craft items.
Local side Carlton Town are in fantastic form and this Saturday take on Lincolnshire side North Ferriby and will be hoping for all three point sto propel them up the league.
Tickets are £10 adults, £8 Concessions and £2 children
Young people across the borough are being warned to be on their guard as new research reveals they are increasingly being targeted by rental scammers.
Rental fraudsters are now typically targeting those between 18-39, according to new research from the Home Office.
Rental fraud often takes place through properties advertised on social media websites.
The fraudsters offer their victims access to properties that do not exist, or which are not theirs to rent, often using fake details and photos, and usually offering prices at well below market rate.
The fraudsters offer their victims access to properties that do not exist, or which are not theirs to rent
To secure the property or even arrange a viewing, they will usually demand a deposit or the first month’s rent, and many individuals desperate to find a home will make the upfront payment to avoid missing out.
According to the NFIB data, the resulting fraud losses amounted to nearly £9 million across around 5,000 reported cases last year.
The 18 to 29 age group accounted for 48% of all reported rental fraud cases in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland last year, with the 30 to 39 age group accounting for 25%.
Home Office ministers are urging renters to avoid rushing into a quick decision or paying over any money for a property before they have viewed it in person.
Fraud minister Lord Hanson said: Rental fraud is an utterly shameful crime. It doesn’t matter how streetwise and tech-savvy you are, fraudsters will get to anyone who doesn’t stop and think before handing over their money.
“That’s why I am determined to root out fraud from our society and crack down on the callous criminals behind it.”
Ministers have announced plans to use 1,000 work coaches to help the long-term unemployed get back into work.
The measures are being announced as the government faces having to make potential cuts of billions of pounds from the welfare budget.
Thousands of sick and disabled people will be affected by the new measures that will bolster the support offered in jobcentres and make the welfare system more sustainable, the Department for Work and Pensions has announced today (6).
The plans will see 1,000 existing Work Coaches deployed in 2025/26 to deliver intensive voluntary support to around 65,000 sick and disabled people.
The coaches will provide employment support and help claimants write CVs and improve interview techniques.
Thousands of sick and disabled people will be affected by the new measures
Work coaches have been told to focus on tackling economic inactivity in order to make the welfare system more sustainable and are part of wide-ranging plans to overhaul employment support, with more set to be unveiled in just a few weeks’ time.
Work and Pensions Secretary, Liz Kendall said: “We inherited a broken welfare system that is failing sick and disabled people, is bad for the taxpayer, and holding the economy back.
“For too long, sick, and disabled people have been told they can’t work, denied support, and locked out of jobs, with all the benefits that good work brings.
“But many sick and disabled people want and can work, with the right support. And we know that good work is good for people – for their living standards, for their mental and physical health, and for their ability to live independently.
“We’re determined to fix the broken benefits system by delivering proper support to help people get into work and get on at work, so we can get Britain working and deliver our ambition of an 80% employment rate.”
Gedling Borough Council has tonight (5) announced they will be lowering the proposed annual parking permit price at Gedling Country park following residents raiding concerns it was ‘too high’.
Council leader John Clarke MBE, told the Full Council meeting that the annual permit price for the recently announced car parking charges at Gedling Country Park would be reduced from £200 to £85 at a Full Council meeting this evening,
Councillor Clarke said he made the decision after listening to residents’ concerns that the original price was too high.
Gedling Borough Council announced in January that a daily £2 car parking charge would be introduced at Gedling Country Park to help cover maintenance costs. At the time, an annual permit was also proposed at £200, in line with other council-owned car parks.
Following discussions with council officers, Councillor Clarke said he decided to lower the cost to make the park more accessible for frequent visitors. The revised price also brings the fee in line with similar attractions in the region.
The £2 daily charge will still be introduced as planned.
The council also confirmed that free permits will be provided to the Trustees and Committee Members of Friends of Gedling Country Park and that 25 free permits will be given to volunteers from Gedling Junior Parkrun and Gedling Parkrun.
Leader of Gedling Borough Council, Councillor John Clarke MBE said: “I have listened to residents and decided to reduce the annual pass from £200 to £85 so that frequent visitors can continue to enjoy this fantastic park. We are facing the difficult challenge of raising funds to maintain the park while balancing the financial pressures residents are experiencing.
“As we set next year’s budget, we will need to consider the impact of this decision on the funding we expected for park maintenance. Some planned improvements may take longer than we had hoped.
“I visited the park yesterday and spoke to people about what they want to see. Everyone I spoke to loves the park—it’s a great asset for this borough. We need to do everything we can to keep it well-used, and I hope this decision makes it easier for people to visit more often, benefiting both the park and its visitors in the long run.”
Details about how visitors can apply for the permits will be announced shortly.
