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.
A traditional village gala has been cancelled due to a ‘lack of volunteers’ and now a plea has been made to secure the future of the historic annual event
The Gedling Gala is a not-for-profit event run by locals and takes place every summer in the village’s Willow Park – but it has now been been announced it won’t be going ahead this year due to a lack of help.
The event first took place back in 1977 as part of the Queen’s Jubilee celebrations and attracts on average 2,500 visitors for each event.
The last time it took a break was in 2017 when the then-committee decided to hand management of the event to a new team of volunteers.
An announcement was placed on social media this afternoon announcing its cancellationPeople have been enjoying the Gedling Village Family Gala since it first took place back in 1977 (PICTURE: Bill Fenton)
Organisers took to social media to make the sad annoucement.
Teh post said: “Unfortunately we’re not going to be able to stage the Gala this year, as we don’t have sufficient volunteers to run it efficiently, since some of our team have been wanting to step down for some time.
“We apologise and thank everyone who has regularly helped make the Gala great: our stall holders, local entertainment, schools, and all of you, who have come along to make a great day for the community.
They added: “Though we’re putting the Gala on hold, we don’t want to lose this event – which has been a part of Gedling since the Queen’s Jubilee in 1977.”
“After all these years of putting on a successful Gala, we have everything in place to continue running the event – we just need people to get involved.”
People wanting to volunteer and help support this event can get in touch with organisers via their Facebook page which can be found here: https://www.facebook.com/GedlingGala
A charity providing supported accommodation services in Mapperley has avoided closure after the council U-turned on its decision to pull funding.
Hughendon Lodge in Mapperley along with the Crescent in Hyson Green are two mental health services that had been facing imminent closure after Nottingham City Council announced plans to cut support.
The services, which are operated by Framework Housing Association, offers accommodation and support for up to 52 people living with mental health problems.
The yearly cost for both services is around £634,000, which is entirely paid for by the authority.
The Nottingham-based charity, which offers support for those who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, said it would be forced to close the sites if funding was pulled.
The health services that had been facing imminent closure after Nottingham City Council announced plans to cut support.
However in a statement last week, the charity’s chief executive, Andrew Redfern, said: “We were delighted to receive a message from Nottingham City Council on Wednesday afternoon, informing us of the council’s intention to re-visit it’s earlier proposal to de-commission Hughendon Lodge and The Crescent.
“This means the two services will not be closing on March 31.
“This is a very positive development and an enormous relief for those residents who faced uncertainty about their future.
“Framework thanks the council for hearing their concerns and acting on them. It is hoped that the small number of residents who had received suitable housing offers will still be allowed to take them up, with accompanying packages of support.
“Framework and Nottingham City Council have worked in partnership for many years. It is a relationship we cherish, and which has delivered benefits for many homeless and vulnerable citizens, and the wider community.
“It encompasses several projects recently initiated by the council to reduce the costs it incurs when meeting its statutory obligations. Important elements of this work are funded entirely, or largely, from external sources.
“With the ‘cliff edge’ of closure now averted, we look forward to applying the same spirit of partnership to secure the long-term future of Hughendon Lodge and The Crescent.”
A council spokesman added: “As a council we take our statutory responsibilities extremely seriously and are committed to ensuring the right care and support for our people – but in the right settings.
“As such, the decision to decommission these services was never about cuts. It is good practice to regularly review and adapt all contracts and services, to ensure that we respond to the evolving needs of the community, while ensuring public funds are used efficiently and effectively.
“Framework challenged the process of our decision making, which we will review.
“But we continue to be committed to ensure the right care is provided for people who fall under our statutory care, and to ensure best value for tax-payers.”
NETHERFIELD. During week commencing 16th February the shelter on the platform was removed. It is to be replaced with a new one, but this could take a week or two before it is installed.
CARLTON STATION NEWS
Monday 16th December I saw all 4 of the re-instated trains. 09.57 to Newark and 11.04 to Crewe both had 1 person alight. 15.02 to Newark had 3 on and 6 off. 16.05 to Crewe had 4 on and 4 off. The 11.04 and 15.02 are most popular, numbers on the 09.57 are disappointing. It isn’t a good time of year for travelling. I did a random check on Tuesday 25th February and the results were. 09.57 Newark with 1 on. 11.04 Crewe with 5 on (incidentally the day before there was only 1 on, but 7 and 2 guide dogs off). 15.02 Newark with 5 off and 16.05 Crewe with 1 on and 1 Off. 15 minutes later the 16.20 to Leicester had 4 on and 3 off. 16.02 Newark, 1 on and 15 off.
FARE INCREASES FROM 2nd MARCH
Carlton to Nottingham. Anytime return £5.90. After 09.00 Monday to Friday and all weekend the off peak return fare is £4.00. Anytime return is only necessary in the morning peak or if not returning the same day. Carlton to Newark is £8.10 single and £8.60 off peak return. Peak return (Anytime ticket) is £8.80. NETHERFIELD to Nottingham the same as Carlton. To Skegness, if you book in advance you can get cheaper rates out of the holiday season. (See EMR news).
Rail fares have now risen
EAST MIDLANDS RAILWAY (EMR) NEWS
NOTTINGHAM STATION CENTRE BRIDGE: Whilst this was closed for a trial period to reduce fare evasion, EMR estimated that £1 million in revenue was being lost each year. So it was intended to close the bridge permanently, except as a footbridge from Station Street to Queens Road with no access from or to the platforms. However, this is currently being reconsidered due to quite an outcry from fare paying passengers.
ACCESSIBILITY MAPS: EMR has created Accessibility Maps to provide information about station accessibility across its network, including step-free access points, accessible toilets, parking facilities and assistance services. This covers the whole EMR network, plus a Nottingham station map and a Robin Hood Line Route Accessibility Map with others planned. Maps can be viewed via the EMR website, obtained from staffed stations, or by contacting EMR’s Customer Service Centre on 03457 125678.
ADVANCE TICKETS: EMR has reported that Advance Ticket sales are up 34% in 2 years from 4.4 to 5.9 million. These offer savings of up to 60% on walk-up fares and are available on most EMR routes. They have recently been introduced on Derby-Crewe and Nottingham- Lincoln routes. https://secretfare.seatfrog.com Skegness to Nottingham for £7.00,
LONDON ST. PANCRAS INTERNATIONAL STATION
Direct train services between London and destinations such as Germany and Switzerland could be launched amid plans to boost the capacity of St. Pancras station, aiming to increase cross-Channel travel from 1,800 to nearly 5,000 passengers per hour.
CONVERSATIONS ON CARLTON STATION
I received the following email in December. “Thank you for your greeting this morning I wonder how many people realise how easy and affordable it is to get to the QMC via train and tram. Not being local and living in rural Cambridgeshire I am in awe of how fantastic public transport here is!” I believe they used a Robin Hood day ticket.
Another question asked by a person one morning, “Do the trains go to Arnold?” No. “Oh, that’s a pity”. So I suggested they walked to Main Road,’ Gedling and caught a 25 bus direct. They did not seem impressed and walked off. Then as the 10.04 train arrived they returned and got on the train!
Another response: “Now that the trains are every hour you don’t have to think, now is there a train missing when I want to return”.
TONY’S RAMBLINGS
DOORS BEFORE DEPARTURE: Last time I mentioned that train doors would be closed 40 seconds before departure time at Birmingham New Street. Now apparently train departures at London Kings Cross cease to be shown 3 minutes before the train is due to depart. Obviously this has caused some adverse reaction from passengers. Now in the days of British Railways there was one way not to upset passengers, and that was to show a train departure in the public timetable up to 3 minutes before it was due to depart. Staff use the Working Time Table (WTT) and in there it would show for example a 15.00 departures 15*00 with a footnote *14.57. In the notes section at the front of the WTT it said, ‘Where the advertised departure times of passenger trains are slightly earlier than those shown in the WTT, the former must be used in all quotations to the public’. I suppose nowadays that would spoil the hourly on the hour or half hour departures. However there would be no excuse for missing your train.
LOST TIME: Whilst on this subject, most departures of trains from Carlton to Nottingham are 1 or 2 minutes late, having lost time from Burton Joyce, being cautioned at a signal before approaching Carlton level crossing. If you study the timetable you will see trains are given extra time between Carlton and Nottingham. The 10.04 departure shows arrival in Nottingham at 10.15!
CARLTON LEVEL CROSSING (Not again!): A couple of times recently I noticed the barriers were down for 10 minutes between trains, but a concern that I have, which almost caught me out, is that the audible warning is not increased in volume in the day time as it used to be. I did report this some months ago. On this occasion I must have just ‘passed the flashing lights before they came on, and with some noisy road traffic I was not immediately aware the warning was sounding, and my hearing is good, so I had to run as I was on the side on which the barriers come down first. It would be difficult for a disabled person.
CHEAP TICKETS: As I intimated last time, there were some ticket offers to be found in January, including a week long sale of 2 million tickets. Also Merseyrail had unlimited weekend travel for much of January at £2. This was to compensate regular customers who had had to put up with Older trains, which were becoming unreliable, due to the late arrival of their new trains.
TRAINS FROM NETHERFIELD STATION SUMMER 1938
I recently obtained via an auction, a 1938 LNER (London & North Eastern Railway) summer timetable for 1938, which showed 86 trains a day calling at Netherfield on weekdays. There were direct services to Northampton, Grantham, Skegness, Newark, Derby and Uttoxeter, so you could find at least 1 direct train a day to such ‘exotic’ places as John o’ Gaunt, which was in High Leicestershire between Melton Mowbray and Market Harborough, Spratton near Northampton and Marchington near Uttoxeter. On Sundays in summer there were only (if only we had this number now) 15 trains, and 11 in winter. 1939 saw the demise of services to Uttoxeter, and I believe the 2 or 3 trains a day to Newark (LNER). 1953 to Northampton, 1963 to Pinxton and 1964 to Derby Friargate. Also in 1960 the ‘back line’ to Basford via Gedling closed.
BRIEF ENCOUNTERS
CONTACTLESS PAYMENT SYSTEM for rail travel in the East Midlands and Yorkshire. Tap & Go scheme similar to the one in London using GPS data to calculate the best fare for the journey you are undertaking. The Government has started the Procurement process to find the suppliers who will run the technology for the trials. It is expected to include Derby, Leicester and Nottingham.
They revealed that more than 100 empty properties have been brought back into use to boost local housing stock by their dedicated Empty Homes Officer and the team.
A long-term empty property is defined as one that has been unoccupied for six months or more. While some of these properties may appear derelict, many look lived-in and well-maintained, making it crucial for residents to report any suspected empty homes. The Empty Homes Officer can then investigate and work with property owners to find solutions.
Gedling borough has a long-term vacancy rate of 0.79%, which is below both the East Midlands average of 1.1% and the national rate of 1.03%. Similarly, second homes or furnished vacant properties in Gedling stand at just 0.31%, significantly lower than the regional average of 0.66% and the national average of 1.09%. While long-term vacant properties in Gedling increased by 5% in 2024, mirroring regional trends, the council said it remains committed to reducing this figure.
The total vacancy in the borough is currently 1,652 properties equivalent to 3.3% of all homes, which is lower than the national average of 3.9%. Gedling Borough Council actively monitors these figures and works to bring as many empty homes as possible back into use.
In 2023/2024, the council successfully brought 114 empty properties back into use, with some homes having been vacant for over 26 years.
That number continues to increase and when homeowners are unwilling to work with the council, they have legal tools at its disposal, including Compulsory Purchase Orders, Empty Dwelling Management Orders, and Enforced Sales.
There are many reasons why properties remain empty, including sentimental attachment, probate issues, financial difficulties, or waiting to pass the home on to a beneficiary. The council works directly with homeowners to provide practical solutions, like connecting empty homeowners with investors who can purchase or lease properties for refurbishment and offering expert advice and solutions to help owners sell or renovate their homes.
Deputy Leader of Gedling Borough Council and Portfolio Holder for Sustainable Growth and Economy, Councillor Jenny Hollingsworth said: “I am incredibly proud of the work that Gedling Borough Council is doing to tackle the issue of long-term empty homes.
“Our dedicated team has already helped bring over a hundred properties back into use, providing much-needed housing for local people while improving our communities. The results we are achieving demonstrate our commitment to making the most of our existing housing stock, supporting homeowners, and ensuring that every home is put to good use.
“We will continue to work tirelessly to reduce the number of empty homes in Gedling, creating a borough where everyone has access to safe, secure, and sustainable housing”
Residents who suspect a property is empty can report it to the council’s Empty Homes Officer by calling 0115 9013826 or email nicola.bryant@gedling.gov.uk.
An Arnold police station was one of five across Notts that took part in a national amnesty which resulted in more than 40 blank firing guns and hundreds of rounds of ammunition being handed over last month.
Forces across the country took part in a four-week campaign aimed at taking certain models of top venting blank firers (TVBFs) out of harm’s way following a change in the law.
A total of 42 blank firers and more than 500 rounds of blank and live ammunition were turned in at police stations in Nottinghamshire during February.
It followed tests by the National Crime Agency (NCA) which indicated four specific types of Turkish-manufactured TVBFs could potentially be converted into viable handguns.
This development led to a change in the law from the start of February making it illegal to buy or own one of these firearms in the UK.
Anyone found in possession of one faced the possibility of up to 10 years in jail.
The amnesty allowed people to hand them in to police front counters including Oxclose Lane in Arnold.
Nobody had to leave their details when surrendering their TVBF, however, the history of any live firearms handed in was checked to see if there was any evidence of it being used in a crime.
While the amnesty – led by the NCA, National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) and National Ballistics Intelligence Service (NABIS) – was aimed at seizing TVBFs, anyone wanting to hand over any unwanted firearms or ammunition was able to do so.
Top-venting blank firers are legal to buy in the UK for people over the age of 18 and, in their original state, are designed to discharge only blank cartridges, while they are painted in bright colours to distinguish them as non-viable firearms.
They are, however, appealing to criminals who convert them, due to the large profits they can generate from selling them, with more than 800 TVBFs recovered by UK police in criminal circumstances since 2021.
Detective Superintendent Christopher Sullivan, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “We are pleased by the results of this amnesty which have allowed us to take more than 40 potential weapons and hundreds of rounds of ammunition off the streets and out of harm’s way.
“This has prevented them getting into the wrong hands, being converted into viable firearms and being used by criminals.
“Gun crime in Nottinghamshire thankfully remains very rare and we have been proactive about taking these weapons off the streets.
“Together with our partners we continue to work hard to educate people about firearms and the dangers that come with them, to ensure that gun crime doesn’t become prevalent in the future.
“I’d like to thank the people who have helped us by handing over these blank firers during February’s amnesty.”
If you know of anyone involved in illegal firearms activity, you should report it immediately, either to the police on 101, or by calling Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
A Conservative Gedling borough councillor who sits on Nottinghamshire’s Police and Crime Panel is serving a 14-month drink-driving ban, it has been revealed.
Boyd Elliott, Nottinghamshire County Councillor for the Calverton ward, and a Gedling Borough councillor, had his case heard at Nottingham Magistrates’ Court on December 17 last year.
The court confirmed to the Local Democracy Reporting Service he was convicted of a drink-driving related offence, and was disqualified from driving for 14 months.
Mr Elliott was approached for comment, but he had not responded by the time of publication.
Senior Labour politicians say the conviction puts Cllr Elliott’s position in office in doubt, but Conservatives say he is “deeply apologetic” and backed him to remain as a councillor.
A Nottinghamshire Conservatives spokesman said: “We are aware that Cllr Boyd Elliott appeared before the Nottingham Magistrates’ Court late last year in relation to a drink-related driving offence, pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity, and was dealt with accordingly.
“Cllr Elliott is deeply apologetic for his actions and recognises that he has let both himself and his family down.
“Although now serving a period of disqualification from driving, the legal ramification does not otherwise impact on councillor Elliott’s ability to carry out his duties as the county councillor to Woodborough, Lambley and Calverton.
“During his tenure as an elected member, Cllr Elliott has been a strong and steadfast advocate for his community and has an excellent track record of supporting his residents and delivering on their priorities.
“Subject to the result of May’s County Council election, we have every confidence that he will continue to do so.”
Cllr Elliott also sits as a member of the Nottinghamshire Police and Crime Panel, which meets to scrutinise the actions and decisions made by Notts Police and Crime Commissioner, Gary Godden (Lab).
The panel supports and challenges the police commissioner in his duties, and makes sure his actions have considered the priorities of community safety partners, among other things.
In a joint statement, Labour MPs Michael Payne and Michelle Welsh – who represent the Gedling and Sherwood Forest constituencies respectively – added: “Drink-driving is a serious criminal offence that puts lives at risk.
“The public rightly expect high standards of those who serve them in public office – this flagrant disregard for drink driving laws falls well short of the high standards expected by the public.
“There are now serious questions regarding fitness for public office and whether Cllr Elliott should be representing the people of Nottinghamshire on the city and county’s Police and Crime Panel, as well as continuing to serve as a county councillor with responsibility for road safety across Nottinghamshire.”
A new sculpture celebrating the history of Arnold has been created to welcome people into the town centre
The new artwork has been designed by local artist, Richard Janes.
The artists worked in collaboration with pupils at Arnold Hill Spencer Academy, Richard Bonington Primary School, Redhill and also Woodborough Scouts and Gedling Borough Council has been erected in Arnold.
Mayor Ron McCrossen, right’ was joined by Councillor Jenny Hollingsworth, left, and the artist, Richard Janes, right, in Arnold town centre.
This design was inspired by the reference to Ernehale that appears in the Domesday Book of 1086, Ernehale means ‘place frequented by eagles’ or ‘valley of the eagles’.
The new artwork was officially unveiled yesterday (3) by Mayor Ron McCrossen who was joined by Councillor Jenny Hollingsworth and the artist, Richard Janes in Arnold town centre.
The sculpture depicts key points in the town’s rich history and culture, which include: Birthplace of Celebrated landscape painter Richard Parkes Bonington and Pioneering Water engineer Thomas Hawksley; The first major Luddite uprising of 1811; The Bonington Theatre, Library and High Street retail and hospitality; local parks and green spaces and heritage floral designs in hosiery and stocking making.
It also features The eagle or erne which gave Arnold its old name of Ernehale.
The sculpture also includes cast metal panels which include small sculptures made by the local children.
This project was supported by the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF).
Gedling Crematorium is inviting people to visit during the period around Mother’s Day and take time to remember and reflect on beloved relatives they have lost.
On Saturday, March 29, the crematorium on Catfoot Lane in Lambley will be hosting a two-hour flower workshop, in partnership with City Flower Florists, between 12noon and 2pm.
For £30, visitors will be helped to create a personalised, hand-tied, bouquet as a tribute to their loved ones. Tea, coffee and treats will be provided during the two-hour workshop.
The event is cash only and the money needs to be with the crematorium office no later than Saturday, March 22.
Gedling Crematorium is part of Westerleigh Group who own 41 sites in England, Scotland, and Wales.
PICTURED: Gedling Crematorium
Manager Giulia McDonough said: “We will also provide cards which people can write personal messages on and then deposit in our Letters to Heaven memorial post box.
“We know, from feedback we’ve had since the memorial post box was installed, that the bereaved can take great comfort from posting messages to loved ones, and it helps them maintain a feeling of connection with them.”
Anyone is welcome to visit the crematorium in order to remember their loved ones during the Mother’s Day period.
It does not matter whether or not there is a memorial to their mother or mother figure in the crematorium grounds, or where their funeral took place.
Neither does it matter if someone is recently bereaved, or suffered a loss some time ago, and it makes no difference where they live.
Giulia added: “Mother’s Day is one of those annual occasions when a loss can be felt more and we want to ensure people know that they are very welcome to take comfort in paying tribute to their loved ones at our crematorium.
“It can equally be a particularly difficult time for mothers who are bereaved of a child, and they are also extremely welcome to visit us.”
Anyone interested in booking a place should email GedlingEvents@westerleigh.co.uk, ensuring they provide their name, the size of their party, contact details and any dietary requirements.
For more information about Mother’s Day, other events, and the services available at Gedling Crematorium, visit www.gedlingcrematorium.co.uk
Local people are set to have a greater say on where £20m of government cash being awarded to help revitalise Carlton will be spent under new neighbourhood plans.
Gedling MP Michael Payne today (4) confirmed that the funding has now been officially agreed, with Carlton receiving a share of a £1.5 billion pot as part of the government’s Plan for Neighbourhoods.
Carlton is one of 75 towns set to receive funding and specialist support to breathe new life into communities – with the money expected to be handed over later this year.
As part of the Plan for Neighbourhoods, a new Neighbourhood Board will be set up in Carlton, bringing together residents, businesses and community campaigners. The board will decide how to spend the funding, choosing from options that include rejuvenating high streets, local parks, youth clubs, cultural venues and health services.
Angela Rayner, Deputy Prime Minister and the secretary of state responsible for local government said the fully funded Plan for Neighbourhoods puts local people in the driving seat of their potentialThe cash can be spent rejuvenating high streets, local parks, youth clubs, cultural venues and health services. (PHOTO: Gedling Eye)MP Michael Payne welcomed the news and said the cash would ‘unleash the enormous potential we have locally’
But Ministers have criticised the scheme’s ‘unfunded and failed approach’ saying local communities were being ‘micro-managed from Whitehall’ and forced to spend money on improvements that didn’t deliver long-term change.
Labour said this new funding scheme instead recognises that communities often ‘have the answers to the local problems they face’ and should be given more control over what they spend their money on.
MP Michael Payne welcomed the news and said teh cash would ‘unleash the enormous potential we have locally’.
“The previous government promised Carlton funding that simply didn’t exist. When I was elected as Gedling’s MP I promised to fight for real cash for our local area – I’m pleased to have secured up to £20 million of real funding for communities in Carlton.
“Today’s announcement means more control in the hands of local people, and less micro-management from central government and I look forward to supporting the work of the Neighbourhood Board as we deliver for residents.”
Angela Rayner, Deputy Prime Minister and the secretary of state responsible for local government said: “For years, too many neighbourhoods have been starved of investment, despite their potential to thrive and grow. Communities across the UK have so much to offer – rich cultural capital, unique heritage but most of all, an understanding of their own neighbourhood.
“We will do things differently, our fully funded Plan for Neighbourhoods puts local people in the driving seat of their potential, having control of where the Whitehall cash goes – what issues they want to tackle, where they want to regenerate and what growth they want turbocharge.”
The Conservatives criticised the funding plans as “wasteful pet projects”.
“Local areas are feeling increased pressure due to immigration, increased council tax and Labour changing the local government finance settlement to benefit urban areas over rural areas,” Shadow housing secretary Kevin Hollinrake said.
“Labour erased the phrase ‘levelling up’ from government and instead of delivering for local communities are now spending taxpayer cash on wasteful pet projects this country can’t afford.”
