Home Blog Page 107

Local sports: sponsorships drive growth

Gedling Eye
-
0
Local sports: sponsorships drive growth

The fresh scent of newly mown grass, the clatter and bustle of young athletes, and the chilly Saturday morning air, local sports are the lifeblood of our communities and are more than just games. Furthermore, what sustains these heartbeats? In addition to the spirit and support, sponsorships are becoming more and more important.

More Than Just a Logo: The Human Impact

Honestly, seeing the sponsor’s logo on the team’s jersey may be regarded as an advertisement. Yet the other side to the logo is that there is the story of little Timmy, whose worn-out cleats with holes in them, finally got those new cleats because the team could afford them. Another side to the logo is the story of coach Sarah, who now has a lot more time for actual training, like perfecting the team’s corner kicks, because of those sponsorship funds covering the team’s expenses. It’s about the common people who run all these local games.

Just think about a local under-12s football team. They’re not playing for million-dollar contracts; it’s for love. They’ll learn about teamwork and discipline and have the joy of chasing after a dream. But dreams need that funding. Equipment, rentals for fields, and travel do escalate quickly. Many teams are left asking how to pay for these things.

Sponsorships: A Lifeline for Local Dreams

Enter sponsorships. They are more than financial contracts; they are essentially investments in the future of our communities. This is where kids get the chance to play, grow up, and learn important lessons in life.

Think of a volunteer coach relieved of the fundraising burden for every week. One who doesn’t have to worry about whether a young player can join a tournament that he otherwise would not be able to afford. That’s the real impact of sponsorships.

Not only the kids, but adult leagues too. The local club of Sunday league players, putting in an extra shift all week just to enjoy a game or staying fit and social. This is where many teams source their finances; otherwise, they may not make it.

Funding Local Sports: The Community’s Role

Companies such as Betway, for instance, are becoming more aware of this link to the community. Local sports sponsorship offers the chance to positively impact people’s lives in addition to serving as a means of promotion. By supporting neighborhood teams, they are fostering a sense of community, giving young athletes options, and enhancing the quality of life in our communities.

The Ripple Effect: Beyond the Field

Sponsorship advantages go far beyond the playing fields. When local teams shine, the community gains. Local businesses are crowded on game days. Restaurants and cafes are alive with customers. This pride, complimented by the sense of togetherness that encouraging a local team evokes, strengthens the social fabric of our communities.

Investing in the Future: A Shared Responsibility

Sponsorships are strong instruments for cultivating local sports. They offer the funding that enables teams to thrive and allow firms to engage with their community. But it’s ultimately about people. It is about the athletes, the coaches, the volunteers, and the fans that make local sports what they are.

Let us always remember that just behind the story of any sponsored jersey comes a deep story of passion, commitment, and community. Every time we support local players, we are also investing in that story, thus guaranteeing that it will inspire a future generation.

Ultimately, the significance of the jersey lies in its backstory not just the logo. The true winners are the athletes’ commitment, each coach’s fervor, and the fans’ steadfast support. We’re genuinely improving the lives of our friends and neighbors by appreciating and encouraging the human element of neighborhood sports.

MATCH REPORT: Heaton Stannington 0-3 Carlton Town

Alan Murphy
-
0
MATCH REPORT: Heaton Stannington 0-3 Carlton Town

NPL First Division East
March 1, 2025

This was a first ever trip to Grounsell Park for the Millers and they met a Heaton side on a good run of form themselves, having recently beaten promotion chasing Dunston and drawn against fellow title challengers Emley.  But Carlton were dominant all over the pitch, particularly in a one-sided second half, and thoroughly deserved the margin of victory.

The Millers made one change to the side which drew with Newton Aycliffe last time out with the injured Ollie Clark replaced by Niall Hylton.  That meant Charlie Carter continued at right back with Hylton on the left ahead of Lewis Durow, making his 100th appearance for Carlton.

Backed by a good away following, it was Carlton who had the better start and an early move involving Nat Watson and Khyle Sargent saw Heaton’s Dan Capewell do well to cover.  A lovely passing move encompassing Lamin Manneh, Liam Moran, Niall Davie and Sargent saw Durow hit a shot just over the bar.

Stan’s first attack came just before the 20-minute mark and saw Hylton do well to block Konner Lamb.  Carter then made a great headed clearance from a dangerous free kick before Dan Brwon did likewise when the ball was knocked back into the danger area.

The Millers though were increasingly pushing forward and soon opened the scoring.  A Durow throw was only half cleared and when the ball dropped to Watson his fierce drive drew a superb tip over the bar from Lewis Brass in the home goal.  But when Corner’s corner wasn’t cleared Sargent hit a cheeky back heel that wrong footed Brass and rolled into the net.  Sargent then enjoyed a celebration with the travelling Mini Millers behind the goal.

Felix Annan was called into action o the half hour, saving a Dan Groves free kick that was hit straight at him, but the Carlton pressure continued with Brass making a decent save from a Sargent header.

Heaton’s best attacking moment of the game came just before half time.  A quick break down the right saw a super cross go across the face of goal with Jay Errington unable to get on the end of it.  It was to be their final chance of the afternoon.

Annan dealt with a couple of crosses and that clearly gave the rest of the defence confidence.

In the second half the Millers defence and midfield simply worked their socks off and gave Heaton absolutely no time on the ball.  Carter, having a fine game at right back, kept driving forward and when his cross was cleared, Sargent won the ball straight back and set up Davie who shot just wide.

A couple of minutes later the Millers doubled their lead.  A Durow throw was flicked on by Sargent and Davie arrived at the far post to throw his head at the loose ball and nod it into the net.  The angle of the header and the speed necessary to get there ahead of Brass meant that Davie was always going to collide with something or someone, and it was the post that took the force of his collision with some lengthy treatment necessary before he could resume.

The next goal was going to be key and it went Carlton’s way on 69 minutes.  Hylton won a ball on the left hand side he had no right to win.  He darted into the area and his cross was turned in by a combination of Manneh and Groves, with the Carlton man more than happy to be credited with the goal.

Thereafter Dean Freeman and Brown gave the home side nothing to bite on up front while Watson and the rest of the midfield always looked capable of opening up Heaton.  Substitute Diego Edwards drew a decent save from Brass after Hylton had won a ball in midfield.

There was a handbags melee near the end after a poor foul on Brown which saw a number of yellow cards but Carlton saw out the second half in complete control and celebrated with their joyous supporters at the final whistle.

Carlton Town: F Annan, C Carter, L Durow (S Thompson-Harris 87), D Brown, D Freeman, N Watson, N Hylton, K Sargent (G Tempest 76), L Moran (D Edwards 76), N Davie, L Manneh (H Goddard 82)

Goals: K Sargent 27, N Davie 56, L Manneh 69

Carlton Town Supporters Club MOTM: K Sargent

Att: 387

MATCH REPORT: Linby Colliery 2 – 2 Mickleover RBL 2

Adrian Ward
-
0
MATCH REPORT: Linby Colliery 2 – 2 Mickleover RBL 2

Saturday 1st March 2025.. CMAL Premier Division South

Despite playing for 52 minutes with ten men, Linby dug deep to preserve their unbeaten home record – and even could have won, having created the better chances in the second half.

After a bright start by Linby, RBL took an early lead on 4 minutes, when a miss-hit cross from Jake Dickinson went over keeper Jack Walker and into the far corner, 0-1.

Linby went level on 21mins. Mason Moore’s corner was headed home by Greg Conn – 1-1.

Ethan Fells long throw was flicked on by Conn, to Liam Catledge who headed home to put Linby 2-1, up. Conn was given a straight red on 38 minutes, for a high challenge, leaving Linby with ten men.

Dean Oliver headed RBL level from close range on 50 mins, when Linby failed to clear a corner, 2-2.

Although there was no further scoring in the game, Linby fashioned the better chances, with Moore going close with a free kick, and their clearest chance coming on 72 mins,but was just over.

Controversy late on saw, Hamilton thrown into the pitch barrier on 78mins, Then Linby were denied what looked like a stonewall penalty when sub Jacob Sucharewycz was clearly fouled in the area, but the over-fussy referee somehow didn’t give it.

Line up: Walker, Turner, Wass, Skevington, Fells, Wood, Gibson, Pollitt, Moore, Conn, Cartledge.

Subs: Stefaniak (for Wood 66m),Bernard( for Pollitt70m), Hamilton( for Cartledge 73m), Smith(for Moore 77m), Sucharewycz ( for Hamilton 82m)

Attendance: 118

Latest planning applications put before Gedling Borough Council

Gedling Eye Reporter
-
0
Latest planning applications put before Gedling Borough Council

These are the latest applications to have been submitted to and validated by Gedling Borough Council this week.

This is a round-up of the latest plans that the council’s planning officers have validated.

These applications will now be decided by Gedling borough planners.

More details can be found on the Gedling Borough Council planning site HERE by using the reference codes published below.

Application to discharge condition 9 (electric vehicle charging) and 12 (surface water drainage) of planning permission 2022/0006 11683 ? TA03 A ? EV Parking Space 27481-E-201A-P4 ? Proposed Drainage 27481-E-201B-P4 ? Proposed Drainage 27481-E-201F-P5 ? Proposed Drainage 27481-E-202-P2 – Drained Area Plan 27481-E-501-P1 Construction Details 2 27481-E-501-P1 Construction Details 3 R-C-27481-001-B – Drainage Calculations
Land Off Georges Lane Calverton Nottinghamshire
Ref. No: 2025/0124

Single storey rear extension and rendering of dwelling.
3 Storey Avenue Gedling Nottinghamshire NG4 4GN
Ref. No: 2025/0127

Deed of variation to legal agreement for permission 2023/0233, to allow for 100% affordable dwellings
Land Off Marion Avenue Hucknall Nottinghamshire
Ref. No: 2025/0117

Proposed covered area (external dimensions 6024mm x 3307mm = 19.9m2 footprint)
Ravenshead Farm Shop At 131 Main Road Ravenshead Nottinghamshire NG15 9GS
Ref. No: 2025/0108

Discharge of condition 12 (surface water drainage) of planning permission 2023/0926
Land Rear Coppice Farmhouse Mapperley Plains Arnold Nottinghamshire
Ref. No: 2025/0110

Approval of details reserved by condition 3 (materials) of planning permission 2024/0483
80 Hillview Road Mapperley Nottinghamshire NG4 1LD
Ref. No: 2025/0113DOC

T1 – Lime tree Crown lift to 6m – tree close to interfering with pedestrians/mowing.
10 The Chestnuts Stoke Lane Gedling Nottinghamshire NG4 2QW
Ref. No: 2025/0102TPO

Change of use from a Sui Generis bar/bistro to flexible Use Class E
84 Front Street Arnold Nottinghamshire NG5 7EJ
Ref. No: 2025/0092

Single storey rear extension Raised decking area approx 1000mm above ground level
25A Gardenia Grove Carlton Nottinghamshire NG3 6HY
Ref. No: 2025/0087

Discharge of condition 2 (approved plans) of planning permission 2024/0214
Land South Of Kingsdale Waterhouse Lane Gedling Nottinghamshire
Ref. No: 2025/0082DOC

Proposed canopy to side of host property
139 Worrall Avenue Arnold Nottinghamshire NG5 7GL
Ref. No: 2025/0068

Construction of a single-storey, two bedroom dwelling (following removal/de molition of existing detached garage)
29 Church Lane Linby Nottinghamshire NG15 8AB
Ref. No: 2025/0079

Proposed single storey rear extension of brick material with a flat roof with single ply membrane covering
85 Plains Road Woodthorpe Nottinghamshire NG3 5QT
Ref. No: 2025/0032

Alterations to land levels and removal of a retaining wall for a driveway; lowering of the curb and pavement for vehicle access to a driveway
273 Mansfield Road Redhill Nottinghamshire NG5 8LW
Ref. No: 2025/0002

New two-storey, three-bedroom dwelling, following the demolition of an existing single-storey double garage on land adjacent to 95 Kent Road.
95 Kent Road Mapperley Nottinghamshire NG3 6BN
Ref. No: 2024/0851

WEEKLY WALKS: A gorgeous circular walk taking you from Linby and through the grounds of Newstead Abbey

Graham Finch
-
0
WEEKLY WALKS: A gorgeous circular walk taking you from Linby and through the grounds of Newstead Abbey

This week’s circular walk takes you on a trip around the grounds of Newstead Abbey and through the picturesque villages of Linby and Papplewick.

Distance: 5.4 miles (8.78 km)
Calculated time: 2h 40
Difficulty: Easy

Map of the walk

Screenshot

1. Top Cross in Linby village

From the Top Cross in Linby village walk up the hill to the traffic island. Turn right onto the path signed Linby Trail and National Cycle Network. This is along a railway cutting which follows the route of the Great Northern Railway. This straight path continues for some
considerable time until some large boulders are seen ahead partially blocking the path. Here the path turns sharply to the right still signposting the National Cycle Network alongside a woodland walk.

The path then joins a tarmac road at one of the lodges to Newstead Abbey estate. Passing through this gate (there is no charge for walkers) follow the road until Newstead Abbey ruins come into view. The road is mostly flat apart from a couple of short climbs through glades. As the road descends towards Newstead Abbey the upper lake and stable block can be seen to the left followed by a waterfall and then the magnificent aspect of Newstead Abbey comes into view with the garden lake to the right.

2. Newstead Abbey grounds

Follow the road round to the left between the ruins and the upper lake. Ahead is the stable block and bell tower. After passing a car park on the left and the cricket pitch to the right there is a crossroads. Turn right here and follow the tarmac road winding through the woods until a pair of wrought iron gates appears ahead. This it the entrance to another lodge, a footpath for walkers is marked to the right of the gates and follows alongside a hedge. At the other end there is a metal kissing gate to pass through before following a wide grassy path ahead with hedges on either side. At the end proceed through a metal gate and onto an unmade road which bears to the left and has large properties on either side. Follow this road called Hall Lane until a tree can be seen ahead in the middle of a small grassy area with a seat where the path meets the main road B683. Papplewick Hall can be seen immediately to the right at this junction.

3. Passing through Papplewick

Turn right along the road, with a footpath, following it into Papplewick village. It bears sharply right past a row of cottages and then right where there is a wide gap after Papplewick lodge showing a sign to The Church of St James Papplewick and a public
footpath signposted to Linby. Pass through the wooden gate and follow this tarmac road in the direction of the church, Before reaching the church there is a well trodden signed path on the left through the fields to Linby. At the end of the field pass through a metal gate and over a wide footbridge over the river Leen and then continue alongside a hedge bordering an arable field until it emerges onto the main road B6011 into Linby.

4. Back to Linby

Turn right and follow this road into the village passing the Bottom Cross on the right and the old village school. On the left hand side, next to the bus shelter is an interesting Parish Map of Linby explaining the history of the village. Continue up the hill to the Top Cross to the start of the walk

  • Have you got a suggested walk around the borough you want to share with our readers? You can email details to news@gedlingeye.co.uk

Major road resurfacing scheme announced for Colwick Loop Road, thanks to local councillor lobbying

Emily Sanchez
-
0
Major road resurfacing scheme announced for Colwick Loop Road, thanks to local councillor lobbying

A section of Colwick Loop Road is to be resurfaced after a local councillor secured funding for repairs.

Following strong lobbying from Cllr Mike Adams, who represents Carlton East on Nottinghamshire County Council, the A612 Colwick Loop Road between Sainsbury’s and Morrisons has been added to the capital programme for full resurfacing.

The government recently gave Nottinghamshire County Council an extra £3.3 million to fund road repairs.

Cllr Adams welcomed the news.

He said: “The A612 Colwick Loop Road is a vital route for residents, commuters, and businesses, but its surface has deteriorated over time.

“I’m pleased that my lobbying has helped secure this investment, and I know road users will appreciate the improvements. I’ll keep working to ensure our local roads remain a priority.”

Cllr Sam Smith, Leader of Nottinghamshire County Council, said: “I’m pleased to confirm that an extra £3.3 million is being allocated to resurfacing key roads across the county, including the A612 Colwick Loop Road at Sainsbury’s Bridge. This investment will ensure proper, lasting repairs, rather than just patching up potholes. There’s more to come too, as I will announce additional resurfacing projects at the March Full Council meeting.”

The resurfacing works will be included in the council’s capital programme for the 2025/26 financial year, which will be officially signed off in March by the Cabinet Member for Transport and the Environment.

Further updates on additional road improvements will be announced at the Full Council meeting in March.

Colwick firm pumps cash into popular Ravenshead attraction

David Bratton
-
0
Colwick firm pumps cash into popular Ravenshead attraction

A Ravenshead museum and tourist attraction has been given a cash injection after a global packaging giant based in Colwick named it as February’s charity in its ‘year of giving’ campaign. 

The campaign, launched by The Wilkins Group, based in Colwick, Nottingham, will see the firm making a donation each month throughout 2025 to local causes impacted by the current economic climate.  

Papplewick Pumping Station, a grade II* listed building and tourist attraction located in Rigg Lane, Ravenshead, is this month’s chosen charity partner. It received a cheque for £1,000 this week.    

Papplewick Pumping Station has been hailed as “Britain’s finest Victorian waterworks”. The freshwater pumping station celebrates its industrial heritage, preserving the pumping station thanks to enthusiastic volunteers, donations, and visitor numbers to the site’s award-winning family museum.   

Recognised as a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Historic England, the venue holds regular ‘steaming’ events as well as being a unique wedding venue. 

Justin Wilkins, joint managing director at The Wilkins Group, which makes food packaging for many of the UK’s leading food producers, said: “We may be a global brand, but we are immensely proud of our Nottingham roots and want to support local attractions and charities that celebrate the city and county’s rich heritage. 

“Papplewick Pumping Station not only celebrates its past but also provides an educational and entertaining venue for the present and future.” 

The Wilkins Group announced its ‘year of giving’ campaign in December. It kick-started the initiative with an innovative calendar and desk tidy that was sent to its customers as a Christmas gift.  

Each month, the calendar highlights a different Nottinghamshire charity, outlining its work and why The Wilkins Group would be donating towards each cause. In January, Green’s Windmill in Sneinton was the first chosen recipient of a donation. 

Justin said: “As February’s chosen charity cheque is handed over, we want to take a moment to recognise and support the venue’s work.

“Papplewick Pumping Station is a beautiful place that stands as testament to how it tackled water pollution from industrial Nottingham of the 1880s, pumping millions of gallons of clean fresh water to the city’s industries and its rapidly growing population thus improving public health and Nottingham residents’ quality of life.” 

The Wilkins Group is also dedicated to improving the environmental impact of industry. Creating packaging designs and innovations that aim to reduce and ultimately eradicate single-use plastics within the industry, it is already leading the way in alternatives including board trays for food packaging, including the use of compostable materials, and 100 per cent plastic-free hangers. 

Ashley Smart, museum director at Papplewick Pumping Station, said: “This donation means everything to us, and it was a real surprise when we found out about it. The generosity of The Wilkins Group is so much appreciated, as are all the kind donations we receive.

“Maintaining such an important industrial museum is a colossal undertaking – we often liken it to painting the Forth Bridge – so we are truly grateful for every bit of help we get.” 

Papplewick Pumping Station was designed by celebrated engineer Marriott Ogle Tarbotton, who also designed Trent Bridge. The Nottingham Borough Engineer also planned and oversaw the construction of the city’s underground sewerage system – the first outside London. 

Justin said: “The idea of our ‘year of giving’ calendar and campaign has been a huge success. Our clients have loved it and to be able to give something back to our hometown and its residents has been tremendous. We are now looking forward to March’s cheque presentation.” 

The Wilkins Group is a family run firm that produces food packaging for the likes of Pukka, Pizza Express, Harrods and Cadbury – to name a few.   

It also is credited with producing bespoke and award-winning items such as eco-friendly coat hangers and the iconic M&S light-up glitter gin bottles.   

Praise for work at Gedling’s Jubilee Park as care home residents and offenders on Community Payback Order scheme team up to improve green space

David Bratton
-
0
Praise for work at Gedling’s Jubilee Park as care home residents and offenders on Community Payback Order scheme team up to improve green space

A Gedling community has benefitted from work carried out by care home residents and people completing community sentences.

As part of the latest Immediate Justice Day of Action, residents from the Rivendell Care Home in Gedling donated handmade bird boxes, which will soon be placed around the park to help support local wildlife.

Their visit was part of a wider community effort to improve the much-loved green space, which also saw offenders carrying out litter picking, hedge trimming, and general maintenance to keep the park looking its best.

The day brought together a range of partners, including Nottinghamshire Police and Gedling Borough Council, who engaged with residents through an information stall inside the park’s pavilion, giving members of the public the opportunity to learn more aboutlocal policing and community safety initiatives.

Gedling Borough Council also donated two trees, which were planted by Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Angela Kandola and Councillor Lynda Pearson, Portfolio Holder for Communities and Place.

Councillor Pearson, who has been heavily involved with the Friends of Jubilee Park, has long championed improvements to the park for all to enjoy.

Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Angela Kandola said: “Immediate Justice is about ensuring that those responsible for antisocial behaviour and low-level crime give back to the very communities they have impacted.

“Seeing care home residents and young people engaged in this project alongside offenders demonstrates how this scheme can bring communities together in a positive way.

“Jubilee Park is a valued space, and these contributions will leave a lasting impact for all who visit.”

Nottinghamshire is leading the way in Immediate Justice, ensuring that those responsible for antisocial behaviour and low-level crime take immediate action to repair the harm they have caused.

Since its launch, the scheme has seen offenders complete thousands of hours of visible, reparative work in local communities, directly benefitting residents, businesses, and public spaces across the city and county.

Projects have included litter-picking, graffiti removal, park maintenance, and community clean-ups, helping to improve local environments while ensuring offenders understand the consequences of their actions.

Councillor Lynda Pearson, Portfolio Holder for Communities and Place at Gedling Borough Council said: “We are proud to support the Immediate Justice scheme, which is making a real difference in our communities by improving public spaces while holding offendersaccountable for their actions.

“Jubilee Park is a popular green space, and initiatives like this not only contribute to the park’s upkeep but also bring residents together in a positive way.

“It’s fantastic to see care home residents, community groups, and partners working alongside each other to make a lasting impact. We look forward to seeing more projects like this benefit our borough.”

The scheme has also received positive feedback from the public, with many residents welcoming the opportunity to see justice being carried out in a way that provides real, visible benefits to their neighbourhoods.

The success of Immediate Justice in Nottinghamshire is underpinned by strong partnership working between the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, Nottinghamshire Police, local councils, and community organisations.

The programme is set to continue delivering meaningful, restorative work in key areas across the city and county, with further Days of Action planned for the months ahead.

Inspector Heather Harding, neighbourhood policing inspector for Gedling, said: “Engagement with communities is a vital part of neighbourhood policing so this was a great opportunity for my officers.

“We were able to speak to residents about the policing issues which matter to them and discuss what we are doing to tackle antisocial behaviour in the area.

“The park is a much-loved green space and it was great to see it being improved through the Immediate Justice scheme and the efforts of care home residents.”

Immediate Justice is a key part of Nottinghamshire Police and Crime Commissioner Gary Godden’s wider efforts to reduce antisocial behaviour and promote visible justice, ensuring that offenders make a meaningful contribution to the communities they have affected.

By carrying out practical, restorative work such as that seen at Jubilee Park, the scheme helps to improve public spaces while encouraging personal responsibility and positive change.

Red Snapper Managed Services Director Jonathan Hussey said: “Immediate Justice is about making a real difference—not just for the communities impacted by antisocial behaviour, but also for those taking part in these projects.

“By working alongside care home residents and community groups, offenders see firsthand the value of giving back and the positive impact of their actions.

“At RSMS, we are proud to be delivering a programme that not only enhances local spaces like Jubilee Park but also fosters a sense of personal responsibility and community spirit.”

To report antisocial behaviour in your neighbourhood, call Nottinghamshire Police on 101 or visit the web page linked below to report.

Tree-mendous: 1,200 new trees planted as part of plan to create green lung at park in Mapperley

David Bratton
-
0
Tree-mendous: 1,200 new trees planted as part of plan to create green lung at park in Mapperley

More than 1,000 trees have been planted and a wildflower meadow is being created as part of a project to create a new ‘green lung’ in Mapperley.

The major tree planting project at Digby Park, Mapperley, was completed on February 10, with over 1,200 new trees planted at the site,

A green lung is an area within an urban area that has been set up to replenish the air with oxygen.

The project was supported by Defra with a grant through the Trees for Climate grant, administered by Nottinghamshire County Council’s Greenwood Community Forest. The grant, totalling £34,416 will also pay for ongoing maintenance to ensure the long-term health of the newly planted trees.

In addition to the tree planting, the project will also see the creation of a wildflower meadow, due to be completed in late spring. The meadow will provide vital habitat for pollinators and other wildlife, further enhancing biodiversity within the park.

Councillor Viv McCrossen, Portfolio Holder for Climate Change and Natural Habitat, visited the site alongside Gedling Borough Council’s Director of Operations, Sarah Troman, to see the development first-hand. She said:

“We are incredibly proud to continue expanding and enhancing Digby Park’s green spaces with the addition of more than 1,200 trees and a beautiful new wildflower meadow.

“This project is a fantastic example of how we are delivering on our commitment to reducing the borough’s carbon footprint and improving biodiversity. 

“The support from the Trees for Climate grant has been invaluable in helping us to create a greener, healthier environment for both people and wildlife to enjoy for generations to come.”

This initiative builds on the original tree trail, launched during National Tree Week, which saw over 500 trees planted and new park features introduced, including benches, improved drainage, and QR-coded plaques providing information about different tree species.

The expansion of tree planting at Digby Park aligns with Gedling Borough Council’s wider Carbon Management Strategy, which aims to reduce the borough’s carbon footprint and take action in the fight against climate change. It also contributes to the Government’s broader environmental goals, including the target of reaching net-zero emissions by 2050. Trees play a key role in this strategy, with Defra working towards the Environmental Act’s target of halting nature’s decline by 2030 and increasing tree canopy cover in England to 16.5% by 2050. The Trees for Climate grant is funded through Defra’s Nature for Climate Fund, which supports large-scale tree planting projects to help meet these ambitious environmental goals.

GEDLING BOROUGH COUNCIL: Authority faces ‘struggle’ to manage financial risks after huge fraud case

Lauren Monaghan
-
0
GEDLING BOROUGH COUNCIL: Authority faces ‘struggle’ to manage financial risks after huge fraud case

Gedling Borough Council has been warned it still has work to do to prevent the repeat of a fraud case which saw an officer secretly steal almost £1m to fund a gambling habit.

In 2024, ex finance officer at Gedling Borough Council, Alan Doig, was found guilty of fraud by abuse of position and obtaining money transfers by deception over a 19-year period.

The 57-year-old’s activity was uncovered in 2022 where he was subsequently dismissed. He was jailed for five years last October.

In August 2022, the council had specialists assess his crime and in April 2023, until January 2024, an internal audit into its IT financial controls found deficiencies for the year ending March 31 2024.

Auditors looking at the authority’s accounts say providing assurance the council is making informed decisions and properly managing its financial risks will be a “significant piece of work”.

The council’s Audit Committee met yesterday (February 25) to discuss its external audit report on its financial statements for the 2023/24 financial year.

Yearly financial accounts of public organisations, such as councils, are reviewed by auditors to ensure their finances are in order. The council’s yearly accounts are being checked by Forvis Mazars.

In the firm’s annual report of the accounts – looking at the council’s arrangements for securing value for money – it found no significant weaknesses in the authority’s financial sustainability or how it improves its economy, efficiency and effectiveness.

However, it did find risks of significant weaknesses in the council’s governance, referring to how the authority ensures it makes informed decisions and properly manages risks.

Auditors say this weakness reported for 2023/24 takes into account previous significant weaknesses reported for the 2021/22 and 2022/23 accounts.

The committee heard the most recent weaknesses found are not because any new problems have been found, but because auditors cannot conclude they do not exist.

Ms Norman said this is due to previous internal audit reports during the 2023/24 financial year relating to the fraudulent activity, and because auditors have not had time to conclude whether arrangements for the council securing its governance are in place.

Audit documents noted “significant” IT control deficiencies and the “privileged access” given to Mr Doig within the financial system Agresso. These deficiencies also hindered the completion of the audit.

Councillor Stuart Bestwick (Con) asked: “I think you said there’s a significant weakness in the governance arrangements still. Is that what you’re telling us now… why is that still happening?”

“Are you saying we haven’t put that right yet from the fraud, or is it something different?”

Ms Norman responded: “It is to do with the fraud, but secondly we have not been able to conclude that, that significant weakness in [governance] arrangements can be cleared.

“It’s going to be a significant piece of work, it’s a very particular situation that Gedling’s in, that’s why we’re bringing it forward.”

She concluded the Alan Doig’s fraud and the ongoing work and audit reports within the 2023/24 financial year are the reasons auditors cannot guarantee significant weaknesses in governance do not still exist.

Cllr Bestwick clarified: “So are you saying you’ve not been able to conclude that everthing’s ok, or are you saying there are still weaknesses? It’s slightly different and I hope you understand why it’s important to know that.”

Ms Norman responded: “I do understand- we’re saying both- but I would go with the former, this is something we identified in a previous year and we’re bringing forward.”

1...106107108...1,015Page 107 of 1,015