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Police issue plea to Gedling borough residents over ‘nuisance’ off-road and e-bikers and vow to ‘keep up pressure’ on riders

Police said they will be stepping up their efforts to tackle off-road and e-bikers causing a nuisance across Gedling borough in the coming weeks.

The local Gedling Neighbourhood Policing Team said they are aware of the increase of off-road bikes and Sur-ron electric bikes causing problems locally in the local area but said users of these bikes are hiding their identities by wearing face coverings and are often involved in some form of criminality or anti-social behaviour.

Local police said to use these bikes legally on the road the owners are required to be registered, taxed and insured otherwise they can be seized and destroyed and called on residents to help tackle the problem.

A spokesman for Nottinghamshire Police said: “It is a difficult task to catch and seize these bikes due to the acceleration and manoeuvrability and they are aware that they can get away from officers with ease.

“To pursue them could cause further harm due to further dangerous driving behaviours whether that be to themselves or an innocent member of the public.

“However, we are looking to change this over the coming months.”

“Any sightings or knowledge of these bikes, especially when they are driving dangerously and causing issues, should be called in to 101 or 999 depending on the severity of the sighting. This will allow us to log the incidents and be able to build a picture to allow us to proactively try and seize these bikes in a safe and controlled manner. 

Poloice asked residents when calling in about an incident to give the following details if possible:

The location of the sighting and the direction the bikes were travelling in. 

How many bikes were seen. 

Whether you manage to get any pictures/video/CCTV footage of the bikes. 

Details of the bike with anything distinctive (type of bike, colour, logos/decals)

Details of the rider with anything distinctive (age, ethnicity, perceived gender, build, hair colour anything distinctive such as scars/tattoos.)

Bowling pavilion in Arnold park could be turned into night shelter to tackle rise in homelessness.

A bowling pavilion in Arnold could be turned into a night shelter to tackle a rise in homelessness.

Gedling Borough Council is also planning to buy more temporary accommodation to meet the growing demand locally.

A new council report on the issue reads: “Work is ongoing to identify new prevention measures. Additional temporary accommodation units are being purchased and work is under way to examine the possibility of using the bowling pavilion located in Arnot Hill Park as a potential night shelter.”

The measures are planned due to a rising number of homeless applications in the borough over the years, council documents say.

In 2023, a total of 266 people in Gedling were found homeless, according to figures by national housing charity Shelter. This included those in bed and breakfasts, hostels and other emergency housing.

Section 21 notices were the second-most common reason for homelessness in Gedling, the council reports adds.

Landlords can use Section 21 to evict their tenants during a ‘periodic’ tenancy or after a fixed term tenancy.

A ‘periodic tenancy’ is a tenancy with no end date. This means landlords can evict tenants at any time without providing a reason.

The waiting list for social housing applications had also increased in Gedling from 543 in October 2021 to 768 in October 2024, the report says.

Arnold Food Bank, located in Daybrook Baptist Church, serves people from across the area.

Helen Lloyd, manager of the project, said the number of families who use their services is rising.

She said many haven’t been able to afford the rising costs of rent from landlords.

“There is a lack of affordable renting in the area, and it is above their housing benefit allowance,” she said.

“Families can’t top that up and discretionary housing payments are running out.

“We’ve had families evicted for no particular reason, it puts them in a crisis situation. With a rise in mortgages, landlords raise their rents and families can’t afford those payments. There’s nowhere for them to go.”

The issue will be discussed at Gedling Borough Council’s Overview and Scrutiny Committee on Monday, January 13.

Police want to speak to this man after boy is assaulted and racially abused on bus in Arnold

Police investigating an assault on a teenager on a bus in Arnold have released a photo of a man they want to speak to.

Nottinghamshire Police issued the CCTV image after launching an investigation into the assault on the bus passenger.

The boy was punched to the face on the number 58 Nottingham City Transport bus at around 10.20pm on November 9, 2024.

Police have issued CCTV of a man they want to speak to

He was also subjected to racial slurs during the incident before the offender left the bus at a stop in Front Street.

Police Constable Taylor Nash, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “Officers have been conducting a number of inquiries and are now in a position to release this CCTV image of a man they believe could assist the investigation.

“We work hard with our partners to make sure public transport in the Nottingham area is as safe as it can be.

“Assaults of this nature will always be investigated thoroughly and we are asking for the public’s help to trace a man we believe could have important information.

“If you know him, please get in touch without delay.”

Anyone who knows the man, or has any other information about what happened, should call 101, quoting incident number 663 of 9 November 2024, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Police dog praised for hunting down disqualified driver hiding in Colwick woodland

A suspect was found by a police dog hiding in Colwick woodland after sprinting away on foot.

PD Reno led his handler over a fence and through thick undergrowth before sniffing the suspect out in near total darkness at around 3am on Monday, December 30.

Another officer had earlier pulled over a car in Daleside Road before its driver sprinted away on foot.

PD Reno and his handler were called in to assist with the search and were soon able to locate a suspect lying face down in the undergrowth.

PD Reno led his handler over a fence and through thick undergrowth before sniffing the suspect out in near total darkness

After being challenged by the officer, he gave himself up and was arrested.

A 24-year-man has been charged with driving whilst disqualified, driving without insurance, failing to co-operate with a preliminary breath test and obstructing a constable.

He is due to appear at Nottingham Magistrates’ Court on January 23.

Chief Inspector Mark Dickson, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “This was another good result for our police dogs and a perfect example of the kind of situation where they really come into their own.

“With darkness all around it is extremely unlikely this suspect would have been found without the deployment of Reno and his handler.”

PD Reno is a six-year-old German Shepherd who was licensed with his handler in December 2019.

He and his handler represented Nottinghamshire Police at the national police dog trials in 2023.

Sir Keir Starmer unveils plans for cuts to NHS waiting list times

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has today (6) unveiled a new pledge to cut the list of patients waiting more than 18 weeks for NHS treatment in England by nearly half a million by 2026.

The plan will give patients greater access to Community Diagnostic Centres and surgical hubs.

A network of Community Diagnostic Centres, which provide appointments such as scans and endoscopies in local neighbourhoods, will extend their opening hours to 12 hours a day, seven days a week.

More surgical hubs will be created to focus on common, less complex procedures, such as cataract surgeries. These hubs are ring-fenced from other parts of the hospital to ensure operating theatre time is not lost if there are emergency cases.

Keir Starmer
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said the new reforms would create millions more appointments

GP appointments
GPs will also be able to refer patients directly to the hubs and diagnostic centres without requiring a prior consultation with a senior doctor.

GPs will also be able, where appropriate, to refer patients directly to these centres without requiring a prior consultation with a senior doctor.

There will also be reforms designed to enhance patient choice and tackle inefficiencies.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said the new reforms would create millions more appointments and “deliver on our promise to end the backlogs”.

He said: “There will be greater choice and convenience for patients. NHS staff will once again able to give the standard of care they desperately want to.”

The British Medical Association (BMA) welcomed the plan but said it was ‘sceptical’ about whether it could be delivered.

The latest NHS reforms are part of a broader effort to reduce the number of people facing long waits for appointments, procedures and surgeries.

One the government’s six main priorities is for 92% of patients to begin treatment or be given the all-clear within 18 weeks by the end of this Parliament.

This has been an official NHS target for some time, but has not been met since 2015. – with only 59% of patients currently meet the 18-week target and three million people waiting longer.

The aim is to get patients treated more quickly, closer to home and without relying on hospitals. Officials say these centres will provide up to half a million extra appointments each year.

The new plan says that one million unnecessary appointments per year will be freed up for patients who need them. This will be made possible by abolishing automatic review appointments after treatment and only offering them to patients who request them.

Plans for patients to use the NHS App to monitor and book consultations and test results, with greater control over where they are treated, have already been announced. The goal is to make the system more efficient and reduce the number of missed appointments.

NHS England Chief Executive Amanda Pritchard said: “The radical reforms in this plan will not only allow us to deliver millions more tests, appointments, and operations, but do things differently too – boosting convenience and putting more power in the hands of patients, especially through the NHS app.”

Professor Phil Banfield, chair of the BMA Council, has today expressed doubt over whether the latest NHS plan could be delivered.

“Doctors have been just as frustrated as their patients by the lack of facilities to deliver care and want to bring waiting lists down,” he said.

“But the reality is that without the workforce to meet constantly rising demand, we will not see the progress we all hope for.”

‘BE PREPARED’: Flood alerts and warnings issued across parts of Gedling borough as snow and rain sees river levels rise

Flood alerts and warnings have been issued across Gedling borough amid heavy rainfall. 

A warning has been issued by the Environment Agency for Woodborough that means flooding is ‘expected’.

A spokesman said: “River levels have risen at the Woodborough river gauge as a result of heavy rainfall combined with snowmelt. Consequently, flooding of property is imminent.

“Areas most at risk are Woodborough including Main Street which is likely to be impassable, affecting access in and out of the village. Flooding may also affect properties on Lingwood Lane, Smalls Croft and Westfield Lane.”

They said that further heavy rainfall is forecast over the next 12 hours. We expect river levels to remain high and they were ‘closely monitoring the situation’.

Village Residents have now been advised to move possessions and valuables off the ground or to safety and avoid contact with flood water.

Nottingham City Transport has this morning told passengers that the Sky Blue 61 serve Woodborough or most of Lambley due to flooding. It will use Georges Lane, Calverton Road, Dorket Head, Mapperley Plains, Catfoot Lane, Spring Lane in both directions.

The Woodborough river gauge shows that although still high, levels are starting to slowly fall (IMAGE: Environment Agency)
flooding Stoke Bardolph
PICTURED: Flooding in Stoke Bardolph back in early 2020

Flood alerts have also been issued to areas close to the River Trent, including parts of Burton Joyce, Colwick, Netherfield and Stoke Bardolph.

The Environment Agency has warned residents to ‘be prepared’.

A spokesman said: “River levels are rising at the Colwick and Clifton Bridge river gauges as a result of heavy rainfall. Consequently, flooding of roads and farmland is possible today.

“Areas most at risk are low-lying agricultural land and roads including communities near to the River Trent and Stoke Lane at Stoke Bardolph.”

“We are closely monitoring the situation. Our incident response staff are patrolling watercourses in the area.  

They warned: “Please avoid using low-lying footpaths near local watercourses and plan driving routes to avoid low-lying roads near rivers, which may be flooded. “

READERS’ GALLERY: Sunday, January 5, 2025

Here’s a selection of wonderful photographs contributed to our Gedling Amateur Photographers Facebook Group and Instagram featuring lots of beautiful country scenes, wildlife and scenic hotspots from across Gedling borough.

If you have captured a local moment in a photograph and think that others would like to see it, then upload it to our group and you may be featured on this post. You can also tag us in or use #gedlingeye if using Instagram.

You can also email them to news@gedlingeye.co.uk if you don’t use social media.

Please supply your name and a brief description of where and when the photograph was taken, or perhaps a funny caption.

A selection of photos will be published on Gedling Eye‘s website each week.

A swan pictured on a cold January day in Gedling Country Park – Photo by Benzla Freeman

Morning skies over Mapperley Top – Photo by Mary Hadyn-Davies

Wildlife pictured during a walk around Netherfield Lagoons by Carl Green

Sunrise over the Trent at Burton Joyce by Tammy Mills

You can join the group HERE

Gedling Lotto results: Winning numbers for Saturday, January 4, 2025

There is a chance to win up to £25,000 every Saturday when you play Gedling Lotto.

You just need to match six numbers to win the £25,000 jackpot.

We now publish the winning numbers after each Saturday night.

THIS WEEK’S WINNING NUMBERS (04/01/25)

7 5 8 8 6 7

How does Gedling Lotto work?

Gedling Lotto is a weekly lottery draw that raises money for good causes across Gedling Borough. All good causes supported by the lottery will benefit the Gedling Borough and its residents.

Play the lottery, support Gedling Borough – it’s that simple!

From every £1 ticket you buy, 60p will go to local good causes in the Gedling Borough and improve our community.

Some of the many causes to benefit from the Lotto include:

  • Arnbrook Primary School
  • Arnold Swimming Club
  • Gedling Play Forum
  • Gedling Conservation Trust
  • Lambley Village Cricket Club

Cold weather advice issued by RSPCA to protect pets and wildlife

The RSPCA has issued guidance to help protect pets, livestock, and wildlife during the current cold snap.

The animal welfare charity is urging the people in Gedling borough to take extra precautions as snow and ice impact many areas, with yellow weather warnings in place across the UK.

Dr Sam Gaines, RSPCA pet welfare specialist, said: “It’s really important we help our animal friends during this latest upcoming spell of cold weather. As we all strive to create a better world for every animal, people can share our helpful advice and tips to make sure their own animals, and local wildlife, are kept safe.”

The RSPCA advises pet owners to monitor outdoor pets, such as rabbits and guinea pigs, as temperatures drop.

Bringing them indoors or providing extra bedding and insulated shelter is recommended.

Cats should have access to warm, draft-free indoor areas, and antifreeze products should be stored safely out of reach of animals due to their toxicity.

Elderly or unwell dogs can benefit from warm coats during walks, and owners are reminded to keep dogs away from frozen ponds and rivers.

Pet birds also require additional bedding and protection from wind and rain, while fishpond owners should ensure ice does not completely cover the surface by carefully melting sections with hot water.

Livestock and Wildlife Support

Farmers and horse owners are urged to provide adequate shelter, extra feed, and regular checks on water supplies to prevent freezing. Waterproof rugs and regular hoof inspections are also essential.

Wildlife can struggle to find food and water during cold spells. Householders can support birds by leaving out suitable food such as seeds, oats, suet balls, and fruit, while ensuring birdbaths and feeders remain ice-free.

The charity also advises checking woodpiles for hibernating wildlife before lighting fires and warns against disturbing hibernating animals such as hedgehogs.

The RSPCA stresses that keeping dogs outdoors during extreme weather is not recommended. Owners should ensure dogs have a warm, dry sleeping area with temperatures above 10°C.

With the cold weather expected to continue, the RSPCA is calling on the public to take simple but effective steps to protect animals.

For emergencies, the public can contact the RSPCA for assistance.

MATCH REPORT: Paviors 36 – 40 Ilkeston

This weekend Pavs welcomed Ilkeston to The Stump in Round 13 of the Midlands Regional 2 competition in what turned out to be a highly entertaining, but ultimately frustrating afternoon for the Pavs faithful. 

From the kick off the home side were a little slow into the proceedings, having said that speedy wing Tom Davies gave Pavs the lead on three minutes.

Pavs were still not up to full pace in the ensuing ten minutes which allowed Ilkeston to go in front with two tries, so 5-14 to Ilkeston with thirteen minutes on the clock. This seemed to galvanise Pavs into action, with a number of plays bringing them to Ilkeston’s line for number 8 Phil Eggleshaw to drive over following a dominant scrum bringing the score to 12-14 with the George Billam extras.

Seven minutes later, Ilkeston hit back to go further in front at 12-19 with ten minutes of the half left. Matt Molyneux hit back with a well taken try through the centre to level matters up with the Billam extras at 19-19. As half time beckoned prop Nick Brearley somehow engaged the official’s wrath and disappeared to the bin, at which point the half time whistle sounded. Half time 19-19.

During the break Sam Bradley replaced Kaine Johnson in the row. From a rather squirmy kick off, Pavs failed to field the ball before it went into touch and from

the following lineout, Ilkeston worked their way across the pitch to score in the far corner to retake the lead at 19-26. An almost fully fit again Theo Collier took the open front row slot as the unlucky Sam Bradley was taken off due to the Brearley yellow card only to come on five minutes later as the sin bin penalty elapsed.

Moments later, Pavs worked their way into the Ilkeston half with an increasingly dominant scrummage. This allowed youngster Danny Green to go in at the corner to narrow things up at 24-26. On fifty two minutes and following some fine interplay, scrum half Jonty Green dived in to put Pavs in front for the first time since the third minute at 31-26. Ten minutes later, Ilkeston agains truck back with a converted try, to retake the lead at 31-33. Another ten minutes into game at sixty three minutes, Noah Bhatia replaced Danny Green, before hooker Owen Taylor found space down the blindside to outpace the Ilkeston defence before sliding in and put Pavs back in front at 36-33. Not to be outdone Ilkeston a little controversially scored in the corner and, with the added well struck conversion, got back in front at 36-40.

With seven minutes to play, Pavs went for the win, but unfortunately lost fly half George Billam to the bin for a strange interpretation of the tackle law. Despite this, the home side kept at it but ran out of time and Ilkeston were the eventual winners at 40-36.

  This was, in football parlance, a game that neither side deserved to lose. It was, indeed, a game of extremely fine margins (Pavs 6 tries/ 3 Cons, Ilkeston 6 tries/ 5 Cons). Both sides made errors and it was always going to be the side that made the fewest errors that would come out on top. A large Christmas crowd undoubtedly enjoyed a feast of rugby. The away side will delight in their victory whilst the home side will feel a deep sense of frustration but that is the nature of competitive sport. The key is how to move forward from that frustration and learn vital lessons to take into the new year. Pavs now go into the Christmas Break and will review their progress thus far into the season. One would venture to say somewhat of a curate’s egg so far. They will look to establish more consistency in preparation and how they conduct games and so make progress and fulfil the potential they have. On a seasonal note, one would like to wish all of our readers the merriest of Christmas’ and a prosperous and successful New Year.

Next Game – West Bridgford AWAY – 4th January – ko 2.15pm

  1. Dan Hyams
  2. Owen Taylor (1 try)
  3. Nick Brearley (Rep 40)
  4. Kaine Johnson (Rep 40)
  5. Tom Gladwin
  6. Josh Flanagan 
  7. Bailey Mayo
  8. Phil Eggleshaw (1 try)
  9. Jonty Green (1 try)
  10. George Billam (3 conv)
  11. Tom Davies (1 try)
  12. Ben Taylor 
  13. Matt Molyneux (1 try)
  14. Danny Green (1 try)
  15. Dan Flint

Impacts

  1. Noah Bhatia (63)
  2. Sam Bradley (40)
  3. Theo Collier (43)

Players of the Match – As in other weeks, it would be churlish to select any one individual from what was another truly team performance.

1st XV Manager