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‘BE PREPARED’: Flood alerts remain in place near Trent with Stoke Bardolph most ‘at risk’

A flood alert remains in place for Gedling borough communities near the River Trent – with Stoke Bardolph ‘most at risk’.

The river levels at Colwick are ‘high but steady’, said the Environment Agency.

They said ‘flooding was expected to continue’.

The Agency said Stoke Bardolph was the community most likely to be affected by flooding going forward.

flooding Stoke Bardolph
PICTURED: Flooding in Stoke Bardolph back in early 2020

No further significant rainfall is forecast.

An EA spokesman said: “We are closely monitoring the situation. Our incident response staff are patrolling watercourses in the area and liaising with emergency services.

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

An update is expected from the Environment Agency at 12pm today (9) or unless the situation changes.

Flood alerts in place across Gedling borough with River Trent water levels at Colwick yet to peak

The Environment Agency has issued flood warnings across parts of Gedling borough with nearby properties at risk due to rising water levels from recent heavy rainfall – with the River Trent yet to peak.

There are 20 flood warnings in place across Nottinghamshire. with areas around the River Trent, including Colwick and Clifton Bridge at risk due to rising water levels from recent heavy rainfall.

The guage at Colwick shows the River Trent level is currently at 4.85 metres. When levels exceed 4.5 metres, property flooding is possible.

River levels will remain high until tomorrow, January 9, though no significant further rainfall is expected.

Flooding is expected in the following areas across Notts:

  • Holme Pierrepont: National Watersports Centre
  • Attenborough Nature Reserve
  • Beeston Lock and Marina
  • Cavendish Bridge
  • Farndon riverside properties, including Dorner Avenue and, Wyke and Marsh Lane
  • Fiskerton Mill, including Rolleston Fields, Gorse, and Nurseries
  • Gibsmere and Gipsy Lane at Bleasby
  • Lenton: Nottingham Park and Ride Site at Queens Drive
  • Newark riverside properties, including Tolney Lane and marinas
  • Newark Sugar Factory and Kelham Bridge
  • Sawley Marina, including Sawley Lock
  • Swarkestone
  • Thrumpton, including Barton Ferry
  • Trentlock

If a flood warning is issued, follow these Government safety recommendations:

  • Move your loved ones, pets, and valuables to a safe place.
  • Relocate to higher ground or the upper floor of a building.
  • Turn off your home’s gas, electricity, and water if it’s safe.
  • Follow instructions from emergency services.
  • Additionally, avoid using low-lying footpaths near watercourses and never drive through floodwater.

For further advice, contact Floodline at 0345 988 1188.

Stay safe and cautious of river levels in your area.

More than 500 emergencies were waiting for ambulance when ‘critical incident’ was declared on Monday

East Midlands Ambulance Service had more than 500 emergencies waiting for a response when the service declared its first ever critical incident on Monday evening (January 6).

The service (known as EMAS) declared a critical incident due to “significant patient demand, pressure within hospitals and flooding” across the region.

Its operations director, Ben Holdaway, told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) more than 500 emergencies had been waiting for a response at the height of Monday evening’s demand.

This number typically sits around at 150 emergency calls on the average Monday evening.

“This is the first time EMAS has declared a critical incident,” he said, speaking to the LDRS from Beechdale Ambulance Station on Tuesday (January 7).

“There are three contributing factors yesterday to us declaring a critical incident.

“First we saw through the day an increase in 999 calls. We took over 1,200 more calls than we were expecting for the day.

“We lost a significant number of hours to ambulances being stuck at hospital waiting to hand their patients over. The third factor this time was the weather.

“We had to put actions in place to enable us to free the ambulances up, try and stop people calling 999 and get to those patients who have been waiting an awful long time, and to support our staff who are working tremendously hard.”

EMAS covers Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Northamptonshire, Nottinghamshire, Lincolnshire, North East Lincolnshire, North Lincolnshire, and Rutland.

Large sections of the region were hit by severe flooding on Monday following a weekend of rain.

Two major incidents were declared in Lincolnshire and Leicestershire due to flooding at the same time, only compounding the issue, Mr Holdaway said.

He said a number of actions had been taken, including changes to the NHS 111 service.

Category three calls, which are urgent but not life-threatening calls, are now being referred to a clinician, who will assess the call to see if there is a more suitable alternative rather than sending an ambulance.

Mr Holdaway said despite the pressures there are currently no plans to recall staff to duties – a procedure involving directing EMAS crews to come into work during their time off because of an evolving emergency.

“Our staff and volunteers have been working tremendously hard over Christmas and New Year, and led into this period,” he said.

“We have no plans currently to ask staff to come in or recall staff to duties for this incident. We think we can manage with what we have got. We always have that options but it is not something we are considering at this moment in time.

“This isn’t just a hospital issue or an ambulance issue. This is where the system needs to come together and work as one.

“To enable us to offload quickly, for NUH to be able to move patients through the hospital, and discharge into the community in a timely fashion. Not one action is going to fix this, it has got to be the systems that come together to help support release the ambulances.

“To support our staff and volunteers that are working really hard our ask only dial 999 if you feel you are in a life-threatening situation. Please consider pharmacies, NHS 111 or your GP before ringing 999.

“There may be a delay in us responding to you, and then don’t call back asking where we are, only call back if the patient’s condition has deteriorated.”

EMAS says it will continue to review the situation, but could not say how long it would remain in a critical incident.

New permanent pump to be installed to stop Colwick’s flooding woes

A new powerful pump is to be installed by the River Trent in a fresh attempt to prevent the repeated flooding which has plagued the village of Colwick.

Councillor Mike Adams, who represents Carlton East on Nottinghamshire County Council, announced the news on his social media channels.

Currently Gedling Borough Council wheel a mobile pump down to site in the event of rising river levels.

The new pump would be permanently installed, reacting automatically – and is also more powerful.

The two pumps currently working to keep Trent water levels down (PHOTO: Mike Adams/Facebook)
Levels are currently being maintained (PHOTO: Mike Adams/Facebook)

Cllr Adams said: “Earlier on this year, I had a meeting with local business Ken Wilkins Print Ltd director Aron Wilkins. He asked if I thought we could get together with the local authorities, to install a more powerful pump down at the riverside to ensure that last year’s flooding, never happens again.

“It’s a pump they will generously fund and it means taxpayers’ money can be spent on other priorities, like fixing the roads.

“As you can imagine I was very happy to say ‘yes’ – absolutely.”

“As we know the flooding damaged houses, businesses and caused a serious amount of disruption and heartache to many.

My priority as you always have known has always been the safety and wellbeing of residents across Carlton East, so we are designing and will eventually install a new pump on site – subject to all agreements in place.”

The new pump is currently being designed but in the meantime a temporary one has been installed to help keep water levels down at the Trent until its arrival.

Cllr Adams added: “As I’m sure you’ll appreciate, designs take time, agreements take time to set up, so this additional temporary measure is incredibly welcome.

“I would like to put on record my thanks to Ken Wilkins Print, Nottinghamshire County Council’s flood team and Gedling Borough Council.”

Proposal for new Toucan Crossing on busy Netherfield road

Members of the public are now eligible to have their say regarding a proposal for a new toucan crossing on a busy Netherfield road.

Nottinghamshire County Council are proposing to install a new toucan crossing on Victoria Road between the three junctions of Colwick Loop Road, Nether Pasture and Great Northern Way.

The proposals will incorporate ‘a controlled area’, indicated by zig-zag markings along the carriageway where parking, stopping and loading will be prohibited.

In a document outling the plans, NCC said: “Via East Midlands Ltd is working on behalf of Nottinghamshire County Council to deliver highway services in Nottinghamshire.

“Nottinghamshire County Council have received requests to install a Toucan Crossing on Victoria Road, Netherfield in between the three junctions of Colwick Loop Road, Nether Pasture and Great Northern Way. The proposed Toucan Crossing would improve pedestrian and cyclist accessibility when crossing over Victoria Road.

“It is therefore proposed to install a Toucan Crossing, which will have a controlled area, indicated by zig-zag markings, along the carriageway where parking and loading will be prohibited.”

Any objections should clearly state the reasons for the objections and should reach us in writing at tmconsultation@viaem.co.uk (quoting ref: Victoria Road, Netherfield) and must be received by the February 4, 2025.

Gedling borough nurseries celebrates 40-year anniversary – and become longest running in Notts under same ownership

A nursery with sites in Arnold and Gedling is celebrating four decades of looking after children in the borough.

Bear Care Day Nurseries is now the longest-running day nursery in Nottinghamshire under the same ownership.

Founded in January 1985 by Janet Budden, Bear Care has provided high-quality childcare to families across the region, building a trusted reputation over the decades.

PICTURED: Janet Budden who founded the Bear Care nursery back in 1985

Janet’s daughter Caroline has now taken over the running of the business.

She said: “It’s been a wonderful journey watching so many children grow, learn, and thrive with us.

“I’m proud of the strong relationships we’ve built with parents and our dedicated team.”

“Seeing the children we cared for come back as adults with their own families has been one of the most rewarding parts of this journey

“We look forward to continuing to provide the best care and education for many more years to come.”

Woodborough flood alleviation scheme ‘long overdue’, MP says

A Gedling MP has said a flood alleviation scheme is “long overdue”, after parts of a village were once again submerged after heavy rain and snow fall.

Woodborough was once again left flooded following heavy rainfall.

Yesterday morning (6) MP Michael Payne visited the village to thank Woodborough Flood Action Group, flood wardens and residents for their efforts responding to the flooding overnight and the following morning and also spoke to those who have been impacted by flooding in the village.

The MP said he would now be fighting for villagers to get a flood alleviation scheme put in place.

Mr Payne said: “I have now written to senior officials at the Environment Agency regarding issues of flooding across Gedling, including in Woodborough village and I have spoken to senior officials at the Environment Agency numerous times today.

“My message is clear – there is a long-overdue need for a proper flood alleviation scheme for Woodborough village, it’s a cause I intend to continue fighting for. The people of Woodborough village deserve nothing less.”

Peter Wiles, chair of the Woodborough Flood Action Group, said houses in the village now needed to be made more resilient if the waters get in.

He told the BBC: “The number of people that we’ve seen out of their houses for six, twelve, eighteen months at a time, only maybe to come back and be flooded again.

“Essentially, the more you can do to get yourself back and quickly running again without having to move out of your house, it’s going to have benefits on insurance and benefits on your own peace of mind as much as anything else.”

The MP said he had also planned to put other Gedling communities affected ‘on the radar’ of the Government’s Flooding Minister.

“I’ve raised my concerns and will continue to make representations to her and other Government ministers on this important issue.

“I’ve also requested Gedling Borough Council to take action as soon as possible to clean up the debris and mud/silt on the roads and pavements in the village.

I’m aware there have been several others hot spots of surface water flooding across Gedling, including in Lambley village, Burton Joyce, on Mapperley Plains at the top of Coppice Road and in Bestwood village, as well as elsewhere and I’ve also been speaking to the Environment Agency about these areas and the impact flooding has had on these communities.”

“I’ve asked to be kept updated by the Environment Agency regarding my concerns about the rising water level at the River Trent through Gedling constituency – from Colwick through to Stoke Bardolph and Burton Joyce.”

You can report a flooding or drainage problem to Nottinghamire County Council by visiting the following link: https://www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/…/report-a-flooding…

Smart security solutions for local businesses: Keeping your community safe

The challenges businesses face in security are changing, and outdated systems can no longer safeguard against current threats. Local companies must adopt effective strategies to protect their premises, employees, and customers. This shift is prompting a move from traditional methods toward modern security solutions that are effective, user-friendly, and adaptable to various needs.

The Rise of Smart Solutions in Local Security

As security technology grows, so do the options available to local businesses. Smart security solutions encompass a range of technologies designed to enhance safety and efficiency. Features like remote monitoring, real-time alerts, and automated systems can help mitigate risks and respond quickly to potential threats. Local businesses are increasingly adopting these advanced solutions, creating safer environments for their operations.

One notable benefit of smart security systems is their ability to operate seamlessly within existing frameworks. For example, integrating video surveillance with alarm systems can provide comprehensive coverage and allow for immediate responses to incidents. This capability is crucial, especially for local retailers who often face the threat of theft or vandalism. Furthermore, many systems offer user-friendly interfaces that make it easy for employees to monitor and manage these solutions without requiring extensive technical knowledge.

By embracing these smart technologies, businesses enhance their security posture and reassure customers that their safety is a priority. Investing in these measures can cultivate a positive image among residents and encourage them to support businesses prioritising safety.

Practical Applications of Innovative Security Systems

Innovative security systems are not just for large corporations; small to medium-sized enterprises can benefit significantly from their use. For instance, a local shop owner might implement a surveillance solution that offers real-time monitoring via a smartphone app. This functionality allows them to keep an eye on their establishment, even when not on-site, fostering peace of mind.

Moreover, local businesses can tailor security solutions to meet their specific needs. For example, a restaurant may require a robust fire alarm system alongside traditional theft prevention measures. The flexibility of modern security technology allows owners to create a system that encompasses various safety elements, all integrated into one cohesive solution, much like the offerings from KEYper Systems, which provide tailored solutions for different industries.

Local businesses can also leverage community partnerships when implementing these systems. Collaborating with nearby companies can lead to shared resources and knowledge, enhancing overall security effectiveness. Together, businesses can create a safer commercial environment, benefiting everyone involved.

Building a Safer Community Together

Local businesses investing in innovative security measures contribute to a more secure community. The ripple effect of these actions can be profound. A safe business environment fosters customer loyalty, encourages foot traffic, and supports local economies. When residents feel secure shopping and dining in their neighbourhood, it revitalises the community and strengthens local ties.

Additionally, fostering a culture of safety extends beyond the business premises. Engaging in local safety initiatives, such as community watch groups or neighbourhood safety programmes, can amplify the impact of individual security measures. Collaborating with local authorities to promote safety awareness can serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of collective vigilance.

By prioritising security, local businesses become integral to community safety. They set a standard that encourages others to follow suit, creating a network of support that benefits all. This community-oriented approach protects individual businesses and enhances the quality of life for residents.

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.