These are the latest applications to have been submitted to and validated byGedling Borough Council this week.
The round-up of the latest plans that the council’s planning officers validated and published on w/c 02/12/24
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.
Replacement of canopy with an open sided (with low matching brick side walls) oak porch The Farmhouse Glebe Farm, Glebe Drive, Burton Joyce Ref. No: 2024/0833
Erection of two bedroom dwelling 20 Carnarvon Grove, Carlton Ref. No: 2024/0831
Remodelling of existing domestic garage 10, Bank Hill, Woodborough Ref. No: 2024/0828
External renovation works & erection of a porch & a garage. External works include the introduction of bay windows to the ground and first floor frontage & replacing all remaining windows and doors. 2 Aldwych Close Bestwood Nottinghamshire NG5 9PP Ref. No: 2024/0832
First-floor side extension over existing garage and conversion of garage to storage 10, Pentland Drive, Bestwood Ref. No: 2024/0827
Change of Use from agricultural to paddocks Ravenshead Plant Centre, Mansfield Road, Ravenshead Ref. No: 2024/0826
Remove 2 cherry fruit trees (planted around 7-10 years ago, both have canker in multiple locations) 26, Park Avenue, Woodborough Ref. No: 2024/0819TCA | Received: Tue 19 Nov 2024 | Validated: Tue 19 Nov 2024 | Status: Unknown
New first floor extension above the existing garage. New flat roof over the rear conservatory. New porch. Render to all elevations. 1 Clarborough Drive, Arnold Ref. No: 2024/0820
Single storey rear and side extensions 27, St Helens Crescent, Burton Joyce Ref. No: 2024/0822
Conversion of External Outbuilding (B8) to C3. Proposed rear extension hallway to connect rear buildings. B8 space to be converted to garden room. 2 Mayfield Road Carlton Nottinghamshire NG4 1JP Ref. No: 2024/0799
Variation of condition 2 (approved plans) of planning permission 2022/0545 (alteration to plot 1 and the roofing material proposed for all 5 houses) 34 Gardenia Grove, Carlton Ref. No: 2024/0792
Single storey extension to rear elevation, flat roof construction, materials to match existing, 2.7m in height, 2.65m wide, 4.8m projection to the rear 42 Forester Street, Netherfield Ref. No: 2024/0786
Modification of Section 106 Legal Agreement in relation to planning permission 2018/0607, in respect of Schedule 5 – Trigger Point for Provision of Open Space, change from 50% to 90% Occupation Land North West Park Road, Calverton Ref. No: 2024/0783
Change of use of garage to make-shift salon 154, Gedling Road, Arnold Ref. No: 2024/0700
The police have welcomed two new recruits at their HQ in Arnold to combat crime across Notts.
Police Constable Lee Huffer and his two-year-old Labrador Rocky were formally welcomed to the team at Nottinghamshire Police Force Headquarters after completing their final accreditation checks.
Former rescue dog Rocky was identified as having the potential to become a police dog after being handed into the Dogs Trust charity at Loughborough when his former owner could no longer care for him.
After four weeks training with PC Huffer, Rocky is now certified as a drugs, cash and firearms sniffer dog and will be deployed on warrants and searches.
PC Huffer, left, and Inspector Tim Ringer, right, with PD Rocky and their certificate
PC Huffer has been a police officer for 23 years and has spent the last three years with the Dog Section. Rocky is his first specialist dog.
He said: “Rocky has excelled during his training, particularly on open searches of large areas.
“He is a rescue dog and it is brilliant to see him pass his training with such flying colours. We are looking forward to seeing him put his training into practice over the future weeks.”
Candidates for the dog handler course must first attend a two day assessment exercise where their affinity for dogs and other natural attributes are assessed.
They must then come through a formal interview panel before going forward for training with expert handlers.
If they haven’t already done so, successful applicants must then pass an advanced driving course before they move onto the 13-week dog handling course where they learn the tools of their trade.
Dogs also have to come up to standard and will be replaced if they fall below expectations even in one area.
Councillors have struck down a motion which asked for more power to borough and district councils ahead of a potential local government restructure proposed by Whitehall.
Nottinghamshire County Council met in a full council meeting on Thursday (5) to discuss updates on the authority’s services.
A motion put forward by Ashfield Council Leader, Councillor Jason Zadrozny (Ind), sought to investigate whether borough and district councils are best placed to maintain roads, rather than the county council.
It also sought to consult local councils’ leaders and chief executives and re-establish Manage and Operate Partnerships (MOPS).
Compensation claims for poor road and pavement surfaces continue to climb
MOPS delegated highway works such as resurfacing, patching and drain repairs to the smaller councils but these partnerships ended in 2012.
Leading the motion, Cllr Zadrozny said: “Complaints about crumbling roads, unsafe pavements and blocked gullys dominate every consultation , every council surgery, and every conversation we have with those we are elected to represent.
“Yet, year after year, this council promises things will improve, and year after year we fail to deliver meaningful change.
“Our residents deserve better, they deserve a council prepared to try new approaches, re-think what isn’t working and listen to those closest to the problems.”
Cllr Zadrozny clarified that the motion does not commit the council into delegating any powers but to consider the proposal.
He added compensation claims for poor road and pavement surfaces continue to climb along with flooding from blocked drains.
He said: “The public is paying the price for this inertia- why should they continue to suffer while we refuse to even examine alternatives?”
Cllr Neil Clarke (Con), Cabinet member for Transport and Environment, said that there were historical problems with communication and the reporting of issues due to flooding crossing council lines.
He added: “I get the sense this motion has nothing to do with making sure our roads are properly maintained and improved, rather it’s a pre-empted strike on behalf of Ashfield District Council against what they fear will be imposed by the devolution white paper- we need to be waiting for it.
“I can understand why the Ashfield Councillor and Broxtowe councillor might be motivated to promote and protect the borough and district councils- if that’s the case I think they have chosen a weak example.”
Cllr Clarke spoke of the council’s investment of an extra £467,000 in unblocking gullys, with over 100,000 of them being unblocked as part of a scheme.
Cllr Kate Foale (Lab) agreed with Cllr Clarke and spoke of the financial savings to the council since ceasing the MOPS.
She said: “I find it hard to believe the Independents are seriously suggesting now it’s the time to be spending seven figure sums bringing back a discredited 12-year policy.
“How many times today have we seen petitions, constituency speeches where people have told you what needs to be done in districts and boroughs, that’s our job, we don’t need to delegate power back downwards for this to happen.”
She added she believes local government reorganisation, as posed by the government, is likely and called the motion “pointless”.
The government’s upcoming devolution white paper is to discuss further devolution and local government reorganisation- meaning two-tier authorities could be made unitary.
Cllr Richard Jackson questioned the point of taking money away from county road repairs, and giving it to each individual council.
He said: “Is that what residents really want to see? No it is not.
“They want to see the highways repaired- they couldn’t care less who repairs the highways.”
Cllr Ben Bradley (Con) responded to councillor comments about delayed gully cleaning and Tory austerity.
He said there was “a “lot of nonsense being peddled” and clarified gully cleaning has a daily schedule.
He added: “We don’t live in a vacuum, we live in the real world, funding pressures are a real issue on our services- we’d love to put £100 million more into roads if it existed but it doesn’t.
“The austerity doesn’t exist either, our funding has gone up every every year for the last six or seven years.”
Gedling MP Michael Payne paid a festive visit to the Royal Mail Nottingham North Delivery Office in Daybrook to meet the postal team working to ensure that cards, letters, and parcels reach their destinations this Christmas.
Christmas is Royal Mail’s busiest period, with around double the normal volume of letters and parcels processed.
The MP spoke to lead customer operations manager Mark Richardson about how Royal Mail’s will continue to send and receive parcels over the festive period.
They offer services like Parcel Collect, where posties pick up parcels from customers at the doorstep. They have already rolled out more than 5,000 parcel points this year, including at Collect+ stores and its growing number of parcel lockers.
Across the UK, the business has recruited 16,000 temporary workers to help its 85,000 posties sort the additional mail and increasing number of parcels expected over the festive period. Almost 4,000 new vans, trucks and trailers are being added to the fleet in time for Christmas.
Gedling MP Michael Payne said: “Christmas is the busiest time of year for Royal Mail, and it’s incredible to see the dedication and hard work of our local posties here in Gedling.
“The team at the delivery office plays a vital role in keeping our community connected, whether it’s delivering festive cards or ensuring parcels reach loved ones on time.
“It was fantastic to hear about the additional staff and resources brought in to meet the huge demand over this period. I want to thank all the postal workers for their efforts, not just at Christmas but throughout the year.
“Their commitment makes a real difference to families and businesses in Gedling.”
Mark Richardson, lead customer operations manager for Nottingham North, said: “It was great to have Michael visit our Delivery Office, and to show him how we are gearing up for our peak period. We are pulling out all the stops to deliver Christmas for our customers.”
Nearly 1,800 cannabis plants have been seized from a Colwick-based warehouse by police.
Teams of officers descended on the site after hearing it could be involved in drugs production.
Rows of cannabis plants were found growing during the raid at 9.15am on Thursday (5).
A total of 1768 plants were found by the Tactical Support Group (TSG) officers leading the warrant.
Rows of cannabis plants were found growing during the raid (PHOTO: Notts Police)A total of 1768 plants were found by the Tactical Support Group (TSG) officers leading the warrant (PHOTO: Notts Police)
The cannabis dismantling team removed the Class B drugs from the premises, which was found to be dangerously bypassing electricity to power the large grow.
Officers also found a suspect hiding within the building, with the 35-year-old man subsequently arrested on suspicion of producing cannabis.
Detective Sergeant Nathan Bingham, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “We’re really pleased to have put this industrial cannabis grow operation out of commission.
“With nearly 1,800 cannabis plants being found and seized, this represented a really good result that can only be a good thing for the local community.
“These types of grows are far from a victimless crime, with people often exploited to look after them and residents having to put up with the trouble they bring to their area.
“Due to the amount of heat they generate, the modifications to electrics, and the highly combustible materials often found within, these illicit operations also bring with them a very significant fire risk.
“Bearing all of this in mind, it is absolutely essential that our policing teams continue to target those who try to produce cannabis, especially to the scale seen here.
“While we’ve arrested a suspect in connection with this incident, our inquiries are very much still ongoing, so we’d plead with anyone with information to share it with the police by calling 101, quoting incident 91 of 5 December 2024.
“We’d always encourage anyone thinking of reporting any suspicions of drug activity to do so by calling 101, while information can also be shared anonymously by contacting Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
A new plan for how to run Nottinghamshire libraries has been approved – despite concern some will only be open for 12 hours a week.
An updated Nottinghamshire library strategy, that will run from 2025 to 2035, was approved during a full council meeting on Thursday (5).
The council passed the running and operation of libraries to the organisation Inspire in 2016.
The organisation’s role is to maintain service levels while reducing the council’s costs, securing investment and improving facilities. Its contract will expire in 2026 with a proposed extension until 2028.
The new plan maintains the split of libraries into three categories or ‘tiers’ in order to organise the network and give best value for money (PHOTO: Inspire)Councillor Scott Carlton, Portfolio holder for Communities and Public Health, clarified that the administration will not close libraries and he will stand by that guarantee.
While discussing the new strategy, Councillor Scott Carlton (Con), Portfolio holder for Communities and Public Health, clarified “this administration will not close libraries and I stand by that guarantee”.
The new plan maintains the split of libraries into three categories or ‘tiers’ in order to organise the network and give best value for money.
Tier one libraries will serve major towns and offer services for at least six days a week with paid staff.
Tier two libraries have paid staff, serve smaller towns and are open for at least four days a week while tier three libraries provide a core book loan service, are small and can be co-located in another building.
Over the past decade, the council has invested over £30 million into library buildings and technology to modernise and enhancing the services.
The new strategy includes a 12-point action plan to enhance library services such as using technology, investment into buildings, and increased staff training.
Cllr Steve Carr (Ind) acknowledged a cross-party effort in the retaining of the library network during difficult circumstances – Nottingham City Council is proposing to close some of its libaries to save money.
He said: “One of the reasons our libraries are in such a good place is because of the agreement across the floor here.”
Councillor Tom Hollis (Ind) expressed his concern for the discrepancy in services offered by the different tiers.
He said: “There’s 28 libraries as tier three libraries- including Huthwaite.
“Huthwaite opened its own Carnegie library in 1913… this library has served Huthwaite for 111 years but is now only open for 12 hours a week.
“My issue is with the tier system that’s been reinstated, residents in Huthwaite will just have a third tier service.
“Whilst keeping the library open is welcome, we can do so much more- what continuing a tiered service shows is this council has absolutely no intention of improving the services and opening hours in the second and third tier libraries.”
Cllr Penny Gowland (Lab) asked if the strategy could be amended to enable tier three libraries to engage in public health messages.
She said: “The tier one and two libraries have an active role in public health, the tier three ones seem quite a passive role – I ask to try and make a more active engagement for public health in tier three libraries- its a key location where the council actually reaches the community.”
Cllr Helen-Ann Smith (Ind) asked if Cllr Carlton would consider changing Skegby Library from tier three to tier two and extending the hours.
She said: “A lot of our libraries, they’re not just libraries anymore, they are community hubs.
“Local community groups do a lot of work in the library in Skegby, like community food share, if it was open more hours then that would be [good]- libraries are a safe place for people to go.”
Cllr Carlton agreed to have a conversation regarding Cllr Smith’s requests.
Cllr Bruce Laughton (Con): “I’ve got three libraries, every single one of those Parish councils, the libraries have been under political attack, people saying they were going to close, sacking staff, and scaremongering- that is completely wrong.”
Cllr David Martin (Ind) responded to Cllr Laughton’s accusation using the experiences from his own ward.
He said: “All of my libraries closed, they all got moved into different buildings, they all had employees and now they’re all run by volunteers- it works, but don’t come out with [scaremongering].”
Councillors voted unanimously to approve the updated library strategy.
Residents living in Arnold have been given a look at a new masterplan for the regeneration of the town centre.
Gedling Borough Council unveiled their new masterplan, dubbed “Ambition Arnold,” this week which aims to transform the borough’s capital into a vibrant, modern, and community-centred space.
The masterplan, which was officially introduced in July 2024, proposes a series of improvements to address current challenges the town faces while also creating opportunities for residents and visitors. It aims to improve vehicle movement, parking, pedestrian access public transport and flooding issues. It also outlines plans to preserve heritage buildings to help celebrate Arnold’s cultural history.
If funding is found for the plans to move forward then three new distinct zones within Arnold. Zone 1 would focus on the north of the town and would incorporate key landmarks like the Bonington Theatre, the library, and the leisure centre. These facilities and streetscapes would be improved along with connectivity between Front Street and High Street.
Zone 2 would cover the southern area of the town centre and will see improvements to Eagle Square and the market area, as well as new green spaces and improved shopfronts.
Zone 3 encompasses areas such as Arnot Hill Park, the civic centre, and Nottingham Road—with an emphasis on connecting green spaces, improving pedestrian routes and considering new opportunities for the park’s underutilised areas.
One of the standout features of the masterplan is the proposal to create a new cultural heart for Arnold. A ‘cultural campus’ would be created that would bring together the theatre, leisure centre, library, and public services under one roof. The Bonington Theatre would also be expanded to offer a broader range of events for the community.
Arnold marketplace would also be expanded so it could host a wider range of events.
Although plans have been created, the council said the master plan would need significant backing from the government and private investors to have the impact intended.
Innovative techniques in chemical analysis offer unprecedented insights into material composition at the molecular level. Scientists can extract crucial information about a substance’s structure and properties by utilising advanced methods that examine the interaction between light and molecular vibrations. As industries increasingly depend on precise material analysis, the importance of such techniques is escalating.
Despite their numerous advantages, many potential users remain unaware of the full potential of these analytical methods. Issues like sample preparation and specificity can create barriers to adoption. However, understanding how these technologies operate and their diverse applications can highlight their significant role across various sectors. By exploring the intricacies of modern analytical techniques, we can appreciate their impact and discover strategies to optimise results.
Understanding Innovative Analytical Techniques and Their Mechanisms
Innovative analytical techniques primarily focus on scattering monochromatic light, often from lasers. When light interacts with molecules, most photons scatter elastically, while a smaller fraction scatter inelastically, resulting in an energy shift corresponding to the molecules’ vibrational modes. This inelastic scattering generates a unique spectral fingerprint of the material being analysed, often achieved through a Raman spectrometer.
Comprehending these methods is crucial as they allow for identifying and characterising substances without altering their physical state. Their non-destructive nature is particularly valuable in pharmaceuticals and materials science, where maintaining sample integrity is essential.
Exploring the practical applications of these techniques offers valuable insights across various sectors. For example, innovative analytical methods in pharmaceuticals ensure the quality and consistency of drug formulations by verifying ingredient composition.
Academic researchers rely on them to investigate new materials, while environmental scientists monitor pollutants. Understanding how these techniques function empowers professionals to effectively implement them in their analyses, maximising accuracy and reliability.
Advantages and Limitations of Advanced Analytical Methods
One of the key advantages of advanced analytical techniques is the ability to analyse samples in their natural state, often requiring minimal preparation. This convenience reduces time and resource expenditure, rendering these methods attractive for laboratories and industries. Furthermore, they can be applied to various materials, including solids, liquids, and gases, providing versatility unmatched by many other techniques.
However, it is crucial to acknowledge certain limitations. The signals produced by these methods can be inherently weak, making them susceptible to noise, especially in complex samples. Fluorescence from specific materials may also interfere with the signals, complicating the analysis process.
To maximise the benefits of innovative analytical techniques, users should remain aware of potential issues and adopt strategies to mitigate them. For instance, selecting appropriate wavelengths and employing advanced filters can enhance signal quality. Understanding the strengths and weaknesses of these methods enables researchers and industry professionals to make informed decisions, ensuring successful analytical outcomes.
Applications of Advanced Analytical Techniques Across Various Industries
Advanced analytical techniques have established diverse applications in multiple industries, reflecting their adaptability and effectiveness. In pharmaceuticals, these methods play a vital role in drug formulation, quality control, and material identification, ensuring the safety and efficacy of medications. The food and beverage sector employs these techniques for quality assurance, detecting contaminants, and verifying ingredient authenticity.
In materials science, innovative analytical methods assist researchers in studying the properties of new materials, including polymers and nanomaterials. These techniques provide insights into structural characteristics that propel innovation and development. Environmental monitoring also benefits significantly, as these methods facilitate the analysis of air and water quality, supplying critical data for compliance with regulations and public health.
The use of advanced analytical techniques in forensic science is increasing rapidly. Forensic investigators use these methods to analyse evidence, such as drugs, inks, and paint samples. Their capacity for rapid, non-destructive analysis makes them invaluable in crime scene investigations, expediting the investigative process and enhancing the accuracy of evidence analysis.
Implementing these techniques in various fields is essential for achieving improved outcomes. For industry professionals, investing in training and resources for these technologies can lead to enhanced analytical capabilities and higher-quality products. By leveraging advanced analytical techniques, industries can address challenges more effectively and ensure compliance with regulations and standards.
The Role of Advanced Techniques in Environmental Analysis
Innovative analytical methods are crucial in environmental science, particularly for monitoring pollution and assessing ecological health. For instance, they enable researchers to detect hazardous substances in water sources, conduct air quality assessments, and study soil contamination. The ability to perform in-situ measurements is particularly important, allowing for real-time monitoring of environmental conditions.
The sensitivity of these techniques to molecular vibrations makes them effective for identifying organic pollutants such as hydrocarbons and pesticides. Researchers can track changes in environmental samples over time, facilitating the identification of pollution sources and understanding their impacts on ecosystems.
Innovations in Analytical Technology
Rapid advancements in technology are enhancing the capabilities of modern analytical methods. Innovations like portable analytical devices make it easier to utilise these techniques in field studies, expanding their range of applications. These handheld devices empower scientists to conduct on-site analyses without extensive laboratory setups, which is especially beneficial in environmental monitoring and pharmaceutical distribution sectors.
Another significant development includes the integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning in analytical processes. These technologies enhance data interpretation, allowing researchers to identify patterns and correlations more effectively. By applying machine learning algorithms to analytical data, scientists can improve accuracy while reducing the time required for data processing.
The future of advanced analytical techniques may see increased automation, leading to faster and more accurate analyses essential for research and industrial applications. With automation becoming more prevalent, laboratories can increase throughput and standardise analyses, ensuring consistent experiment results.
The Impact of Advanced Analytical Technologies on Future Research
The impact of innovative analytical techniques on research and industry is expected to expand. The continued development of more sensitive and selective methods allows for detecting low-abundance molecules, presenting new opportunities in biomedical research and diagnostics.
In the pharmaceutical realm, advanced analytical techniques are being explored for real-time monitoring of drug delivery systems. The capability to track the release of active ingredients in formulations can enhance patient outcomes and develop more effective therapies. Similarly, in nanotechnology, these methods assist researchers in characterising nanoparticles, paving the way for drug delivery and materials science breakthroughs.
By staying informed and adapting to new advancements, researchers and industry professionals can better utilise innovative analytical techniques, driving innovation and success in their fields. Incorporating these methods into analytical practices can simplify complex challenges and enhance work precision.
Nottinghamshire County is an appealing place to visit because of its connection to the story of Robin Hood and UK history. When it comes to living here, the area boasts many qualities that appeal to families, including the overall safety of the area, its affordability, and, quite notably, its schools. The schools perform well regionally and nationally, earning Nottinghamshire County a positive reputation regarding children’s education.
The schools listed here are among the region’s best, though they are just the tip of the education iceberg. The list consists of secondary schools highly rated by Ofsted (Office for Standards in Education, Children’s Services, and Skills) or that have achieved above-average Progress 8 scores. However, even primary schools and nurseries perform well in the region.
What Are the Ofsted and Progress 8 Ratings?
The Ofsted ratings have fallen into four categories in the past: inadequate, needs improvement, good, and outstanding, though this is changing. It rates schools in several categories to signal the quality of a school’s education. The ratings are assessed every four years (sometimes more frequently) and are a go-to resource for many parents and guardians evaluating their children’s education.
Progress 8 scores are also a valuable statistic in measuring the quality of a school as it looks at how much students have progressed in their understanding and academic performance. The progress is compared to the average pace of all students in the UK, with ‘0’ representing the average or baseline for understanding a school’s score.
These two ratings help us identify high-quality schools in Nottinghamshire County, which we’ll explore more closely below.
1. Rushcliffe Spencer Academy
Rushcliffe Spencer Academy stands out as one of the top schools for students, earning an ‘outstanding’ from Ofsted and an above-average 0.44 Progress 8 score. The school has gained status as a World Accredited School and has won many awards, including CareerMark Gold and The Eco-Schools Green Flag Award.
2. West Bridgford School
Like Rushcliffe Spencer Academy, West Bridgford School has earned an ‘outstanding’ from Ofsted and garnered a positive reputation in the county and country. It accommodates over 1,300 students and was a founding member of East Midlands Education Trust (EMET), a group of schools across Nottinghamshire County and adjacent communities dedicated to high academic performance.
3. Alderman White School
In just three years, Alderman White School raised its Ofsted rating from ‘needs improvement’ to ‘good,’ earned a 0.51 Progress 8 score, and improved its reputation in the county. The headteacher describes it as a ‘community of opportunity for all’. It achieves this through a broad range of learning opportunities inside and outside the classroom and with plenty of extracurricular activities.
4. Bluecoat Wollaton Academy
Another outstanding academy in the county is Bluecoat Wollaton Academy. The school, which also stands out for its long history, was founded in 1705 as a charitable school that taught impoverished children about God and religion. The school has relocated several times in its history but is currently at a multi-building campus and is unlikely to be fully relocated again.
5. The Becket School: A Catholic Voluntary Academy
The Becket School has an above-average Progress 8 score of 0.43 and a ‘good’ Ofsted rating. However, it achieved an ‘outstanding’ rating in three categories evaluated by Ofsted, including personal development and management. It’s a Catholic school with a chapel built with support from the surrounding community and its parishes.
6. Toot Hill School
With a ‘good’ Ofsted rating and an above-average Progress 8 score, rating in the top 2% of the country, Toot Hill School is another secondary school in Nottinghamshire County for students and parents to have on their radar. The school’s success on these ratings is especially impressive, considering it accommodates nearly 2,000 students, making it one of the largest schools available.
7. Fernwood School
Fernwood School in Nottingham has earned an ‘outstanding’ Ofsted rating and is yet another school that scores above average on student progress during their time there. The school prides itself on being an inclusive multicultural hub where students can embrace their unique skills and interests to thrive in the school setting.
8. The Trinity Catholic School: A Voluntary Academy
The Trinity Catholic School is another school with a long history, quality reputation, and rating. The school serves over 1,100 students, has a ‘good’ Ofsted rating, and an above-average Progress 8 score of 0.13. The school was founded in 1844 as an elementary, day, and boarding school. The school relocated to its current site in 1962 to accommodate its growth. The school has remained progressive with its teaching methods and recently set new GCSE (General Certificate of Secondary Education) exam results records.
9. Bluecoat Aspley Academy
Bluecoat Aspley Academy serves just under 1,400 students with a ‘good’ rating from Ofsted and a good Progress 8 score. Like others on this list, it’s a Christian-based school dedicated to helping students excel in their education and into adulthood. It’s part of the same school group as the Bluecoat Wollaton Academy listed above and grew from the same founding charity school.
10. Nottingham Free School
Last but not least, the Nottingham Free School is another highly regarded school with a ‘good’ Ofsted rating. Though small, with just over 600 students, the school serves several communities in the county and is a fairly recent addition to the area’s school options, opening its doors in 2014. The school’s motto, ‘work hard, be kind’, is simple but resonates with the students and their academic and social endeavours.
Conclusion
These schools are the highlight secondary schools of an impressive array of education options in Nottinghamshire County. They invite students to excel at their work with dedication to learning and discipline during class hours. While mobile play with seamless phone payments might not be too prevalent within their walls, these schools strive to limit distractions such as mobile use and gaming and look out for the emotional well-being of students. Their dedication to the education of their students makes the county an appealing place for families to settle in.
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Wetherspoons would boost trade at Carlton Square – not just a lick of paint
Sir,
I recently read about plans to do up Carlton Square and must admit my first thought was ‘is that it?’.
A bench here and there along and a lick of paint will not make people shop at Carlton Square. The solution is simple: get in a Wetherspoons.
The pub on Carlton Hill is always busy and helps draw trade to the local shops and I believe Wetherspoons would do the same at Carlton Square.
I know a bar and cafes already operate on the Square and I don’t think they would be affected. I do not like a Wetherspoons breakfast but do enjoy the one at the cafes up there as they are not from the microwave so would choose them. I really enjoy the real ales at Wetherspoons but also like to roam, so more than likely I would also spend money at the other bar if I was in the mood for a drink.
The owners should now work on enticing them and saving the other shops.
H Rowley, Carlton
Common sense needed at Carlton level crossing
Sir,
I recently witnessed a fire engine responding to an emergency, but it held up by two trains at the Carlton level crossing. After 5 minutes, the driver had to do a U-turn.
It’s bad enough for an ordinary punter, but when an fire engine is delayed like this it is obviously potentially a matter of life and death.
Surely, there’s a way of holding up the train at Burton Joyce or Nottingham.
Paul Hackett, Rivermead
Do cyclists getting points for frightening pedestrians?
Sir,
Waiting patiently for the green man to come on, I noticed a lady cyclist slowing down at the lights.
As the green man came on I began to cross the road, only for the cyclist to speed up, mount the pavement and nearly knock me down.
All this happened in daylight at 9.15am.
Has frightening the pedestrian become a new sport for bored cyclist – and how many points do they get for actually knocking people down?
Ron Marsh, Gedling
Pavement cyclists should have to be insured
Sir,
I’m a big believer in common sense and I really think we’ve to many bikers – both electric and normal – riding all over the footpaths! What happens if they collide with any person of any age while there walking along? Injuries obviously are the main concern!
I think they should at least all be insured, then at least there’s a case for compensation!
Peter Cookson, via email
Rise in number of mobility scooters transforming Arnold into ‘Benidorm’
Sir,
Having read several previous letters I note that no one has mentioned the dangers of the massive mobility scooters that contest the pavements in Arnold.
It has become more like Benidorm over there with a vast number parked outside Betting shop and so-called vape shops. This is at the expense of the tax payer
