The Government is planning an independent review of rail fare prosecutions and enforcement following claims that train operators are taking disproportionate action.
Transport Secretary Louise Haigh is expected to announce today (13) that regulator the Office of Rail and Road will analyse how suspected fare evasion is handled.
The regulator will assess whether ticketing terms and conditions are clear for passengers and when prosecution is appropriate.
It is understood that Ms Haigh is not seeking to prevent operators taking action against people who deliberately avoid paying the correct fare.
The regulator assess whether ticketing terms and conditions are clear for passengers and when prosecution is appropriate
A number of recent cases of passengers being prosecuted over small amounts of money have been highlighted in the media.
Last month, government-owned Northern dropped all action against engineering graduate Sam Williamson, who was reported to the operator’s prosecutions and debt recovery department for using his 16-25 railcard for travel on a service to Manchester.
Mr Williamson faced prosecution for paying £1.90 less than he should have done despite admitting his error and offering to pay a fine or a new fare, prompting widespread criticism of Northern.
The Department for Transport instructed the company to review its ticketing policy to ensure it was clear and fair to passengers and asked it to examine details of similar cases.
Northern responded by withdrawing all live prosecutions against those pursued in similar circumstances and promised to review historical cases.
The terms and conditions of Mr Williamson’s railcard specified the discount was only valid for on-peak services where the original fare was £12 or more. However, despite the small-print, he was able to buy a ticket that informed him he could travel at “anytime”.
Gedling’s MP has expressed serious concerns over a council’s proposals to introduce a tier system for the borough’s libraries that could see some closed and replaced with mobile services or ‘pop-up’ facilities staffed by volunteers.
Residents have also voiced their fears after it was revealed last month that Carlton Hill, Gedling and Woodthorpe libraries would be put placed in the bottom tier and become either access points, pop-up facilities or mobile libraries all staffed by volunteers.
Now Michael Payne, who was elected as Gedling’s MP earlier this year, has written to share concerns with Nottinghamshire County Council‘s chief executive Adrian Smith about the changes and also lack of publicity around a public consultation.
In the letter, shared on social media, he wrote that plans to mobilise or create replacement pop up libraries in the borough would be ‘an unacceptable step’.
The letter from Michael Payne MP to NCC’s chief executive Adrian Smith over library plansUnder new proposals the borough libraries would be placed in a tier system (PHOTO: Adobe Stock)
He wrote: “The residents I serve wish to see their libraries invested in and neither they nor I would be supportive of any downgrading of the public libraries across Gedling.
He also said that any reduction in hours at five of the borough’s other libraries would ‘also be unacceptable’.
Mr Payne wrote that concerns had been raised by residents over a delay in publicising the consultation over changes through the council’s official social media channels.
MP Michael Payne said that the changes would be ‘unacceptable’ if they went ahead
“Given the significance of this consultation, residents expected wider more high-profile publicity regarding this consultation.”
The Gedling MP also urged people living in the borough to take part in the consultation, which closes today.
“If you love our libraries, now is the time to speak up. Tell Nottinghamshire County Council how you feel about these potential closures and reductions in service.
The council’s consultation on the proposals ends on November 13.
When proposals were announced last month, Councillor Scott Carlton, Cabinet Member for Communities and Public Health at Nottinghamshire County Council, said: “Our libraries are welcoming places to meet, borrow, learn, discover and celebrate.
But said the new strategy ‘reflects the changing needs’ of library users while ensuring financial sustainability.
Mystery surrounds a headstone discovered in an Arnold nature reserve by a dog walker.
Gedling Borough Council were asked to investigate after the memorial was spotted in Hobbucks Nature Reserve by walker Laura Dores who was worried it might have been stolen.
She appealed for information on social media following her discovery.
She wrote: “I was walking my dog up the Hobbucks Nature Reserve, a place I walk most days with her and came across this headstone.
“I’ve never seen it before, and I hope to God it’s not been stolen, moved here and dumped.
“But, incase it has been, I’d like to raise awareness and hopefully get it back to where this baby sleeps.”
Gedling Borough Councillor for Coppice ward Henry Wheeler spotted the post and asked the authority to investigate.
A spokesman for the council quickly responded after carrying out an investigation.
They said: “We have no record, either burial or ashes, at any of our cemeteries in that ‘name’ and without a ‘date of death’ there is no other way of searching the records.
“If it had been removed from one of our cemeteries it would have been noticed, and the stone would have the name of the mason and date of installation on the back. This one doesn’t, which shows it was never approved by us.
“It may be that someone placed it up there originally with ashes as they liked the area and since then it’s been moved by ‘local children’”
The council said no ashes were found after rodding and the site doesn’t appear to have been recently dug,
“We will remove the stone and store it in the depot for safe keeping,” they added.
“We will place a laminated sign on a post in its place in the short-term stating: the memorial stone placed here has been removed and placed in storage by the landowners, having been placed without authorisation.”
The council is now appealing for information and asked the owner of the memorial to call: 0115 901 3901 to arrange for its collection.
A rail firm’s decision to temporarily shut the footbridge at Nottingham Station has been called “extreme” by the leader of the City Council – who is meeting bosses today to voice concerns about the change.
East Midlands Railway (EMR) stopped all access to platforms one to six from the footbridge, which connects Station Street to Queen’s Road, at the end of October.
The station is used by hundreds of people from the borough who alight trains from Burton Joyce, Carlton and Netherfield stations.
EMR says the trialled closure, which will run until November 17, is being done to tackle fare evasion.
Mohammad Khal who is is a taxi driver in Nottingham said customers now don’t know where the taxis are because we are already well-hidden (PHOTO:LDRS)The footbridge which gave passengers access to platforms one to six was restricted by EMR at the end of November (PHOTO:LDRS)
However leader of Nottingham City Council, Cllr Neghat Khan (Lab), said she was “disappointed” by the lack of communication from the rail firm before the closure.
She told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: “I contacted the Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward, and also contacted the MPs, to make them aware and said ‘lets write a joint letter to say it is unacceptable’.
“This seems like a really extreme thing to do. I don’t think you take this kind of dramatic action without thinking of the consequences.
“I have been inundated with emails from taxi drivers, residents, local businesses, because it is having a massive impact for them.”
Cllr Khan said she would be meeting directors from EMR on Tuesday (November 12) to discuss the issue.
Nottingham’s black cab drivers, who are now based in Trent Street, said the station’s side entrance had been a key part of their business.
Cllr Khan said she would be meeting directors from EMR today to discuss the issue
Hackney Carriage drivers were originally based at a drop-off point inside Nottingham Railway Station, off Carrington Street, before a £50m revamp around a decade ago.
The taxi rank was then moved to Station Street for a short period before it was pedestrianised.
Black cab driver Mohammad Khal said: “Customers are coming out of the station, the main entrance, and they don’t know where the taxis are because we are already well-hidden. This entrance was our living.
“We hope that the authorities consider the spaces for taxis. Normally every other station has it right where people are coming out of the station.”
Chander Sood, of the Nottingham City Hackney Carriage Owners & Drivers Association, said they had already suffered as a result of a number of changes to the location of their rank over the last decade.
“We’ve never been consulted,” he said.
“We are a main stakeholder. They should come to us and say, look, we are going to have a consultation. We always get told take it or leave it.
“You can see the distance [to the main entrance]. If any person is in a wheelchair, how are they going to come down with excessive luggage?
“Senior citizens, if someone has walking difficulties, with their luggage, it could be my grandparents, your grandparents.”
The specific concerns of the taxi drivers, and lack of consultation with stakeholders, were put to EMR.
EMR did not respond to them directly.
In a statement, Philippa Cresswell, Customer Service Director at East Midlands Railway, said: “Sadly, there is a minority of determined people who think they can travel for free and have been using the overhead bridge to avoid paying.
“We have a duty to protect revenue – which is ultimately taxpayers’ money and fare-paying customer’s money – and have been forced to run this pilot to prevent access to the platforms via the station’s footbridge.
“The right of way connecting Station Street and Queen’s Road will remain open, as will the access to the tram stop on Station Street. The pilot will finish on Sunday, 17 November and we will be reviewing all the feedback to understand its effectiveness.”
The NHS is to start offering a ‘game-changing’ stop smoking pill to those in Gedling borough who want to quit cigarettes.
NHS England say Varenicline is more effective than nicotine-replacement gum or patches, and as effective as vapes in helping people to stop smoking.
The daily pill helps reduce cravings and the pleasurable effects of nicotine that keep people addicted.
It also helps with withdrawal symptoms such as irritability or sleeping problems and patients who are usually prescribed a 12-week course.
It’s estimated it could help more than 85,000 people per year and prevent up to 9,500 smoking-related deaths over the next five years, according to University College London (UCL).
Varenicline will become another option for people using NHS stop smoking services in England.
A branded version of the smoking cessation pill – known as Champix – was previously prescribed, but then withdrawn by manufacturers Pfizer in 2021 after an impurity was discovered.
However, the NHS said a generic version of the drug, from pharmaceutical firm Teva UK, has now been approved as safe by the Medicines Health and Regulatory Authority (MHRA).
Supplying varenicline is part of an effort to make more effective treatments available while saving more than £500m for the taxpayer, said NHS England chief executive Amanda Pritchard.
In a speech later, she will say the pill could be “a game-changer” for smokers.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting said varenicline would save lives and millions of pounds for the NHS.
Dr Ian Walker, Cancer Research UK’s policy chief praised the move.
“It’s great news that the NHS is making varenicline an option for people trying to quit,” he said.
“Along with funding for cessation services, making tools like this available will help more people stop smoking.”
These are the roadworks and closures you need to know about…
Meadow Lane, Burton Joyce 12 November – 25 November Road closure Responsibility for works: Severn Trent Water
Belvoir Road, Netherfield 12 November – 13 November Roadworks, Delays possible Responsibility for works: Severn Trent Water
Daisy Road, Mapperley 13 November – 14 November Road closure for preventative maintenance – carriageway patching along various sections of the road. Responsibility for works: Nottinghamshire County Council
Colwick Loop Road, Colwick, Nottinghamshire 13 November – 15 November Delays possible due to lane closure to carry out surveys Responsibility for works: Nottinghamshire County Council
Hallams Lane, Arnold 13 November – 14 November Roadworks, Delays possible as Cadent are carrying out Emergency gas repair works. Responsibility for works: Cadent
Private Road No 1, Colwick 13 November – 15 November Delays possible due to lane closure on Private Road No.1 junction with A612 Colwick Loop Road. Responsibility for works: Nottinghamshire County Council
Victoria Road, Netherfield 13 November – 15 November Delays possible dude to lane closure to carry out surveys for proposed works Responsibility for works: Nottinghamshire County Council
Baslow Avenue, Carlton 13 November – 22 November Roadworks, Delays possible Responsibility for works: National Grid
Foxhill Road Central, Carlton 14 November – 29 November Roadworks, Delays possible Responsibility for works: Severn Trent Water
Arnold Lane, Gedling 15 November Roadworks, Delays likely Responsibility for works: Severn Trent Water
Forester Grove, Carlton 15 November – 30 November Roadworks, Delays possible Responsibility for works: National Grid
Orchard Park, Mapperley 16 November – 18 November Roadworks, Delays possible Responsibility for works: Openreach
Carlton Hill, Carlton 17 November Roadworks, Delays likely Responsibility for works: Severn Trent Water
Mansfield Road, Papplewick 17 November Delays possible due to lane closure between Burntstump junction and Forest Lane Junction Responsibility for works: Nottinghamshire County Council
Mansfield Road, Arnold 17 November Roadworks, Delays possible Responsibility for works: Nottinghamshire County Council
Forester Road, Carlton 18 November – 22 November Road closure Responsibility for works: National Grid
Nottingham Road, Ravenshead 19 November – 19 November Delays likely due to lane closure Responsibility for works: Severn Trent Water
Westdale Lane East, Gedling 20 November – 29 November Roadworks, Delays likely Responsibility for works: National Grid
Westdale Lane West, Mapperley 13 November – 15 November Roadworks, Delays possible Responsibility for works: Severn Trent Water
In today’s world of manufacturing, speed is key to staying competitive, and being environmentally friendly is important for business operations’ competitiveness and longevity. Tube laser cutting technology plays a role in these advancements by effectively cutting metal tubes and profiles. Exploring its advantages can give us insight into how this innovation reshapes sectors that depend heavily on engineering processes.
Understanding Tube Laser Cutting
Tube laser cutting uses a laser beam to slice through metal tubes. It is popular for industries needing precise cuts, such as the automotive and aerospace sectors and construction projects. Unlike other cutting techniques, laser cutting is contactless, which means there is no physical contact between the tool and the material being cut. This feature reduces tool wear and maintenance requirements while eliminating contamination risk.
Reducing Material Waste
Tube laser cutting offers a benefit by cutting down on material waste compared to traditional methods of cutting that usually lead to leftover scraps and excess waste due to precision issues or cutting constraints. Unlike some other methods, like plasma, flame, waterjet and mechanical cutting, that produce imprecise cuts with wide kerfs, laser cutting delivers precise cuts with minimal kerfs. This technology enables nesting, allowing them to be automatically pieced together in combination, reducing the number of cuttings, improving the cutting efficiency, and reducing the waste of tubes.
Enhanced Precision and Consistency
Tube laser cutting provides accuracy compared to other methods of cutting materials. The focused beam of the laser enables clean cuts without the drawbacks commonly seen in mechanical cutting processes like tool deterioration and material deformation. This level of precision ensures that components remain consistently uniform across manufacturing cycles—a factor in sectors where precision is paramount for product effectiveness and excellence.
Speed and Efficiency
Tube laser cutting is well known for its speed and accuracy due to the integration of automation and computer-assisted designs that streamline the manufacturing process. This effectively cut down on production time significantly. This enhanced efficiency results in order completions and the capability to meet deadlines without sacrificing quality. As a result, manufacturers can boost their production capacity and maintain competitiveness by delivering solutions promptly.
Versatility in Design
Tube laser cutting offers remarkable flexibility, especially when working with complex shapes and designs. Unlike traditional cutting methods like saws or shears, laser cutting can easily handle intricate patterns on metal or plastic tubes that would otherwise be difficult or impossible to achieve. By incorporating features for cuts and shaping along with profiling options, such as creating specific curves or patterns, makers can push the boundaries of innovation and craft more elaborate products.
Lower Energy Consumption
Even though tube laser cutting machines are considered technology tools, they are often more energy efficient than cutting and machining equipment commonly used in industry settings. Their ability to harness energy efficiently and operate at speeds contributes to reduced energy consumption levels, leading to cost savings and minimising environmental impact. This efficiency doesn’t just bring advantages for manufacturers.
Minimised Setup Time
Tube laser cutting saves a lot of time due to its setup process compared to methods that need different setups for each cut or long preparatory steps for each job. Changeover in tube laser cutters happens swiftly with minimal downtime. This flexibility is especially useful for custom projects or handling multiple small batch orders. Manufacturers appreciate the enhanced versatility that enables them to manage various project needs effectively.
Eco-Friendly Production
Emphasising sustainability is increasingly important in today’s world, where tube laser cutting stands out for its manufacturing approaches that help minimise waste and energy use while maintaining top-notch production quality standards. These enable businesses to reduce their carbon footprint and positively attract environmentally conscious market sectors.
Cost Effectiveness
Investing in tube laser cutting services can be a cost-effective solution, especially for businesses that don’t need to own the machinery themselves. For lower volumes or specialised projects, it often makes more sense to turn to an experienced service provider who can handle the job efficiently.
Laser cutting reduces material waste and energy consumption, helping to lower costs per part and improve overall production efficiency. Plus, with the durability and precision of laser cutting technology, you can expect consistent, high-quality results without the maintenance concerns that come with traditional cutting methods.
Conclusion
Tube laser cutting has become a valuable asset in manufacturing, offering significant improvements in efficiency and precision over traditional methods. Its accuracy, speed, and versatility enable manufacturers to achieve intricate designs while minimising waste and reducing costs. As industries continue to evolve, the role of laser tube cutting is becoming more prominent in meeting complex market demands. By providing a precise and efficient cutting solution, this technology helps companies stay competitive in an increasingly demanding global market.
A property licensing scheme is set to be reintroduced in Netherfield in a bid to improve housing quality across the town.
Gedling Borough Council is relaunching the scheme, known as Selective Licensing, that makes it mandatory for landlords to have licences for each of their private rented properties.
The scheme was successfully launched in 2018 in Netherfield, and was expanded to Colwick, Carlton Hill, Daybrook and Newstead Village in November 2022.
The Netherfield scheme ended in September 2023 and, following a consultation, the council now plans to make the ward a selective licensing area again.
Over 81% of properties inspected in Netherfield by the council were found to contain hazards that required work to protect the health and safety of the tenant.
The new designation covering Netherfield begins on January 5, 2025 and will run until January 4, 2030. The council is now accepting applications, which can be submitted online through the Selective Licensing page on the council’s website.
The licence requires that licence holders manage their properties effectively and safely. The council will work with landlords and residents to improve the area but where necessary use the licensing conditions and enforcement powers to bring about improvements.
“We helped over dozens of residents with improvements, and we are confident that the scheme will be a success again.” – Leader of Gedling Borough Council, Councillor John Clarke MBE
Selective Licensing can be applied in areas where there is deprivation, high levels of antisocial behaviour, high levels of crime, high levels of migration and poor housing conditions. The licensing gives the council’s Environmental Health team powers to do more when landlords are not taking steps to deal with issues relating to property standards and management.
The scheme, which ran from 2018 – 2023 in Netherfield, was hailed as a success with 662 landlords applying for a licence. Over 81% of properties inspected by the council were found to contain hazards that required work to protect the health and safety of the tenant.
52 properties inspected had imminent hazards around areas such as fire safety and inadequate fire protection or detection, which all required immediate action. Civil penalty notices were also issued in relation to twenty-two properties for failing to apply for a licence.
Leader of Gedling Borough Council, Councillor John Clarke MBE said the scheme had brought about some ‘incredible improvements’ to living standards.
He said: “Selective Licensing reduces hazards, makes homes safer and helps landlords to ensure private properties are being well managed and maintained.
“We carried out a consultation with landlords and we have taken their comments and feedback into consideration.
“We helped over dozens of residents with improvements, and we are confident that the scheme will be a success again.”
Nottinghamshire Hospice has launched its annual “Light up a Life” campaign to remember loved ones and the joy they brought to people’s lives.
Each year the charity gives local people a chance to shine a light on the lives of loved ones who have died through a donation towards the Hospice’s vital care.
This year dedications will be displayed both in a digital night sky filled with stars for each person remembered, and a dedication wall at the Hospice with hand-written stars.
Visitors are welcome to visit these dedications over the course of November and December.
Jacqui has supported the Hospice for over a decade after they cared for her mum Margaret, who died of dementia.
Nottinghamshire Hospice is lit up at night over the festive period
She said: “My Dad, then nearly 90, was mum’s primary carer, supported by myself and my sisters. We arranged for some residential respite care to give my father a rest, but Mum found it impossible to settle away from the people and home that she loved, so we made the decision to have her nursed at home.
“Her condition deteriorated, and she became bedridden. When we were able to secure overnight care from Nottinghamshire Hospice, we knew that she would be safe and well looked after.
“The Light Up A Life campaign is an initiative that I always support. Christmas is a time for reflection and looking back to the people we’ve lost. It’s good to turn these thoughts into something positive.”
The Hospice is also holding two remembrance events on Sunday, December 1 People will join one another in a moment of reflection – with candle lighting, readings and refreshments, as well as the chance to see the dedication wall at the Hospice.
Cathie Alcock is a nurse and Head of Community Services at Nottinghamshire Hospice – she and her teams deliver end-of-life care directly in people’s homes: “Our care is special and is a lifeline for people caring for loved ones at the end of their life. We offer relief in their darkest moments and help more people die at home surrounded by home comforts and loved ones.”
In 2023/24, the Hospice cared for 2,498 people, which included 38,774 hours of care in people’s homes. 8 in 10 of Hospice patients would be in hospital if it wasn’t for its care (96% of people would prefer to die at home).
Nottinghamshire Hospice is a charity and relies on donations to make care for people like Margaret and her family possible. £30 pays for an hour of care at someone’s home, £120 pays for a course of bereavement sessions, and £300 pays for a member of our team to stay overnight in somebody’s home.
The Millers twice led in the game but the visitors scored three times from set pieces and Carlton’s usually reliable defence has now conceded eight goals in those three defeats. With no midweek games scheduled until the end of the month the club has the opportunity to address the issues on the training ground ahead of next week’s trip to Ossett Utd.
Carlton, playing in front of an excellent 352 attendance, made four changes to the side which had lost to Sherwood Colliery in the Notts Senior Cup in midweek. In came Felix Annan, Lewis Durow, Charlie Carter and Oliver Clark. Out went Josh Shatel, Niall Hylton, Jonny Gilbert and Liam Moran. Stocksbridge included former Carlton striker and fans favourite Alex Hardwick in theor starting line up.
The Millers have an awful record against Steels, winning just three of the 19 previous meetings with the last win coming in the 2016-17 season. And in a tight opening period Stocksbridge had the first opportunity when the lively Joao Silva lifted a good chance high over the bar.
Carlton’s first effort came soon after with Ben Townsend tipping over a Khyle Sargent volley after Clark had flicked on a Durow throw.
The home side opened the scoring on 34 minutes from the penalty spot. Sargent chipped a lovely ball through to the advancing Dorow. It was handled in the area by Paul Iggulden and Niall Davie made no mistake from the spot.
Carlton had their tails up at this stage and the impressive Nat Watson volleyed over the bar after Clark had won another header. Steels responded and Dean Freeman made one important headed clearance while Dan Bown made another and one of them cleared a dangerous looking attack from near to the goal line.
Davie had a chance to try a spectacular volley in first half added time after a lovely Watson pass but he elected to bring the ball down onto his favoured left foot. Steels won possession and broke quickly with Durow conceding a free kick on the half way line. The ball was knocked long, Steels won the header and Marshall steered home at the back post much to Carlton’s frustration.
The Millers responded well and were back in front eight minutes into the second half. Stocksbridge only half cleared a Durow throw and Clark volleyed into the corner of the net, aided by a deflection from a Steels defender.
Again, the goal lifted the home side and Townsend had to be alert to save from Clark after a Davie cross. Stocksbridge are in the play off positions and they showed why with a quick break that was only thwarted by an excellent tackle from Shea Thomspon-Harris. Silva then fired wide as Steels pushed forward.
The visitors levelled for the second time on 61 minutes when a corner was allowed to reach Marshall and he fired home. Two minutes later he completed his treble when another corner was flicked on and he converted at the far post.
The goal seemed to knock the stuffing out of Carlton. There was plenty of endeavour but very little in the way of chances in the final half hour. Substitute Moran was denied by a clearance from Iggulden and in the final minutes he beat Iggulden with a fine drop of the shoulder after some good work by fellow substitute Hylton but Moran’s angled drive was comfortably saved by Townsend.
Carlton Town: F Annan, S Thompson-Harris (L Gorman 69), L Durow, D Brown, D Freeman, C Carter (N Hylton 69), N Davie, K Sargent, N Watson, O Clark (L Moran 80), A Howes (M Ford 80). Unused Subs: L Bonser
Goals: N Davie 34 (pen), O Clark 53; Thomas Marshall 45+2, 61, 63
