Severn Trent Water is urging customers in Gedling borough who may need extra help to join its Priority Service Register (PSR).
This register is designed to offer a more customised service to those with special needs.
The water company wants people, their friends, or their families to alert them if anyone could benefit from the additional support.
Severn Trent’s PSR is used to support customers with special requirements to give them a better, more personalised service, with the water company encouraging customers, friends or family to let them know of anyone who might benefit from extra help if there’s ever an issue.
This can include customers who would need to be checked on in the event of supply issues, customers who need water 24/7, and customers who require password protection schemes.
In the event of a water supply issue, teams at Severn Trent will reach out to customers who need to be checked in on, making sure they have what they need (PHOTO: STW)
The register helps identify customers with medical conditions, disability or restricted mobility, sight or hearing loss and those who would appreciate receiving their bills in a different format.
Support is also there for those with conditions such as anxiety, Crohn’s, colitis or irritable bowel syndrome , motor neurone disease and autism.
Kristian Russell, customer lead from Severn Trent said: “We know that life is ever changing, and things can come up unexpectedly, which is why our register is a great way of letting us know if anyone needs some extra support, as it’s important to us that our customers get the service and support they need.
“This could be someone with a medical condition, or someone who needs constant water or quick support if there’s any problems with the supply. Even if you know someone who may benefit from extra help, a relative, friend, neighbour, let them know about the register as it could really help them too.”
In the event of a water supply issue, teams at Severn Trent will reach out to customers who need to be checked in on, making sure they have what they need.
Teams will also call to discuss bills, or customer accounts and can be made aware of circumstances to help provide extra support or any sensitivity needed.
Kristen added: “Our teams are trained to handle all calls confidently, and with sensitivity, so we’d really encourage anyone who may benefit from an extra bit of support, to get in touch as there may be something we can do, or adapt to help make things a little easier.”
More information about the Priority Services Register can be found here.
Remove lime tree 320 Spring Lane Lambley Ref. No: 2024/0661TCA
T1 – Removal of 4 dead silver birch trees, stems to be logged and stacked on site. T2 – Reduce neighbouring side of eucalyptus by 2-3 meters and reduce lowest lateral limb by 3-4 meters to reduce weight. Access for MEWP is located at gates of property and will need to be tracked across garden and through gap in hedgerow. The Pool Haggnook Wood Ravenshead Ref. No: 2024/0751TPO
G1 – Sycamore (x14 stems) Remove marked stems due to poor structural condition and damage caused by squirrels Removal of trees will benefit adjacent trees within the woodland Bestwood Country Park Bestwood Lodge Drive Bestwood Ref. No: 2024/0752TPO
Single storey extension to rear of dwelling 9 Worth Street Carlton Ref. No: 2024/0745
Remove two Lleylandi which are part of the hedge near the min gate to allow access by a pedestrian gate. Remove branches from sweet chestnut that are overhanging the childrens log cabinplus one dead branch opposite chalets 9+10 Nottingham Sun Club Brackenwood Newstead Abbey Park Nottingham Road Ravenshead Ref. No: 2024/0750TPO
3 Silver Birch Trees Nottingham Sun Club Brackenwood Newstead Abbey Park Nottingham Road Ravenshead Ref. No: 2024/0749TPO5
Remove existing conservatory on side elevation and replace with a Porch.To the front elevation form a new larger Porch to main entrance and form a Balcony to side elevation to the rear of existing Garage with new Patio Doors off Dining room. 28 Clumber Avenue Woodthorpe Nottinghamshire NG3 5JY Ref. No: 2024/0743
Erection of steel cantilever racking in the enclosed yard area to the front of the building, for the storage of packs of timber Unit 6 Cyan Close Stoke Bardolph Ref. No: 2024/0744
Proposed infill rear extension with associated internal reconfiguration works. Proposed pitched roof over existing garage. Proposed pitched roof over extension and existing kitchen. Proposed pithed roof over porch and front of garage. 8 Steeles Way Lambley Ref. No: 2024/0741
Two storey side extension and single storey extensions to front and rear 34 Pateley Road Woodthorpe Ref. No: 2024/0742
(1) Group of 4 Cherry Trees – To be removed, one of which is already dead. (2) Crab Apple Tree – Remove due to poor health. (3) Bay tree – Reduce by 50% to a manageable height. (4) Oak Tree – Crown thin by 30% to improve air circulation and remove rubbing branches. 47 Main Street Woodborough Ref. No: 2024/0736TCA
Proposed infill rear extension with associated internal reconfiguration works. Proposed pitched roof over existing garage. Proposed pitched roof over extension and existing kitchen. Proposed pithed roof over porch and front of garage. 8 Steeles Way Lambley Ref. No: 2024/0741
Two storey rear extension. Demolition of existing chimney and installation of twin walled steel flue externally. 23 Cornhill Road Carlton Ref. No: 2024/0737
Re-purposing existing car parking spaces for use as parking spaces for recharging of electric vehicles, including the installation of 2 upstands, 1 feeder pillar, 4 bollards, and associated landscaping adjustments Madford Retail Park Mansfield Road Daybrook Nottinghamshire Ref. No: 2024/0739
Single storey extension to form 3no. additional consulting rooms 318 Westdale Lane West Gedling Ref. No: 2024/0733
T1 – fell Birch; T2 – Goat Willow, remove 2x branches over hanging neighbours garden, and reduce canopy by 1.5-2m 3A The Avenue Calverton Ref. No: 2024/0724TCA
Single storey side extension and alteration to garage 8 Myrtle Road Carlton Ref. No: 2024/0720
Retrospective application for removal of chimney and conversion of garage to living space with own front door 6 Brook Avenue Arnold Ref. No: 2024/0709
Installation of a Coniston Canopy Structure for the purpose of shelter and outside learning and activities St John The Baptist Primary School Vale Road Colwick Ref. No: 2024/0691
Proposed extension to front elevation of existing property with new door to side elevation 5 North Green Calverton Ref. No: 2024/0527
A hammer, fireworks and drugs were seized by police during a 48-hour dispersal put in place by Nottinghamshire Police following a spike in anti-social behaviour around Arnold town centre.
Officers put in place a order in the town centre and local parks last Wednesday (October 30) after concerns were raised about young people causing problems the previous weekend.
The order, which police said could be reimposed at any time, saw eight section 35 notices handed out to people under the age of 18.
A 16-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of possession of an offensive weapon in relation to the hammer.
The notices give police the powers to exclude a person from an area for up to 48 hours under the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014.
Failure to comply with such an order can result in arrest.
Chief Inspector Riz Khan, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “The vast majority of young people have been out enjoying Halloween in the community.
“Sadly, however, we did have to respond to several reports of isolated anti-social behaviour.
“The dispersal order allowed us to target groups who were perceived as causing or likely to cause nuisance.
“Neighbourhood teams have been working hard to ensure people were able to celebrate safely and in the right way. I hope members of the community welcome our robust response to the small number of troublemakers.”
Gedling MP Michael Payne backed the police action after raising concerns about a rise in incidents over the previous weekend.
He said: “The local police team have been taking tough action this evening and continue to. They have our full support as they seek to clamp down on those wishing to cause trouble in our town centre. I’ve thanked them for their hard work on our behalf.
“I will be keeping in close contact with police colleagues over the coming days and will do all I can to ensure tackling this sort of behaviour remains a top priority.
As well as the tough enforcement action that is absolutely necessary, I’m working with police colleagues to secure youth activity in and around Arnold to engage young people and give them something positive to engage in. I’m clear though, there is never any excuse whatsoever for anti-social behaviour or criminal damage.”
More than 700 former mine workers across Gedling borough are to get an instant pension boost after the Government overturned a ruling which saw profits from their contribution diverted away.
It means the average claimant will see an extra £29 a week, following Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ decision to hand over £1.5bn.
738 former mineworkers across the borough will be eligible for the pension boost, figures have revealed.
Former workers had long argued that the profit should have been paid to them, as contributors to the scheme.
The investment reserve fund was set up using profits from the scheme in 1992, to provide a buffer in case the Mineworkers’ Pension Scheme went into deficit. This money was due to be returned to government in 2029.
The investment reserve fund was set up using profits from the scheme in 1992, to provide a buffer in case the Mineworkers’ Pension Scheme went into deficit.
Former mineworkers and their families have fought for justice for many years. In a landmark decision, the fund – now worth £1.5 billion – will be handed over to the pension scheme, ensuring former pit workers who powered the country for decades finally get the just rewards from their labour.
When British Coal was privatised in 1994, the government also agreed to take half of any profits generated by the pension scheme, in return for a guarantee that pensions would increase in line with inflation.
The scheme has continued to produce strong returns and the government has never paid any funds into it. Therefore, the government is also delivering on its commitment to review this agreement to ensure former miners and their families get a fairer deal in the years ahead, with next steps set out in the coming months.
Michelle Welsh MP for Sherwood Forest welcomed the announcement.
She said: “It is a national scandal that former miners in Sherwood Forest have had to fight for so long for the pension settlement they deserve.
“Now, Labour ends this injustice and delivers what is rightfully owed back to mining families.
This is a victory for the relentless campaigning of the trustees, members, and coalfield communities here in Sherwood Forest.”
The trustees are now responsible for deciding how the £1.5 billion fund is distributed amongst their 112,000 members and are now working at speed to deliver the bonus into pension pay packets from November this year.
Steve Yemm, the local MP for Mansfield, was one of the people who backed the campaign.
He said:“It is a national scandal that former miners in the county have had to fight for so long for the pension settlement they deserve.
“Today, Labour ends this injustice and delivers what is rightfully owed back to mining families.
“This is a victory for the relentless campaigning of the trustees, members, and coalfield communities here in Nottinghamshire.”
Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said: “We owe the mining communities who powered this country a debt of gratitude.
“For decades, it has been a scandal that the government has taken money that could have been passed to the miners and their families.
“Today, that scandal ends, and the money is rightfully transferred to the miners. I pay tribute to the campaigners who have fought for justice- today is their victory.”
Cameras are being installed at a number of bus stops in Gedling borough to help prevent motorists using them for parking.
Nottinghamshire County Council is to install three new enforcement cameras at sites across the borough following the success of five cameras installed in September 2023.
The camera on Plains Road in Mapperley achieved a 45% reduction in parking offences over the past year.
Cameras will now be installed at stops on Carlton Hill in Carlton, Front Street in Arnold and Plains Road in Mapperley.
Councillor Neil Clarke MBE, Cabinet Member for Transport and Environment at Nottinghamshire County Council, said: “My message to all motorists in Nottinghamshire is to imagine that you are a bus passenger who perhaps has a disability or who is elderly and struggles with mobility and think about how you would board and alight the bus if you could not access it safely.
Motorists parking in bus stops prevents buses from parking up and dropping off or picking up passengers
“All too often we are seeing parking contraventions, albeit for a short amount of time, at key bus stops meaning that buses then cannot park safely to pick up and drop off passengers.
“We typically see these offences at bus stops close to fast food outlets on busy roads but that doesn’t take away the importance of thinking before you park at any bus stop in Nottinghamshire.
“It is really good news that in just over a year the five cameras we already have in place across Nottinghamshire have achieved a reduction in the amount of parking offences but we know that there is more work to do and that is why we have chosen to increase the number of enforcement cameras to other known areas where bus stop parking is an issue.
“We have been working closely with bus operators to identify these sites and their suggestions have come from listening to passenger and driver feedback.
“We will of course ensure that before cameras are installed, lines and signs are refreshed.
“However, camera or not I would like to appeal to all motorists across the county to say that even if you think it won’t affect anyone, parking in a bus stop is certainly going to affect someone whether that is a passenger or driver and I would urge everyone to think twice about parking in these areas.
“We remain committed to making sure that bus services are the best they can be for local people and ensuring that passengers can access their local service when they want to is just one of our priorities when it comes to achieving this.”
An anti-yob order has been slapped on Arnold after reports of anti-social behaviour and criminal damage.
Officers have issued a Dispersal Order after concerns were raised about young people behaving in an antisocial manner in recent days.
The incidents remain under investigation and the neighbourhood policing team has also put in place a temporary dispersal order which gives officers the power to order people out of a specific area.
Concerns were raised about young people behaving in an antisocial manner in recent days (PHOTO: Facebook)
The order began at 7pm last night (October 30) for a period of 48 hours and may be re-imposed at any time.
Sergeant Alison Riley, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “We have received several reports of anti-social behaviour in the area over the last few days and this is something we take very seriously.
“In response a dispersal order has been issued to cover the town centre and surrounding parks to target groups who are perceived as causing or likely to cause nuisance.
“As a result, anyone who refuses to leave the area when asked will be committing an offence. Members of the Neighbourhood Policing team will also be out and about throughout the week to respond to and tackle any reports of anti-social behaviour.
“I would also encourage residents who are concerned about crime and disorder to get in contact with us as soon as possible. We will listen and we will react.”
Nottinghamshire County Council’s finance boss says he has “absolute confidence” that the authority will avoid the need to declare effective bankruptcy despite the widening of its budget gap.
In February this year, the Conservative-run council’s funding shortfall to 2027/28 stood at £36m.
However, it now estimates it could spend between £58m and £76m more than its predicted income over the next three years.
Its in-year budget gap for the current financial year could also rise from £3.4m to £4.4m.
But the authority’s finance director, Nigel Stevenson, has insisted it will “balance out” by the end of the year.
The overspending has largely been put down to significant pressures on demand for services, particularly adults and children’s social care, as well as economic and inflationary pressures.
“I’ve got every confidence that will come down,” Mr Stevenson told the Local Democracy Reporting Service.
“I won’t be at all surprised that we just balance out by the end of the year.”
The entire local government sector is experiencing significant financial problems.
The Local Government Association (LGA) says councils’ spending power has dropped by 27 per cent since 2010, and at the same time, demand and costs for social care have hit record levels.
In November last year, neighbouring Nottingham City Council issued a Section 114 notice, effectively declaring bankruptcy.
Government commissioners were then appointed in February, before a raft of service cuts were later approved in March.
“There will be no issue of a Section 114 [notice],” Mr Stevenson said of Nottinghamshire County Council’s financial position.
“I have absolute confidence in that this year, and I have got confidence that will not be the case in the next financial year.”
Cllr Richard Jackson (Con), cabinet member for finance, said his council’s financial position will become clearer once members and officers have been able to sift through the new Labour Government’s Autumn Budget, announced October 30.
An increase in the National Living Wage (NLW) up to £12.39 per hour could end up costing the authority up to £45m, which he says would be “absolutely enormous” in the context of its overall £660m budget.
This would bring the budget shortfall over the next three years to £76.2m.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves (Lab) has since confirmed the NLW will rise to £12.21, which means the cost to the council will be slightly lower.
Cllr Jackson says the County Council is currently focusing on reducing costs in adults’ and children’s social care, and there are no planned cuts to services, including libraries.
“The key for us is a longer-term issue in preventing demand,” he added.
“It is about keeping people healthy for longer with early interventions.
“Things like looked-after children is a huge cost pressure, we are significantly lower than similar authorities because we have been doing this for years.
“But we are effectively over the barrel at some points in time, as every other authority is. There is need to reform that market.
“We need the room to be able to invest in it now to keep people healthier and reduce demand in five to 10 years time.
“We are one of few authorities that has not closed a single library and we are not planning to do that in the future.”
Mr Stevenson says the authority will not require Exceptional Financial Support (EFS), whereby special permission is given so money from asset sales can be used to fund day-to-day costs, “in the short term.”
However he says in the long term the funding of local government “needs to be looked at.”
The authority’s cabinet will discuss the council’s finances at its meeting on November 7.
Arachnophobes in Gedling borough are being urged to use a glass to trap unwanted spiders in their homes.
Experts at national trade body British Pest Control Association (BPCA) say spiders might sneak indoors as the weather turns colder, and while trapping and releasing them in a suitable shed or outhouse is the quickest way to tackle the problem, they will disappear in a few months if left alone.
However, BPCA members are on hand for anyone who has a severe phobia, or who believes they may have an allergic reaction to a spider bite from species such as the False Widow Spider.
A harvestman spider (PHOTO BPCA)
Natalie Bungay is technical manager at BPCA.
She said: “Calls for False Widow Spiders tend to peak in October as numbers increase during the winter months and then they become more conspicuous as the males wander in search of a mate.
“False Widow Spiders are venomous but not aggressive – bites generally seem to occur through accidental contact. They can be very painful but are no more dangerous than a wasp sting.”
For most spiders, trapping them under a glass, sliding a stiff piece of paper underneath and releasing them in a garage or shed is all that is required.
Natalie added: “Spiders have an important role to play in our natural eco-systems, so releasing them in a sheltered place where they won’t succumb to the cold is generally the best alternative if you can’t quite cope with them inside the house.
“However, if spiders are becoming a nuisance, you have a phobia, or believe you are likely to have a severe reaction to a spider bite, we’d recommend you seek advice from a pest professional.”
In the current fast-paced digital economy, businesses and entrepreneurs seemingly need to innovate on a constant basis to stay competitive. However, with traditional approaches to business management and marketing, it can be difficult to stay ahead of the curve. So, what solutions are available to British businesses?
Looking beyond the usual playbooks is needed here, and one source of inspiration can come from an unexpected place: gaming. The global gaming industry has grown exponentially in recent decades, becoming a multi-billion-pound behemoth that influences consumers and industries alike.
While gamification is a trend adopted by industries from fashion to banking, there are also tangible lessons that can be transposed from the gaming world to the boardroom. Let’s explore six key strategies from various gaming sectors that can be employed by entrepreneurs and SMEs in order to thrive in today’s market.
Insights from eSports – Adaptability
The eSports sector is a prime example of how adaptability can lead to success. Competitive gaming evolves at a breakneck pace, with new strategies, updates, and even entire games regularly causing shifts in the landscape. Professional gamers must constantly adapt, refining their strategies and polishing their techniques to stay on top.
For the small business owner, the lesson here is clear: adaptability is essential. The market can shift quickly due to multiple factors, with pressing disruptions often being centred on technological changes, consumer preferences, or economic conditions. Businesses need to remain agile and be willing to experiment with new ideas and strategies.
As a business owner and entrepreneur, are you regularly reviewing your business strategies to adapt to changes in your industry? If not, you may find yourself left behind.
Insights from Online Poker – Risk Management
Poker is the only casino game that’s widely recognised as a mindsport, due to it being a compelling mix of skill, strategy, and psychology. This traditional card game has also been fully incorporated into the gaming industry and is now a stand-alone digital gaming genre in its own right. Today’s gamers are just as likely to be logging into a specialist platform like PokerStars to participate in online poker games as they are to play A++ titles on PlayStation Plus. Poker’s also a particularly useful game to learn lessons in risk management from.
Risk-taking in business can lead to significant rewards – but only if approached strategically. Entrepreneurs can learn from the keen sense of risk management that poker players have. This involves assessing potential opportunities – often with limited information – weighing the risks, and then deciding whether to proceed or hold back. It’s not about avoiding risks altogether but about understanding and managing them effectively.
By adopting a balanced approach and taking calculated risks, you can seize opportunities while protecting your business from potential downsides. Like a seasoned poker player, you should know when to go all in and when to play it safe.
Insights from Strategy Games – Resource Management
Strategy games, from classics like Civilization to more recent titles like Starcraft 2, teach players to manage resources efficiently. Whether it’s time, money, or manpower, these games require players to think critically about how they allocate their limited resources to achieve their key objectives.
For entrepreneurs and SMEs, efficient resource management is crucial. In today’s economic climate, many business owners are facing limited resources, making it vital to know how to allocate them in the most appropriate and beneficial ways. This might involve deciding where to invest your budget, how to allocate your time, or how to prioritise your team’s efforts. By thinking strategically, just like RTS gamers, you can ensure that you’ll be maximising your business’s potential by putting every resource to its best use.
Are you making the most of what you have? Consider conducting a resource audit within your company or ventures. You might discover that the resources you have could be better allocated to ensure more substantial performance results.
Insights from Multiplayer Gaming – Community Building
Multiplayer games, particularly massively multiplayer online role-playing games (MMORPGs), are, at their core, about building communities. These vast online games, such as World of Warcraft, offer environments where players connect, collaborate, and share experiences. These communities are often self-sustaining, with players returning regularly not just for the game but for the social connections they’ve built.
For SMEs, building a community around your brand is one of the most powerful things you can do. A strong community can turn customers into brand advocates, driving word-of-mouth marketing and fostering loyalty.
Consider how you can create spaces where your customers can connect, share their experiences, and engage with your brand. This could be through social media, forums, or even in-person events. Like in multiplayer games, a connected and engaged community can be one of your business’s most valuable assets.
