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East Midlands Railway’s ‘extreme’ decision to shut Nottingham Station footbridge criticised

Joe Locker (LDR Reporter)
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East Midlands Railway’s ‘extreme’ decision to shut Nottingham Station footbridge criticised

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.”

NHS to offer ‘game-changing’ pill to those wanting to give up smoking

David Bratton
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NHS to offer ‘game-changing’ pill to those wanting to give up smoking

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.”

The planned roadworks and road changes in Gedling borough

Gedling Eye Reporter
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The planned roadworks and road changes in Gedling borough

A number of roadworks, and changes to the roads, are set to take place on Gedling borough’s roads during the next few weeks.

The roadworks and road changes include things such as speed alterations, repair works and changing the layout of the roads. 

Most of the roadworks are being undertaken by Nottinghamshire County Council while a couple are being led by Severn Trent Water, National Grid and OpenReach

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

Roadworks

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

How tube laser cutting improves efficiency and helps to reduce waste

Graham Finch
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How tube laser cutting improves efficiency and helps to reduce waste

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.

Council to bring back landlord licensing scheme in Netherfield to boost housing quality across town

Emily Sanchez
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Council to bring back landlord licensing scheme in Netherfield to boost housing quality across town

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. 

rent keys
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.”  

You can find out more about the scheme by visiting: www.gedling.gov.uk/resident/housing/selectivelicensing/

Nottinghamshire Hospice launches ‘Light up a Life’ campaign to remember loved ones

Emily Sanchez
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Nottinghamshire Hospice launches ‘Light up a Life’ campaign to remember loved ones

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.

Notts_Hospice
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.

MATCH REPORT: Carlton Town 2-3 Stocksbridge Park Steels

Alan Murphy
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MATCH REPORT: Carlton Town 2-3 Stocksbridge Park Steels

NPL First Division East
November 9, 2024

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

Carlton Town Supporters Club MOTM: Niall Davie

Att: 352

MATCH REPORT: Linby 2 – 0 Holbrook St Michaels

Adrian Ward
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MATCH REPORT: Linby 2 – 0 Holbrook St Michaels

Linby progressed to the next round of the CMAL League Cup , by way of a 2-0 win against a very good Holbrook team in front of a large Church Lane crowd.

After a cagey opening 20 minutes, Linby created the first chance of note in the game.
Liam Cartledge’s first-time cross found the run of Paddy Stefaniak and he hit his shot first
time, but Holbrook’s keeper, Daniel Hartsorn, produced a good save to deny him. Spencer Pollitt followed up, but again, Hartsorn denied Linby.

On 24 mins Archie Brown’s cross found Greg Conn but his header was again well saved by
Hartsorn, diving to his left to keep the header out.

After a series of Linby corners, they eventually found the breakthrough on 34 minutes.
Cartledge’s good delivery into the area from another corner found Captain Josh Wass who headed home from six yards out to make it 1-0.

Three minutes into the second half, Linby doubled their lead. George Skevington,
making his first full appearance after two substitute appearances since his move
from Rainworth MW. He swung a free kick in from left which found the head of Conn, who
headed down for an unmarked Brown to finish from close range.

On 58 minutes, Holbrook could have got one back when Jack Walker’s clumsy challenge on
Saints striker Danny O’Donnell gave the visitors a penalty. O’Donnell stepped up to
take the spot kick but hit the post and rebounded to safety.

Line up: Walker, Conn, Turner, Wass , Skevington, Fells, Gibson, Stefaniak , Pollitt,
Cartledge, Brown.

Subs: Wood (for Fells 59m), Moore (for Pollitt 59m), Godfrey (for Turner 67m) , Trigg (for
Brown 72m), R.Smith (for Cartledge 78m)

Man of the Match: Paddy Stefaniak

Latest planning applications put before Gedling Borough Council

Gedling Eye Reporter
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Latest planning applications put before Gedling Borough Council

These are the latest applications to have been submitted to and validated by Gedling Borough Council this week.

The round-up of the latest plans that the council’s planning officers validated and published on w/c 04/11/24

These applications will now be decided by Gedling borough planners.

More details can be found on the Gedling Borough Council planning site HERE.

Reduction in height of trees T1-T4 Row of 4 lime trees, which used to be 5
320 Spring Lane, Lambley
Ref. No: 2024/0766TPO

Remedial maintenance to an unspecified number of overgrown hedge plants within the western boundary hedge
Reed Pond House, Park Lane, Lambley
Ref. No: 2024/0761TCA

Installation of air source heat pump
23, Rawnsley Drive, Gedling
Ref. No: 2024/0754

Single storey front extension.
92, Valeside Gardens, Colwick
Ref. No: 2024/0758

Erection of two storey side extension and single storey rear extension and formation of new vehicular access
10, Birchfield Road, Arnold
Ref. No: 2024/0753

Construction

Installation of 8 new signs
Brookfields Garden Centre, Mapperley Plains, Arnold
Ref. No: 2024/0738

Use of land as an Electric Charging Station with associated drainage and landscaping
Land At Magenta Way, Stoke Bardolph
Ref. No: 2024/0740

Single storey side extension and alterations to existing side windows
59, Redland Grove, Carlton
Ref. No: 2024/0717

Full planning application to demolish existing buildings and develop a new private residential therapy and treatment centre, together with associated infrastructure and landscaping.
Nottinghamshire Fire And Rescue Headquarters, Bestwood Lodge Drive, Bestwood
Ref. No: 2024/0708

Alterations to existing cemetery layout, including a larger carpark, hearse turning circle, walled memory garden, toilet block and second access road.
Proposed Cemetery, Hollinwood Lane, Calverton
Ref. No: 2023/0531

UK’s largest fish pass officially opens in Colwick Country Park to give salmon, trout and eels a helping hand to reach breeding grounds

Gedling Eye
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UK’s largest fish pass officially opens in Colwick Country Park to give salmon, trout and eels a helping hand to reach breeding grounds

Migrating fish which swim up the River Trent are now getting a helping hand on their journey with the opening of a new £12m ‘fish pass’ at Colwick Country Park

The Environment Agency’s flagship project was officially opened today by Chair of the Environment Agency, Alan Lovell on Friday (8).

It opens up the River Trent and its tributaries for migratory fish, including salmon, trout and eels, making more habitat accessible for fish.

After two years in construction the Colwick (Holme Sluices) fish pass was completed earlier this year. Fish are now able to reach their spawning and feeding grounds.

An arial shot of the new fish pass at Colwick Country Park

Steve Lawrie, Area Environment Manager at the Environment Agency said: “We have held the official opening of this major project with our partner Nottingham City Council, at the site of the fish pass in the council’s Colwick Country Park.

“The fish pass provides a significant step in restoring the River Trent catchment to its former glory for salmon and other coarse and migratory fish.  It also includes an eel pass to help support the critically endangered European eel.

“We also have a public viewing platform above the water, with highly visual interpretation boards. They inform and advise visitors about the local wildlife in and around the river, including the fish that are expected to use the pass.”

How the fish pass will work…

The Colwick fish pass has been completed as part of the Environment Agency’s work to improve fish passage across the country. It is 200 metres long, 6 metres deep and 6.5 metres wide.

Fish can now navigate past the Environment Agency-owned Holme Sluices that were built in the 1950s. It forms part of a large-scale flood defence scheme and helps to protect Nottingham from flooding.

The fish pass includes a 2-metre-high fully automated radial gate which constantly monitors the water levels and flow rates in the River Trent. The pass will then open and close based on the differing water levels throughout the year.

The pass is divided into 20 ascending chambers into which water flows through narrow slots. Fish of all species can swim upstream to lay their eggs in the gravel riverbeds of the Trent tributaries such as the River Dove and the River Derwent. They will be able to pass through these slots and rest in the chamber above before continuing.

The direct environmental benefits of the fish pass will be £18.6m. This includes 60 kilometres of river improvement from poor to good status for fish, as well as 60 kilometres of new spawning habitat immediately upstream of the barrier. It will also aid interconnectivity with numerous other fish passage schemes previously constructed upstream by the Environment Agency. 

The decline of migratory fish in the Trent catchment dates back to the Industrial Revolution, when large weirs were built to open up the river for trade. While some fish were able to overcome these barriers not all of them could.

The Environment Agency fisheries service has a statutory duty to maintain, improve and develop migratory and freshwater fisheries as set out in the Environment Act 1995.

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