Gedling Borough Council has already recovered £330,000 from a former employee who stole almost £1 million from the authority over 20 years.
Ex Senior Assistant Accountant Alan Doig, 57, authorised regular payments to himself to fund his gambling addiction.
He admitted the fraud and was sentenced to five years in prison last Wednesday (October 2).
On Monday (October 7) the council told the Local Democracy Reporting Service it had already got back £330,000 after Doig’s pension was seized.
A Nottinghamshire Police investigation identified 86 fraudulent transactions over the course of two decades, totalling £934,343.30
A Proceeds of Crime hearing will be heard by the courts at later date to determine how the council could be paid back the rest of the amount.
Any money which can’t be recovered from Mr Doig will be covered by insurance, the authority said in answer to a series of questions about the case asked by the Local Democracy Reporting Service.
Mr Doig had been using his insider knowledge to generate council invoices and enrich himself for two decades, the courts heard.
His fraud was only discovered in 2021 when new regulations and post-Covid ways of working required him to change his methods, making colleagues suspicious.
The Labour-run authority says it informed councillors and staff once the charges became public on the advice of Nottinghamshire Police, and the group leaders and Audit committee were notified earlier.
The council says measures put in place to prevent a repeat include an in-depth forensic analysis of their financial system and more secure controls.
All staff have also received fraud awareness training.
Doig pleaded guilty to obtaining a money transfer by deception and fraud by abuse of position.
Chief Executive Mike Hill said in an earlier statement: “Our organisation is in shock that we are the victims of a crime carried out by a long-serving employee, who was in position of trust, and who abused the system to commit fraud on such a scale.
“This was a criminal act and the sentencing reflects the crime and we believe that justice has been served.
“Only someone with key insider knowledge could have done this, and we would not have been able to prevent this from happening. We had numerous checks and controls in place, we were subjected to regular and thorough audits of processes and procedures.
“It was only when legislation changes came in that required new checks, as well as his changes in behaviour, that the fraud was found.
“We are confident that this was an isolated incident by a man with a serious problem. He stole public money, which could have been used to pay for essential services and we want to reassure the public that the money will be recuperated in full, and we have new systems in place to prevent this from happening in the future.
“We have a zero tolerance approach to fraud and all of our staff are aware of this.”
At his sentencing hearing, Doig’s defence counsel said he felt “truly embarrassed and ashamed” of his actions, adding gambling had led him down a “long and dark path”.
Carlton made one change from the side that beat Pontefract last Saturday with Jack Newall returning to lead the line for Khyle Sargent who was away. Niall Hylton made his 100th appearance for the Millers.
Liversedge arrived in decent form with two wins in the last two and in an unremarkable opening fifteen minutes, the visitors did have the edge. A well worked low angled free kick from Adam Clayton found Jack Dyche attacking the near post but the striker put his shot well over.
They did have the first clear sight of goal, centre back Dan Hartley found acres of space in the Carlton box from a Clayton corner and was only denied by a stunning Felix Annan save. The ‘cat’ living up to his name and acknowledged by the healthy home support.
That save seemed to spark the home side into life as moments later a lovely passing move involving Newall, Hylton and Lamin Manneh opened up the left channel to Nat Watson. The midfielder dropped the shoulder before rifling a shot past Jake Oram but the crossbar saved Sedge.
Spaces began to open up in wider areas and from a Carlton goal kick, a Watson flick on released Manneh and despite attracting three Liversedge defenders to him, he still advanced into the box and got a shot on target. Oram smothered again with his legs.
After more Millers pressure Alex Howes was charged with corner duties. The delivery landed in the six-yard area and a real mess of limbs resulted in a half clearance but Watson and Manneh combined to retrieve possession but the shot from a tight angle was well defended by the head of Joe Walton.
A moment of real quality then as Watson and Newall exchanged passes in the final third and Hylton dropped off the back of the defensive line. Watson’s pass to him was good and the wingman got his shot away but again, Oram was up to the task with a strong hand to save. In the final throws of the first half Manneh was booked for what was deemed a late challenge on Hartley.
Liversedge began the second half as they did the first on the front foot and threw numbers forward. Jack Crook though was caught in possession on the edge of the Carlton box by Manneh. The Carlton frontman turned and ran. And ran. He ran away from no less than six opposition players who didn’t lay a glove on him, or even try as he outpaced them over 80 yards before calmly slotting past Oram just before Crook caught up to him as Carlton took the lead to the delight of the crowd behind the goal.
Encouraged by that, the home side pressed on. From a Lewis Durow throw, Watson timed his jump well and flicked on. Hylton held off attentions from Jeremie Milambo on the edge of the box and Newall shot forward and fired at goal but his connection was lacking and Oram was comfortable in the save low to his right.
This league though is relentless and, rewarded for their response after those warning shots, Sedge were back on terms five minutes later as Clayton worked the ball well down the right and found Walton a yard out, the front man nodding home past Annan who did well to get close.
Not to be outdone, Carlton came back at their visitors and from another long throw a superb near post flick on from Dean Freeman found Michael Ford in the six yard box, his header though agonisingly hit the bar with Oram beaten.
Liversedge did though start to control more of the play. Crook was increasingly more influential. The midfield man dictating the play and his direct running was causing problems for Ford and Howes in the centre of midfield. On one such run, the Sedge man found substitute Chinedu Osadebe in the inside left channel. The tricky wide man firing across the box and just beyond Jack Degruchy at the far post. This became the theme for some minutes with Newall increasingly isolated up front but the young loanee was acquitting himself well to the task but being given nothing by the referee as he was subjected to some harsh treatment from both Hartley and Kurt Harris in the middle of the Liversedge defence. The youngster, the Carlton fans at that end of the field and those on the home bench all showing their frustration with the officials. For all the possession, Dan Brown and Freeman were relatively untroubled and dealt with threat very well.
As the balance shifted once again, Carlton showed a clinical side with a glorious move. Hylton winning the ball in the centre of the park he handed off to Watson. His wonderful outside of the foot pass to Manneh on the left wing left Alfie Raw in the right back spot out of position and Manneh had the time to place his pass to the feet of Newall who was in space and a yard from goal. He couldn’t miss. It was to be Newall’s final involvement as he made way for latest signing, Harry Goddard. As Sedge pressed forward, space on the break became the Millers’ option and Watson found Goddard in the final third who in turn passed to Manneh but Crook recovered well, showing an excellent turn of pace to snuff out the danger.
Goddard and Watson linked up well again to release Liam Moran who had entered the fray in place of Hylton. The new season recruit wanted too many touches in the box though and the chance was lost. Carlton were then guilty of more wasteful play. Moran had a great chance as the game entered injury time but Oram made a decent stop. A bizarre moment when the referee adjudged Harris to have played a deliberate back pass to Oram. An indirect free kick on the corner of the six yard box was the result but Watson could only lash the ball over the bar.
As the clock ticked into the ninety fifth minute Carlton thought they’d been awarded a throw in an advanced position down their left. The linesman signalled as much but the referee overruled. Despite that, the Millers were sluggish in getting back but Shea Thompson-Harris was on hand to clear the long ball out of the ground. From a Crook long throw the ball landed in the box and through a mess of bodies a Liversedge body hit the ground under very little contact. No signal from the linesman who was right in front but again, the man with the whistle, stood beyond the crowd signalled for a spot kick. Disbelief round three quarters of the ground, elation behind the Carlton goal from the good numbers of travelling support. After protestations from all parts with home side leanings, Alfie Raw stepped up, kept his composure and smashed the ball down the middle. The protests continued after the final whistle but it didn’t change the result.
Like most sides in the division the October schedule is heavy for Carlton and they have to dust themselves down and focus as they are on the road this Wednesday where they’ll face high flying Grimsby Borough before another home match against Consett on October 12th.
Carlton Town: F Annan, S Thompson-Harris, L Durow, D Brown, D Freeman, M Ford, N Hylton (L Moran 72), A Howes, J Newall (H Goddard 82), N Watson, L Manneh. Unused Subs: O Soloman, L Stewart-Gorman, N Saunders.
Goals: L Manneh 47, J Newall 71; Joe Walton 56, Alfie Raw 90+8 (pen)
A teenager from Gedling is inviting others to join him on a virtual sleepout to help raise cash for a homeless charity.
14-year-old Isa Biçer is planning to take part in the sleepover on Friday, October 11, the night following World Homeless Day.
A Virtual Sleepout is in support of Framework, the charity working to help people who are homeless across the East Midlands.
Isa became the charity’s first Youth Patron this summer after getting involved in supporting Framework when he took part in the Big Sleep Out with his scout group in 2021.
He has set up a fundraising page to raise cash from the event.
His page explains that ‘the virtual sleepout aims to get everyone involved in a fun way’.
will support Framework’s Winter Appeal SOS Save our Street Outreach Teams.
“For one night grab your friends and family and sleep outside in your garden, you can do this under shelter or completely under the stars. The purpose is to experience what it can be like to not have your own bed and raise some money as you do it.’
Isa added: “I am the Youth Patron for Framework and want to help raise awareness about homelessness and rough sleeping whilst raising money to support the charity. My own family was made homeless during the earthquakes in Turkey in 2023 and so I have experienced the impact not having a home has.
“I’m excited for the sleep out and hope it doesn’t rain. My whole family is sleeping out for three nights. On the final night, our friends are joining us for the Virtual Sleepout which will be fun. I’m glad they are getting involved as they can help raise awareness of homelessness and become more aware themselves.”
Amy Biçer, Isa’s mum, added: “Isa showed real empathy and compassion for those sleeping rough or without a place to call home and we have such respect for him taking actions to try and make a difference and to raise awareness.
“If anyone talks to him about Framework he talks with real passion and has inspired us and many other young people to get actively involved. In his role as Youth Patron he has taken on many challenges, some of which felt overwhelming, but his belief in what he is doing has driven him and fills us with admiration and pride.”
It is hoped local Scouts groups will be getting involved, with one group inviting Isa in to talk about the charity and the Virtual Sleepout. Isa will be giving a talk to the 2nd Chilwell Scout Group on 7 October, in his role as Youth Patron.
Loren Shore, Framework, said: “We’re so proud of Isa in his role as our first ever Youth Patron; he’s already inspiring other young people to support Framework and his virtual sleepout is already looking to be a massive success. Lewis has been an absolute legend with his fundraising efforts as well, and it’s incredible to see the positive impact they’re both making.”
On Friday, November 15, Scouts, Explorers and Adults from Central Notts Scouts will also be sleeping out with just their sleeping bags and cardboard for shelter to raise vital funds for Framework.
There’s still time to join the Virtual Sleepout and raise funds for Framework. Isa has increased the fundraising target with donations already having exceeded £600.
All the funds raised by Isa and family, his friend Lewis, the 2nd Chilwell Scout Group and Central Notts Scouts will support Framework’s Winter Appeal SOS Save our Street Outreach Teams.
Supermarket giant Sainsbury’s is set to create 20,000 new seasonal roles nationwide as it gears up for the busy Christmas period.
The new employees will work across the supermarket’s stores, warehouses and online fulfilment centre, with 18,000 workers for Sainsbury’s and 2,000 for Argos.
The temporary workers will be employed on fixed-term contracts ranging from three to 12 weeks.
The new employees will work across the supermarket’s stores, warehouses and online fulfilment centre
Sainsbury’s chief people office Prerana Issar said: “As the festive season draws near, we’re getting ready to create a memorable Christmas for our customers – and our brilliant colleagues play a central role in bringing this to life.
“Joining us during this busy time is a fantastic opportunity to meet great people and acquire skills that will stay with you long after the festive season. Our amazing store colleagues play a huge role in making Sainsbury’s the first choice for our customers, ensuring that good food is joyful, accessible and affordable however households choose to celebrate.
“Whether you’ll be new to the team or returning to share the Christmas spirit again, we’re so happy to have you with us!”
Groups and charities across Gedling borough are being encouraged to apply for the latest round of community-improving grants which open today (7).
The latest round of Nottinghamshire County County’s Local Communities Fund (LCF) is now open for applicants until Friday 8 November 2024. Eligible groups can apply for funding which demonstrate that their projects will help communities live healthier and more independent lives.
Fundraiser Sarah Benedek described how this funding is essential to their current royal-themed project aimed at helping enhance the park and giving visitors a chance to rest and enjoy the surroundings.
She said: “We had a hope of creating a tribute for our late monarch – a pair of beautiful memorial benches for everyone to use on the edge of the newly planted Queen’s Canopy Jubilee Woodland in the Park.
“However, due to the cost of materials and current inflation levels, we would have been struggling to deliver such a fitting project if it wasn’t for Nottinghamshire County Council’s Local Community Fund.
Friends of Gedling Country Park benefitted from one the community grant (PHOTO: Terry Lock)
“We were awarded match funding early this year worth £5,000 and we’re now able to deliver the benches in time for Spring 2025, following a community consultation and art workshops with local school children.”
Eligible groups can apply for grants which best meet their needs. These include:
Capital grants (Eligible groups can apply for up to £20,000) Funding is available for groups to make improvements to facilities that help improve health and wellbeing, as well as projects with an environmental focus. These include:
• Improvements to sporting facilities; • Play areas and/or equipment; • Green/horticultural improvements to open spaces; • Heritage improvements, signposts and information boards to improve the visitor experience.
Revenue grants (Eligible groups can apply for up to £5,000) Funding is available to help projects with their day-to-day running costs such as paying wages and bills. Applications from a range of projects are welcomed, including:
• Summer play schemes; • Projects that tackle digital exclusion, good neighbourhood schemes, dementia-friendly communities and food/lunch clubs; • Encouraging local networks where people help themselves and each other to be resilient, neighbourly and safe; • Increasing volunteering opportunities; • Addressing climate and environmental change; • Improving access to existing community-based services (e.g. advice and signposting), for the most vulnerable residents.
Examples of the kind activities that may be supported include: · Supporting English language classes; · Employment support; · Activities for children and young people; · Advice and support on financial matters; · Tackling loneliness and isolation through for example befriending schemes and support networks; · Promoting health and well-being; · Organising community events; · Supporting and encouraging volunteering.
Following a full assessment process, groups will hear back whether they have been successful in Spring 2025.
Councillor Scott Carlton, the Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities and Public Health, said: “Community groups do such vital work to improve the lives and well-being of our residents, so LCF is all part of our continued commitment to encourage healthy and sustainable communities by financially supporting community groups and charities.”
A new-look application form has been introduced to help make the process even easier. To apply or to check eligibility, go to www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/LCF.
When many people think of Colwick, the hall, racecourse and country park might spring to mind, but did you know it was once famous across the country for producing it’s own cheese – you had cheddar believe it!
Colwick Cheese was a fresh cheese that was invented around the 17th Century in the village.
It was a soft, curdy cheese – and because of the way it is made; had a unique shape, forming a bowl. The centre of the curd fell to the bottom of the mould while the sides still held to the cheese cloth.
Colwick cheese is normally made using moulds similar to cake tins. Many households which traditionally made their own cheese would tip the curds into a cloth, rather than a mould, which they would hang on a line, letting out the whey until the cheese is dry.
Colwick could be eaten either fresh or ripened. To ripen: the cheese was covered to exclude the air. In former times the traditional way to cover it was with cabbage leaf placed over the top.
It is said to have been invented by a John Clarkson who lived in the village and died in 1645 and was one of the family buried in the nave of St John’s church.
The Colwick Cheese was celebrated in an 1857 poem by John Dilks ‘The Artist’s Bride’ which also features the River Trent (page 23);
“Many others, there assembled,
Cosy, sitting at their ease;
Or despatching with great gusto,
Pleasant ‘Colwick,’ thy rich cheese.”
Commercial production of Colwick cheese ended in 1993 when the Richmond Dairy in Mapperley decided that it would cost too much to comply with new European legislation.
At its peak the dairy was making over eight tonnes of the soft, curdy cheese a day.
The cheese was revived in 2011 using traditional methods and milk from the rare Red Poll Cattle.
Production ceased in 2018 when the owners of the dairy producing the cheese took the decision to retire.
Linby overcame a stubborn Arnold Town Reserve team, thanks to a second half hat trick from Liam Cartledge, to progress into the Third Round of the Notts FA Senior Trophy.
A sluggish first half display from Linby saw them create few chances against a determined and well-organised Arnold reserves. Except for what looked like a clear foul on Liam Cartridge inside the area that should have been a penalty, Linby had little to show from a lacklustre first half.
It was the visitors who created a couple of decent chances which weren’t taken.
In the second half Will Wass produced an outstanding point blank save to deny Kian Leavesly on 55 minutes and keep the score at 0-0. This close shave and a few substitutions seemed to wake Linby up and they broke the deadlock on 59mins with a typical marauding run and cross from the bye line by Greg Conn found Cartledge at the far post to head home.
The Referee then sent two Arnold players to the “sin bin” leaving the visitors with nine men for ten minutes, which Linby took full advantage of – scoring twice .
On 72 minutes a good move between Ethan Fells, Paddy Stefaniak set up Ewan Gibson for a shot from the edge of the area, Arnold’s keeper saved it , but the ball wasn’t cleared and Cartledge pounced drilling home from 10 yards out.
Fells got to the bye line and crossed to the far post where Cartledge volleyed home for his hat trick. it was so nearly four for Linby when Gibson hit a thunderous shot from the edge of the area, which crashed against the crossbar and bounced down onto the line .
Line up: W.Wass, Conn, Turner, J.Wass, Fells, Wood, Pollitt, Gibson, Tassi, Hamilton, Cartledge SUBS. J.Smith ( for Pollitt 56m), Stefaniak (for Wood 56m), Trigg (for Hamilton 67m).
Gedling Eye has compiled a list of the cheapest petrol pumps in Gedling borough. The data is sourced from PetrolPrices.com, which covers major service stations including brands like BP, Shell, and Texaco as well as supermarkets, smaller chains and independent stations.
The website combines price data from Catalist with its own crowdsource data, which comes from website users and forecourt owners. The site says it hopes to have “the most up to date and reliable price data across the industry”.
The UK’s average fuel price is 139.41p per litre for Unleaded and 144.16p per litre for diesel.
The following prices were reported locally on 06/10/24
Here are the latest prices from across the borough…
Proposed side extension Newstead Abbey Park, Mount Charlotte Nottingham Road Ravenshead Nottinghamshire NG15 8GE Ref. No: 2024/0642
Reduce height of 70ft Scots Pine by approximately 50%; crown lifting to 3m in accordance with best arboriculture practice. 8 Park Avenue Woodborough Nottinghamshire NG14 6EB Ref. No: 2024/0638TCA
Demolition of existing store and erection of single storey side/rear extension and front porch 9 Eastcliffe Avenue Gedling Nottinghamshire NG4 4HG Ref. No: 2024/0632
First floor rear extension to replace balcony 100 Campbell Drive Carlton Nottinghamshire NG4 1RH Ref. No: 2024/0624
Single Storey rear extension 42 Carnarvon Grove Carlton Nottinghamshire NG4 1RN Ref. No: 2024/0625
Replace two areas of polycarbonate roofing sheets with a more energy efficient tiled and insulated roof. Carlton Pentecostal Church 49 Station Road Carlton Nottinghamshire NG4 3AR Ref. No: 2024/0627
Variation of condition 2 (approved plans) of planning permission 2023/0133 (introduction of 2no Juliet balconies on rear elevation) 213 Plains Road Woodthorpe Nottinghamshire NG3 5RF Ref. No: 2024/0622
Demolition of existing conservatory and construction of single-storey rear extension 140 Marshall Hill Drive Mapperley Nottinghamshire NG3 6HW Ref. No: 2024/0621
Non-material to permission 2022/0519 (remove 2x side windows, replace with roof lights and replace brick finish with a render finish) 29 Grouville Drive Woodthorpe Nottinghamshire NG5 4NN Ref. No: 2024/0614NMA
Removal of limbs overhanging road ( Charnwood Close) 1 Charnwood Close Ravenshead Nottinghamshire NG15 9BZ Ref. No: 2024/0603TPO
Installation of steel and fabric canopy to vacuuming area for permanent siting. 343 Westdale Lane West Mapperley Nottinghamshire NG3 6EW Ref. No: 2024/0608
Larch tree (1) – crown lift up to 3m for vehicle access; Hazel tree (self set multi stem low value) – remove; Blue cedar – crown lift up to 3m for vehicle access; Walnut – limb removal to rebalance tree; Pine tree x 3 (5,6,7) – removal of wind damaged trees; Oak (8) – crown lift up to 3m and remove Pine tree (9) Newstead Abbey Park, Woodnook Nottingham Road Ravenshead Nottinghamshire NG15 8GD Ref. No: 2024/0599TPO
Brick tinting to part of the front elevation; new fenestration and single storey rear extension with canopy 12 Forest Lane Papplewick Nottinghamshire NG15 8FF Ref. No: 2024/0595
Excavate for retaining wall with patio area. 3 Hall Mews Hall Lane Papplewick Nottinghamshire NG15 8FW Ref. No: 2024/0590
Excavate for retaining wall with patio area 3 Hall Mews Hall Lane Papplewick Nottinghamshire NG15 8FW Ref. No: 2024/0591
Demolish existing concrete sectional garage and construct a detached annex for elderly relative. 8A Burton Avenue Carlton Nottinghamshire NG4 1PT Ref. No: 2024/0587
Erection of raised timber decking (4850mm wide x 2320mm out from the back wall and 58cm in height) 6 Saville Road Woodthorpe Nottinghamshire NG5 4JF Ref. No: 2024/0565
Demolition of Existing Garages and Erection of New Build comprising of 2 x 3 Bed Units 1 Ernest Road Carlton Nottinghamshire NG4 1JU Ref. No: 2024/0549
Regulations mean the council is not allowed to charge people for parking at the country park, with the exception of donations, until it has run a consultation first and changed a legal order.
Parking has been free since the site opened in 2014 and in December 2017 voluntary donations were introduced to help its income.
Between £4,000 and £6,000 has been made per year from donations, the report says.
It adds the council wants to “maximise” the income the park produces, and says £2 is a competitive charge compared to other Nottinghamshire parks.
This planned fee will be used in the public consultation needed to amend the regulations around parking.
Alongside new charges, the council is also looking at introducing a pay-by-phone parking service across council-owned car parks in the borough, involving people paying via a smartphone app.
The council also wants to update existing machines to take card payments.
Papers read: “Introducing a cashless option would not only make it easier for users to pay for parking but it may also encourage users to stay longer as it would be possible to extend parking via the app remotely.”
Gedling Borough Council currently uses its existing budget for any maintenance at the park, which has 250 car parking spaces.
Council documents note the upper car park has “major problems” with potholes, with repair money coming from other avenues.
If charges are not introduced, the council says it would “limit the extent of further developments and/or major repairs due to a need to borrow”.
It is expected new parking fees would mean fewer cars would use the site but the expected income charges could generate up to £200,000 for the council.
A successful consultation would see the council revoke its current legal order and replace it with an updated one to allow charging.
A final parking charge figure would be approved at a future council cabinet meeting following the outcome of the public consultation.
