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Independent review planned after concerns are raised about lack of ethnic minority representation on Gedling Borough Council

Gedling Borough Council is commissioning an independent review of the lack of ethnic minority representation among its elected members and officer workforce.

Concerns were voiced by resident Auvil Graham to the leader of the Labour-run council, Cllr John Clarke, and deputy leader Cllr Michael Payne.

Mr Graham spoke at a Full Council meeting on the evening of Wednesday, April 17, to say he was “disappointed” with the council’s written response to an email he’d sent to the two councillors.

He said: “In my original email I noted of nearly 50 councillors, officers, and members of the public in attendance at the Full Council meeting of January 2024, apart from myself there was only one other person from a visible ethnic minority.

Concerns were voiced by resident Auvil Graham to the leader of the Labour-run council, Cllr John Clarke, pictured right, and deputy leader Cllr Michael Payne, left

“Given the deputy leader’s response to a constituent’s question at that meeting in which he said the council takes its responsibility for equality and diversity seriously and that all protected characteristics are equally important, I question the validity of that statement.”

Mr Graham said according to the latest equality monitoring data from 2021 only 4.4 per cent of the council’s employees were from visible minorities, against a population of about 10 per cent.

“I had asked that given the councils stated commitment to equality I would be very grateful to know how GBC intends to make the council more representative ethnically of the public it serves, and efforts to engage the council’s minority ethnic population in all activities including local democracy,” he added.

“The reply from the leader and deputy leader does not, unfortunately, answer my question. Indeed, it does not specifically address under-representation of minority ethnic people at all. I would be grateful for a clear answer.

“How does GBC intend to make the council more representative ethnically of the public it serves and engage the council’s minority ethnic population in all activities, including local democracy?”

Deputy leader Cllr Payne said he shared Mr Graham’s concerns on the need for greater progress on improving the representation of ethnic minorities within the council’s workforce and among elected representatives.

He said while work is being done, including advertising jobs to 40 different individuals and community groups working with potentially unrepresented applicants, and training managers in unconscious bias and equality, more work is yet needed.

“The truth is too many individuals from black and minority groups still face discrimination and disadvantage both in getting into and progressing at work,” he said.

“People of all ethnicities and backgrounds should have equality of access, treatment and outcomes throughout their employee life cycle, from getting a job to accessing training and receiving a promotion.

“The council has made progress in tackling some of these challenges. But let me be crystal clear on the public record there is always more to do.

“I have therefore, Mr Graham, asked the council’s strategic, equalities and diversity group and our senior management team, led by our chief executive, to commission an independent review of the council’s recruitment and retention procedures, policies and culture, with a specific focus on the issue of the council’s staff being representative of the community it serves, including representation of ethnic minorities in our workforce.”

Cllr Payne said it would draw on findings from other reviews, including the 2017 review by Baroness McGregor-Smith, which considered the issues affecting black and minority ethnic (BME) groups in the workplace.

“From a personal perspective I will continue to do everything I can within my power to support people from ethnic minorities who wish to stand for public office, both at a local and national level as I have done for the last 10 years,” Cllr Payne added.

The Influence of Maltese and Anjouan Licenses on the Global iGaming Markets

Two major countries, Anjouan and Malta, have grown into formidable licensing choices for iGaming firms in the dynamic online gaming industry. Having Malta and Anjouan gaming licenses offers up potential foreign markets. IGaming firms may enhance income and customers by taking use of Anjouan’s popularity and Malta’s reputation.

Malta Is a Top Online Gambling Destination

Malta, a Mediterranean island, has long hosted internet gambling. Over 26.2 million gaming accounts and 10% of online gaming businesses were there in 2023. This made Malta online gaming license safe and easy to keep an eye on. 

Malta was a pioneer in EU internet gaming regulation. It keeps its gaming laws up to date all the time to protect users, stop money laundering, and follow EU rules. Bill 55, which shields license holders from judgments rendered by foreign courts, and the Gaming Act of 2018 have both contributed to Malta’s growing reputation as a trustworthy licensing country.

Malta License Benefits: The Essentials

  • Malta’s Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) is known for player safety and strict oversight, so operators and players may trust it.
  • Malta’s regulatory system balances strictness and flexibility. It allows operators to innovate while maintaining company integrity.
  • Malta has a favorable tax environment, and its extensive tax imputation structure lets gaming enterprises pay as little as 5% effective taxes.
  • Multilingual and skilled workers populate the nation. It simplifies hiring online gamers.
  • Malta offers data centers and telecom services. Gambling enterprises need it.

The Growing Popularity of Anjouan

The small island of Anjouan in the Comoros archipelago is becoming a favorite license destination because of its low rates and simple licensing process. Operators seeking rapid growth may find this jurisdiction intriguing owing to its various perks.

  1. The Anjouan Gaming License is leading the iGaming industry because of its benefits for operators.
  2. Anjouan is known for cheap licensing. This jurisdiction offers cheaper license fees than many others. So it makes it a good choice for new enterprises.
  3. Simplified Application: Anjouan’s licensing process is quick. Operators may reduce downtime and speed up their iGaming market entry by starting operations sooner.
  4. Your Anjouan license may help you access new African, Latin American, Asian, and other markets. These industries are growing and may have less rivalry than established enterprises.
  5. Anjouan allows businesses to adapt to market needs and changes.
  6. Anjouan’s tax framework makes iGaming businesses more financially viable.

Anjouan license boosts integrity and production. Anjouan’s agility and cost allow you to go into growing markets in Asia, Africa, Latin America, and beyond. it is a great solution to start and test, while Maltese license is for further steps and reputation boost. 

Sum up

As iGaming increases, selecting the correct license is vital for worldwide development. Malta has a stellar reputation and European market access. An Anjouan license fits for start-ups and opens various foreign markets, providing a strategic edge. 

Contact InteliumLaw for advice on the best solution for your business licensing with Malta or Anjouan license.

Nottingham City Transport statement as bus stop screens show ‘confusing’ information

Nottingham City Transport (NCT) has apologised over inaccurate information being shown on information screens at bus stops across the borough.

The bus firm said the accuracy and reliability of the information on the electronic bus stop displays had been ‘deteriorating’ over recent months.

In a statement NCT said that many of the screens are now showing inaccurate bus arrival predictions, missing out services and the scheduled time of the bus going missing when the time is reached, regardless of whether it has arrived.

Bus stop electronic displays have been showing inaccurate information

The bus operator said: “Providing predicted information to the bus stop displays is a partnership between local bus operators and the local councils, which has worked very well for many years. Bus operators send their tracking data and predictions to the local councils, who then install and maintain the displays and facilitate the information shown on them.

“The technology behind the system was coming to the end of its life, and a new system has been procured recently by Nottingham City Council to ensure information can be provided long in to the future. Unfortunately there have been problems in the transition to the new system which is resulting in the unreliable information currently on the displays, and we understand from the Council that the new supplier is working tirelessly in an effort to resolve the situation.

NCT said the problems affecting the bus stop displays do not affect the information shown on their website or NCTX Buses app, where predictions come directly from NCT and do not travel through a number of third party systems to reach the bus stop displays.

The spokesman added: “NCT shares your frustration with the poor situation with the bus stop displays and continues to have several conversations each week with Nottingham City Council about resolving it and returning the information on the bus stop displays to the high levels of accuracy previously enjoyed.

“Until then, we encourage you to download the free NCTX Buses app or use our website for accurate predicted information and thank you for your patience.”

Gedling property manager risks arrest while taking part in Defend our Juries court protest in Notts tomorrow

A property manager from Gedling is running the risk of arrest by protesting outside a crown court over juries’ rights.

Amanda Pumo will be taking her place outside Nottingham Crown Court tomorrow (19) from 8.45am during a week of action by members of the Defend our Juries campaign.

They are part of the Defend Our Juries movement who are holding protests outside every single court in England and Wales.

This week was chosen because Trudi Warner, the first protester to hold a protest outside the Old Bailey will be in court facing a prison sentence for her action.  

Nottingham_Crown_Court
Protests are taking place outside Nottingham Crown Court tomorrow (19)

The signs held by local citizens – and by Trudi Warner – point out an ancient British law: the right of juries to reach their own conclusions based solely on the evidence presented, and independent of a judge’s directions. 

This law was created in 1670 when jurors refused to convict Quaker activists of unlawful assembly, despite the judge sending them to jail for ignoring his directions. The jurors appealed, won, and this law has protected the independence of juries ever since. 

In a trial this February Judge Reid spoke to the jury and said “It is only on the evidence you are able to try the case and not on conscience … It is a criminal offence for a juror to do anything from which it can be concluded that a decision will be made on anything other than the evidence.” 

Amanda Pumo, 64, said “Juries are a common sense check on the law. They ensure that judges, law makers and governments can’t abuse their power and use British courtrooms to do their dirty work for them.

“I’m here to send a clear message to Judges that the public won’t stand for jurors being made a mockery of. Let our juries hear the whole truth and let them reach a fair and true verdict without judicial interference!”

Eve Cina, 68, a retired probation officer from West Bridgford said “Contrary to popular belief, juries aren’t bound to follow a judge’s directions. Instead, according to this established law, their job is to evaluate all the evidence they hear and make up their own minds depending on what they think is morally right.

“The right to a fair trial by a jury of one’s peers is a cornerstone of our legal system, and a safeguard against tyranny.”

Brooke Farm in Linby helps Pulp Friction grow RHS Chelsea Flower Show garden

Nottinghamshire County Council’s Brooke Farm in Linby, which runs an employment training programme for adults with learning disabilities, is playing a crucial role by helping to grow plants for a garden in the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2024. 

Alongside their range of plants and flowers grown and sold on-site, Brooke Farm has shared space in their heated greenhouses to grow a variety of plants for the RHS Chelsea Flower Show exhibit. Plants include runner beans, marigolds, fennel, dwarf nasturtium and sweet rocket. 

Nottingham-based Pulp Friction asked for Brooke Farm’s help because the plants need a warm environment to survive at this time of year so use of their greenhouse space has ensured enough plants can be grown for the exhibit. 

The Pulp Friction ‘Growing Skills Garden’ is being entered into the All About Plants category and represents themes that are close to the heart of both organisations. Both offer skills training to adults with learning disabilities, so the project is a great opportunity for trainees to gain more gardening experience. Five trees will represent that just 5 percent of adults with a learning disability are currently in paid employment. All plants in the exhibit will be edible and grown using environment and animal friendly techniques.

Members of both organisations will work closely together over the next few weeks tending to the plants at Brooke Farm in preparation for the RHS Chelsea Flower Show which runs from 21 to 25 May. 

Councillor Matt Barney, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, said: “I’m delighted that our trainees at Brooke Farm have the chance to work with Pulp Friction and showcase their skills by helping to create such an important and inspirational garden for the RHS Chelsea Flower Show.”

Brad Jones, manager at Brooke Farm, added: “We were really excited when Pulp Friction asked us if we could help them by growing some plants for the RHS Chelsea Flower Show here at Brooke Farm. What a great opportunity for our trainees and Pulp Friction members to work together on such a special project. We can’t wait to see the finished garden.”

Pulp Friction member Elliot is also hoping to start employment training at Brooke Farm this summer, after working in the project team. Elliot said: “I’m excited to be a part of this project growing plants for the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, as I love gardening and it’s a great opportunity to learn more from my new colleagues at Brooke Farm.” 

Beth Danks, lead gardener at Pulp Friction told us: “Everyone at Brooke Farm has been fantastic and so supportive. Without that support, we wouldn’t have been able to produce enough plants for our RHS Chelsea Flower Showgarden. It’s also been so nice to see members and trainees from both our teams working together.”

Council urges voluntary, community, and social enterprise groups in Gedling borough to apply for cash from Shared Prosperity Fund

Gedling Borough Council is urging community champions to apply to its Shared Prosperity Fund that helps support high street activities and community events in the borough

Local charities, community groups, and voluntary organisations serving borough residents are invited to apply for grants of up to £5,000 to enhance community events, cultural or heritage activities, and projects aimed at increasing footfall to high streets.

Eligible projects include engaging the community in arts, heritage, or cultural events, improving existing cultural or heritage assets, and providing events or cultural activities in Gedling Borough high streets. Inclusivity and social connection initiatives targeting groups at risk of exclusion are also encouraged to apply.

Applications are open until June 30, 2024.

Successful applicants will enter into a grant agreement with the council and must spend their awards by March 31, 2025.

Councillor Jenny Hollingsworth Portfolio Holder for Sustainable Growth and Economy, encourages local organisations to make the most of this opportunity: “This funding presents a significant chance for local groups to make a positive impact in Gedling Borough.

“We urge eligible organisations to apply and help us create vibrant and inclusive communities.”

To apply for funding, visit www.gedling.gov.uk and search High Street Fund to download the application form and email it to community@gedling.gov.uk by 30 June 2024. 

This project is funded by the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

PM urges residents to have say on how £20m Towns Fund is spent on Carlton

The Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has urged residents in Carlton to have their say on where £20m allocated to the town from Government funding is spent.

The £20m of funding from the Towns Fund to level-up Carlton was announced during March’s Budget.

Gedling MP Tom Randall MP has since written to Carlton residents asking for their views on what they would like to see that funding spent on.

Prime minister Rishi Sunak has urged Carlton residents to have their say on where the Towns Fund is spent

£20m has been allocated to spend on improving parts of Carlton
Gedling MP Tom Randall asked the PM for his reaction to the funding announcement at PMQs

During Prime Minister’s Questions yesterday (17), Randall addressed the PM: “I very much welcome the £20m allocated to Carlton in my Gedling constituency, as part of the Government’s Long-term Plan for Towns.

“I am very eager to see that this money is spent according to local wishes and I know there will be consultations following the setting up of the Town Board.”

He went on to ask the Prime Minister to join him in urging Carlton residents to take part in those consultations

Randall said: “Will [the Prime Minister] join me in urging Carlton residents to take part in those forthcoming consultations, to make sure their voices are heard and to ensure this money is spent where the people want?”

The Prime Minister replied: “Our Long-term Plan for Towns means that 75 towns across the country, including Carlton, will benefit from £20m each to invest in their local areas but, crucial, as he said, that will be in the hands of local people deciding on their priorities for the place that they live. 

“Whether its regenerating local high streets, investing in parks and green spaces, or tackling anti-social behaviour, we are levelling up across the country and [Tom Randall MP] deserves enormous praise for his role in securing that investment.” 

Speaking after PMQs, Tom said: “It is crucial that this investment is spent on projects that the residents of Carlton want to see delivered and that is why the Prime Minister and I encourage them to take part in upcoming consultations as well as responding to my letter with spending ideas.”

Match Report: Carlton Town 3 – 0 Ossett Utd.

NPL First Division East – 16 April 2024

Alex Howes’ second half strike and first half goals from Lamin Manneh and Nat Watson secured the points for the Millers.

Carlton were unchanged from the side that brought back three points from Newton Aycliffe last time out.  Ten days ago, Ossett were on the cusp of the relegation places following the loss to Grantham but a hard fought 1-0 victory at home to North Ferriby at the weekend, complete with a spectacular goal from top scorer Alex Peterson, had given them a bit of breathing space and increased hopes of survival.

Once more, both sides were indebted to ground staff and volunteers who had worked hard to ensure the playing surface was ok as the rains had fallen over the weekend.

Both sides had so much riding on positive outcomes and it showed as the game exploded into life from the opening blast of the referee’s whistle. Carlton nearly scored in the first minute with measured approach play through Lewis Durow, Watson, Niall Hylton and Howes culminating in Manneh’s smart shot saved by Callum Hiddleston in the Ossett goal.  Watson’s elaborate overhead kick fired over from the rebound.

Within moments and the visitors were in behind the Carlton defence and only a superb save from Felix Annan prevented Sam Tingle from opening the scoring, the ball deflected out for a corner via the crossbar.

The breathless half continued with the feel of a cup tie and from the corner kick, Alex Peterson’s header from point blank range was missed to Annan’s right hand post. Straight up the other end and Manneh was bearing down on the Ossett goal and twisted Adam Watson inside out before trying his luck. A deflection squirrelled the ball beyond the reach of Hiddleston and Carlton were in front after just four minutes.

No stranger to rains in recent weeks but it was chances on goal that were raining down at the Bill Stokeld.  Howes, playing in a deeper role alongside Greg Tempest, played an excellent ball to Manneh, marauding down the left again. He cut infield and played a pass to Watson on the edge of the box. Watson made an excellent connection but fired the strike straight at Hiddleston.

Carlton continued to exert pressure and from a Durow long throw, Khyle Sargent produced a loopy header which almost dropped in. The attempt cannoned off the bar with the keeper beaten and only a superb interception by Paddy Miller snaffled the ball away from Manneh who was denied a tap in.

Not to be outdone, Ossett came back and a cross into the Carlton box was allowed to bounce. As chaos ensued, Peterson managed a shot on target but Annan smuggled the ball behind. Moments later, another long ball from deep bounced in the Carlton box right in front of Annan as the Millers stopper was caught in two minds. Peterson again the man closest but he couldn’t get the vital touch and Felix swatted away. More alarm bells in the home side’s box as Harry Coates headed wide from a corner when it seemed easier to score.

An even game then midway through the half but the scales tipped towards Carlton as a glorious move down the right involving Watson and Hylton doubled the advantage. Watson collected the ball wide out and played the pass to Hylton inside right on the edge of the box. The Millers wide man held off his defender and effectively dummied the ball. Watson showed presence of mind to continue his run, picked up the ball, dropped his shoulder to round the final defender and lashed the ball past Hiddleston.

Now going for the jugular, Carlton swarmed forward. The excellent Tempest won the ball in centre field and released Durow down the left. The left back’s cross fell between Niall Davie and Watson with defenders nearby. Davie laid off to Hylton on the edge of the box whose first time pass to Howes in an inside right position wrong-footed the onrushing defenders. Howes picked his spot and were it not for a brilliant block by Miller it would have been three. The rebound fell to Howes and he tried his luck again to the keeper’s left this time only to narrowly miss the target.

The referee had allowed the game to flow but had to book defender Watson for an agricultural hack on Manneh. In a well worked free kick, Davie supplied a great cross to Hylton attacking from the far post to the near. He was in front of his man but a poor connection meant the ball was cleared downfield instead of nestled in the onion bag.  Another foul on Manneh and another good position for a free kick. Twenty five yards out, left of centre, this one had the attentions of Watson and Davie. It was the skipper who went for goal and drew another wonderful save from the impressive Hiddleston.

In the final moments of a frantic half, Ossett won a free kick of their own wide on the right in the attacking third. Dangerously arrowed in by Miller, Annan batted it away as the whistle drew the half to a close.

With half time scores going against the visitors in the battle for survival, many were expecting a response but it was Carlton who started the brighter with Davie needing no invitation to run at the retreating Ossett back line. He was caught and floored however and took the free kick himself. Manneh rose highest but was again denied by the upright with Hiddleston scrabbling.

Ossett did respond though and David Adegbola was caught the wrong side of a good run from Derry Robson and booked as much for kicking the ball away as the foul itself. The free kick was in an advanced position but a poor delivery from Jacob McLoughlin was not what the visitors needed.

There was a little more possession now for Ossett but it didn’t amount to much and the Millers defence seemed comfortable. A long clearance from the Carlton defensive third landed with Hiddleston who played the ball out to Coates. As a unit, Howes, Manneh and Hylton pounced and squeezed the defenders on the ball and a loose pass was extracted by Howes who was through. He exchanged a glorious one two with Hylton who screened the last man and back heeled his return to Howes who was composed as he ran through and slotted past Hiddleston.

Almost instantly Ossett should have registered. Adam Priestley breaking the offside trap but inexplicably lifted his shot over Annan and the bar.

Just after the hour mark and Carlton made three swift changes. Lawrence Stewart-Gorman replaced Adegbola at right back. Mamadoh Sylla-Diallo came on for Howes and Davie was given a rest in place of the returning Jevon Seaton, the striker signed on dual registration before deadline day from Radford.  It was almost the dream second debut for Seaton as Manneh away down the right, got to the byline and crossed to Seaton who with his first touch made a good connection but it was straight at the Ossett keeper who continued with his fine performance.

Manneh again was first to respond from a knock down after a Durow throw. It was the tightest of angles but he still drew a save from Hiddleston who himself was thankful for the post to complete the clearance.

Manneh also had the ball in the net direct from a corner but the referee saw a foul on the goalkeeper and the strike was ruled out.

Both teams had chances in the closing moments. A route one goal kick from Hiddleston was knocked on by Peterson into the run of substitute Reece Mellor. He tried for goal but Annan was happy enough to let the ball flash past the post. Tingle was fouled on the edge of the box by Sylla-Diallo. He took the kick himself but it hit the wall and was cleared to safety.

Carlton should have scored a fourth as Seaton broke well into the box but was denied by a good challenge from Shane Killock.  Watson fired just over after a well worked corner, Sylla-Diallo shot wide after good hustle from Tempest to recover possession and release his midfield teammate and in the space of a minute, Manneh missed to the left and then the right of Hiddleston’s goal after excellent work from Seaton, Watson and Sylla-Diallo respectively found the Carlton winger in space.

This game could’ve quite easily finished 10-4 but a positive win for Carlton nonetheless in what is a very busy penultimate week of the regular season.

Carlton Town: F Annan, D Adegbola (L Stewart-Gorman 65), D Brown, K Sargent, L Durow, G Tempest, L Manneh, A Howes (M Sylla-Diallo 68), N Watson, N Davie (J Seton 69), N Hylton

Unused Subs: M Jebbison, P Dearle

Goals: L Manneh 4, N Watson 27, A Howes 63

Carlton Town Supporters Club MOTM: Lamin Manneh

Att: 143

PLANNING: Proposed construction of car wash, tyre fitting garage and electric car charging station on Westdale Lane approved by Gedling planners

Plans to build a new a hand car wash, tyre fitting garage and electric car charging station in Carlton have been approved by council planners.

An application received by Gedling Borough Council from Mr Ian Storm of Storm Design, Beeston acting as agent on behalf of NG7 LTD. for the proposed construction of a hand car wash, tyre fitting garage and electric car charging station at 343 Westdale Lane West, Mapperley, NG3 6EW has been given the green light.

The approved application grants conditional permission to operate seven days per week as follows: opening hours – 8.00am – 6.00pm Mon – Sat and 9.00am – 4.00pm on Sunday.

Pictured: Propsed site plan on Westdale Lane (Courtesy of Gedling Borough Council planning)

A Design and Access (D & A) statement provided in support of the full planning application states that the site is adjacent a small independent builders merchants and Westdale Junior School on the opposite side of Westdale Lane.

It said Westdale Lane ‘is a busy link road through a mainly residential location interspersed with occasional commercial and retail units.’

The D & A statement also stated that the applicant has identified a strong demand for a modern high-quality car washing service with fully trained and uniformed staff. It would be supported with a tyre retailing facility and public electrical vehicle charging facility.

A single storey building incorporating reception, office and tyre changing areas is to be retained and reclad. This is also reflected in the planning application which states that the existing gross internal floorspace of 204sq.m is equivalent to the total gross new internal floorspace proposed.

Pictured: Proposed floor layout on Westdale Lane (Courtesy of Gedling Borough Council planning)

It is also proposed that the site will be fenced in using 3m High powder coated steel framed 12mm toughened glass panels with signage detailing to the upper levels with vehicular access from Westdale Lane only with egress from the site using the Ferndale Avenue exit only. The 3M high Glass screens will provide acoustic protection to the adjacent properties.

Public electric charging facilities will be positioned to the rear of the building away from the jet washing facility.

Further details regarding Planning Application 2023/0840 can be accessed HERE.

Gedling borough weather Thursday, April 18

A largely dry and bright morning, with light winds. Becoming increasingly cloudy, with strengthening winds and a band of rain arriving from the northwest into the afternoon. Maximum temperature 12 °C.

Tonight is expected to be cloudy with rain clearing slowly south by the early hours. Clear spells developing. Winds easing towards dawn. Feeling warmer than of late. Minimum temperature 8 °C.

Tomorrow will see bright spells with showers developing during the morning, these showers could be heavy at times, mostly easing by evening. Wind falling light. Maximum temperature 13 °C.