Home Blog Page 247

Shoppers share ideas on ways to breathe life into Carlton Square shopping centre

Emily Sanchez
-
4
Shoppers share ideas on ways to breathe life into Carlton Square shopping centre

Gedling Eye readers and local residents have been sharing their thoughts on what could be done to secure the future of Carlton Square.

The shopping centre has seen a sharp decline in footfall since major retailers abandoned the site, with Wilkos going into administration and Boots pulling down the shutters on their on-site chemist.

Farmfoods recently began work on expanding their current store after snapping up the now-empty Wilkos unit next door. The new-look Farmfoods is set to open next month.

But many traders and shoppers using the centre don’t think the arrival of a larger Farmfoods will be enough to revive the fortunes of the shopping centre.

Work is now underway on converting the former Wilkos store at Carlton Square into an expanded Farmfoods outlet
Carlton Square revamp plan
Plans were submitted for a revamp of the shopping centre back in 2020 but never progressed
This artist’s impression of the site was produced to show how a revamped Square could have looked

But what could be done to breathe life into the site? Our reporter Emily Sanchez headed over to the Square to get the current thoughts of shoppers.

Beverley Wilson, 76, has been shopping at the centre since moving to the area 10 years ago.

She thinks it should become a hub for thriving independent businesses.

“I think they should try and encourage more independent shops to the centre,” she said.

“We’ve got Victoria Retail Park down the road which is a magnet for the bigger names like Boots and Starbucks so I think they should focus on bringing more independent stores here.

“It would be nice to support a few more young entrepreneurs rather than just filling the pockets of the fatcats who run the big chains.”

Randolph Okonedo, 37, thought the focus should shift to food.

“It could become a wonderful food market, he said.

You’ve got Square Bar serving beers so you could surround that with different food outlets serving things like Jamaican, Thai and Sushi.

Boots closed their pharmacy on Carlton Square at the start of the year

“You could have events here too. Silent discos, quizzes, artists playing live.

“It could be really lively with a cafe culture type of vibe up here.”

Peter Arnold, 56, has lived in Carlton all his life and he thinks the centre should be demolished, with existing retailers being offered

“I concur with a recent view shared in your letters section in Gedling Eye,” he said.

“It’s a concrete monstrosity. I like the independents here and they are badly being let down by the surroundings.”

“The council should move them to Netherfield down the road, giving them free rent on a unit for a year as compensation. There is footfall down there, even more so since Heron Foods opened up. It would help them; they would stand a chance down there and it would also help Netherfield.

“This should be knocked down and turned into a green space. A pond, benches, trees. Somewhere you can relax. That’s what the area needs.”

Lacey Wright, 22, would like to see a children’s indoor play area come to the Square.

‘You could knock a few of the empty units into one and turn it into an indoor play centre for young children,” the mother-of-one said.

“There isn’t anything like that round here and it would definitely help the cafes as they could serve drinks to the parents

Plans to revamp the centre have been presented to Gedling Borough Council with site owners Waypoint Asset Management planning to create new shop fronts, street furniture, improved lighting, and landscaping.

In 2020, an identical plan was approved, however, it was never implemented.

What do you think could be done to improve the centre? Let us know in the comments below.

Planning: External revamp for The Vale in Woodthorpe approved by Gedling borough planners

Justin Doddy
-
0
Planning: External revamp for The Vale in Woodthorpe approved by Gedling borough planners

A planning application submitted to Gedling Borough Council from DV8 Designs Limited of Warrington acting as agent on behalf of Greene King for proposed external works at The Vale, Woodthorpe, 780 Mansfield Road, NG5 3GG has been given the green light by Gedling borough planners following amendment.

Pictured: Proposed new layout following amendment (Courtesy of Gedling Borough Council planning)

The decision notice dated February 12 describes the proposed works as ‘New resin ground finishes to replace external damaged tarmac to front of public house and two 4m wide jumbrellas’.

A published recommendation sheet authorised by the Service Manager Development Services/Principal Planning Officer advises that the original planning application included proposed timber posts and astro turf however amended plans were submitted to address the concerns of Officers and the Conservation Officer; these omitted the proposed timber posts and astroturf. 

A design and access statement provided by DV8 as part of the original application stated that the proposal also aimed to revamp the external seating area to the front of the building.

Pictured: Proposed front and side elevations post work following amendment (Courtesy of Gedling Borough Council planning)

Full planning details can be accessed on Planning Application No.2023/0671 HERE.

Black and Green Charity ball in aid of the Nottingham Hospitals Breast Institute returns to Woodborough Hall.

Justin Doddy
-
0
Black and Green Charity ball in aid of the Nottingham Hospitals Breast Institute returns to Woodborough Hall.

The team at Gedling borough’s iconic Woodborough Hall have expressed their delight in being able to host the Black and Green Charity Ball once again on Friday May 17.

The Black and Green Charity ball was set up in 2018 when a group of friends set up the charity to fundraise for the Nottingham Hospitals Breast Institute in memory of a dear friend ‘Samantha Black’ who they very sadly lost in 2016 and also to give thanks for the treatment and support they gave to one of the group ‘Eloise Dobson nee Green’ in the same year.

Since 2018 they have held many fundraising events and have raised over £66,000 that has gone towards two state of the art mammography machines and more recently the complete refurbishment of the main patient waiting room within the breast institute.

The charity said: “The support they give to so many patients across Nottingham is incredible, providing all outpatient services for those requiring diagnosis or receiving treatment in the Nottingham area. Approximately 35,000 patients will visit the Breast Institute every year.”

On May 17 2024 they will be holding their 5th annual Black and Green Charity Ball at Woodborough Hall. The evening will include a welcome drink, 2 course meal, live music and entertainment throughout the evening. There will also be both a live and silent auction as well as a raffle to raise extra funds for the Breast Institute. Tickets are £100pp tables of 10 available and the dress code is Black and Green.

Courtesy of Black & Green Charity
Courtesy of Black & Green Charity

Lucy Spencer and Deborah Sawyer, members of the Black and Green Ball fund-raising team said: “Last years Charity Ball at Woodborough Hall was absolutely phenomenal and seeing everyone arrive in their Black and Green finery, always makes us feel so proud. We can’t wait for this year! It is your support that makes our fundraising possible”

The charity can be contacted via email on blackandgreenball@icloud.com or via telephone on 07921 657072.

Woodborough Hall is located at 1 Bank Hill, Woodborough, Nottingham, NG14 6EE and can be contacted by email at enquiries@woodborough-hall.co.uk, by phone on Tel:0115 8222161 or via their website HERE.

Female drivers across Gedling borough urged to Think Pink for career move

Gedling Eye Reporter
-
0
Female drivers across Gedling borough urged to Think Pink for career move

A local charity has paired with two of the East Midlands’ largest taxi firms in a bid to increase the number of female taxi drivers in the borough. The initiative has been launched after statistics showed that women make up less than two per cent of taxi drivers nationwide.

Rosie May Foundation’s Think Pink campaign has partnered with DG Cars and Western Cars to increase the number of women taxi drivers in the area.

Currently, women make up less than 2% of taxi drivers in the UK.

Mary Storrie, co-founder of the Rosie May Foundation, said: “This project has been two years in the making. We partnered with DG Cars and Western Cars a year ago.  At that time, they had just one female driver among the 1,650 drivers it employed.”

The project is now becoming a driving force in female recruitment into the industry.

Since November 2023, some 20 new women taxi drivers have signed up with the Think Pink scheme.

Rosie May Foundation was set up in January 2004 following the murder of Rosie May who was killed in December 2003 by a 17-year-old boy she knew.

In response to public support and donations at the time, the foundation was set up with funds going to Sheffield Paediatric Intensive Care Unit. 

Since then, the not-for-profit foundation has grown internationally after the family, seeking solace after their daughter’s death, holidayed in Sri Lanka the Christmas following Rosie May’s death. It was the year a devastating Tsunami hit the country. However, a palm planted in memory of their daughter survived and inspired a series of fund-raising projects in the country including a female driver project. 

The UK Think Pink project stems from this initiative.

Mary said: “We first began the driver project in Sri Lanka in 2016 following a UN report that found that 90% of women had suffered some form of sexual harassment while using public transport.  We wanted to champion safer journeys and economically empower women.  A fleet of 10 women driven tuk tuks now operates in Sri Lanka.”

She continued: “There are many parallels between the UK driver campaign and this project. 

“As well as empowering and supporting women, we want to educate them to realise that driving is a career that can provide flexibility, especially if they have domestic responsibilities that restrict their conventional full time working hours.”

Previously DG’s only female driver, Kim Blagden has been driving for the firm for 15 years.  She will now support and mentor new drivers as well as continuing to drive herself. 

As Baljit, one of the new drivers explained, flexibility is a key driver for the role.  She said: “I can choose my working hours, which means I can spend more time with my children and still earn money to manage my household bills.

“From the bottom of my heart I am very happy to be part of the lovely Think Pink team who have helped me start a new job as a private hire driver.”

Another driver, Sapheena, added: “I returned to work after 28 years and now I have achieved 1000 hires!“

With a general shortage of taxi drivers since the pandemic, Mary added that training new taxi drivers was fast becoming a success story that long term, she hoped to roll out nationally. 

“We have initially partnered with DG cars, based in my hometown, which has the largest fleet of drivers in the East Midlands, but the aim is to eventually expand the scheme” she said. 

“Taxi driving covers all sorts of journeys from school transport to hospital appointments.  We help recruits who match the criteria to attain their taxi driving license through the DG Academy and Think Pink scheme.”

Those signing up will be self-employed, but the scheme provides backup to enable this move.  Drivers will need a clean driving licence and DBS check, they can use their own car or, if full time, can use one of DG’s Cars.

Interested drivers can get in touch to find out more by calling Think Pink on 07470 512589, through the website Think Pink (thinkpinkdrivers.uk) or through their Facebook page.

HMRC issues scam warning to taxpayers in Gedling borough over fake refund offers

Gedling Eye Reporter
-
0
HMRC issues scam warning to taxpayers in Gedling borough over fake refund offers

Taxpayers in Gedling borough are being warned about bogus tax refund offers.

With the Self Assessment tax deadline now passed, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is warning people to be wary of tax refund scams. 

Fraudsters could set their sights on Self Assessment customers, with more than 11.5 million submitting a tax return by last month’s deadline. 

They warn that taxpayers who completed their tax return for the 2022 to 2023 tax year by the January 31 deadline might be taken in by an email, phone call or text message offering a tax rebate. These phishing scams are designed to use personal details for selling on to criminals, or to access people’s bank accounts.  

HMRC said they responded to 207,800 referrals from the public of suspicious contact in the past year to January – up 14% from the 181,873 reported for the previous 12 months. More than 79,000 of those referrals offered bogus tax rebates.  

Kelly Paterson, HMRC’s Chief Security Officer, said: “With the deadline for tax returns behind us, criminals will now try to trick people with fake offers of tax rebates. 

“Scammers will attempt to dupe people by email, phone or texts that mimic government messages to make them appear authentic. 

“Don’t rush into anything, take your time and check HMRC scams advice on GOV.UK.” 

HMRC will not email, text or phone a customer to tell them that they are due a refund or ask them to request a refund. Customers receive repayments into their chosen bank account, and can see any transactions in their online HMRC account and in the HMRC app. 

Customers can help fight phishing scams by reporting any suspicious communications to HMRC: 

·         forward emails to phishing@hmrc.gov.uk  

·         report tax scam phone calls to HMRC on GOV.UK 

·         forward suspicious texts claiming to be from HMRC to 60599 

In the last year to January HMRC also reported 26,443 malicious web pages to internet service providers to be taken down. This is a 29% increase from the 20,385 referred by HMRC for removal the previous year. These sites aim to deceive taxpayers and steal their personal information or money. 

They copy the design and branding of genuine websites so criminals can trick people into giving away their personal details. This information is then used to access people’s bank accounts or sold on the web. 

HMRC is reminding customers to be vigilant to any potential scam activity, protect their personal information and report any suspicious activity. 

Gedling borough Wetherspoons pubs hike prices for the second time in six months

Gedling Eye Reporter
-
0
Gedling borough Wetherspoons pubs hike prices for the second time in six months

Wetherspoons has announced price rises of an average of 3% on its food and drink products at its pubs across Gedling borough amid rising costs.

Some items have risen by nearly 4% from February 1, however, some items saw a lesser rise of around 1% and 2% – with the average rise across all bar and food products being 3%.

The pub giant, which runs sites in Arnold, Carlton and Mapperley, said the price increase came into effect from February 1.

Wetherspoon said in a statement: “Most prices in Wetherspoon pubs have increased by 3.95%.

Wetherspoons chairman Tim Martin used the group’s January trading update to rally against a disparity in costs hitting pubs and supermarkets.
Woodthorpe Top
The budget pub chain, which owns The Woodthorpe Top, said the price increase came into effect from February 1.

“Some prices have increased by less. Ruddles Bitter has increased by 1%. Bud Light lager, Stowford Press Cider and Doom Bar bitter have increased by 2%. Draught Pepsi has not increased.

Chairman Tim Martin used the group’s January trading update to rally against a disparity in costs hitting pubs and supermarkets.

He said labour costs in pubs were about 30% of sales, compared to around 10% in supermarkets, meaning retail stores were able to offer lower prices.

Martin said: “Wetherspoon, like most pub companies, has seen some big increases in costs. We believe that our prices remain competitive, even after these changes.”

Wetherspoon, which runs 814 sites across the UK, posted an optimistic trading update in January and said like-for-like bar sales had risen 11.8%, food by 7.9% and room sales by 3.1%.

Cancer survivor who became romance fraud victim warns others to be wary of online threats

Gedling Eye
-
0
Cancer survivor who became romance fraud victim warns others to be wary of online threats

A ‘heartbroken’ cancer survivor who was conned out of thousands of pounds in a romance fraud has warned it could happen to anyone.

Karen, who lives in Nottinghamshire, met her would-be love interest on an online gaming platform. He tricked her into believing he had feelings for her, before grooming her into handing over money over the months that followed.

The romance fraud started when the 66-year-old downloaded SongPop Classic, a music-based game which allows players to compete against and chat with others while online.

She was approached by a man who claimed to be a 56-year-old Canadian working overseas, and despite not being on the lookout for romance when the conversation began, Karen was showered with compliments by the scammer and over time convinced that a romantic relationship was blossoming.

But things quickly started to unravel when she started to receive multiple phone calls long into the night and requests for money followed. It left her significantly out of pocket and mentally scarred by the whole situation.

Romance fraud, or dating scams, often involve individuals being exploited into sending money to criminals, who go to great lengths to gain their trust and convince them they are in a relationship.

It is one of the fastest growing and most common fraud types in Notts – rising almost fourfold from 43 reported incidents in the 12 months to 2020 to 166 incidents in the same period last year.

Speaking about romance fraud on Valentine’s Day today, as part of an awareness-raising campaign by the Nottinghamshire Fraud Partnership, Karen said she was left heartbroken and frightened by the ordeal.

Having moved to the area in 2012 to be closer to her mum after her cancer diagnosis, Karen believes the scammers preyed on her vulnerabilities.

The former elections manager said: “I used to play the game a few years ago, but before I started up again and without me knowing, it had been infested with scammers.

“This chap started talking to me as many people do, and he seemed like quite a nice, genuine sort of guy. We then moved on to other social media platforms which I now know is one of their favourite tricks because most of the gaming platforms have bots that routinely check for scammers for key words and so on.

“We would speak all the time and I believed his feelings were genuine, so of course over a long period you are bound to grow close to somebody.

“A lot of what he said was believable but his first request for money came when he claimed to be working away and he needed medicine, but it escalated from there and the demands became more excessive each time.

“The scam itself went on for months but the after-effects are going to last a lot longer. They know every psychological trick in the book you don’t matter to them.

“I like to believe in basic human decency, but he knew all about my health problems and still continued to scam me. It’s frightening but that’s what these people do.

“One of the hardest things to deal with is when people start saying you fell for a scam. You don’t fall for a burglary, you don’t fall for a mugging. You don’t fall for a scam, either. It’s a crime. You are a victim of a crime.”

Fraud is the most common of all crime types, with an average of 543 offences reported each month to Action Fraud in Nottinghamshire. However, this is likely to be just the tip of the iceberg with many offences going unreported.

The fightback against fraud intensified in 2023 as the Nottinghamshire Fraud Partnership was formed to protect individuals and businesses in Nottinghamshire from fraudulent activity, and better support those who have been victimised.

It brings together key organisations including police, local authorities, businesses, education sector and charity partners to strengthen the fight against fraud by sharing information and best practice and collaborating on a wider reaching, focussed and consistent approach to the issue.

The partnership meets quarterly and is facilitated and administered by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Nottinghamshire.

Nottinghamshire Police and Crime Commissioner Caroline Henry said: “I think it’s really brave for Karen to share her story to help stop others being victims of fraud.

“Around 40% of all crime is now classed as fraud and these numbers were the main factor behind us launching our Nottinghamshire Fraud Partnership Charter at the end of 2023.

“As Police and Crime Commissioner I am really determined to raise awareness of fraud which is why This month we have also launched the Red Flags of Fraud, to highlight some of the key warning signs for fraud to look out for.

“If anyone contacts you out of the blue by phone, email, text or on your doorstep, and makes you feel a sense of high emotion, whether that is panic or excitement, and then urges you to act quickly before you have time to think – these are all red flags for fraud.

“If the red flags are flying, stop, take five minutes to reflect and contact someone you trust for advice. And if you have been affected by fraud, please report it so you can receive help and support.”

Dating scams accounted for 4% of all fraud offences reported between September 2022 and August 2023.

Karen added: “It went on for months and months because they simply wouldn’t go away. They’d ring me in the middle of the night to keep my mind going.

“They manipulated me and they found out my likes, dislikes, strengths and weaknesses before using all of that to control me.

“The most frightening thing was the realisation that somebody can manipulate your brain to the extent that you are not in your right mind.”

Detective Sergeant Tara Clapperton, of Nottinghamshire Police’s Fraud Prevention team, said: “A lot of people hear about these scams and think ‘I wouldn’t be taken in by that’. But these scams are clever and that’s why it’s really important people exercise vigilance communicating with others online.

“It’s not dissimilar to grooming. Offenders will groom victims and it can happen over quite a long period of time.

“They tell convincing lies and it means that while victims think they are falling in love, they’re actually falling for a scam.

“If you’ve started an online relationship and the discussion turns to money – regardless of the reason or the amounts involved – then alarm bells should be ringing.

“Never send money to people you’ve never met in person, no matter how much you’ve spoken online. Talking to a real-life friend or family member can be a good way to sense check what’s going on.”

If you’ve been a victim of fraud, there are several ways to report it:

Violence and abuse against shop workers rises to 1,300 incidents a day

David Bratton
-
0
Violence and abuse against shop workers rises to 1,300 incidents a day

Violence and abuse against retail workers soared last year, with the latest figures revealing that the number of incidents spiked to 1,300 per day.

The latest figures from the British Retail Consortium show incidents have risen from almost 870 per day the year before.

This rise comes despite retailers investing heavily in crime prevention, spending £1.2bn on measures such as CCTV, increased security personnel, and body worn cameras, up from £722m the previous year.

The rise in assaults was being linked to a spike in shoplifting, with the cost of theft to retailers rising to £1.8bn from £953m the previous year, meaning the total cost of crime to retailers stood at £3.3bn – double the previous year.

The cost of theft to retailers has risen to £1.8bn from £953m the previous year
PBosses at the Co-op have joined calls for the Government to introduce a standalone offence of assaulting, threatening, or abusing a retail worker

The figures were taken from BRC’s annual crime survey which highlights the scale of violence and abuse faced by people working in retail.

Incidents, which include racial abuse, sexual harassment, physical assault, and threats with weapons, are now on a par with the levels seen during the pandemic, when staff bore the brunt of some people’s frustration with Covid safety measures.

While the total number of incidents climbed, dissatisfaction with the police increased, with 60% of respondents describing the police response to incidents as ‘poor’ or ‘very poor’.

Retailers are calling on the Government to introduce a standalone offence of assaulting, threatening, or abusing a retail worker. This would ensure that retail workers have the same protection under the law as they do in Scotland, where a similar offence was introduced in 2021.

Helen Dickinson, the BCR’s chief executive, said: “Despite retailers investing huge sums in crime prevention, violence and abuse against retail workers is climbing.

With over 1,300 incidents every day, government can no longer ignore the plight of ordinary, hardworking retail colleagues. Teenagers taking on their first job, carers looking for part-time work, parents working around childcare.

“And while the violence can be over in a moment, the victims carry these experiences with them for a lifetime. And we all know the impact does not stop there – it affects their colleagues, friends, and the family our colleagues go home to.

“This is a crisis that demands action now.”

Birds Bakery unveils sweet treats for Valentine’s Day

Gedling Eye Reporter
-
0
Birds Bakery unveils sweet treats for Valentine’s Day

Birds Bakery is showing some love this Valentine’s Day with a limited-edition range of treats for customers to buy for that special someone – from classic heart shaped Belgian chocolates to delectable Red Velvet Cupcakes.

Birds, which has stores in Arnold, Mapperley and Teal Park, is welcoming lovebirds across the borough to indulge in its delicious treats which also include a Billionaire Shortbread for just £1.65, a Gingerbread Valentine Person at £2.15 and a Chocolate Orange Frog for just £1.

Those wanting to put a smile on their loved one’s face can also choose from a selection of Milk Chocolate Hearts and Pink and White Chocolate Hearts, both at £1.35 each, which include a layer of Bird’s special strawberry Belgian chocolate. 

The Valentine’s Day range is available online and in stores now

For those who aren’t spending the special day with their loved ones, UK-wide delivery is available on February 14 through the bakery’s online delivery service.

Commenting on the Valentine’s Day range, Jamie Bird, director of strategy at Birds Bakery, said: “At Birds we love bringing joy and happiness to our customers throughout the year but Valentine’s Day is an extra special day to share the love. Whether it’s for a partner, family member, friend or even just a treat for yourself, there is something for everyone in this range.

“We believe that people are the heartbeat of our business, from the bakers and chocolatiers who create the products, to the loyal customers that come through our doors, this range is a token of our love and gratitude.”

The Valentine’s Day range is available online and in stores now.

Find your nearest Birds Bakery store online at www.birdsbakery.com/pages/our-stores and to place an order, click here.

‘It’s common sense’: Independent councillors promise to raise extra £20m to fix ‘broken’ roads from sale of HS2 land in budget amendment

Emily Sanchez
-
0
‘It’s common sense’: Independent councillors promise to raise extra £20m to fix ‘broken’ roads from sale of HS2 land in budget amendment

A group of independent councillors on Nottinghamshire County Council say they have put together a legal, fully costed budget amendment that could deliver an extra £20m to tackle the county’s ‘broken’ roads and pavements over the next two years.

The Independent Alliance opposition group say the extra cash could be raised by borrowing the money from the sale of land around Toton Station – which is not needed after HS2 was cancelled. Toton Station was last valued for asset value purposes in April 2023 at £23m

The Independent Alliance revealed their plan would result in each borough and district in Notts receiving £5.2m for road repairs, each year for the next two years. 

The money would be in addition to the cash being offered by the Government to be spent on fixing road damage caused by Storm Babet.

If agreed, at the annual budget meeting, the group claim it will represent the biggest ever amount of money spent on fixing the county’s broken roads and pavements in two consecutive years. 

County Hall Nottingham
The amendment will be put forward to the council at the Annual Budget meeting
The money would be raised by borrowing the money from the sale of land around Toton Station – which is not needed after HS2 was cancelled

The amendment will moved by the Independent Alliance opposition group leader Councillor Jason Zadrozny and seconded by their Finance Spokesperson – Councillor Francis Purdue-Horan. 

Councillor Jason Zadrozny, leader of the Independent Alliance called their proposal ‘common sense.’ 

“Our alternative budget is using broken promises to fix broken roads,” he said. 

“In 2019, the county council spent £22,143,000 buying land around Toton Station in preparation for HS2.  As HS2 has now been cancelled, we will sell this land and use this money to fix our broken roads and pavements. 

The Government are now disposing of land bought for HS2 – so we are following Government policy to the letter.  I expect this to be agreed next week as, in our view – it’s common sense.”

Councillor Francis Purdue-Horan, Finance Spokesperson for the Independent Alliance opposition group said, “Ask anybody in Nottinghamshire, what complaints they have and they will talk about the broken roads and pavements. 

“Our budget amendment is a direct response to this.  It shows we are listening to and acting on their concerns.  It is a common sense, sensible move and deals with land the County Council don’t need.”

They have launched a “Love our Roads (and pavements)” petition to gain support for their amendment  https://www.change.org/p/for-notts-county-council-to-spend-an-extra-20million-fixing-our-roads-and-pavements  

Last week, the cabinet announced it would spend an extra £4m on road repairs as it proposed the budget for 2024-25.

This includes a 4.8 per cent rise in council tax.

But council leader Ben Bradley said they were still in a better position than many other councils.

Speaking last week, he said: “We are in the rare – if not unique – position of being able to set a balanced budget for the next two years despite a growing demand for services.”

1...246247248...1,015Page 247 of 1,015