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Police in Gedling step up off-road bike patrols to tackle nuisance riders in borough hotspots

Police have stepped their action against nuisance bikers in the borough by calling in the off-road bike team to patrol borough hotspots.

Officers for Gedling Neighbourhood Poling Team called in the specialist unit to combat nuisance bikers who they say have been ‘causing havoc in the community’.

The team headed out to parks and green areas including Colwick Country Park, Netherfield, Netherfield Lagoons, Burton Joyce, and Stoke Bardolph on the lookout for illegal bikers.

After receiving reports of an off-road bike churning up the ground at the football pitches on Coningswath Road, in Carlton, they headed straight over, but missed the offender on this occasion.

off road
Police say nuisance bikers have been ‘causing havoc in the community’.

quad-bike

A spokesman for Gedling’s Neighbourhood Policing Team said: “We’ve been receiving reports of nuisance off-road bikes being ridden in and around the Gedling borough area illegally and causing distress to our communities.

“Any intelligence we get from people in our community is a big help in catching nuisance bikers and stopping them.

“We’re working hard to crack down on this type of antisocial behaviour but need your help to call it in if you spot any illegal bikers causing a nuisance.”

If you see an off-road bike or have any information on hotspot areas report it to us by calling 101.

SHOP LOCAL: Meet the team from MBAS Clothing, specialist workwear providers in Arnold

Gedling Eye is throwing its support behind our amazing local businesses in the borough – and we are now urging you to do the same and our campaign continues with MBAS Clothing Ltd, a specialist workwear provider based in Arnold Nottingham.

As one of only a very few independent workwear clothing providers in Nottingham, MBAS Clothing has established itself as a go to venue for all and every type of workwear and only recently MBAS Clothing has partnered with the local charity Nottinghamshire blood bikes to provide necessary hi vis clothing for the bike riders.

Gedling Eye spoke with Alison Lawe, Head of Retail at MBAS Clothing who said “MBAS Clothing came about when Joshua Lawe at age 20 and after many years in local football academies decided he wanted to develop his own business strategy. 

“Searching for the right opportunity he came across an existing small business (MBAS Workwear) for sale in Arnold.  Sensing the opportunity to develop the business he purchased the business outright and set about growing the offer.

“Investing in stock and overseeing a full shop refit in the first year meant a hectic start to business life.  In the early part of the 2nd year a new warehouse was added to facilitate an increasing demand for printed and embroidered workwear.”

Now in it’s 3rd year since it’s relaunch service and quality are at the heart of all that MBAS Clothing does and the ambition is to make MBAS Clothing the shop of choice for all local businesses needs. 


Alison added: “In a world that embraces diverse styles and individuality, the importance of workwear often goes underestimated. Beyond being just a uniform, work attire plays a pivotal role in shaping a professional environment.

“As official stockists of Snickers workwear, Portwest, Tuff Stuff, Caterpillar and many more MBAS can be relied upon to find a solution for everyone’s needs whether it’s for the individual or large corporate accounts.

“Joshua is extremely excited to support the amazing local charity Nottinghamshire blood bikes and looks forward to finding more ways to help and assist local causes.

“The continued development of MBAS Clothing within the local community is very firmly fixed in Joshua’s eyeline and he believes very strongly that the continuation of independent shops is essential for the good of the local community.”

PICTURED: The Nottinghamshire Blood Bikes Team (Courtesy of MBAS Clothing)

MBAS Clothing is located at 85A Coppice Rd., Arnold, Nottingham, NG5 7HW and can be contacted by email on sales@mbasclothing.co.uk or by telephone on 07833 725320.

VIDEO: Plans for first new bridge over River Trent in 65 years to move forward following delays

Plans for an 87 metre-long pedestrian and cycle bridge over the River Trent have been submitted after lengthy delays.

The new bridge will link the Trent Basin area west of Trent Lane, off Daleside Road in the city, to the south bank of the river close to the Hook nature reserve in Lady Bay, Rushcliffe.

It will become the first new crossing built over the river in the city in 65 years.

A planning application was originally due to be submitted in 2022, and then again in spring 2023, but was delayed.

River Trent footbridge
An artist’s impression of the new footbridge

Bridge over Trent
The bridge would be the first crossing across the Trent for 65 years


In March last year it was announced consultancy firm Pick Everard would deliver the bridge project alongside infrastructure group Balfour Beatty.

A full planning application has now been submitted by Nottingham City Council as of February 1.

Plans say: “This will be the first bridge to be built over the River Trent in Nottingham for over 60 years and will create new leisure routes offering a huge boost for cyclists, pedestrians and runners alike.

“By enhancing connections between communities, green spaces and the riverside path, the proposed scheme will make it easier for people living, working and visiting this area to travel in a more sustainable way.”

Nottingham City Council submitted a joint funding bid with Derby City Council and secured £161m from the Department for Transport’s Transforming Cities Fund.

The £12m project will be paid for using this money.

The bridge will be four metres in width, up from the previously proposed 3.5 metres, following a consultation.

This will “provide ample space for users to pause and take in the views afforded from the bridge,” plans say.

The land on the north side of the river forms part of housing developer Blueprint’s Trent Basin site, which will deliver approximately 350 homes and apartments.

On the north bank amphitheatre-style steps will be created at the base of the bridge ramp.

On the south side of the river the proposed scheme will connect to the existing riverside path.

The south side landing, abutments and ramps will fall on Environment Agency-owned embankment land which forms a bank between the path and the river.

The council is currently in the process of acquiring part of this land to build and maintain the scheme.

Directly adjacent to the proposed scheme is land owned by Nottinghamshire Sports Properties Limited, which is used as sports fields by a number of organisations making up the Nottinghamshire Sports Club (NSC) including Nottingham Rugby and Nottinghamshire County Cricket.

Discussions are ongoing with the sports clubs to secure access permissions for the construction works.

Plans state two main bridge forms were considered at two areas, which included Poulton Drive and Trent Basin.

The first was a cable-stayed bridge which would have required the positioning of an approximately 40-metre high single pylon with an anchor block on the north side of the river.

It was identified that a bridge of this type would only be deliverable at the Poulton Drive location due to land availability.

However, this bridge form was discounted on the grounds that it would be more expensive to maintain than other bridge forms, and it could not be constructed off-site, meaning more river closures would be required.

Instead a ‘network arch-style’ bridge was chosen.

This type of bridge allows for off-site construction, reducing working over water risks and interference with river users.

Plans add: “It is more unique than the cable stay form with better aesthetics and forming a potential landmark structure for the region.

“The proposed tied arch bridge form reflects the city’s historical links with the legend of Robin Hood, furthermore the criss-crossed, diagonal hangar arrangement acknowledges the history of bicycle and lace making in Nottingham.

“It has a simpler and more cost-effective maintenance regime and therefore offers best value.

“This network arch arrangement provides a striking visual impact and is a bridge form rarely seen in the UK.”

Morrisons introduces ‘stop and rest’ areas for weary shoppers

Morrisons has begun creating new seated areas in its stores as it encourages weary shoppers to “stop and rest”.

A table with chairs will be introduced in stores, along with a sign that reads: “Please feel free to take a break from your shopping”.

The retailer has a supermarket at Victoria Retail Park in Netherfield.

Morrisons confirmed the change on social media site X.

They posted “Need to take five? We’ve put seating areas in our stores for anyone needing a break mid-shop. Sit down, have a chat and take as long as you need.”

A spokesperson for the chain said it had made the change after feedback from customers asking for a place to stop and rest during shopping trips.

One shopper posted a picture of the new rest area after they spotted it in the supermarket giant’s Belper store.

This is not the first time the retailer has made changes to their stores to accommodate shoppers.

In November 2021, Morrisons began introducing “quiet hours” in its stores.

It means noises such as music and other sounds are kept to a minimum.

The concept is designed to help people with disabilities like autism and anxiety.

Gedling borough’s latest petrol and diesel prices – and where’s the cheapest to fill up

Petrol prices remain high across the country, as households across Gedling borough continue to be squeezed by the cost of living crisis.

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 141.7p per litre for Unleaded and 149.7p per litre for diesel as of December.

The following prices were reported on 31/01/24

Here are the latest prices from across the borough…

UNLEADED…

Arnold

Sainsbury’s Arnold – 136.9p

Asda Arnold136.7p

BP Daybrook (Mansfield Road) – 139.9p

Esso Maid Marion (Mansfield Road) – 139.9p

Carlton

Texaco Burton Road – 139.9p

Shell Carlton Square – 139.9p

Texaco Westdale Lane (East Lane Service Station) – 142.9p

Petrol_pump

Colwick

Sainsbury’s Colwick 136.9p

Lambley

Lambley Motors – N/A

Mapperley

Asda Mapperley – 136.7p

Netherfield

Morrisons – 138.9p

DIESEL…

Arnold

Sainsbury’s Arnold 144.9p

Asda Arnold – 144.7p

BP Daybrook – 148.9p

Esso Maid Marion (Mansfield Road) – 149.9p

Carlton

Texaco Burton Road – 146.9p

Shell Carlton Square – 147.9p

Texaco Westdale Lane (East Lane Service Station) – 149.9p

Colwick

Sainsbury’s Colwick – 144.9p

Lambley

Lambley Motors – N/A

Mapperley

Asda Mapperley – 144.7p

Netherfield

Morrisons – 146.9p

Calverton’s ALD Group celebrates 50 years of excellence and innovation

Calverton based family run business, The ALD Group, a leading provider of Facades, Flat Roofing, Screeding, Plastering & Dry Lining services to the construction industry has proudly announced its 50th anniversary.

Since its founding in 1974 as a plastering business, it has been committed to providing quality workmanship whilst being at the forefront of innovation and collaboration.

The ALD Group has grown into a leader within the construction industry successfully developing its newest divisions, Facades and Flat Roofing, who provide their expertise -to tier 1 construction companies across education, health care and residential sectors.

To celebrate this milestone, The ALD Group, is hosting a series of events throughout the year whilst increasing support to its chosen charities (Nottingham Children’s Hospital and Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity). The largest event will be an evening of celebration with all employees and their partners, past and present, which is to be held at Colwick Hall in late March.

“We are thrilled to celebrate this momentous occasion,” said Jon Smith, Group Managing Director. “Our success over the past 50 years is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our employees, as well as the loyalty of our customers. I cannot imagine that my Dad would have believed we would be here 50 years later after he started the business all those years ago. We look forward to continuing to innovate and grow in years to come.”

Employing staff from all over Nottinghamshire ALD Facades Ltd based are keen to support colleagues and their families in as many ways as possible and regular readers will recall an employee asking for the company to purchase kits for the football team his son plays for to coincide with the start of this year’s football season. As a result The ALD Group provided kit to the historic Stanton Ilkeston Football Club which began life back in 1921 as the local team for workers from the Stanton Ironworks.

Pictured: Stanton Ilkeston FC U10s in their new kit (PHOTO: ALD Facades Ltd)

The ALD Group are located at Calverton Business Park, Hoyle Rd, Calverton, Nottingham NG14 6QL and for more information about The ALD Group’s 50th anniversary, please visit their website www.thealdgroup.com.

Match Report: Carlton Town FC 1 – 3 Liversedge

NPL First Division East – 30 January 2024

Carlton missed the chance to move into the playoffs as Liversedge took all three points at Stoke Lane. Liam Hardy gave the visitors an early lead before Alex Hardwick equalised for Carlton. Goals from Eddie Church and Jack Carr went unanswered despite the home side playing against 10 men for the whole of the second half.

Carlton made just two changes from the side that secured a point at Stocksbridge last weekend. Peter Dearle came in to partner Dan Brown at centre half for Dean Freeman who wasn’t involved and Micah Jebbison got his first start in place of Niall Davie who dropped to the bench.

Liversedge, winners of the league just two short seasons ago, came into the fixture in a bit of a slump. Second bottom in the form table taking just four points from the last six games, they were looking for a response to the 1-0 loss last time out at home to Pontefract and progression up the table from fifteen position.

It was a brisk night down the Lane and a fast start was needed. Carlton started brightly and Micah Jebbison, on his first start for Carlton, showed early endeavours down the left supplying a good cross which was just beyond Adegbola. In response and in just the fourth minute the visitors took the lead after good work on the left by Jack Carr found Liam Hardy in acres of space on the inside right position and a well taken lob over the onrushing Liburd-Hines saw the wing man celebrating with his teammates.

Undeterred, the Millers took control and Tempest, who was involved in everything on the night, was using his passing to switch the point of attack and pick out the willing runs of Hardwick, Howes, Jebbison and Adegbola. Adegbola in particular was causing plenty of problems for Jeremie Milambo on the Liversedge left side, the two having a running battle throughout the first half. The first real glimpse of goal came on the tenth minute. Hardwick running down the left was found by Tempest and the frontman supplied a dangerous cross just out of reach of Jebbison and Adegbola. The two combined to recover the ball and win a corner. Tempest’s corner was half cleared to Sargent who’s shot was blocked by the multitude of Liversedge defenders in the box. Liversedge threatened periodically throughout the half. Carr and Hardy the outlets down the wing but overwhelmingly Carlton were on top.

Tempest, on throw in duty too, launched a delivery into the box and after a huge scuffle the ball broke to Sargent again on the edge of the box. His up and under resulted on Hardwick’s shot being well blocked again as the visitors continued their good defensive work.

As Liversedge attacks continued to get swallow up by the home side, Howes found space in the centre circle and released Jebbison who’s shot was straight at Jordan Porter. Soon after in a lovely flowing move, Tempest won the ball in midfield and set Hardwick away. Howes was in support on the right and received the ball in the box, he sought to return to Hardwick who was unmarked in front of goal but the pass was intercepted out for a corner which was wasted. Hylton, deployed at left back, made a barnstorming run from deep and was dumped to the ground on the edge of the box. The referee, in one of a number of decisions throughout the game which had both teams scratching their heads, gave nothing. He couldn’t though ignore the foul on Hardwick immediately afterwards and duly gave the free kick. This though was a missed opportunity as Tempest smashed into the wall.

Liversedge then went close after a great move. In a game long battle, Joe Walton won this exchange with Dan Brown and the tall frontman was through on goal. His shot was well blocked by Dearle but only to the onrushing Eddie Church. With the goal at his mercy he fired wide.

Stirred into a response once again, Carlton finally equalised. Tempest, ever the instigator, set Adegbola away who in turn got the better of Milambo and crossed beautifully for Hardwick to tap in from 5 yards. Something to warm the hardy supporters behind the goal. Within moments it could’ve been another goal as Carlton swarmed forward. Jebbison, again running free down the right this time, crossed well but with no yellow and blue support in the box the ball ran to Howes on the left. He beat his man despite being grappled and crossed to Hardwick again for the tap in. The whistle cut short celebrations however as the referee pulled the play back for the initial foul on the edge of the box. Advantage should have surely been played and Carlton were robbed of what would’ve been a certain goal.

Milambo showed a good turn of pace and advanced into the Carlton half and saw his goal bound shot easily smothered by the busy Liburd-Hines. As the keeper shaped to distribute early Liam Hardy blocked him off. The referee was on the scene and a second yellow was the result. The goal scorer given his marching orders. Despite the man disadvantage it was Liversedge who regained the lead on the stroke of half-time. Church began and finished a good passing move with the impressive Carr, who’s left sided cross found Church with the freedom of the Carlton six yard area. He slotted home past Liburd-Hines who was quickly off his line but unable to get a block in.

Any thoughts that the visitors would rest on their lead and try to see out the second half were rapidly extinguished as another swift attack in the early second half exchanges saw the dangerous and ever willing runner, Church collect the ball on the inside right position and inexplicably make his way past two Carlton defenders to shoot on goal. Liburd-Hines made a smart save.

Increasingly though Liversedge were pinned back. Hylton operating more and more as a left winger than a left back  made a fabulous run down the wing, hitting the byline and crossing but no one had made the attacking run into the box to finish what would’ve been a simple goal. Ebanks too was enjoying more time in advanced positions and his cross into the box found Hardwick this time but the frontman was crowded out and the chance was gone.

Proving dangerous on the counter, Liversedge drew a foul from Brown on the edge of the box. Milambo’s strike was on target but comfortably dealt with by the Carlton stopper. Back up the other end and Hylton and Jebbison combined well down the left and crafted the best chance of the game for Howes. Six yards out, dead centre and unmarked, the Carlton man skied his effort way over. Perhaps a bobble off the pitch but a golden chance to equalise nonetheless. Hylton was involved once more as Hardwick found the left back running through the middle this time. The pass was slightly over hit which forced Hylton onto his weaker right foot and away from goal. Porter was tested but held onto the strike. More chances followed and patience was the key here. Adegbola, who had another good game, made way for Niall Davie. Tempest, the curly haired conductor in centre field, really showed his value and class at this level with a wide range of passing, excellent vision and swiftness of thought which continually provided opportunities for his wide men to cause Liversedge problems. From his latest laser guided delivery, Hardwick did well to hold off his man and power a shot at Porter who was equal to the challenge and parried over the bar. From the resulting corner, played flat and low by Tempest, the keeper missed the ball at the near post and despite four or five Carlton players being inside the six yard area the frantic actions of an equal number of Liversedge defenders denied the Millers the final prod over the line. The ball hacked gleefully away to the dismay of the faithful behind the goal. That was Tempest’s final act but he left the field to warm applause from the crowd. Michael Ford was his replacement and his energy was immediate. It was however a clumsy foul which he conceded on a breakaway George Proctor which allowed Liversedge another free kick opportunity. This time on the edge of the box inside left. Carr stepped up and produced a glorious strike of postage stamp perfection into the top left corner to extend the visitor’s lead. Few keepers would have got to a strike of that quality and precision.

Wounded, the home side advanced forward again. Jebbison, on the right now, supplied a good ball into Hylton, again in space in the box. His strike again, straight at Porter who gathered. Liversedge though were resolute in defence, well organised and marshalled superbly by Jack Stockdill and Joe Skarz. They stayed compact in the middle and despite Carlton stringing together some fine passing moves in tight areas in and around the box, they were reduced to half chances at best in the remaining minutes. Musa Jawarra replaced Ryan Ebanks for the last ten minutes as Carlton went all out attack and the formation became a bit of a mystery. Dan Brown was uncharacteristically caught in possession when the last man by the relentless Joe Walton and the Liversedge frontman bore down on goal but somehow fired wide. Proctor was then through on another breakaway but only found the base of the post as the game fizzled out.

Carlton will doubtless be frustrated at the game in hindsight. A tightening up at the back and a sharpening up in the shooting department are absolute musts before the next stern test in the league as February looks to be a pivotal month in the race to the playoffs. Step 4 safety all but assured the Millers will learn from this game and inevitably improve.

Carlton are back on the road at the weekend with the short trip to playoff rivals Belper Town.

Carlton Town: N Liburd-Hines, R Ebanks (M Jawarra 82’), P Dearle, D Brown, N Hylton, D Adegbola(N Davie 65’), G Tempest (M Ford 74’), K Sargent, M Jebbison, A Howes, A Hardwick

Unused Subs: Z Hill, L Gorman-Stewart

Goals: A Hardwick 31’; L Hardy 4’, E Church 45’, J Carr 76’

Carlton Town Supporters Club MOTM: G Tempest

Att: 116

Health bosses deliver letter to Government calling for fluoride to be added to all household water supplies in Notts

Two health chiefs have handed in a letter to the government calling for an extension of the water fluoridation scheme in Notts.

Cllr John Doddy, chair of the Nottinghamshire Health and Wellbeing Board and Councillor Linda Woodings, Chair of Nottingham City Health and Wellbeing Board, and their respective Directors of Public Health, Jonathan Gribbin and Lucy Hubber, are campaigning for a water fluoridation scheme across the county and the city to be expanded.

As part of the campaign, Cllr Doddy and Jonathan Gribbin hand-delivered a letter, on behalf of all the partners, to the Department of Health and Social Care in London, seeking approval from the Secretary of State for the extension of the water fluoridation scheme.

Experts say water fluoridation has been shown to reduce the likelihood and extent of tooth decay in both adults and children.

In Nottingham and Nottinghamshire, children’s dental health is worse than in many other parts of the country and in the UK tooth decay is the most common reason for children between the ages of six and ten to be admitted to hospital.

Across city and county there is an annual average of over 750 hospital admissions for tooth extractions in children and young people.

Some parts of the county are already covered by water fluoridation schemes, while other areas and Nottingham City are not.

Campaigners say that expanding the water fluoridation scheme to cover the city and the whole county will ensure that everyone has equal access to a key public health measure that supports good oral health.

All water contains low levels of fluoride in varying amounts. In Nottinghamshire, the level of fluoride occurring naturally in water is low. Water fluoridation involves adjusting the level of fluoride in water to one part per million, which is best for dental health, strengthening teeth and keeping them healthy. 

It is estimated that introducing fluoride into drinking water will see a significant reduction in decayed, missing and filled teeth in five-year-olds and an increase in the number of five years olds with no tooth decay at all, as well as a reduction in the number of children admitted to hospital for tooth extraction surgery.

Reviews of studies across the world show that water fluoridation is a safe and effective public health measure.

Cllr John Doddy, Chair of Nottinghamshire Health and Wellbeing Board said: “I am committed to working with our partners locally, including the Integrated Care Board and Severn Trent Water, to improve the oral health of our local population. Too many people need to go to hospital to have teeth extracted because of decay and this includes young children. This should not be happening, particularly when we have the means to do something about it.

“Introducing or expanding a water fluoridation scheme requires approval from the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, and on behalf of our partners, Jonathan Gribbin and I have hand delivered a letter to the Department for Health and Social Care, which has been co-signed by partners, asking for the scheme to be extended across the city and the county.”

Cllr Linda Woodings, Chair of Nottingham City Health and Wellbeing Board, said: “The health of our teeth is important for all of us, as it affects what we eat, how we communicate and our self-confidence.

“Tooth decay and poor oral health remain a serious issue, but by taking preventive action by adding fluoride to drinking water, we can help to significantly reduce tooth cavities. This can lead to fewer admissions into hospital for tooth extractions, help reduce the number of missed days off school and work, and support people later in life to stay independent for longer.

“We remain committed to working with our partners to reduce the risks of decay and alongside other interventions, fluoridation of water can be an effective measure that can help improve oral health, benefitting all.”

Dr Kathy McLean, Chair of the Nottingham and Nottinghamshire Integrated Care Partnership, said:  “We want to do everything we can to prevent ill health so people can live healthier lives for as long as possible. This is one of our key principles as health and care organisations working together. The effect of fluoridation on reducing rates of hospital admission for tooth extraction is substantial, with the impact being greatest for those from more deprived areas.”

If the Secretary of State agrees to explore the expansion of the current water fluoridation schemes, a detailed feasibility study would be undertaken by the water company and an extensive public consultation with all stakeholders would take place.

Funding to support local sports clubs and facilities welcomed by Gedling MP

Funding to support grassroots sports in Gedling borough has been welcomed by an MP.

Gedling MP Tom Randall said grants totalling almost £94,000 demonstrated the government’s commitment to helping local clubs and organisations in Gedling.

The Conservative MP said a number of clubs had been beneficiaries of funding.

Mr Randall said: “There is a clear link between feeling your best, both mentally and physically, and exercising regularly. That is why I welcome the news that the Government is helping people across Gedling get active by investing into our grassroots sports facilities. 

“As part of the Conservative Government’s multi-sports grassroots facilities programme, £91,279 was allocated to Gedling last year for new changing rooms and pitch upgrades on Lambley Lane in Gedling village.

“This year, £1,312 has been allocated towards new goalposts at Arnold’s George Street Recreation Ground for Ernehale Colts FC and £605 towards additional storage for Willow Wanderers FC at Carlton le Willows Academy.

“The Government is sticking to its plan to make sure everyone can access the facilities they need to live an active and healthy lifestyle and I am pleased Gedling is receiving funding to help make that happen locally, with hopefully more to come next year.”

Sports Minister Stuart Andrew said:  “Sport and physical activity are vital to our mental health and wellbeing, and each year thousands of people make a New Year’s resolution to exercise more.

“We know that one of the major barriers in getting active is having access to high-quality sports facilities, which is why we are upgrading 1,100 more pitches, backed by investing £93 million.

“This Government has delivered thousands of new projects across the UK with the aim of getting over 120,000 more people to get active, helping us to make big strides towards meeting our ambitious target of 3.5 million more people active by 2030.”

NHS prescriptions for illnesses including ear infections or sore throats can now be issued under Pharmacy First scheme

Gedling borough patients suffering from common illnesses including earache, sinusitis and a sore throat may be able to get treatment and prescription-only medicines from pharmacies from today – without the need for a GP appointment.

The NHS Pharmacy First service believes it will be able to save up to 10 million general practice appointments a year by offering adults and children quicker and more convenient care for some complaints.

Seven common ailments, identified by the NHS, can now be treated by pharmacies signed up to the scheme, who will be able to examine patients and supply any required medicine.

The health service says more than 10,000 pharmacies have registered to be involved so far – including 1,400 in Boots stores – with further expansion expected as the scheme gets underway from this week.

The initiative also builds on growing pharmacy involvement in patient care – where many branches already offer blood pressure checks and contraception services – says the Department of Health.

Ear infections, infected insect bites, skin condition Impetigo, shingles and sore throats are among the issues patients will be able to see a participating pharmacist for.

While women will also be able to seek help and treatment for ‘uncomplicated’ urinary tract infections.

People who are unwell with one of these suspected conditions will either be able to walk directly into a participating pharmacy without an appointment or could find themselves referred there via other NHS services such as 111, urgent treatment centres or GP surgeries themselves.

Age is also a factor in who will be offered help via this route – with the NHS producing clear guidelines on how old children and adults will need to be, depending on the illness, in order to be examined by a pharmacist.