A new calendar has gone on sale showcasing the borough’s 12 best potholes.
The calendar has been created by local resident Brian Bailey, who is a member of a new local Facebook group dedicated to highlighting the pothole pandemic taking hold of the borough.
The new social media group was first highlighted last week in Gedling Eye when it had a membership of more than 500. This has now grown to 1,400 over the past few days.
The Gedling Borough Potholes group is being used to alert drivers about the worst affected areas across the borough with pictures of local crumbling and deep craters being posted by fuming motorists daily.
Now many of these photos have been collected into the calendar, which is available digitally and also in print. The aim is to charge £7, with profits going to charity,
The month of May features ‘a pothole named Fish Pond’ by photographer Jacqueline Taylor‘Meteorite Strike’ on Middlebeck Drive is the chosen pothole for July‘No Parking’ is the featured pothole for November
Calverton Parish Councillor Andy Meads delivered good news to residents and community groups in Calverton this week.
In a social media post Councillor Meads said: “At this weeks parish council meeting we had to agree new hire rates coming into affect at the end of March.
“Despite huge increase in electricity and gas, and the cost of all the improvements to the site we decided to freeze the prices from last year for another year, taking us up to March 2025, that’s the hall, meeting room, conference room, kitchens, community units, changing rooms, and football pitches.”
Councillor Meads added: “As well as not putting the prices up we have decided to offer a substantial discount on the room hire charges for none for profit, voluntary groups running community activities, such as parent and toddler groups, social groups, special interest groups, clubs, etc – contact the parish office for more information.”
The Parish Council were busy in 2023 delivering three new community units, created as part of an extension to the village hall.
Pictured: The new community units (Calverton Parish Council)
Calverton Parish Council kept the community regularly updated on the progress of the new builds with regular photos of the construction progress with Councillor Meads saying: “Each unit has been designed to be self-contained, including amenities such as air conditioning, ample storage space, and kitchenette. The versatile space is available for booking during regular morning, afternoon and evening slots, providing a flexible solution to cater to a variety of community needs.”
An application for outline planning permission with all matters reserved for the proposed erection of four studio apartments to the rear of 918 Woodborough Road, Mapperley, NG3 5QR has been refused by Gedling planners.
The application described the proposed works as ‘the demolition of a single storey triple garage and replaced with a 2 storey development containing 4no. studio apartments’
Planning documents stated that four one bedroom studio residential properties over two floors were proposed with the garages subject to the outline planning application being accessible via Bennett Road, Mapperley.
The Notice of Refusal dated January 11 stated that the reasons for refusal were:
The applicant has failed to demonstrate that up to 4 studio apartments can be accommodated on the site that would provide a sufficient level of amenity for future residents due to the potential small apartment floor areas, contrary to Policy 32 – Amenity of the adopted Local Planning Document Part 2 Local Plan and paragraph 135 of the NPPF (December 2023) which requires that all planning policies and decisions should ensure a high standard of amenity for existing and future users.
The proposal would provide an insufficient level of car parking to meet the requirements of the occupants, contrary to Policy 57 of the Local Planning Document Part 2 Local Plan and adopted Supplementary Planning Document ‘Parking Provision for Residential and Non-Residential Developments’.
Pictured: Proposed Front elevation and plans (Courtesy of Gedling Borough Council planning)
Full planning details can be accessed on Planning Application No.2023/0555 HERE.
B&M has revealed that it plans to open its new Arnold store in February.
The new store, which will occupy the former Wilkos building on Front Street, will open to the public on Wednesday, February 21.
The former Wilkos store has remained empty since it closed on October 8.
The store’s closure had led to a decline in footfall in the town centre that had impacted trade at the local market.
The new B&M store will open up inside the former Wilko’s building that closed back in October (IMAGE: Google)
B&M announced plans to takeover a number of former Wilkos store and it revealed last month that the Arnold site would be one of them.
Fans of the chain said they were happy the building would have new life breathed into it when B&M plans were revealed “We could have a full day out here if it opens,” one shopper posted on Gedling Eye’s Facebook page. “Aww yes, B&M is definitely most welcome,” said another.
Please contact venue to confirm availability and details
A quick word from ‘This is Gedling’ Magazine who sponsor The Vibe
Covering the whole of Gedlng borough ‘This is Gedling’ magazine is being distributed now – you can pick up a FREE copy at your local pub, club, venue, theatre, takeaway.
This is Gedling is a Not for Profit (NfP) community initiative that depends on the support of advertisers, contributors, readers and donors to continue to bring FREE borough news and general interest content to the all 46 square miles and 120k residents of Gedling borough.
Flooding concerns have been addressed after a redesign of 132 new homes in Calverton was approved.
Persimmon Homes Nottingham submitted its plans last year for vacant agricultural land off Park Road.
While development is currently under way for 72 other properties on the site, it forms part of a larger development of up to 365 homes previously approved for the north-west edge of the village.
The developer submitted an application for the redesign of the next phase in order to make it compliant with the government’s new ‘Future Homes’ environmental standards.
This means the modified homes would be more energy efficient due to increased cavity wall insulation and solar panels on the roofs.
During a Gedling Borough Council Planning Committee meeting on January 10, concerns were raised over the fact the developer had yet to submit a drainage plan.
Cllr Sam Smith (Con), who represents Trent Valley, said: “We’ve all obviously seen the recent impact of flooding, so I am a bit disappointed the drainage plan hasn’t been submitted yet.
“We do need to see that plan in my opinion prior to approval because it will outline where the flood water or run-off would go.
“What happens if the drainage plans are submitted and then the lead authority still object? Does the site not go ahead until they do approve it?
A council officer responded to say: “That scheme has been approved previously by the lead flood authority so realistically there is not going to be any substantive changes over and above what has been approved previously.
“I would be extremely surprised if the lead flood authority were to raise any objection to it and, ultimately, if they did they would not be able to go ahead with the development anyway, they would have to look to address it.”
Councillors unanimously approved the application for the redesign.
A trial by supermarket giant Morrisons to install ‘RoboCop’ style security cameras has sparked a backlash among some shoppers who claim the new devices have left them feeling “like a criminal”.
The chain has deployed portable CCTV devices along its alcohol aisle in some stores as part of its plan to tackle the rise in retail shoplifting.
The four-legged devices are called Safer Pod S1 and have features such as a 360-degree HD camera view, are remotely controlled and have a 120db siren system.
Originally designed as a security measure in empty warehouses, the cameras have become the latest initiatives installed by a retailer in the battle against a ‘shoplifting epidemic‘.
However, Morrisons shoppers took to social media to voice their dislike of the supermarket’s new cameras with one user claiming it made him “feel like a criminal”.
Mark Powlett wrote on X, “Wow Morrisons how welcoming Robocop feels. I’m typing this as I wait for the one member of staff covering all the self-service tills. I’m also being filmed there because actually paying staff to work when you can just make customers feel like criminals is lovely isn’t it?
Wow @Morrisons how welcoming Robocop feels. I'm typing this as I wait for the one member of staff covering all the self service tills. I'm also being filmed there because actually paying staff to work when you can just make customers feel like criminals is lovely isn't it? pic.twitter.com/DgdYk42uhT
In response to a comment from Morrisons, Powlett added: “There is literally nothing you can say that would make me think this is an acceptable way to treat customers. There’s less and less staff. We serve ourselves, wait an age for the one poor person helping to approve purchases and now this. It’s awful.”
One user described the move as a “panopticon society” while another commented: “All the big supermarkets are starting to feel like a hostile environment where every customer is a suspected thief. It’s not pleasant to shop in these places.”
A spokesman for Morrisons said that it had trialled the pods in a ‘handful’ of stores over Christmas and is reviewing whether to install them across the country.
A spokesperson added: ‘The aim of this was to deter crime while also helping to ensure the safety of our colleagues and customers.’
Safer Group described its device as a ‘cutting-edge, intruder detection system to enhance the safety and security of Morrisons’ stores’.
Last year, Morrisons unveiled a series of measures to tackle the surge in retail crime, including the introduction of optional staff worn body cameras and a fleet of CCTV vans.
Gedling Eye has launched a new WhatsApp community to bring the very latest breaking news and top stories from across the borough to your phone – and it’s completely free.
By joining, you’ll receive live breaking news, the biggest crime stories, weather updates and more directly to your WhatsApp. All you have to do is click on this link, select ‘Join Community’ and you’re in.
No one else in the community will be able to see your personal information and you will only receive messages from Gedling Eye’s news team. We will not spam your WhatsApp feed with constant messages, but you will receive updates from us daily.
If for some reason you decide you no longer want to be a part of our community, you can leave by clicking on the name at the top of your screen and clicking ‘Exit Group’.
Our readers from across the borough give their weekly take on the biggest issues impacting Gedling and beyond.
Join the debate by sending your letter to letters@gedlingeye.co.uk . Please put ‘Letters’ in the subject line.
You can also submit a letter by filling in the simple form below, and it may appear online.
Some letters refer to past correspondence which can be found by clicking HERE. Join the debate by email.
Names and addresses will be withheld by request but must be included in the email.We reserve the right to edit letters.
Why should the public have to fix our pothole problem?
It’s a sad state of affairs when the community has to do the job of politicians via Facebook.
We are all aware of the growing pothole problem across the borough – but it should be something for our MPs and councillors to sort out – not the public.
Instead of relying on the public, lets see our councillors and MPs earn their cash and finally get this pothole problem sorted, instead of passing. the buck and blaming each other.
It started the moment they left their Carlton Square offices and moved to Arnold.
After spending three thousand thousand on a few shops when some areas are desperate for investment you once again have the gaul to try and justify spending another 50 thousand thousand on Arnold.
Does GBC have no shame?
I’d rather they did not receive it than get it to yet again snub all the other towns and villages that have just as much right to having monies spent on their communities.
Shame on you GBC, shame on you!
Name and address witheld by request
Banking ‘no longer fit for purpose’
Why do our political representatives not treat the matter of bank branch closures with the concern it requires?
Banking is no longer fit for many purposes and business people in Arnold now stand in long queues at post offices, with cash in one envelope and cheques in another, in order to pay into accounts.
It is difficult to believe the Government’s protestation that it is committed to retaining ‘cash’, when the chancellor could easily stem (and reverse this increasing slide) with indication that bank specific taxes will be instigated if the industry doesn’t tow the line.
As thoughtless people impose a cashless society by default, it will eventually result in a loss of democracy. Banks, or worse Governments, will undoubtedly use IT to direct our card transactions.
Accounts will be closed without appeal, business of the wrong persuasion will be proscribed from card transactions, and the public will no longer have any say in events, having lost alternatives to money. The recent debacle of Nigel Farage being ‘picked upon’ by an undemocratic bank is a wonderful pointer towards our future. Absolute power corrupts and we are pointed on the way towards it.
E Reynolds, Burton Joyce
Please keep our NHS safe
NHS is a precious jewel I awoke in the middle of the night with severe chest pain.
NHS 111 advised me to call an ambulance or go immediately to A&E.
I arrived there at 05.30, and they gave me a whole battery of tests, including an ECG and a chest X-ray.
Along the way I even got breakfast and lunch!
Fortunately it was diagnosed as a mild condition treatable with antibiotics, but I tremble to think what all this would have cost in a private hospital.
Staff and volunteers at the Queens Medical Centre were brilliant, caring and friendly.
The NHS is a precious jewel. Governments of whatever colour must be urged to keep it very safe.
Anthony Hook Carlton
Got something to say? Send us your letter using the form below
Goals in either half from Kieran Fenton and Remaye Campbell saw Carlton Town exit the Notts Senior Cup as they were beaten 2-0 at home by Basford Utd.
The Millers came into this quarter-final tie on the back of a fine win at North Ferriby last time out and fancied their chances against a Basford side who have spent most of the season at the wrong end of the table in the division above Carlton’s. But the visitors looked in control throughout, particularly in the first half when they missed a number of good chances and Carlton failed to make their ex-loanee goalkeeper Kieran Preston make a meaningful save all evening.
To make matters worse, Carlton finished the game with 10 men after injuries to Lamin Manneh, Alex Hardwick and Niall Davie saw them leave the field, and goalkeeper Felix Annan is also a worry after he picked up a groin injury that saw him unable to take goal kicks for most of the game.
Tommy Brookbanks and Mark Harvey named an unchanged side from the North Ferriby win but on a heavy pitch it was clear from the opening exchanges that Basford were much the sharper team.
They had a golden opportunity to open the scoring on 16 minutes from the penalty spot when Annan brought down Rev James in a goalmouth scramble after the goalkeeper had saved a shot from Henri Wilder. But Jack Thomas’s spot kick hit both posts before Jack Lewis’s shot from the rebound was saved by Annan.
Basford didn’t let the miss upset their rhythm and they continued to cause problems for the Millers with Mason Frizelle firing wide from six yards after a corner got through to him at the back post. Minutes later a fine clearance from Preston found Wilder on the left. He crossed for Jonathan Wafula to hit a fierce drive that was excellently saved by Annan.
Carlton finally got some forward momentum going with a run from the impressive David Adegbola and Niall Davie earned a free kick soon afterwards following a fine run. Davie himself took the free kick but Preston saved well.
Ryan Ebanks had to be alert to clear the danger from yet another Basford attack before Carlton lost Manneh to injury on 39 minutes.
It looked as if Carlton were going to get in at half time somehow all square until Fenton headed home a corner unmarked in the last seconds of first half injury time.
The Millers came out with more purpose in the second half and Lewis Durow in particular kept trying to get the team going but Basford looked comfortable and Annan was called upon to make a fine block from Wafula.
However, the game was effectively over when Basford scored their second on 68 minutes and it was a dreadful goal to concede. There appeared little danger when a cross from the left reached Peter Dearle in the six yard area but his attempted clearance when high into the air. Annan came to claim it but missed the ball completely and Rev James had the easy task of lifting the ball into the open goal.
From then on very little of note occurred albeit Carlton did take the opportunity to bring on Dan Brown and Michael Ford. Lawrence Gorman also came on when Hardwick limped off injured which led to Dean Freeman going up front. Freeman forced Preston into a save late on with a header from an Ebanks cross but Carlton’s injury worries increased when Davie left the field on 90 minutes and the Millers played out added time with 10 men.
They could certainly have no complaints at the final outcome and will look to get back to winning ways when they resume their league campaign on Saturday.
Carlton Town: F Annan, R Ebanks, L Durow, D Freeman, P Dearle (D Brown 68), K Sargent (M Ford 79), L Manneh (N Hylton 39), N Davie, A Hardwick (L Gorman 74), A Howes, D Adegbola. Unused Subs: G Tempest
