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East Midlands mayoral election ‘likely to cost £2m’ – with £900,000 being spent on election booklets

Joe Locker (LDR Reporter)
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East Midlands mayoral election ‘likely to cost £2m’ – with £900,000 being spent on election booklets

The cost of the East Midlands mayoral election next year is likely to cost around £2 million – including the printing and posting of an election booklet that will cost up to £900,000.

Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, Derby and Derbyshire will be given more independence and decision-making powers as part of a new £1.14 billion devolution deal.

It means a mayor of the East Midlands will be elected for the first time, at a poll already set to take place on May 2, 2024.

The proposals became law at the beginning of November, when the Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill was given Royal Assent, paving the way for the creation of the new East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA).

As well as getting extra funding for the East Midlands, the mayor will have the power to make major local decisions on transport, regeneration and employment.

Documents published by Nottingham City Council have now revealed up to £900,000 will be spent on printing and posting a mayoral election booklet to 1.6 million people in the region.

The documents, published ahead of a Commissioning and Procurement Executive Committee meeting on November 14, say: “As part of the devolution deal with government to establish a Combined County Authority to secure £38 million of funding per year, which would benefit the lives of citizens living in the East Midlands region, an election for a Combined County Authority Mayor will need to be held.

“Nottingham City Council is expected to be selected as lead authority with Melbourne Barrett appointed as Combined County Authority Returning Officer (CCARO) to oversee the delivery of a Combined County Authority Mayoral Election, which will take place on 2 May 2024.

“The CCARO will be required to print and post a mayoral election booklet to every elector in the combined authority area, 1.6m individuals in total.

“The booklet will include information from the CCARO about the election and an election address from each candidate.”

Print Image Network Ltd, which has been awarded similar contracts for the West Midlands Combined Authority and the West Yorkshire Combined Authority mayoral elections, has been chosen to print the booklets.

At current rates £173,000 will be spent on printing costs and £708,000 on postage costs.

Cllr Ben Bradley (Con), the current leader of Nottinghamshire County Council and MP for Mansfield, is in the running to be mayor alongside Labour’s Claire Ward and independent candidate Matthew Relf.

Cllr Bradley says the election will likely cost millions of pounds, including the election booklets, but argued the authorities have “a duty” to explain what the process is about.

“[It’s] a one off cost as its a new thing that most people, truthfully, aren’t even aware of, won’t happen in future elections I don’t think, but it’s a nationally prescribed rule for a new body like this and not within our gift to change,” he said.

“Truth be told, there’s no right answer. We have a duty to explain to people what this is and what it will do, but also to manage costs. Emails are not viable as nobody has everyone’s data or email addresses.

“It will obviously be online as well.

“The cost of a regional election including this will likely be a couple of million.

He added: “As I said, not a decision that we control. However, the big picture is obviously that without an election we’re unable to access £3 billion of new investment in our area so, £900k pales in comparison to the £3bn it unlocks.”

Anglers named and shamed after being caught illegally fishing on River Trent at Colwick

Gedling Eye Reporter
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Anglers named and shamed after being caught illegally fishing on River Trent at Colwick

Two anglers have landed more than they bargained for when being caught hook, line and sinker contravening Environment Agency fishing byelaws on the River Trent at Colwick.

They have now been ordered to pay a total of £403.

At Northampton magistrates on October 23, 2023, Vojtech Goral, 33, of Ena Avenue, and Dusan Tulej, 34, of Westwood Road, admitted leaving baited rod and line fishing equipment unattended in the water.

Goral was ordered to pay a total of £247 made up by £80 fine, £135 costs and £32 victim’s surcharge.

Angling

Tulej was ordered to pay a total of £156 made up by £40 fine, £100 costs and £16 victim’s surcharge.

Following the verdict, a spokesperson for the Environment Agency said: “These cases show how seriously the courts take these offences and we hope the high penalties will act as a deterrent to any angler who is thinking of fishing in this way. 

“By leaving a baited rod and line unattended in the water it is potentially harmful to fish and wildlife and other river users like swimmers.

“Our team works seven days a week to check on cases of illegal fishing across the East Midlands. 

“For those caught contravening the byelaws, we will always prosecute.”

Fishing illegally can incur a fine of up to £2,500 and offenders can also have their fishing equipment seized. 

Any angler aged 13 or over, fishing on a river, canal or still water needs a licence. A one-day licence costs from just £6.60 and an annual licence costs from just £33 (concessions available).  Junior licences are free for 13 – 16-year-olds. 

Licences are available from www.gov.uk/get-a-fishing-licence or by calling the Environment Agency on 0344 800 5386 between 8am and 6pm, Monday to Friday (except public holidays).   

Anyone with information about illegal fishing activities can contact the Environment Agency Incident Hotline 24/7 on 0800 80 70 60 or anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

TONY CAVE COLUMN: An hourly service at Carlton again would be just the ticket for local rail passengers

Tony Cave
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TONY CAVE COLUMN: An hourly service at Carlton again would be just the ticket for local rail passengers

CARLTON & NETHERFIELD STATION UPDATES

‘There have been a few disruptions over the past two months with a viaduct replacement at Newark meaning nine days of a shuttle service between Nottingham and Newark from 2nd to 10th Sept. The 2nd was a strike day and again on 30th Sept. and 4th Oct. followed by Storm Babet on 20th Oct with no Nottingham to Newark trains, and a few missing on 21st. I took advantage of the retimed trains at the beginning of Sept, to go to Chesterfield so that on return into Nottingham at 10.59am I could catch the 11.10am to Carlton. Usually I have a 59 minute wait as the train for Carlton leaves at 10.58.

I have seen the 10.02 train to Crewe on several occasions, and those joining and alighting usually add up to double figures. Quite a number of people come to Carlton Station for information, even if they are tech savvy. Questions asked include: “We’re going to Glasgow via Crewe, which platform do we want?” ”We are going to Kettering tomorrow (Sunday), is there a train to Nottingham to connect?” I had to tell them that we only have one morning train on Sundays and one from Netherfield

On Sun, October 22 I came down to see what was happening to the trains at Netherfield as they had been cancelled owing to flooding. The two evening trains were both cancelled and a Peterborough train calling in lieu was also cancelled. Back at Carlton at 17.20 and a person came onto the platform to ask if there was a train to Nottingham after 23.00 as his son was having to work late. I gave him the information and what platform and ticket details, which he relayed by ‘phone to his son. He thanked me for the help I had given saying: “It was a good job you were here as I would not have known what to do.” Later I was going across the level crossing and a person walked off platform 1 and over the crossing, so I asked if he was ok and he said, “‘what platform do I want for Nottingham?”. There are 2 trains on Sunday at 17.33 – one for Nottingham and one for Lincoln.

Station adopter Danny and I planted the winter bedding plants at Carlton on Oct. 5th. This time we have been given money from Netherfield Eco Action Group, which has now been dis­banded, and we thank them for helping to keep Carlton Station looking attractive.

I find the ticket machines at both stations useful to see how the trains are running, however, when there is a problem with the machine, a message appears on the screen, usually showing train departures, to say ‘There are currently no services’, which I took to mean no train services, whereas in actual fact the machine is saying that it cannot provide tickets, so no ticket service. I have mentioned this to East Midlands Railway (EMR), and others have too, to see if the message can be changed to something like ‘Currently unable to provide tickets’, which would be more clearer.

STATION ADOPTERS ANNUAL CONFERENCE

I was able to attend this year’s conference which was held at the Museum of Making in Derby. It commenced at 10.45am and concluded at 15.35pm.

After initial introductions, there were workshops we could attend, with lunch in between the 2nd and 3rd of the workshops.

I chose Network Rail for the first, and this was all about the Midland Main Line electrification, the next stage being Market Harborough to Wigston, where Leicester to Birmingham trains branch off the Main Line. I asked a question about the level crossing barriers at Carlton, which often get stuck down. I asked if notices could be put up, like they have at Newark, to say if the barriers are down for more than five minutes, contact Network Rail on the number given. They said they could see no reason why not, so we will see if anything happens.

Nothing specifically affecting our stations was mentioned in the next three workshops.

I returned on the 16.23 to Carlton, which was a few minutes late, so we were held at Long Eaton Junction, east of Trent, for a London train to pass. The guard helpfully announced, “Sorry for the delay, it will only be a few minutes as we are waiting for an express train to pass us”. It is always good when announcements such as this are made.

MPs all aboard for rail improvements

A group of nine MPs came together calling for improvements to services on the Crewe to Newark Castle (via Carlton) line.

The MPs have made the case for a half-hourly service for the line and a full Sunday service beyond the additional rolling stock and the reintroduction of extra weekday services for December.

Their letter was sent to Transport Secretary Mark Harper.

The MPs concerned have constituencies through which the line passes and includes our local MP Tom Randall.

As the organiser of this petition said, “We know there is huge potential to grow the usage of this line, but they, like me, will know all too well how the current level of services is a hindrance to our residents taking the train.” Hear! hear! – the last 2 words added by me!

For a start perhaps we could have the trains missing each weekday since covid, restored so that we have an hourly service at Carlton. These trains are still missing in the December 2023 timetable, although I believe there are extra trains on the Nottingham to Crewe service. They also currently have trains a day missing.

EMR

Bugs: EMR has increased its vigilance for bed bugs on trains. An EMR spokesperson said they have the expertise and experience of deep cleaning gained during the pandemic.

“We have not had any cases of bed bugs but as a pre-emptive step we have increased our vigilance for bugs, including nightly inspections of seats and other soft furnishings. Hoovering of seats has also been increased during these nightly cleans.”

Accessible Journey Planning: EMR has created online virtual tours of several stations to help customers plan their journey – particularly benefitting disabled and anxious customers. Virtual tours currently include Derby, Sheffield, Nottingham, Lincoln and lettering. They have been meticulously mapped using detailed 360-degree photography, allowing users to virtually navigate through all public spaces. Access to all public areas including toilets, customer service desks, platforms, as well as other areas such as car parks and drop-off locations.

Award: EMR has been recognised by a national charity for providing an autism-friendly environment. The award by the National Autistic Society, is in recognition of EMR’s autism-friendly practices and demonstrates it has met a certain set of stand­ards to offer its customers an autism-friendly service.

OTHER ITEMS

  • After the scrapping of the Northern legs of HS2, it is hoped that upgrading the Nottingham to Lincoln line will still go ahead.
  • I have seen no mention of the proposed ‘Maid Marian Line’ or extension of the Robin Hood Line to Ollerton. Even the Ivanhoe Line (Leicester to Burton) appears to have initially been reduced to a Coalville to Burton or perhaps Derby service owing to the cost of re­connecting it to the Midland Main Line to provide a west-to-north curve at Leicester.
  • No trains run locally on Christmas Day and Boxing Day, but a service is usually provided on New Year’s Day

You can email Tony Cave for more information about the local railways at tonycavedbs@hotmail.com

Dangerous driver leads police on high-speed pursuit through Calverton

Gedling Eye Reporter
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Dangerous driver leads police on high-speed pursuit through Calverton

A dangerous driver tried to escape police by going almost twice the limit through the village of Calverton on Friday (3) night.

Officers were out on patrol in the village when they first spotted the car as it went past them – which raised suspicion.

They activated his blue lights for the driver of the Leon Seat Cupra to stop but they failed to do so which sparked an authorised pursuit around Calverton.

Sergeant James Carrington, who was the officer who caught the driver, said: “The vehicle reached speeds of more than twice the limit and was being driven dangerously in residential areas, ignoring other road users and pedestrians in the village. I managed to keep it in my sights as other police units scrambled to my aid.

“I got my man as he abandoned the car in Carrington Lane and ran from the vehicle. With the assistance of the other officers on my team and a roads policing unit he was grabbed emerging on Mansfield Lane on foot.

“The irony of him getting caught in Carrington Lane, by Sgt Carrington, wasn’t lost on me!”

A 26-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving and failing to stop following the pursuit.

The car was also seized while police continued with their inquiries.

Lambley bus stop gets latest makeover for Remembrance Sunday

Justin Doddy
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Lambley bus stop gets latest makeover for Remembrance Sunday

A bus stop in Lambley has had its latest makeover in a series of transformations that take place throughout the year.

The ladies at Lambley Women’s Institute (WI) are responsible for decorating the village bus shelter for major events throughout the seasons and this has generated quite a following. 

Previous examples of their transformations include a Christmas theme, VE celebrations, Valentines Day, an Easter theme and Autumn Harvest.

It was only last month that the bus stop was transformed to celebrate Autumn Harvest and the WI members have been busy again transforming the stop for Remembrance Sunday.

PICTURED: The bus stop in Lambley has been transformed for Remembrance Sunday
PICTURED: The bus stop in Lambley has been transformed for Remembrance Sunday

Alison Moss, Secretary, Lambley WI told Gedling Eye that they enjoy decorating the village bus shelter and seeing and hearing the reactions of the villagers, bus passengers and drivers.

You don’t have to live in Lambley village to be a member of Lambley WI and most of the members actually don’t.  Everyone is really welcome.

(Courtesy of Lambley WI)
(Courtesy of Lambley WI)
(Courtesy of Lambley WI)
(Courtesy of Lambley WI)
(Courtesy of Lambley WI)
(Courtesy of Lambley WI)

Pictured: Some of the transformations (Courtesy of Lambley WI)

Meetings are held on the second Monday of the month at 7.30 at Lambley village hall, unless it’s a bank holiday when meetings are moved back a week.

The WI has a speaker at many of their meetings, covering a wide variety of topics from gin making to guide dog puppy walking and everything in between, this is as well as craft or games nights, outings, and theatre visits.

New members and visitors are always welcome to come along and make new friends.

Further information can be found on the Lambley WI facebook page (including many more bus stop transformations pictures) or by emailing Michelle on nightingale633@gmail.com

Match Report: Paviors RFC 31 – 21 West Bridgford

Nigel Youl
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Match Report: Paviors RFC 31 – 21 West Bridgford

Midlands 2 North – November 4

This weekend Pavs welcomed West Bridgford RFC to The Stump in Round 8 of the Midlands 2 North competition.

This particular fixture, has developed a certain competitive edge over the past few seasons, so the gathered large crowd were anticipatory of a thoroughly entertaining affair despite the mist, rain and gloom of an early winter’s afternoon.

From the kick off it was Pavs who stole the initiative with some pacey play despite the conditions.

In nine minutes, hooker Owen Taylor touched down after a powerful forward drive to give Pavs the lead at 5-0. More was to come on fifteen minutes, as fit again Will Taylor sprinted into the corner to skilfully score before being driven into touch. George Billam added the extras from out wide to extend Pavs lead to 15-0.

Bridgford then started to find their feet in the game with a number of forward orientated moves. On thirty nine minutes, as Bridgford moved into Pavs 22, the free running Owen Taylor stole the ball from the Bridgford centre and set off on a mazy run that took him into the Bridgford half. He moved the ball on to the supporting Will Taylor (no relation) who set off on an equally mazy run of his own before passing inside to flanker Josh Alton-Smith who duly scored. A wonderful try that saw Pavs move from defence to attack to score in the blink of an eye! Billam added the extras to give Pavs an emphatic 19-0 lead at the break.

Despite this, a dropped kick off reception at the start of the second half brought Bridgford into the game. After winning the ensuing scrum, the Bridgford pack finally scored and with the extras narrowed the score to 19-7.

Lock Theo Collier, after some strong and intelligent performances in recent weeks, was given a break with Pavs introducing his young counterpart in Ben Allen.

On fifty three minutes, number 8 Phil Eggleshaw powerfully drove over to score and with more Billam extras re-establish Pavs lead to 26-7.

Ten minutes later, Bridgford demonstrated that they were not out of the game with a well taken score to bring the score to 26-14. At the same time, Ben Allen was forced to leave the field with a cut to his ear and antipodean, Tom Gladwin took his place in the fray.

The last ten minutes turned out out to be a fraught affair. On sixty nine minutes, Phil Eggleshaw saw his opportunity to break from the back of the scrum, and with no Bridgford player willing to interrupt his rampaging run, score almost between the posts and with Billam on hand give Pavs the seemingly emphatic lead of 31-14.

Youngster Danny Green replaced scrum half Ben Taylor with Pavs just needing to see the clock out.

From the kick off, Pavs again failed to clear their lines and gave Bridgford the opportunity to again narrow the lead. Despite some brave tackling on the line, Bridgford scored again to take them to 31-21 behind with seven minutes left.

They continued to battle away and pinned Pavs back. On seventy minutes, Matt Molyneux was yellow carded for a perceived failure to roll away. Ben Taylor re-assumed his roll at scrum half, with Alex Rimmington being replaced and Danny Green taking his slot on the wing. Within minutes, Ben Taylor himself was sent to the bin with the official feeling very harshly that he had failed to release the ball. Accordingly, Pavs were down to thirteen with three minutes left.

Bridgford still pushed for another score until Tom Gladwin leaping like the proverbial salmon stole an attacking lineout and Pavs were able to see out the remaining period in a more controlled manner and seal the victory at 31-21. 

On this occasion, the bragging rights go to Pavs. The first half, in particular, saw them display the quickly improving form of recent weeks. To be picky, one might want a more controlled last period, but this does not overly detract from another accomplished performance against a challenging and vocal local rival.

With three wins in the last three weeks and 15 league points to 1, Pavs now find themselves deservedly in fourth spot in the league. Next weekend, Pavs travel over to Matlock, looking to continue their recent improvement on a surface that may be a little more challenging than the well drained sod of Burntstump.

As per last week, it would be churlish to name a back or forward of the match. As with a tight unit of mates, the collective is always more important than the individual, indeed, every individual in this squad actively seeks to advance the collective without seeking reward or personal gain from their own particular achievements – a quality displayed by any team that looks to improve and develop. A hearty well done to all will again suffice.

Squad – Dan Hyams, Owen Taylor (1 try), Jake Baldry, Theo Collier, Aaron Langan, Josh Flanagan, Josh Alton-Smith (VC, 1 try), Phil Eggleshaw (2 tries), Ben Taylor,

George Billam (3 conv), Will Taylor (1 try), Doug Billam (C), Morgan Jones, Alex Rimmington, Matt Molyneux.

Rep – Ben Allen (40), Tom Gladwin (63), Danny Green (71)

Paviors Rugby Club play at Burntstump Hill, Arnold, NG5 8PQ and the club runs over twenty teams.

New players are always welcome – girls, boys, men & women, there is a team for all.

Further information about the club including contact details can be found on http://www.paviorsrfc.co.uk/ .

Planning: Five detached properties planned for farm in Calverton

Justin Doddy
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Planning: Five detached properties planned for farm in Calverton

An application has been received by Gedling Borough Council from Mr Graham Bradford of The Planning and Development Studio, Chesterfield acting as agent on behalf of Mr Rod Graham for a residential development at Whitehaven Farm, Mansfield Lane, Calverton, NG14 6HP.

The application describes the proposed works as ‘Demolition of existing buildings for residential development of five detached dwellings, garages and curtilages, improvement of existing private access track to Mansfield Lane and demolition and repositioning of a detached garage to Whitehaven Farm (house) to provide bespoke bat roost mitigation measures.’

A design and access statement prepared by Bruce Bradley, Architect in support of the full planning application states that there are five detached dwellings proposed: three X five bedroom and two X four bedroom residential properties, each has two associated garage spaces and a minimum of 2 parking spaces proposed.

Pictured: Proposed site location (Courtesy of Gedling Borough Council planning)

Planning documents advise that the site is on the edge the village of Calverton which is predominately residential in character with some areas of light industrial units. The application site is rectangular and is currently occupied by an extensive range of large farm buildings that have remained in various uses until recently, but which are deteriorating and not fit to repurpose.  

The current site has parking for 30 cars which will be reduced to 20 as per planning application documents.

Planning documents also advise that the proposals seek to positively address the issues arising from the on-going deterioration of a previously developed site in the Green Belt where substantial structures continue to have a negative effect on the immediate
landscape and where significant protected species habitat is at risk should further redevelopment of the site not be secured.

Pictured: Proposed site plan (Courtesy of Gedling Borough Council planning)

As part of the proposals the existing domestic garage of the applicant which stands to the south of the application site will be demolished and rebuilt to enable a high level of bat roost mitigation to be incorporated by design within its bespoke roof void.

Full planning details can be accessed on Planning Application No.2023/0728 HERE.

All the Gedling borough takeaways, pubs, sandwich and chip shops given five-star hygiene ratings in October

Gedling Eye Reporter
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All the Gedling borough takeaways, pubs, sandwich and chip shops given five-star hygiene ratings in October

12 food establishments across Gedling borough have been given a new hygiene rating over recent weeks.

The premises were rewarded the top food hygiene rating by inspectors. Ratings range from zero to five stars, with zero meaning urgent improvement is required, one-star meaning major improvement is necessary, two-stars indicating some improvement is necessary, three meaning hygiene standards are generally satisfactory while four means hygiene standards are good and five means standards are very good.

The fact these food establishments, listed below, have been granted the top rating means the premises are of exceptional standards. 

Chick Chick, 302 Carlton Hill, Carlton NG4 1GD (They were awarded a Food Hygiene Rating of 5 (Very Good) by Gedling Borough Council on October 26, 2023)

Four Bells, 87 Main Street, Woodborough NG14 6EA (The Four Bells was awarded a Food Hygiene Rating of 5 by Gedling Borough Council on October 24, 2023)

The Cross Keys, 74 Front Street, Arnold, NG5 7EJ (Cross Keys was awarded a Food Hygiene Rating of 5 by Gedling Borough Council on October 24, 2023)

Pub burger

Santini Bar And Restaurant, 3 Nottingham Road, Ravenshead, NG15 9HG (Santini Bar And Restaurant was awarded a Food Hygiene Rating of 5 by Gedling Borough Council on October 19, 2023)

Papa Johns, 18 Carlton Square, Carlton, NG4 3BP (Papa Johns Pizza was awarded a Food Hygiene Rating of 5 by Gedling Borough Council on October 12, 2023)

The Wine Room, 962 Woodborough Road, Mapperley NG3 5QS (The Wine Room was awarded a Food Hygiene Rating of 5 by Gedling Borough Council on October 6, 2023).

Chinese meal

Springwater Golf Club, Moor Lane, Woodborough NG14 6FZ (Springwater Golf Club was awarded a Food Hygiene Rating of 5 by Gedling Borough Council on October 12, 2023)

Cafe at the Abbey, Newstead Abbey, Newstead Abbey Park, Station Avenue, Newstead, NG15 8GE (Cafe At The Abbey was awarded a Food Hygiene Rating of 5 by Gedling Borough Council on October 5, 2023).

Floralands Farmhouse Cafe, Floralands Garden Village, Catfoot Lane, Lambley, NG4 4QL (Floralands Farmhouse Kitchen was awarded a Food Hygiene Rating of Awaiting inspection by Gedling Borough Council on October 5, 2023).

Curry dishes

Paprika, 15 Main Road, Gedling, NG4 3HQ (Paprika was awarded a Food Hygiene Rating of 5 by Gedling Borough Council on October 3, 2023).

The Vale Club, 54 Vale Road, Colwick, NG4 2ED (Vale Social Club was awarded a Food Hygiene Rating of 5 by Gedling Borough Council on October 3, 2023).

Cafe 1899, Gedling Country Park Visitor Centre, Spring Lane, Gedling, NG4 4PE (Cafe 1899 was awarded a Food Hygiene Rating of 5 by Gedling Borough Council on October 3, 2023).

Road closure leads to bus service changes in Gedling

Gedling Eye Reporter
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Road closure leads to bus service changes in Gedling

Nottingham City Transport has announced a series of changes to its bus services in Gedling as a result of the closure of Shelford Road.

The road closure is being put in place so pothole repairs can be carried out from the junction of Arnold Lane to the junction of Wollaton Avenue.

The works are being carried out by Nottinghamshire County Council.

The work is taking place Shelford Road between 9am and 15:30pm on the 7th, 8th and 9th of November.

During these times the road will be closed.

While work takes place, Nottingham City Transport has announced that the Red 44/A will terminate inside the Chase Farm Development at Harviston Avenue and will be unable to serve stops on Shelford Road or Wollaton Avenue.

Sky Blue 45 will use the Wollaton Avenue turning Circle and won’t serve Shelford Road or the Chase Farm Development.

Gedling swimming pools handed more than £127,000 to keep afloat by Government support fund

Gedling Eye Reporter
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Gedling swimming pools handed more than £127,000 to keep afloat by Government support fund

At-risk swimming pools have been awarded a share of £20 million of Government funding to keep them afloat.

The Swimming Pool Support Fund was announced in the March Budget to support facilities in response to increased operating costs.

This first £20 million of funding is going to 196 swimming pools and leisure centres most at risk of closure or significant cuts, and will help towards immediate maintenance costs, heating and pool chemicals.

In Gedling borough, Arnold Leisure Centre received £98,758, Calverton scooped £11,369 and Carlton Forum was granted £17,398

Operating costs including, but not limited to, heating have increased considerably in recent months, with local authorities facing greater challenges to keep pools open.

Officers from the council’s Leisure and Finance teams submitted a detailed application for the funding, which was created to support local authority swimming pools with the increased costs associated with energy price rises.

Carlton-Forum
PICTURED: Carlton Forum
Levelling Up bid Arnold
PICTURED: The funding has been welcomed by Deputy council leader Michael Payne, pictured here outside Arnold’s leisure centre (PHOTO: GBC)

Since November 2022 the costs to heat the three borough leisure centres has increased by £27,400 per month.

Deputy Leader of Gedling Borough Council, Councillor Michael Payne said;

“I’m delighted to announce that we have been successful in securing this much needed funding from Sport England, contributing towards the energy costs of running our pools and ensuring we can continue to offer these leisure facilities to our residents. 

We know how important swimming facilities are, not only providing a place where residents can learn a lifesaving skill, but also somewhere to socialise, and support physical and mental wellbeing. It’s so important that we continue to make these facilities accessible to our residents, and thanks to funding like this we can continue to do so. 

I’d like to thank our Leisure and Finance teams for their outstanding work on this application, and to Sport England for providing these vital funds for our leisure services.”

Swim England’s latest Value of Swimming report said swimming helps generate social benefits, such as improved communities, skills and education worth £2.4 billion a year.

Sports Minister Stuart Andrew said: “Leisure centres and pools are vital for millions of people to stay fit and healthy, and we know that many public swimming pools are experiencing greater pressure due to increased operating costs.

“We have heard their concerns and have stepped in to help them make ends meet with £20 million immediate relief, and a further £40 million to help improve the sustainability of public swimming pools over the long term.”

The funding has been welcomed by five-time British Olympic swimmer Mark Foster.

“From babies and children learning to swim, to older adults using their local pool to get active and socialise, swimming has a huge range of benefits and I am a passionate advocate for investment in the grassroots,” he said.

Executive Director for Place, Sport England, Lisa Dodd-Mayne added: “We know just how vital swimming pools and leisure centres are to our nation’s activity levels, which is why Sport England is proud to have played a central role in the delivery of this fund.

“Many pools have faced a real and significant threat to their survival this year, as operators battle the challenge of increased energy and maintenance costs, weakened reserves and difficulties with retaining staff.

“Today’s announcement is an important moment in time, but is by no means the end of the work facing us or the support available as we continue to work with our partners to ensure the long-term viability of these vital community resources.”

Over the coming months the recipients of a further £40 million will be announced.

“Many pools have faced a real and significant threat to their survival this year, as operators battle the challenge of increased energy and maintenance costs, weakened reserves and difficulties with retaining staff.

“Today’s announcement is an important moment in time, but is by no means the end of the work facing us or the support available as we continue to work with our partners to ensure the long-term viability of these vital community resources.”

Gedling Borough Council has also applied for further funding from Phase 2 of Sport England’s Swimming Pool Support Fund. If successful, the Phase 2 funding will be used to upgrade the council’s swim facilities to become more energy efficient and would support the council’s commitment to achieve net-zero emissions by 2030. 

Over the coming months the recipients of this further £40 million will be announced.

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