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MP visits residents on flooded road in Arnold to answer questions and offer support – in the aftermath of the Storm Babet

MP for Gedling Tom Randall this week visited Arnold residents whose homes had been impacted by Friday’s flooding caused by Storm Babet.

The MP visited five households in Bentwell Avenue on Monday (23) that were flooded over the weekend.

Mr Randall offered his sympathy to those affected, before responding to questions from residents and offering support.

The MP said: “A lagoon is nearby which is supposed to help prevent Bentwell Avenue from flooding but it is devastating that flooding continues to be a risk.

“I will be now contacting Nottinghamshire County Council, who are the lead flood authority, asking them to carry out an assessment on the cause of last weekend’s flooding at Bentwell Avenue

“I will also be contacting Gedling Borough Council, who are responsible for maintaining the lagoon, about when it was last cleared out and what their maintenance plan includes. I’ll also be asking their planning department to inspect the drainage on the housing development site that is under construction on Rolleston Drive as a lack of drainage on the site may be pushing water-run off onto Bentwell Avenue.

Further rainfall is expected across Gedling this week. You can check for flood warnings and alerts here: https://www.gov.uk/check-flooding

If your property or business has been affected by flooding, you may be eligible for funding to support you as you recover. Details can be found here: http://www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/planning-and-environment/flooding-help-and-advice/flooding-grants

Gedling green group organise first climate change convention in Arnold

A green group in Gedling are planning their first convention in a bid to get local people together who are concerned about climate change.

Gedling Climate Change Group are hosting their first Climate and Nature Convention on Saturday, November 18 at The Civic Centre in Arnold.

The convention will take place between 10am-3pm.

The free event will be all-ticket and these can be booked online.

There will be guest speakers throughout the day, along with facilitated group discussions and stalls from organisations that all work with the climate and nature at the heart of what they do.

There will also be a free screening of “Offshore”, an independent documentary that brings together varying perspectives on working in offshore oil and gas and renewable energy, as part of the convention.

Confirmed to speak at the convention is Dr Simon Berrow, a well-respected international lecturer on Marine Biology and travels around the world. He is a university lecturer at GMIT (Galway Mayo Institute of Technology), CEO of the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group and has also been on the heritage council as a marine advisor to the Irish Government.

A spokesman for Gedling Climate Change Group said: “We have organised the Climate and Nature Convention, as we believe nothing like this has been done on a local level in the Gedling area and surrounding boroughs.

“People are hugely concerned about the Climate Crisis but often feel like their voice isn’t heard and don’t know how they can change that, or that smaller scale changes and projects can get ignored. Well, we’re hoping to have the answer to those worries!

“The Climate and Nature Convention will be a day where everyone will have their chance to ask questions, raise concerns and learn about what we can do to address the climate and nature emergency.

“As a group we will be collecting the findings from the day and feeding these directly back to the local council, to ensure local people’s views and concerns are communicated effectively and cannot be ignored.”

They added: “We want as many people to attend as possible so we can all make a difference, together.”

Tickets to the convention are free and booked through Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/climate-and-nature-convention-2023-tickets-729327296577?aff=oddtdtcreator

Borough residents and businesses urged to remain vigilant as they begin recovery from chaos caused by Storm Babet

Residents and businesses in Gedling borough are being urged to remain vigilant as they continue to recover from the extensive flooding and disruption caused by Storm Babet.

A major incident was declared in the county at the weekend following the heavy rainfall, which caused rivers and streams to burst their banks – leaving many homes and businesses under water.  

The severe weather presented the Nottinghamshire Local Resilience Forum (LRF) – a multi-agency partnership made up of local authorities and emergency services – with complex and challenging situations to tackle and overcome. 

Since Friday (19 October), the partnership has worked tirelessly to respond to some of the worst flooding the county has experienced and help people in the most need.

This support has included Nottinghamshire County Council providing 2,500 sandbags to flood-hit communities. 

More than 500 properties and around 60 businesses have been affected by flooding since Friday and several roads are still closed in Nottinghamshire.

Flood alerts and warnings are also still in place across the county and the LRF is asking people to remain vigilant to flooding and to continue checking the latest weather forecast and travel advice.

Councillor Neil Clarke MBE, Nottinghamshire County Council’s cabinet member for transport and environment, said he was glad conditions were now improving.

He said: “The weather conditions have improved since the weekend, but I would urge communities to stay vigilant and keep an eye on the latest forecasts, travel advice and flood alerts.

“I would like to thank the emergency services, all the partner agencies and all the local volunteers such as flood wardens, who have provided support to people throughout these terrible floods.

“This support will continue as the situation moves to a recovery process in the coming days and weeks. 

“We are closely monitoring the situation and remain ready to respond and support people whenever and wherever necessary.

“We would also encourage residents to check Nottinghamshire County Council’s website for information about roads and other services impacted by the flooding – as well as follow advice given by the emergency services. Please stay safe.”

Residents whose homes have suffered internal flooding are entitled to a one-off hardship grant of £120 which is intended to provide some immediate relief for essential provisions in the aftermath of the flooding.

To apply for a grant, call the County Council’s Customer Service Centre on 0300 500 8080, Monday to Thursday between 8.30am-5pm, and between 8.30am and 4.30pm on Fridays. 

Nottinghamshire County Council is also providing support for businesses affected by flooding.

Councillor Keith Girling, Cabinet Member for Economic Development at Nottinghamshire County Council, said: “We know how devastating the recent floods have been for the many small and medium sized businesses who are the backbone of the economy in our towns and communities across Nottinghamshire.  

“This is why we are providing support and advice for those businesses which have been affected, as well as hardship funding to help in the interim while insurance claims are being made.”

The support available includes: 

Business advisory support

Any business which has been affected can email BusinessTeam@nottscc.gov.uk, providing details about their organisation – including postcode – and how they have been impacted. A business adviser will be able to provide advice and signposting.

Hardship fund – business

Small or micro businesses with up to 49 employees are eligible to apply for an emergency payment of up to £300.

For more information about the hardship fund visit Flooding hardship fund | Nottinghamshire County Council.

LETTERS TO HEAVEN: Young girl honoured with national youth award for memorial postbox success

A girl whose wish to connect with her late grandparents led to the installation of memorial post boxes at crematoria throughout the UK has received a prestigious youth award for her efforts.

Matilda Handy was presented with the British Citizen Youth Award Medal of Honour at a special ceremony at The Palace of Westminster.

The ten-year-old wanted to send birthday and Christmas cards to her late grandmother, who passed away in 2017.

As a result of Matilda’s idea, a Letters To Heaven memorial post box was installed at Gedling Crematorium last December, and within a few weeks, more than 100 letters and cards had been posted.

The idea received such positive feedback that crematorium owners Westerleigh Group decided to install a memorial post box at each of its sites all over the country.

Other crematorium groups, funeral directors and even a cats and dogs home were so inspired by the idea that they have installed similar memorial post boxes, and Westerleigh Group had enquiries from other providers all over Europe and as far away as the USA and Australia.

The idea saw Matilda be invited to take part in numerous television and radio interviews, including the BBC One Show, and she also appeared on Ant and Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway.

She was also invited to a special reception at 10 Downing Street by Rishi Sunak, where she was recognised as a Points of Light; the Prime Minister’s Points of Light award is a daily programme recognising outstanding volunteers, charity leaders and community heroes for the service they give to others.

The British Citizen Youth Award, now in its eighth year, recognises young people, aged under 18, from across the UK who have made a positive difference to their communities and to society.

A total of 24 young people were honoured at the presentation Matilda attended, which was hosted by singer and actress Kimberley Wyatt.

Matilda was presented with her BCyA Medal of Honour by Nicky Cox MBE, Editor-in-Chief of First News.

Matilda said: “I am very thankful to be honoured with this award and would like to thank all my friends, family and everyone at Westerleigh Group for their support in helping me through this. “

Debbie Smith, Chief Executive Officer of Westerleigh Group, said: “We are delighted for yet another recognition for Matilda’s contribution to bereaved families.

“The legacy of her idea is now helping to bring comfort to thousands of bereaved people around the country and abroad.

“We’ve received lots of incredibly positive feedback from people who tell us they have gained therapeutic benefit and comfort through the act of posting cards, letters and messages to loved ones they have lost.

“We are very proud of Matilda and her achievement, she is a very deserving medallist and a true example of an honourable and engaged young citizen who has made a positive difference to the lives of so many people.”

To find out more about Westerleigh Group’s memorial post boxes, visit: www.westerleighgroup.co.uk/letters-to-heaven

How to Throw the Perfect Retirement Party

Reaching retirement is the beginning of a new chapter in your life, and one that is often good cause for celebration. If you, an employee or a loved one are happily retiring soon, it’s a great excuse to have a party and get everyone together to have a great time together. Of course, before you hold a party, there are a lot of things you need to get in order.

(Photo by Al Elmes on Unsplash)

Parties can be great fun, but they require a lot of planning and organisation to make sure everything goes smoothly. If it’s a big event, with lots of guests, then you definitely need to be prepared. Here are some top tips for throwing the perfect retirement party.

The Venue

Of course, every party no matter how big or small needs a venue. For some parties, a small space will do, but if you’re expecting a big turnout then you need more room for everyone. If you’re holding a retirement plan for an employee, you might have a suitable function room in your office, but if not you can also rent places for a party.

Finding party venues has never been easier thanks to online searches. You should be able to find lots of options in your local area, which is good because you don’t want to make people travel far. When choosing the venue, price and size are the two biggest factors to consider. However, you also want to think about what kind of amenities are included in the venue.

When it comes to party venues, there are lots of different options you could choose, depending on the type of party you want to hold. If the weather is nice, why not choose an outdoor location? Make sure that whatever option you choose, it has everything you need.

Your Guest List

Before planning your retirement party, make sure the person whose retirement you’re celebrating is happy about it. For most people, retiring is an opportunity to spend more time doing the things they love. However, it’s still a bittersweet event for a lot of people. Once you’ve got the greenlight, you can start making your guest list for the event.

Of course, you want to invite everyone who your guest of honour loves and cares about. This means friends, family and work colleagues. If the party is going to be a surprise, you can find out through close friends of family members who you should invite. If not, simply asking them who they’d like to attend is the best way to create the guest list.

Food, Drinks and Fun

As with any party, you need to make sure there’s enough food and drink for everyone in attendance. Not having enough food out means people are more likely to leave sooner, which can be an advantage if you’re only planning a short event. However, if you want the party to last all night, the food and drinks need to be readily available.

Make sure that any dietary requirements are taken care of, looking at the guest list to see if anyone has food allergies or needs special considerations. If you’re planning a themed event, the food and drink is a great way to do something different and get creative with ideas.

Entertainment is another important factor for any good party. Think about what your guest of honour enjoys, and the kind of entertainment that will make their night special. Live music, DJs, dancing or light shows are all possibilities, and don’t be afraid to think outside the box.

Decoration

Last but not least, don’t forget the decoration when planning your party. Balloons, streamers, confetti, party hats and bunting are all great ideas to add some colour and excitement to any event. Make sure that the venue you choose allows decoration, and keep it within the theme if you have one.

Sainsbury’s axe recycling hub targeted by flytippers at Arnold superstore

A popular recycling hub has now been axed at a supermarket chain in Arnold.

Sainbury’s has now closed the recycling point based at its superstore in Sir John Robinson Way.

According to The Times, the supermarket giant has been quietly axing the recycling points despite pleas by locals and politicians to keep the services.

A sign at the former hub site readss: “The recycling centre is permanently closed. Your nearest tip is Calverton. CCTV is in operation and registrations will be passed on to the police of anyone fly tipping.”

The recycling site had recently been targeted by flytippers in recent months. Back in July customers were left outraged by the amount of rubbish dumped at the store’s recycling point, with piles of bin bags, cardboard boxes and old clothes being dumped at the site.

Rubbish spotted at the site back in July

In a statement from Sainsbury’s issued this week they said all recycling hubs were being closed to avoid duplicating services offered by local councils.

Sainsbury’s said: “We regularly review our services to ensure we’re helping customers in ways that benefit them the most.

“To avoid duplicating the recycling services offered by local councils, we’re instead focusing on materials which are traditionally harder for customers to recycle at home, such as flexible plastics, which we collect in all our supermarkets.”

Everyday Plastic founder, Daniel Webb slammed the decision.

He said: “This move not only places more reliance on kerbside recycling but also reduces the opportunity for those who may not have kerbside recycling services, such as residents in flats.”

Local shoppers were also angered by the move.

Arnold resident Lynn Moakes said: “Not everyone can get to Calverton. I don’t have a car and normally carry stuff down in bags. It was me doing my bit for the environment but I won;t be able to do that anymore.”

Tony Rowe said: “I only live around the corner. It won’t help the environment much now that I’ll have to drive a car to Calverton. Ridiculous.”

‘HELL, no!’ Strong reaction as Walkers launches new Christmas pudding-flavoured crisps in borough Aldi stores

Aldi stores across Gedling borough are selling a controversial new Walkers crisp flavour that one shopper has already called ‘a crime against humanity’.

In what is a combination that has surprised snack lovers, Walkers has decided to launch Christmas pudding-flavoured crisps.

The new limited edition Sweet & Spiced Christmas Pudding flavour comes as part of the Walkers Festive Selection Pack. Other flavours included in the bundle include Pigs in Blankets and Festive Turkey.

You can currently get your hands on the selection pack for £1.65 on ‘Specialbuys’ offer from your nearest Aldi.

And so far the Sweet & Spiced Christmas Pudding edition has sparked a strongest reaction, with Aldi proudly claiming that one TikTok user dubbed it a “crime against humanity”.

Reactions to the Christmas Pudding flavour in particular started coming in thick and fast on social media.

“Hell NO,” one person wrote in the comments on a social media post announcing the launch of the Christmas Pudding flavour, while another wrote: “Christmas pudding is disgusting… why would they make crisps with that taste?”, and a third questioned: “Christmas pudding? Is someone taking the p**s?”.

Not everyone was displeased though, as one pleasantly-surprised shopper wrote in reaction on Instagram: “I tried the Christmas pudding ones today just to be curious, and honestly they are nice – they taste of Carmel and cinnamon.”

The planned roadworks and road changes in Gedling borough

A number of roadworks, and changes to the roads, are set to take place on Gedling borough’s roads during the next few weeks.

The roadworks and road changes include things such as speed alterations, repair works and changing the layout of the roads. 

Most of the roadworks are being undertaken by Nottinghamshire County Council while a couple are being led by Severn Trent Water, Cityfibre and OpenReach

These are the roadworks and closures you need to know about

Arnold Lane, Gedling
30 October – 06 November
Responsibility for works: National Grid

Burton Road, Gedling
30 October – 02 November
Responsibility for works: Mua Gas Limited

Gedling Road, Arnold
31 October – 02 November
Responsibility for works: Severn Trent Water

Parry Way, Arnold
31 October
Road closure for pothole repairs from junction of Killisick Road to end
Responsibility for works: Nottinghamshire County Council

Victoria Road, Netherfield
31 October – 04 November
Delays likely due to lane closure
Responsibility for works: Hutchison 3G Ltd

Wighay Road, Linby
24 October
Delays likely due to road closure for pothole repairs
Responsibility for works: Nottinghamshire County Council

Woodborough Road, Mapperley
26 October – 27 October
Delays likely due to lane closure
Responsibility for works: Hutchison 3G Ltd

Yew Tree Lane, Gedling
30 October
Delays likely due to road closure for pothole repairs from Willow Lane to end road
Responsibility for works: Nottinghamshire County Council

Bestwood Country Park Access, Bestwood Village
01 November – 31 December
Responsibility for works: Severn Trent Water

Burton Road, Carlton
27 October
Delays possible due to lane closure for pothole repairs at the junction with Gedling Road in Carlton.
Responsibility for works: Nottinghamshire County Council

Carlton Hill, Carlton
24 October
Responsibility for works: Nottinghamshire County Council

Foxhill Road, Carlton
27 October
Responsibility for works: Severn Trent Water

Gedling Road, Carlton
28 October – 29 October
Responsibility for works: Severn Trent Water

Green Lane, Lambley
26 October
Responsibility for works: Nottinghamshire County Council

Greys Road, Woodthorpe
24 October
Responsibility for works: Nottinghamshire County Council

Jessops Lane, Gedling
26 October
Responsibility for works: Nottinghamshire County Council

Lambley Lane, Gedling
25 October
Responsibility for works: Nottinghamshire County Council

Linsdale Gardens, Gedling
30 October – 06 November
Responsibility for works: National Grid

Longridge Road, Woodthorpe
26 October – 27 October
Responsibility for works: Severn Trent Water

Main Road, Gedling
27 October
Responsibility for works: Nottinghamshire County Council

Mansfield Road, Arnold
26 October – 26 October
Responsibility for works: Nottinghamshire County Council

Nottingham Road, Woodborough,
26 October
Responsibility for works: Openreach

Nottingham Road, Burton Joyce
30 October – 31 October
Responsibility for works: Nottinghamshire County Council

Nottingham Road, Gedling
30 October – 31 October
Responsibility for works: Nottinghamshire County Council

Park Road, Calverton
25 October
Responsibility for works: Nottinghamshire County Council

Sherbrook Terrace, Daybrook
25 October – 30 October
Responsibility for works: CityFibre

Spring Lane, Lambley
24 October
Responsibility for works: Nottinghamshire County Council

Thorndale Road, Calverton
25 October
Responsibility for works: Nottinghamshire County Council

Whernside Road, Woodthorpe
30 October – 02 November
Responsibility for works: Severn Trent Water

Gedling bus services to benefit from £27m funding boost as £2 fare cap to be extended

Gedling borough bus services are set to benefit as part of £27 million worth of new funding from the cancelled HS2 northern project to improve services across Notts.

The “Get Around For £2” bus fare cap scheme is now due to be extended to help people save money. The cap had been due to rise to £2.50 but will instead remain at £2 and continue until December 31, 2024.

According to initial analysis from a recent report published by the Department, the scheme has helped encouraged people to get back on the bus, with almost half of respondents saying the fare cap is the main reason they are using the bus more.

44 bus Gedling

The £150 million from redirected HS2 funding is now being dedicated to levelling up bus services, with areas across the North and Midlands given extra support for bus services to become more frequent, more reliable, cheaper and easier to use.

Local authorities may use the additional funding to reintroduce evening services to support the night time economy, increase service frequency meaning less waiting time for passengers, introduce new routes to ensure areas previously unconnected are now connected or introduce a Demand Responsive Transport service to improve connectivity in rural areas.

Gedling MP Tom Randall praised the funding decision.

He said: “Taking the bus is the most popular form of public transport, which is why the Government is right to make the long-term decision to reinvest every penny of savings from HS2 into local transport.

“The combined £6,531,000 of funding for Nottinghamshire County Council and Nottingham City Council will be transformational for people across Gedling, improving services and making them cheaper and more reliable. 

“Today’s announcement is only possible due to the long-term decision taken to redirect every penny of savings from HS2 in transport projects across the country – benefitting more people in more places, more quickly.”

Transport Secretary, Mark Harper said: “Buses are the most popular form of public transport, which is why we are continuing to back our buses with record high levels of funding – supporting vital bus services and offering affordable travel for passengers.

“This increase in funding to deliver more reliable, frequent and affordable local bus services – and to extend the £2 bus fare cap – has only been possible with the redirected HS2 funding secured by this Government making the right long-term decisions for a brighter future.”

Motorists reminded of two road closures in Gedling borough

Motorists in Gedling borough are being reminded of two major road closures that begin today (23).

Major gas works are set to cause two weeks of misery for motorists and bus passengers, when Cadent Gas to carry out gas replacement works that will require the closure of Victoria Road.

The works are scheduled to take place between Monday, October 23 and Sunday, November 5th.

PICTURED: Signs have appeared on Burton Road reminding motorists about the road closure (PHOTO: Gedling Eye)

During the latest works, 44 and 44A buses will be diverted and not serve the town they will divert via Colwick Loop Road and Private Road No. 1 in both directions.

A spokesman for NCT said: “Stops sited on Manor Road, Station Road, Victoria Road, Meadow Road and Chaworth Road cannot be served.”

Works to install a raised zebra crossing are also taking place from today (23) near to Carlton-le-Willows School which will close a section of Burton Road near Carlton le Willows school until October 29.

A diversion will be in place during this time.

Buses are being diverted during the works.

Pathfinder 26/A towards Southwell will follow normal route as far as Burton Road (Coronation Walk), then divert right Stoke Lane, continue over the rail crossing to the junction with the Colwick Loop Road, then left onto the A612 to resume normal route.

Pathfinder 26 towards Nottingham will follow normal route as far as the junction of the A612/Burton Road, then continue on the A612, right Stoke Lane, continue over the rail crossing and then left Burton Road to resume normal route.

Following the closure, there will be four weeks of temporary traffic signals – from October 30 to November 24 2023.

Students at Carlton le Willows school are being told to use the Wood Lane entrance to the school during this time and also the original gates on Burton Road – at Coronation Walk and by the white house – which will remain open.