Gedling Borough Council says negotiations with unions over pay for its staff members have come to an ‘impasse’ and there is now potential for strike action.
For workers in local government and schools, pay and other conditions are determined by a negotiating body called the National Joint Council (NJC).
In January this year a pay claim was tabled by the NJC, on behalf of unions Unison, GMB and Unite, for a pay rise of 12.7 per cent.
NJC also asked for a minimum rate of £15, compared to the current rate of £11.18.
Changes to terms and conditions were requested, including a reduction in the working week by two hours, extra welfare leave and the application of a home working allowance.
Meanwhile the Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC) has been negotiating on behalf of council chief executives and chief officers.
For chief executives, the JNC has submitted a pay claim for a rise in salary not less than the equivalent to the percentage award that will be applied the top pay point in the national NJC scale.
Similarly the JNC for chief officers asked for a 3.5 per cent rise and an additional two days’ leave.
According to the council, settlement has not been achieved for any of the groups other than with the JNC for chief officers, which includes the council’s directors and heads of service.
After negotiations for chief officers was successful, a pay rise by 3.5 per cent came into effect from April 1 this year.
The National Employers’ side, which includes Gedling Borough Council, has since made a “full and final offer” for an increase of £1,925 per year and and 3.88 per cent for higher earners such as chief executives.
But during a Joint Consultative and Safety Committee meeting on August 29, the council said “up to now there has been no real movement forward”.
“What we have is something of an impasse,” councillors were told during the meeting.
“There is potential for strike action. The ballot results aren’t run at a national level, they are broken down employer by employer, so what it does do is present more opportunity for there to be strike action at some councils.
“Which ones we don’t know and that is obviously a matter of concern. Obviously we don’t want to be facing strike action at the council but there can be no promises.”
GMB says its strike ballots will open on September 12 and close on October 24, while Unison’s ballots closed at the end of July.
So far the Government has not committed to providing any further financial support to help local authorities pay for the proposed pay increases, if negotiations are successful.
Cllr Russell Whiting, who represents Colwick for Labour, added: “The position was stated there that inflation has started to abate, but that obviously doesn’t mean prices are coming down, it means they are going up slightly slower than they were, although food inflation is still pretty high and I’m sure members of out staff are all suffering.
“Given that and the fact there has been no progress, I was wondering if it was possible for the council to write to the Government and urge them to get back round the negotiating table?
“This isn’t just hurting out workforce through our colleagues in the trade union movement, but it is also hanging over the council and we need to be able to do some planning, and financial planning, if there is to be some strike action.”
Councillors were informed the recommendation would be fed up to East Midlands Councils, which represents the interests of local councils to Government.
Administrators have confirmed that hundreds of staff at Wilko currently working for the collapsed chain will lose their jobs over the coming days, with more to follow.
The redundancies are being made after the latest deal to buy the business fell through.
Private equity firm M2 Capital said it made a £90m bid for Wilko but was unable to provide proof of funding in time to complete the sale.
PwC, which is overseeing Wilko’s sale, said it was it was clear there was no viable offer to buy the whole business.
Wilkos fell into administration earlier this month putting 12,500 jobs at risk across 400 shops.
The discount chain has stores in Arnold and on Carlton Square.
PwC said that 269 jobs at the chain’s support centre in Worksop and 14 others from a subsidiary firm of Wilko would be cut at the close of business on Monday, September 4.
Further redundancies are expected early next week.
All of the chain’s stores are currently trading and remain open.
The GMB union, which represents about 4,000 Wilko staff, said the majority of people working in Wilko’s commercial trading team, IT, finance, legal and HR would be made redundant on Monday.
Wilkinsons was founded in Leicester in 1930, was family-run until its collapse this month and is well-known for its affordable everyday items.
Walking and cycling improvements being made by Nottingham City Council at Colwick Country Park are now complete.
The project to revamp footpaths in the park, paid for through funding secured from the Transforming Cities and European Regional Development Funds, began in September 2022 and the council said has now finished ahead of schedule.
The popular walk around the lake became extremely muddy at times particularly during the winter months, making it difficult for park users, including Colwick parkrunners, and impossible for those using pushchairs, wheelchairs or bikes.
Nottingham City Council has now completed over 4.5k of paved footpaths using the funding.
The new paths are three metres wide, giving enough room for cyclists, pedestrians, wheelchair users and pushchair users to enjoy the park.
Nottingham City Council’s portfolio holder for Highways, Transport and Planning, Councillor Angela Kandola, said: “It’s great to see these new footpaths completed, which have made one of our most beautiful and popular parks even easier to visit for everyone – as well as connecting to the new pedestrian and cyclists bridge over the Trent, which is due to be completed in 2025.”
“Thank you to park users for their patience while we carried out these works.”
The Colwick parkrun core team said: “With the exception of one cancellation on 29th October 2022 the path works team have worked tirelessly to make sure that we could proceed safely every week during the improvements and kept us informed every step of the way.
“In addition to path works they also created our wonderful parkrun lay-by, sited our bike rack and benches, improved the toilet area, and filled in the potholes to name but a few things. Many ‘personal bests’ have ensued since and participation numbers have been up as the mud and puddle levels have gone down.
“It’s been an absolute pleasure to work with them, Nottingham City Council and the park management team to see this to fruition, thank you.”
Here’s our latest round-up of latest events taking place from Friday September 1 to Thursday September 7 across the borough.
Friday, September 1
Quantum Theatre- The Tales of Peter Rabbit and Benjamin Bunny – Bonington Theatre, Arnold – 2.30pm
£12.50pp
Quantum Theatre are back with an enchanting new adaptation of two of Beatrix Potter’s best-loved Tales, The Tales of Peter Rabbit and Benjamin Bunny.
Peter and his naughty cousin Benjamin know very well that they are not to go into Mr McGregor’s garden, but they cannot resist and soon they find themselves in all sorts of scrapes, caught In a net, trapped by a snarling cat and face to face with Mr McGregor himself!
How will they ever escape? Can Old Mr Bunny come to the rescue in time? And whatever will Mr McGregor make of all those footprints in the flower beds?
Michael Whitmore’s charming adaptation will have you spellbound so why not grab the kids and join Peter and Benjamin on their hare-raising adventures – a magical afternoon of fun for all the family!
Buy 4 tickets for the price of 3 with our special family offer!
NT Live: Fleabag (15) – Last Chance Screening – Bonington Cinema, Arnold – 7.00pm
£12.50pp
Written and performed by Phoebe Waller-Bridge (Fleabag, Killing Eve) and directed by Vicky Jones, Fleabagis a rip-roaring look at some sort of woman living her sort of life. Following a box-office record-breaking run in cinemas in 2019, the one-woman show returns to cinemas this summer. Fleabag may seem oversexed, emotionally unfiltered and self-obsessed, but that’s just the tip of the iceberg. With family and friendships under strain and a guinea pig café struggling to keep afloat, Fleabag suddenly finds herself with nothing to lose. The hilarious, award-winning play that inspired the BBC’s hit TV series Fleabag, was filmed live on stage in London’s West End in 2019.
‘Witty, filthy and supreme.’ ★★★★★ Guardian
Presented by DryWrite, Soho Theatre and Annapurna Theatre.
Fleabag Written and performed by Phoebe Waller-Bridge Directed by Vicky Jones
The quiz is a Web based quiz so a phone tablet or laptop will be needed – don’t worry if not 100% with technology it’s really easy and our team are on hand to support if needed
Exhibition on Screen: Vermeer (PG) -Last Chance Screening! – Bonington Cinema, Arnold – 7.30pm
£12.50pp
In the spring of 2023, the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam will open its doors to the largest Vermeer exhibition in history.
With loans from across the world, this major retrospective will bring together Vermeer’s most famous masterpieces including Girl with a Pearl Earring, The Geographer, The Milkmaid, The Little Street, Lady Writing a Letter with her Maid, and Woman Holding a Balance.
This new Exhibition on Screen film invites audiences to a private view of the exhibition, accompanied by the director of the Rijksmuseum and the curator of the show. A truly once-in-a-lifetime opportunity! As well as bringing Vermeer’s works together, both the Rijksmuseum and the Mauritshuis in the Hague have conducted research into Vermeer’s artistry, his artistic choices and motivations for his compositions, as well as the creative process behind his paintings.
Exclusive access to THE world’s biggest exhibition of 2023, this is your last chance to catch it in cinemas!
Northern Soul & Motown – The Newstead Centre, Newstead, 7.00pm
Newstead Soul Club Saturday 2nd September resident and guest Dj’s Doug Hall and Gaz Simpson playing your favourite Northern soul and Motown and raising money for Northern Soul Against Cancer fantastic dance floor and private car park
An Evening of Music – The Bonington, Arnold – 7.30pm
£5 pp
A mixed bill featuring professional keyboardist , Mark Everatt, playing a variety of top hits and well known tunes, using state of the art keyboards. One of the best barbershop quartets, Oakie Dokie, will entertain with superb close harmony singing of some well known numbers and Nottingham’s newest originals band, the trio, called NG42 will play a few of their freshly written pop songs!
Jazz Steps: Chris Biscoe- The Music of Mike Westbrook – The Bonington, Arnold, 7.30pm
£15pp
Multi-reed player Chris Biscoe has worked and toured with Mike and Kate Westbrook since 1979 and knows their music intimately. Mike Westbrook has a huge body of work, with characterful influential compositions whose performances range across small band jazz, through big bands, cabaret, fusion, chamber works – and creative re-workings of The Beatles’ Abbey Road.
Chris pays homage to his long-term musical associates in his new album ‘Music Is’ whose underlying simple idea is to rework some of the ‘magnum opus’ Westbrook pieces for a small jazz group, as you might an Ellington, Monk or Gershwin song.
Arrangements are simple, or created in the studio in partnership with members of the quintet. The title track, ‘Music Is’, appears twice, in its original ballad tempo, and in a spontaneous trio recasting as a medium tempo waltz.
“Everything about [the album] ‘Music Is: Chris Biscoe Plays Mike Westbrook is near perfect: the simplicity of the concept, the choice of material, the uncluttered nature of the arrangements, the quality of the performances, the clarity of the recording. A little gem” All About Jazz
Chris Biscoe – soprano, alto & baritone sax + alto clarinet Mike Outram – guitar Kate Williams – piano Dave Whitford – bass Jon Scott – drums
Step into a world of wonder and let your imagination run wild as The Woolly Tellers reveal fascinating tales of the Lincolnshire fens with their long, sometimes dark, history steeped in tradition and myth
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.
Gedling battle to earn a point against a resolute Harrowby.
Both teams came into the game looking to bounce back from defeats at the weekend and the game was very even in the early stages with both sides struggling to break each other down.
The first meaningful attack of the game the hosts scored from, but it wasn’t without controversy, a through ball found Kane Hutchinson-Wilkes who rounded Josh Mitchell and slotted into the empty net but the hosts striker looked to be in an offside position when the ball was played.
This sparked Gedling into life and on 26 minutes they should have levelled, Zac Hill raced away down the left and he picked out Buba Ceesay who made a good run, but he could only fire his effort straight at the keeper from 18 yards.
Gedling had joy on the break and on 42 minutes they were level as another long ball caught the hosts defence out and Hill raced away and slotted the ball beyond the onrushing keeper to send the teams in all square at the break.
Just 3 minutes into the 2nd half the arrows almost took the lead. Tom Harris found some room on the left and his powerful effort from 16 yards was brilliantly saved by Mitchell at his near post.
On 50 minutes it was the miners turn to almost go Infront, Courtney Hastings showed some great desire to get to a ball that the hosts keeper looked to have under control and he layed it back to Muta Eisa who’s effort was brilliantly headed off the line by Lewis Marsh and the hosts cleared.
Both defences were strong throughout the 2nd half and no keeper had any more saves to make as both sides couldn’t break the other down and the game ended level which was a fair result considering the nature and competitiveness of the game.
Gedling’s next game is at home to Newark Town in what is set to be a cracking contest at Plains Road on Saturday.
Gedling MOM – Kieran Harrison
Gedling Team – Josh Mitchell, Liam Corrigan, Kian Clarkson, Jordan Knight, Steven Brett (Jack Vipond 58’), Daniel Momah, Zac Hill, Kieran Harrison (C), Courtney Hastings, Muta Eisa (Ruben Wiggins-Thomas 83’), Buba Ceesay.
Carlton Town and their supporters enjoyed a day on the coast with a three-nil away win at Grimsby Borough.
Carlton’s only change from the home defeat against North Ferriby was an enforced one with Khyle Sargent returning in midfield for Michael Ford who was recovering from a nasty cut to the head he received in the previous loss.
The first half played out in warm sunshine and Carlton turned the heat up on the home team direct from kick off with a succession of corners forced by the hard running of David Adegbola, Niall Hylton and Lamin Manneh.
The first real effort for either side fell to Sargent in the 12th minute, but he failed to really connect with Dean Freeman’s cushioned header from a Lewis Durow throw in. Durow had a shot himself a couple of minutes later, but his acrobatic effort sailed well over the crossbar.
Carlton took the lead on the 19th minute following their sixth corner of the half. Liam Highton in the Grimsby goal failed to get any distance on his punched clearance from Greg Tempest’s delivery and the ball landed at the feet of Adegbola who composed himself before picking his spot in the middle of the goal.
Carlton extended their lead on the 33rd minute with a wonderful team goal. A first-time flick from Alex Howes in midfield sent Adegbola clear down the right-hand side. The winger drove towards goal before drilling a low cross towards Hylton who laid the ball off with one touch for Manneh who finished well into the bottom left corner of the net. Exquisite football from the young Carlton side.
Manneh could have scored again minutes later but shot narrowly over following more good interplay between himself and the impressive Adegbola. Felix Annan in the Carlton goal had to be on his toes in the 40th minute when he saved well from Tyler Edwards following Grimsby Borough’s best passing move of the half.
The away team made it three on the stroke of half time with Manneh turning provider on this occasion. The talented youngster chased down a long pass on the left and pulled the ball back brilliantly into the path of the onrunning Alex Howes who finished well to wrap up an excellent first half for the Millers.
The second half was a drab affair with an improved Grimsby Borough retaining lots of possession without really threatening Carlton’s goal. Their best chance came on the 64th minute. Annan could only parry an effort from Harvey Tomlinson and completed a great double save when he kept out the rebound.
Annan parried another good effort from Tomlinson in the 88th minute, but Dan Brown was on hand to clear the deflection off the line and keep Carlton’s clean sheet intact of the first time in the league this season.
Carlton Town: F Annan, S Thompson-Harris, L Durow, D Brown, D Freeman, G Tempest, D Adegbola, K Sargent (Z Hill 73), L Manneh, A Howes (L Gorman 60), N Hylton (N Davie 60). Unused subs: N Liburd-Hines, M Jawarra
A Danny Earl second half brace condemned Carlton to their first league defeat this season.
In a sometimes scrappy encounter, it looked as if a Greg Tempest free kick early in the second half was going to be enough to take the points but Earl’s swift strikes saw the Villagers take the points back to the north bank of the Humber.
Tommy Brookbanks and Mark Harvey made two changes to the side which had beaten Winterton in midweek. Michael Ford started in place of Khyle Sargent who wasn’t involved and Lamin Manneh led the line as Musa Jawarra dropped to the bench.
North Ferriby arrived at Stoke Lane on the back of a 4-0 midweek defeat to Belper and perhaps that still weighed on the minds of the visitors as they were cagey to start. Carlton on the other hand were full of energy and had a good amount of possession. David Adegbola, who carried a constant threat down the right, was the first to break the Ferriby line and deliver a fine cross into the box which found Manneh. Manneh’s shot was almost turned into his own goal by Keegan Green as he headed clear. Carlton continued to work the channels and there was space for Hylton too without a really clear chance.
North Ferriby had some threat, especially from the immense throw ins from right back Josh Dennett but the Millers defence and goalkeeper Felix Annan dealt with the high ball well. Earl from the right and Amir Berchill from the left were increasingly lively but generally without an end product and often beaten by the linesman’s flag.
Ford was having a good game in the middle and played a neat pass to Niall Hylton on the edge of the box. Hylton turned his man expertly but, in front of goal, blazed well over. Hylton was involved again shortly afterwards in the best move of the half as he hustled well to recover the ball in a dangerous area, fed Tempest whose excellent pass had Manneh running free in the inside left. His cross found Alex Howes but his shot lacked power and was straight at Tom Jackson in the Villagers goal.
Hylton again involved himself in the most controversial event of the half as he read a back pass well and got to the ball first and appeared to be bundled into from behind by the North Ferriby stopper. The referee was unconvinced and waved the claims away to the astonishment of the Shed End.
Further controversy followed in the final minutes of the half as Danny East cleared raised a high boot and connected with the head of Michael Ford who was down for several minutes receiving treatment to a nasty head injury. A yellow was deemed suitable recourse. Ford had to be replaced by Niall Davie. Davie immediately brought energy to the game and he and Howes harassed the North Ferriby midfield to give up the ball and released Lamin Manneh whose shot was straight at the keeper.
Buoyed by their dominance of the first half, Carlton started the second half well and had to wait only five minutes before their endeavours were rewarded. It was, however the oddest of goals as Greg Tempest fired in a free kick from the right side and whilst on target, looked to be covered by Jackson. The keeper though spilled the ball behind him and into the goal.
The goal, instead of driving on the Millers had energising effects on the visiting side. Earl began to exploit space down the right and was rewarded with time to strike at goal which was well directed and low but Annan in the Carlton goal was well behind it.
Berchill and Green made way for Danny Emerton and Omar Sanyang for North Ferriby as Adegbola made way, somewhat unfortunately given his performance, for Musa Jawarra around the hour mark.
Carlton had another good chance following a corner breaking down. Tempest recycled the ball well and found Dean Freeman in the box who fed Manneh but the striker’s cross was tamely headed at goal by Hylton.
Soon after the away side were on level terms. A good cross field pass from Tom Claisse found the head of Tom Corner who had the presence of mind to nod the ball into the path of the onrushing Earl who powered a header past Annan.
Jawarra almost restored the Millers lead immediately from kick off as he smashed a superb shot from fully 25 yards out and only a brilliant save from Jackson denied the striker as he tipped the shot over the bar.
North Ferriby took the lead following more good work on the left from Corner who again found Earl in the Carlton box in space and he clinically prodded home from close range.
Zac Hill replaced Howes in the final Carlton change and only minutes later was running free bearing down on goal. Jawarra was in support in the centre but the youngster was caught in two minds and missed the chance to shoot before misplacing his pass to his teammate as the chance went begging.
As the clocked ticked down Carlton threw bodies forward, Freeman a makeshift centre forward as the game went increasingly long ball. Durow created a good chance for Manneh who struck his shot well but the distance was against him and it didn’t threaten the keeper.
In the dying embers of the game a goalmouth scramble presented a final chance to Hill just eight yards out. He elected for power and although the shot struck the head of a defender and flew harmlessly over it didn’t look to be on target from the start.
Carlton have just a couple of days to refocus and recover as they hit the road again to face Grimsby Borough on bank holiday Monday before the cup competitions take priority for a couple of weeks.
Carlton Town: F Annan, S Thompson-Harris, L Durow, D Brown, D Freeman, G Tempest, D Adegbola (M Jawarra 61), M Ford (N Davie 42), L Manneh, A Howes (Z Hill 75), N Hylton. Unused subs: N Liburd-Hines, L Gorman
Walkers will take to Gedling Country Park with the mayor to raise cash for the Anthony Nolan charity.
Councillor Julie Najuk, the new Mayor of Gedling, is leading a charity walk on Saturday, September 16 at the park.
Anthony Nolan is renowned for making lifesaving connections between patients in need and the extraordinary strangers who generously donate their stem cells. This charity has been instrumental in saving countless lives of people fighting blood cancer or blood disorders.
The mayor says the charity walk will offer an opportunity for the community to come together and enjoy a health walk at the country park while contributing to a good cause.
To join the 5k walk and support the charity, participants are kindly requested to make a minimum donation of £5 per person. Contributions can be made online through the event’s dedicated JustGiving page. Every pound donated goes to Anthony Nolan to aid their lifesaving mission.
For those who opt to donate online and choose the Gift Aid option, the charity will receive additional funds. Gift Aid allows registered charities to claim tax on donations made by UK taxpayers. With each £1 donation made through Gift Aid, charities receive an extra 25p from HM Revenue and Customs, at no extra cost to the donor.
For those who prefer not to donate online, cash donations will be accepted on the day of the event.
Parking onsite is limited so people are encouraged to consider alternative transportation options, such as walking or using public transport, to reach Gedling Country Park.
This charity walk carries a heartfelt significance, being held in memory of Julie’s close family friend, Samantha Clift who was supported by the Anthony Nolan during her illness. It’s a tribute that adds even more meaning to the event’s purpose.
The Mayor of Gedling, Councillor Julie Najuk said: “I am deeply honoured to lead this charity walk in support of Anthony Nolan.
“This organisation’s dedication to connecting patients with life-saving donors is truly inspiring.
“As we come together for this walk, we not only embrace the beauty of our community but also contribute to a cause that holds immense importance.
“We are very proud to have Gedling Country Park and it’s a great opportunity for us to raise money for a great cause while also enjoying the wonderful views of the park.”
Passengers are warned there will be no rail services to and from Gedling borough stations this Friday (1) and Saturday (2) due to strike action.
Nationwide strike action by members of the ASLEF and RMT unions will severely affect travel on the East Midlands Railway network over the two days.
On EMR, there will be no service on Friday and an“extremely limited service” operating on a small number of lines on Saturday.
There will be no services to or from Burton Joyce, Carlton, Netherfield or Newstead over the two days.
Trains will be running between Nottingham and Skegness on Saturday but will not call at Netherfield.
There are no plans for rail replacement buses during the strikes.
Will Rogers, managing director for East Midlands Railway, said: “On Friday, September 1, we will run no services due to industrial action by ASLEF – the train drivers union.
“While on Saturday, September 2, we will be significantly reducing our services due to action by members of the RMT Union.
“It is recommended that customers check the departure time of their last train before embarking on their journey and familiarise themselves with the overall impact of the strike on their entire route.
A parish council has defended its position after objecting to plans for a new GP surgery being created within a former school building in Burton Joyce.
The Ivy Medical Group (IMG), which provides medical services on behalf of the NHS at Apple Tree Medical Practice and Lambley Lane Surgeries is on the hunt for a site to create a new surgery in the village.
The favoured option is the Old School Building in the village centre.
PICTURED: Burton Joyce village centre
A parish council vote took place last Wednesday (23) with the majority of councillors against the decision to use the former school building.
Burton Joyce Parish Council has said it wants other sites in the village to be looked at before a final decision over the Old School Building is made.
Following the vote, a petition has been started by Trent Valley Councillors Sam Smith and Mike Adams and Gedling MP Tom Randall calling for the Parish Council to reverse their decision to ‘block’ plans for the new surgery at the Old School Building.
222 people have signed the petition so far.
In a joint statement, Cllrs Mike Adams, Cllr Sam Smith and Tom Randall MP said: “We’re disappointed to have been informed by Burton Joyce Parish Council that they voted to block £5m of investment for a new medical centre within the Old School Building site at the centre of Burton Joyce village.
“A few months ago, there was a well-attended public meeting where the Old School Building site was discussed. That meeting concluded with an agreement that the Parish Council and Ivy Medical Group engage in discussion. A working group was set up and meetings have taken place, which Cllr Sam Smith attended.
“During those meetings, a number of potential sites for a new medical centre were suggested and the NHS building designers investigated them (including land on Willow Wong). The only workable site within Burton Joyce for a new medical centre is to the side of the Old School Building. 78% of Ivy Medical Group’s 6,800 patients reside in Stoke Bardolph and Burton Joyce, many of whom are elderly and without transport, so building a new medical centre in the centre of Burton Joyce makes perfect sense”
Cllr Sam Smith, Cllr Mike Adams and Tom Randall MP added “Not only do these plans protect the facilities offered currently within the Old School site, they also enhance them with a car park, a community garden, a community room and a new medical centre all funded by the NHS. This could now result in this £5m healthcare investment being spent elsewhere and the potential loss of our local GP service in years to come.
“We therefore call upon the Parish Council to think again and allow parts of the Old School site to be developed into a medical centre.”
The Parish Council have now released a statement defending their decision.
In the statement they said they were ‘deeply concerned’ by the ‘inappropriate intervention’ from the Trent Valley Councillors and Tom Randall MP.
They said the intervention happened without any warning or consultation.
The council said: “A medical facility proposal for the village would be a significant decision that would permanently affect the centre of Burton Joyce.
“The Councillors’ and MP’s statement is pre-empting the conclusion of the site identification phase of work, applying inappropriate pressure on the locally elected members and the village to focus on just one site, The Old School Building and grounds. The initial proposal to the Parish Council was to bulldoze two historically significant buildings, which have now been altered to demolishing one, the Carnarvon Room, to make way for a 2.5 storey medical building.
“Despite frustrating attempts to engage from the start, we believed we were in a process now, that has not been concluded, of identifying potential sites for a new medical facility in the locality.
“Alternative sites have been identified for consideration, and we are awaiting a report back from the private sector design, build and operate consultants. These have not been discussed in the public domain to date because this assessment phase is sensitive to the owners of the land in question, a sensitivity not shown to the Parish Council.
The council said the Trent Valley Councillors’ and MP’s suggestion that they were blocking’ the investment is inflammatory and unhelpful.
Chair of the Parish Council, Cllr Laurence King told Gedling Eye “We welcome the increased public scrutiny that this campaign brings. We have deep concern regarding the consultation process and seeking the most appropriate outcome. We endeavour to be transparent, factual and raise awareness of the wider issues. Working together is essential for a positive outcome”.
The next meeting with IMG and the design and build consultant to review all options is due in mid-September.
