Home Blog Page 326

Two Gedling primary & infant schools to benefit from latest programme of school infrastructure improvements.

The latest programme of school infrastructure improvements worth £9.2m has been unveiled by Nottinghamshire County Council (NCC)

NCC has said that the investment is part of the council’s school building improvement work for 2023/4, which will be designed and delivered by Arc Partnership, a joint venture between the council and SCAPE.

The statement confirms that twenty primary and infant schools will benefit from a range of improvements, dependent on the needs for each school. The works will include roof replacements, drainage improvements as well as energy-efficient lighting and boiler upgrades. 

Two of schools identified by NCC for improvement works fall within the borough:

Abbey Gates, Ravenshead: £37,947 investment will remove blockages, replace pipes and re-alignment of drains that run under the path leading from the school to Vernon Crescent and to re-lay the path.

Westdale Infants, Mapperley: £1.92 million for roof repairs, new and upgraded lighting, replacement suspended ceilings, improved fire safety systems and appropriate asbestos removal.

Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Asset Management, Councillor Keith Girling, said: “It’s vital we invest in our schools’ infrastructure. Young people deserve to study and learn in buildings which are fit-for-purpose. 

“This latest programme of works will also help school buildings be more energy efficient and save on bills.”

While the council has a duty to maintain school infrastructure, the day-to-day maintenance tasks are the responsibility of the respective schools. 

This collaborative approach helps to ensure that schools can address immediate maintenance needs and allow the council to focus on larger infrastructure projects and improvements.

Dan Maher, Managing Director at Arc Partnership, said:

“We are proud to be working closely with the council to deliver this programme and ensure real value is provided on each of the projects.

“99 per cent of this work will be carried out by local contractors, which is good news for the local economy.”

Other planned improvements include: 

Intake Farm Primary, Mansfield: £1.2 million investment will strengthen the roof structure and replace the roof covering and improve insulation, replacement of suspended ceilings, upgraded LED lighting and asbestos abatement. Replacement of damaged external wall tiling.

Berry Hill Primary, Mansfield: £52,040 will replace sections of the roof covering to help reduce water leaks.

Northfield Primary, Mansfield:  £475,000 to replace original steel section single glazed windows and doors with modern double glazed aluminium units and insulated panels. 

Newlands Junior, Clipstone:  £17,930 to replace an internal wall plasterboard within a classroom.

Leen Mills Primary, Hucknall: £80,000 investment will repair mobile classrooms, including replace damage roof deck, facias and steps to fire exit route.

Edgewood Primary, Hucknall: £356,208 will transform the current redundant indoor pool into a dining area with break out space, including replacement cladding to the sports hall.

Annesley Primary, Annesley Woodhouse: £517,980 will upgrade the building infrastructure, including a new, wired fire alarm system, upgraded emergency lighting, and energy-efficient lighting.

Coddington Primary, near Newark:  £106,810 investment for the removal of old canopies and installation of new canopies.

Bramcote Hills Primary, Bramcote: £815,100 for roof replacement including improved insulation and guttering.

Eskdale Junior, Beeston: £273,920 will replace the boiler with a high efficiency condensing type, improving efficiency and reducing CO2 emissions. Also replacing the control system and installing a new gas leak detection system.

Albany Junior, Stapleford: £200,000 will provide a new roof, ensuring a safe and comfortable learning environment for students.

Lady Bay Primary, Lady Bay: £220,836 will replace a problematic boiler with an energy efficient gas replacement.

James Peacock Infant, Ruddington: £1.18 million will upgrade the building infrastructure, replace the flat roof covering and insulation, and improve the environmental performance of the building.

Kinoulton Primary: £542,990 will include roof repairs, new ceilings and lighting.

Muskham Primary, North Muskham:  £377,010 to help prevent flooding, including improvements to drainage and resurfacing of the car park and playground.

Beckingham Primary school: (Bassetlaw) £400,000 to help with damp issues in the annex and help create a healthier space for learning.

Misterton Primary, Misterton: (Bassetlaw)  £118,133 will help replace the fire escape stairs, ensuring a safe evacuation route for students and staff.

Rampton Primary, Rampton, near Retford: £300,000 investment to replace oil boilers with a low carbon energy efficient alternative, ensuring a warm and comfortable environment for staff and students.

Residents being asked to give their views on plans for more trees in Mapperley park

Residents in Gedling borough are being asked for their views on a new plan for trees in a Mapperely park.

Gedling Borough Council wants to plant 2,500 trees at Digby Park Green Lung Project.

The council has announced it has successfully applied for a grant from Nottinghamshire County Council’s Greenwood programme to fund the planting of 2,500 trees as part of the new Digby Park Green Lung development near Gedling Country Park.

Tree Planting

The initiative aims to enhance the local ecosystem, combat climate change, and promote a greener, healthier community. As part of the funding criteria, the council are asking residents to have their say on the design options for the park online or at a consultation event in August.

Gedling Borough Council has partnered with Nottinghamshire County Council and Trees for Climate to develop three viable design plans that will be presented to the community for their consideration. The design plans offer distinct approaches to tree placement and landscaping, each with its own benefits and characteristics.

A community consultation event will take place on 9th August at the Westdale Lane Community Centre, Mapperley. The event will take place from 4pm to 7pm, providing time for residents to attend and actively participate. Representatives from Greenwood and Gedling Borough Council will be present at the event to provide detailed information about the initiative, answer questions, and engage with the community.

The council say the tree planting initiative will not only enhance the local environment but also provide numerous benefits such as improved air quality, increased shade, and habitat for wildlife. Additionally, the initiative aligns with the broader goal of creating a more sustainable and resilient community in the face of climate change. Gedling Borough Council has made a pledge to become carbon net zero by 2030 and this scheme will make an important contribution to this commitment. 

Visit www.gedling.gov.uk/haveyoursay to take part in the online consultation or join the community event on August 9 at Westdale Lane Community Centre, Mapperley.

Leader of Gedling Borough Council, Councillor John Clarke MBE said: “This is a great project to have more trees planted here at our Green Lung project at Digby Park. We are very pleased to be receiving this much needed funding from Nottinghamshire County Council to plant the trees and, importantly, fund the ongoing maintenance of the trees. 

“We all know how beneficial trees are for the climate change and Gedling Borough Council has made it a priority to plant thousands of trees across the borough as part of our commitment to become net carbon zero by 2030.”

Rolling the Dice: A Comprehensive Guide on How to Start an Online Gambling Business

The iGaming industry is becoming increasingly competitive, and user expectations or standards are getting higher. In geographies like the UK online gambling has been around for 2 decades and all of the top brands are available there. One such operator is called Casushi and it has been reviewed by the Wageringadvisors.co.uk, the resource that online gamblers trust. Many aspiring gambling entertainment entrepreneurs can learn a lot from this operator. However, they should also consider the startup costs if they plan to launch a new online casino.

Nowadays, the only thing you don’t have to worry about is the in-house software development team, as almost all operators simply host the games from third-party software providers. In other words, you don’t have to innovate and invent new games that need to be audited and approved. You should however think of creative bonuses. Many players expect to get bonus funds and get free spins for a £5 deposit, and even if this looks like a hand out it is not. So, let’s go over a few tips on how to start your online gambling business and create appealing user incentives.

Managing Startup Costs

Image source: Pixabay

If you outright try to emulate some of the big brands, you will end up with extreme start-up costs. These brands operate on an international scale, maintain multiple licenses, and host games from dozens of software providers. In truth, there is no reason for you to overextend and try to compete. You should have 3 main priorities:

  • Accessibility
  • User safety
  • Brand visibility  

Accessibility

Since the software you are going to use is already mobile-friendly, the only way to boost accessibility is through payment solutions. Open banking has had a big impact on the gambling industry and tools for both payment processing and KYC are readily available. This also affects user safety, as they feel more comfortable using the preferred banking options. So, you need to make sure that your site is compatible with the most widely used payment options. Additionally, make sure that banking options that are widely used in the jurisdiction where you plan to operate.

Safety

As far as safety goes, you will need a license from at least one of the reputable regulators:

  • MGA – Malta
  • UKGC – United Kingdom
  • KGC – Kahnawake
  • GRA – Gibraltar

Many operators who look to save on license opt for the one from Curacao. It is a good regulator it’s just that players consider it to be more lenient, and love to see at least one other license.

Brand Visibility

As stated it’s difficult to compete with all of the bigger brands out there. Luckily, more countries are legalizing online gambling, so competing in those markets should be easier. Even if online gaming isn’t legal and regulated in certain regions that doesn’t mean you cannot launch the site and localize it to that market. So long as players are allowed to play online you should not have any trouble in that market.

To make your site more visible you can use some of the tried and tested advertising methods:

  • Digital marketing and SEO – Use local servers, and geo-relevant keywords to optimize the content on your site. Additionally, reach out to local reviewers to examine your website and to feature you on their lists.
  • User incentives – Feel free to be generous with the bonuses, users find that very appealing. Bear in mind these aren’t freebies. You are still in control when it comes to determining the terms and wagering requirements of the bonus. In most cases, you won’t even have to pay for the winnings, as users will have to wager them back. 
  • Suburb user experience – There is no need to try and save money on quality web design. Leverage the new tech trends to their fullest. Add a live chat feature, use predictive algorithms to create a personalized interface, and make sure the site has standard encryption.

Games

Finally, you need to have a decent game selection in order to attract players. Luckily, you don’t have to purchase hosting rights from multiple companies. You can pick one that is popular with the player base:

  • NetEnt
  • Microgaming
  • BetSoft
  • Quickspin
  • Yggdrasil gaming
  • Pragmatic Play
  • Play’n GO

There are many other studios with talented designers, but you should pick the one that has a bigger catalogue. Because many online casinos offer thousands of games, you need to make sure your lobby is packed. Additionally, it would be ideal if the providers also have live dealer games, but if they don’t you can always find a smaller gambling studio that only offers that content.

Conclusion

To sum up, starting an online casino can be challenging. Luckily you can plan in advance and reduce the startup costs. Focus on a market that isn’t flooded with operators and that has a demand for online casinos. Make sure you have approval from at least one reputable gaming commission. Pick a software provider that can add hundreds of games to your game lobby. Finally, focus your marketing efforts on your location, to attract as many users as possible, and make sure there are attractive bonuses available to drive the conversion.

Newstead Family Fun Day: Not much sun, but still lots of fun!

Newstead‘s annual Family Fun Day event last month was heading towards cancellation due to the atrocious British weather until the British bulldog spirit kicked in.

After some very last minute changes and the addition of an indoor venue the event was able to go ahead much to the delight of the several hundred people who attended.

Those braving the weather were rewarded as the weather Gods decided to be kind and blue skies finally emerged in time for the main attraction – the Savage Skills Stunt Show.

Photos: Martin Borrett Photography

Savage Skills Stunt Show are world record holders in their sports and they demonstrated the art and skill of parkour and mountain biking to a delighted crowd on Newstead Recreation Ground.

Keeping out the wind at the Newstead Centre, Paris Bubbles amazed an attentive crowd of both youngsters and adults alike whilst local band Red Lane graced the stage and belted out a range of pop and rock cover songs.

Back at the recreation ground Super Mario, Luigi and Bowser made a guest appearance which was a perfect opportunity for a celebrity selfie whilst waiting at the longest ice cream queue you have ever seen!

Photos: Martin Borrett Photography

Some attractions were sadly cancelled due to high winds but a smaller scale event is planned for the very near future however those who attended the event certainly demonstrated that you don’t need the sun to have lots of fun! 

This annual community event is co-ordinated and delivered by The Pit @ Newstead and local volunteers.

The event was delivered free to all who attended thanks to the generosity of Gedling Borough Council and Newstead and Annesley Parish Councils alongside local business sponsorship from Bunches Florists, Northfield Construction and The Pit @ Newstead.

Labour candidate calls on Wilkinsons bosses to do ‘all they can’ to protect jobs at under threat stores in Arnold and Carlton

A Parliamentary candidate has called on bosses to do ‘all they can’ to protect jobs at two Wilkinsons stores in Arnold and Carlton under threat of closure.

Michael Payne, Labour’s Parliamentary candidate for Gedling has sent an open letter to Mark Jackson, chief executive of Wilkinsons, following yesterday’s (3) announcement the store chain could appoint administrators.

In his letter, Mr Payne wrote: “Any closure of our two local Wilko stores in Arnold and Carlton would be a bitter blow for the hard-working, loyal members of Wilko staff and for our local economy.

“Wilko has served as an anchor store in Arnold and Carlton for decades – closure of either or both stores would be a significant loss to our town centres and the communities they serve.

“I am seeking positive assurances from yourself that all staff working at our Arnold and Carlton stores and in any roles linked to those stores will be given the utmost support from Wilko at this incredibly difficult and challenging time. All efforts should be made to protect their jobs.”

He added: “My thoughts are with each and every worker who is concerned about potential job losses. I sincerely hope your efforts to secure a solution to avert job losses and closures is successful.

“I would appreciate being kept updated as the situation progresses and am committed to helping in any way I can.”

Some 12,000 jobs across 400 stores could be in the firing line after the high street chain warned it faced insolvency proceedings.  

The privately-owned firm, which sells everything from stationery to hardware items, has filed notice of its intention to appoint administrators at the High Court after spending weeks hunting for a rescue deal.

Calverton Folk museum now reopen after shutting its doors for two years

After being closed for over two years, due to Coronavirus restrictions and the death of the museum keeper, the Calverton Folk Museum reopened at the end of April 2023.

Owned by the Calverton Preservation and History Society and situated on Main Street, Calverton next to the Baptist Church the Museum is housed in a 4-roomed, Grade II listed, 18th. Century cottage.

The museum was opened in 1974 and has a variety of displays depicting local history and heritage.  There is also a kitchen and bedroom from about 100 years ago and a variety of objects relating to local coalmining, farming and education.

PHOTOS: Courtesy of Calverton Preservation & History Society

The principal display is devoted to William Lee who lived in Calverton over 400 years ago and invented the Hand Knitting Frame in 1589 during the reign of Elizabeth I. 

This was the start of a world-wide hosiery industry in which today’s computer-controlled machines still make use of Lee’s technology.   

The Museum is open on the last Sunday afternoon of each month during the summer from 2:00 pm to 4:00pm. For admission, visitors are asked to pay if or what they can.

For more details on the museum please ring 0115 9654843 or email pressoc@ntlworld.com.

Busy Netherfield town road to close for essential gas works

A busy Netherfield town road is set to close while urgent gas repair works are carried out.

Parts of Victoria Road will be closed for more than a month, while another section has a temporary one-way system in place.

The closure and temporary one-way system are scheduled to commence from Monday, August 7 while work is carried out by Cadent.

How will be traffic be affected?

Between August 7 and Monday, September 18, the following changes will be in place:

A temporary road closure will be in place on Victoria Road between its junctions with Forester Street and Meadow Road. Traffic will be diverted via Manor Road, Carlton; Burton Road and Colwick Loop Road. They can also use Colwick Loop Road, Road Number 1 in Colwick, Charworth Road and Meadow Road.

A temporary one-way system will be in place between the junctions of Meadow Road and Midland Road, with traffic permitted to travel south to north. This will be in place between Monday, 7 to 27 August.

How will buses be affected?

Between Monday, August 7 and Sunday, August 13th Victoria Road, will be closed for buses heading towards Nottingham.

During this time, Red 44/44A will serve the stop named Redland Grove as normal, with buses then turning left onto Burton Road, right onto Colwick Loop Road and right onto Private Road No.1 (Red 44) or left onto Private Road No. 1 (Red 44A).

Stops on Victoria Road, Meadow Road and Chaworth Road cannot be served during this time.

Buses towards Gedling are not affected.

See the latest Gedling borough planning applications – w/e 4/8/23

These are the latest applications to have been submitted to Gedling Borough Council this week.

A quiet week in the planning department as a replacement play park tower and extensions make up most of the applications submitted to Gedling Borough Council and validated over the last week.

Here is a round-up of the latest plans that the council’s planning officers will now decide on. 

More details can be found on Gedling Borough Council’s planning site HERE

Approval of details reserved by condition 6 (landscaping) of planning permission 2021/0071 

Bankhill Farm Bank Hill Woodborough Nottinghamshire NG14 6EF Ref. No: 2023/0558DOC


Ground floor front extension 

36 Regina Crescent Ravenshead Nottinghamshire NG15 9AE Ref. No: 2023/0560


Conversion, demolition and extension of outbuildings to create family room, utility room and water closet. 

2 Doveridge Avenue Carlton Nottinghamshire NG4 3GR Ref. No: 2023/0556



Side and rear wrap around single storey extension. 

55 Castleton Avenue Arnold Nottinghamshire NG5 6NH Ref. No: 2023/0557


Proposed first floor extension with single storey side and rear extension 

2 Dale Avenue Mapperley Nottinghamshire NG3 6BU Ref. No: 2023/0549


Single storey rear extension 

33 Stratford Close Colwick Nottinghamshire NG4 2DL Ref. No: 2023/0547


Demolition of Cricket Pavilion.

Cricket Pavillion Burntstump Hill Arnold Nottinghamshire Ref. No: 2023/0540PN


Proposed re-use of former agricultural building to form a single (self-build) dwelling 

Adjacent 114 Lowdham Lane Woodborough NottinghamshireRef. No: 2023/0537


Erection of replacement play park tower (maximum height of 6.83m) 

James Seely Playing Field Main Street Calverton Nottinghamshire Ref. No: 2023/0532


Retrospective application for conversion of former outbuildings to living accommodation ancillary to Gardeners Cottage 

Gardeners Cottage Hall Lane Papplewick Nottinghamshire NG15 8EY Ref. No: 2023/0523


Replacement and installation of refrigeration and air conditioning plant on the roof and service yard of the Sainsbury’s Store. 

J Sainsbury Plc Sir John Robinson Way Daybrook Nottinghamshire NG5 6LA Ref. No: 2023/0520


Two buildings on Network Rail land off Mallard Road, Netherfield 

Railway Sidings Mallard Road Netherfield Nottinghamshire Ref. No: 2023/0442PN

Teenager appears in court after girl left with stab wounds during Arnold streetfight

A teenager has appeared in court after a fight in an Arnold street.

Police were called to Cavendish Street at around 5.45pm on Sunday (July 30) following reports of an assault.

When officers arrived at the scene they found a teenage girl had suffered stab wounds. She was taken to hospital with injuries that are not currently believed to be life-altering or life-threatening.

Officers quickly located a suspect in a nearby street.

A 17-year-old girl, who cannot be named for legal reasons, has now been charged with assault occasioning grievous bodily harm, possession of a knife in a public place and possession of a Class B drug.

She appeared at Nottingham Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday (1) and will next appear at the same court on August 16.

Detective Sergeant Lauren Morgan, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “We responded quickly to this incident and I hope this arrest and charge offers reassurance to members of the public.

“Carrying a knife can have tragic consequences and the force is committed to taking weapons off the streets and keeping people safe.”

Disabled man robbed on doorstep of Carlton home prompts CCTV appeal 

A CCTV appeal has been launched by police after a disabled man was robbed on the doorstep of his Carlton home.

The victim was trying to unlock his front door when a man rifled through his shoulder bag and stole cash before leaving the scene.

It’s believed he was followed by a man after getting off a Nottingham City Transport number 27 bus at the bottom of Carlton Hill, Carlton, and then walking to his home in Southdale Road.

The robbery happened at around 6.30pm on June 1, 2023.

As part of their ongoing inquiries, officers have now released images of a man they believe may have information that could assist with their investigation.

Detective Constable Nathan Wall, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “This was a despicable offence. To target a vulnerable disabled man as he was trying to get into his home is a cowardly act and we are continuing to work hard to find the person responsible.

“As part of our inquiries, we are asking the public to come forward if they recognise the individual in the images we’ve released, as we believe they may have information that could assist the investigation.

“If you know who they are, please contact Nottinghamshire Police on 101, quoting incident 627 of 1 June 2023. Alternatively, call Crimestoppers, anonymously on 0800 555 111.”