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NETHERFEST: Festival returns for second year to showcase creatives in Netherfield

A festival celebrating arts and creativity in Netherfield is making a return this weekend – with live music, poetry and stand-up comedy.

Netherfest 2023 has been organised by a group of local creatives and is being supported by local businesses and local Gedling Borough Councillors.

Events are being held at a number of venues across the town over the weekend for people to enjoy.

Tonight (14) the Corner Café on Victoria Road will be hosting a Bistro Evening – with a delicious three-course meal on offer. To avoid disappointment you can book a table by calling 07845 953646 or pop in to the venue.

PICTURED: Stalls at last year’s event

Then on Saturday (15) morning the space between NISA and Co-op will be transformed into a craft market, with local creatives selling their wares between 10am-3pm. There will be a range of crafts on sale at the market, from hand-knitted and crocheted items to trinkets and items made from recycled fabrics.

Alongside the market, local musicians will be performing and local retro gaming business ItsMuchMore will give people a chance to unleash their inner rock star by having a go at the vintage video game Guitar Hero. A fire engine and face painter will also be in attendance.

Throughout the day refreshments will be available at Connect@Netherfield, Corner Café and from the Bank Inn.

On Saturday night there will be a live comedy event in the TBH Bootcamp venue next to Carlton Station – featuring four incredible comics. Tickets are available from the Connect@Netherfield cafe on Victoria Road.

On Sunday morning kids music group Rainbow Stripes will be at TBH Bootcamps hosting a morning of singing, laughter and fun. The event is suitable for all children of any age who enjoy music and having a good time! 

Sunday afternoon sees Connect@Netherfield transformed into a chill-out zone with food, live music, poetry and creative writing. Tickets and limited and booking is essential, again from Connect.

Netherfest 2023 then finishes with an open mic session at the Fox and Hounds, starting at 4pm and runs until 7pm, the ideal chance to showcase your musical talents!

Over the weekend St George’s Centre will also be showcasing artwork produced by the local community in the form of wire figures – definitely something which has to be to seen to be fully appreciated.

At all events donations are being encouraged to support the work of the Netherfield Foodbank.

Russell Whiting, chairman of the Netherfest Organising Committee, said: “After the success of Netherfest last year we’re all excited for the weekend. There was such a great buzz in the town and I’m sure this year will be even better.

This is really a chance for people to come and enjoy the Netherfield community, experience something new and get a unique handmade item at the same time.

“It’s been great to see how the community has come together to make this event happen and we look forward to welcoming everyone once we get underway!”

Severn Trent Water holds on to four-star rating in Environment Agency report

Severn Trent Water has again been awarded the maximum rating for its environmental performance, according to the latest performance review of the industry by the government.

The EA’s latest report reveals that the supplier has maintained its top rating, but that no other supplier has joined the firm at the peak of the table.

The Environment Agency’s (EA) annual report ranks the environmental performance of water suppliers from one to four stars – with four being the highest – including pollution incidents and treatment work compliance. Last year an updated reporting approach was introduced, with revised metrics and tightened performance thresholds.

The report shows some modest improvements to water company star ratings under the Environmental Performance Assessment (EPA) report in 2022, compared to 2021 . Four companies have stayed the same, three have improved and two have got worse. 

Severn Trent said it was pleased to have achieved ‘green’ status on each of the seven metrics included in the 2022 assessment, maintaining the highest four-star status for a fourth consecutive year.

Liv Garfield, chief executive, Severn Trent said: “We’re pleased to once again be recognised as an industry leader when it comes to environmental performance, achieving the Environment Agency’s highest rating for the fourth year running. Whilst the recognition is pleasing, we will continue to keep improving our performance and make a positive difference to the environment around us – whether through delivering our bold Get River Positive pledges, improving the biodiversity of 10,000 hectares of land, or launching the world’s first carbon neutral wastewater treatment site.”

Overall, this year’s report found that the number of serious pollution incidents has reduced from 62 in 2021 to 44 in 2022 but remains ‘unacceptably high’. More than half of serious pollution incidents were from assets of Anglian Water and Thames Water – EA have taken enforcement action against both companies.

The EA said that results show that although there have been some improvements, all water companies ‘need to go further and faster’.

Environment Agency chairman Alan Lovell said:  “Regulators, water companies, government, eNGOs and many others all want the same thing: better environmental outcomes, including cleaner rivers and seas. We need to work together and take collective responsibility to achieve it.

“While there have been some modest improvements, it is unacceptable to still be seeing this level of pollution. We have seen a distinct culture shift from the water industry in recent months and that is welcome – but that must translate to profound, long-term change. 

“The Environment Agency will play its part by transforming the way we regulate the sector. We welcome this week’s announcement on unlimited penalties which will also improve our enforcement powers.”

Polluters including water companies can now face unlimited fines under new powers granted to the Environment Agency this week.

The Agency can now hand out limitless financial penalties under new legislation aimed at protecting the environment and speeding up the enforcement process. Previously the Environment Agency could only hand out fines up to £250,000 for offences.

The power will apply to permit breaches for combined sewer overflows (CSOs) and hazardous waste disposal.

The report rankings

  • Severn Trent Water –  4 stars, the same as the previous year 
  • Northumbrian Water – 3 stars, down from 4 stars 
  • United Utilities – 3 stars, down from 4 stars
  • Yorkshire Water – 3 stars, up from 2 stars 
  • Anglian Water – 2 stars, the same as the previous year 
  • Thames Water – 2 stars, the same as the previous year 
  • Wessex Water – 2 stars, the same as the previous year 
  • Southern Water – 2 stars, up from 1 star
  • South West Water – 2 stars, up from 1 star

The Vibe – your guide to what’s going on in Gedling borough (14 July – 20 July)

Here’s our latest round-up of latest events taking place from Friday 14 July to Thursday 21 July across the borough.


Friday, July 14

Greatest Days: The Take That Musical (12A) – Bonington Cinema, Arnold

Fri 14 – Thu 20 Jul, Various Times

£6.80pp / £5pp on Tuesdays

Greatest Days is the feel-good and universal story of love and friendship featuring the hit songs of Take That and adapted from the smash stage show by the writer of Calendar Girls.

We follow five best friends who have the night of their lives seeing their favourite boy band in concert. Twenty-five years later their lives have changed in many different ways as they reunite for one more epic show by their beloved band, to relight their friendship and discover that maybe their greatest days are ahead of them.

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Friday Quiz Night – Burnt Stump Inn, 9.00pm

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

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Abba Party Girls – Top Spot, Carlton

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Saturday, July 15

Newstead Family Fun Day – Newstead Recreation Ground, Newstead, 1.00pm – 5.00pm


Woodborough Summer Fair – Woodborough Sports Field, 12.00pm – 3.30pm


Woodborough Art Group Summer Exhibition – The Institute, Woodborough, 10.30am – 4.30pm


Craft & Gift Fair – St.James Church Hall, Mapperley, 11.00am-2.00pm


Gin & CokeCalverton Working Men’s Club, Calverton

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Summer Fair – Howard House, Redhill, 1.00pm – 4.00pm


Back to the ’90s & 00s – Four Bells, Woodborough, 5.00pm

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Kim B – Top Spot, Carlton

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Flying High Annual Summer Showcase 2023 – Bonington Theatre, Arnold, 2.00pm & 6.30pm

£8pp

Flying High Expressive Arts CIC proudly present a breadth of talent from the local community in its annual summer showcase. People as young as 5 up to 87 will perform on the professional stage, some for the first time, in a range of theatre pieces, dance and song which will showcase some of the skills, ideas and confidence gained over the year. Pieces will include stories old and new with morals and thought provoking themes; fun, uplifting songs from this year’s Edinburgh Fringe show, Peter Pan; humorous sketches from life’s encounters and beautiful contemporary dance performances – a real mixture. We would love you to come and see for yourself!

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Jay Harrison – The Crossing Social Club, Carlton

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The Dice Shakers – The Old Vol NG4, Carlton, 8.00pm – 10.00pm

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Sunday, July 16

Popmaster – The Nags Head, Carlton, 6.00pm

Registration by 5.30pm

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Woodborough Art Group Summer Exhibition – The Institute, Woodborough, 10.30am – 4.30pm



Sunday Quiz Night – Larch Farm, Ravenshead

Sunday & Wednesday evenings

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Armed Forces Breakfast Club – The Bank, Netherfield, 12.00pm

The Carlton Arnold & Gedling Armed Forces Breakfast Club is going for lunch! An amazing Around the World buffet for only £10.00 each.

If you would like to be included, please email carltonhillcag@gmail.com


Paul Carbunkle – The Pit @ Newstead, Newstead, 3.00pm

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Open Mic Hosted by Hanousha – Gleaners Inn, Calverton, 5.00pm

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Sunday Quiz Night – Old Volunteer NG4, Carlton

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Jamie Lee Lewis – Top Spot, Carlton

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Monday, July 17

Pub League Poker – The Brick Yard, Carlton

Free pint to the winner of the night for season 2, along with the cash pot from player buy ins (£5 a head) and 100 points on the leaderboard.

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Monday Quiz Night – Bread & Bitter, Mapperley

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Monday Quiz Night – Four Bells, Woodborough, 7.30pm

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Tuesday, July 18

Quiz Night – The Brickyard, Carlton

Booking advised due to popularity of event.

£2 buy in per person, £25 bar tab to be won and a rolling higher or lower jackpot

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Bike Night – The Gleaners, Calverton

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Wednesday, July 19

Wednesday Quiz Night – Larch Farm, Ravenshead

Wednesday & Sunday evenings

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Event Cinema : Oklahoma! Starring Hugh Jackman (PG) – Bonington Cinema

Wed 19 – Sun 30 Jul, Various Times £12.50pp

Oh, what a beautiful day! This July, the magic and energy of live theatre is coming to cinemas around the globe with the National Theatre’s acclaimed, Olivier Award-winning production of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Oklahoma! Starring then-newcomer Hugh Jackman (Les Misérables, The Greatest Showman) as Curly, alongside Maureen LipmanJosefina Gabrielle and Shuler Hensley, this riveting stage production was filmed during its record-breaking 1998 run in London.

Directed by theatre legend Trevor Nunn (CATS, Les Misérables) with new choreography by Susan Stroman, Oklahoma! features some of musical theatre’s most delightfully hummable songs, including “Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin’,” “The Surrey With The Fringe On Top” and the joyous title tune, “Oklahoma”. Now one of the most beloved musicals ever to grace the stage is coming to the big screen 80 years after it first premiered on Broadway. Grab your friends and ride your surrey to a cinema near you!

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Thursday, July 20

Thursday Quiz Night – The Gleaners, Calverton, 8.30pm

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Food + Film: The Eight Mountains (12) – Bonington Cinema, Arnold, 6.45pm

£8pp

Set against a truly magnificent Italian lanscape, The Eight Mountains is a profoundly moving portrait of a lifelong friendship between two boys who, after choosing differing paths, find themselves together once again where they first met.

“A movie with air in its lungs and love in its heart” Guardian ★★★★★

Times ★★★★  Little White Lies ★★★★

*Food will be served from 6.45pm onwards, with the film starting at 7.30pm

*Chicken and vegetable pasta with garlic bread  | Veg / vegan option – Creamy garlic mushroom pasta with garlic bread

*In Italian with English subtitles
Directed by Felix Van Groeningen, Charlotte Vandermeersch
With Luca Marinelli, Alessandro Borghi
2hrs 25 mins // ITA/BEL/FRA 2023

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DJ Scott, Throw Back Thursdays – Top Spot Club, Carlton, 8.00pm

Old School with some great tunes from Reggae, Ska, Northern Soul, Motown, 70’s and 80’s.

Plus 25% discount on all Drinks.

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Thursday Quiz Night – Sashas Bar, Arnold

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Thursday Quiz Night – The Vale Hotel, Woodthorpe, 8.00pm

Weekly quiz night in support of local food bank.

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Thursday Quiz Night – Copper Mapperley, 7.00pm


Thursday Quiz Night – Gedling Inn, Gedling, 8.00pm

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All listings correct at time of going to press

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.

If you fancy a digital read, want to advertise or make a donation just follow the following link: https://thisisgedling.co.uk/our-magazine/

#thisisgedling #gedlingboroughlife


Match Report: Carlton Town FC 2 – 1 Lincoln Utd

Friendly

12 July 2023

Carlton Town picked up a third win of pre-season with a 2-1 success against Lincoln Utd at Stoke Lane.

In an entertaining game played in front of a good crowd, the Whites had an early opportunity to score when the Millers cleared off the line.

Carlton’s Niall Hylton brushed the bar with a fine shot before ex-Miller Jack Steggles saved well from Lewis Durow.

The Millers made eleven substitutions at half time and took the lead three minutes after the restart when Callum Foster headed a Joel Daft corner into his own net.

Romello Nangle doubled the lead on 66 minutes from the penalty spot after he was brought down by Steggles.

Foster reduced the arrears 10 minutes from time with a header into the right net but Carlton saw out the remainder of the game to add to their wins against Sandiacre and Basford.

The Millers are back in action on Saturday when Merthyr Town are the visitors to Stoke Lane (3.30pm).

Carlton Town:
1st half: Harry Adams, David Adegbola, Lewis Durow, Dan Brown, Jack Koczalski, Liam Bateman, Alex Howes, Greg Tempest, Moussa Jawara, Lamin Manneh, Niall Hylton
2nd half: Felix Annan, Shay Harris-Thompson, Lammin Season, Lawrence Gorman (Dan Brown 80), Ollie Seeber, Michael Ford, Emmy Kabongo, Zac Hill, Joel Daft, Romello Nangle (Aaron Coyle 75), Enreike

Goals: Callum Foster og 48, Romello Nangle 66 pen; Callum Foster 80

Rail strikes cancel most trains in Gedling borough on these two days next week

Train services are being hit by more strike action, with most services running through Gedling borough cancelled on July 20 and 22.

East Midlands Railway (EMR) has announced it will be running a significantly reduced service next week due to industrial action by members of the RMT union.

While an hourly service will run elsewhere on the network, no trains will operate on the Nottingham to Lincoln line which is used by Carlton and Burton Joyce station passengers.

Trains will be running between Nottingham and Skegness but will not call at Netherfield.

Newstead Station will be served by an hourly Robin Hood Line train.

There are no plans for rail replacement buses during the strikes.

Will Rogers, the Managing Director for East Midlands Railway, said: “We will be significantly reducing our services on Thursday and Saturday due to the ongoing strike organised by the RMT Union.

“Also between Monday, July 17, and Saturday, July 22, there will also be a number of train cancellations due to action short of a strike by the ASLEF union – customers should be aware services can be cancelled as late as 22:00 the day before.

“Due to this, we strongly advise customers to check if their train is running before setting off and consider rail travel only if absolutely necessary during the strike days.

“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.

“For detailed guidance and daily travel updates, please visit our website.”

East Midlands Train services during strike action

Services on Thursday, 20 July

Customers are advised to only travel if necessary. EMR services will operate between 07:30 and 18:30 only.

EMR Intercity

  • One Train Per Hour between Nottingham and London St Pancras
  • One Train Per Hour between Sheffield and London St Pancras

EMR Connect

  • One Train Per Hour between Corby and London St Pancras

EMR Regional

  • One Train per Hour between Derby and Nottingham
  • One Train per Hour between Sheffield and Nottingham
  • One Train per Hour between Leicester and Lincoln (Stopping Service)
  • One Train per Hour between Mansfield Woodhouse and Nottingham
  • Two hourly service between Nottingham and Skegness – Only calling at Grantham – Sleaford – Boston – Skegness

All other lines of route will be closed and no Rail Replacement Bus services will be provided.

Strike action will affect other routes across the country. Customers are advised to check their full journey before travelling.

Services on Saturday, 22 July

Customers are advised to only travel if necessary. EMR services will operate between 07:30 and 18:30 only.

EMR Intercity

  • One Train Per Hour between Nottingham and London St Pancras
  • One Train Per Hour between Sheffield and London St Pancras

EMR Connect

  • One Train Per Hour between Corby and London St Pancras

EMR Regional

  • One Train per Hour between Derby and Nottingham
  • One Train per Hour between Sheffield and Nottingham
  • One Train per Hour between Leicester and Nottingham
  • Two hourly service between Nottingham and Skegness – Only calling at Grantham – Sleaford – Boston – Skegness

All other lines of route will be closed and no Rail Replacement Bus services will be provided.

Cute guinea pigs were found ‘shaking in fear’ after being left for dead outside church in Woodthorpe

These cute guinea pigs were found ‘shaking in fear’ after being abandoned without food and water outside a church in Woodthorpe.

The pair were spotted by a shocked resident after being left outside St. Mark’s Church in Longridge Road on June 30.

She took the animals home and fed them before contacting the RSPCA.

RSPCA inspector Annette Della-Porter went around to the woman’s home near to the church to collect the abandoned pets. After they were health checked RSPCA inspector Pam Bird transported the pair to RSPCA Derby and District Branch where they have been named Marzipan and Marmite.

PICTURED: Marzipan the guinea pig being handled by an RSPCA staff member (PHOTO: RSPCA)
PICTURED: The discovered guinea pigs are now being cared for by the RSPCA

RSPCA inspector Bird said: “Fortunately, both guinea pigs were in good condition and didn’t require veterinary treatment, although they were extremely nervous and frightened and they didn’t seem used to human interaction.

“It was a strange place to leave them in all truth and they were certainly not happy at being handled. But considering what they had been through in being left exposed to the elements it was no surprise they were terrified.

“Abandoning pets like these in such a manner is an incredibly cruel thing to do and while it may be a long shot, if anyone has information about how they came to be there we would ask them to contact the RSPCA. This could be a case of someone who can’t cope with looking after them because of the cost of living crisis.

“We also do see more abandoned animals during the summer months, but it is so dangerous to leave any animal to fend for itself at any time. This is the reason we have launched our Cancel Out Cruelty campaign so we can rescue more animals like these poor guinea pigs and find them new homes.”

Reports of animals being abandoned are soaring and during June the RSPCA tackled 2,047 incidents, the most of any month of the year so far. That was a 34% rise on the 1,527 abandonments reported to the charity in June last year.

The cost of living crisis is one of the single biggest challenges facing animal welfare, and the RSPCA, right now. The charity’s new Animal Kindness Index suggests 81% of owners say it’s more expensive to look after their pets, and 23% of pet owners are worried about feeding them.

In the tough financial climate, the RSPCA is doing everything to keep pets in loving homes and support owners. It has committed £1.5million of extra funding to crisis measures. These include launching a new Cost of Living Hub with a dedicated telephone helpline (0300 123 0650, Mondays to Fridays, 9am-5pm) – while also expanding its pet food bank partnerships.

Anyone who has information about the abandoned guinea pigs can ring the RSPCA appeal line on 0300 123 8018.

The Rise of Quick Sale Services in London’s Housing Market

In the bustling city of London, where the housing market is known for its fast-paced nature, a new trend has emerged in recent years – the rise of quick sale services. With the increasing demand for convenience and efficiency, homeowners are turning to these services to sell their properties swiftly and effortlessly. This article explores the reasons behind the surge in popularity of quick sale services in London’s housing market.

The Need for Speed

In a city where time is of the essence, selling a house quickly can be a significant advantage for homeowners. Whether it’s due to financial constraints, the need to relocate urgently, or simply wanting to avoid the lengthy and often stressful traditional selling process, quick sale services offer a solution. By streamlining the selling process and eliminating unnecessary delays, homeowners can sell their properties within days or weeks, rather than months.

Ease and Convenience

Sell house fast in London – these words have become a mantra for homeowners looking for a hassle-free selling experience. Quick sale services provide a convenient alternative to the traditional method of selling a property. Instead of dealing with real estate agents, staging the house for showings, and waiting for potential buyers, homeowners can simply contact a quick sale service and receive a fair cash offer for their property. This streamlined process appeals to many busy Londoners who prefer a swift and straightforward transaction.

Flexibility in Challenging Situations

Quick sale services in London also cater to homeowners facing challenging situations. Whether it’s a divorce, job loss, financial difficulties, or inheriting an unwanted property, these services can offer a lifeline. Rather than being stuck with a burdensome property or going through a lengthy legal process, homeowners can sell their houses quickly and move on with their lives.

Property Market Fluctuations

London’s property market is known for its fluctuations, influenced by various factors such as economic conditions, political changes, and even global events. In times of uncertainty, homeowners may be more inclined to seek the stability and certainty that quick sale services provide. These services offer a guaranteed sale, irrespective of market conditions, giving homeowners peace of mind and financial security.

Avoiding Costs and Fees

Traditional property sales often come with a range of costs and fees that can eat into the final sale price. From real estate agent commissions to home staging expenses, legal fees, and closing costs, these expenses can add up significantly. Quick sale services, on the other hand, typically cover these costs, providing homeowners with a transparent and straightforward transaction. This financial benefit further contributes to the rise in popularity of these services.

The Importance of Reputation

When considering quick sale services in London, homeowners should be mindful of choosing reputable companies with a proven track record. While the industry has seen a surge in providers, not all are equal in terms of reliability and professionalism. Homeowners should research and select services that have established credibility and positive customer testimonials to ensure a smooth and satisfactory selling experience.

In conclusion, the rise of quick sale services in London’s housing market can be attributed to the increasing demand for convenience, speed, and financial flexibility. Homeowners looking to sell their properties swiftly and without the usual hassle and costs of the traditional selling process are turning to these services. As London’s property market continues to evolve, quick sale services offer an appealing alternative for those seeking a fast and efficient way to sell their homes. So, if you’re in London and thinking, “Sell house fast,” these services might just be the answer you’re looking for.

Violent child rapist jailed after being caught by police on patrol in Top Valley

A violent child rapist was caught in Top Valley after a passing police officer noticed his distinctive walk has been jailed for 15 years.

Shane Nash, aged 39, was walking with two friends along Muirfield Road on January 31 when he was spotted by an officer travelling in a marked patrol car.

Two days earlier he had raped a teenage girl after grabbing her in a dark alleyway near Rise Park and threatening her.

Parts of the attack were captured on CCTV and footage of the attacker was later shared in a high-profile media appeal.

PICTURED: Shane Nash (PHOTO: Notts Police)

After viewing the footage the previous day, the officer’s eye was immediately drawn to Nash’s distinctive walking style and his high, square shoulders.

Noticing that his clothing was also similar to that of the suspect, she and her colleague immediately turned around and asked Nash to stop.

It soon became clear that he was also wearing the same clothes and distinctive grey trainers he was wearing at the time of the attack,

Further damming evidence was found when officers searched his bag and uncovered a black beanie hat and red sleeping bag referred to by the victim.

Nash, formerly of Boniface Gardens, Bestwood, was arrested on suspicion of rape but strenuously denied the allegations against him – even when confronted with irrefutable DNA evidence linking him to the crime.

He kept up this pretence until his second court appearance in March , when he finally pleaded guilty to one count of rape and one of attempted rape.

Appearing for sentence today he was jailed for life and will serve a minimum of 15 years. He was also added to the sex offenders’ register for life.

Detective Inspector Craig Hall, who led the investigation for Nottinghamshire Police, said: “This was a horrific crime that shocked and appalled the local community. The victim in this case was simply walking home as she was grabbed and attacked.

“She is traumatised by what happened and this is likely to have a lasting impact upon her and her family.

“She has shown remarkable courage and dignity throughout the legal process and my thoughts are very much with her today.

“Nash’s behaviour, by contrast, has been appalling throughout. He has shown absolutely no remorse for what he did and continued to deny the offence even when presented with incontrovertible evidence of his guilt.

“He will now spend a very considerable amount of time in jail, thanks in no small part to some excellent police work by the arresting officer and her colleague.

“I would also like to thank the dozens of other officers who worked so tirelessly to bring this truly dangerous individual to justice.”

Sadness as ‘dangerously unsafe’ skate park in Colwick is demolished by council

A popular skate park in Colwick has been demolished following serious health and safety concerns.

Gedling Borough Council took the decision to close the Joshua Dale Skate Park, which was built in 2013, back in February after it triggered safety concerns.

Work to remove the popular park, based off Mile End Road, took place this week and it is unlikely to be replaced for some time. It is hoped that a concrete park could replace the removed wooden facility in the future.

PICTURED: Council workers taking down the skate park earlier this week (PHOTO: Kevin Edlington-Ward)

The park was built in memory of local teenager and BMX enthusiast Joshua Dale. The 14-year-old died when he was knocked off his bike by a car in January 2012. The late teenager’s dream had been to build a skate park near his home so friends and family raised thousands of pounds to build the park.

Leader of Gedling Borough Council, Councillor John Clarke MBE said: “It is with regret that the skate park has had to be removed due to it being dangerously unsafe to use.

“The facility was built in the memory of Joshua Dale and was funded, maintained and managed by the Joshua Dale Skate Park Fund Charity supported by the Parish Council as a way to remember this young man taken from us so tragically.

“The skate park has been a very popular place for local skaters and, unfortunately, over the past few years, the park’s wooden structure has deteriorated and the charity and local Parish Council have not been able to fund the repairs.  

“The skate park was built on council land so when it was clear that the structure was no longer safe, we had to make the difficult decision to close it and now remove it. We have been in regular dialogue with the local Parish Council about the situation who were in agreement with the decision to remove it.

He added: “We will now review the site and engage with the local community to see what options there are to provide something there in the future subject to funding.”

Former Colwick councillor Meredith Lawrence is one of the trustees of the Joshua Dale Skate Park Fund charity.

He said: “Due to extreme deterioration and the prohibitive costs of maintenance over the years, the skate park has had to be demolished. The charity that manages it is considering some sort of replacement in the long term and further progress on this will be posted on our social media channels.”

Many expressed their sadness about the demolition on social media.

One local resident posted: “I’m sad to see it go and I hope something can be built in its place to keep the memory of Josh.

“It was a well-used park that brought children together. Hopefully it can be rebuilt using some council tax money and funding from local businesses.”

‘Arduous and dangerous’ walk excluding disabled people from visiting Newstead Abbey

The leader of a disability support charity says a vast number of disabled visitors are being excluded from Newstead Abbey due to poor accessibility.

Anyone who catches the bus to the historic former home of Lord Byron is faced with a two-mile round trip from the bus stop to the abbey itself.

Currently the only way to reach the abbey from its gates is to either walk or drive along a 1.3 mile-long track.

Newstead Abbey
IMAGE: Gedling Eye
PICTURED: The Abbey at one time was home to world-famous poet Lord Byron (PHOTO: British Library)

For those who do not have access to a car, or cannot pay for a taxi, their only option to visit the site is via public transport, which terminates at the abbey gates.

During Full Council on July 10, a Nottingham resident raised the issue and said the walk can be “arduous and dangerous” for people living with mobility problems.

Charlotte Throssel, who runs the Disability Support charity, agreed and said access to the site is a problem.

“To make things more accessible would increase revenue,” she told the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

“Taxis would cost a fortune out there and not everyone has access to a car.

“It is excluding people and it is cutting off a potential revenue stream for the council.”

She further suggested the council could make mobility carts or wheelchairs available at the gates for people to use and, while the council would be hit with a cost initially, it would pay off in the long run.

Newstead Abbey dates back as far as the 12th century and was home to the poet Lord Byron from 1808-1814.

Today it is open to the public and managed by Nottingham City Council’s museums and galleries service, alongside Nottingham Castle and Wollaton Hall.

In response to the concerns raised during the meeting, Cllr Pavlos Kotsonis (Lab), who oversees the site, said there may be an opportunity to utilise vehicles similar to Nottingham Castle’s land train at Newstead Abbey in the future, subject to funding.

“As part of the redevelopment of Nottingham Castle the project was able to acquire the land train,” he said.

“To date we do not have plans or funding to purchase similar vehicles for Newstead Abbey and Wollaton Hall, this is all subject to funding I am afraid.

“As we include new operation of the land train at the castle and better understand its usage and limitations, this might be something that in the future we want to expand to other sites.

“We obviously have to have a business case for this and look at practicalities and cost effective operations, but this is something we are looking at.

“For some I do appreciate the walk from the bus stop to the Abbey is a long one and I will ask for options in the short term that might be able to be used for people with mobility issues in particular.”

Under newly-released proposals the council is also looking to get planning permission to expand the abbey’s toilets into the staff offices to increase their size and make them more accessible for those using wheelchairs and pushchairs.