Our readers from across the borough give their weekly take on the biggest issues impacting Gedling and beyond.
Some letters refer to past correspondence which can be found by clicking here. Join the debate by emailing news@gedlingeye.co.uk and put ‘Letters’ in the subject line. You can also use the form below.
Call for cameras on busy Arnold road
Will we ever get speed cameras placed on Rolleston Drive in Arnold?
It seems to be a prime road for speeding vehicles, especially in the hours between 8 am and 9.30am.
I’ve actually been threatened by a driver who thought I was filming his motor driving at approximately 50 mph; he went past me and had obviously done a U-turn. He then pulled up at the side of me on the pavement and verbally threatened me with violence.
It’s about time we had some speed cameras put up
Name and address withheld on request
Ticket offices at stations are essential
I’m furious that the government and rail bosses have announced plans to close almost 1,000 ticket offices at stations across the country.
Ticket offices are essential. If they are closed, it will be devastating for disabled people, the elderly, people with learning difficulties and many more people who rely on being able to speak to someone at a station in order to be able to get around.
Staff at stations are crucial for access to information, to waiting rooms, to facilities – and losing them will have a big impact on safety.
Despite the massive implications for passengers, the rail companies and the government are ploughing ahead.
I support the rail strikes, and I believe that ticket offices and station staffing need to be protected. I encourage everyone to respond to the consultations and hope that the government will see sense.
I think it’s great that all these new shops are opening on Netherfield high street.
For years the town had been becoming a ghost town with all the council’s focus being on Arnold, but now a selection of great independent shops, a gym and takeaways have opened and it is thriving.
Heron Foods opening a store has also helped.
Not a penny has been spent here so I am proud that without the millions spent on Arnold we have turned the town around ourselves.
A Gedling councillor has revealed the ilke Homes’ collapse will have a negative impact on an “already-stretched housing waiting list”.
Ilke Homes, which is based in Yorkshire, collapsed into administration in June while it was working on the site of a former school in Rolleston Drive, Arnold, where work on 131 homes had been taking place.
During Gedling Borough Council Full Council on July 12, Cllr Jenny Hollingsworth (Lab), portfolio holder for growth and regeneration, said: “Clearly the news that ilke Homes had gone into administration is hugely disappointing, not only because the much-needed delivery of affordable homes will be delayed, but also because this Labour authority fought hard to get this site developed.
PICTURED: An artist’s impression of the new homes on Rolleston Drive
“The collapse of ilke Homes was not foreseen and came less than two weeks before the first properties were due to be occupied.
“It will obviously have a negative impact on an already-stretched housing waiting list as those people who had been allocated properties will now have to be housed elsewhere.
“Rolleston Drive was due to provide 85 affordable homes. There are currently 605 live applications on the home search system, so the allocation of 85 properties would have seen the current numbers of households on the waiting list reduce by 14 per cent.
“There are individuals and families behind these figures whose hopes of moving into a new, permanent and secure home within the next few weeks have been dashed.”
The 85 affordable rent homes were due to be delivered in 11 tranches to help provide homes for those on the waiting list, at a time when applications from homless people are rising.
The council says 567 homeless applications were received in 2018/19, before increasing to 874 in 2022/23.
As of July this year, more than 200 applications had been received and there are now concerns it will increase further.
Cllr Helen Greensmith (Con) questioned whether the council carried out any checks on the company before work started.
Cllr Hollingsworth added: “This was an arrangement between (housing association) Jigsaw Homes and ilke, funded substantially through Homes England.
“It was not an arrangement with Gedling Borough Council. We have no financial commitment or obligation. Ilke Homes, I can tell you, I visited the site and it is a good product.
“The have said the reason they had to go into administration is Government uncertainty and economic chaos.”
A spokesperson for Jigsaw Homes Group told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: “We are very disappointed to hear that ilke Homes has gone into administration.
“We were informed of this by the administrators on Friday afternoon, June 30, and we are now in talks with them to discuss and consider our options.”
More than 1,000 members of staff at ilke will lose their jobs.
This week’s public notice features a plan to create a pedestrian crossing in Burton Joyce.
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Nottinghamshire County Council in exercise of its powers under Section 23 of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984, proposes to install a “Puffin” pedestrian crossing on the A612 Nottingham Road near to Mill Field Close and Crow Park Drive in the district of Gedling.
The crossing will incorporate a controlled area indicated by zig-zag markings along the carriageway where parking and loading will be prohibited. The extent of the controlled area will be:
North Road
From a point approximately 6m east of the junction of Nottingham Road and Mill Field Close for a distance of approximately 60m in a westerly direction.
The puffin crossing will provide a safe crossing facility across A612 Nottingham Road for pedestrians only.
Any comments (quoting ref: TP2250848) in respect of this proposal should be received in writing by Monday 17th July 2023 to the address stated below.
More than 1,200 incidents of fly-tipping across Gedling borough ended up costing taxpayers £189,000 last year.
Fly-tipping, the illegal dumping of waste, is the costliest form of waste crime in England.
Estimates from 2021 from the Environmental Services Association (ESA) suggest the overall cost of fly-tipping across the country is £391.8m a year.
Local authorities are typically left to clean up illegally dumped waste, with many spending hundreds – if not thousands – of pounds on specialist contractors to clean up more severe incidents which may be contaminated.
During a Gedling Borough Council Full Council meeting on Wednesday, July 12, Cllr Mike Adams (Con) asked the Labour-led administration what the total cost of fly-tipping was to taxpayers.
Responding Cllr Marje Paling, the chairwoman of the environment and licensing committee, said: “As DEFRA reported only this week fly-tipping is a significant blight on our environment.
“It also undermines legitimate waste businesses where unscrupulous operators undercut those operating within the law.
“Last financial year the cost for removal of fly-tipping in Gedling was calculated at £189,000, which equates to £1.61 per resident and it was for 1,220 incidents in 2022.
“This aggregated cost belies a myriad of variables. Each job is really dependent on the specific issues it brings with it.
“For example if asbestos or other contaminated waste is found it costs around £300 to £500 per occasion.
“We have to call in specialist contractors to take that waste away because we have not got that facility ourselves.
“Some clean-ups can be done in half an hour, others take three to four hours, the larger fly-tips can come out at approximately £256 per occasion.”
The discussion comes just days after the Government announced a crackdown on fly-tipping and environmental crime on July 7.
This includes an increase in fines for those caught fly-tipping and littering.
“Catching perpetrators is difficult but we do prosecute,” Cllr Paling said.
“Environment minister Rebecca Pow has announced increases in fines for litter, graffiti and fly-tipping as part of the crackdown on anti-social behaviour, part of the Prime Minister’s action plan.
“This statutory notice for the increase was only announced this week and the penalty increases will possibly come into effect at the end of July.
“The maximum amount for those caught fly-tipping will increase from £400 to £1,000.
“The maximum amount for those found breaching household waste, which is a duty of care for residents, will increase from £400 to £600.
“I want to take this opportunity to advise residents they can help to ensure fly-tipping is reduced by only using Environment Agency-registered waste carriers, keeping a receipt for waste that is taken away, and they should always ask to see the licence.”
Cllr Adams added: “I wondered if you would agree with me that increasing the level of CCTV there across our area of Gedling would be useful, not only to reduce that environmental damage but also in a cost-reduction basis for the council as well?”
Cllr Paling said it was difficult to keep moving cameras and that fly-tippers can spot cameras and move on to another area.
However she added: “We are continually looking to improve the service we provide.”
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 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
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 Daysis 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.
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
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!
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 Lipman, Josefina 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!
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
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.
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
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.
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.
