The fate of a new development in Arnold remains in limbo following news that the housebuilder has gone into administration.
Last month work on the new development on Rolleston Drive was put on hold while the manufacturer of the factory-built homes destined for the site sought a buyer to help raise cash to keep them operational.
However news that the modular homes builder, Ilke Homes had gone into administration broke last week (30), resulting in the closure of its manufacturing facility.
PICTURED: An artist’s impression of the new homes on Rolleston Drive
A Jigsaw Homes spokesman told the BBC that they were ‘very disappointed’ to hear that Ilke Homes has gone into administration.
They said: “We are now in talks with them to discuss and consider our options.”
The business based in Flaxby, near Knaresborough employed more than 1100 people, the majority of whom are believed to have been made redundant with immediate effect.
PICTURED: Joanne Bonnington, assistant director of development at Jigsaw Homes Group and John Hickman, development director (Midlands) at ilke Homes at the Rolleston Drive site back in 2021
At least 150 ex-employees of Ilke Homes are now planning to take legal action over the way they say the redundancy process was managed.
Clare Kennedy, Catherine Williamson and Deborah King of AlixPartners are believed to have been appointed as joint administrators following “an extensive exercise” to seek a fresh injection of capital or new buyer.
Nigel Banks, R & D Director at Ilke Homes said on his LinkedIn account that “It is a very sad day today for me and over 1,000 incredibly talented and passionate people in the Ilke Homes family.
“We completed over 40 sites in 5 years and have created great homes and communities for hundreds of families.”
Numerous sites have been affected by the collapse of Ilke Homes across the country including the Boots site in Beeston, Nottingham, where more than 600 homes were expected to be delivered.
Plans to shut nearly all England’s remaining train station ticket offices were revealed by rail chiefs earlier today.
East Midlands Railway (EMR) is joining train companies across the country to launch a public consultation on plans to move staff from ticket offices and into stations, which they say will offer more face-to-face support for customers across the network as a whole.
The proposals will see ticket office staff transitioning to multi-skilled ‘customer help’ roles and give advice about the best and cheapest fares, support customers with accessibility needs and to help customers board and alight from trains.
The train firms said the changes would mean a more visible and accessible staff presence overall in stations during staffed hours, on ticket concourses and on platforms.
Figures from EMR have revealed that in the mid-90s over 80% of all tickets were sold at ticket offices, compared to just 12% nationally and less than 5% at EMR stations on average today.
Rail Delivery Group CEO Jac Starr said: “The way our customers buy tickets has changed and it’s time for the railway to change with them. Our proposals would mean more staff on hand to give face-to-face help with a much wider range of needs, from journey planning to finding the right ticket and helping those with accessibility needs.
“Our commitment is that we will always treat our staff, who are hugely valued, fairly, with support and extra training to move in to new, rewarding and varied roles and we will never compromise on safety. We also understand that our customers have differing needs which is why train companies will be consulting widely with accessibility and passenger groups to take on board their views.”
Independent passenger watchdogs Transport Focus and London Travel Watch will facilitate the 21 day consultation for passengers, which could see the closure of a number of ticket offices across the network as staff move out from behind the glass.
Those wanting to contribute to the consultation and share their views can do so by emailing their views to ticketoffice.emr@transportfocus.org.uk or writing freepost to RTEH-XAGE-BYKZ, Transport Focus, PO Box 5594, Southend on Sea, SS1 9PZ.
Police are appealing for witnesses and dashcam footage after a man was deliberately run over following violent disorder in Gedling.
Officers were called to reports of a fight, involving the use of weapons, in Perlethorpe Close.
An ambulance was called after a man was struck by a car during the incident. His injuries are not currently believed to be life-threatening.
Inquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances surrounding the disorder which happened shortly before 7pm on Monday (3).
Two men, aged 32 and 22, were arrested on Tuesday (4) on suspicion of affray and officers are working hard to trace others involved in the incident.
Detective Inspector Simon Harrison, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “As this disorder happened in clear daylight, we are now appealing to anyone who was in the area and saw what happened to please get in touch as soon as possible.
“I would also appeal to any motorists who may have captured dashcam footage to call us as they could have information which could prove vital to our ongoing inquiries.”
Anyone with any information is asked to call Nottinghamshire Police on 101, quoting incident 637 of 3 July 2023. Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
New advice has been issued to homeowners in Gedling borough around a notoriously invasive plant which could land people in court if the proper paperwork isn’t completed.
National trade body, the Property Care Association (PCA), is signposting homeowners across the borough to expert advice on Japanese knotweed.
The invasive weed becomes more visible at this time of year – and PCA experts are advising homeowners to ensure the correct surveys and paperwork are completed if they suspect Japanese knotweed may be present on their property.
Daniel Docking, technical manager at PCA, said: “It’s growing season in the UK, so now is the time homeowners are likely to spot an invader like Japanese knotweed if it is present.
“Japanese knotweed can be found in every county of the UK. It is tied to legislation, which means landowners have a responsibility to manage infestations responsibly.
“Our ICWG members have a range of options to treat infestations, so it’s essential to engage competent Certificated Surveyors in Japanese knotweed (CSJK) who will have the specialist skills and knowledge to identify Japanese knotweed or any other invasive plants that may be present.”
PCA’s Invasive Weed Control Group (ICWG) is a collective group of industry professionals that provides clear guidance on best practices and standards, as well as being a reference point for property professionals and helping homeowners to find reliable, competent and trustworthy invasive weed contractors.
Hundreds of violent and sexual offences were reported to police in Gedling borough in April 2023.
Each month Gedling Eye charts every crime in the borough on an interactive map for readers to stay on top of what is happening and where.
The map can be found below.
This month, our map reveals the location of every crime reported to Nottinghamshire Police in April 2023 (the latest available full month of data).
The map shows location, type of offence, and outcome or current status of the police investigation.
Readers can use the online tool to see what happened near their homes, schools and places of work and build an understanding of the county’s crime hotspots.
By far the greatest number of reported offences were violent and sexual offences, with a total of 245 such offences reported in the borough
This was followed by anti-social behaviour 171 reports, shoplifting with 69 reports, criminal damage and arson 69 reports, public order offences 50 reports, vehicle crime with 44 reports, burglary with 30 reports and 18 reports of possession of drugs.
The least reported crimes were bike thefts (6), possession of weapons (3) and robbery (1).
Now is your chance to pour pints rather than drink them as two pubs in Arnold are seeking new landlords.
If you’re keen to stand on the other side of the bar this is your opportunity to give it a go.
The Stonegate Group are looking for a new landlord for The Cross Keys on Front Street in the heart of Arnold while Star Pubs and Bars are looking for someone to run The Longbow on Calverton Road.
It is believed the pubs are still open and trading despite the search for new management.
Details on the Stonegate Group website lists The Cross Keys as having a guide rent of £29,000 p.a., potential turnover of £455,000 and requiring capital start-up funding of approx. £14,750.
PHOTO: Cross Keys interior Courtesy of Stonegate Group
The pub is described as having a trading area that consists of two areas, a large bar which offers sports and games, televisions and showcases it as a strong community local.
Stonegate’s Regional Manager states that “The Cross Keys is a good opportunity for a publican who wants to be the personality and hub at the centre of the community”
Less than a mile away on Calverton Road aspiring landlords are being sought for The Longbow.
PHOTO: Longbow Exterior Courtesy of: Star Pubs & Bars
The Star Pubs and Bars website lists The Longbow as having a guide rent of £17,753p.a., potential turnover of £263,000 and requiring estimated going in costs of approx. £10,000.
The Longbow has two large function rooms with an outdoor children’s play area, complemented with additional patio seating areas and a large car park.
PHOTO: Longbow Interior Courtesy of: Star Pubs & Bars
Star Pubs and Bars say that the pub is “Available on our foundation tenancy agreement and the potential of this pub lies in developing a strong 20/80% food & drinksoffer.”
Further details regarding The Cross Keys can be found HERE
Further details regarding The Longbow can be found HERE
Gedling Gala’s fun, family day out, where the village community comes together and raises funds to support local charities took place over the weekend (1) at Willow Park – and what a day it was.
The Gedling Gala Group arrange the free event which raises money from donations on the day to support three local charities nominated by the public on Facebook.
Zanda Dibbo-Pajączkowski is Gedling Gala chairman and said: described the day as ‘wonderful’.
“Early indications suggest that a few thousand attendees from near and far attended the gala over the course of the day with final numbers and charity fundraising totals still being calculated,” he said.
(FACEBOOK)
The charities set to benefit from fundraising this year are St George’s in Netherfield, Footprints, and St Paul’s Breakfast Club in Carlton.
Zanda went on to say that “A lot of our older Committee are retiring and we need to build a much younger team who are tech savvy, to keep the Gala running better than ever.
“Could anyone who is interested in helping in any way please join our Gedling Gala Facebook Group – as it is then possible for everyone to get involved in some way”
The extensive list of stall holders and similar contributing to the success of this year’s gala included:
Mad Inflatables, Footprints, Gedling Women Institute, MP Tom Randall, Enchanted Florist, Face Painting by Leann, Bahai Faith, Myotonic Dystrophy, All Hallows Church, Friends of Gedling Country Park, CHL Catering, Fused Glass, Natural Henna Tattoos, David Shephard Wildlife Foundation, Ann’s Homemade, Carlton Lifesaving Club, Friends of Gedling Youth Community Hub, Rainbows Hospice, Gedling Play Forum, Phoenix Farm, The Ark, Picture This, Ethnic Jewellery, Many Tears Dog Rescue, Carousel, St Johns Ambulance and The Royal British Legion.
PICTURED: People enjoy the first Gedling Village Family Gala back in 1977 (PICTURE: Bill Fenton)
Further details about Gedling Gala including contact details and photographs can be accessed HERE.
Gedling borough shoppers are set to benefit after another major supermarket chain announced it would be slashing prices of household essentials.
Tesco, which has a store in Carlton, has cut the price of more than 500 household essentials, with average savings of 13%, to help customers reduce the cost of their weekly shop.
The supermarket giant said the price drop focuses on products that are brought week-in, week-out, as well as summer favourites and healthy choices.
The items include Tesco tinned tuna, peppers, cheddar, grapes, rice, frozen fruit, orange juice and bin bags.
Their fusilli pasta will also be included in the price cut, down by 5p, which comes as the second reduction in price in recent weeks.
They have also dropped the price of four-pint milk by a further 10p at £1.45. Despite the price cut they say farmers will continue to be paid at price that ‘reflects the cost of production’.
There was no column last month owing to my mother requiring additional help after breaking her ankle in April, and also having to travel to the QMC hospital twice a day for a fortnight to visit her, after which she returned home but needed more care. She died on June 6 aged 100 years and six months. I was actually able to take her to see the ‘LOCO’ REMEMBERED event at the Crossing Social Club on March 4, which she enjoyed. During the war she worked in the District Manager’s office at Nottingham Victoria station as a shorthand typist. She worked with Harold Mather who became the last Yard Master at Colwick.
BOOK IN ADVANCE FOR SKEGNESS
If you are travelling to Skegness between 9th July and 9th September, EMR advises that you book in advance to ensure a seat. This year there are no larger trains to help alleviate the problem as HSTs and class 180s used on London services weekdays have now left East Midlands Railway (EMR). Two extra Saturday trains will leave Nottingham on Saturdays 22nd July until 9th September inclusive at 08.22 and 09.47 returning from Skegness at 11.42 and 13.27. Queueing systems will be in place at Nottingham and Skegness, with pre-booked ticket holders able to join a fast track queue. Otherwise, you may have to wait until you can join a train. Another request is that you take one bag per person.
TIMETABLE CHANGES
21st May to 9th December 2023
The only changes at Carlton are on Mondays to Fridays when the 19.41 to Lincoln and 22.25 to Nottingham are re-instated and Saturdays the 08.53 and 19.37 to Lincoln are back running.
Elsewhere all the Leicester to Lincoln and return trains are again running and the Nottingham to Matlock service runs to and from Nottingham every hour apart from the first 2 in the morning which start at Derby. Off-peak Matlock trains call alternatively at Attenborough or Spondon. The hourly Saturday Nottingham to Mansfield Woodhouse trains are re-introduced at 08.00 then 08.59 and hourly until 17.59 from Nottingham and return from Mansfield Woodhouse.
LINCOLN LINE
Midlands Connect is asking the Department for Transport for £l8 million to upgrade the line to allow 75mph running instead of 50mph it is now. However, I believe some stretches between Newark and Lincoln are already passed for this speed. It would allow for reduced journey times between the two cities.
CARLTON STATION NEWS
The ticket machine on Platform 2 usually shows the next four departures from the station, but when the sun is shining on it in the morning, the screen fades and you cannot see what is displayed. Incidentally, I had an e-mail back in March from EMR Communications Manager in response to a person who booked tickets online but could not collect them from the machine at Carlton. ‘I wanted to let you know that you can collect a ticket from a Smart Kiosk if you book online, you just need to have a Smart Card to add it to. You can’t collect Ticket on Departure (TOD) tickets, but you can collect EMR Smartcard tickets purchased online….’
Another little gripe! A Crewe to Newark train can be reported as cancelled when there is a problem with the train before it reaches Nottingham. However, quite often a train is started up from Nottingham to run in its place to Newark. This happened with the 08.58 to Newark on 12th June. It was announced as cancelled, but a passenger waiting to go to Mansfield via Fiskerton said it showed 2 entries on his ‘phone, one cancelled and one shown on time for the same train. Lo and behold at the expected time the barriers came down. A Lowdham passenger had walked into Netherfield, but I managed to see her so she could run across when the barriers were raised. It’s a pity the information cannot be programmed to show a train is running when it should, as at other stations along the line passengers would be making alternative arrangements which were unnecessary. It also puts them off travelling again.
GREAT BRITISH RAILWAYS
It has been announced that the new headquarters of this organisation will be at Derby. Revenue growth is the main aim in the GBR plan by looking at simplified ticketing such as making single fares more competitive with the aviation sector. London North Eastern Railway is already introducing single tickets only, priced at half the return fare.
BRIEF ENCOUNTERS
Boost your wellbeing – travel by train! People who walk, cycle and travel by train are at reduced risk of ‘early death when compared with those who commute by car, a study published in the LANCET
ENGINEERING WORK
Work continues on the electrification of the Midland Main Line, so there are timetable changes on some weekends. Also a ‘bus replacement on the Norwich services between Peterborough and Norwich on 22nd and 23rd July. Always check before you travel.
HERITAGE NEWS
BENNERLEY VIADUCT. An exhibition is being held at the D.H.Lawrence Museum in Eastwood from 8th June until 22nd July.
GEDLING STATION. Work continues with help from grants for the restoration of the station buildings. Francis was at the Gedling Gala held on 1st July, so you may have been there to get the latest news.
LONDHAM SIGNAL BOX. NG14 7HH. A chance to get hands on in a signalbox. Open days have been arranged for July 9th 1pm to 4pm and Tues. 18th 8pm to 9pm. Sun. 13th August 1pm-4pm and Tues. 22nd 8pm-9pm. Further dates or to book your visit go to www.eventbrite.com and search for ‘Lowdham’.
Rail passengersin Gedling borough are being warned they face significant travel disruption over the next six days as drivers in the Aslef union undertake an overtime ban.
Members of the train drivers’ union at 16 firms will refuse to work overtime between 3 and 8 July as part of their latest action in an ongoing national dispute over pay.
East Midlands Railway, which serves Gedling borough and Nottingham is one of the operators impacted.
The overtime ban is action short of astrikeand comes after Aslef members at 10 train firms voted in favour of further strike action.
All train companies rely on drivers to work a certain amount of overtime and volunteer to work on rest days to operate their usual timetables.
Affected rail operators have made changes to their timetables and pulled some services in response to the overtime ban.
A spokesman for East Midlands Railways said: “We are aware of the announced overtime ban by the members of the ASLEF union from the 3 – 8 July and the planned industrial action by the RMT union on Thursday 20, Saturday 22 and Saturday 29 July.
“Between Monday 3 – Saturday 8 July, there will be a number of train cancellations. This is due to action short of strike by the ASLEF union. We advise customers to travel ahead of the last train of the day where possible. Please check before you travel.”
Aslef has rejected an 8 per cent pay offer spanning two years, arguing that its drivers at the 16 train companies have not had a pay rise since 2019.
