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Two arrested after police drugs raid on Carlton home

Gedling Eye Reporter
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Two arrested after police drugs raid on Carlton home

Police made two arrests and seized large quantities of drugs during a successful raid on a three-bedroom terraced home in Carlton.

The proactive operation, involving Gedling’s specialist Operation Reacher Team supported by members of the Arnold Neighbourhood Policing Team, saw officers execute a Misuse of Drugs Act warrant at an address suspected to be used for drug dealing in Honeywood Court.

Around 50 wraps of suspected crack cocaine and heroin, along with quantities of cannabis, were recovered from the property.

Police raid on Shaw Gardens
Stock picture of a police raid

Officers also seized a knife, a cache of phones, scales, deal bags and other related paraphernalia.

A 25-year-old man and 30-year-old woman were arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply a Class A and B drugs, possession of an offensive weapon in a private place and improper importation of a Class B drug.

Inquiries remain ongoing after the warrant was executed on Tuesday morning (21).

Sergeant James Carrington, who leads the Gedling Operation Reacher Team, said: “This was another really good result achieved as part of our continued and focused work to crack down on illegal drug supply in our communities.

“I want to reassure the local community that we are listening to their concerns, we remain committed to tackling this issue which can have a devastating impact on people’s lives, and we will continue to work hard to disrupt criminality and bring offenders to justice.

“We collaborate with partner agencies, such as UK Border Force, to help combat the damaging issue of drug supply in our communities and we will continue to be tenacious with our partnership working to rid our streets of drugs.

“The work doesn’t stop here – we will continue to take action to crack down on illegal drug supply and keep people safe from drug-related crime but I would urge the public to help us by passing on any information about drug dealing in their areas to assist in identifying offenders so we can take them off our streets.”

People can report any suspicions by calling Nottinghamshire Police on 101 or alternatively can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. In an emergency call 999.

TONY CAVE COLUMN: Train fares rise and passenger numbers continue to increase

Tony Cave
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TONY CAVE COLUMN: Train fares rise and passenger numbers continue to increase

FARES INCREASE

The train fares increase was introduced on March 5.

Carlton to Nottingham Anytime Day Return is now £5.00. An Of- Peak Return (after 09.00 Mon-Fri. and for the rest of the day) is now £3.40. A single is £3.30. Off Peak is available all day Sat. & Sun. and Bank Holidays.

Carlton to Newark – an Anytime Day Return is now £7.60. Off Peak Return £7.40. Single £6.90. Robin Hood Day tickets can be purchased on the train and Season Tickets are also valid.

CARLTON STATION

Bicycle hoops have been installed. Two are on platform 1 and six are in the car park. However, I cannot see anyone risking leaving their cycles at these locations which are well out of sight. It also means we lose three car parking spaces which will make it difficult now more people are using the train. Pre-covid, the car park was full by 9am on some days.

Platform seats have been replaced, although we still only have one on each platform. The old seats were installed around 2008 and were recycled from Nottingham station, still retaining their green Central Trains paint right until the end. Prior to 2008 the only seats we had were in the shelters.

Over 50 train services are due to be re-instated from the May timetable change, so it is hoped we have a full service like the one that ran for a short time in May 2021. Trains which are currently ‘temporarily suspended’ are Mon.-Fri. 10.04 and 15.02 to Newark, and 19.39 to Lincoln. 11.03, 16.03 to Crewe and 22.25 to Nottingham. Saturdays. 08.34 and 19.36 to Lincoln, 10.02 & 15.02 to Newark. 11.03 & 16.03 to Crewe.

Pre-covid passenger numbers have risen to 57,552 (2019/20), but this did not record those using Robin Hood tickets, and I think we were getting nearer to 100,000 going on my observations. Now that I am a full-time carer for my mother, I only get to the station on Friday mornings and occasionally other times when I must water the plants in summer. However, passenger numbers are looking good. For instance, on four Fridays from Jan 20 to Feb 24, (Feb 3 was a strike day), passengers joining and alighting the 09.03 to Crewe were 11, 15, 16 and 18. On Feb 17, the 10.02 to Crewe had 18 and 2 children join (half-term week). Many are using the train for the first time, judging by the questions I am asked. Also three people who alighted from the 08.41 to Grimsby should not have been on the train. One thought it was the Norwich train and two others seemed to have missed the Nottingham stop! Later in the day the 16.03 to Newark had 1 join and 5 and 2 children alight, and the train was full.

NETHERFIELD

I presume the seat at Netherfield has been replaced, but I have not been recently. Bicycle hoops were provided here a while ago.

In the Community Rail Network Awards 20221 the Netherfield bridge artwork was short-listed in the Community Creative Projects & Station Arts section. It was up against stiff opposition from other projects in the country. Although it didn’t win, EMR said ‘To be shortlisted was a great achievement in its own right’.

Netherfield railway bridge sign

Also shortlisted for Best Community Engagement Project were Friends of Lowdham and Burton Joyce stations for their work on 175 years of the Castle Line. EMR did have commendations for other projects throughout their area including a First Place.


PASSENGER NUMBERS IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND & WALES

Latest figures for the 3 months to September 30, 2022 are that 359 million passenger journeys were made, which is 80.3% of figures pre-covid. Numbers vary, with the East Coast Main Line (ECML) which runs through Grantham and Newark having the best figures. LNER the main operator saw 105.7% (5.7% higher), with other operators on the same route also showing increases. It seems that competition works, as on the West Coast Route (London Euston to Glasgow) with Avanti West Coast the only operator of through services, a dismal 64.5% was recorded. On comparable routes that have a franchised operator with a monopoly, only EMR has captured its original market presence, as it carried 99.9% of the previous passenger numbers. I hope Carlton’s numbers will return to what we had pre-covid and then continue to increase, and the same for Netherfield.

BRIEF ENCOUNTERS

LINCOLN CHRISTMAS MARKET – It has been decided to no longer hold this event. So many people visited and this made it uncomfortable in a small area. It also cost £260,000 to stage the event. Instead, there will be several smaller events throughout the year. There have been objections to this decision as the event has been held for 40 years. Nottingham Christmas Market has invited Lincoln stallholders to their event

LNER (Kings Cross to Edinburgh) – are introducing single tickets only from the Spring. These tickets will be priced at half the return fare. Other companies may follow.

TRAIN CHANGES – At least all the single coach (class 153) trains have now been removed from East Midlands Railway (EMR). They are still used elsewhere. The body of one which was used by EMR, is to become a community cafe and hub at the Llanelli & Mynydd Mawr preserved railway near Cvnheidre, South Wales All class 156 diesel units operated by EMR are due to be transferred away by the time of the May timetable change. All our local services will be class 170 diesel units, with class 158s being used on the Norwich to Liverpool services.

PICTURED: The Class 153 train

REFURBISHMENTS – Toilets and waiting rooms at Derby and Nottingham are being refurbished with work due to be completed in March.

AND FINALLY…

The Smart ticket machines just installed at our stations, aren’t quite as smart as I thought, as if you book online you cannot collect the ticket from these machines. You will still need to go to a ticket vending machine in Nottingham. However, can collect a ticket from a Smart Kiosk if you book online if 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 – I hope that helps

Most asked question: Are we going to get the Matlock trains back. Unfortunately, there are no plans for this to happen. They will be running from Nottingham in May.

Masked duo jailed for threatening man in his Carlton home with hammer and machete

Emily Sanchez
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Masked duo jailed for threatening man in his Carlton home with hammer and machete

Two men have been jailed after arming themselves with weapons and threatening a victim in his Carlton home.

Kaine Fearn and Cameron Thorn were both wearing balaclavas when they made their way inside the shared property.

Armed with a machete and a hammer respectively, the duo then burst into the victim’s bedroom and confronted him.

Nottingham_Crown_Court
PICTURED: Nottingham Crown Court

The victim suffered facial injuries in the resulting melee, which happened in Station Road at around midday on August 14, 2022.

Fearn and Thorn then fled from the scene when the man shouted out for help, with CCTV footage showing one of them driving away in a car parked nearby.

Officers managed to catch up with the car a couple of hours later in Derbyshire, where they found Fearn in the passenger seat being driven by his partner Juliette Ashton.

After they were both arrested, further inquiries then led police to an address in Derbyshire, where Thorn was also detained.

Fearn, 25, later pleaded guilty to affray and possession of a bladed article, while Thorn, 28, admitted to affray and possession of an offensive weapon.

Ashton, 25, also pleaded guilty to assisting an offender.

All three appeared before Nottingham Crown Court for sentencing on Friday, March 17.

Fearn, of Eagle Drive, Derby, was sentenced to two years and one month in prison.

Thorn, of Boulton Lane, Derby, was jailed for three years.

Ashton, of South Street, Derby, was sentenced to eight months in prison suspended for two years and ordered to complete 10 rehabilitation days.

All three were also made subject of a restraining order.

Detective Constable Lionel Thursby, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “This would’ve been a very scary experience for the victim, who was at home when he was suddenly confronted by these two men.

“By arming themselves with weapons and donning balaclavas for good measure, Fearn and Thorn will have been hoping to strike fear into their victim.

“It really should go without saying but this type of aggression is completely unacceptable and has no place in our communities.

“They also backed up this aggressive intent by carrying offensive weapons with them in public, which is a very serious offence.

“I’m pleased to see Fearn and Thorn have now been punished for their actions, as has Ashton who played a role in helping them.

“Their sentences should send a strong message that this type of behaviour will not be tolerated by Nottinghamshire Police.”

Child rapist jailed for second time after sex assault on girl from Carlton care home

Gedling Eye Reporter
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Child rapist jailed for second time after sex assault on girl from Carlton care home

A convicted child rapist and sex offender has been jailed for a second time after abusing a young girl from a Carlton care home.

Dean Gathercole, who is already serving a jail sentence for abusing teenagers in the late 1980s, was convicted in February this year of sexually assaulting another girl in his care.

The case relates to his time as assistant manager of another children’s home in Carlton, when Gathercole, now aged 58, assaulted a girl during an overnight trip to a holiday park.

Nottingham_Crown_Court
PICTURED: Nottingham Crown Court

The trip had been laid on as a reward for good behaviour, but was instead used by Gathercole to groom and abuse his young victim.

A jury at Nottingham Crown Court heard how Garthercole first assaulted the teenager in a swimming pool, and later in a cabin at the park.

The victim, now in her 40s, had remained silent about what happened to her, but approached Nottinghamshire Police after learning of Gathercole’s other offending.

The case was then taken up by a specialist team of officers investigating claims of historical sexual abuse at Nottinghamshire Children’s homes.

Gathercole was later charged and convicted of three counts of sexual assault. Appearing at Nottingham Crown Court yesterday (Tuesday) he was jailed for four years.

The sentence will run concurrent to an existing jail term of 17 years after he was found guilty in 2018 of three counts of rape, and six counts of indecent assault against two other victims.

Detective Constable Stephen Dunn, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “Gathercole was entrusted to look after vulnerable young people who looked to him for guidance and support.

“Instead of helping this child through a very challenging period of her life, he chose instead to groom and abuse her for his own sexual gratification.

“His behaviour was simply unforgivable, and I am pleased that he has now been held accountable for these appalling crimes.

“Above all I am pleased for his victim, who has shown enormous courage and determination in coming forward and revealing what happened to her all those years ago.

“Gathercole may already have been serving a lengthy and well-deserved prison sentence, but we were absolutely determined in this case to get justice for all of his victims.

“Offences of this nature can have a life-long impact on people and we ask anyone who has experienced such crimes to get in contact with us so we can help them.”

Reminder: You’ll need ID to vote in upcoming Gedling borough council elections

Gedling Eye Reporter
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Reminder: You’ll need ID to vote in upcoming Gedling borough council elections

Voters in Gedling borough can now apply for a free photo ID needed to cast a ballot in elections from this May.

From May 4, 2023 voters in England will need to show photo ID to vote at polling stations in a host of different elections, including local, parliamentary, Police and Crime Commissioner elections and referendums.

The plans will see voters being turned away from polling stations across the North East under the new rules if they are unable to provide a valid photo ID.

Votes in local elections across Gedling borough are due to take place on May 4.

Fears have been raised that the new rules will see thousands of residents excluded from voting, including those in poorer communities who may be least likely to have a valid photo ID.

A new free photo ID, called a Voter Authority Certificate, which can only be used to vote has now been launched ahead of the policy coming into force on May 4.

Applications for the ID are now open with the Electoral Commission launching a campaign to prepare voters for the changes.

How to apply online for a free photo ID to vote

If your current photo ID is not accepted, you can apply for a Voter Authority Certificate online by clicking HERE. You can check whether your current ID is accepted below.

To apply you will need a recent photo of yourself and your National Insurance number.

How to apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate by post

You can also apply for a free photo ID by post by downloading a form from the link above and returning it, completed, to your local Electoral Registration Office.

Is my current photo ID accepted to vote?

If you have any of the following types of photo ID or travel pass you will be able to vote:

  • a UK or Northern Ireland photocard driving licence (full or provisional)
  • a driving licence issued by the EU, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, the Isle of Man or any of the Channel Islands
  • a UK passport
  • a passport issued by the EU, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein or a Commonwealth country
  • a PASS card (National Proof of Age Standards Scheme)
  • a Blue Badge
  • a biometric residence permit (BRP)
  • a Defence Identity Card (MOD form 90)
  • a national identity card issued by the EU, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein
  • a Northern Ireland Electoral Identity Card
  • a Voter Authority Certificate
  • an Anonymous Elector’s Document
  • an older person’s bus pass
  • a disabled person’s bus pass
  • an Oyster 60+ card
  • a Freedom Pass
  • a Scottish National Entitlement Card (NEC)
  • a 60 and Over Welsh Concessionary Travel Card
  • a Disabled Person’s Welsh Concessionary Travel Card
  • a Northern Ireland concessionary travel pass

Papplewick Pumping Station to receive more than £500,000 in Government cash

Gedling Eye
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Papplewick Pumping Station to receive more than £500,000 in Government cash

Papplewick Pumping Station is one of 70 cultural organisations across the country set to be given a financial boost by the Government in a bid to improve people’s access to arts, support local economic growth through culture and safeguard vital local collections for future generations.

The pumping station will have a share of a pot of £58.8 million which will see arts venues transformed, upgraded and created as part of the government’s plans to make sure everyone, no matter where they live, can access the UK’s world-renowned culture.

Papplewick Pumping Station
PICTURED: Papplewick Pumping Station (IMAGE: Papplewick Association)

Papplewick Pumping Station will receive £518,000 from the Museum Estate and Development Fund and the funds.

This cash is now much needed after the site was placed on Historic England’s Heritage at Risk list last year.

£50,586 of the fund has also been awarded to Inspire Libraries and £469,992 to Wollaton Hall in Notts

Notts County Foundation annual funday is just around the corner

Ross Waldron
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Notts County Foundation annual funday is just around the corner

The annual Notts County Foundation funday is just days away, with a host of free games and activities in the offing for kids and parents alike.

The event is taking place this Saturday (25), at the Padel Centre behind the Kop Stand at Meadow Lane.  

Running from 12pm until 2pm, there will be a climbing wall, padel tennis, aeroball, penalty shootouts, rides and more for all to enjoy. There will also be refreshments on offer from local vendors.  

The day’s league game against Scunthorpe United is also part of the occasion, with ticket prices cut to £10 for adults, £5 for 17-22 year olds and over 65s, with under 16s getting in for just £1.

A further 1000 tickets have been donated to schools, charity partner organisations and people in the community.  

Notts County Foundation is the official charity of Notts County Football Club. They serve the local community and are passionate about using the power of sport to transform the lives of people in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire.

Sam Crawford, chief financial officer at Notts County Foundation said: “The charity is in a really positive position at the moment, and we are very much looking forward to welcome everyone at the Padel Centre for what is shaping up to be a really exciting pre match event. 

“I would also like to take this moment to thank everyone who has continued to support us, your generosity has helped us transform the lives of local people.” 

The Foundation operate a range of schemes throughout Nottinghamshire that get people exercising and develop positive minds. One such venture is Premier League Kicks, with a programme operating in Carlton.

Kicks is a free programme for 8 to 18 year olds which gives children the opportunity to play football and take part in other multi-sport activities.  

Notts County Foundation annual funday is just days away
Pictured: A Premier League Kicks Session (Courtesy of Notts County Foundation)

Marketing and Events Officer for the Foundation, Sonali Davé, said: “After last years event, the Foundation are looking to improve the offering for this year’s rendition of the Community Fun Day. The primary approach for doing this has been to move it from The Portland Centre, to the Padel Area at Meadow Lane.” 

By moving locations, the Foundation have made it easier for those attending the event to join in on the matchday action come 3pm.  

A spokesman for County said that “We’re delighted with the incredible response we’ve already seen to this year’s Community Day, with well over 13,000 tickets sold with three days to go.

“Our friends at Notts County Foundation, who do so much good work in the city, deserve the day to be a huge success and every indication suggests it will be.

“We know there’s a strong element of Notts County support in Gedling and the surrounding areas and we’d encourage everyone to take this opportunity to bring the family along to watch this very exciting team in action and enjoy the family fun zone at Nottingham Padel Centre.”

Tickets can be purchased by Supporters by calling the ticket office on 0115 955 7210, online at https://www.eticketing.co.uk/nottscountyfc/ as well as through the main ticket office on Meadow Lane.

There will be a bucket collection for the Foundation going around the stadium during the Match.  

Chari-tee effort: Golf club has raised over £250k for charity in the last twenty years

Justin Doddy
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Chari-tee effort: Golf club has raised over £250k for charity in the last twenty years

Located in Calverton, Ramsdale Park Golf Centre has smashed its record for the amount of money raised for the captain’s charity in a single year, with close to £20,000 presented to Maggie’s Cancer Care in 2022.

This incredible sum was accrued at various events throughout the year at the Gedling borough club, as well as via season-long fundraising initiatives. The most significant portion was raised during the annual Captain’s Charity Day, last year held on Saturday 6th August. 180 members and guests teed it up in a team style competition. The bulk of the money raised on the day was generated by the sponsorship of holes, competition entries, a raffle, and an evening auction. A variety of prizes were kindly donated by members, local businesses, and other golf clubs in the area.  

Speaking on this record-breaking achievement, Chairman of Ramsdale Park Golf Centre, Mark Northern, said: “We are thrilled to have raised a record amount of money for our wonderful captain’s charity, Maggie’s. This fantastic feat would not have been possible without the help of all staff, members, and volunteers, who have each played a crucial role.”

Pictured: Ramsdale Golf Club (Courtesy of Ramsdale Golf Club)

Further fundraising initiatives at the Gedling borough club included the club’s Senior Section sponsoring ‘hole-in-one’ prizes in support of the Charity Day, raising in excess of £1,000. An additional £500 was raised through donations and unclaimed prize vouchers, while the Ramsdale Park Ladies Section bought in a total of £1,220 via the Lady Captain’s Charity Day in June, among other events.

Theresa Plimmer, General Manager of Ramsdale Park Golf Centre, added: “The entire membership here at Ramsdale Park have been absolutely phenomenal in their efforts to raise as much money as possible this year for Maggie’s Cancer Care. In particular, our Club President, Danny Harkin, who has led the fundraising efforts and been instrumental to the total raised.

Ramsdale Park Golf Centre has been raising money for local charities since the mid-1990s, and since the introduction of an annual charity event in 2004, the club has raised a whopping £250,000 to support a number of incredible local causes. 

“As a central part of the community, we are all delighted to have broken our fundraising record yet again, allowing us to give back even more to a charity that does so much for people across the country.”

The club hosted a presentation evening on Saturday 12th November, during which a cheque for £19,275 was handed to representatives of Maggie’s Cancer Care. Further funds were contributed right the way through to Christmas.

In addition to the money raised for main club charity, Maggie’s Cancer Care, the Ramsdale Park Par-3 Club raised a further £1,500 in support of the Eye Care Health Organisation (ECHO).  The Par-3 Club, made up of close to 100 members and visiting golfers, meet every Tuesday to play on the Lee Course. Throughout the year, they have run numerous club events that have helped them raise this substantial amount.

The latest fundraiser was a ‘firewalk‘ held in February, 2023.

To find out more about Ramsdale Park Golf Centre visit www.ramsdaleparkgc.co.uk, email info@ramsdaleparkgc.co.uk or call +44 (0)115 9655 600.

Arnold care home arrange for 84-year-old ex-footballer to get VIP treatment at Meadow Lane

Emily Sanchez
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Arnold care home arrange for 84-year-old ex-footballer to get VIP treatment at Meadow Lane

Scottish ex-footballer, Robert ‘Bobby’ Tait, took a trip down memory lane when he was given the VIP treatment at his ‘old stomping ground’, Meadow Lane, home to the Notts County Football Club.

84-year-old Bobby started his career as a footballer in 1960, playing for Aberdeen. In 1962, Bobby joined Notts County, and in his two-years as a player for the club, he appeared in 60 games and scored 11 goals. 

Bobby carried on his football career until 1968, playing 169 professional games in total, until he retired to run a snooker club in Arnold with his wife, June.

PICTURED: Bobby Tait during his playing days

In 2022, Bobby moved to Coppice Lodge care home in Arnold, and was soon followed by June, so that they could spend more time together.  

After learning of Bobby’s incredible football career, the staff at Coppice Lodge arranged for the couple to attend a football match at the Notts County home ground, accompanied by their son, Jonathan.

The family were given the VIP treatment from the moment they arrived. They were shown to the hospitality suite before the match, where they met Head Coach, Luke Williams. 

Bobby and his family were escorted to the Derek Pavis stand to watch the match and Bobby was ecstatic when Notts County beat Southend, 4-0. 

After celebrating the big win, Bobby met the man of the match, Matt Palmer, and even bumped into fellow ex-Notts County player, Les Bradd.

Mr Bradd said: “It’s fantastic to see Bob and June, we have remained friends for many years. There are lots of legends in this room tonight!’

Buzzing with excitement from his day at the football club, Bobby said: “What a treat to revisit my old stomping ground.

“It brought back so many memories, and to get back here really does mean the world to me.

“Thank you to everyone at Coppice Lodge for making it all happen, I feel truly touched to have shared this with my family.

“Come on you Pies! I’m glad they didn’t ask me to play though!”

Wife June added: “Football has been Bob’s life, he loves it, and to be treated like royalty was just amazing. I can’t thank the club enough.’

Rachel Squire, the Home Manager at Coppice Lodge, said: “We’re always looking for ways to ensure our residents continue to enjoy the things they love and want to offer them an aspirational lifestyle that they can be proud of.

“Bobby was in his element during his visit to Notts County Football Grounds, it was such a pleasure to see and we’re so glad we could give him that experience, with the help of Notts County Football Club.’

Concerns raised over Carlton le Willows Academy expansion following ‘inadequate’ Ofsted rating

Anna Whittaker (LDR reporter)
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Concerns raised over Carlton le Willows Academy expansion following ‘inadequate’ Ofsted rating

Councillors have raised concerns about a Gedling school’s Ofsted rating amid a major expansion project.

Carlton le Willows Academy was rated ‘inadequate’ by Ofsted after an inspection in November 2022.

Since 2012, it had been consistently rated ‘good’ with some of the best exam results in the country.

County Hall Nottinghamshire
Concerns were raised during a meeting between councillors at County Hall in West Bridgford
PICTURED: Carlton le Willows Academy in Gedling (PHOTO: Neil Slack)

But the academy, which has over 1,700 pupils, was rated inadequate for leadership and management in a report published in January 2023.

Inspectors rated it ‘requires improvement’ for the quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development and for the sixth-form provision.

After the Ofsted report, in February 2023,  the school was give an ‘inadequate’ rating overall and issued with a Termination Warning Notice by the Department for Education – meaning the Government can terminate the trust’s funding unless improvements are made.

The Government is in the process of finding a new academy to take over the trust.

A project to expand the school costing around £14m is due to be completed in September 2023 which will create an extra 600 pupil places.

Nottinghamshire County Council discussed the issue at a Children and Families Select Committee on March 20.

Labour councillor Michelle Welsh raised concerns that many parents will shy away from choosing the academy due to its recent Ofsted rating.

But Cllr Tracey Taylor (Con), cabinet member for children and families, said there was a need to be “measured” about the situation, adding that Ofsted is not “everything”.

Cllr Welsh said: “We’re seeing a huge inspection of Carlton Le Willows school which has recently been rated inadequate.

“I would say for many people in the area it has come as a big shock.

“How does that work with regards to the expansion? If you’re growing a school with more pupils while it’s inadequate, how are we going to work with them?”

She added that the issue “should not be dismissed” by the council.

She said: “I think we are going to have a further problem in Gedling.

“As long as Carlton Le Willows remains inadequate, there will be a problem when it comes to applications. People will not put down Carlton Le Willows and then we will have a problem.

“Families would move into that area so their kids could get into Carlton Le Willows.

“You’re expanding places at what is now an inadequate school. I am not saying there are teachers who are not working all out.”

Cllr Taylor added that “it is an academy, and therefore it is out of the direct influence of this authority to lead on improvements”.

Cllr Jim Creamer (Lab), who represents Carlton, said many residents in his area attend the school.

He said: “We can show as a county council that we are extremely concerned about what happened.

“The parents come to us as councillors and they are concerned. To brush it off is out of order. We should be showing our concern.

“In Carlton, we’ve got two secondary schools. Only 50 per cent of our schools are good.

“To me, that is a crisis and it is certainly a crisis for residents.”

Peter McConnochie, Service Director for Education, Learning and Inclusion, said: “It plays a lot of significance in terms of the preferences parents have.

“Often that is linked to Ofsted ratings or perceptions of schools. We know they change over time.

“It won’t change the expansion as this is well under way and due to be completed this year.

“It’s a school that had a challenging Ofsted that will lead to some difficulties for the school.

“Currently there is a notice out about the brokerage of that academy and that will transfer to a new multi-academy trust who will be responsible for rapid school improvement.

“I would expect that school would not remain inadequate for long.

“There will be a short term impact in terms of perception of the school, but long term I would expect to see that eased.”

Cllr Tracey Taylor (Con), cabinet member for children and families, said: “My plea would be that we try to exercise calm and moderation and reassure families.

“The notion of families suddenly turning their back on Carlton Le Willows because of one Ofsted judgement is something I think we do need to be measured about.”

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