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Gedling MP Tom Randall hits back as Extinction Rebellion hold satirical blue plaque unveiling about raw sewage

Gedling Eye Reporter
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Gedling MP Tom Randall hits back as Extinction Rebellion hold satirical blue plaque unveiling about raw sewage

Protestors have unveiled a satirical blue plaque today (28) claiming Gedling MP Tom Randall “voted to block a law requiring water companies to dump less raw sewage into our waterways and seas 20 Oct ‘21”.

Local protestors from Extinction Rebellion put up the blue plaques by the River Trent in Stoke Bardolph in a spoof ceremony as part of a national day of action called Dirty Water to highlight the shocking state of our waterways. 

Arthur Williams, a lecturer from Carlton, and a member of Nottingham Extinction Rebellion said: “We’ve watched in horror as our rivers and seas have become open sewers since October 2021, when the government voted down a proposal to stop water companies pumping waste directly into our rivers.

“They justified this by claiming that the proposal was too expensive, despite the massive profits water companies have made over the years. These plaques shine a light on the government’s failure to protect our waterways, the natural world, and all of us.” 

“The government’s failure to properly tackle the issue of sewage pollution has been hugely controversial. Last summer over a hundred beaches were closed to the public after a series of sewage discharges by water companies left the sand and sea contaminated with human sewage.”

An Extinction Rebellion Nottingham spokesperson said: “Some MP’s are claiming that if we didn’t allow this to happen sewage would flood into people’s homes. This is simply fear-mongering to cover up the fact they’ve failed to pass laws saying that the water companies have a responsibility to their customers and the environment, not just pocketing profits from selling us water.”

Gedling MP Tom Randall today hit back telling Gedling Eye that blue plaques should be reserved for ‘commemorate historic events rather than fake news’.

He said: “Extinction Rebellion are ignoring the facts and are instead playing politics.

“The facts are that these: this Conservative Government has done more than any other Government to increase water quality. The storm overflow discharge reduction plan was introduced as part of the Environment Act and requires water companies to invest in infrastructure that will reduce the need for storm overflows. It was a Conservative Government that ramped up the monitoring of storm overflows – from 6% in 2013 to 90%, with 100% being monitored by the end of this year – that helps us better understand the issue and it is this Government that has increased funding for Environment Agency inspections. Fines from water companies are now ringfenced so that the money doesn’t go to the Treasury but stays with the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs for environmental projects. 

“I’ve seen the Liberal Democrats’ tweet about this subject. They’ve got more front than Brighton: Liberal Democrat and Labour MPs voted against the Environment Act, which, quite frankly, is a disgrace. They offer words but this Government is taking action. The Environment Act is now law and is helping to reduce the use of storm overflows.”

About 100 Dirty Water blue plaques will be unveiled across England on Saturday. 

Support wanted to help secure funds for Historic Gedling Station renovation project

Justin Doddy
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Support wanted to help secure funds for Historic Gedling Station renovation project

A charity wanting to steam ahead with plans to renovate Gedling’s historic station building are hoping to win fresh funding to help pay for the project.

A planning application recently submitted revealed exciting new plans for the building on Shearing Hill.

They reveal the charity in charge of the project want to knock down the old gymnasium building, attached to the station, that was recently declared unsafe.

Gedling Station
PICTURED: Former Gedling Station building and, inset, Francis Rodrigues

They want to then breathe life into the old station building by transforming it into a community hub. They also plan to generate revenue for the charity by creating commercial office space within the property.

To help pay for the project, the charity hopes to secure £250,000 from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

They have also launched a bid for £75,000 from a local Community Infrastructure Levy.

The Community Infrastructure Levy is a charge which can be levied by local authorities on new development in their area. It is an important tool for local authorities to use to help them deliver the infrastructure needed to support development in their area.

Gedling Borough Council introduced CIL in October 2015.

The levy can be used to fund a very broad range of facilities including, but not limited to play areas, open spaces, parks and green spaces, cultural and sports facilities. Local authorities must spend the levy on infrastructure needed to support the development of their area, and they will decide what infrastructure is needed.

The public can have their say on who is awarded funds from the Levy through a consultation, which is taking place now. Details can be found HERE

The charity managing the station project is Gedling Youth & Community Hub. It’s chairman is Francis Rodrigues.

He wanted to thank the community for their support so far.

Francis Rodrigues, said: “There was huge public support to save the former youth club and station from residential development and the three local groups coming together reflect that support.”

“I would now ask all our brilliant supporters & volunteers to support our CIL application by completing the comments section on the consultation.”

You can find the details about the renovation by viewing the planning application 2022/1359

Volunteers are always welcome to support the project. 

Further information and contact details can be found on https://www.gedlingyouth.co.uk/

The station has a long history…

Gedling station was originally built by the Great Northern Railway (GNR) and opened to goods traffic in 1874, passenger services began to use the station on 1 February 1876. 

On 4 April 1960 Gedling Station was closed to passenger traffic and in 1967 the former station site was converted into a youth club.

Investments from various sources saw the former sidings converted into an outside football pitch.

A large gymnasium was also constructed on the front side of the station, although the main fabric of the old building remained in place beneath it (and continues to do so today). 

The building operated successfully as a youth club for over 40 years and was finally closed in 2012, in large part due to the need for improvements in order to ensure that this historic building met modern health and safety standards.

The above is just a snippet of the history of Gedling Station to be found on www.gedlingyouth.co.uk.

Gedling Neighbourhood Policing Team gives update on ‘busy week’ in borough

Emily Sanchez
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Gedling Neighbourhood Policing Team gives update on ‘busy week’ in borough

Gedling police have reported a busy five days across parts of the borough this week.

The neighbourhood policing team have been out and about across the borough tackling issues affecting residents and businesses as part of a week of action highlighting how these local teams serve their community.

The focus comes as the Nottinghamshire Police has been supporting a national Neighbourhood Policing Week of Action, celebrating the vital work that neighbourhood officers, police community support officers and volunteers do all year round to protect the public and tackle issues that members of the public have said matter most to them.

Police attended Burton Joyce Primary School after concerns were raised about parking
Officers attended the Netherfield Retail Park throughout the day to prevent crime

This week the neighbourhood teams have taken positive action to address various concerns including problem parking, shop theft and antisocial behaviour, speeding and road safety and bicycle theft.

As part of the week of action, the Gedling south neighbourhood policing team has given us an overview of what they’ve been up to:

On Monday – Officers attended Burton Joyce Primary School following concerns of parked vehicles causing an obstruction in Padley Lane. Police engaged with parents, were on hand to give advice as well as acting as a deterrent.

Tuesday – Officers attended the Netherfield Retail Park throughout the day to prevent crime, reassure the public and provide crime prevention advice to shops as part of ongoing work to tackle issues.

Wednesday – A speeding operation was carried out in Nottingham Road, Burton Joyce. Residents gave positive feedback about the policing presence. No speeding tickets had to be issued during the proactive road safety operation.

Thursday – Officers attended the Netherfield Retail Park, armed with automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) technology, with a view of deterring and identifying drivers who may be involved in criminality. This crime-fighting work included use of an Operation Reacher car – to help prevent crimes from happening in the first place. Two cars were seized during the operation, no-one was arrested. Members of the public were also engaged with and educated about the mobile ANPR technology and its use.

Friday – Preventing bicycle theft was a key theme of the day as officers attended the Richard Herrod Centre in Carlton to offer advice and engage with the public, giving out free bike locks and lights, supplied by Gedling Borough Council, to help improve cyclists’ safety and security.

Temporary Sergeant Dave Jennings said: “As a neighbourhood policing team we always strive to help people and make a positive difference in our communities. We want to make sure people feel safe and reassured and we will continue to work hard together to achieve those goals.”

Inspector Mark Stanley, District Commander for Gedling, added: “The week of action has provided just a snapshot of the neighbourhood policing work we do every day to keep the public safe, cut crime and improve people’s quality of life in areas affected by crime.

“Tackling a range of local issues is very much an ongoing challenge for us and this is something we are constantly working hard on all year-round to try and improve the situation and by working closely with our partners to support people and find solutions to problems.

“I’m pleased with the positive feedback we’ve received from members of the public, in recognition of our wider community-focused work, and I’d like to reassure them we will continue to do everything we can to keep them safe and combat criminality in the areas where they live.”

Flybe cancels all flights leaving passengers stranded as airline collapses

Emily Sanchez
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Flybe cancels all flights leaving passengers stranded as airline collapses

Regional airline Flybe has ceased trading for a second time, with all flights cancelled and passengers left stranded.

The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) announced the company had gone into administration and told those with booked Flybe flights not to travel to airports.

Passengers were emailed overnight and told not to turn up for check-in.

CAA consumer director Paul Smith said: “It is always sad to see an airline enter administration and we know that Flybe’s decision to stop trading will be distressing for all of its employees and customers.

“We urge passengers planning to fly with this airline not to go to the airport as all Flybe flights are cancelled. For the latest advice, Flybe customers should visit the Civil Aviation Authority’s website or our Twitter feed for more information.”

The airline confirmed the “sad” move on their Twitter feed, and confirmed that administrators had been brought in.

“We are sad to announce that Flybe has been placed into administration,” they tweeted.

“David Pike and Mike Pink of Interpath have been appointed administrators. Flybe has now ceased trading. All Flybe flights from and to the UK are cancelled and will not be rescheduled.”

Flybe had returned to the skies in April following an earlier collapse.

Tim Martin blames ‘people drinking at home’ for recent Wetherspoons closures

Graham Finch
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Tim Martin blames ‘people drinking at home’ for recent Wetherspoons closures

Wetherspoons boss Tim Martin has blamed people drinking at home for a slump in sales.

The pub chief, who has revealed that the chain’s sales are still lagging behind pre-pandemic levels, said far more people now drink in their homes rather than in pubs.

Wetherspoons, which runs 844 pubs in the UK and Ireland, said like-for-like sales surged by nearly 18% over the last three months of 2022, when compared with the same period in 2021.

The chain has pubs in Arnold, Carlton and Mapperley.

lager glasses

However, sales still remained 2% lower than the equivalent pre-pandemic period in 2019.

Mr Martin, Wetherspoon’s chairman, told the PA news agency: “The aftermath of the pandemic and lockdown restrictions have been far more difficult than anyone thought.

“That is the picture for the whole pub and restaurant industry. People thought that after lockdown there would be a boom in people suffering from cabin fever but, instead, it has almost been the opposite situation as people have got in the habit of staying in.

“That’s the big thing that means sales are down on 2019. Things are improving now but it’s slow.”

The Wetherspoons chief was keen to stress that he feels the biggest threat to the hospitality industry is that pubs and restaurants are taxed unfairly, while supermarkets pay no VAT on food sales.

“The aftermath of the pandemic and lockdown restrictions have been far more difficult than anyone thought.”

Wetherspoons chairman Tim Martin

He said: “This issue has been exacerbated in recent years because supermarkets now trade next to pubs on every high street, and with a huge tax benefit which means they can lower the price of beer.

Supermarkets now take up about half of the pub industry’s beer volumes, whereas “hardly anyone drank at home” when Wetherspoon’s started trading in 1979, Mr Martin said.

He warned that the industry will “inevitably shrink” relative to supermarkets if it does not campaign strongly for tax equality.

Wetherspoon opened two pubs over the second half of 2022 and sold 10, which made about £2.9 million, and 35 pubs remain up for sale.

But Mr Martin added that he is “cautiously optimistic” about the company’s prospects for the financial year.

Network Rail to carry out weekend work on level crossing barriers causing a traffic nightmare in Netherfield

Graham Finch
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Network Rail to carry out weekend work on level crossing barriers causing a traffic nightmare in Netherfield

Work will take place over the weekend to repair level crossing barriers that have been causing a traffic nightmare in Netherfield.

The barriers by Carlton Station, on Victoria Road, have become stuck in the down position several times this week during morning rush hour.

The stuck barriers have resulted in tailbacks through the town, with motorists being held up for over half an hour. Commuters say the constant delays are causing them to be late taking their children to school and getting to work.

Carlton Station
PICTURED: The crossings are next toCarlton Station (PHOTO: Gedling Eye)

Jemma Crow commutes each morning from Carlton. The 33-year-old said she had experienced problems with the crossings on a number of occasions over the past week.

“They need sorting,” she said.

“I missed my train today as I was on the wrong side of the tracks and had to watch it go past. The buses are also stuck in the traffic so there is no way you can get alternative transport. An Uber wouldn’t make it through either, so you’re just waiting for them to be opened.

“I am now having to stay late at work to make up the hours lost due to being late. It’s upsetting.

Mapperley resident Nick Goodwin described the barriers as ‘temperamental’

“It’s never been a problem before, just over the last few weeks,” he said.

“I work over on the industrial estate so cutting through Netherfield is quicker. It’s been a nightmare this week. I’ve been stuck in traffic for 25 minutes. Being late for work is stressful.”

Gedling Eye contacted Network Rail about the problem and they confirmed that work will take place on Saturday night to rectify the problem.

A spokesman said: “After inspecting the level crossing in Carlton, a thorough clean is needed to make sure it is in full working order and to stop these issues from happening.

“We will be clearing and cleaning the track underneath the road crossing overnight on Saturday. To allow this to happen, the road will be closed between 11pm on Saturday night and 8:30am on Sunday morning.

He added: “We’re sorry for the impact that this had on the community and we would like to thank everyone for bearing with us whilst we get this sorted.”

Mapperley: Hospice thanks after raising £19k at Christmas

Emily Sanchez
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Mapperley: Hospice thanks after raising £19k at Christmas

Supporters of a Mapperley hospice got behind it’s annual appeal this winter, raising an impressive £19,000.

Nottinghamshire Hospice’s Light up a Life appeal, which ran through November and December, encouraged people to make a donation in memory of someone special, share a dedication on the hospice tree, and attend a Light up a Life event to remember loved ones.

They could also donate £350 – the cost of a night of care – to light up the hospice’s historic cupola tower for a night in a colour of their choice, to celebrate the life of someone special. 

REMEMBERED: Rita Redgate, left, pictured with husband Philip

Family and friends of Rita Redgate from Mapperley chose to light the tower blue in her memory on what would have been her 79th birthday. 

Rita’s husband Philip and family members collected donations of nearly £1,000 at Rita’s funeral after she passed away last year.

They chose to support the hospice because Rita had been a regular at the Day Therapy unit before the pandemic and continued to receive support visits once the hospice was closed to visitors in lockdown. 

Philip, who met Rita in Mapperley when he was 22 and she was 17, said she loved her weekly visits to the hospice. 

“At first she was apprehensive about coming because of the stigma attached to the word hospice, but she quickly got to know people and the stigma disappeared,” he said. 

“She looked forward to coming, she loved all the activities, especially crafting, and she made good friends at the hospice. The hospice was a big part of her life.”

Philip, who has two sons, four granddaughters and a great grandchild on the way, said: “Lighting the tower is a special way of remembering her on her birthday and of showing support for the hospice.”

Nottingham City Council also supported the appeal by lighting up the council house purple on one of the days. 

Claire Herrick, Head of Fundraising at Nottinghamshire Hospice, said: “We’re so grateful to everyone who chose to support our appeal.  

“Donations mean we can continue to provide crucial care to help families like Rita’s when they need us. With our help, more people with life limiting illnesses will be able to die in comfort, at home, surrounded by loved ones.” 

If you’d like to support the hospice, there are lots of ways to get involved. Find out more here.

Gedling Borough Council installs brand new £18k CCTV camera at Arnold’s Killisick Recreation Ground

Emily Sanchez
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Gedling Borough Council installs brand new £18k CCTV camera at Arnold’s Killisick Recreation Ground

A new £18,500 CCTV Camera has been installed by Gedling Borough Council to offer reassurance to users of an Arnold park.

The camera has been installed at Killisick Recreation Ground, to hopefully reassure users of the recently refurbished play area and local schools, as well as to users of the nearby community centre and children’s centre.

High quality images from the camera are transmitted to, recorded, and monitored from the council’s central CCTV Control Room and will be used to help assist the Police with investigations. The council’s Community Safety Team and Neighbourhood Wardens will also use camera to assist with tackling anti-social behavior, fly tipping, graffiti and vandalism.

Killisick Park
PICTURED: Killisick Recreation Ground

The camera is the latest investment in CCTV by Gedling Borough Council, following £90k worth of investment in existing equipment in Arnold, Calverton and Carlton. There are also plans for a further two CCTV cameras to be installed in Colwick using funding from the Police and Crime Commissioner’s Safer Streets Fund.

Portfolio Holder for Public Protection, Councillor David Ellis said: “Our residents deserve to feel safe, no matter where they are in the borough, and by investing in new and improved CCTV, we’re able to offer that reassurance. 

“A key priority for the council is to reduce antisocial behavior, crime and the fear of crime, and using high-quality CCTV like this is one of the ways we’re helping to deter crime.

“We’ve seen great results with our other CCTV cameras and we’re continuing to expand and improve equipment like this throughout the borough. I have no doubt that our residents will welcome this addition as we continue to support our communities and keep Gedling a fantastic place for everyone to enjoy.”

Police seize weapons and drugs after tracking down vehicle linked to break-in at Carlton property

Gedling Eye Reporter
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Police seize weapons and drugs after tracking down vehicle linked to break-in at Carlton property

Officers hunted down and arrested four suspects within half-an-hour of a reported break-in. 

A loud bang and smash of glass were heard at an empty semi-detached property in First Avenue, Carlton.

A group of youths ran off after being disturbed. A short time later vehicles were seen leaving the area. 

After searching the area, officers located a car nearby with four people inside.

The vehicle was believed to be linked to the incident which happened shortly before 11.30pm on Wednesday (25 January 2023). 

The occupants were all arrested and the car, as well as weapons found inside it, were seized.

An 18-year-old man was questioned on suspicion of aggravated burglary, possession of an offensive weapon in a public place, possession of a bladed article, affray, and possession of a Class B drug. 

A 24-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of aggravated burglary, possession of an offensive weapon in a public place, possession of a bladed article, affray, and possession of a Class A drug. 

Another 18-year-old man was taken into custody on suspicion of affray, aggravated burglary, and possession of a bladed article in a public place and a further suspect, also aged 18, was arrested on suspicion of affray, aggravated burglary, possession of an offensive weapon and possession of a bladed article. 

Detective Sergeant Jo Eaton, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “Our investigation is progressing to understand the motive for this incident and to get a clearer understanding of the full circumstances. 

“Officers were quick to the scene, and I’m pleased their inquiries led to the arrests of four suspects in this case.

“I hope the positive action we have taken reassures people how seriously the force takes these types of reports and that we will investigate and deal robustly with anyone engaging in such behaviour.”

Police would like to hear from anyone who saw what happened, anyone who may have recorded CCTV or dashcam footage or anyone who has any other information which could assist with their inquiries.

Please call Nottinghamshire Police on 101, quoting incident number 783 of 25 January 2023, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Laughing gas could soon be banned from sale in bid to crack down on antisocial behaviour

Gedling Eye Reporter
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Laughing gas could soon be banned from sale in bid to crack down on antisocial behaviour

The Home Office is ready to ban the sale and possession of laughing gas in a bid to crack down on anti-social behaviour.

Ministers want laws put in place that allows those found with nitrous oxide gas in public to be prosecuted.

The party drug, commonly known as laughing gas, is the second most commonly used drug among 16 to 24-year-olds in England after cannabis

Houses of Parliament
Ministers are calling for a ban on sales of Nitrous oxide gas

Concerns have been raised about health problems caused by its usage.

A Home Office spokesperson said: “Anti-social behaviour causes misery in communities and we are determined to crack down on this scourge to protect our streets.

“We have been clear we want to see common sense policing to keep our communities safe.

“That is why we are actively considering a ban on the sale and use of this harmful drug and will ask the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs to hasten their delivery of the report we commissioned, which we will carefully consider in reaching any decision.”

If new laws were put in place, only those with a “legitimate reason” for possessing the drug would be exempt from the ban, such as chefs who use it in products liked whipped cream or doctors using it for pain relief.

Current legislation bans the knowing or reckless supply of nitrous oxide for inhalation, but there have been calls for a ban on all direct consumer sales as part of a tightening up of the law.

The substance is already being reviewed by the independent Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs, but policing minister Chris Philp wants this to be fast-tracked to April with the hope a formal announcement could be made as part of the government’s anti-social behaviour strategy due later this year.

The punishment for being caught is likely to be similar to sentences for class C drugs, with those in possession facing up to two years in prison or an unlimited fine and those supplying the drug facing a maximum 14-year sentence.

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