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Man charged following ‘serious assault’ in Carlton

Detectives investigating a serious assault in Carlton which left a man critically ill in hospital have charged a suspect.

A man, aged in his 20s, was found with serious injuries in Valley Road at around 10am on Wednesday (11) following reports of a stabbing.

Twenty-four-year-old Imani Rhone, of Byron Court, Sneinton, was last night charged with assault occasioning grievous bodily harm with intent and possession of an offensive weapon in relation to the incident.

He is expected to appear at Nottingham Magistrates’ Court today.

A 24-year-old woman who was arrested on suspicion of assault occasioning grievous bodily harm remains in police custody.

The victim remains in a critical condition in hospital.

Detective Inspector Simon Harrison, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “This incident shows once again the devastating consequences of knife crime.

“I am pleased we have now charged a suspect and hope it reassures residents in Carlton who may have been concerned by the incident. We believe it was an isolated incident with no wider risk to the public.”

Funding secured for new trees in Gedling borough parks and open spaces providing much-needed boost for nature

Oak, Silver Birch, Scots Pine and other trees are being planted across Gedling borough thanks to funding from the Local Authority Treescapes Fund (LATF).

The LATF provided a total of £8,133.85 worth of funding, following a successful joint application by Gedling Borough Council and Nottinghamshire County Council.

The funding is being used to plant new trees in non-woodland areas of Carlton, Arnold and Woodthorpe. 

Funding from the LATF is provided for the establishment of trees in non-woodland areas including parks, open spaces and existing hedgerows, as trees in these areas can provide the greatest levels of benefit to ecosystems and society, such as carbon absorption, flood protection and support for biodiversity.

519 trees will be planted across Gedling Borough thanks to the LATF funding at the following sites: 

  • Thackeray’s Lane Recreation Ground, Woodthorpe
  • Arno Vale Park, Woodthorpe
  • Hobbucks Nature Reserve, Arnold
  • Carlton Hill Recreation Ground, Carlton

An additional 1,351 trees will be planted in other areas, funded by existing council budgets and other external providers:

  • Gedling Country Park
  • King George V Recreation Ground, Carlton
  • Killisick Recreation Ground, Arnold
  • Arnot Hill Park, Arnold
  • Burton Road Jubilee Park, Gedling

In total, more than 1,870 trees will be planted by the council’s Park Rangers with support from local schools, community groups and volunteers. They will be planting native tree species such as Hawthorn, Hazel, Field Maple Hornbeam, Cherry, Mountain Ash, Silver Birch and Oak, Scots Pine and Yew.

All the new trees will be planted during this year’s planting season, which runs until March, and the council will also be applying for further funding to plant more trees across the borough.

Leader of Gedling Borough Council, Councillor John Clarke MBE said: “We know how important trees and green spaces are, not only benefiting the environment and wildlife, but also helping to enhance local communities and support our own health and wellbeing too. 

“A priority for the council is to create a sustainable environment and we made a commitment to plant 500 trees each year, and by the time the planting season is over in March, we’ll have already passed this year’s target.

“We made a pledge to become net zero carbon by 2030 and projects like this will be instrumental in helping us achieve that. I’d like to thank the Forestry Commission for providing the funding, as well as our officers, local schools and volunteers involved with the planting, helping to make a real difference to our borough for now and for years to come.”

Gedling Labour candidate reveals heart attack victims face over two-hour wait for ambulance

A prospective Gedling MP has revealed that heart attack victims in the borough now face a two-hour wait for an ambulance.

Michael Payne, Labour’s parliamentary candidate for Gedling, shared new official figures published this week, which reveal that category 2 (emergencies including heart attacks and strokes) patients are waiting an average of 2 hours 16 minutes for an ambulance in Gedling.

“The figures are staggering,” said Payne.

“After 13 years of Conservative government our NHS faces the worst crisis in its history. The terrifying truth is that patients in an emergency in Gedling can no longer be sure the NHS will be there for them.

“In the week starting 2 January 2023, at Nottingham Hospitals NHS Trust 43% of all ambulances were waiting 30 minutes or more to hand over their patients to A&E staff. It should only take 15 minutes.”

“The longer the Tories are in power, the longer patients will wait for care – but Labour has a plan to get our health service back on its feet. We would bring about one of the biggest NHS workforce expansions in its history – funded by abolishing the unfair non-dom status for the super rich.”

A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said: “We recognise the pressures the NHS is under and are taking urgent action to support the ambulance service and staff so they can deliver high quality care to patients.”

“This included an additional £500m for freeing up hospital beds, and £3.3bn per year for the next two years announced in this month’s autumn statement.”

Man attempting burglaries in Mapperley arrested after PCSO recognised his ‘distinctive appearance’

A burglar will face the next eight months behind bars after pleading guilty to two attempted burglars in Mapperley Park.

Troy Trevethick, 48, of no fixed address, worked in the early hours of January 5 to try and gain access to two properties at The Point.

He also attempted to gain access to a Grey Skoda Fabia. But his attempts failed, and he now faces the next few months behind bars.

Trevethick was caught on CCTV, but it was the intuitive work of a police community support officer which recognised the suspect’s distinctive appearance.

He was arrested and charged with three offences.

Trevethick pleaded guilty to two attempted burglaries and a vehicle interference at Nottingham Magistrates Court on Wednesday, January 10.

He received an eight-month custodial sentence along with £154 court costs.

Nottingham has a dedicated burglary and robbery police team.

Detective Constable Colin Kirkup, who works as part of the team, said: “This was a great result after a long day and night piecing together all the evidence.

“A special mention to the knife crime team at St Ann’s for making the arrest.

“While Trevethick didn’t manage to gain entry to any of the homes he was targeting that morning, by acting so fast we have stopped his criminality and potentially saved other homes being targeted by him.

“Burglary is such an invasive crime and that is why we put so much resource into catching those responsible. Hopefully this ensures that homes are safe from Trevethick now he is behind bars.”

Bad weather causes pothole reports to almost double on Notts roads

Recent bad weather has “ripped chunks” out of Nottinghamshire’s roads with the county council saying it is “firefighting” to bring them back up to scratch.

The Conservative-led authority says reports “almost doubled” between December 7 and January 7, though no specific figures were revealed.

It follows freezing temperatures in December and recent heavy rainfall causing damage to the surface of the county’s highways.

Winter is typically the worst period for road damage as cold temperatures cause surfaces to become more brittle.

Potholes Gedling

The council says the sub-zero temperatures in December, salt used to grit roads and recent heavy rainfall caused the spike in pothole reports.

It follows the authority recently reporting drastically-improved statistics on the state of the county’s roads.

It came after a cross-party review conducted in 2021 found the council should move away from the temporary asphalt repair method ‘Viafix’.

The new focus is on more permanent road replacement schemes and to shift towards a “right repair, right-first-time” approach.

Data published last month showed the use of ‘Viafix’ reduced by 61 per cent following the review, with the number of ‘patching gangs’ doubled from four to eight in a £15m investment last April.

These are the teams at Via East Midlands, the council’s highways contractor, who conduct permanent road replacement projects on behalf of the authority.

The council’s figures also showed the length of roads patched per day more than doubled from 46.9 daily square metres to 96.5 following the review.

And Councillor Ben Bradley (Con), the council’s leader and Mansfield’s MP, says the programme was “going really well” until recent weather conditions.

He told the Local Democracy Reporting Service teams are working 24/7 to “tackle and keep up with it” but stressed bad road conditions are a national issue.

“Frustratingly, our roads programme was going really well until the weather hit and ripped chunks out of the roads,” he said.

“The feedback and the data had been excellent, and we will get back to that once we’ve finished firefighting the damage caused over the past couple of weeks.

“The roads are bad at the minute and, unfortunately, I can’t control the weather or the quality of work done long before I was here.

“But the key point I’ve been making is that we have put the investment in, teams are working 24/7 trying to tackle it and keep up with it, and this genuinely is a national issue.

“We’re not unique – one in three roads across the country need resurfacing nationally so we’re all in the same boat.”

The issue was discussed during the authority’s place select committee on Wednesday (January 11).

In the meeting, Cllr Penny Gowland (Lab), who represents West Bridgford North, said: “I’ve been astonished by the effects of the highways review, it has been very positive.

“I think the only question we should be asking as a council is how we got into the mess before. I guess it comes down to resources.”

Speaking after the meeting, Cllr Neil Clarke (Con), portfolio holder for transport and environment, said: “Wintry conditions always take their toll on highways across Nottinghamshire.

“I would like to reassure our residents that we are not alone as an authority in experiencing this.

“We ask residents and road users to bear with us; they will likely see an increase in emergency repairs as we keep roads safe through the winter until larger-scale permanent repairs can be made.

“However, we’ll still be undertaking permanent repairs wherever we can and are continuing with our large-scale patch repairs, as part of our four-year programme.”

Carlton: Second arrest made after man seriously injured in stabbing

Detectives investigating a stabbing in Carlton have arrested a second suspect.

Officers were called to Valley Road, Carlton, at around 10am on Wednesday (11 January 2023) following reports of a stabbing.

A man, aged in his 20s, was taken to hospital with serious injuries and remains in a critical condition.

A 24-year-old man was arrested close to the scene on suspicion of assault occasioning grievous bodily harm and remains in custody.

Detectives have now also arrested a 24-year-old woman on suspicion of assault occasioning grievous bodily harm.

Detective Inspector Simon Harrison, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “We believe this was an isolated incident and I would like to reassure members of the community that there is no wider risk to the public.

“If any residents have concerns I would urge them to speak to an officer.

“It was, however, an extremely serious assault and we are continuing our investigation to find out exactly what happened in the moments before, during and after the incident.

“Valley Road is a busy road and I would appeal to any drivers who may have seen anything or may have dash-cam footage of the incident to come forward.”

Anyone with additional information who has not already spoken to an officer is asked to call 101 quoting incident 126 of 11 January 2023.

Popular pub The Lambley closes without warning

The Lambley pub has suddenly shut its doors.

The popular public house based on Main Street in Lambley village closed its doors to customers on Tuesday.

A spokesman for Star Pubs & Bars, who own The Lambley, told Gedling Eye they hadn’t been informed that the pub was closing.

They said: “The Lambley was leased to an independent operator to run as their own business.

“They closed the pub on Tuesday without notice. 

“We are keen for it to reopen as quickly as possible.”

Customers on Facebook shared their dismay as news broke that the pub was now closed.

One wrote: “Very sad news – they were always very generous with community events and fundraising in the village. Such a shame.”

Another posted: “Always enjoyed drinking here. I hope it reopens soon. It would be a huge loss to Lambley.”

Industrial units and builder’s merchants approved for derelict former petrol storage site in Colwick

A derelict former petrol storage site in Colwick will be turned into 13 new industrial units and a builder’s merchants.

Gedling Borough Council’s planning committee have approved the plans for the former Total site, on Road Number 3 of the Colwick Industrial Estate.

The former petrol site has been vacant since 2019 and the main part of the building has since been demolished.

Total Fuel Site
PHOTO: Gedling Eye

Existing boardings across the front of the site have been vandalised with graffiti but now developers have been given permission to rejuvenate the land.

The plans were lodged by national developer Chancerygate, which occupied the site in November 2021 and said “hundreds of jobs” could be created.

The company said at the time that, overall, the wider scheme has an estimated value of about £20m.

The Labour-run council confirmed in planning documents it will negotiate an agreement to ensure some construction jobs go to the local workforce.

The site will see five blocks of units created, with four to be shared across the 13 industrial units.

The fifth will be specifically for the builder’s merchants, which will be occupied by supplier Travis Perkins.

The authority’s planning committee approved the plans during its meeting on Wednesday (January 11).

Mark Garrity, Chancerygate’s development director, spoke in the meeting to outline the benefits of its plans.

He said: “This development will provide important, new employment opportunities within the borough.

“The site will regenerate and renew a redundant parcel of land within an industrial area.

“It will deliver 13 industrial and logistics units, including six trade counters and a builder’s merchants intended to be occupied by Travis Perkins.

“Overall, a total of 9,377 square metres of new floor space is proposed across the site, including a range of unit sizes and types.”

He told the committee all units and the builder’s merchants will benefit from electric vehicle (EV) charging points.

Planning documents say 73 parking spaces will be provided for the industrial units, including 14 EV bays and 13 disabled bays.

A further 32 spaces will be provided for the builder’s merchants, including five EV bays and one disabled bay.

The units will also include 14 lorry parking spaces alongside a further three lorry bays for the builder’s merchants.

The parking – including the EV ports – was welcomed by one councillor who also praised the regeneration of the site.

Cllr Mike Adams (Con), who represents Trent Valley, said: “I welcome the application, the EV charging and a decent lining of vegetation along the site.

“I’m also incredibly happy to see us using an industrial site to put industrial things on and to build on existing grey space brownfield sites.

“It’s welcome in this area, specifically in our industrial zone.”

Cllr Meredith Lawrence (Lab), who represents Colwick, added: “I’ve got pleasure in moving this application.

“It’s in my ward and the area has been vacant for some time.

“Anything that brings jobs into the area – and hopefully, local jobs – [is welcome].

“It’s good that the area can sustain and give people choice.”

Police appeal for missing 14-year-old girl last seen in Arnold

UPDATE: Emma Grace has now been found safe and well. Thnks to everyone who shared the appeal

Police are appealing for help to find a 14-year-old girl who has gone missing from Arnold.

Emma Grace was last seen in the Arnold area at around 2:00pm yesterday (Wednesday, 11)

She is described as a white female and is around 5ft 4ins tall with shoulder-length brown hair. Emma was last seen wearing Black Leggings, a white Top, Grey Jumper, Scarf and White Fila Trainers.

If you have seen Emma Grace or have any information about her whereabouts, please contact Nottinghamshire Police on 101, quoting incident number 383 of 11 January 2023.

Council approve plan for 24 homes on land in Gedling despite concerns from residents over privacy

Plans for 24 homes in Gedling have been approved by councillors despite concerns over existing residents’ privacy.

Developer WFW Developments Ltd brought forward the plans for land at Grange View Road, on an overgrown site close to existing homes.

The plans include a mix of two, three, four and five-bedroom homes which will all be two or 2.5 storeys, including two for affordable rent and three for first-time buyers.

Civic Centre Arnold
PICTURED: The plans were approved during a meeting of councillors at the Civic Centre in Arnold

It would be accessed from Grange View Road and via a footway on either side of the development.

The plans are part of the wider Willow Farm development, which has already been granted consent for 110 houses.

Councillors debated the 24 home plans on Wednesday (January 11) and granted planning consent.

However, the planning committee meeting heard from Philip Oddie, of the Willow Farm Action Group, who raised concerns about the impact on existing homes.

He told councillors: “The layout of the houses on the southern edge of the development will result in significant harm to the residential amenity currently enjoyed by existing residents.

“We see little evidence in this application that this has been considered. The applicant’s intention to construct two-storey houses on elevated terraces … will only serve to maximise the negative impact.

“The height, bulk and position of these new houses will dominate neighbouring properties and will result in the occupants having close-up views into the rear rooms and gardens of existing homes.

“The impact of the applicant’s plan will be devastating.”

Councillor Andrew Ellwood (Lib Dem), the ward member for Phoenix, shared these concerns.

He said: “It’s really quite noticeable how seven of the proposed houses are really overlooking the existing houses.

“It is so overbearing for those existing residents and would look incongruous to my mind.

“I think with maybe a little more imagination, something better could have been proposed.”

The committee had initially discussed deferring the plans and asking the developer to outline a visual impact assessment for the scheme.

This deferment was proposed by Cllr Chris Barnfather (Con), who represents Newstead Abbey,  but was voted down.

In the meeting, Cllr Barnfather said: “I do not think we have sufficient information to make the decision today.

“I believe these properties are overbearing and impactful on the quality of life of residents of the existing properties.

“For that reason, I can’t support the application as it is.”

However, other councillors spoke in favour of the development and it was ultimately granted planning permission in line with officer recommendations.

Cllr Paul Wilkinson (Lab), who represents Carlton, said: “We have to accept Gedling is a hilly borough.

“There are houses all across the borough where there are big differences in height.

“It’s not unusual for the borough of Gedling. The principle of development has been established and I think I’m happy with what’s proposed.”

Cllr Pete Barnes (Lab), who represents Daybrook, added: “I think it’s a decent-sized development.

“These probably will sell because it’s quite pleasant down there now we’ve got the relief road and it’s quite easily accessed.

“I think it’ll be a very nice development.”

The plans were approved subject to the developer agreeing to significant financial contributions.

This includes £15,000 for bus stop enhancements, £131,270 for education and £12,680 for open space maintenance.