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Colwick business ordered to pay more than £23,000 after customer suffered ‘significant injuries’ while testing machinery in-store

A Colwick business was forced to pay more than £23,200 after a customer suffered “significant injuries” while testing a product in its store.

P S Marsden Lawnmower Services, at Private Road 8 in the Colwick Industrial Estate, was prosecuted by Gedling Borough Council earlier this month after the incident in December last year.

It involved a customer visiting the business for a demonstration of a ‘Predator 360′ stump grinder he was considering buying.

Civic Centre Arnold
PICTURED: The firm were prosecuted by Gedling Borough Council

Council papers state there was “some difficulty” in starting the machine, leading to three members of staff and the customer standing around it.

Once the machine eventually started working, the customer’s trouser leg became sucked into the cutting blade causing “severe lacerations to his left leg below and above the knee”.

The council says it caused significant muscle damage, extensive blood loss and “excruciating pain”, with the customer still feeling “residual issues today”.

It led to the council’s environmental health officers investigating the business and finding a number of breaches of health and safety legislation.

Council officers were “satisfied that there was no safe system of work in place for demonstrating machinery at the premises”.

The authority approved a prosecution case in January this year, which was heard at Nottingham Magistrates’ Court on October 10.

Following the case, the business was fined £20,000 for not meeting the requirements of Section 3 of the Health and Safety at Work Act etc. 1974.

This reads: “It shall be the duty of every employer to conduct his undertaking in such a way as to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, that persons not in his employment who may be affected thereby are not exposed to risks to their health and safety.”

The business was also ordered to pay the council slightly more than £3,200 in prosecution costs.

The case will be discussed by the authority’s environment and licensing committee on Tuesday, November 1.

In a report published ahead of the meeting, the council said: “Environmental health officers investigated and identified a number of breaches of health and safety legislation at the premises, which lead to/contributed to the incident.

READ MORE: Van crashes into front walls of houses on Colwick road

“They were satisfied that there was no safe system of work in place for demonstrating machinery at the premises.”

It added: “Shortly after the incident, the company took the necessary action to rectify breaches identified.

“They also co-operated with the investigation of the offences.”

P S Marsden Lawnmower Services did not respond to a request for comment.

A spokesperson for the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) confirmed it has had no involvement in prosecuting or investigating the incident.

Gedling borough parents and guardians with children who have just started year 6 have just days left to apply for place at preferred secondary school

With the application deadline just a few days away, parents and guardians of children who have just started year 6 are being reminded to submit their secondary school applications before 31 October 2022.

Parents are strongly advised to list four preferences when applying for their child’s secondary school place for next year. 

Nottinghamshire County Council is encouraging parents to look at the school admission arrangements to understand how their application would be considered for their preferred schools – making sure to include schools where their child would meet higher criteria. 

It is important for parents to remember that there is no guarantee of a place at a school even if they live in the catchment area or attend a linked primary school, which is why understanding the school criteria and using all four preferences on an application is key.

Those applying should check the council’s website to find all the information they will need to help them to make an informed decision. 

Nottinghamshire parents who have already submitted their applications, are able to edit and resubmit anytime up to the deadline, so there is still plenty of time for parents to ensure their application is as good as it can be.

If parents only list one school on their application and there are no places available at that school, an alternative offer is made but this is not automatically at the catchment area school or the nearest school to their home. 

Using all four school preferences gives parents and their child the best chance of getting a place at a school they are happy with.

Councillor Tracey Taylor, Nottinghamshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, said: “With the application deadline fast approaching, it is very important for parents to make sure their applications are submitted by Monday 31 October.

“Starting a new school is a big milestone and this can be a nerve-racking time for families, but submitting a solid application can help to reduce that anxiety.

“It is very important that parents apply on time and it’s crucial that they identify four preferences. The good news is that last year, nearly 97 per cent of families that applied for a secondary school place on time were offered one of their preferred schools. 

“I urge parents to please make sure they have read the admissions to schools guide and the admissions criteria for the schools they are interested in by visiting the council’s website. 

“It can be heart-breaking when a child does not get the school place they want, but if parents have made sure to list four schools on their application, that truly is their best chance of getting a school that they are happy for their child to attend.”

Nottinghamshire residents need to apply to Nottinghamshire County Council even if their preferred schools are in other areas such as Nottingham City or Derbyshire.

The easiest way to apply is online at www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/schooladmissions. Those who apply online will receive email confirmation that the application has been received.

Parents who have applied online in previous years are advised that the service has moved to a new application portal, so they will need to create a new account on the portal in order to apply.
 
Secondary school offers will be made on the secondary school National Offer Day, Wednesday 1 March 2023. 

When making their application, parents should:

1) Apply on time – by 31 October 2022. Applying late significantly reduces the chances of their child being allocated one of their preferred schools, as most places will have been allocated on National Offer Day to people who applied on time. 

2) Use all four preferences – for the best chance at getting their child into a school they are happy with.  

3) Check the admission oversubscription criteria – and include at least one school within the four preferences where the child will have high priority within the admission oversubscription criteria. Information about the criteria for Nottinghamshire schools can be found on the council’s website. All secondary schools in Nottinghamshire have their own oversubscription criteria – this can vary from school to school.

 4) Include other relevant information – in the application, parents should mention any information which may affect how the admission oversubscription criteria are applied. Parents should also tell the council if they are moving house, as this may affect how the application is considered. It is important to read the relevant sections in Admissions to Schools: Guide for Parents 2023-2024, which can be found: www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/admissions.

For more information about the application process, schools, the number of places available or how places are allocated, please visit the website at www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/admissions or call 0300 500 80 80. 

Morrisons in Netherfield will offer customers a free hot meal when they ‘Ask for Henry’

Morrisons supermarkets are now offering customers a free hot meal if they use a discreet phrase.

Morrisons, which has a store in Netherfield, will now be offering customers in need a free hot meal until November 6.

With thousands of people suffering through the cost of living crisis, Morrisons cafes will allow people to enjoy a hearty meal when they ‘Ask for Henry.’

Teaming up with Heinz, the supermarket will be giving away a free jacket potato and a pot of Heinz beans from café tills with the discreet phrase.

A poster for the campaign has been shared on social media, with many people praising the high street giant for helping struggling families.

The deal will last until Sunday, November 6, with the poster reading: “We want to give a little helping hand this half term…

“Something our founder Henry Heinz was known for. Just ‘Ask for Henry’ at a Morrisons cafe and get a warming and hearty jacket potato with Beanz on us.”

The small print adds: “From 26/10/22- 06/11/22 ask for ‘Henry’ at the till point at any UK Morrisons Café to receive a free Heinz Beanz and Jacket Potato meal, while stocks last and subject to availability.

“Unit of 1 meal per customer per day. Offer is not transferable and cannot be exchanged for cash.”

Jojo De Noronha, President Northern Europe at Heinz said: “October marks the birthday of a very special member of the Heinz family, our founder Henry J. Heinz. Henry brought comfort and goodness to others, not just through his food but his actions.

“We want to honour his good heart and kind spirit by doing what he did best, helping feed people in times of need – and that’s why we’re launching ‘ask for Henry’ with our partner Morrisons.

“We believe everyone deserves the goodness, comfort and warmth a can of Heinz Beanz can bring, and whilst we know it doesn’t fix the problem, we hope our ‘ask for Henry’ initiative can be of some help at this difficult time for many, particularly over half term.”

Sian Whittle, Category Director of Morrisons Cafés, added: “We know that our customers are under real financial pressure at the moment and are therefore pleased to be partnering with Heinz on its ‘ask for Henry’ initiative to offer customers a free jacket potato topped with Beanz.”

Injured Gedling RAF veteran climbs 100 mountains without ever leaving home

A Gedling man who broke his back while serving in the Armed Forces has now climbed the world’s 100 tallest mountains – without ever leaving his home.

Over the last two years, 45-year-old Ben Wilson, from Gedling, has been climbing his staircase to match the equivalent distances of the 100 tallest mountains in the world. On Sunday, October 30, he will complete his last hurdle in the fresh air by climbing Snowdon.

Ben started his fundraising challenge in lockdown after becoming inspired by Captain Tom. 

He decided to climb the equivalent of the Three Peaks challenge on his stairs during the March 2020 lockdown but as the lockdown continued, he significantly extended his challenge to cover the tallest 100 mountains in the world.

Ben served in the RAF for nearly three years before a spinal injury, obtained during training, cut his career short.

He received help and support from SSAFA Nottingham following his diagnoses of PTSD and COPD as a veteran. Ben has mobility issues and, although he can walk, his disability makes the challenge markedly difficult to achieve.

Ben has taken two years to climb the highest mountains from all over the world, including K2, Mont Blanc, and Mount Ararat. 

Ben said: “The least I can do is raise some money for SSAFA so they can help other people like me, in their time of need.”

Over the last two years Ben has had to battle injury and strain brought on by his climbing.

“I go up and down my stairs for a good few hours a day. Things start to ping when you climb that many stairs and my injury can flare up. I have a great physio who supports me. So many people have abandoned their lockdown challenges, but I am utterly determined to finish mine.”

During lockdown, Ben also qualified to train for the Invictus Games in the Archery, Swimming, Table Tennis, and Wheelchair Basketball categories for Dusseldorf 2023 – and hopes to be selected to represent Great Britain.

“I don’t use a wheelchair normally but, at the Invictus Games, you simply need a disability to join in, not necessarily be unable to walk,” he said.

“The wheelchair is the leveller – enabling all sportspersons to compete together. It’s a brilliant concept and I am really hoping to qualify for and compete at Dusseldorf 2023.”

Ben is appealing to anyone who would like to climb Snowdon, the last part of his challenge, to join him on October 30. His team will gather at the Snowdon Mountain Railway carpark at 7.30am, setting off at around 8am. 

He added: “It would be great if anyone wants to come along.

“It has been a very solitary challenge over the last two years, and it would be nice to end it with some supporters. We will be taking the easy route up the mountain and, as you might imagine, I have to take it slowly, so all abilities are welcome.”

If you would prefer to support Ben by donating to his challenge, you can use the following link: justgiving.com/fundraising/100mountainsuk.

If you would like to join Ben for his last leg and need more information, please contact: 100mountains@gmail.com

£100,000 raised for Colwick playground revamp

Work to revamp a play area in Colwick will begin in the New Year after almost £100,000 in funding was found to pay for improvements.

FCC Communities Foundation will be providing a grant total of £99,466 to improve Colwick Rectory Play Area on Mile End Road.

They are a not-for-profit business that awards grants for community, conservation and heritage projects from funds donated by waste and resource management company FCC Environment through the Landfill Communities Fund.

PICTURED: AN artist’s impression of how the new playground will look

The improvements and new facilities expected to be completed by the end of February 2023. The existing play area will be closed whilst works are carried out.

Local school children from Netherfield Primary School and St John the Baptist Primary School in Colwick, took part in a consultation with the council to have their say and give suggestions for what they wanted to see at the site.

In addition to the existing equipment at the park, the improvements will see new facilities added including a wheelchair accessible roundabout, zip wire, trampoline, a multi play unit with 17 different features, new swings and more. 

The funding bid to FCC was made jointly by Gedling Borough Council and Colwick Parish Council. 

Richard Smith, FCC Communities Foundation senior grant manager said” “We’re delighted to be supporting the new play facilities and pleased our funding will provide such a fantastic facility for children and young families across Colwick. FCC Communities Foundation is always happy to consider grant applications for projects that make a difference to local communities and we’re really looking forward to seeing this one take shape soon.”

Alison Nunn, Chair of Colwick Parish Council said: “This project will provide much needed improvements to a well-used play area, with more modern and inclusive play equipment being installed. 

“I would like to thank Gedling Borough Council for all the hard work in collating the grant funding application, and to the FCC Community Foundation, for awarding us the funding, Colwick Parish Council would not have been able to update this play area without their support.”

Leader of Gedling Borough Council, Councillor John Clarke MBE said: “One of our key priorities is to provide an attractive and suitable environment that people can enjoy, such as by investing in and improving existing parks and open spaces. 

“We know how popular this play area already is, but we want to make it the best that it can be. These improvements will make a huge difference to the local community and the people who visit this park.

He added: I’d like to thank FCC for providing the funding to make these improvements a reality, and to the members of Colwick Parish Council who we worked with on this application to help secure the funding.”

For more information about FCC Communities Foundation funding visit www.fcccommunitiesfoundation.org.uk

Pride of Gedling Awards 2022: Shortlist unveiled for this year’s awards ceremony celebrating local heroes and businesses

The shortlisted nominees for this year’s Pride of Gedling Awards have been announced. 

The Pride of Gedling Awards, in association with Keepmoat Homes, recognise the very best of Gedling’s residents and businesses and celebrates the incredible achievements from the community over the last year. 

The council received over 190 nominations across the six judging categories. Each award has been shortlisted to three or four nominations and the winners and runners up will be announced at the event. As well as the six awards, an overall Pride of Gedling Award will be given to a nominee who stood out as an incredible candidate. They will receive the prestigious award and their name will be etched in gold leaf on the winner’s board in the council chamber.

The event will be held on Wednesday 9 November from 6pm at the council’s civic centre. Smooth FM’s Gareth Evans will be hosting the event and will be announcing the winners of the awards on the night.

Leader of Gedling Borough Council, Councillor John Clarke MBE said: “We are delighted to announce the shortlist for this year’s Pride of Gedling Awards. This year we received an incredible number of nominations and the ones who made it through to the final awards were all of the highest standard, demonstrating just how great the residents and businesses in our borough are. 

We are very excited to welcome the nominees to the event in November and to hear about their great stories and to celebrate their wonderful work. 

I would like to thank all of those who nominated someone for an award and to our sponsors who make this event happen. It’s vitally important that we find hope and optimism during these challenging times and these awards do exactly that.”

The shortlist is:

Business in the Community Award, sponsored by Keepmoat Homes

Netherfield Kindergarten 

Somersby’s Convenience Store

Rose’s Pantry  

The ‘Dylan Barker’ Young Person of the Year Award sponsored by Gedling Eye and This is Gedling magazine.

Muhammad Ebadullah Malik 

Grace Davies 

Kaysey Farnsworth 

Freddie Vokes

The Community Hero(es) Award sponsored by T&S Heating

Sally Bates

Drone to Home

Margaret Bowler

Chris Cook Cann

Outstanding Community Project Award sponsored by Jigsaw Homes

Amanda Vennell

The ARK, Gedling

Netherfield Forum St George’s & Loco Centre

The Environmental Hero Award sponsored by Wilkins Group

Friends of Moor Pond Woods

Vanessa Astill

Friends of Breck Hill Park

Leah Lee

Inspirational Healthy Lifestyles Award sponsored by Gedling Leisure

Woodborough Celtic Youth FC

Pressure Point Sports Massage 

Katie Roper

Warning as elderly man cheated of money by men impersonating police officers

People in Gedling borough are being told to be extra vigilant amid reports that scammers are impersonating police officers across Notts.

Fraudsters are targeting people across the county in phone call scams and Notts Police are encouraging people to warn elderly or vulnerable family and friends.

The fraudsters are manipulative and try to convince the person they are calling that they are assisting with an ongoing investigation.

In one incident last week, a man in his 80s was persuaded to withdraw a large sum as part of a covert police operation. The victim was told his bank was suspected of distributing counterfeit bank notes and that officers needed him to withdraw £8,000 so the notes could be checked.

Detective Sergeant Thomas Rawlings, of Nottinghamshire Police’s fraud investigation unit, said: “We have received a number of reports of elderly people being called by a fraudster pretending to be a police officer.

“Fraudsters like this are extremely manipulative, sound professional and are very convincing in order to gain a victim’s trust.

“In some instances the trickster claims to be calling from West Midlands Police and in others he has said he is calling from Bedfordshire Police.

“Sadly one person became a victim to the scam and handed over their hard-earned savings to them.

“Police officers would never call anyone and ask them to hand over money or bank cards in this way, and we urge members of the public to be vigilant and not fall prey to the tricksters.

“If you become suspicious of the caller then please call a relative or call the police before providing anything, including information, to a cold caller.”

In light of the recent reports, we are providing the public with the following advice:

  • Neither police nor bank officials will ever ask you to withdraw money from your account, purchase anything or hand over your personal details or passwords.
  • If you believe you are being targeted by a scammer hang up the phone and use a different phone line to call Action Fraud or the police, as scammers have a way to stay on the line and will pretend to be the police when you call back.
  • If you don’t have access to a different phone line, wait for a period of time and try calling a family member or friend first to make sure the scammer is no longer on the line.
  • Just because someone knows basic details about you like your address or date of birth, it doesn’t mean they are genuine bank or police employees.
  • Always question suspicious phone calls and report them to Action Fraud or the police.

If you think you or someone you know has been defrauded, you can report it by call Nottinghamshire Police on 101 or to Action Fraud online or by calling 0300 123 2040.

If a person you suspect is a fraudster is at your address, call 999.

The planned roadworks and road changes in Gedling borough over the next few weeks

A number of roadworks, and changes to the roads, are set to take place on Gedling borough’s roads during the next few weeks.

The roadworks and road changes include things such as speed alterations, repair works and changing the layout of the roads. 

Most of the roadworks are being undertaken by Nottinghamshire County Council while a couple are being led by Severn Trent Water.

These are the roadworks and closures you need to know about

Bailey Street, Netherfield,

28 October – 11 November

Responsibility for works: Nottinghamshire County Council

Galway Road, Arnold

27 October – 09 November

Responsibility for works: Nottinghamshire County Council

Nelson Road, Daybrook

27 October – 09 November

Responsibility for works: Nottinghamshire County Council

Central Avenue, Mapperley

27 October – 28 October

Description: Large scale bespoke c/w patching repairs – (Preventative Maintenance)

Works location: Hillside Avenue,to Plains Road, which will come into this junction )

Responsibility for works: Nottinghamshire County Council

Churchmoor Lane, Redhill

26 October – 26 October

Responsibility for works: Openreach

Lambley Lane, Burton Joyce

31 October – 11 December

Description: Cadent are carrying out essential gas maintenance in the road to replace old iron gas mains with more durable plastic pipes.

Responsibility for works: Cadent

Lea Road, Ravenshead

31 October – 03 November

Description: Large scale bespoke c/w patching repairs – (Preventative Maintenance)

Works location: Outside no’s 1, 2 Birch Lodge, 3, 5, 6, 10, 11A, 12, 14 – 16 – 18, 20, 21, 22 and the junction area with Church Drive.

Main Street, Burton Joyce

31 October – 11 December

Roadworks, Delays likely

Description: Cadent are carrying out essential gas maintenance in the road to replace old iron gas mains with more durable plastic pipes.

Responsibility for works: Cadent

Mapperley Plains, Arnold

01 November – 01 November

Roadworks, Delays likely

Traffic management: Traffic control (Stop/Go boards)

Responsibility for works: Nottinghamshire County Council

Mapperley Plains, Arnold

01 November – 01 November

Roadworks, Delays likely

Works location: On approach to Catfoot Lane roundabout

Responsibility for works: Nottinghamshire County Council

Mellors Road, Arnold

26 October

Roadworks, Delays likely

Traffic management: Traffic control (multi-way signals)

Responsibility for works: Openreach

Nottingham Road, Ravenshead

31 October – 04 November

Responsibility for works: Global Utility Connections

Redhill Road, Arnold

26 October – 26 October

Responsibility for works: Openreach

Shearing Hill, Gedling

25 October – 26 October

Responsibility for works: Severn Trent Water

Vernon Avenue, Ravenshead

27 October – 28 October

Roadworks, Delays likely

Works location: Junction Sheepwalk Lane to junction area with Vernon Crescent.

Responsibility for works: Nottinghamshire County Council

Killisick Road, Arnold

26 October – 28 October

Responsibility for works: Severn Trent Water

Lambley Lane, Burton Joyce

31 October – 11 December

Responsibility for works: Cadent

Langford Road, Arnold

27 October – 28 October

Responsibility for works: Severn Trent Water

Linby Lane, Papplewick

25 October – 25 October

Responsibility for works: Openreach

Current status: Planned work about to start

Moor Road, Papplewick

26 October – 28 October

Works location: From Junction with Forest Lane to entering village (Sectional)

Van crashes into front walls of houses on Charworth Road in Colwick

A van crashed into the front wall of a house in Colwick earlier today (24).

Luckily, nobody was injured following the collision on Charworth Road that took place at around 2pm.

Colwick resident Anne Evans posted pictures of the incident on her Facebook page.

PICTURED: A car damaged in the collision on Charworth Road in Colwick (PHOTO: Annie Evans)

She wrote: “This is what happened outside our house at 2pm today.

“I was a witness but luckily not involved as I was pulled out of the way.

“All involved are OK, thank God.

“One car and two vans were written off and two walls are completely down.”

Arrest made after man stabbed in stomach on Carlton Hill

An arrest was swiftly made by police after a stabbing on Carlton Hill.

Emergency services were called to the area at around 1.15am on Saturday (22) following reports of an altercation involving several people.

One man was stabbed in the stomach and suffered injuries which are not currently believed to be life-altering or life-threatening.

Arrests Nottinghamshire Police
A 21-year old was arrested following the stabbing over the weekend

When police arrived at the scene, they arrested a 21-year-old man on suspicion of GBH with intent.

Detective Constable Chris Grundy, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “Thanks to the quick response of officers we were able to quickly arrest a suspect in connection with this incident.

“The force will never tolerate this sort of violent disorder on our streets.

“We will always take swift action to track down anyone suspected of carrying a knife or other offensive weapon, while anyone who does so can expect to receive a robust response from the police.

“We have arrested a suspect but our enquiries are ongoing.

“It’s important anyone who saw what happened, has any relevant information, or has CCTV, dash-cam or mobile phone footage that could assist us comes forward immediately.”

Anyone with information is urged to call Nottinghamshire Police on 101, quoting incident number 40 of 22 October 2022, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.