A runaway driver was sniffed out by a police dog – moments after causing a crash involving a police car.
Raheem Rahman, aged 22, drove away at speed after being spooked by an unmarked police car traveling on Forest Lane, Papplewick, on blue lights to an unrelated call.
In the minutes that followed he drove at high speed around the Hucknall area – passing through red lights, driving on the wrong side of the road, and travelling the wrong way around roundabouts.
With several police vehicles in pursuit, in the early hours of Friday, July 22 this year, Rahman passed through a final red light at a junction with the A60.
A member of the public driving through the lights then collided with a police car as he swerved to avoid a head-on crash.
At this point Rahman abandoned his Audi and attempted to flee the scene on foot. After a methodical search by a police dog handler, he was located hiding in a hedge.
Unwilling to test the resolve of Police Dog Monty, he quickly gave himself up and was arrested.
The driver of the car was treated in hospital but was not seriously hurt.
Rahman, of Rolleston Drive, Arnold, answered “no comment” to all the questions put to him during his police interview, but later admitted to charges of dangerous driving and failing to stop for the police.
Appearing at Nottingham Crown Court on Thursday, he was jailed for 12 months and banned from driving for two years.
PC Ashley Dunn, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “This was an appalling display of driving that placed members of the public at risk.
“Rahman showed absolutely no concern for the safety of others and could easily have caused a very serious injury to himself and the entirely innocent member of the public he caused to crash.
“He was and is a danger to himself and others and I am pleased he has now been punished and banned from driving as a result of his actions.”
StreetSafe allows people to highlight concerns such as inadequate street lighting, abandoned buildings, poorly designed open spaces or areas blighted by vandalism.
It could also be a location where people have experienced verbal abuse or been followed.
The anonymous online tool is particularly aimed at women and girls, and will help police and partners to identify and shine a spotlight on problem areas.
Chief Inspector Claire Gould, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “No-one should ever be in a situation where they feel unsafe while out and about in Nottinghamshire.
“This tool provides people with an easy and convenient way to make police and our partners aware of locations where they feel unsafe – and will allow us to take action to improve the situation in that particular place.
“It could be a street where you regularly walk which feels unsafe because of poor street lighting or somewhere you have felt unsafe because of the actions of other people.
“I believe StreetSafe can become a vital tool in helping to not only keep people safe, but make them feel safe as well.
“We want to hear from the public about issues affecting their quality of life and the data from this will help inform us of where we need to work with partners to make improvements in our communities.”
No questions are asked on StreetSafe which will reveal your identity, but there are optional questions to help form a better understanding of your concerns.
The data is made available to policing teams to allow officers and partners to have a better understanding of locations which are making people feel unsafe.
StreetSafe captures location data provided by Google Maps, details about the location which may cause you to feel unsafe, details about people’s behaviour in that location which may cause you to feel unsafe and the reasons for not reporting a crime.
Police and Crime Commissioner for Nottinghamshire Caroline Henry said the online tool was a great idea that could build on ongoing work in Nottinghamshire to make the county’s streets safer for women.
“Earlier this year we launched a whole package of measures in Nottingham to reduce women’s vulnerability on a night out,” she said.
“These include extra night patrols on the city’s tram and transport network and a ‘Safe Space’ facility with trained medical professionals for revellers needing urgent assistance or safety advice and training for staff at licensed premises to support and protect women needing help in their venues.
“Measures like this, combined with the new StreetSafe tool, mean people can be more confident than ever that they can feel safe when they go out in Nottinghamshire. The work is ongoing and we will continue to do everything we can to respond, protect and support people.”
NHS chiefs have shared seven ways that patients in Gedling borough can help ease pressure on vital services this weekend.
Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust and Sherwood Forest Hospital NHS Trust say they are facing extreme pressures and have put additional measures in place to make sure staffcan deliver care to their patients.
To help deal with the pressures and help NHS staff focus on caring for the most serious patients, health bosses are urging the public to think twice about which services they need over the weekend.
Amanda Sullivan, chief executive of NHS Nottingham and Nottinghamshire, said: “Our services are facing a huge amount of pressure at the moment but there are ways that the public can help us.
“Only call 999 and attend emergency departments if it is a life-threatening emergency. If you are unsure where you should go, contact 111 first to make sure you are seen in the right place and by the right person.
“If your concern can wait until Monday, then it is not an emergency and you should contact your GP, 111 or nearest urgent treatment centre for guidance rather than attending our hospitals.
“Don’t forget that pharmacists are also trained clinicians who can give you advice and over the counter medication too. You can find your nearest pharmacy on the NHS website.
“It is very important we all do our bit to help maintain our services for those who need them the most, but I want to stress that the NHS is here for you and if you have any health concerns, please do visit your pharmacy, GP or visit an urgent treatment centre.
“Thank you for your ongoing support”
Seven ways you can help the NHS this weekend:
Only call 999 or attend A&E departments for serious accidents and for genuine emergencies.
When you need urgent medical care but it’s not an emergency, please visit NHS 111 online or call NHS111 for advice on how to get the care you need at any time of day or night.
Use an Urgent Treatment Centre (UTC) to treat injuries including sprains, strains, suspected fractures, bites, cuts, scalds and other non-emergency conditions. Waiting times are usually much shorter than A&E. We have UTC at Nottingham – The NHS Urgent Care Centre (next to the BBC building) is open every day from 7am-7pm. You don’t need an appointment to attend. Seaton House, London Road, Nottingham, NG2 4LA Tel: 0115 883 8500
Treat all NHS and care staff with the respect they deserve. Our hard-working staff and volunteers are doing all they can to keep patients safe and supported.
Make sure you wash your hands and wear a mask when visiting health care settings in order to protect the public and our own staff from Covid-19.
If you are eligible and have not already, please make sure you have had all of your Covid-19 vaccinations. If you are aged 65 or over, a carer, a frontline health worker or at high risk then you can book on the NHS website.
Use your local pharmacy for over-the-counter advice and medication. Pharmacists are experts in medicine who can help you with minor health concerns. As qualified healthcare professionals, they can offer clinical advice and over-the-counter medicines for a range of minor illnesses, such as coughs, colds, sore throats, tummy trouble and aches and pains. Find a pharmacy near you.
In this month’s column, Sherwood MPMark Spencer MP discusses the mini-budget, reflects on the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and shares what he has been up to in Sherwood.
Death of The Queen
PICTURED: Mark Spencer, centre, paid tribute to Queen Elizabeth II last month
Last month has of course seen the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, after a lifetime of service and dedication to our Country. I had the privilege of meeting the Queen on many occasions, and her wicked sense of humour and attention to detail up until the very end will stay with me forever. I signed a book of condolence on behalf of Sherwood in the DEFRA office and witnessing the outpouring of affection for her Majesty, with the number of tributes around Sherwood at our churches in particular amazing to see.
I attended the Accession Council at St. James’ Palace to witness the proclamation of our new King, Charles III. This was a moving experience to see the King coping with his grief as well as starting his role as our new Monarch. God Save the King.
Rural champion
It seems a lifetime ago now, but we have a new Prime Minister and Government. I was honoured to accept the appointment as a Minister of State in the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA). As a Farmer and MP for a rural area, I know how important food production and the environment are. I will champion the whole rural sector in Sherwood and across the UK.
Mini-budget
I was delighted by the new Government’s intervention on Energy bills, and the pledge to freeze the price cap. Putin’s illegal war and his attempts to blackmail the rest of the world with energy are driving up price across the UK and Europe, therefore the intervention by the government is most welcomed by me and I am sure everyone in Sherwood.
I am aware the mini-budget has divided opinion across Sherwood. I welcome the drop in the basic rate of income tax which will see over 31 million people in the UK paying less tax. The decision to reverse the National Insurance increase will again see you keep more of your take home pay. For the first time buyers out there, you will now not pay stamp duty on your first home as long as the house price is less than £425,000.
We are also stepping up support to get more people into work and off benefits and people now could see benefits cut if they are able to work more and choose not to. The lowering of tax for the top earners I know is controversial, however the Chancellor believes this will encourage more investment and growth which will benefit everyone.
Out and about in Sherwood
Calverton Surgery: It was great to be in Calverton again recently to hold another of my Resident Surgeries. I met with residents and Councillor Boyd Elliot to discuss a wide range of issues and concerns they raised and I have been taking these up on their behalf. If you need my assistance please get in touch with my office on the details listed below.
Calverton Polling Stations: Earlier this month, I wrote to Gedling Borough Council following requests from residents in Calverton to change the Polling Station back to the Methodist Church on Collyer Road from the Village Hall on Park Road. I have received a reply to say that a review of all polling stations will now be undertaken across Gedling, starting in December. I have been told all residents will be given the chance to comment.
Robert Woodhead Limited: I recently wrote to RSM who have been appointed as the liquidators for Robert Woodhead Limited. I have been alarmed by reports that workers who have been made redundant, have not received the final pay they are owed. I have had a response to say this is being looked into and I will chase for a reply.
Flooding in Walesby: I recently met with officers from VIA, Severn Trent, the Environment Agency, Councillor Tim Wildgust and residents to discuss the flooding issues affecting Brackendale Drive in Walesby. The current drainage in place cannot cope in times of heavy rain, which is threatening homes. Residents have asked for flood protection measures which I am writing to Nottinghamshire County Council to ask for.
Whyburn Farm: I am glad that the Ashfield Independent run Ashfield District Council have taken Whyburn Farm out of its local plan. I campaigned from the start with residents and Councillors Chris Baron, Phil and Kevin Rostance to save Whyburn Farm. What the Council now need to do is create a proper plan, allocating houses in a way to minimise impact on the local community.
Southwell Ploughing Match and Show: It was brilliant to attend the Southwell Ploughing Match and Show, held this year in Farnsfield. The show is really important to the farming community which is a big part of our local economy. I was also there in a personal capacity as our farm shop picked up a couple of awards, which I of course take full credit for! Congratulations to all the award winners and everyone who participated and organised the show.
Work has begun to transform a former church building in Netherfield into 13 one-bedroomed apartments.
Developers are working to convert the empty Netherfield Methodist Church on Victoria Road into Supported Living accommodation with accompanying internal and external communal spaces, a secure bin store, cycle store and parking spaces.
Planning documents submitted with the application stated: “The existing property was unaffordable for the previous owners due to high maintenance costs.
Work to convert the former Methodist Church into flats has begun (PHOTO: Sam Stiling)PICTURED: The church on Victoria Road before work started
“Despite a long marketing period by local estate agents, there was no demand from potential buyers to buy and maintain as a church or community centre due to the cost to maintain, and upgrade.”
They go on to state: “The proposals will provide much-needed dwelling units for local residents, requiring and waiting for Supported Living accommodation. The development will not adversely affect residential amenity either for the proposed residents or in the local neighbourhood, are in keeping with the local area, and will not create any highway or parking issues.”
The transformation of the building will require a new floor which will be inserted in the former Church and Church Hall. There will be no structural changes to the existing windows, though new glazing will be inserted to meet modern thermal and residential standards.
New artist’s impressions reveal how Nottingham’s two main hospitals could both look after a mammoth new redevelopment project.
The plans have been described as a “unique and exciting opportunity” to address health inequalities and spark economic regeneration in Nottingham.
The plans are subject to a full public consultation next year and are currently in the early stages of development.
The Government is providing billions of pounds across the country for a series of similar projects. The exact cost of the Nottingham scheme is yet to be decided.
PICTURED: An image of a new cancer building at Nottingham City Hospital
Nottingham University Hospitals Trust (NUH), made up of Queen’s Medical Centre and Nottingham City Hospital, was chosen as one of 40 major hospitals to be funded by the Government to make the changes.
The trust has called the vast building project Tomorrow’s NUH.
The new artist’s impressions show provisional plans for new cancer treatment buildings at City Hospital and Queen’s Medical Centre, as well as an aerial view of QMC.
One of the images shows a new ‘welcome centre’ at QMC, which could incorporate new shops and restaurants as well as staff well-being facilities, changing rooms and showers, education and agile working spaces and a multi-faith centre.
An initial consultation showed ‘broad public support’ for the project, which could see maternity and neonatal services being merged at Queen’s Medical Centre in a new Women’s and Children’s hospital.
But some concerns have been raised over merging maternity services, which are currently rated inadequate by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).
QMC would also be the main site for emergency care, and a new cancer centre is proposed for the area which is currently used for car park one. A helipad is also planned for QMC.
Most elective (planned) operations like hip replacements and cataract surgery, would be delivered at the City Hospital, with some emergency care moving to the QMC. Cancer treatment would continue to be delivered across both sites.
The vision is to turn City Hospital into a “centre of excellence for elective care”.
More details released along with the artist’s impressions also reveal plans for a new multi-storey car park at Queen’s Medical Centre to free up space where car park three is currently situated, for the new hospital for women, children and families.
The hospital trust also confirmed that there were no plans to house fertility services within the hospital for women, children and families after concerns were raised by patients and politicians.
The plans add that City Hospital has developed “rather haphazardly” over time, meaning the site is difficult to navigate.
Tomorrow’s NUH documents, released as part of a meeting this week, state: “At the City Hospital, we would like to create an elective (planned) centre of excellence, bringing together theatres, critical care and inpatient beds in one part of the site.
“Having this dedicated centre, separate from the emergency services at the Queen’s Medical Centre, will make it much less likely that planned operations would be cancelled at short notice due to demand for beds for emergency care.
“On the other side of the site, we would like to expand and upgrade what is currently Radiotherapy North, extending it to create a new ambulatory Cancer Centre. This would allow us to bring together all the elements of ambulatory cancer care currently delivered at multiple locations across the site to one area, providing radiotherapy, chemotherapy and other treatments.”
The Tomorrow’s NUH funding is expected to be released between 2025 and 2030. A public consultation will take place in early 2023.
Ravenshead Theatre Group are staging a production of the chilling and atmospheric Frankenstein. Come and witness the first true science fiction sorry as a scientist deals with the horrifying aftermath of interfering in the creation of life – Tickets available online: www.ticketsource.co.uk/ravenshead-theatre-group via email: rtgboxoffice@gmail.com; or telephone: 07742 057 153
The Ghost Train – Burton Joyce & Bulcote Village Hall, 7.30pm
The Burton Joyce Players present their production of The Ghost Train. The story centres upon the social interaction of a group of railway passengers who have been stranded at a remote rural station overnight, and are increasingly threatened by a latent external force
Picnic in the Park – The Grove (off Willow Wong), Burton Joyce – 2pm-4pm
Burton Joyce Parish Council hope you can join them for this annual event showcasing the talented Burton Joyce Brass band.
Bring your own picnic and chairs and blankets
The Ghost Train – Burton Joyce & Bulcote Village Hall, 7.30pm
The Burton Joyce Players present their production of The Ghost Train. The story centres upon the social interaction of a group of railway passengers who have been stranded at a remote rural station overnight, and are increasingly threatened by a latent external force
Fundraising Event in aid of Parkinson’s UK– The Bonington Club, 7pm
A social event to raise money for the charity with disco and buffet. Featuring guest appearance by local singer Rebecca Lomas.
Tickets £5
Frankenstein – Ravenshead Village Hall, 7.30pm
Ravenshead Theatre Group are staging a production of the chilling and atmospheric Frankenstein. Come and witness the first true science fiction sorry as a scientist deals with the horrifying aftermath of interfering in the creation of life – Tickets available online: www.ticketsource.co.uk/ravenshead-theatre-group via email: rtgboxoffice@gmail.com; or telephone: 07742 057 153
Buster, Live Party Band – The Vale Social Club, Colwick, 7.30pm
Band are playing live from 9pm until late with DJ Little Woody from 7.30pm.
Free admission and everyone wecome. Members will receive an additional 20% off their drinks from 7.30 till close.
Sunday, October 2
No events currently listed
Monday, October 3
Nottingham Organ Society: Andrew Nix, The Bonington Theatre, 7.30pm
Born just outside Selby, North Yorkshire, Andrew Nix has established himself on the organ circuit not only as a musician but also as an entertainer. His varied musical repertoire along with his Yorkshire humour has made him one of the country’s favourite performers.
Free Film: Grease & buffet, The Bonington Theatre, 12pm
A free screening arranged by Councillor John Parr, we’ll be showing the magical musical Grease, featuring an iconic performance from the late Olivia Newton-John.
Tickets are free, but attendance must be confirmed with Councillor Parr. For more information, contact Cllr John Parr on 0115 953 7118
The free buffet will start at midday, with the film to follow
Wednesday, October 5
Father Earth + Q&A with Graham Fellows, The Bonington Theatre, 7.30pm
PICTURED: Father Earth
Father Earth is the true story of one man’s attempt to help save the planet, by converting a derelict church on the Orkney Isles into an eco friendly recording studio.
It’s also a fascinating study of a psychological power struggle between a character comedian – Graham Fellows, and his long-standing creation – John Shuttleworth.
Funny yet moving, and filmed mainly in the Orkney Isles over a 10 year period, Father Earth is Graham Fellows’ most thoughtful and accomplished movie to date. Previous work includes It’s Nice Up North filmed by Martin Parr (2004) and Southern Softies (2008)
With guest appearances from Sooty and Sweep, and a virtuoso performance from Graham’s mathematically driven elderly father Derek, this 83 minute documentary will be followed by a Q&A with performer/director Graham Fellows.
Jazz Steps: Julian Siegel Quartet – The Bonington Theatre, 7.30pm
PICTURED: Julian Siegel
Julian Siegel is one of Nottingham’s own “born and bred” jazzers appearing in our first Jazz Steps season in 1997 with the band Partisans. Over the years since, he’s performed with international musicians such as Bill Frisell, Steve Swallow and Kenny Wheeler. His composition for jazz orchestra celebrating Nottingham Lace was recorded locally by the BBC for broadcast.
For over a decade, he has worked with this highly inventive and dynamic quartet, making him a favourite all over Europe – and definitely so with Nottingham audiences. Be there for this session of eclectic, vibrant music.
Nottingham University Hospitals Trust’s Chief Executive has apologised following the cancellation of a number of operations while the trust deals with a ‘critical incident’ due bed space pressures.
This week, more than 200 patients across the Queen’s Medical Centre and City Hospital have been deemed ‘medically fit for discharge’ – but cannot leave the hospital because there is not enough support for them in the social care sector.
The trust – which runs the Queen’s Medical Centre and City Hospital – said the emergency demand for care and the challenge of discharging patients is leading to “high numbers of patients waiting in the hospitals”.
It means some operations where patients require a stay in hospital will be postponed to prioritise patients with the most urgent need.
Last week the health secretary Thérèse Coffey announced that £500m emergency funding would be given to care home operators and providers of home care services to help tackle a care crisis across the country.
The critical incident at Nottingham’s hospitals was declared on Tuesday (September 27).
Speaking in a board meeting on Thursday (September 29), Chief Executive Anthony May said: “I was involved in the decision to declare the incident and I took advice from colleagues.
“The reason for that is pressures across the trust were affecting our ability to provide an effective emergency pathway.
“Everybody in the trust is now focused on trying to alleviate those pressures.
“I would like to apologise to the small number of patients whose procedures we have cancelled and to anybody who has suffered delays in any other part of our hospitals.
“We are working tirelessly, literally day and night to try and make this better.
“I would like to thank the staff who have worked extremely hard and I would like to pay tribute to our partners.”
Chair of the trust board Nick Carver said it was important to “absolutely rigorously hold ourselves to account, but also hold the system to account for those things that are frankly beyond our control”.
He said: “During the last week we have had 213 patients medically fit for discharge who do not need to be in this hospital.
“The system target is 64. That’s fundamental to claw back on elective [planned] activity.
“The pressure on staff in the emergency department is not due to an increase in demand, it is due to a flow problem.
“There are 150 more patients beyond the system plan in this organisation at this moment in time.
“Our staff are doing their utmost to make sure we don’t have that awful situation where an ambulance cannot be mobilised to someone in need. That for me is the worst of all situations.”
In a statement, the trust added: “We are extremely sorry we have had to take this step.
“We are working extremely hard to ensure our patients are kept safe but there are ways that you can help.
“Our teams are working exceptionally hard, and we would like to reassure our patients and the public that despite the challenges faced, essential services remain fully open for anyone who needs them so if someone requires urgent medical help, they should continue to come forward.”
An air ambulance landed in a Netherfield park earlier this afternoon.
The helicopter touched down in Jackie Bells Play Area on Victoria Road at around 3.06pm
The air ambulance was first heard circling at around 3.00pm.
Gedling Eye contacted the Air Ambulance Service for further information.
A spokesman said: “The Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Rutland Air Ambulance was tasked to a fall incident in Netherfield at 1455 and was on scene at 1506. The crew assessed and treated a patient.
“One patient was taken to Queen’s Medical Centre via crewed ambulance.”
PHOTO: Sharon Ellis
The helicopter left the scene around 3.40pm.
Gary Maddison was a witness who was walking past the park on his way home from work when the helicopter arrived.
He said: “It was loud and everyone was stunned. We didn’t think there would be room for it to land – but it did.
“I hope whoever they were there to treat is now ok.”
People across Gedling borough expecting the Government’s energy rebate over the coming months are being warned to watch out for scammers trying to take advantage.
Borough households will be receiving a £400 discount on their bills over the autumn and winter as part of the Government’s cost of living support.
However, scammers are now trying to take advantage by sending texts and emails that look like they are from the energy regulator, Ofgem, asking the recipient to click on a link and enter their bank details in order to receive the rebate.
There have also been reports of people being phoned by scammer with the same aim.
An Ofgem spokesperson said:“Protecting consumers is our top priority and it is alarming that vulnerable customers are being preyed upon in this way when people are already struggling so much. That’s why, as energy regulator, on top of issuing our own warnings and advice, we have asked all energy suppliers to ensure clear and up to date information on scams is easily accessible on their websites.
“We take these attempts to exploit consumers very seriously and work with the National Cyber Security Centre to prevent these malicious attacks. If people are unsure if something is a scam they should pause, check and don’t let callers push you into anything.
“Genuine organisations won’t mind you calling back; only scammers apply pressure and insist you hand over details immediately. If you have any doubts about a message, consumers should contact the organisation directly and not use the numbers or address in the message – use the details from their official website.”
Julie Webster from Mapperley contacted Gedling Eye to say she had received a scam email and was concerned vulnerable people might end up handing over their personal details.
She told us: “It was totally believable and looked like it had come from the government. How scary is that!
“My son said he had seen warnings on social media when I told him about it and insisted I delete it. If he hadn’t intervened I would definitely have fallen for the scam. Be warned!”
How to protect yourself
If you have any doubts about a message, contact the organisation directly.
Don’t use the numbers or address in the message – use the details from their official website. Remember, your bank (or any other official source) will never ask you to supply personal information via email.
If you have received an email which you’re not quite sure about, forward it to report@phishing.gov.uk. Send us emails that feel suspicious, even if you’re not certain they’re a scam – we can check.
Follow the Take Five to Stop Fraud advice:
STOP: Taking a moment to stop and think before parting with your money or information could keep you safe.
CHALLENGE: Could it be fake? It’s ok to reject, refuse or ignore any requests. Only criminals will try to rush or panic you.
PROTECT: Contact your bank immediately if you think you’ve fallen for a scam and report it to Action Fraud.
