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Line of Duty star Vicky McClure and fiance Jonny Owen open new new multi-million pound joint police and fire headquarters in Arnold

Gedling Eye Reporter
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Line of Duty star Vicky McClure and fiance Jonny Owen open new new multi-million pound joint police and fire headquarters in Arnold

Line of Duty star Vicky McClure came face-to-face with Nottinghamshire Police’s real-life ‘AC-12’ before officially opening the new multi-million pound joint police and fire headquarters in Arnold.

The Nottingham-born actress, known to millions as Detective Inspector Kate Fleming in the BBC hit drama, was given a guided tour by Chief Constable Craig Guildford of the force’s professional standards department as well as other key departments including the force control room, digital forensics and operational support before cutting the ribbon at Thursday’s ceremony.

Vicky, who also recently starred in the exciting TV series ‘Trigger Point’, was accompanied on her tour by her TV producer, actor and writer fiancé Jonny Owen who has previously starred in shows such as ‘Shameless’.

The actress also witnessed Nottinghamshire Police’s latest recruits being welcomed into the force at their passing out parade and enjoyed a performance by the Nottinghamshire Police Band during her visit.

She said: ““It’s a real honour to be asked here and see the incredible work that’s being done. You don’t tend to get access to these kind of facilities so I do feel really lucky to get this opportunity.

“The new building is really great and it’s clear the people inside it are working really hard.”

Construction work on the collaborative £18.5 million three-storey joint headquarters began in Summer 2020 at Sherwood Lodge in Arnold.

The multi-functional shared blue-light facility, which contains shared office space, a training school, conference rooms, a new police-control room, a sports hall, gymnasium and canteen, is the centre-piece of a wider project to improve and expand the original 1970s-built complex.

The site also contains a joint memorial garden dedicated to the memory of staff from both organisations who have died in service.

Chief Constable Craig Guildford said: “I was delighted to welcome Vicky and Jonny to our joint headquarters and am extremely grateful to them for officially opening our new building.

“We have a lot of Line of Duty fans in the force and it was nice to be able to reward their hard work with today’s visit.

“We’re really proud of our new building and how we are working together with Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service to better serve the public and also save money.

“It’s a project Vicky could relate to given AC-12 underwent its own merger last year. She also knows a thing or two about ‘bent coppers’ and I’m pleased to report she did not have any concerns after meeting our officers and staff!”

£750,000 funding boost to make streets safer in Colwick and Netherfield

Gedling Eye Reporter
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£750,000 funding boost to make streets safer in Colwick and Netherfield

Gedling MP, Tom Randall, has welcomed the additional £750,000 awarded to Colwick and Netherfield through the fourth round of the Conservative Government’s Safer Streets Fund, which will help to make streets safer through projects to crack down on neighbourhood crimes and prevent violence against women and girls.

 This additional funding, part of the £50 million from the latest round of the Safer Streets Fund, will invest in essential measures, including extra CCTV and improved street lighting, and it will encourage police and community groups to deliver focused plans to help make women and girls feel safer on our streets, as well as projects which will change attitudes and behaviours in local communities.

Mr Randall said: “No one should feel afraid while walking the streets, yet for so many people, particularly women and girls, feeling uncomfortable or even unsafe in public spaces has become an all-too-common occurrence.

“That is why I wrote to the Home Secretary in June and asked her to prioritise investment into making Gedling safer and I am delighted Colwick and Netherfield has now received £750,000 through our Safer Street Fund, which will deliver necessary measures such as extra CCTV and street lighting alongside engagement projects to change behaviours and prevent crimes being committed.

“Alongside our pledge to get more police on the streets, with more than 25 recruited and deployed onto the streets of Gedling – this investment will ensure people feel safe and secure throughout Gedling as we Build Back Safer.” 

Home Secretary Priti Patel said: “It has been one year since I launched our dedicated violence against women and girls strategy and in that year I have overseen incredible work to support victims, prevent violence against women and girls, protect citizens and deliver justice.

“Our essential work with specialist groups is delivering practical support and change for women and girls across our communities and the Safer Streets Fund continues to make a difference to the safety of women and girls at a community level.”

New security fence and classrooms planned for £11m Carlton Le Willows Academy expansion

Gedling Eye Reporter
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New security fence and classrooms planned for £11m Carlton Le Willows Academy expansion

A new security fence and classrooms are planned for a Gedling school which is undergoing an £11m expansion.

Carlton Le Willows Academy in Wood Lane has applied to build a new temporary building to include two classrooms and two storage rooms.

Another application has also been submitted to Gedling Borough Council to extend the academy’s security fence to create a continuous fence around the Academy playing fields.

It comes after plans submitted in 2020 were approved for a multi-million pound expansion including 20 classrooms, a performance space, dining hall, new access to Burton Road, a new car park and a football pitch.

The expansion, which will include provision for 400 extra pupils, started in March and is set to be complete by September 2022.

If approved, the security fence will also prevent trespassing onto the nearby woodland and ground of Gedling House, a grade two listed building which was built in the 18th century.

Council documents stated: “Carlton le Willows Academy has been working closely with Nottinghamshire County Council to address a shortfall in secondary school places in Gedling.

“The reconfiguration of the campus playing fields has highlighted that there is currently a missing section of security fencing approximately 165 meters in length to the north eastern boundary of the site.

“It is proposed to extend infill this missing section of fencing with a continuous new fence which will match the height and colour of the existing installation.

“When completed the site will be fully enclosed for the purposes of safeguarding of the pupils at Carton le Willows. The fence will also prevent trespass by the pupils onto the protected woodland and grounds of Gedling House.”

The plans will be decided on by the council’s planning committee.

Shoppers and traders divided as Post Office confirmed for key 10-year lease at new Arnold market

Andrew Topping (Local Democracy Reporter)
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Shoppers and traders divided as Post Office confirmed for key 10-year lease at new Arnold market

Shoppers and traders in Arnold are divided over whether the arrival of the Post Office in a key unit at the town’s new market development will be enough to help kick start the local economy.

Gedling Borough Council has confirmed the company aims to take on a 10 year lease when the new AMP market opens later this year.

The £4m development project, which was initially planned for a spring opening before Covid-related delays, is in the final stages of construction and is expected to be finished at the end of August.

A café bar has already been confirmed for one of the spaces, while Gedling Borough Council has now approved the lease for the Post Office to take up a large space on the ground floor.

The deal was green-lit by Councillor John Clarke (Lab), leader of the council, during a delegated decision last week, with the council believing the Post Office’s arrival will secure a promising future for the market.

In a report published ahead of the decision, Emma Wimble, property services manager, said: “[This] provides the council with the opportunity to secure an anchor tenant with strong covenant whilst also retaining a Post Office presence in the town.

“There are significant advantages of securing this tenant for the AMP. [It] will assist with the smaller start-up units on-site and may be seen as a selling point for other tenants.

“Bringing the tenant into the AMP will be seen as benefit to the residents of Arnold and increasing footfall.”

She adds a Post Office based on the outskirts of the town centre will close its doors and relocate under the 10-year lease.

The closest Post Office to the high street is on Worrall Avenue, with papers confirming the company’s existing building would likely be converted back into residential use.

The move would also be the first time the Post Office has opened a new larger retail store in a Nottinghamshire high street for several years.

At least two major Nottinghamshire Post Office branches have downsized in recent years. Nottingham’s Post Office on Queen Street and Mansfield’s former Church Street store both relocated to operate inside nearby WH Smith shops.

However, people in Arnold were unsure whether the Post Office would be enough to make the market a success.

Sue Bell, 74, who was shopping in the town centre on Monday (July 25), told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: “It’s been a bit of a waste of time because it should have opened in April.

“Are they going to get it filled with the right businesses? We want a nice restaurant or something different, a lot of shops in Arnold are closing down.

“The Post Office might help it; it just depends on the other businesses in there.”

Robert Walster, 54, who was also shopping in the town, believes the Post Office would be a good addition but can’t see the market “doing anything for Arnold”.

He said: “If you’ve got the Post Office there, you know you’re going to guarantee people will be using it.

“But it’s taking forever to be built and it depends on other tenants there. They’re planning on putting another café bar in there – there’s load in Arnold.

“I think it needs an electrical store or something different. I can’t see it doing anything for Arnold.”

Jo Morris, 49, who works at the Stoppard’s deli on Front Street, was also sceptical about whether the market will make a difference to the town.

“There’s a lot of empty units in Arnold already – mainly at the other end of the town,” she said.

“The Post Office might help but most areas in town already have their own small one anyway.”

However, Dean Cotton, 31, who lives on Coppice Road, believes the Post Office will make the market “more appealing” to traders.

He said: “I’m excited by the market, I think it’s got potential to be good.

“I always go to the Sneinton Market because it’s got a lot to offer and I hope Arnold is the same, the Post Office will definitely make it more appealing.”

Cllr Michael Payne (Lab), deputy leader of the council, previously said he believes the market will “breathe new life” into Arnold.

The project will create about 40 new jobs through business employment and construction of the market building.

Rail strikes: No services from Burton Joyce, Carlton and Netherfield stations on Wednesday as another walkout looms

Gedling Eye Reporter
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Rail strikes: No services from Burton Joyce, Carlton and Netherfield stations on Wednesday as another walkout looms

No trains will run from Gedling borough’s rail stations when further rail strike action takes place on Wednesday, July 27. 

The Rail, Maritime and Transport union announced its latest day of action by managers, guards and station staff following last month’s strikes in a row over pay and conditions.

As a result of the strike action, train services from Burton Joyce, Carlton and Netherfield will be stopped and no bus replacement services will be in place.

Online journey planners will be updated to show accurate information on Sunday 24th July.

One train per hour will run between Nottingham and London.

There will be one train per hour between Derby and Nottingham.

There will also be one train per hour between Leicester and Nottingham.

An EMR spokesman said: “The RMT union has confirmed its members will be taking strike action on Wednesday, July 27.

“As a result, we will be operating a significantly reduced service on the July 27.

“We ask customers to only travel by rail if necessary. If you do decide to travel, plan ahead and leave extra time for disruption and short notice changes.

Nottinghamshire County Council fraud teams stopped two cyber attacks and prevented £527k in losses

Andrew Topping (Local Democracy Reporter)
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Nottinghamshire County Council fraud teams stopped two cyber attacks and prevented £527k in losses

Nottinghamshire County Council teams stopped two separate attempts at cyber fraud involving criminals attempting to change bank account details in order to steal a total of £527,000.

The authority’s business management support (BMS) teams noticed the two incidents when attempts were made to fraudulently alter bank details on a scheduled payment to divert cash into another bank account.

The council has not confirmed which department was targeted by the attacks or when they took place, except that both incidents occurred during the 2021/22 financial year.

However, it states both attempts were “detected and prevented” thanks to measures put in place to monitor bank account amendments following previous incidents where systems had been “infiltrated”.

A report published ahead of the council’s governance and ethics committee, which sat on Thursday afternoon (July 21) stated 250 attempted amendments have been made to various vendors’ account details in the past year.

Because of these attempts, council controls have been enhanced with further reviews planned to “raise awareness” to its suppliers of the cyber fraud risks.

The two incidents were addressed during the committee discussion, with concerns raised over the amount of money targeted by the fraudsters and questions asked about how the authority managed the situation.

Councillor Richard Butler (Con), who represents Cotgrave, said: “It’s inevitable that we have to look at fraud – it’s a fact of life but we seem to be on top of things very well.

“This is a large amount of money and was two cases. It must have been quite dramatic to have two incidents with more than £500,000. I suspect we’ve got plenty of systems in place to ensure there aren’t similar cases.”

In response, a council spokesperson told the committee the two attempts were flagged by the authority’s BMS team before any funds were taken from its account and both the council and its bank were also alerted.

He said: “This was quite happily prevented, it didn’t get paid out and was stopped in the first place.

“That’s a credit to the [business management] team, they spotted and put in the correct checks.

“This is a classic example of cybercrime or a cyber attack, what they attempted to do was pretend to be someone who wanted to change bank accounts to make a payment to a different payee – i.e. themselves.

“But we have systems in place to double check that is actually the right person or organisation before any changes are made, and then indeed to alert both the bank and ourselves before it takes place.

“The payment was never made, but we could track who started the process off. There’s this preventative measure taking place and, be assured, no money left the council’s account.”

He added the council works with the National Crime Agency, Action Fraud and the City of London Police during incidents like this, ensuring criminal agencies are informed of fraud attempts.

However, he could not confirm whether criminal prosecutions had been taken in relation to the two incidents.

The report, noted by councillors during the meeting, included a series of other fraud incidents prevented and detected by the authority in 2021/22.

In total, 45 incidents totalling £670,807 were either detected or prevented in the year, with other activities including pension and social care fraud and misuse of blue badges for disabled parking.

This total was up from the £387,823 figure recorded for 2020/21 when 64 incidents of fraud were detected across the year.

Burial ground proposed in open countryside near Calverton to ease shortage of grave space in Arnold

Gedling Eye Reporter
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Burial ground proposed in open countryside near Calverton to ease shortage of grave space in Arnold

Developers want to build a burial ground in open countryside outside Calverton following concerns there is not enough grave space left in Arnold.

Funeral service company, A.W. Lymn, wants to change the use of agricultural land to a mixed traditional, natural and woodland burial ground off Georges Lane in Calverton.

The proposal also includes landscaping, new access arrangements, and 18 car parking spaces.

The site is located within the Green Belt and Ramsdale Hill to the north.

Calverton Parish Council has objected over access issues to and from the site and that a footpath exits onto the road in “a dangerous area due to visibility”.

Two objections have been received from members of the public, saying “access is inappropriate close to the sharp bend” and citing extra traffic.

There has been no objection from the council’s conservation officer, the Environment Agency or Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust, which has requested that bat boxes are installed.

The council notes there is “now a shortage of local burial space provision to service the needs of people living in the Arnold area of the borough”.

It says Carlton Cemetery has 20 years-plus of burial space, and Calverton village also has adequate burial space.

However, Redhill Cemetery is deemed full to all, apart from ashes internment and re-openers in multiple occupation pre-purchased graves.

The council says access issues have been addressed as part of the application, which includes proposed works to widen the access from Georges Lane to enable two cars to pass.

Planning officers at the council said:  “Whilst the proposal would result in the change of use of land which currently forms open land within the Green Belt, the amount of built form would be limited.

“It is accepted that the presence of gravestones would change the character of the land visually but they would not be significant in terms of their height or general scale.

“The proposed development would represent appropriate development in the Green Belt.”

Planning officers have recommended that planning permission is granted. Councillors will decide the fate of the application when they meet on Wednesday, July 27.

Gedling Borough Council wants enforcement action over ‘unauthorised’ wedding venue in Arnold woods

Gedling Eye Reporter
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Gedling Borough Council wants enforcement action over ‘unauthorised’ wedding venue in Arnold woods

Gedling Borough Council is requesting that enforcement action is taken after ‘unauthorised’ events including weddings have taken place at woods in Arnold.

The council says there has been an ongoing dispute over the activities taking place in Ramper Covert Wood off Mansfield Road in Arnold.

The local authority says there are “near daily emails” from residents documenting the activity at the site.

This includes more than 40 vehicles on site at a time, loud music until late in the evening and camper vans staying overnight.

In February 2022, a planning application was received for the change of use of land to form a wedding venue between June to the end of August.

This included the siting of two tipis, a toilet trailer and renewable energy system.

The council says the proposals were very similar to those proposed in 2021, which were refused by the council and on appeal.

An inspector said the development would “significantly harm highway safety.”

This application was therefore refused in April and an appeal was lodged.

Following concerns by residents the site was still in operation, the council sent emails to both the owner and operator in June this year instructing that all ‘unauthorised structures’ should be removed as they had been on site for more than 28 days.

The council visited the site finding two separate areas for vehicle parking, adjacent to the A60.

A wooden stage with a wooden frame and canvas/tarpaulin covered with string lights was located immediately south of the tipi tents.

The owner confirmed that he had not given consent for this.

A small toilet trailer was located to the west of the tipi tents. When asked, the owner said this was for the sole use of the operator for its events.

Bench seating, tables and picnic benches were also found. The owner said that the site had been prepared for a wedding later that day.

During the site visit, the owner said that booked events for 2022 were not isolated to weddings. He advised that some limited camping takes place, mostly by those working on the site.

In July, emails were sent to the owner and operator of the site clarifying the council’s position with potential enforcement action.

The email acknowledged that the aim of the planning application and current appeal is to gain planning permission to operate the change of use, thus not relying on the permitted development 28 day rule.

The council said at the present time such permission does not exist for the site. Therefore any activities on site are assessed against the 28 day permitted development allowance, currently being the only means of operating the business in an authorised manner on site.

In addition, the council said the stage does not form part of the current planning appeal.

The council says the operator of the site advertises the venue on a dedicated website as well as via social media pages such as Facebook and Instagram.

According to their website, customers have exclusive hire of the whole venue and woodland including “use of our Giant Hat Tipis, rustic bench seating for up to 120 people, onsite toilets, lighting, electricity and water supply. Use of our bijou cabin and camping spaces is included in the price.”

No further contact has been received from either the owner or the operator of the site, the council said. However, the unauthorised use of the site and associated structures and facilities remains.

Planning officers are now calling on councillors to authorise enforcement action at a planning committee on July 27.

Council officers state: “A breach of planning control has been identified. The development has resulted in significant harm to the openness of the Green Belt, adverse impact on highway safety and harm to residential amenity.”

‘Harmful impact’: Plea made to Gedling Borough Council over plans to demolish ‘historic building’ for new shops

Gedling Eye Reporter
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‘Harmful impact’: Plea made to Gedling Borough Council over plans to demolish ‘historic building’ for new shops

Historic England have raised serious concerns over the demolition of a building to make way for new shops in Calverton.

Residents have also aired their feelings over the plans, saying they will “chip away” the history of the area, which has close links to the knitting industry.

Calverton-sign
CONCERNS: Residents in Calverton fear the demolition will chip away the history of the area
Civic Centre Arnot Park
NEEDED: Gedling Borough Council say regeneration is required in the area

Developers are proposing to demolish a building in Main Street and build three retail units and eight apartments above the shops.

Historic England, the national body protecting structures of historic significance, says the demolition of 34 Main Street would result in the loss of an “historic building” which contributes to the landscape.

It believes the development will “erode the character of this part of the conservation area” and the setting of the Grade II listed St Wilfrid’s Church close by.

Calverton Parish Council is also against the demolition of the building, saying the area has historic interest being part of “a long-gone village community of stocking frame knitters”.

Gedling Borough Council’s conservation officer says while the development is just outside the conservation area it lies adjacent to it.

The officer says the development will have “a harmful impact” upon the setting of the listed church.

READ MORE: Station renovation project win Lottery cash

However, other officers at the council believe regeneration is needed in the area and that the site, which has remained empty for several years, attracts anti-social behaviour.

The empty homes officer at the council said: “The property at 34 Main Street has been empty for a good number of years.

“Over the years it has been a major concern for residents in the area due to the anti-social behaviour that the property has been attracting.

“The owner has secured the main building but despite this the local children have continued to break into the grounds and occupy the outbuilding.

“This behaviour has put a strain on the council in that they have had to carry out extra patrols in the area. The local neighbourhood beat team for Nottinghamshire Police have also been called to the property a number of times to deal with the anti-social behaviour.

“The property continues to be a burden to the residents of Calverton and would be best brought back into use as soon as practicably possible”.

The application by a Miss Shread has been recommended for approval by council officers subject to conditions.

Planning officers at the council said: “It should also be noted that by virtue of the site being identified as an expansion to the local centre it is inevitable that additional built form would be introduced to the site in closer proximity to the conservation area and the setting of the listed church.

“In this case it is considered that the public benefits outweigh the less than substantial harm to the setting of the heritage assets.”

Councillors will meet at a planning committee on Wednesday, July 27, to decide the fate of the application.

Gedling Station renovation project scoops £250 from local lotto draw

Gedling Eye Reporter
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Gedling Station renovation project scoops £250 from local lotto draw

A project set up to transform a former station and youth club building into a future community hub in Gedling has scooped extra cash from a local lottery scheme.

Gedling Youth and Community Hub won £250 from Gedling Lotto, a free online fundraising tool used by a number of local not-for-profit groups and charities.

The money was raised through a special prize draw which began in January, with the winning charity or local organisation being handed the winnings.

Gedling Lotto launched in September 2020 and has raised over £30,000 for the local community. There are currently 37 not-for-profit-organisations using the Lotto, including school PTAs, sports clubs, community projects and charities. 

The good causes using the free fundraising tool benefit from free registration and free use of Gedling Lotto, they also get free support, including a dedicated webpage and marketing materials to help them sell ticket to their supporters. 

60% from every £1 lottery ticket supports the local community. Local causes receive 50% of every ticket that their supporters purchase, which is more than double the amount of most other lotteries. A further 10% goes to the Gedling Community Fund, to further support local good causes. 

Francis Rodrigues, chair of the Gedling Youth and Community Hub said:  “This win is great news for us. We will use the money to help pay for the extra running costs, as the cost of living crisis is really affecting charities and organisations like ours, it’s not just households and businesses. I think a lot of charities are finding it harder at the moment, especially with the energy costs rise, so this will be a great help to us.

“We have found using the Lotto to be really helpful with raising funds, our ticket sales have been even more effective than we ever hoped.”

Leader of Gedling Borough Council, Councillor John Clarke MBE said: “We are really pleased to award this prize to the fantastic Gedling Youth and Community Hub and hope that it will help towards their running costs and make a difference to the people of Gedling.

“It’s also great to see many local organisations are using the Gedling Lotto to raise funds that will help them with their important work in the community too.” 

Supporting a local good cause through the lottery not only provides them with vital funds, but also gives supporters the chance to win up to £25,000 in a weekly lottery draw. There are also national prizes available. They can simply choose which organisation to support when signing up at www.gedlinglotto.co.uk. 

Good causes can register to start fundraising for free at www.gedlinglotto.co.uk

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