News - Page 442 of 1016

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22/07/2022

Andrew Topping (Local Democracy Reporter)

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

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22/07/2022

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

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21/07/2022

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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

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20/07/2022

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

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20/07/2022

‘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.

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

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20/07/2022

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

VIDEO: Plans for new, greener council building near Linby set to get final go-ahead

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20/07/2022

VIDEO: Plans for new, greener council building near Linby set to get final go-ahead

Plans for a new, low carbon council office located at the planned sustainable village at the site of Top Wighay Farm near Linby is due to be considered by the County Council’s Planning and Rights of Way Committee.

This new building will form part of plans to bring long-term savings for taxpayers by creating more carbon-neutral council buildings, generating income by leasing space within buildings, and co-locating with other public organisations. The flagship building is also planned to provide new, flexible workspace and accommodation for small and medium-sized businesses.

The new Top Wighay office is part of wider plans to build a sustainable village on the site, which already has outline planning permission. The wider plans will bring 805 new homes and a new primary school and are estimated to create more than 1,000 new full-time jobs and boost the economy by more than £873 million over a decade.

This site is on land which has been approved for development in Gedling Borough Council’s local plan. None of this development site is designated as green belt land.

Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Asset Management, Councillor Keith Girling, said: “We are an ambitious, forward-thinking council and have made a clear pledge to help meet the UK’s carbon-neutral targets by 2030 so it’s vital we invest now to make our buildings more energy-efficient.

“The new building at Top Wighay will house services such as adult and children’s social care, which are currently based in leased office space.

“We will move out of buildings we pay rent for and bring services closer to the residents who need them the most, which will cut down on their travel time and help the environment.

“This forms part of wider plans for more carbon-neutral buildings with the aims of saving money, improving quality for the benefit of communities across the county.

“We have focused on improving our buildings which offer services to some of our most vulnerable residents.

“Top Wighay aims to be as carbon-neutral as possible and will be built to the highest of standards when it comes to sustainable buildings.”

As part of the statutory planning process partners and local residents have had the opportunity to feedback on planning proposals.

Cllr Girling continues: “We have taken all feedback into careful consideration and welcomed the support for our plans from many partners.

“We appreciate that traffic is a concern in the area, which is why footpaths, cycling routes and other forms of sustainable travel such as buses are at the heart of plans.

“Following feedback, access to the existing, regular bus services (The Threes) will be improved thanks to new bus shelters with real-time displays in both directions on the A611. A direct pedestrian/cycle path to the A611 from the new council building will also provide quicker, more convenient access.

“Our plans will also include creating electric vehicle charging points in the staff car park area.”

This site is close to the M1 and Hucknall is well served by tram and rail, with existing links to Nottingham, Derby, Mansfield and Chesterfield.

Completed infrastructure work at the site includes an expanded roundabout on the A611/Annesley Road, a new signal-controlled junction as well as a new, three-metre wide, shared use footway/cycle lane along the northern side of the A611 north of Hucknall and to the west of Linby. This work has already helped to limit the impact of traffic on nearby towns and villages.

Cllr Girling added: “Let’s not forget this investment will provide building contracts for local subcontractors, which in turn benefits the local economy and local jobs.

“Plus, as one of the county’s biggest employers with many staff in public-facing roles or still being office-based from time to time, having workplaces which are fit for purpose and in the right place around the county, forms part of the thinking behind these plans.”

Subject to planning approval work is planned to start on site early next year.

The Top Wighay council building is being delivered though the Arc Partnership, on behalf of Nottinghamshire County Council.

New Aldi store on Teal Park site near Netherfield will open on August 11

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19/07/2022

New Aldi store on Teal Park site near Netherfield will open on August 11

Aldi is set to open a brand new store on the Teal Park complex near Netherfield on Thursday, August 11 at 8am.

The new store on Morado Way will be opened by Paralympics GB gold medallist Richard Whitehead, who will be cutting the all-important ribbon on opening morning. Richard will also give away complimentary bags of fresh fruit and vegetables from Aldi’s famous Super 6 range to the first 30 customers in the queue.

The new store will be run by Store Manager Stuart Levick, along with a team of 38 colleagues who have been recruited from the local community.

The discount retail giant said all 38 new jobs have been created as a result of the new store.

The new store will offer fresh, British meat products with weekly offers, Aldi’s award-winning ‘Specially Selected’ range, exclusive Beers, Wines and Spirits, and a ‘Food to Go’ section at the front of the store. Aldi’s legendary Specialbuys will also be available in the middle aisle every Thursday and Sunday, offering extraordinary value on a wide range of products, from electrical items to garden tools.

Aldi Store Manager Stuart Levick said: “We can’t wait to open the doors to the new store in Rivendell. It’s set to be a special day and having Paralympic hero Richard Whitehead join us will make it a morning to remember.”

Para athletics star Richard Whitehead added: “I’m so excited to be opening Aldi’s new store; it will be great to chat to customers and a lovely way for me to thank Aldi for its support of Paralympics GB.”

Additionally, the new Aldi store is calling on local charities and food banks in Netherfield to register with Neighbourly, a community engagement platform that links businesses to charitable organisations in the local community.

Local charities that register will be able to collect surplus food and perishable products, such as fruit, vegetables and baked goods, up to seven days a week. Any charities in the area that would like to partner up with the new Aldi store should email aldi@neighbourly.com.

Police seize off-road bike in crackdown on motorcycles at Netherfield Lagoons

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19/07/2022