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Funding to support slow recovery in Gedling borough bus passenger numbers

Anna Whittaker (LDR reporter)
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Funding to support slow recovery in Gedling borough bus passenger numbers

Nottinghamshire County Council will use Government funding to help get Gedling borough bus passenger numbers back to pre-pandemic levels.

Documents show that after the outbreak of the Omicron variant, bus recovery slowed to around 70-80 per cent of pre-Covid activity.

And for concessionary fare holders, use has stalled at 55 to 60 per cent of pre-pandemic levels.

The county figures will be discussed during the Transport and Environment Committee at Nottinghamshire County Council on May 4.

In response to the “slower recovery”, the Government has announced funding for a further six months until October 2022 through the Local Transport Fund (LTF).

The Government had already given financial support through the Bus Recovery Grant (BRG), which ended in March 2022.

A Lilac 25 bus in Carlton
PICTURED: Lilac 25 bus in Carlton

The Council’s £4.1m budget for local buses supports more than 100 bus services across the county.

Documents also show that this summer, the council will also be using £1.5m funding to run a pilot a project which will see buses operate on a “fully flexible, on-demand basis”.

The new Demand Responsive Transport (DRT) project will be trialled in the summer in Ollerton and Mansfield and in the Autumn in Rushcliffe.

It comes after the authority successfully bid for National Bus Strategy Rural Mobility Fund monies 2020/21.

Council documents stated: “These DRT services will not operate to a fixed route or timetable but will operate on a fully flexible on-demand basis to any destination within the operating area and further destinations outside the area to connect with traditional fixed route bus services. Customers will be able to book DRT services by phone, on the web or through an app.”

Papers published ahead of the meeting state that the council “intends to build on current investment levels and high passenger satisfaction ratings to further develop and improve bus services”.

Councillors will also be updated on “bus recovery progress as the sector emerges from the Covid pandemic”.

EU votes to force all phone companies to use same charger

Gedling Eye Reporter
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EU votes to force all phone companies to use same charger

The European Parliament has this week approved plans to force phone companies to come together and use one charger for their products.

Under current European Union plans, companies will be required to adopt USB-C ports on all products, allowing for devices to be more interoperable and healthier competition between brands, as well as cutting waste.

Voting on the proposal, MEPs on the parliament’s influential Committee on Internal Market and Consumer Protection came in 43 votes in favour with just two against, The Independent reports.

While a number of companies have already started using USB-Cs more extensively, including Sony with the PlayStation 5, the biggest impact will be seen with Apple, which has long-distributed its own charging technology, with the exception of new MacBooks.

If enforced, these rules would technically only apply to countries within the European Union. However, given the impact it’d have on production lines and the likes of Apple already vowing to reduce waste by removing chargers from phone boxes, it’d be unsurprising to see other countries conform.

Phone charging cable
IMAGE: Pixabay

The EU and European Parliament will now work together on nailing down the specifics of the regulations and an estimated date for them to be enforced.

Alex Agius Saliba, a socialist MEP from Malta with a firm hand in the proposals, said: “With half a billion chargers for portable devices shipped in Europe each year, generating 11,000 to 13,000 tonnes of e-waste, a single charger for mobile phones and other small and medium electronic devices would benefit everyone.

“It will help the environment, further help the reuse of old electronics, save money, and reduce unnecessary costs and inconvenience for both businesses and consumers.

“We are proposing a truly comprehensive policy intervention, building on the commission’s proposal by calling for the interoperability of wireless charging technologies by 2026 and improving information given to consumers with dedicated labels.”

Speeding motorists stopped as police launch crackdown following complaints from Burton Joyce residents

Gedling Eye
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Speeding motorists stopped as police launch crackdown following complaints from Burton Joyce residents

Fourteen motorists were stopped for speeding during a police operation that took place earlier today (26) after concerns were raised by residents in Burton Joyce.

Nottinghamshire Police said the operation took place on the A612 Nottingham Road.

One motorist was also prosecuted for travelling 61mph in the 40mph zone.

A spokesman said: “The Carlton beat team conducted a speed operation on A612 Nottingham Road in Burton Joyce following ongoing complaints from residents about the excess speed of vehicles along the A612, going into Burton Joyce.”

(PHOTO: Notts Police)

After police shared news of the operation on social media local people had their say.

Liz Mathieson posted: “It might be an idea to check the speed of motorists outside Carlton le Willows Academy on a school run long before they get to Burton Joyce.”

Hazel Chadbourne-Doyle called for more permanent measures to be put in place.

She posted: “We need average speed cameras installing. Speeding through the village is a regular occurrence.”

‘Uncaring and utterly unacceptable’: Councillor left ‘shocked’ by state of Carlton flats after mould and damp concerns were raised by residents

Gedling Eye Reporter
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‘Uncaring and utterly unacceptable’: Councillor left ‘shocked’ by state of Carlton flats after mould and damp concerns were raised by residents

A Gedling councillor has said she was left ‘shocked’ by the state of some flats at a Carlton housing complex during a visit organised when mould and damp concerns were raised by residents.

Councillor Liz Clunie said she visited a number of properties at Foxhill Court, on Foxhill Road, and claims to have seen lots of examples of damp and mould which have not been dealt with despite complaints being made to Jigsaw Homes, who manage the properties.

Councillor Clunie, who represents the Cavendish Ward on Gedling Borough Council, said there had also been complaints around vulnerable residents having access to laundry facilities cut by the housing provider.

“I was shocked to see some of the long-standing problems in residents’ flats,” Councillor Clunie said.

“The issues of damp and mould need dealing with once and for all. Cutting services at the same time as failing to deal with damp and mould issues in residents’ properties is uncaring and utterly unacceptable.

She added: “Speaking to residents it is clear that cutting their access to laundry facilities is not acceptable.  I have asked Jigsaw Homes to reconsider and reverse their decision with immediate effect. 

PICTURED: Foxhill Court apartments on Foxhill Road (IMAGE: Google)

A spokesperson for Jigsaw Homes Midlands said they were ‘unaware’ of the issues that have been raised.

They told Gedling Eye: “We make sure that our most vulnerable and older residents at Foxhill Court have access to services that they need, including welfare checks, a scooter store, alarm systems and the laundry room, all of which is included in their service charge. 

“These particular services are not routinely provided and therefore not paid for by more able and less vulnerable residents not in our housing for over 55s properties. However, if any resident feels they are not able to access the nearby alternative laundry facilities, we would be happy to speak to them about how we can help.

“Foxhill Court has recently undergone significant refurbishment and has had external wall insulation fitted. 

“We are not aware of any reports of damp but we will investigate this further. We always ask residents to report any issues to us straight away, and we are here to offer advice and to address any repairs needed as soon as possible.”

New bus lanes to improve ‘heavily congested’ A60 between Arnold and Nottingham

Andrew Topping (Local Democracy Reporter)
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New bus lanes to improve ‘heavily congested’ A60 between Arnold and Nottingham

Plans to improve the “heavily congested” A60 corridor between Redhill and Nottingham will see new bus lanes created without being “detrimental” to journey times for car drivers, council documents state.

The new bus lanes will be installed at three ‘pinch points’ along the busy road, including close to the roundabout junction with the A614, where large queues form during rush hours.

It comes as part of funding from the Government’s Transforming Cities Fund, in which Nottingham and Derby have been awarded £161 million to reduce carbon and improve air quality across the region.

Nottinghamshire County Council and Nottingham City Council have worked together as part of wider plans for the city and county, with improvements planned across several parts of the sub-region.

And now the county council has revealed its multi-million-pound plan to reduce congestion and improve traffic issues on the A60 – one of the county’s busiest roads at peak times.

The authority says it will improve travel times at the busy section near Arnold and Redhill heading into Nottingham city centre, where journey times for motorists have been on a gradual increase.

Documents state the section of the A60 between the Leapool Island, at the A614, and Woodthorpe Drive, saw average journey times increase by three minutes over nine years.

Figures accurate to 2019, before the pandemic took hold, show the average travel time between the Esso petrol station and the boundary with Sherwood took 13 minutes.

This was up from 10 minutes in 2010/11, with other parts of the area – including the junction with Cross Street and Oxclose Lane, listed as an Air Quality Management Area.

County Hall Nottingham
PARTNERSHIP: Nottinghamshire County Council will work with Nottingham City Council to make the project happen

These are areas where there is an “exceedance or likely exceedance” of air quality issues, with this junction of the A60 listed as having “historically exceeded” nitrous oxide levels.

And in a bid to improve on these figures, the city and county council plan to invest some Transforming Cities funding to remove bus ‘pinch points’ at three key sections of the road travelling into Nottingham.

These are between the A60’s Esso petrol station and Arch Hill, from Appledorne Way to Cross Street in Redhill, and on Oxclose Lane at its approach to Edwards Lane.

Council documents state the bus lanes will be operational 24/7, with cameras in operation to “ensure compliance”.

The works, if approved by Nottinghamshire County Council’s transport and environment committee next week, would also see the road and pavement widened at these locations and the removal of some trees.

Discussions are also ongoing with Gedling Borough Council about purchasing two parcels of land totalling 52sqm to help widen the road and pavement.

And Nottinghamshire County Council states there will be “long-term benefits” from the improvements, including drivers opting to use public transport to access the city rather than travelling in cars on the busy road.

But the council says investigations conducted since the initial bid have confirmed the improvements will be “capacity neutral”, believing it will not lead to more cars on the roads or impact travel time for motorists.

Documents published ahead of the meeting on May 4 state: “Design work carried out since the original bid has confirmed that the introduction of the new sections of bus lane will be capacity neutral and will not be detrimental to journey times for car users.

“There are also anticipated to be long-term benefits as a result of
drivers opting to switch to public transport due to the improved bus journey times, which should further help to reduce congestion along this corridor.”

The A60 work is expected to cost £4.842 million and comes as part of a wider £7.91 million programme.

But documents add further sections of inbound bus lanes are being considered, including at the junction of the A60 at Mansfield Road and Thackeray’s Lane, in Arnold.

The council’s economic development and asset management committee has approved further feasibility studies into this proposal, with further investigation works expected to cost £1.085 million.

The transport and environment committee is recommended to approve the projects during the meeting next week.

Outbreak board monitoring Covid surges across Notts to be disbanded

Andrew Topping (Local Democracy Reporter)
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Outbreak board monitoring Covid surges across Notts to be disbanded

An outbreak control board which monitored Covid surges across parts of Nottinghamshire will be disbanded as the county begins to roll out its ‘living with Covid’ strategy.

The board, which met to discuss major outbreaks in council-led and community settings, has not met in an official capacity since July last year – despite the surge from the Omicron variant over Christmas.

And Jonathan Gribbin, public health director for the county, has officially disbanded the board after recommending to councillors it should be phased down.

However, he has said Nottinghamshire County Council will have the capacity to re-establish the board in the event of a future outbreak or new variant of the disease.

Mr Gribbin, who led the authority’s response to the pandemic, told councillors during a public health committee meeting on Monday (April 25) that Covid hospitalisations are stabilising.

He confirmed there is a high level of infections countywide despite the removal of free community testing, but stated this is not translating to high levels of serious illness on hospital wards in the city and county.

Latest Government figures show Sherwood Forest Hospitals NHS Trust, which runs King’s Mill, Newark and Mansfield Community Hospitals, has 111 people in its sites who have tested positive for the virus.

Just one of these patients is on a ventilation bed.

Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, which runs Queen’s Medical Centre and the City Hospital, has 298 current Covid-positive patients, with four people on ventilators.

And speaking in the meeting at County Hall, Mr Gribbin says this is partly the result of high levels of vaccination in the county and the “effectiveness” of the vaccine programme.

County Hall Nottingham
PICTURED: County Hall

He said: “As a result of relatively high levels of vaccination across the population, and the effectiveness of the vaccination programme, there are now – given a high level of infections – very few people in hospital who are ill with Covid.

“The total number of people in hospital with a diagnosis of Covid still runs at several hundred, but most or many of those people are not in hospital as a result of Covid.

“There are just a handful of people in hospital on mechanical ventilation as a result of a diagnosis of Covid.

“We still have high rates of infection but, relatively speaking now, thankfully relatively small numbers of people experiencing serious illness.

“But we have to be mindful that, in the period ahead, we may see further waves and we may see new variants come through.”

Mr Gribbin told councillors Nottinghamshire County Council has about £9 million in unallocated Covid reserves which can be used to target future outbreaks or any surges of the virus.

Future plans to manage life after the pandemic include funding three community health champion coordinators to develop a network of volunteers, who will be promoting the vaccination programme.

There is also funding for small community projects to enhance the uptake of the Covid-19 vaccine.

However, Mr Gribbin expects Covid to become like seasonal flu, with outbreaks occurring during the winter months. However, in a report published before the meeting, he stated this could take up to a decade.

Commenting on disbanding the Covid engagement board, he added: “Notwithstanding some of the extreme pressures the local system faced in the winter period, that board hasn’t had to meet again [since July last year].

“I’m proposing that should be stood down and formally disestablished but, of course, if the need arises I’m asking for the authority to reestablish it – should that be needed again in the future.”

Members of the adult social care and public health committee unanimously approved disestablishing the outbreak control and engagement board.

Councillor Boyd Elliott (Con), chairman of the committee, said: “Covid-19 response will now be conducted on a business-as-usual basis, along with other health protection responsibilities.”

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

Gedling Eye Reporter
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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 days.

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 you need to know about:

Arnold Lane, Gedling

28 April – 30 April

Delays likely – Traffic control (multi-way signals)

Description: Refreshing road markings at night

Works location: on the approach to the island

Responsibility for works: Nottinghamshire County Council

Gedling Road, Carlton

26 April – 28 April

Delays likely – Traffic control (Stop/Go boards)

Description: Refresh road markings.

Responsibility for works: Nottinghamshire County Council

Gedling Road, Arnold

27 April – 29 April

Delays likely – Traffic control (Stop/Go boards)

Description: Refresh road markings.

Responsibility for works: Nottinghamshire County Council

Georges Lane, Calverton

26 April – 28 April

Delays likely – Traffic control (Stop/Go boards)

Description: replacing damaged bollards

Works location: outside Spring Cottage

Responsibility for works: Nottinghamshire County Council

Roadworks

Main Road, Gedling

28 April – 30 April

Delays likely – Traffic control (multi-way signals)

Description: Refreshing Road Markings at Night

Works location: Entire Length

Responsibility for works: Nottinghamshire County Council

Ollerton Road, Arnold

28 April – 29 April

Delays likely – Traffic control (multi-way signals)

Description: Installation of signage

Works location: junction with burnstump hill

Responsibility for works: Nottinghamshire County Council

Shearing Hill, Gedling

28 April – 30 April

Delays likely – Traffic control (two-way signals)

Description: Refreshing Road Markings at Night

Works location: Main Road to No 39

Responsibility for works: Nottinghamshire County Council

Station Road, Carlton

27 April – 30 April

Delays likely – Traffic control (two-way signals)

Description: Refreshing road markings

Works location: Between George Street & Steads Close

Responsibility for works: Nottinghamshire County Council

Work progresses on linking Arnold Lane with Colliery Way in Gedling

Gedling Eye Reporter
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Work progresses on linking Arnold Lane with Colliery Way in Gedling

Work to link Arnold Lane with Colliery Way – known as Gedling Access Road – is making good progress.

A full closure of Arnold Lane has been in place since March 23 between its junction with Mapperley Plains and Linsdale Gardens. Work is taking place to connect Arnold Lane to the new five-arm roundabout on Colliery Way.

The road is expected to be fully reopened during the summer.

A 400m section of Arnold Lane has been taken up and earthworks are also progressing well to form the new road where Arnold Lane is being realigned to connect onto Colliery Way. 

As part of these works, the junction of Arnold Lane / Mapperley Plains / Gedling Road will be upgraded, and so temporary three-way traffic lights will be in operation throughout the closure. Nottinghamshire County Council say the traffic refuges on Mapperley Plains have also been changed and relocated, which is all part of the junction upgrade and refurbishment.

Colliery Way opening
Pupils from Carlton le Willows joined councillors at the opening of the Colliery Way last month

Diversion routes are also in place using Colliery Way, the A612 and Colwick Loop Road, and additional signage to show these routes, particularly around Victoria Retail Park is being installed. The signs showing the approved diversion route from Gedling Village now have a square symbol, and the signs showing the approved diversion route from Mapperley Plains have a triangular symbol.

Pedestrian access is being maintained along Arnold Lane via the existing footpath adjacent to the golf course so you can still walk through from Gedling Village to Mapperley Plains.

A spokesman for Nottinghamshire County Council said: “We want to say thank you for your continued patience whilst we work on this project.”

Carlton Town miss out on play-off spot after defeat at Stamford

Alan Murphy
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Carlton Town miss out on play-off spot after defeat at Stamford

Carlton Town’s late playoff surge came to an end on Saturday with a last day 3-0 defeat at Stamford.

Belper’s win at home to Corby meant that Carlton could not qualify for the playoffs in any event, but the Daniels proved too strong for the Millers on the day and became the only team to take six points off Carlton this season.

On a glorious day Tommy Brookbanks and Mark Harvey named an unchanged starting eleven following Monday’s victory against Spalding.

Stamford featured ex-Miller Connor Bartle in their line up.

Backed by an excellent travelling support, which included Carlton legend Steve “Chappo” Chaplin, the Millers began well enough and a neat passing move on five minutes saw Nat Watson draw a decent save from Daniel Wallis.

At the other end Jack Duffy headed just over the bar from close range.

Carlton’s best chance of the game came on seven minutes when Tyler Blake outpaced the home defence but from a good position he hit his effort high over the crossbar.

Bartle then hit a fierce 25-yard drive which drew an excellent save from Shaun Rowley.  Rowley was called upon again to make another decent stop, this time from a Jack Duffy header, as Stamford started to increase the pressure.

Cosmas Matwasa was next to run at the Millers defence, only to be denied by a superb Daniel Fletcher tackle.

Carlton Town sign
(PHOTO: Neil Slack Photography)

With the game heading towards half time, the home side took the lead with a goal that had a large element of fortune attached.  Tendai Chitiza, who had tormented the Millers when the sides met earlier in the season at Stoke Lane, cut in from the left and hit a shot that looked a routine save for Rowley until the effort struck Martin Ball and the deflection looped over Rowley and into the net.

Stamford pushed on in the second half and Jonathan Margetts hit the post before a bizarre second goal on 68 minutes all but sealed the win.  The Daniels were awarded a free kick 25 yards out on the left.  Harry Vince’s fine effort struck the post before the referee ordered a re-take as he wasn’t ready.  Vince hit a grasscutter along the floor straight at Rowley, only for the ball to hit a divot and completely wrong-foot the keeper on its way into the net.

On 75 minutes there was a melee involving pretty much everyone on the pitch and a number of those in the dug-outs.  After a delay of around 10 minutes the referee sent off Brookbanks and gave Harvey a yellow card.  Both managers left the field and Daryll Thomas and injured captain Tom Maddison coached the players for the remaining minutes of the game.

In added time Michael Frew completed the scoring, tapping into an empty net after a great run and pass by Jake Duffy.

Stamford’s win meant they finished second and secured home advantage throughout the playoffs.  For Carlton, a sixth placed finished was Carlton’s highest in 10 years and the club can be very pleased with its campaign on and off the pitch.

At the end of the game the entire squad came across to thank the travelling supporters for their support this season, which was very much appreciated.  The club still has the final of the Notts Senior Cup to look forward to, before they plan for a 16th season at step 4, which given the size of the club is a remarkable achievement.

Carlton Town: S Rowley, L Gorman, D Fletcher, M Ball, D Brown, J Holmes, N Watson,  K Sargent (R Tait 64), T Blake (A Opoku 46), A O’Connor, A Howes (L Czerwak 46).  Unused substitutes: T Moore, T Johal

Goals: Tendai Chitzia 42, Harry Vince 68, Michael Frew 90

Carlton Town Supporters Club MOTM – Daniel Fletcher

Att: 660

Gedling borough supermarkets slash prices as they fight for customers

Gedling Eye Reporter
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Gedling borough supermarkets slash prices as they fight for customers

Two borough supermarkets have cut prices as they battle for customers with households hit by the sharp rise in the cost of living

Morrisons and Asda, who have supermarkets in Arnold and Netherfield, have been losing customers to budget stores such as Aldi and Lidl as price pressures mount.

Morrisons now plans to offer an average 13% price cut on more than 500 goods including eggs, beef and rice.

Meanwhile, Asda revealed it had “dropped and locked in” prices on some products until the end of the year.

The cost of living is rising at its fastest rate in 30 years in part due to soaring food prices.

Morrisons, which is the UK’s fourth-largest supermarket after Tesco, Sainsbury’s and Asda, said the cuts would cover refrigerated, frozen and store cupboard food and affect around 6% of its total sales volume.

Morrisons boss David Potts told BBC News: “We know that our customers are under real financial pressure at the moment and we want to play our part in helping them when it comes to the cost of grocery shopping,”

Items being discounted include cereal, cooking sauces, chicken and sausages as well as flour, bread and ham.

Meanwhile, Asda said more than 100 products covered by its “dropped and locked” promise ranged from some fresh fruit and vegetables to fresh meat and frozen food.

The supermarket said prices would drop by 12% on average.

“We know that household budgets are being squeezed by an increasing cost of living and we are committed to doing everything we can to support our customers, colleagues and communities in these exceptionally tough times,” said Mohsin Issa, co-owner of Asda.

Last month, Asda launched its Just Essentials range promising an expanded line of low-cost products in all its stores from May.

In February, the grocer said it would offer a wider range of low-cost goods in its stores after being criticised by food poverty campaigner and chef Jack Monroe.

Last week, the UK’s largest supermarket chain, Tesco, said its profits last year more than trebled, but said its performance this year would be affected by the need to keep prices down.

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