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Notts health boss: Covid 19 likely to become ‘predominantly winter seasonal illness’ in future

Gedling Eye Reporter
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Notts health boss: Covid 19 likely to become ‘predominantly winter seasonal illness’ in future

Covid 19 is likely to become a ‘predominantly winter seasonal illness’ in the future – but there is still uncertainty about the path the pandemic will take in Nottinghamshire.

Public Health Director for the county, Jonathan Gribbin, has prepared a report for Nottinghamshire County Council.

His report – Living Safely with Covid in Nottinghamshire’ – will be discussed by councillors at a public health committee on Monday, April 25.

He has outlined what measures will be taken in the future to manage local outbreaks and how money will be spent to target areas with low vaccination uptake.

Mr Gribbin said the effectiveness of the vaccine against severe illness associated with Covid has resulted in a reduction in hospitalisations and deaths in Nottinghamshire.

He also discusses a government report – Living with Covid – released in February which states the global pandemic is not over and there is “considerable uncertainty about the path that the pandemic will now take in the UK”.

PICTURED: Public Health Director for the county, Jonathan Gribbin
Covid sign Arnold
A Covid sign in Arnold town centre

His report states: “It is likely that we will see further waves of transmission due to changes in immunity and/or the emergence of new variants, but the scale, timing and severity of any further waves is uncertain.

“Over time, it is likely that Covid-19 will become a predominantly winter seasonal illness, with some years seeing larger levels of infection than others.

“However, this may take several years to occur and for the present time, there continues to be significant numbers of cases and fluctuating levels of people hospitalised.”

Mr Gribbin said the Contain Outbreak Management Fund – funding provided to local authorities by the government to help reduce the spread of coronavirus – will be carried forward into 2022/23.

This fund, of which £9.3m is currently committed to this financial year, will continue to be used to support ongoing and new projects to the end of March 2023.

Proposals include funding three community health champion co-ordinators to develop a network of volunteers who will be promoting the Covid-19 vaccination programme.

There is also funding for small community projects to enhance the uptake of the Covid-19 vaccine. Bids have been received from local businesses and the community and voluntary sector to support vaccination for “underserved, vulnerable and deprived communities with low vaccine uptake”.

Examples include online resources in specific languages, support with transport and dedicated one-to-one assistance for people with severe mental illness and learning difficulties.

Gedling councillors discuss plans to tackle rising number of HMOs in Netherfield

Gedling Eye Reporter
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Gedling councillors discuss plans to tackle rising number of HMOs in Netherfield

Gedling Borough councillors discussed plans for measures to be introduced to help tackle the growing number of Houses of Multiple Occupancy (HMO) in Netherfield at a council meeting on Wednesday night.

A motion was proposed by Conservative councillors Sam Smith and Mike Adams following research conducted in the town, with residents raising concerns around the number of HMOs being created.

Their motion called for an Article 4 direction to be introduced by the council.

If an Article 4 Direction was approved then developers would need to obtain planning permission to convert a family dwelling into an HMO for between 3 and 6 unrelated people to share. Planning permission is currently only required for properties shared by 7 or more unrelated people.

The Tory motion was amended during the course of the meeting and Labour councillors removed a September deadline for discussion and also requested an opportunity to respond to a letter sent by Gedling MP Tom Randall on the matter. They also want to write to Government requesting they reverse HMO legislation introduced back in September 2010.

To support their motion, Cllr Sam Smith revealed the results of a survey they carried out in the town.

He said 117 residents had taken part with 75% noticing an increase in HMOs and 93% wanting article 4 direction introduced.

Gedling Borough Council Civic Centre
PICTURED: Councillors debated the issue during a meeting at the Civic Centre (PHOTO: Gedling Eye)

Gedling Borough Council leader and Netherfield councillor John Clarke said more information should be gathered before a definite decision was made.

He said that while he previously believed Article 4 would help sort out any HMO problem in Netherfield, he now thought it could leave the council vulnerable to costs.

“When you get down to the nitty-gritty, it [article 4] won’t sort it,” he said.

“We could become vulnerable to costs. They could be significant to a small council and that’s not good.

“There is a way through it and this is not saying ‘no’ to Article 4 but let’s get some more information.”

Councillor Clarke said only one resident had ever raised a complaint about HMOs at his town surgeries.

“If there were more – I’d tell you.”

He said he also ‘didn’t take kindly’ to the Tory survey raising fears over HMOs in Netherfield and an increase in crime.

He said: “Crime is worse in Rushcliffe than it is in Netherfield and if you start putting those kind of things out there then these problems are going to get worse because you get the vigilante thing of ‘we don’t want this; we don’t want that”

“Let’s not whip it up too much, let’s get something sorted.”

Trent Valley councillor Michael Adams accused the leadership of Gedling Borough Council of ‘kicking the problem into the long grass’.

“This situation has been batted off again. The Government aren’t doing it – you’re doing it

“An amendment had been made to the original motion calling for a letter to local MPs and the government about reversing legislation. This amendment changes the motion’s direction to once again sending a letter, which is incredibly disappointing and will be disappointing for the residents of Netherfield who we spoke too as well.

“The fact Netherfield residents have a view on how they want their community to be is a positive thing and they have called on their local representatives, who they elect, to change things in their community. That’s what they put us here for.

“We have the power to refer these decisions to Council cabinet, let cabinet make a decision and enact that change, however once again it’s long grass time. Let’s kick it into the long grass and then maybe we can look at it one day.

He added: “It’s disappointing that words are again being chosen over action.”

The motion with amendments was approved and the case to introduce Article 4 will now be discussed further by the Council cabinet.

Gedling borough’s cheapest petrol and diesel: Prices at our local filling stations

Gedling Eye Reporter
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Gedling borough’s cheapest petrol and diesel: Prices at our local filling stations

Unleaded and diesel prices are taken from petrolprices.com – and are correct to within the last three days.

The hunt for Gedling borough’s cheapest petrol and diesel prices continues as the cost of fuel seems to be dropping slightly.

Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced a temporary cut in fuel duty recently of 5p per litre as motorists struggle with record fuel prices.

Figures from the RAC shows the latest average cost of a litre of petrol at UK forecourts as of right now is 164.59p, while diesel is 178.13p. It also anticipated that prices will continue to fall.

The RAC warned drivers they will only notice a difference once retailers have bought new fuel at the lower rate. The measure is expected to reduce the cost of filling a typical 55-litre family petrol car by around £3.

Prices have started to fall slightly across the borough…

UNLEADED…

Arnold

Sainsbury’s Arnold – 158.9p

Asda Arnold – 158.7p

BP Mansfield Road – 158.9p

Carlton

Texaco Burton Road – 159.9p

Texaco Westdale Lane East – 159.9

Shell Carlton Road (Carlton Square) – 166.9

Mapperley

Co-op Mapperley – 161.9p

Netherfield

Morrisons – 164.9

DIESEL…

Arnold

Asda Arnold – 172.7

Sainsbury’s Arnold – 172.9

BP Mansfield Road – 174.9

Carlton

Texaco Burton Road – 177.5

Shell Carlton Road – 177.9

Mapperley

Co-op Mapperley 178.9

Arnold heating firm teams up with charity to offer essential supplies to refugees from Ukraine

Gedling Eye Reporter
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Arnold heating firm teams up with charity to offer essential supplies to refugees from Ukraine

Arnold heating giant T&S Heating has teamed up with a charity to help support those fleeing war-torn Ukraine.

The firm’s offices on Rolleston Drive will now be a drop-off point for kind-hearted who want to leave donations of essential supplies which will then be distributed to refugees throughout Europe.

The heating supplier has teamed up with charity The Universe Foundation so they can help support those escaping the country following the invasion by Russia.

The Universe Foundation was recently formed as a charity to address the plight of refugees from Ukraine.

You can drop off your donations a 92 Rolleston Drive, Arnold, Nottingham, NG5 7JP

Ukrainian refugees
Ukrainian refugees have fled the country following the invasion by Russia (PHOTO:YouGov)

A spokesman for the charity said: We are delighted to announce that we have partnered up with T & S Heating Ltd – who are the hottest name in heating’.

“They have kindly provided us with a drop-off point for donations and we are excited to have them on board.”

The charity has created a list of items needed to support refugees and these are as follows:

FIRST AID

  • Ibuprofen
  • Paracetamol
  • Cold/flu treatments
  • Bandages
  • Sterile dressings
  • Multivitamins
  • First-aid kits
  • Cough syrups
  • Vapour rubs
  • Plasters

BABY ESSENTIALS

  • Formula milk
  • Baby porridge
  • Baby food jars and pouches
  • Dummies
  • Nappies
  • Baby wipes
  • Teething gels
  • Antiseptic creams

FOOD

  • Rice
  • Tinned food
  • Tea and coffee
  • Rice
  • Protein and cereal bars
  • Cup-a-soups

PERSONAL HYGEINE

  • Shampoos
  • Soaps
  • Shower gells
  • Toothpaste
  • Sanitary towels
  • Deodorants
  • Sanitary towels
  • Toothbrushes

Hundreds of parents sign petition against Gedling and Netherfield schools joining multi-academy trust

Emily Sanchez
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Hundreds of parents sign petition against Gedling and Netherfield schools joining multi-academy trust

A group of parents and local residents have started a petition against their schools becoming part of a regional multi-academy trust.

They are calling on people to sign the petition against Carlton le Willows School in Gedling and Netherfield Primary School joining the multi-academy East Midlands Education Trust (EMET).

The schools are currently managed by the Greater Nottingham Education Trust (GNET).

EMET manages 20 schools in the region including The West Bridgford School and South Wolds Academy in Keyworth.

The petition owners claim the schools will be charged each school will be required to pay £450,000 per year for membership.

It says that financial restrictions could be placed on the schools and this would ‘impact school trips, after-school clubs, resources, teaching & learning and so much more’.

It was also critical of the consultation period, which they claim is only eight days.

Petition organisers said: “Carlton Le Willows is a top performing school in the county and Netherfield is a continually improving school.

“There is no research or evidence to suggest that Larger Multi-Academy Trusts improve standards or benefit the children holistically.

“Bigger is not always better. Community, family and shared values are. We are a small family of two schools in a small community. Our children don’t dream of Larger Multi-Academy Trusts. They dream of the bright futures which our schools already promote.”

Netherfield Primary School
PICTURED: Netherfield Primary School (IMAGE: Google)

The petition has now been signed by over 800 people and can be seen here: https://www.change.org/p/netherfield-says-no-to-emet-east-midlands-education-trust

EMET’s CEO Rob McDonough said a proper consultation would take place at a future time if there was an appetite for the schools to move across to the Trust.

He told Gedling Eye: “The possibility of GNET joining EMET is to be discussed at the East Midlands and Humber Advisory Board on April 27th. The purpose of this for us is to merely ascertain if GNET can join EMET.  If this is approved, then a formal consultation can take place to discuss if GNET wants to join EMET.  Therefore the question of there being only eight days consultation is not accurate.  

“A full formal consultation would take place later and we would examine the question ‘does GNET want to join EMET?’  It would be at this time that the benefits or otherwise can be fully considered.

Mr McDonough said the Trust’s charges to schools would be at the ‘lower end of the charge range’.

“Other trusts typically charge 5% or 6%,” he said.

“I believe Carlton le Willows already charges Netherfield primary 4% of its general annual grant (GAG) as a central charge, so GNET will already be familiar with the concept.  

“Our charge pays for the running of the trust including a wide ranging support package for our schools for the ‘back office’ functions which include HR, finance, legal, safeguarding, IT, and catering. Some of these back office services have been completely centralised so schools no longer have to fund these activities themselves. 

“It is not true to say each school will be charged £450,000 because one school is a large secondary and the other a small primary.  The central charge is 4% of their GAG. 

“It is also not true to see this as an additional charge to their existing costs because we take costs off the school. A larger group of schools working together is simply more cost effective with its back office provision and can provide a wider range of services when compared to a small trust. “

Talented youngsters from Gedling borough recognised at police awards ceremony

Gedling Eye Reporter
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Talented youngsters from Gedling borough recognised at police awards ceremony

Two extraordinary young people from Gedling borough have been celebrated in a special awards ceremony aimed at shining a light on inspiring youngsters from Nottinghamshire.

The Live Our Best Life Awards 2022 ceremony, organised by Nottinghamshire Police, was held last night (19 April) at Nottingham Forest Football Club with a packed-out audience and special guests treated to entertainment and videos showcasing the winner’s achievements.

The awards focused on those aged between eight and 18, who have shown incredible resilience, selflessness or have done something inspirational throughout the last year.

Nottinghamshire Police also had the pleasure of welcoming Baroness Lawrence and Rt Hon Stuart Lawrence, who attended the ceremony and presented an award.

The Live Our Best Life Awards form part of the police service’s celebration of Stephen Lawrence Day on 22 April and were supported by the Stephen Lawrence Day Foundation.

This year was the first time the awards had been held in person since launching in 2021.

With nominations open to schools, parents, carers, youth workers and other adults, the awards received a record number of entries – over three times higher than previously.

Thanks to the help of the awards’ sponsors the winners received an iPad, £100 gift card, a certificate and trophy, and unique experiences of visiting the police dog kennels and a VIP visit to the Defence Animal Training Regiment.

PICTURED: Chief Constable Craig Guildford, Police and Crime Commissioner Caroline Henry, Baroness Lawrence and Rt Hon Stuart Lawrence

Nottinghamshire Police’s youth outreach worker Romel Davis, who works within the Citizens in Policing Department, launched the awards last year (2021).

He said: “I would like to personally thank every single person who nominated someone, took part in the event, attended, the sponsors, hosts, presenters, my colleagues and finally Baroness Lawrence and Rt Hon Stuart Lawrence for their continued support and for attending the ceremony.

“The Live Our Best Life Awards were launched as a way to shine a light on young people for all their hard work, recognise their incredible achievements and for being an inspiration to others.

“This is the first year we were able to hold an in-person ceremony and I’m so proud of everyone who attended and got to hear the stories of the six incredible winners.

“Compared to last year we received over three times the number of nominations and we hope that next year we can go even bigger and better again and really do everything possible to celebrate young people.

“It is so important that as a police service events like this exist so we can showcase the incredible work of young people throughout Nottinghamshire.

“We are passionate about working with young people throughout the county and local communities to celebrate their achievements and give them opportunities.

“Policing isn’t just about arresting people. Engagement work also plays a huge part in what we do to motivate young people and give them opportunities and work with them and this is something we will continue to do to really shine a light on extraordinary youngsters.

“The awards were a huge success and I would once again like to thank everyone that played a part, and say a huge congratulations to every single winner for being a truly inspirational person.”

Nottinghamshire Police and Crime Commissioner Caroline Henry, said: “It was a fantastic evening and unique opportunity to showcase the inspirational young people in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire – congratulations to all the truly deserving winners and for sharing their stories.

“I am delighted that Baroness Lawrence and Rt Hon Stuart Lawrence were in attendance and supported our awards.”

This year’s local winners were:

Young Performer of the Year Award – Khushi Kaur, aged 17, of Carlton, Nottingham, for displaying amazing talent.

Bringing People Together Award – Taona Makunganya, 17, of Arnold, Nottingham, for bringing the community together or fighting to eradicate hate or racism.

Shops could be built at car wash site on Mapperley Plains

Gedling Eye Reporter
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Shops could be built at car wash site on Mapperley Plains

Plans have been drawn up to replace a Mapperley Plains car wash with new shops.

The proposals have been submitted to Gedling Borough Council and – if approved – would see the development of three single-storey retail shops and associated car parking to replace the existing IMO car wash that currently occupies the site.

24 car parking spaces for customers would also be created, with five of these being electric vehicle charging points.

In a letter to the council sent with the proposals, the applicant stated that ‘it is anticipated that none of the retailers will compete with the existing operators, who have been trading since 2013 when Sainsbury’s Local opened’.

Documents sent with the proposals state that two part-time employees currently work at the car wash.

The applicant said: “We do believe that this development will be of benefit to the growing number of new residential areas around Mapperley Plains and a retail use will prove to be far more attractive than a 1980s car wash building.”

Gedling Borough Council will now make a decision on the plans over the coming weeks.

Carlton Foodbank makes urgent plea for donations to help feed those in need

Gedling Eye Reporter
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Carlton Foodbank makes urgent plea for donations to help feed those in need

A foodbank in Carlton has issued an urgent appeal for help.

Carlton Foodbank volunteers say they are currently experiencing shortages of some items.

A spokesman for the charity said: “In this cost of living crisis it is difficult for people to make donations. However if you feel that you can donate just one or two items, it would really help.”

The charity has created a list of food they require:

  • Tinned tomatoes
  • Canned meat
  • Tinned fruit
  • Tins of rice pudding
  • Tins of custard
  • Coffee
  • Baked beans

If you are able to help, please drop off items in the container in Tesco at Carlton Square, or at the foodbank based at the Main Street Methodist Church on Carlton Hill from 12-2.30pm on Tuesdays or Fridays.

Colwick waste fire appears to be accidental, says fire service

Gedling Eye Reporter
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Colwick waste fire appears to be accidental, says fire service

A large waste fire in Colwick on Friday (15) is believed to have been started accidentally, the fire service has said.

Residents were asked to shut their doors and windows after 20 tonnes of paper caught fire at the site on Private Road 2, Colwick,

Nottinghamshire Fire & Rescue said the blaze has been established as accidental, with the most likely cause thought to be lithium batteries discarded into general waste.

A Fire Service spokesman said: “On Friday 15 April at 08:35am we were called to Colwick Industrial Estate, where 20 tonnes of general waste materials were burning.

Fire Colwick

“Crews from Carlton, London Road, Arnold, Highfields and Edwinstowe, Collingham, and Hucknall attended the incident, plus the Aerial Ladder Platform, Ashfield’s High Volume Pump and the Water Carrier from Worksop Fire Station. The fire was extinguished by approximately 1pm, and crews revisited at 6pm to reinspect the scene.”

Phil Revill, group manager at Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: “Lithium battery fires in waste disposal centres are avoidable.

“We ask that members of the public think before discarding batteries into their general waste.

“Thankfully we were able to contain this fire within a matter of hours, but irresponsible waste disposal does have consequences. If you are unsure on what you can or cannot bin, please contact your local council.”

Plans for huge neighbourhood near Linby move forward as developer is selected

Anna Whittaker (LDR reporter)
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Plans for huge neighbourhood near Linby move forward as developer is selected

Plans for a huge new development near Linby with more than 800 homes have taken a step forward after a company was selected to build the project.

The new Top Wighay Farm neighbourhood will provide up to 805 houses, a primary school, local shops and employment land.

Nottinghamshire County Council said some land has also been “safeguarded” to be used for a possible tram extension in the future.

The council says the £205m project, which is expected to bring more than 1,000 jobs to the area, is the biggest they’ve ever dealt with.

The authority’s new £15.7m headquarters are also being planned as part of the site, despite criticism from some councillors about the costs of the project.

On April 19, housebuilder Vistry was announced as the chosen developer for the site, which was given outline planning permission in April 2021.

Councillor Keith Girling (Con), chairman of the council’s economic development and asset management committee, said: “I’m really delighted that we have moved as quickly as we have.

“This is the biggest project this council have ever had, that’s the scale of what we’re doing here.

Top Wighay Farm
PICTURED: The new planned development at Top Wighay Farm

“This is going to be a significant influence on the economy of Hucknall in a positive way.

“We’re connecting cycle routes with Hucknall and part of the deal will see a substantial amount of new bus routes too.

“We’ve also safeguarded land so the tram can be extended there in the future to reduce the impact on the roads infrastructure.

“We have decided that the preferred developer is Vistry, they have the right ethos for us.

“We’re not just building boxes, we’re building homes for people to make memories in.”

Concerns have been raised previously about the impact of hundreds of new homes on local infrastructure including healthcare services.

Cllr Girling added: “If there is a need for a doctor’s surgery, there is no reason why we can’t do that.

“We will work with primary care services to see if they want a surgery on this site.”

In response to the criticism over the flagship council offices which are in the pipeline, Cllr Girling added: “Residents are going to have council services delivered on their doorstep in a building that’s going to be unique in Nottinghamshire.

“The building will be as green as it can be, which is a subject close to people’s hearts.

“I would rather overestimate on the costs.”

He added that Vistry has indicated the work could be completed within six years.

Councillors unanimously approved the plans during the planning committee on April 19.

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