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Gedling borough grassroots clubs to benefit from share of £39m football funding

Gedling Eye Reporter
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Gedling borough grassroots clubs to benefit from share of £39m football funding

Grassroots football facilities across Gedling borough will benefit from a share of a £39 million of government funding pot, as part of a major commitment to levelling up access to physical activity across the nation. 

Four sites in the borough will receive funding to create and improve pitches, changing rooms and pavilions, so that more local communities can access high-quality facilities. 

The projects have been chosen by the Government for their ability to provide improved facilities in deprived areas, support multi-sport use and increase participation among currently under-represented groups, including women, girls and disabled players. 

Goosedale Sports

The application was from Goosedale Sports Club in Bestwood Village was for the refurbishment of their changing room pavilion. The site is used by Hucknall FC and a hockey club with a sand-based astroturf pitch on site. Grant awarded – £25,000

Lambley Lane Playing Fields

Funding has been provided to Gedling Borough Council to support the replacement of two existing changing units at Lambley Lane Playing Fields to service the teams within well-established partner clubs Mapperley All Stars FC and Phoenix FC, as well as other users of the community grass pitches. Lambley Lane Pavillion previously consisted of two dilapidated pre-fabricated portable buildings.

Grant awarded – £91,279

Ravenshead Parish Council

The project will see the improvement of the grass pitches at the Ravenshead maintained site. The improvement of grass pitches will allow the players a better surface on which to play the game and develop their skills and prevents poor weather disrupting matches.

Grant awarded – £25,000

Arnold Town FC

The project will see the improvement of the grass pitches at Arnold Town.

The improvement of grass pitches is a key focus area for the FA in order to improve the consistency of matches across the season and to allow the players a better surface on which to play the game and develop their skills.

Grant awarded – £31,118

UK Sports Minister Nigel Huddleston said: “We are committed to improving access to high quality sports facilities for the underprivileged and underrepresented across England.

“This investment will ensure more people can enjoy the physical and mental health benefits of these facilities in their local communities.”

Mark Bullingham, chief executive of the FA, said: “This initial £39 million investment from the Government will help people to get active again as we emerge from the pandemic. 

“Having more quality facilities will encourage new participation at every age group and from historically under-represented groups, level up health inequalities in left-behind communities, and make the playing experience enjoyable for everyone that plays the game.”

Arnold woman charged after police officers assaulted

Gedling Eye Reporter
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Arnold woman charged after police officers assaulted

An Arnold woman has been charged after several police officers were allegedly assaulted during an incident.

Police responded to reports that a fight was taking place in Perry Road, Sherwood, at around 6.50pm on Wednesday (23 March 2022).

After approaching a woman understood to be involved in the incident, the suspect reportedly started swearing at officers and was arrested for being drunk and disorderly.

Joanne Parrish, 34, reportedly kicked an officer in the leg while being arrested, before then allegedly assaulting two further officers after being placed in custody.

Parrish, of Oxengate, Arnold, has been charged with three counts of assault on an emergency worker and for being drunk and disorderly.

She has been released on bail.

Anyone with any information about the incident in Perry Road, Sherwood, should call 101, quoting incident number 704 of 23 March 2022.

Mapperley residents warned after spate of shed thefts

Gedling Eye Reporter
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Mapperley residents warned after spate of shed thefts

Police are urging people in Mapperley to be vigilant to as investigations continue into a spate of shed burglaries.

A proactive overnight policing operation has taken place this week and high-visibility and plain clothes patrols have been stepped up in the area after around 10 burglaries were reported over the last month.

The targeted operational activity has involved neighbourhood policing team members working closely with Operation Reacher team colleagues, with officers continuing to hunt a suspect in connection with the crimes.

Officers have also been in the area sharing crime prevention advice and urging residents to check their security to help prevent further offences.

Awareness-raising letters have also been distributed in the area, offering advice and urging people to review their security, and crime prevention activity will continue over the weekend.

Inspector Chris Jury, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “We are urging residents to take positive action and make sure to make it as difficult as possible for criminals targeting their sheds and properties.

“Never leave sheds or garages unlocked, especially if they connect to your property, and please ensure all sheds, garages and property, especially bicycles, are secured each day along with garden tools.

“We would advise residents to put some form of alarm on their shed to deter offenders and, if possible, padlock and secure any side gates or access to rear gardens.

“Driving down burglaries is a priority for the force. The impact and consequences of burglary on victims, particularly the trauma and emotional upheaval it can cause, is why we treat it so seriously.

“I’d like to reassure people that we are continuing to work relentlessly to prevent incidents from happening and we will use every method at our disposal to catch offenders and bring burglars to justice.

“Simple security measures can go a long way to deterring a would-be intruder and we are urging householders to take extra steps to protect their properties and make sure they are not an easy target.”

Insp Jury added: “While have increased patrols in the Mapperley area following these shed burglaries we also rely on the public to be our eyes and ears to help tackle burglary.

“If you see any suspicious activity or have any concerns then it’s really important that you get in touch with us and report this as soon as possible.”

If you see anyone acting suspiciously in your neighbourhood call Nottinghamshire Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. In an emergency call 999.

These Gedling borough roads are set to benefit from £47.4m highway improvement funding

Gedling Eye Reporter
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These Gedling borough roads are set to benefit from £47.4m highway improvement funding

A number of road improvement schemes in Gedling borough will now get the go ahead after Nottinghamshire County Council this week approved a three-year county-wide highway plan that will be delivered at a cost of £47.4m.

This is the first time a three-year plan of highway repair work has been created in contrast to previous annual programmes. 

Councillor Neil Clarke MBE, Chairman of the Transport and Environment committee said: “There are 381 individual road, footway and drainage schemes planned across the county

“Local residents can expect an increase in spend on footway improvements and drainage repairs.  We are also completing our LED lighting programme with a further 12,000 streetlights being upgraded and finally additional funding of £12m over the next four years for structural patching repairs.

“The schemes in the agreed funding have been designed to reflect local and national priorities.  All County Council Members last year were asked to submit their highest priority suggestions so they could be considered for inclusion.   

“The investment is also part of our strategy to support the local economy, promote health and wellbeing and ensure communities thrive.”

In addition to road maintenance the highways funding will go towards local transport improvements such as improving accessibility, addressing congestion, and improving road safety. 

Planned improvements 2022-25

2022/23

Project cost in ( )

New crossings

Station Road, Burton Joyce – access to The Poplars sports ground Gedling (£10k)

Bus improvements

Homefield Avenue, Arnold – junction protection & bus stop clearways (£10k)

Safety improvements

A60 Mansfield Road (between Leapool and Burntstump) – speed management (£150k-£200k)
Church Street and Mellors Road, Arnold – signing and/or lining (£10k)
Foxwood Lane (bend at High Trees), Woodborough – surfacing (£10k-£25k)
Lambley Lane at Recreation Ground car park, Gedling – visibility improvement (£10k-£25k)

Road Repairs
(PICTURE: LDRS)

Speed management

A60 Mansfield Road, Redhill – interactive speed sign [direction to be determined] – interactive speed sign (£10k)

2023/24

Carriage maintenance

C166 Westdale Lane, Carlton – Resurfacing – (£250k)

Nottingham Road, Arnold (Phase 1) – Resurfacing (£250k)

Footway maintenance

Dover Beck Close, Calverton – Resurfacing (£10k‐£25k)
Garnet Street, Netherfield – Resurfacing (£25k‐£50k)
Meadow Cottages, Netherfield – Resurfacing (£25k‐£50k)
Ploughman Avenue, Woodthorpe – Resurfacing (£25k‐£50k)

Drainage improvements

Linby Lane, Linby – Drainage repairs (£10k)
Papplewick – General Drainage improvements (£25k‐£50k)

Surface dressing

Clifton Grove, Gedling – Micro Asphalt (£10k)
Copse Close, Burton Joyce – Micro Asphalt (£10k)
Covert Close, Burton Joyce – Micro Asphalt (£10k)
Elmtree Road, Calverton – Micro Asphalt (£10k‐£25k)
Gorse Close, Calverton – Micro Asphalt Gedling (£10k)
Hillcrest Gardens, Burton Joyce – Micro Asphalt (£10k‐£25k)
Hucknall Crescent, Gedling – Micro Asphalt (£10k)
Linby Close, Gedling – Micro Asphalt (£10k)
Maris Drive, Burton Joyce – Micro Asphalt (£10k‐£25k)
Onchan Avenue, Carlton – Micro Asphalt (£10k)
Onchan Drive, Carlton – Micro Asphalt (£10k‐£25k)
Park Road East Spur, Calverton (opposite Clover Fields) – Micro Asphalt (£10k)
Perlethorpe Close, Gedling – Micro Asphalt (£10k)
Perlethorpe Crescent, Gedling – Micro Asphalt (£10k)
Perlethorpe Drive, Gedling – Micro Asphalt (£10k)
Rowan Close, Calverton – Micro Asphalt (£10k)
St Helens Grove, Burton Joyce – Micro Asphalt (£10k‐£25k)
Station Road, Burton Joyce – Micro Asphalt (£10k‐£25k)
Storey Avenue, Gedling – Micro Asphalt (£10k)

2024/25

Carriageway Maintenance

B684 Plains Road, Mapperley – Carried forward (£250k)
C16 Lowdham Lane, Woodborough – Resurfacing (£100k‐£150k)
Arnot Hill Road, Arnold – Resurfacing – (£100k-£150k)

Footway maintenance

Maris Drive, Burton Joyce – Resurfacing (£50k – £75k)

Surface dressing

Church Road, Bestwood Village – Micro Asphalt (£10k)
Coronation Road, Bestwood Village – Micro Asphalt (£10k – £25k)
Hill Road, Bestwood Village – Micro Asphalt (£10k – £25k)
Lancaster Road, Bestwood Village – Micro Asphalt (£10k – £25k)
Mayes Rise, Bestwood Village – Micro Asphalt (£10k)
School Walk, Bestwood Village – Micro Asphalt (£10k)
St Albans Road, Bestwood Village – Micro Asphalt (£10k – £25k)
The Spinney, Bestwood Village – Micro Asphalt (£10k – £25k)
The Square, Bestwood Village – Micro Asphalt (£10k – £25k)

Reminder to Gedling drivers: Tougher laws around using your mobile phone in the car come into force from TODAY and you could risk £200 fine

Gedling Eye Reporter
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Reminder to Gedling drivers: Tougher laws around using your mobile phone in the car come into force from TODAY and you could risk £200 fine

Drivers in Gedling borough are being reminded they will no longer be able to use their mobile phone under most circumstances while behind the wheel of a vehicle from today (25).

The UK Government announced changes to the rules over the use of mobile devices, which meant drivers were banned from making phone calls, text messages and accessing the internet.

It will now be widened to keep with technological advances made since the law came into force in 2003.

New rules mean that drivers will also no longer be allowed illuminate their screen, check the time, check notification, take pictures or access documents such a videos while behind the wheel of a car.

Anyone who falls foul of the rules will be given a minimum £200 fine and six points on their licence.

UK Transport Secretary Grant Shapps has said that the rule change will make it ‘easier’ for the authorities to prosecute those who are found to be using their mobile phone when behind the wheel.

Drivers will still be allowed to use their phone in emergency situations and continue using their device for navigation purposes, providing that it kept in a cadre and not in the drivers hand.

Man on phone in car

Mobile phones can also be used to make a contactless payment for goods and services – but the vehicle must remain stationary and the item being paid for must be provided at the same time or after the contactless payment is made.

Examples of where this is allowed include paying for takeaways at a drive-through or paying for car parking services.

Changes to the rules were made due to a growing number of accidents on the roads involving someone using their mobile phone.

Department for Transport data found that in 2020, 17 people were killed, 114 people were seriously injured and 385 were slightly injured in road traffic accidents – with mobile phone use listed as the reason for the crash.

The move to widen the rules has been welcomed by RAC.

Simon Williams, road safety spokesperson at the motoring firm, said: “We strongly welcome the government’s strengthening of the law on handheld mobile phone use behind the wheel.

“As our phones have become more sophisticated, the law has not kept pace and this has allowed some drivers who have been using their handheld phones for purposes other than communicating to exploit a loophole and avoid the maximum penalty.

“Our research suggests that more than one in 10 younger drivers admit to taking a photo or video while driving, while 6% say they have played a game.

“While today’s announcement is clearly good news, it’s absolutely vital that the new law is vigorously enforced otherwise there’s a risk that it won’t deliver the sort of behaviour change that will make our roads safer.”

Gedling Borough Council: Plans for advertising billboard and farmhouse extension amongst latest planning applications

Gedling Eye Reporter
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Gedling Borough Council: Plans for advertising billboard and farmhouse extension amongst latest planning applications

Plans for 11 new dwellings in Ravenshead and a bungalow extension in Carlton are among the planning applications that have been made this week across Gedling borough

Every week dozens of planning applications are submitted to the council – and the recent coronavirus pandemic has not changed that.

Here is the list of applications that have been submitted and validated by Gedling Borough Council in the last week.

Visit the council site HERE the links below to find out more and to have your say…

Arnold

Demolition of existing conservatory, side & rear extension & erection of a new single-storey rear and side extension.
94 Birchfield Road Arnold Nottinghamshire NG5 8BS
Ref. No: 2022/0289 

Bestwood

No planning applications this week

Burton Joyce

Construction of a garden outbuilding for use as a dog grooming business and also storage
23 Criftin Road Burton Joyce NG14 5FB
Ref. No: 2022/0139 

Calverton

No planning applications this week

Carlton

Single storey rear extension to replace existing conservatory
5 Acacia Crescent Carlton Nottinghamshire NG4 3JH
Ref. No: 2022/0297

Single storey rear extension and raised patio (part retrospective)
34 Third Avenue Carlton Nottingham Nottinghamshire NG4 1PS
Ref. No: 2022/0231

Planning_Gedling

Colwick

Erection of an industrial building ancillary to existing manufacturing operations. 
Luxfer Gas Cylinders Ltd Road No 2 Colwick Nottinghamshire NG4 2BH
Ref. No: 2022/0298 

Single storey rear extension
66 Crosslands Meadow Colwick Nottinghamshire NG4 2DJ
Ref. No: 2022/0260

Daybrook

No planning applications this week

Gedling

The proposal seeks to ‘repost’ one of the existing static 48 display at Burton Road with a ‘D48-poster’ which will display multiple static advertisements on rotation. The new screen dimensions are to be 6500mm width x 3500mm height.
Railway Bridge Burton Road Gedling Nottinghamshire
Ref. No: 2022/0293

Single storey & two storey front extensions; front flat roof dormer and roof alterations, single storey rear extension, erect two storey linked triple garage and render dwelling.
87 Main Road Gedling Nottinghamshire NG4 3HD
Ref. No: 2022/0270

Single storey rear extension
23 Kings Avenue Gedling Nottinghamshire NG4 4ED
Ref. No: 2022/0203

Erection of detached double apex concrete garage.
52 Stoke Lane Gedling Nottingham Nottinghamshire NG4 2QP
Ref. No: 2021/1462 

Lambley

Removal of silver birch
4 Chapel Lane Lambley Nottingham Nottinghamshire NG4 4PT
Ref. No: 2022/0259TCA

Linby

No planning applications this week

Mapperley

Install extractor / ducting to side elevation of building
914 Woodborough Road Mapperley Nottinghamshire NG3 5QR
Ref. No: 2022/0300

Single storey rear extension measuring 3m out from rear elevation of existing property
2 Haywood Road Mapperley Nottinghamshire NG3 6AB
Ref. No: 2022/0263 

Replacement and resiting of 1.8 metre high garden fence to the front boundary of the site
7 Bradstone Drive Mapperley Nottinghamshire NG3 5SY
Ref. No: 2022/0245 

Netherfield

Discharge of condition 19 (Gas Membrane Validation reports and Capping Validation Reports) of planning permission 2017/0999 for Condition 19 for plots: 160, 209-212, 213, 251-256, 257-260, 276-281, 282-284, 298, 299, 298-304, 304-306, 305-307, 307-313, 308-312, and 334.
Land Off Teal Close Netherfield Nottinghamshire
Ref. No: 2022/0228DOC

Discharge of Condition 22 (External lighting plan) of planning permission 2017/0999 (phase 3)
Land Off Teal Close Netherfield Nottinghamshire
Ref. No: 2022/0210DOC

Discharge of Condition 22 (External lighting plan) of planning permission 2017/0999
Land Off Teal Close Netherfield Nottinghamshire
Ref. No: 2022/0209DOC

Newstead

Proposed Demolition of C19 and C20 additions and extensions and renovation and extensions to the retained farmhouse including refenestrating the farmhouse where extensions are to the removed and the construction of a new two storey and one and a half storey L-shape extension to the east and a further one and a half strorey extension to the north.
Monks Barn Newstead Abbey Park Newstead Nottinghamshire NG15 8GE
Ref. No: 2022/0217

Papplewick

Proposed two storey front extension to form two feature gables with glazed entrance infill, single storey rear extension to provide open plan kitchen/dining facilities and hip to gable rear roof extension to accommodate a total of five bedrooms.
30 Forest Lane Papplewick Nottinghamshire NG15 8FF
Ref. No: 2022/0196

Ravenshead

No planning applications this week

Redhill

No planning applications this week

Stoke Bardolph

No planning applications this week

Woodborough

No planning applications this week

Woodthorpe

No planning applications this week

District and borough councils ‘essential’ to potential East Midlands devolution deal

Andrew Topping (Local Democracy Reporter)
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District and borough councils ‘essential’ to potential East Midlands devolution deal

Council leaders negotiating for a potential mayor and combined authority covering Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire have stressed district and borough councils are “essential” to the process.

Upper-tier authorities are negotiating with the Government for a devolution agreement that could see a large combined council covering both counties, Nottingham and Derby.

It comes as part of the Government’s push for further decentralisation of powers and funding from Whitehall, included within the ‘Levelling Up’ white paper published last month.

Details within the paper confirm that, to get the biggest rewards from devolution, areas must set up a combined authority and have a directly elected mayor.

Benefits from the scheme could include improving a raft of services like healthcare, transport, planning and education, with decisions on how to spend large funding pots made at a local level rather than in London.

But the white paper also says the potential combined authority may only include representatives from upper-tier councils. In Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire, this is the city and county councils.

District and borough councils, it adds, would act as “non-constituent” members and may have no decision-making abilities on major projects. The new authority would, however, be expected to “work closely” with the councils.

The details have led to concern from opposition councillors and leaders of some of Nottinghamshire’s lower-tier authorities, with some previously fearing the project could “essentially turn them into parish councils”.

It also led to an amendment lodged by Councillor Jason Zadrozny (Ash Ind), leader of Ashfield District Council, who called for the county council to recognise “in writing” the role of district and borough councils in this process.

Cllr Zadrozny, who leads the Independent Alliance at County Hall, put forward the amendment during a debate on devolution in the council’s policy committee on Thursday (March 24).

Speaking in the meeting, he said: “Whatever the future of local government might be, if it brings more money in, more responsibilities and benefits our county then I will support it.

“But my firm belief is decisions are best made by people who are closest to the people they affect.

“[Our amendment] recognises the importance of our colleagues, and it is our strategic aim to work closely with districts and boroughs because they bring a lot to the table.

“We literally want to ensure [they] are sat at the table throughout this process, not just for a discussion but formally.”

Labour also supported calls to further enhance the role of district and borough councils in the devolution deal.

Cllr Jim Creamer (Lab), who represents Carlton West, said: “Everybody agrees that the districts and the county work together well and they are really crucial on the ground.

“I don’t see any big problem by formally recognising how important our partners are. It would be politics with a small ‘p’ to recognise their importance at this stage.”

Cllr Zadrozny’s amendment came as part of the county council’s latest devolution report, which confirmed discussions are under way between city and county leaders to explore the mayoral combined authority option.

It also recommended councillors endorse the “continuing inclusion” of district and borough authorities in Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire during ongoing discussions about devolution.

However, Cllr Zadrozny’s motion asked the council to go further, calling for councillors to ensure district and borough councils “play a key and formally recognised role in any future combined authority”.

The amendment was voted down, but the Conservative administration did agree to reword the recommendation to “recognise the importance of and endorse the inclusion of” lower-tier councils in future devolution proposals.

Cllr Bruce Laughton (Con), who chaired the meeting in the absence of council leader Ben Bradley, said: “This is not about backtracking on districts and boroughs, they are essential building blocks in this process.

“Their expertise on planning, their ability to operate in that environment, means it is essential they are valued partners within the process.”

And Anthony May, the council’s chief executive, confirmed both upper-tier leaders and the Government have committed in meetings to set up a devolution framework to “suit everybody”.

He added: “All upper-tier leaders [have given] a very strong commitment to the inclusion of district and borough councils, not just in discussions, but in finding a model of governance to suit the circumstances.”

Conversations between the Government and leaders will continue throughout this year to determine the next steps for devolution.

No agreement is in place on what the deal will look like, with Mr May confirming leaders are “seeking consensus” across a politically-diverse set of 19 different councils.

Man due in court over alleged theft of charity boxes from Netherfield pub

Gedling Eye Reporter
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Man due in court over alleged theft of charity boxes from Netherfield pub

A man is due in court after a charity collection box which contained cash for the Ukraine appeal and another in aid of a stroke unit were stolen from a pub in Netherfield.

It’s alleged the boxes were stolen from It’s Inn the Bank in Victoria Road at around 2.20pm on Tuesday, March 15, 2022.

Police investigating the report arrested a man yesterday (Wednesday 23 March 2022) in connection with this incident.

Its Inn The Bank

Calvin Henry, aged 56, of Querneby Road, Mapperley, is due to appear at Nottingham Magistrates’ Court today (Thursday 24 March 2022) charged with burglary.

He is also charged with committing fraud by false representation in connection with separate allegations regarding use of a stolen bank card at a store in the Radford area of Nottingham on 25 February 2022.

Sergeant Rebecca O’Connor, of the Gedling neighbourhood policing team, said: “I’m pleased we’ve now charged a suspect in connection with these alleged offences which is thanks to lots of hard work by the Gedling south neighbourhood policing team and city north neighbourhood policing team

“Nottinghamshire Police treats all reports of burglary and fraud incredibly seriously and continues to do all it can to seek justice for victims of these kind of distressing offences.”

Gedling MPs welcome Spring Statement easing living costs

Gedling Eye Reporter
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Gedling MPs welcome Spring Statement easing living costs

Both Gedling borough MPs have backed the Chancellor’s Spring Statement, which aims to ease the cost of living for households nationwide.

Chancellor Rishi Sunak has announced that National Insurance starting thresholds will rise to £12,570 from July, meaning workers will keep more of what they earn before they start paying personal taxes.

A typical employee will save more than £330 a year, while the typical self-employed person will save more than £250.

Both borough MPs backed the Chancellor’s plan and said that people across Gedling would benefit from the government’s plan to deliver on the biggest cut to personal taxes in over a quarter of a century.

Gedling MP Tom Randall said: “Our economy is recovering well from the Coronavirus pandemic: there are record job vacancies and unemployment is back at pre-pandemic levels. But global inflationary pressures the steps the Government is taking to sanction Russia are not cost free – the biggest impact at home will be on the cost of living for working families.

“That is why this government has published a new Tax Plan to reduce and reform taxes, including cuts to fuel duty, cuts to the basic rate of Income Tax and cuts to National Insurance for 30 million working people – meaning Gedling residents can keep more of what they earn.

Rishi Sunak and Tom Randall
PICTURED: Chancellor Rishi Sunak, left, with Gedling MP Tom Randall, right

“This Tax Plan delivers the biggest cut to personal taxes in over a quarter of a century – simplifying our system in the long-term whilst we deliver immediate relief for cost-of-living pressures, benefiting families and businesses across Gedling.”

Sherwood MP Mark Spencer said: “The situation in Ukraine reminds us that the United Kingdom’s security and ability to be a force of good in the world is in large part based on the strength of our economy. 

“That is why this Government is going further to strengthen our economy, publishing a new Tax Plan to reduce and reform taxes – including cutting fuel duty, cutting the basic rate of Income Tax and cutting National Insurance for 30 million working people – meaning people can keep more of what they earn.

“This Tax Plan delivers the biggest cut to personal taxes in over a quarter of a century – simplifying our system in the long-term whilst we deliver immediate relief for cost-of-living pressures.”

Gedling Labour criticised today’s announcements.

In a tweet they wrote that Sunak’s Spring Statement would “bring about the biggest tax burden in 70 years, the biggest hit to household income on record and would imposing a real-terms benefits cut in that’ll push 400,000 more people into poverty.”

They added: “The truth is, people can no longer afford the Conservatives.”

https://twitter.com/LabourGedling/status/1506685962142760961

Labour’s shadow chancellor Rachel Reeves said the chancellor had failed to appreciate the scale of the cost of living crisis facing workers and pensioners.

She told MPs: “In eight days, people’s energy bills will be rising by 54%, two weeks today the chancellor’s tax hike will start hitting working people and their employers.

“His National Insurance tax rise was a bad idea last September and he’s admitted it’s an even worse one today.”

Nottinghamshire County Council ‘open to ridicule’ over figures suggesting majority of roads are in ‘good condition’

Andrew Topping (Local Democracy Reporter)
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Nottinghamshire County Council ‘open to ridicule’ over figures suggesting majority of roads are in ‘good condition’

Council figures suggesting the majority of Nottinghamshire’s roads are in a good condition leave Nottinghamshire County Council “open to ridicule”, an opposition councillor has warned.

But the Conservative-led administration hit back at the claim and suggested the county’s roads are by “no means the worst” in the country.

Nottinghamshire County Council’s transport and environment committee reviewed documents on Wednesday (March 23) suggesting 98 per cent of A-roads in the county are in a good state.

The figures also suggested 97 per cent of B and C roads are in the same condition, with 75 per cent of unclassified roads also assessed as being in a good state of repair.

But one opposition councillor questioned the figures during the meeting and said, given longstanding issues with pothole repairs across Nottinghamshire, the figures would be “frankly confusing for residents”.

Data obtained by the Local Democracy Reporting Service last year showed the council repaired more than 476,000 potholes in the five years to 2021, with year-on-year increases in the number of annual repairs.

It came at a time when the Conservative administration was finalising recommendations of its now-approved cross-party highways review, which will shift the authority’s focus towards more permanent road replacements.

The issue was debated during the meeting on Wednesday as councillors caught the first look at a three-year programme of investments into the county’s roads – a shift from the usual one-year plan to give residents “clarity”.

But speaking in the meeting, Councillor Tom Hollis (Ash Ind), who represents Sutton West, questioned the council’s suggestion roads in the county are currently in a good condition as the works get under way from April.

He said: “The figures contained in this report leave this council open to ridicule. To suggest [these figures is] frankly confusing for residents.

“If you don’t recognise the problem, how do you expect to fix it?

“Can I ask who undertakes the reviews of our roads and how far back do these figures go back?  Do they precede storms Dudley, Eunice and Franklin?  I don’t need any analysis to tell me that our highways are in the worst state ever.”

In response, Gary Wood, group manager for highways on the authority, said the figures are the result of national assessments conducted by external surveyors.

But he said the assessments were undertaken in summer 2021 before any potential damage to the county’s roads from the three winter storms.

He said: “The figures in the report come from national indicators and they are based on national standards, they are not surveys undertaken by ourselves but by external surveyors.

“They all have to be nationally accredited and the A, B and C road figures are based on machine surveys – a machine that goes over the road to take measurements.

“They were done annually, so over the summer, [and] they are pre any damage that may have occurred from the storms.”

The highways review couples an additional £12 million investment from the council to double ‘patching gangs’ from four to eight across the county.

These gangs will shift the council’s focus away from temporary asphalt solution Viafix, with more roads to be permanently patched over and receive longer-term fixes.

And Cllr Neil Clarke (Con), chairman of the committee, hit back at the claim the county’s roads are in the worst state.

He says the highways review and the £12 million approved last month mean the authority now has work in place to “significantly improve” Nottinghamshire’s roads and pavements.

He said: “During the highways review panel meetings we talked about A, B and unclassified roads, and it was acknowledged then that the A and B roads are in just the condition of the quoted [statistics].

“It has also been evidenced by various surveys that Nottinghamshire is by no means anywhere near like being the worst roads in the country.

“You will know through the highways panel how much we have now got in place, the improvements to actually work hard to significantly improve the state of the roads in Nottinghamshire.”

Documents show the authority has budgeted £24.73 million for its highways works in the coming year.

About £4.5 million will be spent on maintenance to four A-roads, 10 B and C roads, and 21 unclassified roads across the county.

An additional £1.6 million will be spent on protective works to about 100 streets, with £1 million earmarked for preventative works and for street light improvements, £1.5 million for footway works and £800,000 for drainage.

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