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How to get to the new Gedling Access Road – now called Colliery Way

Gedling Eye Reporter
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How to get to the new Gedling Access Road – now called Colliery Way

The new Gedling Access Road (GAR) officially opens to traffic today (22).

Now know as Colliery Way, from the former colliery site, it will cross several fields, Glebe Farm and a section of the walled garden at Gedling House, which is a Grade II Listed Building, and a section of the Carlton-le-Willows Academy grounds. The route will terminate at a new junction created with the A612 at Trent Valley Road / Nottingham Road.

The GAR incorporates seven key junctions along its length to integrate the new road with the existing highway network and provide accesses to the proposed mixed-use development at the former Gedling colliery. These include:

  • two new traffic signal-controlled junctions including pedestrian crossing facilities at either end at junctions with the B684 Mapperley Plains Road and A612 Trent Valley Road / Nottingham Road that ties into Burton Road and Whitworth Drive
  • a new 5-arm roundabout connecting GAR with Arnold Lane and the Gedling Colliery development site
  • a new 4-arm roundabout connecting GAR with the Gedling Colliery development and future employment site
  • two new T-junctions providing links with the northern and southern sections of Lambley Lane with the GAR
  • a new 3-arm mini-roundabout on Lambley Lane connecting the southern section of Lambley Lane to GAR, with the option of a fourth arm to serve potential development land immediately to the east of Lambley Lane.
PLANS: A Map of the Gedling Access Road

In addition, there is a requirement for a number of access points off the GAR to serve land, property, and drainage attenuation ponds.

Gedling Access Road update February 2022

Lighting

Light-emitting diode (LED) street lighting will be installed along the whole length of the GAR including the new roundabouts. The new energy-saving LED lights are 60% cheaper to run than the old-style, low pressure sodium lights and have a longer lifespan.

All lighting design will comply with current British Standard requirements and will also meet the latest local highway authority road lighting specifications. The street lighting design will minimise the impact the light has on the environment by ensuring the column height is the minimum necessary to achieve the required illumination and by ensuring the design of lanterns reduce as far as possible vertical and rearward spillage of light.

Speed limits

The new road will have a maximum speed limit of 40mph (70kph design speed) along the majority of the route. A 30mph limit will be in place between the 5-arm roundabout (at its interface with Arnold Lane) and the 4-arm roundabout that provides access to Gedling Country Park, adjacent to the former Gedling Colliery development.

Landscaping

The landscape scheme will integrate the new road into the surrounding countryside, mitigate ecological impacts and maintain biodiversity along the route. The majority of the proposed planting is native species in keeping with the local landscape character and includes tree planting, woodland, wet woodland, woodland edge planting and hedgerow planting.  Grass seeding includes species rich mixes and a wetland grass mix to the balancing ponds.  Native aquatic/marginal planting will also be carried out to the balancing ponds to help improve biodiversity.

Gedling Access Road
PICTURED: Gedling Access Road progress

Pedestrians and cyclists

A 3m wide shared footway/cycleway for pedestrians and cyclists will be provided along the length of the new road.

Crossing points will be provided at both roundabouts and at all junctions. This includes toucan crossings at the junction with the B684 Mapperley Plains, the A612 Nottingham Road / Trent Valley Road, and adjacent the proposed 4-arm roundabout to facilitate public access into Gedling Country Park.

Traffic noise

Screening will be provided to minimise the visual and noise impacts in critical locations. This will be achieved through a combination of earth mounds, landscaping, and noise barriers. Road design and material choice for the carriageway surface course have been taken into account to reduce noise levels and in some areas acoustic fencing will be erected.

A baseline noise monitoring survey was undertaken in 2014 at all receptor locations within 400m of the GAR. Measurements were taken in accordance with the relevant British Standard.

The traffic noise generated by GAR has been modelled, taking into consideration the noise mitigation measures. Some properties will experience a decrease in noise once the GAR is operational, due to a forecast reduction in traffic on other local roads, specifically Arnold Lane and Spring Lane. A small number of properties will experience an increase in noise levels, however the modelling undertaken demonstrates no properties are entitled to mitigation in accordance with the criteria set out in the Noise Insulation Regulations 1975 (amended 1988).

CHEERS! Pub opening hours extended for Queen’s Platinum Jubilee weekend

Gedling Eye Reporter
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CHEERS! Pub opening hours extended for Queen’s Platinum Jubilee weekend

Pubs across Gedling borough will be allowed to stay open two hours later over the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee weekend.

The government today confirmed that boozers in England and Wales will be given a two-hour licensing extension to serve drinks until 1am during the summer celebration.

Pubs are usually shut their doors at 11pm.

The extension applies on June 2, 3 and 4 as Her Majesty marks 70 years on the throne.

Although licensing hours were reformed in 2003 – allowing pubs and bars to open round the clock – many have stuck with the traditional 11pm closing time.

Pint being pulled

The Licensing Act allows exceptions to be made on occasions of “exceptional international, national or local significance”.

Past national occasions where serving hours were extended include the royal weddings in 2011 and 2018, the Queen’s 90th birthday in 2016, the FIFA World Cup in 2014, and the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee in 2012.

It covers the four-day Bank Holiday Weekend in June, which includes the specially-adjusted May Bank Holiday that usually falls at the end of the month.

It has been shifted to June 2 to fit in the fun, meaning millions will get an an extra day off to toast the Queen, 95.

New apartments planned for cinema site in Mapperley – but developers will retain historic building

Anna Whittaker (LDR reporter)
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New apartments planned for cinema site in Mapperley – but developers will retain historic building

New apartments could be built on land next to one of Nottingham’s most historic cinemas in Mapperley

Land near the former Majestic Cinema building could be given a new lease of life after plans were submitted for seven apartments across three blocks in Woodborough Road

Thew cinema, which was opened in 1929, is one of the only buildings of its kind by architect Alfred John Thraves which has survived.

The plans propose to retain the landmark Grade II listed building and build one apartment block next to it and two more behind it, without damaging the cinema’s “image nor its integrity”.

The cinema closed in 1953 and was later taken over by the Haunted Museum and Oddities in 2018.

But the museum moved to the city centre in 2021 and the building has not been used since.

PICTURED: An artist’s impression of how the apartments might look

In 2019 a developer applied to demolish the building and replace it with apartments, but there was uproar from the local community who started a campaign to save it.

After the campaign, Nottingham City Council added the former cinema to their list of Buildings of Historic Interest and it has since been granted Grade II listing status.

Now, applicant RAAM Properties Ltd has applied to Nottingham City Council to build the one and two-bedroom apartments around the vacant cinema site.

Planing documents stated: “The significance of this building as a piece of our heritage has been considered throughout the design phase.

“The proposed new buildings will not compromise its image nor its integrity. In fact, the investment in the site will be of significant benefit to the area in general and the listed building consequently.

“We believe that the requalification of this brownfield site, which has been vacant for a few years and is in a dilapidated state, will overall contribute to the conservation of the heritage asset for the foreseeable future.”

The plans will now be considered by Nottingham City Council.

History of the Majestic Cinema by Bob Massey

The Majestic Cinema in Mapperley was opened at 6pm on June 10, 1929 by the local councillor and ex-Sheriff of Nottingham Mr John Farr.

During the opening ceremony Mr Farr said that “the new cinema has provided the area with one of its finest buildings. The people of Mapperley could not until that time be charged with too much cinema going as this was the first building of this type to be built in the area”.

He also stated that “the new cinema would provide for the social and recreational sides of life with its program of educational values and healthy interest.”

CELEBRATION: The grand opening of the cinema back in 1929

The site for the cinema had been well chosen at the top of the hill near the Methodist Church. Being built into the hillside it allowed the entrance to be at street level with steps leading towards the screen, thus making it natural auditorium. This arrangement gave easy access to both the stalls and balcony.

The building was designed by Alfred J Thraves who also designed many of the arteas cinemas including the Regent at Kirby and the Plaza in Mansfield.

This cinema was built by the firm of Coleman and Blackburn of East Kirby who had constructed several other cinemas.

It had a total seating capacity of 721 all with a good view of the 20’(6m) by 15’(4.5m) screen.

It was for its time splendidly equipped and decorated and was described as “the Elite of the Suburbs”. This was a reference to the Elite Cinema in Nottingham which was one of the finest cinema buildings then in existence.

The opening film was Sorrell and Son, the story of an ex-army officer’s struggles after the First World War, and starred Mary Nolan, Nils Asther and H B Warner.

The cinema was owned by the Severn family who operated the building themselves, They carried out many of the jobs, managed the venue and took the tickets – it was a real family operation.

SCRAPPED: One of the discarded designs for the Majestic

The program operated Monday to Wednesday when there was then a change of film. This new film then continued until the Saturday. There were of course no films on a Sundays in those days. Saturday afternoon was the kids’ time when from 2pm Westerns, action films, comedy, cartoons and of course the serial, were shown.

The Majestic continued to provide the people of Mapperley with good entertainment throughout the following decades but like many cinemas succumbed to the effects of the cinema tax and the start of television. It finally closed its doors for the last time, with the film Carry on Admiral, on Saturday, December 7, 1957.

ALL CHANGE: The former cinema housed a golf shop in the 90s

After it closed it was occupied by electrical contractors. The electrical contractors eventually moved on and were followed later by a golf store who occupied the premises for a number of years.

The building then stood empty for a number of years until taken over by the last tenants who opened The Haunted Museum. All the users, especially the most recent ones, have respected the decor. The building is substantially unchanged except for a floor being added in the auditorium to provide a level surface.

Teenagers charged after stabbings and robbery in Carlton street

Gedling Eye Reporter
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Teenagers charged after stabbings and robbery in Carlton street

Two teenagers have been charged with a stabbing and a robbery that took place less than a week apart on the same street in Carlton.

An 18-year-old man had to be taken to hospital for treatment after being stabbed, in Ramsdale Road on Saturday (19).

His injuries were not life-threatening.

Police were also called to the same location a week earlier on Sunday, March 13, after another 18-year-old man was reportedly robbed at knife point and forced to hand over his mobile phone.

Ziyad Meliebary, 18, and a 17-year-old girl, who cannot be named for legal reasons, were both arrested following the stabbing incident and were further arrested in connection with the robbery six days earlier.

Ramsdale Road Carlton
PICTURED: Ramsdale Road in Carlton

Meliebary, of Colville Street, Arboretum, has been charged with causing grievous bodily harm with intent, robbery, possession of an offensives weapon and possession of a class B drug.

The 17-year-old girl has also been charged with causing grievous bodily harm with intent, robbery and possession of an offensive weapon.

Meliebary is due to appear before Nottingham Magistrates’ Court later today (21 March 2022), while the 17-year-old girl has been released on bail with conditions and will appear before the courts on 28 April 2022.

Detective Sergeant Lauren Morgan, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “Stopping knife crime is one of our main priorities across the force, for the simple reason that it can lead to lives being changed forever, and in some case, lead to lives being tragically cut short too.

“A young man was stabbed during this assault but thankfully, his injuries aren’t life-threatening.

“We feel that this assault may be linked to a separate robbery that took place in the same location six days earlier and have now charged two suspects in connection with both incidents.”

Pupils from Carlton Le Willows help new £49m Colliery Way put down roots on day of opening

Gedling Eye Reporter
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Pupils from Carlton Le Willows help new £49m Colliery Way put down roots on day of opening

Pupils from Carlton Le Willows Academy in Gedling helped the new £49m Colliery Way establish roots in the local community to mark its official opening.

The year seven pupils played a key part at the official opening event by planting a Major Oak sapling on site alongside Nottinghamshire County Council Chairman, Councillor Mike Quigley MBE.

The planting will complement the ecological measures put in place throughout the construction of Colliery Way, previously known as the Gedling Access Road, which include 53,000 new trees, seven badger tunnels, seven bat hop-overs and six amphibian tunnels, as well as improved pedestrian and cycle links to Gedling Country Park.

The new road is open to members of the public from 1.30pm today (21) to explore the route on foot or by bike.  Marshalls from Balfour Beatty will be on site to direct people, and they will also have some kids’ activity sheets with colouring pencils to help younger children explore with their families.

Councillor Mike Quigley MBE, Chairman of Nottinghamshire County Council said: “I am looking forward to marking the official opening of this long-awaited road and delighted that the pupils from Carlton Le Willows school can help me plant a major oak sapling from Sherwood Forest to commemorate the occasion.

Leader of Gedling Borough Council, Councillor John Clarke MBE said it was ‘another piece in the jigsaw’ that would improve transport links in the borough.

“This project has been a long time in the making and I’m proud to see the results of all those years of hard work have led to this road becoming a reality” he said.

“To me this is part of another part of the jigsaw. There was another piece and that was Teal Close and you can see how that’s developed. This is another piece and takes us up to Mapperley Top but there are two other pieces I would like to see completed: one is that bridge across the Trent – it needs building – and the other end at Mapperley Top and we need to make sure it gets across to Junction 27 of the M1.”

“You cant have a core city like this without decent transport.”

PICTURED: Year Seven pupils from Carlton Le Willows school plant a sapling from the Major Oak at the entrance to the Gedling Access Road (IMAGE: Gedling Eye)
PICTURED: Councillor Mike Quigley plants the tree wt the Burton Joyce entrance to Colliery Way with help from pupils at Carlton Le Willows pupils (PHOTO: Gedling Eye)
PICTURED: Gedling Borough Council leader John Clarke gave a speech at the opening of the Gedling Access Road (IMAGE: Gedling Eye)
PICTURED: Chairman of the Gedling Village Local History & Preservation Society Francis Rodrigues (IMAGE: Gedling Eye)
PICTURED: VIPS are invited to remove the cones to officially open the new bypass (IMAGE: Gedling Eye)

Carlton le Willows Academy Headteacher Craig Weaver said: “We are pleased that the children have the opportunity to be involved in this tree planting and raise their awareness of local ecological initiatives, which are balanced against local human need for wider infrastructure and communication projects.”

Stephen Semple, Area Director at Balfour Beatty, said: “The opening of the Gedling Access Road concludes two years of hard work, and is testament to the unwavering dedication and expertise of our 120 strong team.

“Once opened, the Gedling Access Road will significantly improve journey times for the travelling public and we hope that this fantastic, new piece of infrastructure will provide a lasting, positive legacy for generations to come.”

The £49 million road links the A612 with Mapperley Plains and will improve journey times, reduce congestion through Gedling Village and bring new homes, jobs and businesses to the area.

Works on the 3.8km of new road began in January 2020 and construction teams have since moved 512,000 cubic metres of earth, equivalent to 204 Olympic swimming pools, laid 45,816 tonnes of tarmac and installed 30 kilometres of drainage pipes and cable ducts.

Traffic will be able to use the new road from midday on 22 March.

MATCH REPORT: Linby CWFC 0 – 2 Blidworth Welfare 2

Gedling Eye
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MATCH REPORT: Linby CWFC 0 – 2 Blidworth Welfare 2

Linby’s season-long unbeaten home record, spanning 13 matches, was ended by title chasing Blidworth on Saturday (19).

Manager Andy Tring was again forced into changes with no less than nine players from the first team squad missing for various reasons.

Sean Craven and Jack James are suspended, Danny Tring, Tim Adcock and Josh Hunt were out injured. Greg Conn, Matt Adcock, Ash Foster and Tremere Lindo were all unavailable.

Indeed, it was a testament to the strength in depth that he has built up this season that he fielded a team that were able to competed. Blidworth are a solid, no nonsense outfit, that contain enough quality up front to be able to grind out results. It’s very easy to see why the former Linby Player, and Manager, Richard Hannigan’s Blidworth are CML South Division favourites.

The Home team started unusually slowly and paid the price by conceding an early goal in the first minute. Lee Townsends low corner caught Linby off guard and former player Aidy Harris volleyed home at the near post, 0-1.

Linby struggled to get into the game for the rest of the half, probably the poorest half of football from them this season, not taking anything away from the visitors who wasted a glorious chance on 30 minutes to double their lead.

A Luke Bacon through ball sent Alex Neilson away one-on-one, his lob over the on rushing Jack Leverton drifting wide of the target.
The only effort Linby mustered was a shot on the turn from striker Elliot Jones on 40 minutes, that flew a foot over the bar.

Half Time: Linby CWFC 0-1 Blidworth Welfare

After the kick-off of the second half, the visitors again went close with Harris shooting from 22 yards out but Leverton produced a fine save.

Linby then went on to enjoy their best period on the game as they pushed the visitors back searching for an equaliser. On 55 minutes, a cross from Josh Melville was headed goalward by a Blidworth defender under pressure, but Keeper Finlay Batty pulled off a good save to prevent an own goal.

Despite Linbys pressure they couldn’t seem to find the final ball or that bit of magic to unlock the visitors solid defence.

Inevitably, it was Blidworth who found the second goal. 69 mins, another Townsend corner was expertly delivered to find Kyle Bacon to head home from 5 yards out, 0-2.

The win puts Blidworth firmly in the driving seat for the title and leaves Linby’s hopes of promotion thwarted for this season.

But, it’s been a very commendable effort from Andy Tring’s troops who still have 11 games to play.

However, today was a step too far with too many big players missing.

The unbeaten home run, Linby’s best in 25 odd years, goes down as a testament to their undoubted improvement and will only make them stronger.

MATCH REPORT: Sutton Coldfield Town 0-1 Carlton Town

Alan Murphy
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MATCH REPORT: Sutton Coldfield Town 0-1 Carlton Town

A goal on the stroke of half-time from Aaron Opoku gave Carlton Town a much needed 1-0 away win at Sutton Coldfield Town.

The Millers still remain seven points adrift of the playoffs with only six games remaining but this was a much-improved performance and only a second away win since October to the delight of the travelling support.

Mark Harvey and Tommy Brookbanks made two changes to the side which had lost against Yaxley last time out.  In came Khyle Sargent and Opoku in place of the injured Niall Davie and the absent Tom Maddison.

On a gloriously sunny afternoon Carlton began on the front foot and played some lovely passing football in the opening period of the game without really threatening the Royals goal.

Indeed, it was Sutton who had the first real chance of the game when Leo Brown ran through on goal on 14 minutes but Shaun Rowley was quick off his line and the striker hit his effort high over the bar.

Martin Ball then played a superb pass to send Aaron O’Connor away.  O’Connor looked certain to score before being barged to the ground by James Beresford.  It looked a stonewall penalty but the referee waved away the claims to the amazement of the travelling contingent.

Opoku then forced Beresford into a hurried clearance which struck the impressive Sargent and rebounded just wide of target.

The Millers should have taken the lead just after the half-hour when an unmarked Ball headed a Nat Watson corner against the top of the crossbar.

Alex Howes was a constant threat and O’Connor was keeping the home defence busy, and the goal that always looked like coming finally arrived in the last minute of the first half.  Holmes slipped the ball to Howes who then fed Opoku on the left hand side with a lovely pass.  The Millers had had problems all afternoon keeping the right side of a well-worked offside trap but Opoku advanced on goal and beat keeper Jonathan Brown at his near post with what looked like the help of a possible deflection.

Tommy Brookbanks
PICTURED: Carlton Town manager Tommy Brookbanks (PHOTO: Twitter)

The Royals  began the second half much better and Brett Lloyd and Leo Brown both went close with efforts that flew across the face of goal, the latter’s shot very close indeed.

But Carlton kept the home side at bay, not least due to some decisive goalkeeping from Shaun Rowley and some fine defensive work from the whole defence, particularly Dan Brown who made a couple of key interceptions.

Indeed, after the opening 15 minutes Carlton regained their control of the game and a fine passing move involving Watson, Holmes and O’Connor led to the latter drawing an excellent save from Brown.

Lawrence Gorman was then called upon to cut out a Sutton attack and he and Opoku combined to give Howes another chance, but Jonathan Brown saved comfortably.

Howes looked certain to double Carlton’s lead after another Opoku cross, but a block from Beresford kept the Sutton deficit at one goal.

Still Carlton pushed forward and a wonderful move from Sargent, Howes, Gorman, O’Connor and Opoku saw Howes hit the base of the post from a narrow angle on the right.

Howes then advanced into the area and sent the ball across the face of goal only for the home defence to clear.

Daniel Fletcher and Gorman kept the Sutton wide players quiet and although there were a couple of deep crosses late in the game, Rowley dealt with them confidently and the Millers saw out the final minute of the game to secure a fine away win.  They left the field to merited applause from the decent travelling support in the West Midlands.

Carlton Town: S Rowley, L Gorman, D Fletcher, M Ball, D Brown, J Holmes, N Watson, K Sargent, A Opoku, A O’Connor (T Blake 78), A Howes.  Unused substitutes: N Towle, L Czerwak, D Elliott, D Flint

Goals: A Opuku 45

Carlton Town Supporters Club MOTM – Dan Brown

Att: 190

Carlton charity booksale prepares for final chapter.

Emily Sanchez
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Carlton charity booksale prepares for final chapter.

One day it’s just an ordinary semi-detached home in Carlton – and on the next, it’s a buzzing bookshop.  

After a two year covid break, Gedling borough’s popular Masked Charity Booksale is being resurrected – but possibly for the final time.

ExLibris, the Masked Booksellers, started in 2006 after Bob Cann and Chris Cook-Cann deplored the quantity of interesting books being thrown out by charity shops, libraries and people who had run out of shelf space.  

The pair donned masks, called themselves ExLibris, and started rescuing as many books as possible – even intercepting some as they were being thrown into a skip at the dump.  Selling them became an effective way of raising funds for local good causes.

At first, books were sold out and about, at stalls.  The very first stall, at Nottingham Green Festival in 2006, raised £106 for Nottingham and Notts Refugee Forum.  Since then, £24,636.85 has been raised and distributed to various charities and other good causes.  

The first booksale took place on a single day on September 8th, 2007 in front of the Canns’ Gedling home, raising £189.  

The booksale proved popular and became annual events, running over two days in 2008, three days in 2011, and seven days over two weekends in 2016.   

But the organisers have now warned his year’s booksale may be the final one ever and will take place over three long weekends – twelve days in all.

Cann and Cook-Cann said each booksale now requires over ten weeks of preparation, plus the help of other volunteers.  Then it has to be cleared away again afterwards.

Exlibris-Booksale

There will be over 20,000 books on all conceivable topics, including new, genre, unusual, modern and classic fiction; every non-fiction subject you can think of, from art to zoology; books on leisure interests such as gardening, crafts, and cookery; hardbacks and paperbacks; lots and lots of children’s books; and some really weird books that you wouldn’t believe could, or maybe should, exist.  As books get sold, more are waiting to top up empty spaces.

Chris Cook-Cann said, “There’s something magical about a book, that you just don’t find on an electronic device.  And that magic is even greater when it’s a second-hand book, because as well being directly connected to the author’s mind, you’re also physically holding something that may be a hundred years old, and you’re connected to all the previous owners and readers.”

Prices are always low, and start at 10p.  Even the scarce and collectable books are priced more cheaply than online.  If people are buying books in order to sell them on for profit, they are asked to pay a bit more.  

Children (and people who feel like children) can play on the ExLibris Express (a train built out of reclaimed wood and permanently stationed at Adlestrop Station), where they can ring the bell, toot the horn, sell tickets, blow bubbles, shovel “coal”, and more.  

Visitors are invited to bring a tin of vegetarian food, which will be passed on to Netherfield Food Bank after the Booksale.  There will be a silent book  auction.  

ExLibris hopes the event will raise a lot of funds for their two chosen good causes.  

Bob Cann said, “We particularly like to support local charities.”  Host Nottingham (Host Nottingham) and We R Here (WeRHere | Support for the whole family) will each be given half of the takings.

Find us on Facebook:
www.facebook.com/ExLibris-the-Masked-Booksellers-282980251719330 
Follow us on Twitter: @ExLibrisMasked

The sale takes place at their home on 16, Vernon Avenue in Carlton.

Sales take place on the following dates: Fri April 15, Sat April 16, Sun April 17, Mon April 18, Fri April 22, Sat Aptil 23, Sun April 24, Mon April 25, Fri April 29, Sat April 30, Sun May 1 and Mon May 2

The sale will be open between 10am – 6pm on each day of opening.

Wetherspoons recovery ‘slower than expected’ as cost pressures grow

Gedling Eye Reporter
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Wetherspoons recovery ‘slower than expected’ as cost pressures grow

Pub giant JD Wetherspoons has said its recovery has been slower than expected and warned food prices will rise if VAT returns to 20%.

Chairman Tim Martin told Propel the business is ‘having to graft for every penny’.

The chain operates three pubs in Gedling borough

Martin also said if VAT goes back to 20% as planned next month, the company will have to put up its food prices and did not rule out further increases this year.

He also again called on the government to create tax equality between pubs and supermarkets.

Speaking following the company’s half-year results, Martin said: “I suspect volumes are down across the pub trade overall, although restaurants, music-oriented pubs and some pubcos are producing good results.

Tim Martin Wetherspoons
PICTURED: Wetherspoons chairman Tim Martin

“Most commentators, including us, predicted a boom after restrictions ended, but we’re having to graft hard for every penny. The supermarkets, using their massive tax advantage, are trying to keep the trade they won in lockdowns. If Rishi Sunak has any sense he’ll create tax equality between pubs and supermarkets. It’s the only way to revive high streets and town centres, especially in less well-off areas where the price differential is driving people to the off trade.

“If VAT increases to 20% in April, on-trade food prices, including ours, will be going up, whereas mighty supermarkets, who’ve made hay in the pandemic, won’t be getting a VAT increase – crazy, but true.”

Martin said further investment in its pubs and future openings “depends on trade and a continuing absence of restrictions”.

He added: “Provided trade returns to normal, we hope to open 20 to 30 new or redeveloped pubs per annum, as a rough guide.”

In terms of trends, Martin said “shooters”, flavoured vodkas and cocktails are “growing like mad”, but traditional ale is “struggling”.

Rishi Sunak vows to ‘stand by’ struggling households and hints at fuel duty cut

Gedling Eye Reporter
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Rishi Sunak vows to ‘stand by’ struggling households and hints at fuel duty cut

Rishi Sunak yesterday pledged to “stand by” budget-squeezed households and appeared to hint help could be coming in the form of a fuel duty cut.

Rising petrol prices are one of a number of escalating financial demands the public is struggling to get to grips with, along with rising energy bills, widespread inflation and an increase in national insurance contributions from next month.

The Chancellor is being put under pressure to introduce further measures to soften the impact on already stretched budgets, with reports suggesting he could slash fuel duty in his spring statement which is due on Wednesday.

The latest figures show average prices are a record 165.9p per litre for petrol and 177.3p per litre for diesel.

The Conservative Chancellor told Sky News’ Sophy Ridge On Sunday programme: “Obviously I can’t comment on specific things (that will be in the spring statement).

“But what I would say, I understand that… I have a rural constituency, people are incredibly reliant on their cars and this is one of the biggest bills that people face, watching it go up.

“We’re all seeing that, when we’re filling up our cars.

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

“I get that, that’s why we’ve frozen fuel duty already.”

With the Government having frozen fuel duty for 11 consecutive years, Mr Sunak said he knows such action “really helps people”.

Shadow chancellor Rachel Reeves said a 5p cut in fuel duty would “only reduce filling up the car with petrol by £2”.

She told Sophy Ridge: “I don’t think that really rises to the scale of the challenge we face at the moment.”

The Treasury has already announced plans to offer financial support to the public through a £150 council tax rebate to some households and a repayable £200 saving on energy bills this year.

Mr Sunak, asked on the BBC’s Sunday Morning programme whether he is prepared to step in and keep offering aid on energy bills over a sustained period, said: “Of course I am, and people can judge me by my actions over the past two years.

“Without question, this is people’s number one priority – I get that, and I know how difficult it is when you are working hard and seeing the price of everything go up every day, every week.“The steps we have taken to sanction Russia are not cost-free for us here at home, and I want to be honest with people that it is not going to be easy.

“I wish Government could solve absolutely every problem and that I could fully protect people against the challenges that lie ahead, but I can’t do that.

“But what I would say is that I will stand by them in the same way that I have done in the past couple of years.

“Where we can make a difference, of course we will.”

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