Police have launched an appeal after a 77-year-old man from Burton Joyce sadly died following a road traffic collision.
Police were called to a stretch of the A614, Farnsfield, following a report that two cars had crashed near the junction with Baulker Lane and Longland Lane.
Emergency services were quickly at scene following the incident, just before 3.55pm on Saturday (February 26), and a man and a woman were taken to hospital.
Bill Taylor, 77, passed away in hospital on Monday (February 28) and his wife, Rosemary, continues to receive treatment for her injuries, which are significant but not life threatening.
Sergeant Craig Luckett, from Nottinghamshire Police’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: “It is tragic to the hear the news that Bill lost his life following this incident.
“His family have been informed and they are being supported by specially trained officers at this extremely difficult time. They have also asked for privacy as they come to terms with this terrible loss.
“Our investigation into the circumstances of the collision are continuing and we would ask anyone who witnessed the incident or has dash-cam footage or further information to get in touch on 101,quoting incident 530 of 26 February 2022.”
Midlands Connect (MC) recently launched a consultation on how to improve and accelerate services between Nottingham, Newark and Lincoln in advance of line speed enhancements which are expected to take until 2026 to complete. Track and signalling improvements will cut the end-to-end journey time from 55 to 45 minutes.
Longer term the Government’s Integrated Rail Plan is looking to increase capacity on the route by replacing the flat crossing with the East Coast Main Line at Newark with a flyover. However MC says a doubling of the service from the present one train per hour is more urgently needed.
As it stands, the present slow and in frequent rail services between Nottingham and Lincoln mean that only a small proportion of journeys along this corridor are made by train.
Timetable update
Although many services have just been re-instated, it appears that we do not have a full timetable at Carlton, with six trains on Monday to Saturday still missing.
Services to London St. Pancras have all been put back, and a long running dispute which caused some Sunday trains to be cancelled, has been resolved. That means the 09.36am Sundays from Netherfield to Nottingham is running again.
Also on Sundays (not sure about weekdays) there are direct trains from Nottingham to Matlock.
Now covid restrictions have been lifted in England, passenger numbers should start to increase, and there are other factors which should help, such as the increasing price of fuel for vehicles.
It has been noticed that throughout the country, before Omicron struck, commuting was at 50%, business travel at 30% and leisure travel at 90¾ of pre pandemic levels.
As we have never had a decent peak time service at Carlton or Netherfield, these stations should recover quicker, once we get all our trains back, than many others who rely more on commuters.
Hopefully the May timetable change will see a full service as it was pre-covid.
As from March 1, many fares have increased by up to 3.8%. However an enquiry last week showed the Carlton to Nottingham any time return was £4.80. Off peak return 3.30 and single £3.20.
The routes passengers take
On Nov 15. Mark Hill, another station adopter, and I were waiting at Carlton to meet two passengers off the 09.03 train from Newark which was reported 23 minutes late. About 11 were waiting at the platform, with passengers for Leicester and London, who had booked to change at Long Eaton. Instead they would have to now have to change at Nottingham.
Another person was travelling to Whatstandwell, another to Boston, and as he was visiting the area did not know of the 08.53 from Netherfield. He said he would bear that in mind in future, although that train was suspended in December!
As for the other passengers on the platform, some were more local, including the person who ran up as the train arrived!
One regular passenger said to me that they had gone to Manchester via Stoke-on-Trent with just the one change at Stoke. Could be a bit more expensive, but its an alternative if there are any problems on the Liverpool service from Nottingham.
One lady had just got off a train, having travelled from Bangor, North Wales, with just one change at Crewe.
How it used to be…
After leaving the railway through redundancy in 1993, I spent my time buying and selling railway literature. I still continue this in a small way through the Dawn Book Supply shop on Station Road in Carlton.
Many items now come through a quarterly auction, and I was recently successful in obtaining 50 railway handbills from the 1950s and 60s from the South West and South Wales area.
I was pleasantly surprised to find one headed •NEW DIESEL SERVICE LINCOLN-NOTTINGHAM-DERBY’ commencing April 14th 1958.
On the back of the handbill was a full timetable, which in those days included the branch from Rolleston Junction to Southwell. All trains therefore called at Rolleston, including the Birmingham to Cleethorpes express which only called at Carlton, Rolleston, Newark and Collingham between Nottingham and Lincoln.
An hourly Mon-Sat service was provided with additional steam trains at peak times.
Departures from Carlton to Derby were basically 2 mins past the hour and 1 min. past in the Lincoln direction, so much the same as today, when the full service is restored.
19 trains called at Carlton in the Nottingham direction and 22 in the direction of Lincoln, and all except one of the diesel trains called at all stations. However last trains from Carlton on weekdays were 22.01 to Lincoln and 22.02 to Derby.
On Sundays there were only four trains in each direction, although most other stations only had three.
In 1957 Carlton had 12 trains to Nottingham and 14 to Lincoln so it was an improvement. There were also 9 direct trains from Netherfield to Derby Friargate via Nottingham Victoria.
Train announcements
The Department for Transport is seeking to eliminate repetitive and unnecessary public address system announcements on trains, such as “have your ticket ready when leaving the station”, with other necessary announcements being heard less frequently. Too many announcements and you tend to ignore what is being said, even if one might be of importance to you.
This review will take place during the year, with some announcements being removed in months.
Checking information is important as I found to my cost a few years ago when I travelled to Nottingham on the 08.23 to obtain some timetables and to return on the 08.45 Skegness train to Netherfield. I boarded this train about a couple of minutes before it was due to depart, checking on the screen that it was the correct train.
We set off and the guard came round checking tickets. I showed her my free pass and she asked “Where are you going?” “Netherfield,” I said. “Oh, we’re not doing to Netherfield today, there is a broken rail there and we are diverted via Lincoln with the first stop Sleaford. I came through the train to check”.
It must have happened just before I got on. If I had looked at the details on the screen on the platform it would have shown details of which station the train was calling, and I would have known it was diverted. Familiarity breeds contempt comes to mind.
I eventually got back into Nottingham at 11.30am!
News in brief
FREEBIES: To encourage and support commuters back to rail travel, a new scheme has been launched to offer commuters freebies and offers, including a free Greggs! National Rail host the scheme. Details www.nationalrail.co.uk/commuter —–
NEW CAFE: Talking about food, the Waiting Room restaurant/cafe just across from Carlton station has re opened as Connect@Netherfield
FOOTBRIDGE: Kidsgrove station served by our hourly service from Carlton, now has a new footbridge and lifts so fully accessibl
EASTER SERVICE: There is usually a normal weekday train service on Good Friday and Easter Monday (15th & 18th April this year)
ADOPTERS: The Poacher Line (Nottingham to Skegness) now has around 100 station adopters and many improvements have been carried out at a number of their stations and more are planned.
STATION OPENING: Brent Cross West station on the Midland Main Line is due to open this year. It will be served by Thameslink trains.
Contractor Clegg Construction has now won the contract to create the extension
Phase one of the project, which gets underway this month, will see a new, two-storey building being created on the campus called the South Block. Once completed, this will pave the way for phase two – an internal refurbishment of some of the school’s existing facilities.
Work will then begin on creating 29 new classrooms, a new main assembly hall, kitchen canteen and dining areas, and a catering pod that will be used to serve other areas of the school.
Sam Parker, contracts manager for Nottingham-based Clegg Construction, said the project would help more local children get access to a first-rate education.
A computer generated image of the school expansionA computer generated image of the new dining hall
He said: “We are always excited to work in our home county and we’re particularly pleased to have been appointed to deliver this fantastic and worthwhile project.
“Carlton le Willows Academy is a thriving, successful school providing first class education services to young people in the Gedling area.
“This project will not only extend the learning facilities to the existing student body, it will also enable hundreds more students to benefit from everything the school has to offer.
“Being involved in this project is therefore a real source of pride for us.”
Carlton le Willows Academy headteacher, Craig Weaver, said: “We are absolutely delighted to be able to realise our long-held vision for Carlton le Willows.
“This new building will integrate our split site, providing brand new fit-for-purpose facilities.
“A major part of this project is also to repurpose part of the existing West building to improve the learning environment for students for years to come.”
A derelict property in Arnold has undergone an amazing transformation and is now back on the market.
Members of Gedling Borough Council’s Empty Homes team have worked tirelessly to get the derelict property back into use.
Gedling borough has seen a massive 36% reduction in empty homes in 2021 thanks to the work the council has been doing on properties like this one on Sherwood Road in the town.
BEFORE: The bathroom at the derelict property in Arnold – and resident pigeon (PHOTO: GBC)AFTER: And look it now!! (GBC)BEFORE: Not sure we’d be keen on using these stairsAFTER: Wow. What a differenceBEFORE: You wouldn’t be welcoming many guests into this houseAFTER: Totally transformed!!!BEFORE: Not very pleasant to look at (GBC)AFTER: I can’t believe it’s the same property!!
Angry residents in Netherfield last night braved the rain so they could have their say at a public meeting over the number of Houses of Multiple Occupancy (HMOs) in the town.
Many of those in attendance were calling on Gedling Borough Council to make a dramatic move by changing the planning rules that would help limit the number of HMOs.
At present landlords and property developers can to turn some smaller residential properties into HMOs without planning permission.
Only HMOs occupied by seven people or more currently require planning permission.
Now many of the residents now want Article 4 Direction introduced.
This is a change to the planning rules that would place restrictions on residential property conversions in areas which already have high levels of HMOs.
It would mean all HMO conversions would need planning approval if Article 4 Direction was implemented, giving the community an opportunity to oppose any HMO proposals during a consultation period.
The Article 4 Direction has already been introduced by Nottingham City Council after a large number of properties in Lenton and Hyson Green were converted to HMOs to help accommodate the city’s growing student population.
Broxtowe Borough Council are also now making moves to introduce the new rules.
Last night’s meeting at the town’s St George’s Church was organised after the council received a new application for a new HMO on Chandos Street for seven occupants.
PICTURED: Residents debate how to put a stop to HMOs in Netherfield (PHOTO: Gedling Eye)
Those in attendance last night voiced their fears about the rising number of HMOs citing a lack of parking, sewage problems and anti-social behaviour as reasons to be worried.
One woman told the room she was ‘terrified’ that her rented property would be soon be snapped up developers offering local landlords inflated prices for Netherfield houses they can turn into HMOs.
“What if my landlord gets a good offer and accepts? That’s it – I’m out on the street,” she said.
One man slammed HMO developers, saying they ‘lacked a moral compass’.
“They don’t even live round here.”
“How many [HMOs] is too many? You are soon going to have a lot of angry people in Netherfield if this continues.”
Another resident said the introduction of Article 4 Direction would upset the plans of developer Justin Ingrey, who applied for permission to create a HMO on Chandos Street.
He said: “If it was introduced then he’s had his day here and he’s not going to like it”
Gedling Borough Council’s head of development and place, Mike Avery, was in attendance and took questions on planning regulations from residents and promised to share concerns raised at the meeting with the council.
Local Gedling Borough councillors had been invited to the meeting but were attending a Full Council meeting on the latest budget.
Gedling MP Tom Randall was also invited but couldn’t attend due to a positive lateral flow test.
Mr Randall did publish a letter he had written to council leader John Clarke which asked for the Article 4 Direction to be introduced across the borough.
He wrote: “I understand developers are targeting the area, taking advantage of its proximity to Nottingham city centre and the Victorian housing stock, to convert even more in areas like Chandos Street.”
“Like many residents in Netherfield, I worry about how these short-term tenancies will change the Netherfield community.
“HMOs, by their very nature, have more occupants and increase the amount of traffic on our road as more cars park on the already congested streets. They also add more strain to our Victorian drainage system.”
He concluded: “On behalf of Netherfield residents, I ask you to support the continual improvement of the community by introducing an Article 4 Direction and restricting the increase in houses of multiple occupancy.”
A united Gedling Borough Council will tonight condemn Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and make a pledge to help refugees fleeing from the war-torn country.
Gedling Borough Councillors are meeting tonight (3) to discuss proposals for next year’s Budget.
But as well as funding for next year, an urgent resolution has now been drafted by Councillor Michael Payne which will also be discussed at tonight’s meeting of the Full Council.
Councillor Payne said: “I’m incredibly grateful for the indication of support for this urgent resolution from leaders of all political groups on Gedling Borough Council.
“Together we stand with Ukraine. Together we will look after and care for our Ukrainian community here in Gedling Borough.”
The draft proposal is as follows:
Gedling Borough Council:i) strongly condemns the multiple attacks and illegal violations of the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine.
ii) expresses our full support and solidarity to the Ukrainian people and our peers in local and regional government in Ukraine.
PICTURED: Civic Centre (PHOTO: Gedling Eye)
iii) considers the escalation of violence, repeated bombings and attacks on Ukrainian cities and territories as a serious threat to the preservation of peace and democracy across Europe. We call on the Russian Federation to cease its illegal attack, to leave the national territory of Ukraine, to respect all international treaties and fundamental principles of international law and to recognise the full sovereignty of Ukraine over all its territories, including Donbas and Crimea.
iv) affirms the Council’s commitment to provide any reasonable help and support to all Ukrainian nationals living in Gedling Borough.
v) stands ready to welcome Ukrainian people fleeing war and persecution in their own country and assisting with any forthcoming Government proposals for resettlement support for Ukrainians seeking sanctuary here in the UK. Gedling Borough Council agrees to send a message of solidarity and support to the Ukrainian Ambassador to the United Kingdom.
Documents have revealed that Gedling Borough Council has missed its quarterly target for ensuring the building of new housing.
The council aimed to oversee the construction of 115 new homes in the borough during the third quarter of 2021/22.
Papers to be reviewed by the Overview and Scrutiny Committee on Monday state that only 69 were finished during this period.
So far 245 have been built in 2021/22 out of an annual target of 458.
An indicator report said: “Certain housing sites have not come forward as quickly as anticipated by landowners and developers.
“A Housing Delivery Action Plan has been published and includes measures to increase delivery of new housing in Gedling Borough.
“The emerging Greater Nottingham Strategic Plan will allocate additional land for housing to meet future needs.”
It is hoped that new housing developments in Gedling will increase the number of homes in the borough.
Documents added: “There are a number of developments currently progressing that will help us to get closer to the target: Teal Close (Netherfield), Lendrum Court (Burton Joyce), Rolleston Drive (Arnold), Chase Farm (Gedling), Mapperley Plains, Park Road (Calverton), Vale Road (Colwick).”
Records also said that no new affordable houses were built during the third quarter of 2021/22 out of a target of five.
The council aims to erect 20 in 2021/22 with nine so far being built.
Again, the council says new large scale projects are set to boost this total.
Documents said: “Whilst the year to date figure is below target there are a range of developments which will complete in the financial year which should achieve the target.”
Deputy Leader of Gedling Borough Council, Councillor Michael Payne (Lab) said: “Like most councils, we provide quarterly updates to make sure we are monitoring our corporate plan thoroughly and transparently for residents.
“In terms of the housing targets, key development sites are accelerating their builds over the next few months and we should achieve the target set out in the plan.
“It’s important to understand that the council is not responsible for the time it takes for developers to build their homes, we are responsible, as the planning authority, for ensuring they build houses that are in keeping with the area and that they provide aspects such as affordable homes and local jobs for local people.”
This comes after Gedling Borough Council was asked in January to provide a delivery plan on behalf of the Government for the delivery of nearly 3,000 new homes in five years.
Altogether there is a need for 2,315 new houses – an annual figure of 463 homes every year for five years.
A Housing Delivery Test 2020 result also stated that the council needs to provide a 20 per cent buffer, increasing the housing target for this period to 2,778 homes.
A cafe at a Sainsbury’s store in Arnold is amongst 200 closing across the UK.
The cafe based at the store on Sir John Robinson’s Way currently serves breakfasts, a selection of main meals and a children’s menu.
A list of 65 in-store cafes remaining open was published today – and Arnold didn’t feature on that list.
The closure move comes after the supermarket giant unveiled plans to launch a new eat-in and takeaway food and drink offering.
The plan was revealed after successful trial of a new in-store food format at its Selly Oak store in Birmingham.
The new offering will be called the Restaurant Hub and offers food and drink from popular brands including Carluccio’s, Gourmet Burger Kitchen, Ed’s Diner and Slim Chickens.
The company, in partnership with the Boparan Restaurant Group, plans to open 30 more hubs over the next year
Sainsbury’s haven’t yet announced which stores will get a hub.
Members of staff now affected by the closure will be prioritised for vacant roles in Sainsbury’s stores and will be encouraged to explore alternative roles within the wider business, the company said.
Some stores will now will now get a branch of Starbucks, like the one based at the store in Colwick, to replace the restaurants.
Simon Roberts, Sainsbury’s chief executive officer, said: “We know that customers like the convenience of being able to have a drink, a snack or a meal while they’re doing their shopping – and that they love the range of food and brands on offer at The Restaurant Hub and from Starbucks.
“As we go through this period of transition, we have taken the difficult decision to close 200 of our cafes next month.
“We have spoken to all colleagues affected by these changes today and are absolutely committed to supporting them in any way we can during this uncertain time.
“Of course, we understand this is very unsettling for our colleagues, but we must keep adapting our business to make sure we are offering customers the best possible food and drink at affordable prices.”
A new service being launched by the Government will see “danger to life” emergency alerts being sent directly to mobile phones.
Expected to launch in early 2022, the notifications will warn recipients if there’s a danger to life nearby.
In the event of an emergency, people will receive loud, siren-like sound notifications on their mobile phones or tablet
They will also get a message with advice on how to stay safe.
Dangers include flooding during storms like Eunice, large fires or a public health crisis.
According to the government website, people will receive alerts based on their location at that exact time, not where they live or work.
The emergency alerts will only work if the phone is on, and if it has all the latest software updates.
You won’t need to register a phone number as the messages will be sent out automatically by nearby phone masts to mobile devices.
For iPhones, this is iOS 14.5 or later and for Andoid phones and tablets, it is Android 11 or later – any devices with older software or those, which have run out of battery or are turned off will not receive them.
Phones and tablets connected to a 2G or 3G network will also not receive the alerts.
The new community policing lead for Gedling borough has now been unveiled following the recent departure of Inspector Chris Pearson.
Inspector Chris Jury stepped into the role in late January and will now be responsible for local policing in the Gedling Borough area, covering Arnold, Burton Joyce, Carlton, Calverton, Gedling, Netherfield and Ravenshead.
Jury joined Nottinghamshire Police in 1999, initially working in The Meadows, before moving to Rushcliffe.
He then joined the Prisoner Handling Team at Carlton Police Station before going on to supervise the Beat Team on Rushcliffe South from 2010-2013.
Inspector Jury was in charge of the Carlton side of the borough for a short period, before moving to a different rota at St Ann’s Police Station, where he covered the St Anns and Sneinton areas, together with retaining Carlton too for 2.5 years.
He also ran a Response Team within the City Centre, before moving to back to Rushcliffe for three years.
Mr Jury recently passed his Inspectors exam this year and was offered the opportunity to return to Gedling, this time as the Neighbourhood Policing Inspector,- “an offer I was only too happy to accept,” he said.
Inspector Jury said: “I have served on and supervised some excellent teams and worked with some fantastic people both inside and outside the organisation over the past 22 years, and look forward to continuing that in my new role.
“I am excited by the challenges ahead on the area and thrilled to be back at Gedling.”
