Nottinghamshire County Council will be carrying out a review of it’s recycling site in Calverton, assessing on-site access, facilities, and capacity in order to highlight any potential opportunities for improvement.
The review of the site on Hollinwood Lane will also help NCC meet the requirements of the Government’s Resources and Waste Strategy for England and the Environment Act, which encourages re-use and recycling and includes proposals which will change and increase the range and amount of material collected at the kerbside.
During 2019/20, 87,000 tonnes of waste was collected across the council’s 12 recycling centres of which approximately 80% was sent for recycling or composting.
Councillor Neil Clarke, MBE, Chairman of the Transport and Environment Committee at Nottinghamshire County Council, said: “It’s great that we have managed to recycle and compost 80% of the waste collected and I would like to thank residents for their recycling efforts, as well as the staff that manage and run our recycling centres across the county.
“We still need to do more and the best place to start is by reducing the amount of household waste we produce.
PICTURED: The council’s recycling facility in Calverton
“We know our recycling centres are a valuable resource for the community and we want to help residents to reduce and manage their waste, continue to recycle as much as possible, and to support the environment and minimise the impact we each have on it.
“By carrying out this Review we will be able to identify whether our recycling facility ion Calverton is in the best possible locations with enough capacity to serve residents, especially in light of the new communities that are emerging across the county.
“It will also show us how we can enhance the existing high-quality service to help us to meet any obligations arising from the new Environment Act and also achieve our own ambitions to be carbon neutral in all our activities by 2030”.
The Strategic Review is expected to take three months to complete with a report back to Committee, outlining recommendations and next steps, before the summer recess.
Police have arrested a wanted man after spotting him taking a taxi from Bestwood.
Gedling‘s Operation Reacher officers finally caught up with the vehicle on Arnold Road and when confronted by police, the male tried to give a false name.
A police spokesman said: “The 44-year-old man was arrested at the location on suspicion of two robberies. Both of these robberies are alleged to have involved weapons.
“Whilst in custody the male couldn’t keep his hands out of his pants and after a thorough search a package of white tablets were found.
“The male remains in custody and will be returned to prison once enquiries are completed.”
Police chiefs say that organised crime groups have been rocked to their core by the introduction of the Operation Reacher team in Gedling in 2020.
The team is responsible for carrying out early morning raids on suspected drug dealers, hunting wanted suspects, taking illegal vehicles off the streets and visibly patrolling in local neighbourhoods.
Gedling Eye has spoken with some of the candidates ahead of today’s (6) by-election in the Cavendish ward of Gedling borough.
Liberal Democrat, Green Party, Conservative and Labour party candidates have set out their stances on resident concerns, green issues, the Levelling Up Fund, crime, and Covid restrictions.
Mr Gregory was first elected in 2019 with fellow Cavendish councillor Liz Clunie (Lab).
He secured 704 votes, defeating the Conservative candidate, George Millar, who attracted 314 votes.
Borough Council wards were redefined in 2015, with Cavendish ward now covering the area around Cavendish and Coningswath Road, including Carlton Hill.
Andrew Dunkin – Liberal Democrat
PICTURED: Andrew Dunkin
Liberal Democrat candidate, Andrew Dunkin, lives in Cavendish and has served the community as a local councillor in Gedling for 18 years.
He stood as a candidate in Carlton West during the 2021 County Council elections.
1. What would you aim to deliver for local residents?
“My biggest aim is to tackle the climate emergency.
“The Borough Council have declared a climate emergency but have done practically nothing so far.
“They have only just employed an officer, but this has to be treated as an emergency and quite a lot of things can be done.
“More charging points in the area need to be installed, along with solar panels. We should also be insulating council properties.
“Overall, the council should be transitioning towards greener investments.”
2. What must Gedling Borough Council change in order to deliver a successful Levelling Up Fund (LUF) bid in Spring 2022 and how would you use the money?
“Firstly I would question whether ‘Levelling up’ is a real thing. I’m not sure that its genuine or just a phrase that the Government has put out.
“If we do get the money, what we really need is a tram from the city out to Carlton and Gedling and a Trent crossing in Colwick.
“I think both are a good idea and clearly need to be looked at.
“There needs to be an investigation as to why our first two bids failed and how it can be improved.”
3. How should the borough council address crime levels after recent spates of burglary, theft, speeding, and anti-social use of roads?
“We need more PCSOs, more visible PCSOs as the levels of anti-social behaviour certainly need to be looked at.
“To address it, we need to determine the hotspots and ensure more presence on the streets in these areas.”
4. Would you advocate further Covid restrictions?
“It’s difficult to say as the evidence of what this variant is like is not really there.
“I suspect it [Plan B restrictions] will turn out to be not enough, but we need evidence of deaths and hospitalisations.
“Clearly they are trying to keep the economy going, but I expect there will be more stringent measures very soon.”
On Gedling’s MP Tom Randall, who voted against current ‘Plan B’ restrictions in December, Mr Dunkin added: “He appears to be a Government yes man and doesn’t appear to have any of his own thoughts.
“He’s voting along the line.
“I don’t have any strong opinions on Covid passes. What we need to do is to get people vaccinated.”
Jim Norris – Green Party
PICTURED: Jim Norris, Green Party candidate
Green Party candidate, Jim Norris, is an activist in Gedling and has lived in the area for 24 years.
He is the Chair of the Gedling Local Group of the Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust and the Nottinghamshire Area Chair of the Ramblers Association.
He stood for the Green Party in Gedling during the 2019 General Election.
1. What would you aim to deliver for local residents?
“I would concentrate on making Gedling in general and Cavendish ward a pleasant place to live, encouraging pleasantness and greenness
“I’d offer help with people’s general issues too. Green Party councillors are not whipped.
“This extra discretion gives us an added advantage.”
2. Is the Green Party less relevant due to other parties making climate commitments?
“If you look at the recent COP26 Conference in Glasgow, British politicians have been making commitments and its good they’ve got the hang of it.
“But with other parties, green policies are just add-ons. ‘Oh, by the way’.
“The Green Party is completely different. We’re in a position to give green issues more prominence.
“We come from the other end, we’re first and foremost green and other policies flow from that.”
3. What must Gedling Borough Council change in order to deliver a successful Levelling Up Fund (LUF) bid in Spring 2022 and how would you use the money?
“We have to recognise that district councils have restrictions in terms of cut backs. It’s a question of prioritising what would be best for people in terms of limited budget.
“The basic principle remains improving Gedling as a place. The changes we make need to give residents value for money.
“This means not necessarily spending loads of money but spending sensibly on things that matter. Green party candidates will always do this.
“This particularly applies to public transport. These are critical issues that should be supported.
“Car parking charges are very important as well. The only way you can keep your cars is by adopting green approach to it – we don’t want to get rid of them.
“These are things that actually matter to people. I drive a car. I’m irritated by pot holes as I’m driving.
“Shopping areas could also be improved in Gedling, Netherfield, and Carlton Hill. I’ve been involved in submitting a plan for Greening up Arnold.
“This includes planting trees and making things more pleasant overall.”
3. How should the borough council address crime levels after recent spates of burglary, theft, speeding, and anti-social use of roads?
“I’m very frustrated by this as I used to work for the police. Police on the ground often know much better than the leadership.
“I was a big fan of [Labour’s former Police and Crime Commissioner] Paddy Tipping. I liked his approach and attitude.
“The police are the experts and we need to listen to senior officers on strategy.”
4. Would you advocate further Covid restrictions?
“I don’t approve much of the PM but he was quite magisterial when he warned against Omicron.
“‘Plan B’ should have come in quicker. But I support the measures.
“I’m not sure what extra is to be done, but we should do what the experts advise.
“The people of Gedling have to be protected. It’s out duty to protect.
“Tom Randall’s stance against restrictions is very unfortunate. His predecessor [Vernon Coaker (Lab)] wouldn’t have taken that approach.
“Mr Randall talks about authoritarianism, but these measures are short-term and have the purpose of protecting people.
“Gedling residents will catch Covid and become seriously ill.
“People have a human right to life and should expect to be protected from the pandemic when then need arises.”
Darren Maltby – Conservative candidiate
PICTURED: Conservative candidate Darren Maltby
Conservative candidate,Darren Maltby, originally from Netherfield, has volunteered as a Regional Outreach Officer combatting addictions, mental health, and homelessness.
He has previously been homeless himself after serving in the Royal Air Force.
1. What would you aim to deliver for local residents?
“I would aim to deliver not my priorities, but the priorities of the residents of Cavendish.
“One of the biggest issues is black bin sizes. 240 litre bins have been reduced to 180 litres.”
“I myself, a disabled resident suffering with a bowel disability and PTSD, and other residents are struggling with this new size bin.
“There’s also been problems with the Royal Mail, causing missed NHS appointments, and people not receiving new bank cards.
“Also, street cleaning. There are some steep streets in Cavendish ward with horrendous leaves on the road.
“I want to represent residents and build up trust and confidence so they have a local voice.”
2. What must Gedling Borough Council change in order to deliver a successful Levelling Up Fund (LUF) bid in Spring 2022 and how would you use the money?
“The failed bids have been down to the lack of quality of vision of Labour. Things like this need to be all party.
“It’s inequitable to have these things. My duty to hold them to account on behalf of residents.
“I would want the money to be spent on resident’s priorities such as infrastructure improvements like the reopening of the old railway line to city centre and towards Hucknall.”
3. How would you urge the council to crack down on local crime such as theft, burglaries, speeding, and anti-social use of the roads?
“I would continue to do what Conservative councillors do and actively engage with police and the Police and Crime Commissioner.
“We also need more Police because they’ve acted quite quickly on burglaries.
“They have an overriding responsibility to go out and start listening to residents. Sometimes we’re identifying trends and stopping things earlier.”
4. What green changes would you like to see in Gedling?
“I would seek to protect green spaces. Housing estates are popping up left right and centre creating concrete jungles.
“The Borough Council agreed to the development of 18 houses in Linby. That was initially for a primary school.
“New builds are usually 3 bedrooms costing £249,000. A lot of young residents looking to start a family can’t afford that.
“People are going to start leaving Gedling. Protecting green spaces improves wellbeing, reducing the workload on the NHS.”
5. Are you supportive of further Covid restrictions?
“I’ve not been one to frequent nightclubs anymore – I’m not a 22 year old starting his journey in life.
“I would advocate whatever is in accordance with advice that the Government is getting. Nightclubs are like cattle markets.”
6. Are you still a fan of Boris Johnson and can he find a way out of his current difficulties?
“I can’t speak on behalf of the PM. It would be remiss of me to predict the outcome of investigations.
“I personally followed the guidance whilst working on the frontline with veterans of this borough and delivering medication to residents of this borough.
“My whole family have been Labour all their life, but Mum, Dad and my brothers and sisters believe Labour has lost touch with working class and don’t trust them at all.
“They seem to rely on their core vote and they’ve not been listening to residents.
“I will be a community champion.
“I feel very confident about the election because of my passion and belief in community spirit. Only one person has slammed the door in my face.”
John Butterworth – Labour candidate
PICTURED: John Butterworth
Labour candidate, John Butterworth, 68, was born and still lives in Gedling.
He has spent several years as a Gedling Borough Council refuse collector, pounding the streets collecting bins for local residents.
He has also worked for the NHS, at both at Nottingham’s Women’s and Maternity Hospital in Peel Street and at the Queen’s Medical Centre, and raised money for local charities such as Cedars Rehabilitation Unit and Headway.
1. What would you aim to deliver for local residents?
“The residents of Cavendish ward deserve much better than the Conservative government cuts they’ve had for the last eleven years.
“That’s why I’m making ten firm promises to help improve the local area and create a safer, cleaner and greener Cavendish ward.
“Fix our local roads and pavements with investment in durable repairs & maintenance, not short-term fixes.
“Ensure Gedling Borough Council takes a zero tolerance approach to fly-tipping, dog-fouling and littering.
“Protect our local parks & green spaces, as well as planting thousands more trees + bee & pollinator friendly corridors.
“Invest in additional CCTV and community safety to help keep our streets and local community safe.
“Continue to regenerate our town centres and high streets, including completing the Carlton Square redevelopment.
“Keep two hours free parking in all council owned car parks, with no further increases in car parking charges.
“Invest in new, high quality public toilets across Gedling Borough.
“Continue to invest in our leisure centres, children’s play parks and Bonington Theatre & Cinema.
“Maintain efforts to be a ‘Plastic Clever’ borough and continue to tackle the Climate Emergency with robust zero carbon plan.
“Work with Gedling Borough Council & other local organisations to tackle loneliness & social isolation and to support the elderly.”
2. What must Gedling Borough Council change in order to deliver a successful Levelling Up Fund (LUF) bid in Spring 2022 and how would you use the money?
“The recent ‘Levelling Up Fund’ bid by Gedling Borough Council was fully signed up to and endorsed by our local Conservative MP and praised in the House of Commons by Boris Johnson.
“It’s a mystery as to why the Conservative Government chose not to award our communities in Gedling Borough a single penny from this £4.6 billion Levelling Up Fund, but did choose to allocate £330,000 of the fund to repair a driveway on the private Firle Estate of Conservative Party Lord, the 8th Viscount Gage.
“It’s called the ‘Levelling Up Fund’ but it seems it simply wasn’t a level playing field when it came to Conservative government ministers dishing out this large sum of taxpayers’ money.
“Our local communities in Gedling Borough have already been overlooked by the Conservative Government before, when they hand-picked towns across the country to benefit from the £3.6 billion Towns Fund and choose not to give our local area a single penny.
“This unfair approach has to change.
“I’ll strongly support Gedling Borough Council’s efforts to ensure Cavendish ward and our local communities in Gedling Borough get our fair share of government funding.
“I’m proud of the work Gedling Borough Council has already done to improve Carlton Square, even without central government support.
“If elected I’ll continue to fight for further investment in Carlton Square and our other local town centres, as well as further improvements to our local play parks and green spaces.”
3. How would you urge the council to crack down on local crime such as theft, burglaries, speeding, and anti-social use of the roads?
“Efforts to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour in Cavendish ward weren’t helped by Conservative government cuts forcing the closure of our local Carlton Police Station.
“It’s just another example of the government turning its back on communities like ours but this won’t stop me doing everything I can to support local residents in Cavendish and to help make our community safer.
“I’m proud of the work Gedling Borough Council has done with Nottinghamshire Police to establish the Operation Reacher uniformed neighbourhood policing team in our community.
“If elected to serve the residents of Cavendish I’ll work with my fellow councillors and Nottinghamshire Police to build on this success.
“I’ll also work with councillors and officers at Gedling Borough Council to build on the investment in additional CCTV and Neighbourhood Warden patrols that has happened thanks to the Labour administration at Gedling Borough Council in recent years.
“I’m also keen to work with the community and fellow councillors to establish a Community Speedwatch Scheme in and around the Cavendish ward community.”
What green changes would you like to see in Gedling?
“If elected I’ll protect our local play areas and green spaces in and around Cavendish ward.
“The Robin Hood Allotments are a fantastic local asset in our community – I’ll ensure they’re protected and work with allotment tenants, fellow councillors and Gedling Borough Council to support and improve this superb local facility.
“I’m proud of Labour-run Gedling Borough Council’s investment in the children’s play area on the corner of Carnarvon Grove and Foxhill Road – if elected I’ll fight for further investment in local play areas, playing fields and green spaces.
“Labour’s creation of Gedling Country Park is a proud achievement and I’m supportive of the council’s plans to expand this space over Arnold Lane towards the north end of Cavendish ward with the new development of the Green Lung for Gedling.”
Would you like to see more Covid restrictions?
“Having worked in the NHS for much of my adult life, I’ve seen first-hand the pressure on our local hospitals and health services.
“That’s why I firmly believe we should all play our part in taking precautionary measures to protect our NHS, protect ourselves, our loved ones and our fellow citizens and to save lives.
“I was deeply angry to see the news of senior Conservative Party figures flagrantly disregarding the very rules they were asking us all to follow during last year’s worst period of the covid pandemic.
“It was hypocritical, selfish and really undermines public health messaging. It smacked of one rule for them and one rule for everyone else.
“It’s important our elected officials listen to the scientists and experts who have been such heroes in helping us all get through this incredibly tough time
“That’s why Labour in Parliament has always put public health measures, protecting our NHS and saving lives above party politics when it comes to votes on covid measures in the House of Commons.”
What do you make of Boris Johnson telling the Borough Council to ‘get its act together’?
“In July 2020 the Prime Minister gave fulsome praise of Gedling Borough Council’s Levelling Up Fund bid in Prime Minister’s Questions, then in December the Prime Minister said the council needs to ‘get its act together’.
“Sadly he’s all over the place on this issue – just like he has been on recent allegations against his own government on sleaze and breaching their own covid restrictions with parties and social gatherings.
“We’d just like to see a little less bluster from Boris Johnson and a little more focussing on the real issues facing us all – rising energy costs, increasing fuel prices, his own Government’s increases in National Insurance and Council Tax for hardworking families and the immense pressure on our local hospitals and ambulance service here in Nottinghamshire.
“Not to mention the awful state a decade of Conservative cuts has left our local roads and pavements in.”
Francois Loi – Independent
Francois Loi is also running in the election as an independent candidate.
The result of this by-election will not change the overall makeup of the Gedling Borough Council, but it will give people in Cavendish a chance to voice their opinion on those currently in charge.
The swing to or from the parties fielding candidates will provide an insight into residents’ views.
Labour are currently in firm control of Gedling Borough Council after incumbent councillors were last elected in May 2019.
Despite Brexit debates meaning bad results nationally for both the Conservatives and Labour, Gedling proved to be a Labour mainstay.
Two years later, in spite of the Conservatives winning control of Nottinghamshire County Council in May 2021, Gedling wards again returned Labour candidates.
Local Elections will take place across the country, although not in Nottinghamshire, in May 2022.
After accusations of illegal parties in Downing Street and sleaze rocked Boris Johnson’s lead in the polls in 2021, local results will indicate as to whether the Labour Party’s current lead represents a public reaction to recent scandals, or a more significant shift away from the Conservatives.
After a torrid year, the Prime Minister will seek to re-establish his Government’s direction as he unveils a long-awaited white paper later this month which outlines how he plans to ‘level up’ to country.
Additional guidance about being an election candidate and election procedures is available online from the Electoral Commission.
If you have any queries regarding voter registration or the electoral process for the Cavendish by-election, contact the Gedling Borough Council Electoral Services team on 0115 901 3906 or email elections@gedling.gov.uk
A CCTV camera is due to be installed at a car park in Carlton to improve public safety and limit anti-social behaviour.
Planning permission is being sought to erect the camera at the Carlton Square car park. The application is set to be granted at a council planning meeting on Wednesday, January 12.
The site is in the middle of Carlton, with neighbouring properties being a mix of retail, leisure, and residential houses.
The application seeks full planning permission for the erection of a 12m high metal pole for a CCTV camera and associated transmitter equipment.
The report for planning states: “The principle of the development is supported in that the site is located within a built-up area and there is a need to ensure that crime, and the fear of crime is, where possible, reduced.
“The applicant (Gedling Borough Council) has advised that there has been a number of complaints about anti-social behaviour, shop theft and general crime in the local area.
“As a result, it is considered that the erection of the pole and CCTV camera will reduce the fear of crime as well as helping with the detection of crime.
“Being located close to other cameras is important as it enables the proposed camera to link into an existing transmission pathway.”
The CCTV is to be used to monitor the car park and nearby shops as a deterrent and record possible crimes in the area. There are residential homes in the area, mainly to the north and east/south-east.
The report adds “The proposed CCTV pole will be set centrally within the car park, offering a good deal of separation to the nearest residential dwellings. In any case, the purpose of the camera is not to impinge on the privacy of occupiers but to observe the public realm.”
Work to improve the main car park at Carlton Square have now been completed.
The finished works include the creation of a new entrance to the car park from Burton Road and a new car parking layout in the northern car park.
Eight electric vehicle charging points have been installed and local residents will also have access to charge their cars overnight, with no car parking charge, from 6pm until 8am.
Access between the car park and shopping area has also been improved and made safer with a new pedestrian route to the shopping centre from Burton Road. Heavy goods vehicle traffic are also now separated from visitor traffic by the creation of a dedicated service yard.
The works were carried out by local contractors, Lindum Group.
As well the recent work to the car park, the council is currently working on plans to carry out further improvements, these include:
New landscaping to the northern car park
New street furniture, bollards, bins and seats.
PICTURED: An artist’s impression of Carlton Square when the regeneration is complete
The project is part of a wider regeneration programme for Carlton and it will contribute towards one of the council’s main priorities to revitalise its town centres and create a more vibrant economy.
Most of the funding for the works was provided by D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) who gave £350,000 to the project from its Local Growth Fund through the locally managed N2 Town Centre Programme.
The Office for Zero Emission Vehicles also provided £100,000 of funding for the electric vehicle charging points.
Portfolio Holder for Growth and Regeneration, Councillor Jenny Hollingsworth said: “It’s fantastic to see the works have been completed and they will no doubt be a welcome addition to the area for local residents who are using the shopping centre.
These refurbishments were carried out as part of the council’s plan to revitalise its town centres, helping to bring a much needed boost to the local economy and encouraging residents to shop locally.
We have a number of existing and new businesses here at Carlton Square and we are sure they will be pleased with the improvements and we will continue to work with the owners of the shopping precinct to find ways to support local businesses and residents.”
Will Morlidge, Interim CEO of the D2N2 LEP said: “This is excellent news for Carlton Square and the surrounding area, and will provide a much-needed boost to the local economy. We’re proud to support this project through our Local Growth Fund and will continue to work with partners across the region to rebuild and grow our economy.”
Nearly 3,000 new homes need to be built in Gedling borough over a five-year period to meet the area’s housing shortage.
Gedling Borough Council is due to discuss its five-year supply on Wednesday, January 12, after publishing its latest report in December.
This includes where new homes will be built up to March 2026. The council has been asked to provide a delivery plan on behalf of the Government.
The local housing need for the five-year period is 2,315 homes, which is an annual figure of 463 homes multiplied by five years.
However, as a result, of the Housing Delivery Test 2020 result, the council needs to provide a 20 per cent buffer, which increases the housing target for the five-year period to 2,778 homes.
Areas where new homes have already been allocated include the edge of Hucknall, with 521 homes identified in the local plan in places such as Top Wighay Farm, north of Papplewick Lane and Hayden Lane.
There have also been 546 homes identified in Calverton including Dark Lane, Main Street, Park Road and Flatts Lane.
Other areas include Ravenshead and Bestwood Village, in places such as The Sycamores, Westhouse Farm and Bestwood Business Park.
There are also 1,508 homes identified in the urban areas – Arnold (644) and Carlton (1,394).
Currently, the council’s estimations show an oversupply of 735 homes.
Deliverable sites in the plan include Teal Close near Netherfield where 662 homes are built. The first housing phase of 199 homes is currently under construction.
The second housing phase of 353 homes is also currently under construction. There is a reserved matters application for the third and final housing phase of 277 dwellings pending consideration.
Rolleston Drive in Arnold is also another site where 131 homes have been handed planning permission and Brookfields Garden Centre in Arnold where 32 homes have been given outline planning permission.
Other sites include Willow Farm and Lindon Grove in Carlton; Lodge Farm Lane in Arnold and Howbeck Road and Mapperley Plains.
The five-year housing supply document will be noted and discussed at a Gedling Borough Council planning meeting on Wednesday, January 12.
The latest figures have revealed there was a slight drop in the number of Covid cases being reported across Gedling borough over the past 24-hour period.
322 cases of Covid were recorded over 24 hours locally according to figures published yesterday evening (Tuesday, 4).
This was down from 424 recorded during the previous period.
3,117 new cases were recorded across Nottinghamshire, which is down from 3,494 previously
You can see the figures by local authority area below, with brackets showing the previous day’s number:
The figures were released on the day the Prime Minister Boris Johnson said he hopes England can “ride out” the current wave of Covid-19 without further restrictions.
The prime minister said there was a “good chance” he would not impose fresh measures and would recommend continuing the government’s “Plan B” strategy in England to ministers on Wednesday.
A Gedling councillor has voiced his fears over the small supply of air purifiers available to UK schools to help stop the spread of Covid in classrooms.
Gedling Borough Council cabinet member for Health and Wellbeing Henry Wheeler fears Gedling schools will struggle to compete for a limited supply of ventilation filters.
Responding to the education secretary’s announcement on (Sunday, January 2) introducing further Covid safety measures for schools in England.
Councillor Wheeler said: “Providing 7,000 ventilation filters for England’s schools is a helpful step. But with over 20,000 schools – many with dozens of classrooms – this won’t even scratch the surface”.
“There is potentially a big problem here as schools in Gedling will have to compete in an online market with thousands of other schools across England, bidding to get ventilators with no guarantee of getting one”.
“Also the ventilators won’t be delivered until next month. This means children could potentially end up being taught in cold classrooms with coats on, as schools try to balance Covid prevention measures with windows open for ventilation whilst also trying to keep classrooms warm.”
“Once again this seems like a rushed last-minute announcement to try and give the appearance of doing something on a big issue when action should have been taken before the Christmas holiday period”.
“Schools need to be kept open and we need to do everything we can to make schools healthy safe places to learn”. “Whilst at the same time ensuring children and young peoples emotional health and wellbeing is prioritised by minimising disruption and providing proper support”.
“Seven thousand more air purifiers is something, but it is completely inadequate for what should be a basic human right, the provision of clean air in every classroom in every educational setting”.
“Also the Government’s new measures for schools don’t address the need for extra funding to meet additional costs to schools, such as paying for agency cover when staff are off sick or isolating.”
“Nor do they tackle the additional workload for those who’re able to work, or ensure staff working for private contractors are given full sick pay when they need to isolate.”
Councillor Henry Wheeler says he has now written to Tom Randall MP, asking what guarantees can be given that schools in Gedling will be able to access ventilators to help stop the spread of Covid.
Two council leaders say they want to see a fourth road bridge built over the River Trent in Nottingham to ease congestion problems across the county.
The new bridge – which could be built near Colwick Industrial Estate and Victoria Park – would be open to vehicles.
But major Government investment to the tune of around £50m would be needed to make the vision a reality.
Discussions on a new Nottingham bridge for motorists have been in the pipeline for decades.
Gedling Borough Council says it has conduced two feasibility studies in the past and welcomes plans to bring the proposal to life.
Ben Bradley, leader of Nottinghamshire County Council and Conservative MP for Mansfield, said the campaign to bring a fourth bridge to Nottinghamshire was being led by fellow Conservative and Gedling MP Tom Randall.
He said: “This is very much Tom Randall’s campaign, and although supportive of it, as like all major projects it needs significant Government funding to get it off the ground.”
There are currently five bridges connecting Nottingham city with the south bank of the Trent.
PICTURED: The bridge campaign is being led by Gedling MP Tom Randal
Clifton Bridge, Trent Bridge and Lady Bay Bridge serve all road traffic.
Wilford Toll Bridge is open to trams, cycles and pedestrians. Lastly the Wilford Suspension Bridge is a cycle and pedestrian only crossing.
But between Lady Bay Bridge, the most easterly of the five crossings, and the next road route over the river out at Gunthorpe, there is currently a distance of just over nine miles – around a twenty minute journey by car.
Government money to the tune of £9.2m has already been secured for a pedestrian and cycle bridge at Trent Basin, east of Lady Bay Bridge and the City Ground, which is due to be opened in Spring 2023.
This bridge will provide better access between West Bridgford, Lady Bay and the city centre as well as Colwick Park from the south of the river.
But council leaders now want to see another bridge built that would be open to motorists and ease congestion problems on Trent Bridge.
Cllr John Clarke (Lab), leader of Gedling Borough Council, said the local authority has been fighting to bring another bridge to serve motorists for years.
“This bridge will make things a lot better because there will be a freer movement of vehicles, especially as we move to electric and more energy efficient vehicles,” he said.
“Traffic is currently jammed on Trent Bridge and is not much fun. It will be a massive benefit to Gedling and Newark and Sherwood. We have done two feasibility studies that show it is feasible to build it.
“The figure would be about £50m. The best place to put it would be the back of Victoria Park.
“It would also create an easier route to places like Bingham and Holme Pierrepont. It is a win, win. We need this bridge for our infrastructure and local economy.”
