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Gedling Borough Council’s Christmas message: ‘Support your local high street’

Gedling Eye Reporter
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Gedling Borough Council’s Christmas message: ‘Support your local high street’

Gedling Borough Council has launched a campaign to encourage residents to support their high streets this Christmas.

Their #Rediscover campaign will be running throughout the festive season to support and promote local businesses and also to encourage residents to shop locally.

The campaign is aimed at getting residents to rediscover old and new local businesses, including all high streets within Gedling Borough following the lifting of lockdown measures.

As part of the #Rediscover campaign, Gedling Borough Council is launching a new web page for local businesses to promote themselves for free, providing residents with shop overviews, contact details, locations and information about the businesses.

This campaign has been funded through the recently announced European Regional Development Fund ‘Welcome Back Fund’, whose aim is to promote coronavirus safety messages while getting more people to shop locally. 

As well as a web page, the funding will be used to improve the look of the town centres visual appearance with plans for temporary signage and decorations to be installed promoting the campaign. 

An online advent calendar will be launched on December 1 promoting local businesses in the borough. Every day in December, as we countdown to Christmas, a local business will be highlighted on the council’s social media platforms. Businesses and residents will be able to take part in the #Rediscover campaign by taking photos with selfie cards made up for each town centre and posting them on social media. So far, over 40 businesses have signed up to the scheme and Gedling Borough Council is encouraging as many small and independent businesses as possible to sign up too.  

Netherfield high street covid restrictions
(PHOTO: Neil Slack Photography)

The campaign will also promote upcoming free events and activities including Christmas Craft Markets, Christmas light switch ons and Santa’s Grotto.

Shops in Arnold Town Centre are also being invited to take part in a Christmas window competition which will be judged by the Mayor, Leader and Deputy Leader in December. The campaign is also supporting the national Small Business Saturday event, which takes place on Saturday, December 4 across the country. 

The project is receiving over £100,000 of funding from the England European Regional Development Fund as part of the European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme 2014-2020. The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government is the Managing Authority for European Regional Development Fund. Established by the European Union, the European Regional Development Fund helps local areas stimulate their economic development by investing in projects which will support innovation, businesses, create jobs and local community regenerations. 

Leader of the Council, Councillor John Clarke said:“We’re very pleased to be launching the #Rediscover campaign over the Christmas period to help our local businesses and encourage residents to shop locally within Gedling Borough. It’s a great way for everyone to reunite and essentially rediscover their high-streets, by experiencing some normality after the unfortunate events over the last couple of years. This would not be possible without the funding from the European Regional Development Fund, we greatly appreciate your support.

“We have some exciting activities coming up on the lead up to Christmas and the campaign is part of the council’s priorities to revitalise our town centres and help create a more vibrant economy.” 

Any businesses that want to add their details to the #Rediscover database and be part of the campaign can visit www.gedling.gov.uk/rediscover and fill out a short form.  

‘Lets have a safe Christmas’ Notts health boss makes Covid booster jab plea to people in Gedling borough

Gedling Eye Reporter
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‘Lets have a safe Christmas’ Notts health boss makes Covid booster jab plea to people in Gedling borough

A Notts health bosses is urging the public in Gedling borough to protect themselves from Covid-19 ahead of the Christmas period. 

The booster programme is underway and those who are eligible for the top-up jab are being encouraged to book their appointment as soon as possible.

Those who are eligible for a booster include over 40s, those with a health condition that puts them at serious complications from Covid-19 and health and social care workers.  

Jonathan Gribbin, Director of Public Health for Nottinghamshire, urged people in the borough to make sure they get tested ahead of Winter to reduce the spread. 

He said: “Covid-19 remains a serious health risk and the vaccines provide the very best protection against it.  They are safe, effective, and free of charge. There is a dose ready for anyone eligible, including anyone wanting to get their first or second dose. 

“Along with Covid-19 and flu vaccination, wearing your face covering in enclosed places, regularly washing your hands and ensuring good ventilation indoors all play a part in protecting each other and reducing the pressures felt by our local NHS and care services.  

Vaccination Gedling

“It’s also essential to get tested even if we have mild symptoms – and isolate if we test positive. Rapid lateral flow tests are still available free of charge and twice weekly testing can help identify the virus and break chains of transmission. So I am urging everyone to help prevent the spread of the virus and get vaccinated to give Nottinghamshire a safe Christmas.” 

Amanda Sullivan, Accountable Officer at NHS Nottingham and Nottinghamshire CCG, said: “There are a number of sites across the city and county delivering booster vaccines and I would urge you to go to the NHS website or call 119 to book an appointment at the nearest and most convenient site to you.  

“It is more important than ever that we do all we can to protect ourselves and our families this winter. Let’s remember this Christmas for the right reasons and make sure we are safe. A booster dose helps give you longer-term protection against getting seriously ill from Covid-19 and it really is the best protection over the winter period.” 

In Nottingham and Nottinghamshire, latest data shows that 82 per cent of over 18s have been double jabbed against the virus and local health bosses are urging those who have not yet taken up the offer of a first or second dose to have the jab before Christmas.  

Latest data shows 189 beds were occupied by Covid+ patients on 16 November in the county’s hospitals with 12 per cent of these patients being in the most critical condition. 

To find out more about vaccinations in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire and book an appointment for a jab, please visit: https://nottsccg.nhs.uk/covid-19/covid-19-vaccinations/  

Hundreds fall victim to lottery scams over last seven months

Gedling Eye Reporter
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Hundreds fall victim to lottery scams over last seven months

People across Gedling borough are being warned to be on the alert after lottery scams fooled hundreds to part with their cash.

Criminals have been contacting unsuspecting victims informing them they have won a lottery or prize draw.

The victim is then informed that they will need to pay an advance fee in order to receive their winnings. In reality, the winnings are non-existent and it is an attempt to steal the victims money, personal or financial information.

A spokesman for Action Fraud said: “Between April and October 2021, Action Fraud received 629 reports of lottery fraud, with 89 per cent of reports mentioning well-known prize draws.”

Fraud

Impersonation of People’s Postcode Lottery accounted for almost half (49 per cent) of all reports. Almost three quarters of victims (70 per cent) were aged over 50, with those aged over 65 accounting for 40 per cent of reports.

Fraudsters use gift cards as a form of payment as they can be easily redeemed and sold on. The criminals don’t need the physical card to redeem the value as they ask the victims to share the serial code on the back of the card with them.

In other instances, victims reported being asked for personal and financial information in order to obtain their alleged winnings. Some victims reported providing their bank details thinking they would be sent a small payment to verify the account. In reality, criminals will use these details to steal the victim’s money.

Netherfield Forum scoops award and tech bundle from Sir Captain Tom Moore charity

Gedling Eye Reporter
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Netherfield Forum scoops award and tech bundle from Sir Captain Tom Moore charity

A charity in Netherfield has been handed a tech bundle worth £5,000 by the daughter of the late Sir Captain Tom Moore.

Netherfield Forum, based at the St Georges Centre in the town, has been announced as the second winner of the Virgin Media O2 Captain Tom Foundation Connector Award

The award recognises charities and community groups that have gone above and beyond during the Covid-19 pandemic

Hannah-Ingram Moore, the daughter of the late Sir Captain Tom Moore, visited St George’s Centre to present their award which includes tech prizes worth up to £5,000 and gigabit broadband at their Nottingham base

Hannah Ingram-Moore, the daughter of the late Captain Sir Tom Moore, visited Netherfield Forum to present them with the award and to discover some of the work that they do in the local community.

The Netherfield Forum opened its doors back in March 2005, with its Community Centre in the heart of Netherfield dedicated to supporting its community through group work and education.

When the pandemic hit, the Netherfield Forum had to diversify, and rather than close down they adapted. Their staff wanted to continue working, however, they were unable to open their community centre doors. Instead, from the March 23 until July 31, they served over 35,000 meals to their community.

The centre provides a space for its locals to meet, socialise and feel part of the wider community. The activities provided are suitable for all age groups, making its services widely inclusive.

Like most charities in the UK, many can do even more with funding as well as improved digital means such as fast broadband and tech to aid their efforts.

As part of winning the Virgin Media O2 Captain Tom Connector Award, The Netherfield Forum has been given gigabit broadband and a tech bundle worth up to £5,000 with items such as smart TV’s, tablets, laptops and much more.

The charities base at the St George’s Centre in Nottingham, has been connected to Virgin Media’s Gig1 service, which provides broadband speeds 22 times faster the UK average.

Tina Simpson, trustee of Netherfield Forum, said: “It is amazing that the Netherfield Forum is the second winner of the Virgin Media O2 Captain Tom Foundation Connector Award. We are so passionate about our community and strive to do all we can for our local people, so to be honoured with this award from Virgin Media O2 means the world to us. With our second centre opening for our local youth, we cannot wait to see what the gigabit broadband and tech will do for our community.”

Hannah Ingram-Moore, director at the Captain Tom Foundation said: “It is an honour to be announcing the second winner of the Virgin Media O2 Captain Tom Foundation Connector Award. The Netherfield Forum is so deserving of this award as they proved to be a vital lifeline during the pandemic. At such a distressing time for many, they ensured a community remained as one. We can’t wait to see what this vital injection of gigabit broadband and tech prizes can do for future projects.” 

Jeff Dodds, Chief Operating Officer at Virgin Media O2, said: “The Virgin Media O2 Captain Tom Connector Award is all about recognising the local heroes and charities in the UK that have helped their communities during this difficult time.

“We know that they can all do with a helping hand and we’re honoured to recognise Netherfield Forums as the second winner of the award. Our gigabit broadband service as well as a host of tech prizes will help them do even more amazing things in their community.” 

Plans for large family home in grounds of Newstead Abbey rejected by Gedling Borough Council

Gedling Eye Reporter
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Plans for large family home in grounds of Newstead Abbey rejected by Gedling Borough Council

A planning inspector has ruled against plans to build a large five-bedroom family home within the grounds of Newstead Abbey.

Gedling Borough Council objected to the development on the grounds that it would affect Green Belt land.

The proposal was to demolish a single storey stone clad two-bedroom home with a number of outbuildings and create a five-bedroom family home.

The home would be accessed from Station Avenue within the wider Newstead Abbey Park grounds, which contains a number of Grade II listed buildings and is within Nottinghamshire’s Green Belt.

The abbey itself was first founded as a medieval priory and is most famous for being the home of poet Lord Byron in the early 19th century.

The existing bungalow, was built in the 1960s and is not listed.

Developers said it is of ‘a low-quality design’ and doesn’t ‘respect or enhance the character of the area’.

PICTURED: Artist’s impression of the new five-bedroomed family home

The proposal was for a five-bedroom family home including ensuite bedrooms, a lounge, kitchen/dining/sitting area, utility and storeroom, study, plant room as well as a double garage.

Planning permission was refused by Gedling Borough Council on April 9.

It was the opinion of the local authority the proposal would result in the construction of a replacement home in the Green Belt which would have “a significantly greater floor area than the original dwelling.”

An appeal against this decision was lodged with the Planning Inspectorate. But this appeal has been dismissed and is set to be noted at a Gedling Borough Council planning committee meeting on Wednesday, December 1.

The report includes the planning inspector’s conclusion, stating that the frontage of the new house would “encroach” into an area which is currently undeveloped.

The planning inspector said: “The proposed dwelling cannot reasonably be considered to be anything other than materially larger.

“In this instance the effect of the cumulative increased size of the built development would clearly be experienced both visually and spatially. For this reason, the proposed development would compromise and significantly harm the openness of the Green Belt, in that it would be reduced.

“I have given considerable weight to the material consideration in respect of the improved sustainability of the replacement dwelling and limited weight to the other considerations cited in support of the proposal.

“However, I conclude these circumstances do not clearly outweigh the substantial weight I must give to the overall harm the scheme would cause.

“Consequently, very special circumstances that are necessary to justify inappropriate development in the Green Belt do not exist.”

20 residential properties set to be granted planning permission on former care home site in Carlton

Gedling Eye Reporter
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20 residential properties set to be granted planning permission on former care home site in Carlton

Planning permission is set to be granted for 20 residential apartments on a former care home site in Carlton.

Gedling Borough Council’s planning committee is set to discuss the application on Wednesday, December 1.

Developers want to build the one to two-bedroom apartments on the site of Highclere Lodge in Burton Road.

The site was once a 28-bed care home which has now been demolished.

There would be 16 car parking spaces as well as cycle parking as part of the development. Twenty per cent of the homes will be affordable.

Council planning officers were originally against the application as some of the trees on the site are protected by a Tree Preservation Order and there is a “potential” for archaeological remains to be present.

Changes to the plans have been made to address the issues raised.

PICTURED: The sire of former residential home Highclere Lodge in Carlton

The planning officer states in a report prepared for councillors the local authority had raised concerns with the original scheme.

“Concerns were raised that the proposal represented an overdevelopment of the site and that the development left very little room for soft landscaping or open space making it appear at odds with surrounding dwellings which are set back from the road in larger plots,” the officer stated.

The planning officer also supported both the arboricultural officer’s objection to the original proposal and the Nottinghamshire County Council’s tree officer’s objection.

“In particular, this was an objection to the removal of TPO (protected) trees to facilitate the development,” the officer added.

They said following negotiations between the planning officer and the applicant, a number of amended plans were submitted.

The report states: “The final set of amended plans, which are currently being considered, show a reduction in the number of residential units proposed from 22 to 20, a reduction in and a re-siting of the building away from the TPO trees and the incorporation of a mansard roof.

“On balance, I do consider the design of the amended proposal to be acceptable and to not have an unacceptable impact on the character or visual amenity of the area.”

Both the arboricultural Officer and the tree officer have raised no objections to the current amended plans, which allow for protected and other high-grade trees to remain.

The council has recommended planning permission is granted. Councillors will decide whether to grant the application on December 1.

Fears raised over ‘dangerous’ crossings in Netherfield town centre

David Bratton
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Fears raised over ‘dangerous’ crossings in Netherfield town centre

Residents and business owners have raised road safety concerns over “dangerous” pedestrian crossings in Netherfield town centre

They fear someone may be killed or seriously injured on the double crossings at the junction of Victoria Road and Meadow Road.

Residents and businesses in the town say they contacted the council in the past about the crossings but no action has yet been taken.

David Murphy runs the It’s Inn The Bank pub with wife Nicola. Both crossings are situated on the stretch of road outside their business.

He says he witnesses incidents on the crossings almost daily.

Mr Murphy said:”If someone stood here at these crossings for over an hour they would see someone nearly being run over.

“The problem here in Netherfield is you have one crossing and then as vehicles come round the corner there is another.

“Sometimes people who haven’t ever been in this area go straight through the second crossing. They see there is nobody on the first crossing and come round this corner like a chicane and go flying through the second one.

“When I am going to and fro to my van at least once or twice a weekend a car will go through while I am halfway on the crossing. I always laugh and say that if they hit me they’ll probably write their van off but we’ve got older and vulnerable people and we’ve got children and even worse, mums with prams using the crossings and cars are whipping round the corners so dangerously.

Netherfield crossings
PICTURED: The crossing on Meadow Road in Netherfield (PHOTO: Gedling Eye)

“I think the council needs to put up some major signage telling drivers there are two pedestrian crossings in this area. They need to come and do something because we’ve been talking about it for years and we’re going to end up talking about someone getting seriously injured, or worse – killed.

Stephen Swinn lives in Gedling and visits Netherfield on a regular basis. He told Gedling Eye he fears someone will soon be seriously hurt on these crossings if action isn’t taken.

He said: “I have grave concerns that many drivers in Netherfield are showing a complete disregard to these pedestrian crossings.

“Many think its acceptable to proceed over these two crossings even when in use by pedestrians.

“I did witness a very mature lady using the crossing here and being missed by inches.

“Only this weekend I had a near miss while using this crossing when two cars didn’t stop.”

“Sadly I can see a situation where someone is killed by these actions.”

Alan Groves visits his daughter in the town and often takes his grandaughter out to the local shops.

“You’re risking you life when you use those crossings. Some drivers see I have a young child with me and still don’t stop,” he said.

“They need signs up warning people about the two crossings and a CCTV camera capturing the numberplate of those that ignore the fact someone is using them.”

Councillor Mike Adams represents Carlton East, which covers Netherfield, on Nottinghamshire County Council and are responsible for roads in the county.

He is also vice chairman of the council’s Transport and Environment Committee.

Councillor Adams said he was ‘sorry to hear of this’ problem and ‘would help and get involved’.

High-speed chase through Mapperley on tonight’s Police Interceptors

Gedling Eye Reporter
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High-speed chase through Mapperley on tonight’s Police Interceptors

A high-speed chase through Mapperley is featured on tonight’s episode of Channel Five’s Police Interceptors.

Two men landed jail sentences as a result of the pursuit.

The episode shows officers patrolling the streets of St Ann’s when they spot a Peugeot 607.

Following intelligence, they went to investigate and get a closer look at the car, but it soon took a sharp left onto Hungerhill Road and took off.

Having followed the car and seen this, cops switched on their lights – but the ‘blues and twos’ had no effect on the driver, who refused to stop.

It was then that trained tactical pursuit officers, including PC Rob Eley, were called in to bring the driver to a stop.

The driver reached speeds of 70mph, including through a 20mph speed limit zone, and narrowly missed a police car in his desperate attempt to evade officers, so it was a priority to stop him. Despite their efforts, he continued to hurtle around these built-up areas so, using their training, Rob and the team began to work on the tactics to bring the pursuit to a conclusion whilst pulling back to monitor the driver from further away, looking to decrease any additional risk.

As the car reached the junction of Mapperley Hall Drive and Woodland Drive, Mapperley, the driver lost control. Having reached a dead end it tried to reverse – but the interceptors were prepared and quickly boxed it in. They also quickly detained the man following the incident at around 1.25am on 1 September 2020.

Craig Ingle, 48, of no fixed address, was sentenced to 12 months in prison and disqualified from driving for five years after appearing at Nottingham Crown Court on 15 January 2021.

He was found guilty of dangerous driving, driving without insurance and driving without a licence.

PC Eley said: “Speed limits are in place for a reason, and, in particular where it is a 20mph zone it is likely because it is a highly built-up area which sees lots of footfall.

“Ingle took many, many risks driving how he did and travelling at such speeds and we are thankful this was in the early hours of the morning where the roads were slightly quieter and that no one was injured.

“When we were called up for support, it was imperative we acted quickly. Our priority is to keep members of the public safe – and the longer a pursuit goes on, the more risky it tends to get.

“So, as a team it was really important to work together to keep sight of him and bring him to a stop as soon as possible and prevent any conclusion that could potentially be disastrous. We saw him come towards us as the pursuit came through the Forest Fields area and we worked on our tactical plan to stop him.

“He lost control as he came to a dead end and we took that opportunity to stop him for good.

“We boxed him in and I took the initiative to block off the driver’s door to stop any chance that he would get away on foot.

“Shortly after, he was detained. It was definitely a relief when we got to stop him as he was showing a complete disregard for us and the road. It’s also pleasing to hear that he got a custodial sentence.

“It’s a reminder to anyone who tries to escape officers that we are highly trained tactical pursuit drivers and when there’s a team of us following them its only a matter of time before their luck runs out.”

Tune in to Channel 5 at 8pm to see all this and more on tonight’s Police Interceptors.

Relationship between patients and GPs is ‘starting to degrade’ as staff suffer from burnout

Anna Whittaker (LDR reporter)
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Relationship between patients and GPs is ‘starting to degrade’ as staff suffer from burnout

A leading Nottinghamshire doctor has spoken out about the ‘distressed’ state of general practice surgeries and says the relationship between patients and professionals is “starting to degrade”.

Dr Stephen Shortt, Clinical Chair at the NHS Nottingham and Nottinghamshire Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), said some staff are considering their futures in the sector due to the “stress, burnout and the unsustainability of the workload”.

He made the comments during the Health Scrutiny Committee at Nottinghamshire County Council on November 23.

He says he sees around 50 patients a day, around half of them face-to-face.

He said: “From the start of the pandemic to current times the professional-patient relationship has been strong and effective.

“And yet, it is starting to degrade at the present time through to the longevity of the pandemic and frustrations which are now coming to the fore.

“Even before the pandemic, we were already dealing with a system which was struggling.

GP-Healthcare

“The burden on general practice was great to start with and its weaknesses have been amplified by the covid conditions.

“Currently the state of general practice is that it is distressed and it is struggling as many other parts of society are.

“Colleagues have found the last 18 months very difficult indeed and there is much stress, burnout and there is much talk of the unsustainability of the workload.

“Colleagues are considering their work-life balance and whether they want to remain in general practice or not.

“General practice is fundamentally vulnerable and the pandemic has revealed that.”

He added when he hears of patients waiting for 45 minutes in a queue it is “deeply embarrassing and unsatisfactory”.

Dr Shortt added that he didn’t want to “adopt the mantle of victimhood” and said that many colleagues regard working in the sector as “a joy”.

It comes as data from the Nottingham and Nottinghamshire Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), which was given to councillors, shows about one in six people waited 15 days or more to see a doctor across the 31 days in August 2021.

This amounted to 76,224 out of 454,315 appointments or 16.77 per cent – and more than 20,000 patients waited longer than four weeks to see their GP.

In August 2020, 52,736 patients had to wait more than two weeks to see their GP, which equated to 13.21 per cent of appointments.

Gedling borough MPs vote on Government social care reform plans

Gedling Eye Reporter
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Gedling borough MPs vote on Government social care reform plans

Plans to reform the way people pay for social care in England have been voted on – and Gedling borough MPs have had their say.

The Conservative-led government’s proposals were approved by 272 ayes to 246 noes.

This tight result was due to significant opposition from other political parties and some Tory MPs, with concerns that not enough is being done to protect the poorest pensioners.

One of the main features of the reform is a ‘cap’ on the amount people will have to pay towards their personal care.

It will be set at £86,000, and after this has been reached, the local authority will take over the financing.

Houses of Parliament

However, this does not include living costs such as food, energy bills or accommodation.

Many argue that the new proposal could lead to people living in cheaper houses having their assets wiped out.

See how your Gedling borough MP voted:

Tom Randall (Conservative – Gedling) – For

Mark Spencer (Conservative – Sherwood) – For

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