A historic fort and dock which is said to have sparked the imagination of poet Lord Byron at Newstead Abbey has been saved.
Work to save the mock fort and dock was carried out after a grant was awarded by Historic England.
The structure had previously been under their ‘under threat’ list.
The mock fort and dock was built by the fifth Lord Byron around 1750 as an ‘eye-catcher’ to be seen across the lake from his home at Newstead Abbey.
It also served as a mooring and suitably evocative backdrop for the ship which he kept on the lake for entertaining friends with recreations of naval battles.
PICTURED: Work being carried out to repair the fort after a grant was awarded by Historic EnglandPICTURED: Newstead Abbey (IMAGE: Gedling Eye)
His son, the famous Romantic poet who we know as the Lord Byron, was no doubt influenced by the gothic surroundings of Newstead Abbey in his writing.
A spokesman for Historic England said: “By 2018, though structurally sound, masonry repairs were needed on the fort.
“Historic England awarded a grant for this work, and the repairs were undertaken in 2019 and 2020.
“Incidents of anti-social behaviour increased during the COVID-19 lockdowns, but the situation is improving, and this eccentric building and registered Newstead Park in which it sits, can be appreciated once more by the people of Nottingham.”
This project followed on from the Historic England grant-aided repair of Newstead Abbey’s iconic west front, which had long been at risk.
People in Gedling borough planning fireworks celebrations for Bonfire Night and Diwali are being offered safety advice from Nottinghamshire County Council‘s Trading Standards team.
The team is advising people to take note of safety advice when it comes to purchasing and setting off fireworks.
The top advice includes only purchasing fireworks from licensed sellers, looking out for the CE or UKCA mark on goods and remembering that it is illegal for anyone under the age of 18 to purchase fireworks.
Anyone planning a home display should also be aware that category F2 and F3 fireworks require different safety distances, so the team is asking people to check the requirements, keeping the size of their garden in mind.
Though both Bonfire Night and Diwali mean that fireworks are allowed past 11pm, anyone setting them off must be aware that different curfews are in place (midnight for Bonfire Night and 1am for Diwali).
Trish Hennessy, trading standards team manager, said: “We know that many people may be planning home firework displays, and so it’s really important for everyone to take note of the safety advice – not just for themselves, but also for their guests.
“If you have purchased fireworks, it’s really important to read the box as this will tell you important things like how far away people need to stand back once they are lit.
“We cannot emphasise enough that if you don’t understand the instructions or warnings, it’s best not to use the firework.
“It’s also a good idea to give neighbours warning that you will be setting off fireworks so they can plan in advance for any pets which might be affected.
“When it comes to pets, if you have them and will be setting off fireworks, we recommend keeping dogs and cats inside and making sure they have somewhere to hide.
“If you have small outdoor pets, it’s a good idea to give them extra bedding and nesting material to burrow in as fireworks may frighten them.
“We want everyone to have a safe and happy Bonfire Night and Diwali, so please keep our advice in mind before purchasing and lighting fireworks this weekend.”
Plans for new signage at Nando’s and an application for a new builder’s merchant near Colwick are among the planning applications that have been made this week across Gedling borough
Every week dozens of planning applications are submitted to the council – and the recent coronavirus pandemic has not changed that.
Here is the list of applications that have been submitted and validated by Gedling Borough Council in the last week.
Visit the council site HERE the links below to find out more and to have your say…
Arnold
Extension of existing garage at ground floor and construct new first floor above, hip to gable extension, 2 storey front extension, front dormers, rooflights to rear and render dwelling. 361 Mapperley Plains Arnold Ref. No: 2021/1231
Construct single storey rear extension and new rear deck 10 Stolle Close Arnold NG5 6RW Ref. No: 2021/1206
Bestwood
No planning this week.
Burton Joyce
Two storey extension to dwelling and granny annexe to replace garage and outbuilding. 153 Lambley Lane Burton Joyce NG14 5BN Ref. No: 2021/1230
Non-material amendment to permission 2020/1303 (installation of window to garage of plot R4) Glebe Farm Glebe Drive Burton Joyce Nottingham Nottinghamshire NG14 5BA Ref. No: 2021/1214NMA
Erection of detached dwelling, formation of access and related earthworks 35 Lambley Lane Burton Joyce Nottingham Nottinghamshire NG14 5BG Ref. No: 2021/1171
Calverton
Carlton
Proposed two-storey front and rear extension; loft conversion and raise the ridge 18 Deep Furrow Avenue Carlton NG4 1RS Ref. No: 2021/1209
Proposed dwelling to upper side garden 139 Coningswath Road Carlton NG4 3SG Ref. No: 2021/1076
Colwick
No planning applications this week
Daybrook
Single storey flat roofed rear extension. 182 Oxclose Lane Daybrook Nottingham Nottinghamshire NG5 6FD Ref. No: 2021/1191PN
Gedling
Approval of details reserved by conditions 2 (materials), 4 (levels), 5 (highway details) and 7 (entrance closure details) of reserved matters approval 2021/0694 Land At Linden Grove Gedling Nottinghamshire Ref. No: 2021/1208DOC
Retention of 1.8m high timber fence and drive gates 104 Kent Road Mapperley Nottingham Nottinghamshire NG3 6BN Ref. No: 2021/1193
Conversion of ground floor osteopaths to ground floor flat and replacement 2m high fence to side boundary 437 Westdale Lane West Mapperley NG3 6DH Ref. No: 2021/1229
Netherfield
Submission of Details in relation to Condition 8 – Construction Emission Management Plan (CEMP) of planning permission 2020/1292. Land Off Teal Close Netherfield Nottinghamshire Ref. No: 2021/1179DOC
Newstead
Construct single storey rear extension 4 High Leys Drive Newstead NG15 9HQ Ref. No: 2021/1218
Papplewick
Reduce the height of 5 Beech trees 1 Hall Cottages Hall Lane Papplewick Nottingham Nottinghamshire NG15 8FE Ref. No: 2021/1175TCA
Ravenshead
3 new dwellings, 2 new vehicular access from Vernon Crescent (retrospective). 81 Vernon Crescent Ravenshead Nottingham Nottinghamshire NG15 9BP Ref. No: 2021/1202
Concerns about fireworks terrifying pets and vulnerable people has prompted Gedling Borough Council to change its displays – and support a campaign to encourage more considerate firework use.
In January, councillors unanimously agreed to introduce a number of changes to reduce the impact of fireworks.
Following this decision, the leader of Gedling Borough Council, Councillor John Clarke, and deputy leader, Councillor Michael Payne, wrote to the government asking them to introduce legislation to limit the maximum noise level from fireworks sold to the public to 90dB and to support the RSPCA with their #BangOutOfOrder campaign to protect animals.
The council said fireworks can be very stressful, especially for vulnerable people, pets, livestock and other wildlife. Not only can they cause psychological stress, but can also lead to serious injuries.
All public displays on council-owned land now need to be advertised in advance to allow residents to take precautions where needed.
The council will be promoting the RSPCA #BangOutOfOrder campaign to raise awareness of the impact of fireworks on animals and vulnerable people, highlighting precautions that can be taken.
Gedling leader John Clarke, left and deputy leader Michael Payne, right. have written to the government asking for legislation around firework noise
Local fireworks suppliers will be encouraged to stock quieter fireworks to help minimise the disruptions and the council will be working with other relevant authorities to ensure the current rules around the purchase and setting off of fireworks is enforced across the borough and county.
Leader of Gedling Borough Council, Councillor John Clarke said: “We know fireworks are often enjoyed by many residents for numerous events and occasions, but we’re also aware of the negative impact and distress they can cause to vulnerable people, pets and wildlife.
“The changes we’re making will benefit many of our residents without reducing the enjoyment for those who still want to attend or host displays.
“I’m proud that we’re are able to lead on these changes and support the RSPCA with their campaign, and I hope the government agrees to support our request, something which will make a difference to an even wider area.”
RSPCA campaigns manager Carrie Stones said “We’d like to thank Gedling Borough Council for supporting our campaign and helping to raise awareness of the RSPCA’s concerns for animal welfare during the fireworks season.
“We believe that quieter fireworks and advanced warning of displays is the key to helping pet owners with nervous animals to prepare in advance for any loud noises.
“We would like to encourage anyone with concerns for their animals to speak with their vet and to visit the RSPCA’s website which has plenty of tips such as creating a quiet space for your animal.”
Asda has announced it will be introducing a permanent Quiet Hour at its Arnold store.
The “quiet hour” has been introduced to help customers with hidden disabilities.
The supermarket giant, which has a store on Front Street, has decided to launch the gesture after similar initiatives from other chains.
Last week, Tesco launched a similar initiative at its Carlton store, recognising that its stores with loud noises, bright lights and a large volume of people can be stressful for some customers.
The quieter hour will take place from 2pm to 3pm on Mondays to Thursdays.
PICTURED: Asda’s supermarket in Front Street
Asda’s chief supply chain officer and exec sponsor for disability Mark Simpson said: “There are an estimated 14.1 million people with a disability living in the UK, and 80 per cent of disabilities are hidden, so we hope that by introducing quieter times for customers to shop we will be able to make our stores more welcoming and inclusive for customers with additional needs.”
‘Quiet’ hours have been introduced by many supermarkets and high street retailers in recent years.
The time will see lights dimmed, music played at a quieter level and footfall reduced to hope customers with hidden disabilities cope with the pressures of doing their weekly shop.
Bonfire Night is set to return with a bang across Gedling borough with many events set to return after displays last year were cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Families eager to celebrate with spectacular firework shows, toffee apples and sparklers can check out some of these top events going on in the borough.
Listings were correct at time of going to press and please be aware organisers may make changes to their events.
Woodborough Village Fireworks
November 5 – 5pm
This fireworks event is taking place at the Sports Field Bar, with a licensed bar serving top beers for £3 a pint.
Elwes Arms, Carlton
November 5 – 6pm
This event will feature a spectacular fireworks display.
There will also be a BBQ, stalls, music, and games.
Mellish RFC bonfire and Fireworks, Mapperley
November 6 – 6pm
The annual Mellish Rugby Club Bonfire and Fireworks night returns, with fireworks, a bbq and refreshments (cash only).
Tickets are £5 for adults, £2.50 for children and under-5s go in free.
Bonfire Bonanza at Notts Maze, Arnold
November 4 – 6.30pm
Tickets cost £9 for adults and £7 for a child.
The venue is hosting a professional, organised firework display in celebration of bonfire night and the start of winter celebrations.
Hot and cold food vendors will be selling foord and hot, cold and alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages will be on sale.
There will be ride attractions for children, live music and arts and crafts stalls.
Gates will open at 6:30 and the fireworks display will be 7:30 approx.
Carlton Fireworks, Standhill Park, Carlton
November 6 – 7pm
Child £3, Adult £5, Family £15.
Back by popular demand – don’t miss 4th Carlton Scout Groups Firework and bonfire night.
Come and join us for a hot dog, burger or mushy peas and a hot drink to keep you warm while wtching the bonfire burn and over £1500 of fireworks light up the night.
Here’s his latest update on progress his team made over October…
PCC event
Back on October 7 I was part of the Police and Crime Commissioners ‘Have your say’ event for Gedling.
I joined Gedling MP Tom Randall, Chief Inspector Heather Sutton and the PCC in answering a few questions about policing across the Gedling Borough.
We discussed our policing priorities, how these are set and I gave an outline of some of the work that both the Neighbourhood Policing and Operation Reacher teams have carried out so far this year.
The event was live streamed on Youtube and Facebook. If you missed this and would like to watch the update then it can be found online at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PWKXhyedElM
Policing Priorities Update
The policing priorities for Gedling have now been refreshed for this quarter.
I recently met with colleagues from Gedling Borough Council where we agreed that the policing priorities for the area would remain Anti-Social Behaviour, Residential Burglary and Drug Supply until the end of 2021.
Drug Supply
Over the last month the Gedling Reacher and Neighbourhood teams have been carrying out more enforcement activity following information received about drug supply in the community.
I have always been very clear that drugs are linked to more serious crime/ anti-social behaviour and would therefore remain top priority for us. In the last month we have carried out three warrants under the Misuse of Drugs Act with controlled drugs recovered on each occasion.
On October 29 the Gedling South team carried out a warrant at Hickling Road, Mapperley. Officers located a full house of cannabis plants (over 200) and arrested a 20-year-old male who has since been charged.
In addition to this Gedling officers have also been involved in the following:
Found a cannabis grow in the roof of a residential property on Ashe Close, Arnold on October 4
Arrested two males on Ramsdale Avenue, Calverton. A 16-year-old and 30-year-old male were arrested on suspicion of drug supply offences following the discovery of Class A drugs on October 17.
Carried out two warrants on Collyer Road, Calverton following reports of drug dealing. Class A and B drugs were recovered from the address on October 30.
Arrested a 41 year old male and 47 year old female on 31st October following a vehicle stop on Lingwood Lane, Lambley with Class A drugs found.
As ever I look forward to seeing the investigations progress and no doubt we will secure charges in relation the supply and use of controlled drugs in our communities.
Burglary
Burglary continues to be a priority at Gedling as it has a huge effect on victims.
Our focus has been on overnight patrols to deter offending. In the last month there has been a slight decrease in offending compared to September with a 13% reduction recorded. That said there is always more to do and we will sharing crime prevention advice in the run up to Christmas so please keep a look out for that on our social media and website.
In terms of offences this month there have been three dwelling burglaries with the first reported on Onchan Drive, Carlton on 27th October and the second on Hillside Avenue, Mapperley on 28th October.
Over in the Gedling North area offenders also tried to gain entry to a conservatory on Ascot Drive, Redhill overnight on 4th October.
In the last 12 months Burglary has reduced by 23% which is a reduction of over 80 offences when compared to 2019-2020 which is really positive news.
Anti-social behaviour
We have stepped up our efforts around anti-social behaviour in the last month by launching ‘Operation Interlude’ in Arnold.
The operation has been put together by the neighbourhood policing team at Arnold and has been supported by Gedling CCTV, Special Constables and colleagues from Operation Reacher.
Sadly the operation has become necessary due the behaviour of a small number who have been involved in antisocial behaviour around the town centre. During the month of October we received reports of youths throwing items from a supermarket roof including potatoes, plastic bottles and a shopping trolley. Clearly this type of behaviour is dangerous and completely unacceptable.
On Friday 22nd October I joined the Arnold team on patrol for the evening as we deployed into Arnold, carrying out both high-visibility and plain clothes patrols.
Over the weekend five people were given a direction to leave the town centre to prevent further anti-social behaviour from taking place. Three individuals were searched resulting in the recovery of Cannabis and two vehicles were seized due to them being used in anti-social manner around the town centre.
On the Saturday evening one male failed to leave as directed and was arrested. He will now appear before Nottingham Magistrates Court.
‘Operation Interlude’ will continue in Arnold in the run up to Christmas and I hope that this sends out a clear message that ASB and alcohol related violence will not be tolerated.
We are working closely with the Council wardens, CCTV operators and licensing colleagues to prevent this type of behaviour.
Over in Gedling South the team have carried out patrols following a rise in complaints about the anti-social use of cars, mopeds and off-road motorbikes. Officers have been working in the area of Pintail Close and Colwick Industrial Estate in order to deal with those involved in car cruise activity.
On October 29 officers seized an off-road bike being ridden on Douglas Avenue, Carlton. A 16-year-old male has been dealt with by officers for a number of offences in relation to the use of the bike.
Autocrime
Moving on I wanted to talk about our ongoing operation to tackle overnight Autocrime. Last week we carried out a day of enforcement in relation to overnight offences in Colwick, Mapperley, Woodthorpe and Calverton.
Offenders had targeted insecure vehicles before taking cash, bank cards and other personal belongings. During the day of action (27th October) officers arrested two males and voluntarily interviewed another. It was a long day for all involved but I’m pleased that two males, aged 46 and 24 were charged with a number of offences including theft from motor vehicle, fraud and possession of an offensive weapon. Both males were remanded in custody to appear at Nottingham Magistrates Court
Stabbing incident
Sadly officers attended to a report of two males having sustained stab wounds on Main Road, Gedling on the evening of 22nd October. Clearly this is a serious incident and I have always been very clear that knife crime will not be tolerated.
Our CID colleagues continue to investigate this incident and have now made two arrests as part of their investigation.
If you have any information at all then please contact us quoting incident 780 22/10/2021.
As we approach the Christmas period we will be carrying out walk throughs of our licensed premises to deter alcohol related violence. We will be working with local ‘Pub Watch’ groups and licensing colleagues. Positive action will be taken against those involved in anti-social behaviour or violence and in terms of knife crime we will be supporting a national week of action in November which will see an increase in police activity around those suspected to be carrying knives.
If you know that someone is carrying a knife then please let us know on 101 or alternatively report this through the Crimestoppers Charity on 0800555111.
Phone scam
Finally phone scams are on the increase and I’ve been made aware of a new ‘Scam’ which targets WhatsApp users.
The users receive Whatsapp messages claiming to be from a son or daughter who has lost, damaged or had their mobile phone stolen. In some of the reports the names being given are correct. The messages then request to borrow money stating that they are unable to access their online banking due to a change of phone number.
Should you receive a similar message to this then please verify any requests for money in person so that money is not transferred to those involved in Fraud.
If you receive a similar message to this then please report this to ‘Action Fraud’ through their website.
Nottinghamshire County Council has voted to approve its amended Investing in Nottinghamshire programme and push ahead with a new £15.7 million office building.
The authority’s economic development and asset management (EDAM) committee approved the document on Tuesday, November 2, following a review of the initial £27.74 million plan.
Its review has reduced costs to slightly less than £21 million, with some key investments scrapped, and the sum will be borrowed from the Government’s public works loan board.
The total costings when factoring in interest are expected to be reviewed at a future finance committee, the meeting was told.
Amendments include no longer improving Meadow House, in Mansfield, in favour of supporting the district council’s plan to create a public service ‘hub’.
The county council will also look at the possibility of relocating – but not closing – libraries and co-locating services alongside other local authority buildings.
The bulk of the investment will come from the £15.7 million Top Wighay office building, on the Hucknall-Linby border, which has been hailed as setting a “benchmark” in reaching the council’s carbon-neutral targets.
PICTURED: The new planned development at Top Wighay Farm
When coupled with the 805 new homes, primary school and other community facilities on the wider Top Wighay Farm development, the council estimates more than 1,000 jobs will be created.
The office building was initially forecast to cost £14.7 million but rose due to increased construction costs, the council confirmed last week.
But Cllr Dave Shaw (Ash Ind), who represents Hucknall West, has been critical of the plan for a number of months.
In the meeting, he said: “I’ve always said this review has been farcical, and while the total amount you’re planning to borrow has gone down, the posh new offices at Top Wighay has gone up by £1 million.
“There is no mention in the report of the impact on Hucknall, the fundamental stress it’s going to cause to residents, the impact on the highways.
“[This is] all for buildings, I believe, we don’t need. I fundamentally think this is wrong.”
However, other councillors spoke in favour of the revised plans, which also include investing in council facilities in both Beeston and Retford.
The wider project is estimated to provide the council with annual revenue savings of £1.34 million, while the co-location of services would allow other council-owned assets to be sold or redeveloped.
Several new buildings will be used to accommodate staff who continued to work in an office environment throughout the pandemic, and who would do so despite the new hybrid working model.
These include social care and mental health services, with Cllr Keith Girling (Con), chairman of the committee, saying the council needs “fit-for-purpose” buildings to provide these services.
He said: “Often when somebody comes to see our offices and get into our services, it’s the first contact they’ve had with the county council.
“If that building is run-down, rickety and not fit-for-purpose, it’s not really a comforting start for their journey.”
He added: “This will now open up some of the buildings we won’t be using, and we will be able to decide [what to do with them].
“It’s giving us a great option to make sure our estate is working for us as a county council, and it’s going to bring in much-wanted revenue.”
Residents in Gedling borough gearing up for Bonfire Night are being warned that a simple mistake could leave them £50,000 out of pocket.
A warning has been issued by the Environment Agency as many across the borough build their bonfires in preparation for the annual celebration.
The Agency is asking people in the borough to be careful about what is being burned and to keep it secure before burning.
They say the burning of most type of waste is illegal as it causes pollution which can harm your own health as well as your family, friends and neighbours.
Burning waste can carry a fine of up to £50,000.
The Agency said only clean, non-commercial waste should be burned like paper, untreated wood and cardboard.
Sam Pickard of the Environment Agency said: “Bonfires are not to be used for a seasonal clear-out of your rubbish. It is not an excuse to get rid of difficult to dispose of rubbish by burning it yourself or asking others to do it for you.
“We want to encourage people to make sure they dispose of their waste legally and safely at their recycling centre or through their doorstep collections.
“And if you are responsible for a bonfire, when you are doing your checks for wildlife also look to see if anyone has added rubbish to your bonfire.”
Community safety councillor Philip Hackett said: “While bonfires may be a traditional part of the festivities around this time of year they can pose significant risks and impact on our climate.
“We recommend people attend an organised event instead of having their own bonfires but if they decide to light their own fires they should make safety a priority and not burn any hazardous materials. Recycling is a much more environmentally friendly way of disposing of unwanted wood and other materials.”
Anyone seeing suspicious activities should contact the Environment Agency on 0800 807060 or report it anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Gedling MP Tom Randall has backed changes to prescription charges during a parliamentary debate on the menopause in London.
Changes to how Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is prescribed will help will reduce the cost of treatment for women going through the menopause.
Mr Randall spoke briefly at the debate on Friday (October 29), which was led by Swansea East MP, Carolyn Harris, who had called for a ‘menopause revolution’.
He was joined by other Members of Parliament that morning to meet Health Secretary Sajid Javid to raise his constituents’ concerns.
He also met Television presenter Davina McCall to discuss her campaign and welcome her to Westminster.
Tom said: “A number of my constituents have spoken to me about their experiences during the menopause and raised their concerns about the cost of HRT. I was very happy to attend Friday’s debate to support the cause for lower costs.”
PICTURED: Gedling MP Tom Randall, left, with TV presenter Davina McCall, right
At the end of the debate, the Government announced changes to how HRT will be prescribed: instead of paying for a repeat prescription every month or every three months, the prescriber can issue a batch of prescriptions for up to 12 months with one signature and one prescription charge. The prescriber will set the interval between the issues of the medicine and the number of times the prescription can be repeated, and of course this will be done on clinical grounds. Repeatable prescriptions can be issued either electronically or on paper.
This will mean that, where clinically appropriate, one prescription charge can be paid per year.
For example, where a woman currently takes two hormone treatments, oestrogen and progesterone, and receives a repeatable prescription every month, she pays £18.70 each time, which makes a total of £224 every year. Under the changed system, she would pay just £18.70 each year. That is a saving of £205. For a woman currently prescribed HRT on a three-monthly interval, moving to a 12-monthly repeatable prescription will make a saving of £66 a year.
Tom said: “All women will go through the menopause, though their experiences of the process will vary.
“I recognise that there can be a significant cost to HRT and I welcome these changes, which will make a real difference to women in Gedling.”
