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Sainsbury’s stores across Gedling borough confirm fireworks sale ban for 2021

Gedling Eye Reporter
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Sainsbury’s stores across Gedling borough confirm fireworks sale ban for 2021

Sainsbury’s stores in Gedling borough will not be fireworks ahead of Bonfire Night next month.

The move comes as a pet charity warned over the dangers of fireworks for dogs and cats.

Sainsbury’s first stopped selling fireworks in 2019 in a move which affected all UK Stores and the retailer has confirmed this will once again be the case in 2021.

Sainsbury-sign

A Sainsbury’s spokesperson said: “We regularly review the products available in our stores and we are no longer selling fireworks based on a range of factors.

“Customers can continue to choose from a range of seasonal products, such as glow sticks and light-up spinning wands.”

The fireworks ban from Sainsbury’s has prompted praise from Dogs Trust, a charity focusing on the welfare of dogs.

The charity has urged other big retailers to do the same warning.

A spokesperson from the trust said: “Although they can look beautiful, fireworks can be very distressing for dogs when let off unexpectedly, and because they are so easily accessible all year-round, dog owners are on tenterhooks as to when their beloved pooch will next be frightened.”

Aldi said it understands the importance of animal welfare but will continue to sell fireworks in store.

Other local stores stance on fireworks…

A spokesperson said Aldi “understands the importance of animal welfare when celebrating [with fireworks] which is why our sales materials include reminders that pets should be kept safe indoors along with advice on how to make them feel secure.”

An Asda spokesperson confirmed fireworks would be on sale.

They said: “We know that many of our customers love fireworks, but we also know that some customers and their pets don’t like the noise, which is why this year we have launched a collection of low noise fireworks so that everyone can still enjoy the show.”

Tesco also confirmed it will continue to sell fireworks while Co-Op said it has not sold firework products for the past five year and has no plans to bring them back.

‘Business as usual’ for Gedling politician and councillors after murder of Sir David Amess MP

Adam Toms
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‘Business as usual’ for Gedling politician and councillors after murder of Sir David Amess MP

Gedling’s MP and Borough Council members will not be taking extra precautions after the murder of Sir David Amess MP.

The veteran MP of 38 years for Southend West was stabbed to death at his constituency surgery in Leigh-on-Sea on Friday.

The Metropolitan Police have since declared their investigation into the incident is terror related.

The Home Secretary, Priti Patel, asked police forces nationwide on Saturday to review security arrangements for MPs.

Sir David Amess
PICTURED: Sir David Amess

MP for Gedling, Tom Randall, said: “While this is[…] a very important issue, I am not going to discuss the details publicly.

“Generally speaking, I’m continuing my planned activities in the constituency as before.”

Mr Randall’s last public engagement saw him visit Luxfer Gas Cylinders, a Colwick technology firm, on October 13.

In addition, a spokesperson for Gedling Borough Council said: “There are no changes to our existing arrangements for Councillors”

The Speaker of the House of Commons, Sir Lindsay Hoyle, called for a “fresh start” to national politics this morning, where “hate and nastiness” are driven out.

Gedling MP Tom Randall talks to Adam Toms about tax rises, winter Covid restrictions and re-election prospects

Adam Toms
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Gedling MP Tom Randall talks to Adam Toms about tax rises, winter Covid restrictions and re-election prospects

MP for Gedling, Tom Randall, has suggested to Gedling Eye columnist and writer Adam Toms that further tax rises cannot be ruled out as the Government tackles “big issues” caused by the pandemic.

Echoing the Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, in recent months, Mr Randall said: “I’m for cutting taxes but it’s been a tough period and we have to tackle big issues like social care.

“There is going to be a cost to that and that will have to be financed.

“This might not be popular, no tax rise is popular, but we have to get it right. It can’t be avoided any longer.

“Social care is that big issue that needs to be tackled. It is an issue that past governments haven’t tackled.”

When asked if there may be further rise to Gedling residents’ National Insurance contributions, he added: “There is a backlog to tackle. I accept that.

“That’s why the money has been allocated in the way it has so it goes to social care. I’m confident of this.

“I’m not the chancellor of the exchequer. I don’t have all the treasury modelling.

“The levy [National Insurance] will affect people, but there are exemptions to that.

“For example, class two or three won’t pay and the richest will be paying the lion’s share.”

National Insurance classes are dependent on peoples’ annual earnings.

Those employed by an employer can choose to pay National Insurance contributions to fill or avoid gaps in their National Insurance record.

Those in Class 2 who are self-employed and earning profits of £6,515 or more a year have to pay National Insurance contributions.

Class 3 workers’ contributions are entirely voluntary.

People have to pay contributions, however, to be eligible for state pensions and Government benefits.

In September, the TaxPayers’ Alliance said: “The levy will result in poorer workers paying a higher proportion of their income in national insurance.

“For poorer non-retired households, national insurance would rise from 7.22 per cent to 7.93 per centof their gross income, compared to richer ones who would see a rise from 4.72 per cent to 5.21 per cent.”

When asked about whether now, with inflation, rising energy prices, and probable future tax rises, was the good time to cut back Universal Credit to pre-pandemic levels, Mr Randall said: “Decisions that the Government make are never easy. I get that.

“That was always a temporary rise, a Covid specific response.

“We are now sort of coming out of Covid and measures are being removed.

“The rise was always going to have a date on which it ended and we’re getting to that.

“There is support out there for people struggling such as the Household Support Fund to help pay peoples’ bills in winter.

“£5.5m has also been allocated to Nottinghamshire which will mitigate peoples’ issues.”

Regarding potential winter restrictions to combat a rise in cases of the flu and Covid-19, Mr Randall said: “I would support winter Covid restrictions if something were necessary.”

Not being drawn on the details of said “necessary” conditions, he added: “I’d be in favour of action that keeps as much of the economy and society open as much as possible.

“We value it more now we’ve sort of got back to normal.

“For example, going to the pub, restaurant, mixing with other people.

“We must protect as much of this as we can. That interaction is important for us as people”.

Mr Randall said he received “regular updates from hospitals describing ICU and patient numbers”.

“I also get the odd e-mail from a minority of people saying there isn’t a problem, that Covid isn’t an issue.

“I say to them, “you should be on my call. If you had heard the figures, you’d understand the measures we’ve taken”.

He suggested that “there will have to be an assessment as to where the point of further restrictions would be”.

The Prime Minister said Covid-19 still presented a risk when outlining his winter plan in September. 

He outlined a ‘Plan A’ and a ‘Plan B’.

Plan A includes protection from vaccines, maintenance of Test, Trace and Isolate, public advice, and aiming to help “vaccinate the world”.

The plan also says that “a Plan B[…] would only be enacted if the data suggests further measures are necessary to protect the NHS”.

The Government has not so far defined what the hospitalisation or death figures would have to be to trigger “Plan B”.

Mr Randall said, “the vaccination program has weakened the link between cases and hospital admissions.

Two years ago we could only dream of. Appreciated step forward we’ve made.

The metrics seem to be ok at the moment. Just had letter for booster. Reiterate sign up when people do get that. That’s helped us, a fantastic success.

When asked about a report by MPs released last week which found that the Government made “big mistakes” which cost “thousands” of lives during its response to the pandemic in 2020, Mr Randall said: “The Government dealt with a very difficult set of facts.

“It was an event throng on them suddenly involving every aspect of daily life. Big decisions had to be made really quickly.

“It’s not easy making these decisions. In due course there will be public inquiry.

“I would challenge anybody to say that they could have made significantly different or better decisions.

When asked about the next General Election, he added: “I’m ready any time subject to re-adoption from Gedling Conservative Association, of course.

“I don’t see any trouble there.”

He did not offer a prediction as to when the next election might be.

He said: “It could be at any time. As long as it’s not next week

“In the next few years, possibly.”

Taxi driver ‘threatened with knife’ by customer who demanded cash in Carlton

Gedling Eye
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Taxi driver ‘threatened with knife’ by customer who demanded cash in Carlton

A taxi driver was reportedly threatened with a knife in Carlton by a customer who demanded money. 

The driver picked up the passenger from a taxi rank in Lower Parliament Street before taking him to Tesco Superstore in Carlton Hill in Carlton at around 10.20pm last night (October 16).

When they arrived, the customer asked to be taken to a different location instead. The taxi driver asked the fare to be paid upfront but the customer refused.

The taxi driver said he would only move off if he was paid some cash. 

According to the taxi driver’s account, the passenger then produced a knife and demanded money.

The taxi driver then opened his door to get out and the passenger did the same. The taxi driver then jumped back into his vehicle and locked the doors before driving away.

Police were called and a suspect was quickly located. He was arrested on suspicion of attempted robbery and taken into custody.

Detective Constable Clint Gloyn, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “This incident would have been terrifying for the taxi driver and I am pleased officers were able to detain a suspect within minutes. 

“An 18-year-old man is now being questioned in connection with the attempted robbery but I would ask that anyone who has any information to get in touch with us as soon as possible.

“If you have any information, footage or witnessed the incident, please do not hesitate to contact Nottinghamshire Police on 101 quoting incident number 776 of 116 October 2021. 

“I’d also like to reassure local residents that the force takes all reports of knife-related offences extremely seriously.

“We understand that incidents like this can be concerning for communities and if you have any concerns please do not hesitate to speak to one of our local officers in the area.”

Free school meals in Gedling borough for kids this half term

Gedling Eye Reporter
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Free school meals in Gedling borough for kids this half term

Schoolchildren in Gedling borough are to benefit from free school meals during October half-term

Nottinghamshire County Council has announced that it will continue to fund Free School Meals in the October half-term and the Christmas two-week break.

Councillor Tracey Taylor, chairman of Children and Young People’s Committee, said that the Council recognised the cost of living challenges were impacting on large numbers of people and was grateful to receive the funding to continue the support until the end of the year.

The £15-per-week vouchers will be distributed to those eligible by their schools.

School meals

It is estimated that more than 25,000 school children across the county will receive 250,000 meals this October half-term.

Councillor Taylor said that she was delighted the grant will help families who most need it during the school holidays.

Coun Taylor added: “This will be very welcome news to families across Nottinghamshire and it will be one less thing for them to worry about this winter.

“This council was one of the first in the country to support the Free School Meals initiative in March 2020 and I’m very pleased that we will continue to back it.”

Coun Taylor praised the efficient and effective way the vouchers were distributed by schools and the close working relationship between the council and head teachers.

She commented: “The Council’s budget is under huge pressures, and while this is not a long-term solution, Government has made the funding available to support low-income families across Nottinghamshire this winter and that is good news for hundreds of families.”



VIDEO: Secret Takeaway Eater – Apollo Fish Bar, Carlton

Gedling Eye
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VIDEO: Secret Takeaway Eater – Apollo Fish Bar, Carlton

See what they thought about what was on offer in the video below.

This week the Secret Takeaway Eater popped to Apollo in Carlton for a chippy tea.

Enforcement action to be taken on house in Redhill being used as car sales business

Gedling Eye Reporter
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Enforcement action to be taken on house in Redhill being used as car sales business

Gedling Borough Council is to take enforcement action against a house being used as a car sales business in Redhill.

The local authority said it received complaints about a car sales business operating from Angela Close in April 2021.

It said photos and registration logs showed cars were being sold from the property by the tenant, with customers viewing cars and paperwork being exchanged on the driveway and the residential street.


Gedling Borough Council is to take enforcement action against a house being used as a car sales business in Redhill.

The local authority said it received complaints about a car sales business operating from Angela Close in April 2021.

It said photos and registration logs showed cars were being sold from the property by the tenant, with customers viewing cars and paperwork being exchanged on the driveway and the residential street.

Internet adverts for the same vehicles demonstrated that a business was being operated from the address, the council said.

In addition, vehicles were being prepared for sale at the premises with vacuum cleaners photographed in use on vehicles and visits from valeting companies.

The activity was noted at various times of day, including late at night.

The council wrote to both the owner and tenant of the property in May 2021 advising that the business use was unauthorised and should cease immediately.

In response to the letter, the owner wrote to his tenant on June 3 advising that any business use ceases. Despite contact from the council and owner of the property, the business activity continued.

On August 24, there was another car on the drive for sale with an associated internet advert.

The car was later photographed being sold by the tenant on the street.

In September, the council received reports of another vehicle on the driveway awaiting sale.

At this time, the property had transferred ownership and the managing agent for the new owner said they had written to the tenant stressing that the activity ceases.

Gedling Borough Council Civic Centre
PICTURED: Civic Centre (PHOTO: Gedling Eye)

The tenant made first contact with the council via email on September 15.

He gave assurances that he would cease the activity. He admitted to selling “a few cars a month” but disputed it amounted to a breach of planning control.

The council has, however, received reports that cars are still being stored at the property in relation with the business.

Councillors met on Wednesday, October 13, at a planning meeting to agree that enforcement action is taken.

The council said: “Angela Close is a residential cul-de-sac within the built up area of Redhill comprising of detached two storey properties.

“Number 4 Angela Close is located at the end of the cul-de-sac adjacent to the turning head.

“The use of the premises to operate a car sales business is not incidental to the enjoyment of the dwelling house and requires planning permission. No such permission has been applied for nor granted.

“This area of Redhill is characterised by well-kept and well-presented residential properties. There is no other commercial use in the immediate vicinity. The operation of a car sales business is an alien feature at a residential property and is out of character for this residential street.

“It is considered that the level of activity on site and number of vehicular movements associated with the use is detrimental to neighbours’ amenities and will cause noise and disturbance to the occupiers of nearby dwellings affecting their enjoyment of their homes.

“It is considered the business is likely to cause an increase in vehicle movements, with customers viewing and purchasing vehicles.

“Evidence submitted to the council indicates that the highway is being used to park vehicles that are for sale as well as those of customers.

“It is noted that at times, vehicles associated with the business activity are being parked in the turning head of the cul-de-sac and across neighbouring driveways, resulting in little room for other users of the road to turn vehicles around or access property.

“Although the tenant has given written undertakings to cease the use of the residential premises for the car sales business, cars are still brought to the site for storage.

“In any case the operator of the business has been told numerous times since April 2021 to cease the business activities from home but failed to do so.”

The council will now commence enforcement action without delay by issuing a planning enforcement notice requiring the end of the unauthorised business.

It will also see the removal of the vehicles which are being stored for sale, and if the notice is not complied with then the council said proceedings should be taken in the courts if necessary.

New Sainsbury’s store in Colwick to open before Christmas

Gedling Eye
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New Sainsbury’s store in Colwick to open before Christmas

Sainsbury’s has confirmed that its new supermarket in Colwick will be open in time for local people to do their Christmas shopping.

The supermarket giant says it expects to be able to announce the opening date in the next few weeks.

Construction is nearing completion on the new 50,000 sq. ft. Sainsbury’s supermarket on Loop Road.

The internal fit-out works are currently taking place, building signage has been installed throughout the store helping it to come to life, and the ‘Pay@Pump’ Petrol Station and external landscaping are also nearly finished.

Sainsbury’s has committed to investing £1 billion over 20 years to become a net zero business by 2040 at the latest and the new Colwick store is leading the way in sustainable development by featuring a wide range of measures to ensure that it is fit for the future. 

Once open, Sainsbury’s new supermarket will use only renewable energy and be reliant on no fossil fuels. It will be highly energy efficient, using 25% less energy than stores of a similar size did 3 years ago, and will also feature the latest technology in refrigeration. Alongside a Sainsbury’s signature bee hotel, Electric Vehicle Charging Points will be installed in the car park, a proportion of which have been specifically designed to be more accessible to disabled customers and others who need additional space. 

The store will provide an impressive selection of food and non-food products for local people, including Sainsbury’s popular Tu Clothing range, Habitat home products, and an Argos store inside the store, enabling customers to collect Argos purchases whilst picking up their groceries. 

The new store is providing a substantial investment into the local area, delivering around 200 jobs for local people across a range of roles and levels. The new Store Manager, Paul Wain, has been successfully building his team over the past few months and looks forward to welcoming local people into the store.

Paul Wain, Sainsbury’s Colwick Store Manager, said: “It’s fantastic to see the new supermarket coming to life I’m looking forward to leading the new store team for this much-anticipated supermarket, which will improve shopping choice for local people. We’re working hard to make sure we can provide the best possible service for our customers and we can’t wait to open our doors to the local community in the near future”.

Sainsbury’s Property Director Patrick Dunne said: “I’m extremely pleased to see the progress we’ve made on the new supermarket in Colwick. We understand that local people are keenly awaiting the new store and we are looking forward to meeting all of our new customers before Christmas.

“We’re passionate about providing a store for Colwick that sets the bar for sustainability and responsible development, as part of our pledge to become a Net Zero Business by 2040 at the latest”.

Sir David Amess death: Gedling borough MPs and councillors pay tribute

Gedling Eye Reporter
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Sir David Amess death: Gedling borough MPs and councillors pay tribute

An outpouring of tributes from Gedling borough figures has followed the tragic death of Conservative MP Sir David Amess.

The 69-year-old MP was attacked earlier today at Belfairs Methodist Church in Leigh-on-Sea with a 25-year-old man arrested at the scene by police on suspicion of murder.

Cllr John Clarke (Lab), leader of Gedling Borough Council, told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: “First and foremost condolescenes. He might have been a different political colour but he is a human being doing his job. I am absolutely appalled by the news.”

Nadia Whittome, MP for Nottingham East (Lab), said: “Horrific news. My thoughts are with David Amess, his family, friends and office staff.”

Tom Randall, MP for Gedling (Con), told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: “I’m shocked, completely shocked at this horrible news.  Sir David was a committed MP; decent and kind. He will be much missed.”

Deputy leader of Gedling Borough Council, Councillor Michael Payne tweeted: “He was just doing his job. So utterly heartbreaking.”

Ernehale councillor Councillor Roxanne Ellis tweeted: “Horrific news about David Amess. He was doing his job and serving his constituents at a surgery. My thoughts go out to his family and friends at this awful time.

The Ferry Boat pub in Stoke Bardolph ‘unaffected’ by land auction sale

Gedling Eye Reporter
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The Ferry Boat pub in Stoke Bardolph ‘unaffected’ by land auction sale

The Ferry Boat pub in Stoke Bardolph will remain open despite the sale of land it occupies.

The land which houses the iconic riverside Public House and associated car park and football pitches was sold this week at auction by Nottingham City Council, who own the property.

The council were forced to sell in a bid to balance their books.

The guide price for the sale of the land was 180,000-200,000 and it fetched a price of £214,000 at auction.

It is not known who yet won the auction.

The auction guide states: “The Pub is subject to a lease and is not affected by this sale.”

Ferry_Boat_Inn
PICTURED: The Ferry Boat at Stoke Bardolph

The pub owners Greene King has a lease agreement with 49 years remaining.

The pub is run under their Hungry Horse chain.

Nottingham City Council announced last month that it will now have to sell off some of its assets including land in order to claw back nearly £1bn of debt it owes.

The Council has been warned that Government commissioners could take control of the Labour-run authority if it does not make satisfactory progress on reducing its huge debt.

The Labour-run authority has three years to get its house in order on the back of a string of financial issues including setting up a failed energy company, Robin Hood Energy.

The pandemic has cost the authority £66.5 million due to lost income from leisure centres, parking income and the Theatre Royal and Concert Hall being closed at the height of restrictions.

Despite Government grants and compensation of £50.1 million, it has left the local authority with “an unfunded Covid-19 gap” which now stands at £19.4 million.

This is coupled with the high amount of external loan debt it has acquired of £932.7m, from which it has managed to shave off £141.8m over the last year.

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