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Woman shares ordeal after being dragged along by handbag thieves in Arnold

Gedling Eye Reporter
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Woman shares ordeal after being dragged along by handbag thieves in Arnold

A care worker was hit over the head and dragged along the floor while clinging to her handbag as she fought off four callous youths who attacked her in an alleyway in Arnold.

Rebecca Alexander had left home to start a night shift as a care assistant when she was ambushed and violently attacked. She heard footsteps behind her but carried on until she was suddenly hit over the head, causing her to fall to the floor and land on broken glass.

A group of youths then tried to take her bag but she fought back, held on to it and curled herself into a ball to protect her face. 

The shocking incident happened off Birchfield Road in Arnold between 7.20pm and 7.45pm on Wednesday (4 August 2021). 

Rebecca suffered cuts, scrapes and grazes to her face, arms and legs during the incident. The attackers, who are believed to be white and aged in their early to late teens, ran off empty-handed towards Coppice Road.

The mum-of-five, who has lived in the area about 15 years, said: “When I heard the footsteps behind me I just carried on walking and thought nothing of it. Then I felt being hit to the head and I fell to the floor. They tried tugging my bag away from me but I held on to it and kept my head down.

“It all happened within the blink of an eye. While I was on the floor I just had this sickening feeling – that if I saw their faces I might have well known them.” 

Following the incident a kind-hearted local couple came to help Rebecca. They gave her some wipes for her wounds, brought her a drink and kept talking to her to comfort her. 

Police took her back home and an ambulance was called but thankfully, although she was pouring with blood, Rebecca didn’t need to go to hospital. She is still suffering from a swollen knee.

She said: “I’d like to thank the couple who helped me. It just shows that not everyone is bad and there are more good people than bad. 

“This incident could have been a lot worse. I’m a healthy person but it could easily have happened to someone elderly. 

“Looking back on it now I think I should have just let go of my bag but I think it’s really important that people remain vigilant and stay aware of their surroundings.”   

One of the youths who attacked Rebecca was wearing a dark grey hoodie and two of the others were wearing black hoodies and had dark hair. 

A fourth suspect was wearing dark-coloured trousers and a T-shirt. He also had dark hair. 

Detective Sergeant Gary Hewson, who is leading the investigation into the attempted robbery, said: “While we would never want anyone to put themselves in harm’s way I would like to commend Rebecca for her bravery shown during this incident which must have been very distressing. 

“It was fortunate she didn’t suffer more serious injuries during this cowardly attack. 

“We are working hard to trace the suspects and I’m appealing to anyone who may have been in the area around the time and saw these youths immediately before or after the incident to please come forward. 

“Equally anyone who has any CCTV or dash-cam footage which could help us identify them is asked to get in touch as soon as possible. 

“Incidents of this nature are understandably concerning for local communities. We treat all reports of robbery seriously and we have upped police patrols in the area to provide reassurance while we continue to progress with our investigation.” 

The latest national statistics show that robberies in Nottinghamshire plummeted by 36 per cent in the year  to April 2021, marking a sustained drop which started well before the impact of the pandemic. 

Offences of violence with injury also fell by 25 per cent as officers continued with a raft of proactive initiatives in pursuing those who cause communities most harm and preventing offences. 

The force’s designated robbery teams, meanwhile, have also overseen a rise in detection rates of more than ten percent – meaning more criminals are being arrested and charged. 

Anyone with any information about the attempted robbery is urged to call Nottinghamshire Police on 101, quoting incident number 653 of 4 August 2021, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Trading standards warn Gedling borough residents about health service scam calls

Gedling Eye Reporter
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Trading standards warn Gedling borough residents about health service scam calls

Trading standards teams are making residents in Gedling borough aware of scam calls claiming to be from a health service.

Nottinghamshire County Council’s Trading Standards team has received reports of a scam in the form of a call from someone falsely claiming to be from a health service.

man on phone
PICTURE: Deposit Photos

A spokesman said: “During the call, the scammer asks people if they have had a health problem and then go on to ask for their address and when their family visit them.

“They then say that they will get a colleague to go out and see them at their address.”

“Unfortunately it’s not always easy to spot a scam.

The team say that if you think you’ve received a suspicious phone call, you should:

  • Hang up
  • Call the Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 2231133 to report the call and get advice

New Covid-19 memorial unveiled at Gedling Crematorium

Gedling Eye Reporter
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New Covid-19 memorial unveiled at Gedling Crematorium

A memorial dedicated to those who lost their lives during the Covid-19 pandemic has this week been unveiled at Gedling Crematorium.

Just over a year ago, Westerleigh Group, who run the site, announced plans to create a permanent dedicated memorial within its landscaped Gardens of Remembrance at the site for people to visit and commemorate loved ones who died during the pandemic.   

The memorial was officially unveiled at a launch event on Thursday (August 5).

The memorials also provide focal points for people to remember, reflect on and pay tribute to NHS key workers and whole communities who pulled together during the crisis.  

People of all ages and backgrounds were invited to submit a design for the memorial.

The obelisk at the memorial in Gedling features a design which was created by 39-year-old part time teacher and artist Rachel Almond.

Rachel’s design is based on forget-me-not flowers. She took inspiration from her aunt’s funeral where she was given a pack of forget-me-not seeds to plant in her aunt’s memory.  

Rachel said: “I hope the design is meaningful and evokes emotion, not forgetting the loved ones and acting as a symbol of remembrance, love and growth.”

Roger Mclaughlan, chief executive officer of Westerleigh Group, said: “I’m proud that our Covid-19 memorial is now open for people to visit.  

“So many communities have been affected by the coronavirus pandemic. Sadly, many families have lost loved ones, and our thoughts and sincere condolences go to them, first and foremost.  

“We felt we needed to do something not only to remember those who passed away but also to honour others who did so many positive and selfless acts to support people and bring their communities closer together.  

“These lasting memorials will provide a tranquil place for people to remember and reflect; where they can seek some comfort knowing that the legacy of those lost is not only being recognised but will be remembered for many generations to come.”  

Members of the public are welcome to come and visit the Covid-19 memorial at Gedling Crematorium. Please visitwww.gedlingcrematorium.co.uk for opening hours.

‘Someone will be killed’: Calls for traffic measures on busy Arnold shopping street

Gedling Eye Reporter
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‘Someone will be killed’: Calls for traffic measures on busy Arnold shopping street

Gedling Borough Council are concerned that someone will be killed on a busy Arnold shopping street if measures aren’t taken to halt traffic.

Cllr Peter Barnes (Lab), spoke out about the issues facing the bottom end of Front Street near to Birds bakery where he said it is only a matter of time before a shopper is hit by a vehicle.

His concerns were also backed by the leader of Gedling Borough Council, Cllr John Clarke (Lab), who said discussions were underway with Nottinghamshire County Council.

Cllr Barnes told a cabinet meeting on Thursday, July 5: “We have got a town centre in Arnold which is very popular and busy, but we have got a situation that is a pain in the backside and has been for a number of years.

John Clarke Gedling
PICTURED: Cllr Jon Clarke, leader of Gedling Borough Council

“The bottom end of Front Street, a shopping area, it is classed as a public highway and we ought to seriously talk to the county council about having no traffic up that part of Front Street.

“It is not necessary. We have plenty of disabled parking near the shops. If we are not careful someone is going to get hurt because there are cafes everywhere.

“I know it is a public highway and it needs looking at because it is not getting any better. We have got to make sure no one gets killed on Front Street and I am worried someone will get injured.”

Cllr Clarke said “active discussions were underway” with the county council about this problem especially as pavement licences have just been extended for another 12 months.

Tickets issued during speeding checks in Woodthorpe

Gedling Eye Reporter
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Tickets issued during speeding checks in Woodthorpe

An Arnold police team have been carrying out speed checks following complaints from residents.

The Arnold beat team conducted the speed checks on Breck Hill Road yesterday (August 5) after concerns were raised.

Officers said they carried out checks during a two-hour period at the location.

Eight tickets were issued for speeding.

A spokesman for the beat team said: “If you have concerns about speeding in your area, please don’t hesitate to contact us.”

Council update on Gedling Access Road progress and reopening of Lambley Lane

Gedling Eye Reporter
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Council update on Gedling Access Road progress and reopening of Lambley Lane

Progress continues to be made on the Gedling Access Road, which is due to open to motorists this autumn.

Nottinghamshire County Council, who are responsible for the construction of the new £40m road, published an update along with footage captured by drone which shows the latest progress.

Progress captured by the drone includes the continuation of drainage works up the hill from the Burton Road junction, surfacing works from the new 5-arm roundabout towards the new Mapperley Plains junction and earth works between Lambley Lane and the Willow Farm Estate.

July has also seen the first street lights being installed on site.

A council spokesman said: “If you had your eyes peeled while watching the flyover, you might have seen these for yourself at various sections along the 3.8km route.

“The first road signs have also been installed this month while other verge works have been taking place.”

Update on Lambley Lane

The council has issued an update on Lambley Lane.

They said: “You’ve probably noticed on the most recent flyovers that Lambley Lane now has a new road layout.

“There are now two sections joined by the GAR itself, and so motorists will need to travel along the new road as part of their journey from one end of Lambley Lane to another.

“The safety of motorists and pedestrians remains of the utmost importance to the GAR team, and it is for this reason that it is not yet possible to reopen Lambley Lane to traffic.

“While good progress has been made on this section of the project, it is still a main thoroughfare for construction vehicles moving from one end of the site to the other and so it would not be safe for motorists or pedestrians to use this section of the site at the present time.

“We hope to reopen Lambley Lane to traffic towards the end of August and would like to apologise for any inconvenience this may cause. Keep an eye out for updates over the next few weeks.”

You can read all of our updates on the progress of the Gedling Access Road here

Wilko will continue recycling shoppers’ old facemasks at Arnold store

Gedling Eye Reporter
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Wilko will continue recycling shoppers’ old facemasks at Arnold store

An in-store scheme to help Wilko customers in Arnold recycle their masks has proved so successful that the retailer has announced it will be extended by another three months.

The scheme, which allows shoppers to drop off used, disposable face masks so that they can be recycled will now be in place until the end of September 2021.

This extension follows an initial three month pilot and will see the service remain in place at the original 150 participating stores.

Wilko estimates that a huge 400,000 masks could be recycled via the scheme. This equates to a giant 966kg of single-use plastic.

Those wishing to take part need to simply visit their nearest, participating wilko store as part of their usual shopping trip and safely drop their used single use face masks into the special collection bin. Once full, these bins are then taken away by recycling specialists ReWorked, who together with Metrisk Ltd, Scan2Recycle are partnering with wilko in the scheme – which was the first of its kind on the UK high street.

wilkinsons-facemasks

Masks collected via the scheme are broken down into raw fibres which can be sustainably refashioned into products ranging from other safety materials for businesses, to building materials and even quality, durable public space furniture. 

Disposable face makes are made from polypropylene fabric – a type of plastic. An estimated 8M tonnes of general plastic waste already ends up in the world’s oceans every year, and the impact of the pandemic will only increase those figures if PPE litter continues to increase. Wilko and its partners for this scheme say they hope by continuing to provide an easy way to safely dispose of used PPE, they can help make it easier for families to reduce litter in the community with a little win that makes a world of difference. 

Jerome Saint Marc, CEO at Wilko, said: “We know that our customers care about the environment and this scheme has proved again to us just how much.

“We’re so delighted that it’s been this much of a success and that our customers and team members are helping to  reduce litter in their communities, our partners are helping to recycle the waste and that we’re able to bring it all together in our stores. It’s a little win that truly makes a world of difference.” 

For more information on disposable mask recycling at wilko and the 150 stores that are taking part, please visit https://www.wilko.com/face-mask-recycling.

Parish council calls for major improvements to train services from Burton Joyce Station

Gedling Eye Reporter
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Parish council calls for major improvements to train services from Burton Joyce Station

A parish council has called on rail bosses to improve services at a village train station.

Burton Joyce Parish Council says services must be now be improved as the line which serves the station celebrates its 175th anniversary.

Burton Joyce is the largest village on the historic Nottingham-Lincoln Line but only eight trains a day stop at the station, while Lowdahm, which is the next stop on the line, gets seventeen stopping each way – including a service to London.

The station has been further impacted by cuts to services introduced after East Midilands Railway (EMR) who hold the franchise for the line, introduced an emergency timetable in a bid to insure services were running on time.

Chair of the Parish Council Paul Hyde said “There is an urgent need to provide regular services throughout the day for our community. 

East Midlands Regional

“Post Covid, villages such as ours desperately need a timetable that provides connectivity for people, promotes use of public transport to assist the environment, reduce vehicle use and congestion”.

He adds “Consideration of a new permanent timetable must include more of the trains that actually pass through the village stopping here, for the social, leisure and economic wellbeing that brings.

The Council congratulate the longevity and success of the original line, but believe it isn’t all good news for the communities it serves. It is vital for Nottingham that the surrounding communities have flexible access to and from the city, as well as wider connections, to maximise overall public benefit.

“We will be seeking the support of local MP Tom Randall and looking to join with other councils and community groups to seek changes to rail services that cater for the needs of village residents, and that levels up service provision for small as well as large communities.”

East Midlands Railway released a statement following the introduction of the emergency timetable back in June.

They said: “It has become apparent that our timetable has not performed as expected resulting in short notice cancellations. We are sorry that we have not performed as we, or our customers, expect.

“Everyone at EMR is immensely disappointed but we have introduced a dedicated team to fix these issues and reinstate these services as swiftly as possible. We are working to understand the detailed reasons behind those areas which are not working well.

While we fix these issues, we must introduce a reduced timetable until further notice. This will allow us to protect key services and routes such as those to Skegness – as well as ensuring we have sufficient capacity across the network.

“We will still run 85% of our normal timetable, which equates to over 460- trains per day. This reduction will help to reduce short notice cancellations and short forming which we know are immensely frustrating for our customers.”

Nottingham City Council announces plans to sell Ferry Boat Inn in Stoke Bardolph

Gedling Eye
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Nottingham City Council announces plans to sell Ferry Boat Inn in Stoke Bardolph

Nottingham City Council has announced plans to sell The Ferry Boat Inn in Stoke Bardolph.

In a decision published this week and featured in West Bridgford Wire, the council notes:

“The Council took an upfront premium for the grant of a 99-year leasehold interest on the premises in 1972.

“There are 50 years left on the current freehold but in reality the Council would not get vacant possession when the lease ends.

“This stores up problems for the future which will be management intensive and will also need specialist external advice in regard to any new letting.’

“There is no scope to increase the Council’s income as the ground rent is fixed for the remainder of the lease term.

“After a review of the Trading Account Portfolio it has been decided that high value but low income assets such as this should be disposed of to support the Recovery and Improvement Plan 2021 – 2024.’

Nottingham City Council is now recommending an auction sale, which it says enables them to ‘seek interest during a defined marketing period and set a minimum sale price by way of reserve’.

Ferry_Boat_Inn
PICTURED: The Ferry Boat at Stoke Bardolph

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.

Cllr Webster said the council has around £1bn worth of assets but not all of them are suitable for sale, such as parks and open spaces.

But they are looking to ‘sell off land’ to claw back the debt.

Cllr Webster also added: “Long-term reductions in council funding have resulted in budgets being increasingly difficult to achieve and has led to consistent budget overspends.”

In 2012/13 he said the Government provided the council with around £127m a year. This has now fallen to £25m.

The council can still apply for capital investment grants and has been successful on a number of occasions, including public realm work around the new car park, bus station and former Broadmarsh.

It also secures money from business rates, Council Tax, fees and charges.

NHS Covid app is being tweaked to tell fewer people to self isolate in bid to combat ‘pingdemic’ chaos

Gedling Eye Reporter
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NHS Covid app is being tweaked to tell fewer people to self isolate in bid to combat ‘pingdemic’ chaos

The NHS covid-tracking app has today been updated to alert fewer users to self-isolate and help combat the ‘Pingdemic’ chaos.

Currently, for people who input a positive test but are asymptomatic, the app looks for close contacts five days prior to a positive test. This will be updated based on public health advice to look back at contacts two days prior to a positive test.  

The change will mean fewer contacts that took place when the positive case was unlikely to be at the peak of their infectiousness are advised to self-isolate, reducing the overall number of notifications sent by the app.

This update does not impact the sensitivity of the app, or change the risk threshold, and will result in the same number of high-risk contacts being advised to self-isolate.

Health and Social Care Secretary, Sajid Javid said specifically of the app ‘logic’ change:“We want to reduce the disruption that self-isolation can cause for people and businesses, while ensuring we’re protecting those most at risk from this virus. This update to the app will help ensure that we are striking the right balance.

Covid app

“It’s so important that people isolate when asked to do so in order to stop the spread of the virus and protect their communities.”

This update comes as new analysis shows the NHS COVID-19 App continues to play a crucial role in breaking chains of transmission, preventing hospitalisations and saving lives.

New analysis from leading scientists shows that in the first 3 weeks of July, as cases were exponentially rising, the app averted up to 2,000 cases per day, and over 50,000 cases of COVID-19 including chains of transmission assuming 60% compliance with instructions to self-isolate. This is estimated to have prevented 1,600 hospitalisations.

It also shows the app reduces the spread of COVID-19 by around 4.3% each week, and for every 200-250 tests entered and shared in the app one person is prevented from being hospitalised from the virus. 

Usage remains high, with around 40% of the eligible population regularly using the app and around 50% of all reported tests being inputted.

The government is urging the public to continue using the NHS COVID-19 App. Around one in three people experience this virus without symptoms and, even if you are fully vaccinated, it is possible that you could be unwittingly carrying and spreading the virus, creating a chain of transmission that could have someone vulnerable to the virus at the end of it. 

Dr Jenny Harries, CEO of UK Health Security Agency, said: “The NHS COVID-19 App is a really practical example of how technology can be used to fight the biggest challenges we face in protecting and improving our health. 

“The app is the simplest, easiest, and fastest way to find out whether you have been exposed to the virus, and it has saved thousands of lives over the course of this pandemic. 

“I strongly encourage everyone, even those fully vaccinated, to continue using the app. It is a lifesaving tool that helps us to stay safe and to protect those closest to us as we return to a more familiar way of life.”

The app remains the fastest way to know if you have been at risk, and app users will only be advised to isolate if they have come into close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19.  

From 16 August, fully vaccinated contacts in England will be exempt from isolation and instead will be advised to take a PCR test. Those who are not fully vaccinated will still be required to isolate, and it will remain a legal obligation to isolate if you test positive for COVID-19.

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