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New cohort of police officers sworn in at Civic Centre in Arnold

Gedling Eye Reporter
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New cohort of police officers sworn in at Civic Centre in Arnold

Nottinghamshire Police has welcomed its newly recruited officers to the force with a special ceremony at Arnold‘s Civic Centre.

24 new student officers were sworn in as proud family and friends watched on – the first indoor event of its kind since coronavirus restrictions lifted. 

The Police and Crime Commissioner, Caroline Henry, along with one of the Deputy Chairs of the Nottinghamshire Magistrates’ Bench, oversaw the formal proceedings at the ceremony last night. 

Each student officer took to the lectern to take their oath to serve the office of constable with fairness, integrity, diligence, and impartiality. 

Remarks were made after the oaths were taken by Aileen Irvine, one of the Deputy Chairs of the Nottinghamshire Bench, and Assistant Chief Constable, Robin Griffin, who congratulated the new officers on being successful in their policing recruitment process. 

Gedling Borough Council Civic Centre
PICTURED: The event took place in Arnold’s Civic Centre (PHOTO: Gedling Eye)

The Police and Crime Commissioner Caroline Henry said: “It was a delight to witness the new student officers take their oath to serve as Nottinghamshire Police – the next generation of police constables dedicated to serving our communities. You should be proud to be part of the Nottinghamshire Police family.” 

Earlier this year, it was revealed half of all new recruits to Nottinghamshire Police force are women, with Nottinghamshire Police leading the way in terms of inclusivity as one of the top forces in the country to recruit just as many women as men between April 2020 and March 2021. 

On this, Henry said “I am pleased we have made such significant strides in recruitment this past year, particularly in terms of recruiting women. We have been able to recruit and train a number of new officers, meaning we have already fulfilled the commitment I made as part of my election bid in May to recruit 100 new officers.” 

Four arrested after spate of shop burglaries in Arnold town centre

Gedling Eye
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Four arrested after spate of shop burglaries in Arnold town centre

Four suspects have been arrested in connection with a series of shop burglaries in Arnold town centre.

Two men, aged 25 and 45, are now being questioned on suspicion of burglary and two women, aged 25 and 34, on suspicion of handling stolen goods following a recent string of eight commercial burglaries.

Stolen frozen food and a crowbar were also recovered by officers who attended a property in West Street in the town this morning (August 25 2021), where all four suspects were arrested.

It comes after police increased patrols as part of an investigation into a spate of burglaries in a hot-spot area between Nottingham Road and High Street.

CCTV
CCTV was used to help track the offenders

Neighbourhood Inspector Chris Pearson, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “We understand the impact of burglary on hard-working local businesses can be devastating which is why we take all reports seriously and we investigate.

“As shown in this case we will take swift and robust action against anyone believed to be committing burglaries and I’d like to reassure businesses that officers will continue to proactively work with them to help protect their livelihoods as well as carrying out regular patrols to act as a deterrent.

“As part of our ongoing commitment to driving down burglary we are also continuing to work very closely with partners, including CCTV operators at Gedling Borough Council, to tackle this type of offending. The message to burglars is clear – if you commit crime then you will be caught.”

Gedling Borough Council leader councillor John Clarke said: “This is very good news and I would like to thank the officers involved in making the arrests.

“We are working tirelessly to reduce crime and antisocial behaviour in Gedling and these arrests will reassure residents and businesses that the police, alongside the council, are doing everything they can to catch criminals and get them off our streets.”

‘A county to be proud of’: Celebrations planned for Nottinghamshire Day

Gedling Eye Reporter
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‘A county to be proud of’: Celebrations planned for Nottinghamshire Day

The first annual Nottinghamshire Day will take place today (August 25) with hopes that the event will boost tourism and culture.

Nottinghamshire County Council, have organised a day of themed activities which they say will celebrate our historic county’s unique identity, rich heritage and local traditions and everything it has to offer.

The centrepiece of today’s celebrations will feature a symbolic flag-raising ceremony at County Hall, which is due to be attended by more than 50 dignitaries. 

Nottinghamshire County Council chairman, Councillor Mike Quigley MBE, will lead the commemorations by raising the county’s distinctive green, red and white Robin Hood flag at 11.30am.

He will be joined at the showpiece event by the Lord-Lieutenant of Nottinghamshire, Sir John Peace, and the Rt Hon Robert Jenrick MP, Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government and Member of Parliament for Newark, who championed the idea of having a County Day.

Other guests will include the Sheriff of Nottingham, Cllr Merlita Bryan, Nottinghamshire Police and Crime Commissioner, Caroline Henry, and Nottinghamshire Police Chief Constable, Craig Guildford, as well as several of the county’s MPs and representatives from the district and borough councils.

Cllr Quigley said: “The inaugural Nottinghamshire Day provides us with a fantastic opportunity to celebrate everything that is great about our historic county, from our unique association with Robin Hood to our industrial heritage, from our sporting excellence to our wonderful tourist attractions which are known worldwide.

County Hall Nottingham
PICTURED: County Hall

“I am therefore extremely proud to mark the day by raising the flag of Nottinghamshire at County Hall and I would encourage local people to get out and about to explore and celebrate what our fantastic county has to offer, not only on our special day itself but for the weeks, months and years to follow.

“We are rightly proud of our heritage and Nottinghamshire Day is another milestone in our county’s rich history.”

Nottinghamshire Day also marks the day in 1642 when King Charles I raised his Standard on what is now Standard Hill in Nottingham at the start of the English Civil War – just three days after a similar attempt failed to secure enough support. 

Sir John Peace, Lord-Lieutenant of Nottinghamshire, said: “Nottinghamshire Day not only presents a wonderful opportunity to celebrate our county and all it has to offer, but also acts as a catalyst to develop our understanding of the history and traditions of the places where we live, work and enjoy our leisure time.

“It is also an opportunity to promote Nottinghamshire and its historic attractions, including Nottingham and Newark castles, Southwell Minster, Rufford Abbey, Sherwood Forest and Clumber Park, to name but a few. 

“As Lord-Lieutenant of Nottinghamshire, I attend many civic, voluntary and social events in recognition of the fantastic people who are proud to call Nottinghamshire their home. 

“I am proud of the achievements of our county and am honoured to be part of the celebrations to mark the inaugural Nottinghamshire Day.”

As well as the special ceremony taking place at County Hall, the county flag will be proudly flying high today at Trent Bridge Cricket Ground where defending champions Notts Outlaws will be hosting Hampshire Hawks in the quarter finals of the Vitality Blast in front of the Sky Sports cameras.

Borough and district councils will also be at the forefront of the celebrations by flying the county flag at premises and buildings countywide, while members of the public are encouraged to play their part on social media by sharing videos and images to highlight what they love about Nottinghamshire by using the #NottsDay hashtag.

The Government will also fly the Nottinghamshire flag outside the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government and at Parliament.

Residents can also watch the raising of the flag at County Hall this morning live on Nottinghamshire County Council’s Facebook page. 

For more information about Nottinghamshire Day, go to www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/council-and-democracy/get-involved/nottinghamshire-day

Gedling MP backs calls for new pedestrian crossing on Mapperley road

Gedling Eye
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Gedling MP backs calls for new pedestrian crossing on Mapperley road

Gedling MP Tom Randall is backing calls for a new pedestrian crossing to be created on a busy road in Mapperley.

Residents have started a petition asking for action to be taken by Nottinghamshire County Council, who manage the roads, to improve safety on Digby Avenue in the town.

The petition is calling for a new crossing to be installed between Westdale Infant School and Digby Park to make it easier for schoolchildren and parents to cross during busy times.

Mr Randall said: “Residents on Digby Avenue have contacted me with concerns over crossing Digby Avenue, in particular the difficulty schoolchildren and the elderly have in crossing the road at busy times.

“They have launched a petition asking Nottinghamshire County Council to install a pedestrian crossing between Westdale Infant School and Digby Park and I have been out collecting signatures for this petition.

“The petition will be handed into Nottinghamshire County Council, as the Highways authority, over the next few months and they will then carry out an investigation into the matter.”

If you would like to sign the petition, email your name and address to tom.randall.mp@parliament.uk

Covid text scam warning to Gedling borough residents

Gedling Eye
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Covid text scam warning to Gedling borough residents

People in Gedling borough are being warned about a new text scam themed around the NHS Covid pass.

The Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) has been sent evidence of the text scam, which claims to be an official communication from the National Health Service (NHS).

It reads: “NHS: We’ve noticed you haven’t applied for your COVID pass, please follow the link to complete registration to avoid fees…”. The message then links to a website made to look like a real NHS platform that asks the recipient to provide personal details, supposedly for registration purposes, but which could be used to undertake identity fraud.

This text scam is similar to an email-based scam witnessed in July, which implored members of the public to get their health passports before they went on holiday. That scam also directed recipients to a phoney website that took personal details which could be used to commit fraud.

CTSI Chief Executive, John Herriman, said: “Since the first COVID-19 lockdown in March 2020, CTSI has witnessed countless scams themed around the pandemic. I have received many fake COVID-19 messages myself, and I don’t think a single person hasn’t received one. It appals me just how relentless the fraudsters are and how unscrupulous they are to target the public at a time of unprecedented vulnerability. 

“We need a national conversation about public protection, and on how enforcement agencies including trading standards can adapt their methods to meet the challenge of a fast-evolving threat from fraudsters in our increasingly digitalised economy. I look forward to the upcoming CTSI Symposium in Birmingham next month, which will bring together trading standards and other consumer protection professionals from across the country to discuss this, among many other pressing issues.”

CTSI Lead Officer, Katherine Hart, said: “The public should apply for an NHS COVID Pass or vaccination certificates on the official platforms, which are different, depending on if they are resident in England, Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland. 

“Whenever we receive these messages, we should not only avoid these scams, but also report them to Action Fraud. By reporting scams, authorities can build a fuller picture of this dangerous fraud blighting communities throughout the United Kingdom.”

For consumer advice, please call the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 0808 223 1133

Rise in number of children claiming free school meals during last academic year

Andrew Topping (Local Democracy Reporter)
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Rise in number of children claiming free school meals during last academic year

Calls have been made to support struggling Nottinghamshire families after free school meal claimants increased by more than 10 per cent during the previous academic year.

Nottinghamshire County Council data has revealed 24,178 children claimed the support in July 2021.

This was up from 21,840 in September 2020, a rise of roughly 10.7 per cent or 2,338 pupils.

Ashfield district is the hardest hit with 5,244 total claimants in July, rising from 4,794 last September, while Mansfield has the second-highest number of claimants at 4,456.

The Rushcliffe borough has the fewest claimants at 1,885, increasing from 1,705 in September.

The same data shows a 26.8 per cent rise since the start of the pandemic, increasing by 5,117 children from the 19,061 countywide claimants in March last year.

And it has sparked concern from opposition parties on Nottinghamshire County Council, who called for more support for struggling families.

Councillor Michelle Welsh represents Arnold South and is Labour’s spokesperson for children and young people.

She said: “The increase in free school meal take-up across Nottinghamshire is a big concern to me, particularly given the evidence linking those pupils receiving a free school meal with poorer educational outcomes.

“The county council must be much more proactive with practical issues such as improving access and support into decent jobs, good housing and the provision of extra-curricular activities for our children and young people.

School meals

“Our young people need to grow up in stable and secure environments, feeling confident they can achieve their ambitions and aspirations.”

Councillor Andy Meakin (Ash Ind) represents Kirkby North and sits on the authority’s children and young people committee.

He added: “I don’t need to look at statistics to understand poverty has risen dramatically since the start of the pandemic.

“We are calling for targeted help for our families who are struggling below the poverty line.

“This includes improving retraining opportunities and improving social mobility, including better public transport.”

However, Conservative-led Nottinghamshire County Council says it is committed to supporting families across the county.

The authority has put the claimant rise down to the financial impact from Covid, as well as national media interest for free school meals .

Earlier in the summer, high profile campaigns by Manchester and England footballer Marcus Rashford raised the issue of funding for poorer families during the pandemic.

Marion Clay, service director for education, learning and skills, added: “During the summer holiday period, 25,135 eligible children and young people were provided with food vouchers to spend in supermarkets.

“The council has continued to do all it can to help vulnerable families and the Holiday Activities and Food Programme, running across the summer holidays, has offered free activities to young people in Nottinghamshire along with free healthy meals and information about nutrition.

“This programme will continue to provide funding and delivery over the Christmas 2021 holiday period.”

Families can claim free school meals if they meet certain financial criteria, including access to Universal Credit, income support, Jobseeker’s Allowance or have an annual household income less than £7,400.

Hundreds of streets in Gedling borough missing bin collections over ‘inconsiderate’ motorists

Gedling Eye Reporter
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Hundreds of streets in Gedling borough missing bin collections over ‘inconsiderate’ motorists

Hundreds of homes across Gedling borough have not had their bins emptied – because council refuse lorries have been held up by badly-parked cars.

Maggots and flies are swarming as rubbish mounts outside homes.

Now Gedling Borough Council has asked residents on roads that have missed up to six collections, to park more considerately.

The worst affected areas include Third Avenue in Carlton, Holkham Close in Arnold and Appletree Lane, Berry Hill Grove and Clifton Grove in Gedling.

Between June 7 and August 2, collections were missed – sometimes on several occasions – on more than 100 streets. They included 82 streets in Arnold, 72 in Carlton, 54 in Gedling and 26 in Netherfield.

Gedling Borough says the problem is putting a financial strain on its services as lorries return to blocked streets, to fulfill the council’s statutory duty to collect waste.

One of the streets worst affected is Holkham Close Arnold, where locals missed a collection on July 22, July 28, July 29, and twice on August 8.

They described how they watched bin collectors struggle to drive down their street.

Jeanette Hutchinson, 58, who has lived on the street for five years, said: “Everyone around here has had a letter from the council saying how the dustbin men can’t come down here. Our dustbins are left (unemptied) two or three weeks sometimes.

“There are flies and maggots everywhere and it’s not good. A lot of people around here are elderly, so you are having to go to the recycling centres because we are not getting rubbish taken away.

“It is very inconsiderate parking – that is what is causing it.”

Susan Cartwright, 72, who has lived on the street for 10 years, added: “The dustbin men can’t get through to empty the bins. Last week they did not empty them.

“You want your black bin emptied because it starts to smell however much you wrap it up. Then people leave rubbish stacked up at the side.

“It is not just the cars (blocking the streets) it is the dustbins being left out.

“Residents should take them into their own properties rather than leave them on the back roads.

Cllr John Clarke, leader of Gedling Borough Council, believes the pandemic has caused some of the issues as more people are working at home and not needing to use their vehicles.

He said: “There are so many cars on the streets, and it has got worse during the pandemic because there are more cars at home.

“You have also got school holidays and not a lot of people have gone away. It is proving difficult for lorry drivers – they just can’t get down the street. It is causing us problems.”

Hospital extension and outside decking at cafe amongst planning applications in Gedling borough this week

Gedling Eye
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Hospital extension and outside decking at cafe amongst planning applications in Gedling borough this week

Plans for an extension at a hospital and new 5G mast in Calverton 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

Erection of Five New Dwellings and Alterations to Existing Dwelling

Sunnyhome Greendale Road Arnold Nottingham Nottinghamshire NG5 6QD

Ref. No: 2021/0949

Ground floor extension to form bedroom and 2 en-suite bathrooms

27A Brookfield Road Arnold NG5 7ER

Ref. No: 2021/0947 

Replacement extension to the outpatients entrance and new modular theatre within internal courtyard. 

The Park Hospital Sherwood Lodge Drive Arnold Nottingham Nottinghamshire NG5 8RX

Ref. No: 2021/0929 

Bestwood

Single storey rear extension

34 St Albans Road Bestwood NG6 8TR

Ref. No: 2021/0892

Conversion of farm buildings to 4 dwellings

Forge Farm Moor Road Bestwood NG6 8SS

Ref. No: 2021/0930

Burton Joyce

Approval of details reserved by conditions 3 (boundary treatments), 6 (CEMP), 7 (hard surfacing) and 8 (ground levels) of planning permission 2021/0286

35 Lambley Lane Burton Joyce NG14 5BG

Ref. No: 2021/0914

Single storey rear extension; rendering of front and rear of property

70B Nottingham Road Burton Joyce NG14 5AL

Ref. No: 2021/0910

Erection of detached dwelling (outline application with all matters reserved)

10 Carnarvon Drive Burton Joyce NG14 5ER

Ref. No: 2021/0886

Two-storey front, side and rear extensions and single storey rear extension.

11 Station Road Burton Joyce NG14 5AN

Ref. No: 2021/0883

Calverton

Proposed 2 storey side extension, 2 storey replacement front bay extension; single storey rear extension; increase in eaves and ridge height with dormer to rear (amendments to permission 2021-0270) 

208 Main Street Calverton NG14 6LU

Ref. No: 2021/0937

Proposed 5G telecoms installation: H3G Phase 8 18m high street pole c/w wrap-around cabinet and 3 additional equipment cabinets.

Proposed Mast Collyer Road Calverton Nottinghamshire

Ref. No: 2021/0927 

Proposed single storey side extension and roof lanterns to existing rear conservatory

45 Broadfields Calverton NG14 6JP

Ref. No: 2021/0905 

Convert existing Conservatory into a Garden Room.

12 Grimesmoor Road Calverton NG14 6GX

Ref. No: 2021/0890

Retrospective application for retention of conservatory.

49 Crookdole Lane Calverton NG14 6JA

Ref. No: 2021/0884 

Carlton

Change of use from office (class E) to 6 residential dwellings (C3).

9 – 11 Lowater Street Carlton Nottingham Nottinghamshire NG4 1JJ

Ref. No: 2021/0940PN 

Removal and replacement of the existing 3No. antennas with 10No. antennas mounted on 6.8m replacement support poles. The installation of 2No. antennas mounted on a new 4m high support pole at 21.2m agl, the installation of 4No. 0.3m microwave dishes located on antenna support poles and installation of ancillary equipment on the rooftop of the building.

Walton Court Walton Crescent Carlton Nottinghamshire

Ref. No: 2021/0935

Planning_Gedling

Colwick

Single storey rear extension, first floor front extension and new porch

39 Crosslands Meadow Colwick NG4 2DJ

Ref. No: 2021/0909

Daybrook

Two storey extension to rear of property using part of existing extension.

159 Sherbrook Road Daybrook NG5 6AS

Ref. No: 2021/0763

Gedling

Two storey side extension and part single storey rear extension

29 Grange View Road Gedling Nottingham Nottinghamshire NG4 4BT

Ref. No: 2021/0939

Proposed subterranean extension and associated landscaping.

25B Tamarix Close Gedling NG4 4AJ

Ref. No: 2021/0925

Rear basement extension; new roof design, including alterations to rear dormer and five velux windows with a decking area.

105 Digby Avenue Gedling NG3 6DT

Ref. No: 2021/0915

Section 73 Application to vary condition 2 (approved plans) of planning permission 2019/0324 including reduction of approved front porch and alteration to rear extension. 

77 Main Road Gedling Nottinghamshire NG4 3HD

Ref. No: 2021/0880 

Decking to the rear of cafe (retrospective)

Wrinkly Lettuce 16 Main Road Gedling Nottinghamshire NG4 3HP

Ref. No: 2021/0693

Lambley

Clearance and redevelopment of land and buildings at Orchard Farm for replacement ‘self-build’ dwelling 

Orchard Farm 216 Catfoot Lane Lambley Nottingham Nottinghamshire NG4 4QH

Ref. No: 2021/0882

Linby

Mapperley

Single storey rear extension, garden room providing a gym & office, landscaped deck/terrace area between.

29 Hazel Grove Mapperley NG3 6DQ

Ref. No: 2021/0941

Part single and part two storey rear extension

12 Lees Road Mapperley Nottingham Nottinghamshire NG3 6HB

Ref. No: 2021/0931

Single and two storey side extension, front porch

15 Marshall Road Mapperley NG3 6HS

Ref. No: 2021/0908

Erection of 8 detached dwellings and 3 apartment buildings, comprising 32 units

Land Next To Pepperpots Mapperley Plains Mapperley Nottinghamshire

Ref. No: 2021/0934

Netherfield

Newstead

Papplewick

Ravenshead

T1 Silver birch. Fell. T2 Oak. Remove epicormic growth on lower stem, and reduce limbs above away from building to previous points. T3. Silver birch. Dead tree. Fell. 

130 Nottingham Road Ravenshead NG15 9HL

Ref. No: 2021/0917TPO

Proposed single storey front extension

74 Main Road Ravenshead NG15 9GT

Ref. No: 2021/0887

Single storey front and side extension, garage conversion, render dwelling & construct dropped kerb 

19 Silverwood Avenue Ravenshead Nottingham Nottinghamshire NG15 9BU

Ref. No: 2021/0898 

Addition of an open timber porch and external alterations.

37 Nottingham Road Ravenshead NG15 9HG

Ref. No: 2021/0867

Redhill

Two storey side extension to form garage/workshop and bedroom with en-suite and single storey rear extension and alterations to form open plan living area and play room

24A Salcombe Drive Redhill Nottingham Nottinghamshire NG5 8JF

Ref. No: 2021/0901 

Reduce the canopy of the beech tree by pollarding to 7.5m.

3 Pendine Close Redhill NG5 8NS

Ref. No: 2021/0787TPO

Two storey side extensions and ground floor extensions

7 Richmond Gardens Redhill NG5 8JS

Ref. No: 2021/0960

Stoke Bardolph

Woodborough

Single Storey rear extension

27 Lingwood Lane Woodborough NG14 6DX

Ref. No: 2021/0869 

Woodthorpe

Single storey extension to rear of property with rooflights and raised decking

27 Arno Vale Road Woodthorpe NG5 4JG

Ref. No: 2021/0938

Single-storey rear extension and enlarged raised terrace.

9 Grange Road Woodthorpe NG5 4FU

Ref. No: 2021/0891

Proposed replacement garage

14 Calstock Road Woodthorpe NG5 4FH

Ref. No: 2021/0885

Loft conversion to existing residential dwelling

96 Breck Hill Road Woodthorpe NG5 4GR

Ref. No: 2021/0889

Scam warning to new drivers in Gedling borough that could lead to vehicle being seized and driving ban

Gedling Eye Reporter
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Scam warning to new drivers in Gedling borough that could lead to vehicle being seized and driving ban

The Insurance Fraud Bureau (IFB) is urging new drivers in Gedling borough to watch out for bogus car insurance deals being promoted on social media, as hundreds of learners get set to pass their tests following a year of disruption caused by Covid-19.

Fake car insurance sales known as ‘Ghost Broking’ is a growing scam which involves fraudsters pretending to be insurance brokers in order to sell unrealistically cheap and completely fake policies, often to younger drivers via Facebook and Instagram.

With a large influx of new drivers on the horizon following confirmation from the Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) that driving test centres face an unprecedented challenge to reduce waiting times left by the pandemic, the IFB is warning new motorists to be vigilant to bogus car insurance deals on social media as it could cost them their first car.

Stephen Dalton, Head of Intelligence and Investigations at the IFB, said: “The last thing new drivers need right now is to risk losing their car for no insurance because they’ve been duped by a scammer on social media. Drivers must carry out basic checks to make sure they’re buying car insurance through a trusted provider, or they’ll be making a very expensive mistake. 

“I encourage anyone who’s seen evidence of an insurance scam to report it to the IFB’s confidential Cheatline online or on 0800 422 0421.”  

Whats_App_Stock
Scammers are targeting young people on social media

Learner drivers in a driving school are typically covered by their instructor’s insurance policy, until they pass their test and need to take out motor insurance for their first car. With a rush of new drivers approaching and with so many people facing financial hardship, the IFB is concerned it will provide fertile ground for ‘Ghost Broker’ scammers.

Fraudsters often tempt younger people with their bogus car insurance deals by promoting unrealistically cheap prices up front, despite the fact insurance is meant to be priced based on the risk of the individual. They often then encourage contact with them through popular end-to-end encrypted messaging software such as WhatsApp. 

The IFB which is a not-for-profit organisation that works with the police to crackdown on organised insurance scams has seen its investigations into ‘Ghost Broking’ double since 2016, and the scam has remained prevalent throughout the pandemic.

IFB investigations have found cash-strapped young drivers forking out hundreds of pounds for car insurance that in reality is worth no more than a photoshopped piece of paper. In some cases scammers also use stolen personal information to take out policies which are then doctored before being sold on to customers.   

Driving without valid insurance is easily detected by police. Uninsured drivers can have their vehicle instantly seized and are likely to receive six licence points. They can also face court where they might receive an unlimited fine and a driving ban. Furthermore, an uninsured driving conviction will show on records and can affect job prospects. 

If a collision is caused by the uninsured driver they may also be liable for covering the costs which can run into the thousands.    

Avoiding fake car insurance deals

New drivers are urged to avoid deals on social media or messaging apps and to only purchase car insurance through reputable sellers.

Anyone with evidence of an insurance scam can contact the IFB’s Cheatline which is quick, easy and confidential to use. The Cheatline can be contacted online or via a phoneline (powered by Crimestoppers) on 0800 422 0421.

‘Topping out’ marks major milestone for £1.25m Arnold Market Place revamp

David Bratton
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‘Topping out’ marks major milestone for £1.25m Arnold Market Place revamp

Work to revamp Arnold‘s Market Place has reached a major milestone.

A “topping out” ceremony took place yesterday (Tuesday 17) which traditionally takes place to mark the last steel beam of a new structure being installed.

For the first time, the complete structure of the building will be visible, giving an idea of the scale and what the building will look like as it moves on to the next phase of construction, which includes brickwork, stairs, floors, windows and the installation of the building’s roof.

Representatives from Gedling Borough Council and the sites Developers, G F Tomlinson. The Mayor of Gedling, Councillor Meredith Lawrence and Portfolio Holder for Growth and Regeneration, Councillor Jenny Hollingsworth, also attended.

Gedling Borough Council acquired the market site in summer 2018 and have continued with the development throughout the pandemic, ensuring the regeneration of the town centre continued.

The existing market has moved temporarily to nearby Eagle Square so that traders can continue to operate whilst the works are carried out.

The new two-story landmark building, located between the existing Methodist Church and King George V Park, will frame the new market place as well as create a new eastern gateway into Arnold Town Centre. 

A new public space will also be created in front of the building as a central focal point for the market and the building will provide seven small outlets for local independent businesses with an additional space above, which could be used for a variety of commercial options.

PICTURED: An artist’s impression of how the marketplace will look

The original purchase was funded by a successful bid of £1.25m from the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership’s Local Growth Fund and the construction project has been funded by the council’s capital programme budget

The building is on schedule and due to be completed by spring 2022.

Councillor Jenny Hollingsworth, Portfolio Holder for Growth and Regeneration said” “It’s so exciting to see the site taking shape, it’s really starting to come together.

“Until now most the works have been on the grounds preparing the site, but now the structure is up you can really see the size of the project. The developers, G F Tomlinson, are doing an incredible job and I can’t wait to see the next stage of the project.”

“The development will bring so much to the area, it’s already created a number of jobs through the construction and the new outlets right at the heart of the market will be a draw for local business.

“A priority for the council is to create thriving and vibrant town centres and this development really does lay the foundations for some exciting opportunities for the town centre and beyond.” 

Craig Stopper, framework construction manager at G F Tomlinson, said: “We’re very pleased works are taking shape on site as the steel frame is now complete. This has revealed the scale of the landmark building allowing residents to envisage how the finished building will enhance the town centre and create a new market place and public space for the local community in Arnold.”

“We look forward to progressing with works at the new Arnold Market Place site, which will create opportunities for local businesses as well as a vibrant public place for people to enjoy.” 

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