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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.

Ombudsman called in over ‘cramped housing’ complaint to Gedling Borough Council

Gedling Eye Reporter
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Ombudsman called in over ‘cramped housing’ complaint to Gedling Borough Council

A disabled mum-of-two complained to the Local Government Ombudsman after she claimed she was being forced to sleep on a sofa in her “cramped” three-bedroomed house.

The mum, who has not been named, complained to the Ombudsman about the way Gedling Borough Council handled her bid for what she believed would be more suitable accommodation.

She said her three-bedroomed property was far too small and was having an “adverse impact” on her own health and that of her two children, who suffer from autism and ADHD.

But the Ombudsman found there was “no fault” in the way the council considered and ranked the woman’s bids for properties – although it should have better communicated its decision.

The local authority has now apologised over the way it sent out its review decision letter, which rejected the woman’s bid to move.

It has also pledged to take steps to improve the quality of its letters.

The Ombudsman – who investigates maladministration and service failures – said the mum complained that the council did not properly assess her housing needs.

In September 2020, the council received a letter from the woman’s support worker requesting a review of her priority band.

The support worker described the cramped living conditions and that her client was sleeping on a sofa in the living room which aggravated her medical condition.

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

The third bedroom was also described as “very small… there was barely room for a bed.”

There was also a letter from the woman’s GP who said her mobility difficulties were affected by the lack of space in the house.

She was under the care of a psychiatrist and had stopped attending counselling sessions due to the stress caused by her living conditions.

The mum also aired concerns about the officer in charge of her housing application as she had previously complained about their conduct.

A council investigation did not uphold her complaint so there was no reason why the officer should not have been involved in future decisions, the Ombudsman stated.

But the Ombudsman said there was fault in the content of the review decision letter as it “did not adequately explain the evidence the officer had considered and the reasons for her decision.”

The Ombudsman said the council has already apologised for the error and issued advice to relevant officers to improve the quality of review decision letters.

The report states: “I have seen no evidence that council officers treated her unfairly or discriminated against her in the period covered by this investigation.

“Understandably she is upset that she has not been rehoused yet. But I have seen no evidence that this results from unfair treatment or discrimination in the way officers assessed her priority and bid.”

The Ombudsman said the apology over the decision letter which caused the mum “confusion and uncertainly” provided “a satisfactory remedy.”

The Ombudsman report will be discussed at the council’s cabinet meeting on Thursday, August 5.

Gedling Borough Council: No room available for women escaping violent partners

Gedling Eye Reporter
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Gedling Borough Council: No room available for women escaping violent partners

Gedling borough doesn’t have enough accommodation to deal with the rising number of local people escaping violent and abusive partners.

If action isn’t taken quickly, the council warns victims may decide to stay with their abuser – or risk homelessness.

A report for a meeting of the council’s cabinet on Thursday, August 5, says  every domestic violence refuge in Nottinghamshire is currently oversubscribed, partly due to an increase in cases during the pandemic.

The JUNO Women’s Aid charity, which supports up to 600 survivors of domestic abuse in Nottingham and south Nottinghamshire, says its helpline has received 58 per cent more calls in the last 12 months.

There is now a shortage of refuge and other temporary accommodation such as council flats or bed and breakfast rooms.

But the report to Gedling councillors states there is also not enough permanent accommodation for survivors of abuse.

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

It says: “Move-on accommodation is increasingly difficult to find and families can be left in refuge or temporary accommodation longer than is necessary.

“There is a lack of appropriate and affordable accommodation for families who are ready to leave refuge or temporary accommodation both in social housing and privately rented sectors.

“Access to safe housing options is essential. Lack of access to safe secure housing is a major barrier to escaping abuse.

“The provision of refuge places for victims and their families exceeds the refuge accommodation that is currently available.”

Gedling Borough Council administers The Sanctuary Scheme which was set up to offer an alternative to temporary accommodation, by helping domestic abuse survivors stay in their own homes.

The scheme provides additional security for properties, including replacement door and window locks and external lighting. So far, 14 houses have benefitted costing just under £10,000.

Gedling borough’s Domestic Abuse and Accommodation Working Group has also recommended  the issue be given a  higher profile within the council. It believes the authority should consider nominating a strategic lead within the council cabinet.

Arnold man charged following street fight in Clifton

Gedling Eye Reporter
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Arnold man charged following street fight in Clifton

Police investigating reports of a street fight involving threats with weapons have charged a man in connection with the incident.

The clash, which is alleged to have involved threats of using knives, took place in Hartness Road, Clifton, just after 1pm on Thursday 22 July 2021.

Trumayne Evans, 20, of Arnold appeared at Nottingham Magistrates Court and has been charged with affray and possession of an offensive weapon.

He has been remanded in custody and will appear at Nottingham Crown Court on August 24, 2021.

Detective Sergeant Lee Cattell, from Nottinghamshire Police, said: “Reports of this nature will always elicit a swift police response. We understand the impact and concern they can have on the public, who may witness such incidents.

“We are committed to investigating all such acts and will continue proactive patrols in the area to offer reassurance.

“Our enquiries into this reported incident are ongoing and we would urge anyone with information or who saw anything to get in touch with us on 101, quoting incident 969 of 22 July 2021.”

Stolen motorbike recovered after colliding with police car in Arnold during high speed pursuit

Gedling Eye Reporter
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Stolen motorbike recovered after colliding with police car in Arnold during high speed pursuit

A stolen motorbike was ridden on pavements at a rate of up to 35 miles per hour during a high speed chase before colliding into the pursuing police car in Arnold.

Armed response officers on routine patrol spotted the 125cc bike as they drove along Valley Road, near Nottingham City Hospital, at around 11am on Saturday morning.

It had been reported stolen from an address elsewhere in the city on July 11 and had earlier been picked up on an automatic number plate recognition camera.

The officers followed the bike onto hospital grounds and back out again towards Oxclose Lane, at which point the rider attempted to flee.

The pursuit continued back along Oxclose Lane where the bike was dangerously ridden along the pavement.

As the pursuit continued towards the A60, the bike passed straight through a junction, narrowly avoiding a collision with two other cars and was again ridden along a pavement as it entered a retail park in Arnold.

The pursuing officers then moved to block the bike which had u-turned before it collided at low speed with their vehicle.

A 19-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of theft; dangerous driving; failing to stop for police; driving without insurance; driving otherwise in accordance with a licence; and possession of cannabis. He was later released under investigation.

Nobody was hurt and only minor damage was sustained to the police car.

Superintendent Claire Rukas, from Nottinghamshire Police, said: “This was an appalling display of driving that placed members of the public, the rider and our officers at significant risk of injury.

“We will never tolerate this kind of behaviour and I would like to pay tribute to the skill and professionalism of the officers involved for bringing this pursuit to a safe conclusion.

“I hope this incident serves as a warning to others – that if you are on the road and fail to stop for police we will not simply let you go; we will pursue you, we will catch up with you and you will answer for your actions.”

The registered keeper of the bike has now been contacted.

1,759 Gedling borough residents ‘pinged’ by Covid app in a week

Gedling Eye Reporter
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1,759 Gedling borough residents ‘pinged’ by Covid app in a week

1,759 people in Gedling borough were contacted by the NHS Covid-19 app and told to isolate in the latest week, figures reveal.

The app warns people that they have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for coronavirus.

People contacted through the app are advised to isolate for up to 10 days, although there is no legal obligation to do so.

NHS figures show 1,759 people in Gedling borough were ‘pinged’ by the Covid app in the week to July 21 – the latest available data.

93 people reported symptoms to the app and 383 test results were also reported that were linked to the app.

Covid-testing

9,924 people in Gedling borough have now been pinged by the app since February 2021.

Across England and Wales, nearly 700,000 alerts were sent to Covid app users in the latest seven-day period – a record high and 11 per cent more than the previous week.

Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick has urged people to isolate if they are advised to do so, saying there “isn’t very long to go” until August 16, when all fully vaccinated contacts in England who test negative can avoid isolation.

He said: “I appreciate that it is a significant number of people and it can be frustrating, but the app is doing what we asked of it.”

Isolation is not mandatory for people ‘pinged’ by the Covid app in England, but anyone who is contacted and told to self-isolate by the NHS Test and Trace service has a legal obligation to do so.

Two Arnold schools receive funding from £200 million Summer School Programme

Gedling Eye Reporter
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Two Arnold schools receive funding from £200 million Summer School Programme

Two schools in Gedling borough are among the 2,820 secondary schools across England that will receive funding through the £200 million Summer School Programme.

Gedling MP Tom Randall has welcomed the news that Arnold Hill Academy and Redhill Academy will now be hosting a summer school over the school holidays, as part of the Government’s scheme.

The summer schools will provide a range of extra-curricular and academic catch-up activities to boost children’s opportunities to catch-up.

Pupils will benefit from learning essential maths and English skills while getting involved in sports, drama, and music – as well as the option of theatre trips, workshops with authors, cooking classes, theatre trips, and sports sessions.

The summer schools will help pupils establish and build friendships before the start of the next school year, improving their confidence and improving mental wellbeing – particularly for Year 7s making the transition up to secondary school.

High quality online resources are also being provided for all pupils and teachers for throughout the summer holidays by Oak National Academy, to give pupils the confidence they are ready to start their next school year. 

Evidence from the Education Endowment Foundation (EEF) shows that pupils who benefit from summer school programmes can make two months additional progress in comparison to pupils who don’t attend, and up to four months’ extra progress if the summer schools involve small group tuition. They also provide a range of benefits to families and communities by providing support for vulnerable young people.

Tom Randall
PICTURE: Tom Randal praised the scheme

The funding provided for the Summer School programme, to participating schools, forms part of the long-term Education Recovery programme, which has seen £3 billion invested to provide support for pupils.

Gedling MP Tom Randall MP said: “The pandemic has had a huge impact on the last school year for pupils – and I am committed to helping everyone affected catch up on lost learning and missed experiences before the start of the next academic year.

“The extra £200 million this Conservative Government is investing will help Arnold Hill Academy and Redhill Academy put on summer schools and provide vital learning opportunities for pupils – boosting pupils’ learning and their confidence with extra lessons and extra-curricular activities like sports, music and drama.

“This will help set pupils in Gedling up for the future, giving them the best opportunity to reach their full potential and get the world class education they deserve.”

Schools Minister Nick Gibb said:“It is very good to see that so many children will now have the opportunity to enjoy clubs and activities, building friendships and supporting their mental and physical health, alongside their educational progress. 

“We have announced £3 billion so far to support education recovery, and are focusing now on helping children catch up ahead of the next academic year. Summer schools are an integral part of the overall effort to recover from the disruption caused by the pandemic”.

Jodie Kidd wants families in Gedling borough to give fishing a try this summer… and you may just get hooked!

Gedling Eye Reporter
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Jodie Kidd wants families in Gedling borough to give fishing a try this summer… and you may just get hooked!

Model and racing driver Jodie Kidd is urging families in Gedling borough to ‘give fishing a try’ at their local club as part of National Fishing Month to beat the boredom of the school holidays and learn a new skill.

Local fishing club Bestwood Duck Ponds is hosting a number of events during August to get young people into angling.

Fishing has surged in popularity since the pandemic, and has seen increased interest from women, a recent campaign by the Environment Agency profiled women anglers and the benefits fishing can bring to all.

With many holidays cancelled this year, families are looking for things to do closer to home. A recent OnePoll survey for the Angling Trust revealed that a quarter of people (26%) have enjoyed spending more time outdoors since the pandemic because it gives them ‘a sense of freedom’ and allows them to entertain the kids (17%). Of those keen to give fishing a try, (33%) say it provides an opportunity to spend quality time with family and friends.

As part of National Fishing Month, Jodie Kidd enjoyed a fishing lesson with her son and Angling Fishing Coach Kevin Holborne.

Jodie said: “It’s been fantastic to spend time in the great outdoors with my son as part of National Fishing Month. It’s a free activity during the school holidays which is fun for all the family, we loved learning a new skill and challenging each other too.

“You’ll soon be hooked, and the beauty of fishing is that it’s not just about catching a fish. I can bond with my son, talk about his day and we both feel like we’ve spent quality time in nature, which is very tranquil and rewarding. It’s taught me to slow down and get maximum enjoyment from the outdoors, what better sense of freedom is there?”

Bestwood Duck Ponds on Moor Lane is hosting events for families to try out the sport on August 5 and August 12.

Heidi Stone, fisheries manager at the Environment Agency said: “We’re thrilled that Jodie is taking part in National Fishing Month this summer. Fishing is a fantastic way to spend time with loved ones and connect with the natural environment around us. 

“We hope that National Fishing Month will show anglers the clear wellbeing benefits of fishing and that they’ll return to the banks to regularly”. 

Clive Copeland, Head of Participation at the Angling Trust said: “This year we’re making it easier than ever for families to go fishing for the first time. Our ‘Get Fishing’ events are the perfect day-out for all, no matter age or ability.”

“It’s a chance to get out in nature, have fun, spend time with others or relax on your own. Steps have been taken to improve inclusivity, with a calendar that features family-friendly events. Everyone is welcome – find a free event near them at nationalfishingmonth.com”.

John Ellis, national fisheries and angling manager at the Canal & River Trust said: “We’re passionate about families getting the most out of the waterways and the Trust are hosting a series of events on our canals to celebrate National Fishing Month through our ‘Let’s Fish’ programme of events.”

“Experience fishing for the first time with one of our qualified coaches and get set to make the most of staycation summer.”

Last year, the Environment Agency sold 1,019,723 individual freshwater rod licences to adults living in England, compared to 882,989 in the previous year 2019/20, an increase of 16%. This boom in sales has allowed the Environment Agency to fund even more vital restoration work to protect fish stocks, increase biodiversity, create and restore over 3,000 hectares of fisheries habitat, and sustain a healthier water environment.

The Environment Agency and its partners say improved over 1,700km of rivers between in 2019/20 thanks to rod licence income.

For more information about National Fishing Month or to find a local free event near you, visit www.nationalfishingmonth.com.

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