An MP is urging his Gedling borough constituents to take part in a survey to help police crackdown on pet thefts in the area.
Mark Spencer has launched the survey and wants residents in Bestwood Village, Calverton, Lambley, Newstead, Ravenshead, and Woodborough to take part, with findings being shared with Nottinghamshire Police.
Earlier this year, Mr Spencer wrote to Nottinghamshire Police to express his concerns about supposed rise in pet theft in the County. Nottinghamshire Police have since appointed a Lead Officer to focus on the theft of dogs.
Recently, the Environment Secretary, George Eustice MP announced a new Pet Theft Taskforce. The new taskforce has been set up to gather evidence to understand the factors that may be contributing to any perceived rise in thefts and to recommend any necessary measures to tackle the problem.
PICTURED: Chief Inspector Amy Styles-Jones is leading a task force cracking down on pet thefts across Nottinghamshire
The theft of a pet is an existing offence under the Theft Act 1968, with offenders facing a maximum penalty of seven years in prison.
Mr Spencer said he was concerned to hear about the rise in pet thefts in the area.
He said: “With more of us spending time at home over the past 18 months, I have been concerned to hear about the effects the theft of a pet can have on families.
“I want to work with Nottinghamshire Police to see what we can do to crack down on pet theft
“I am hoping that this survey will give us some key information about people’s concerns and perceptions about pet theft.
“I am also using the opportunity to ask my constituents whether they would like to ask a question to Nottinghamshire Police’s Dog Theft lead. I would like to encourage anyone who is concerned about this issue to fill out the survey on my website.”
Wetherspoons owner Tim Martin is calling on the government to introduce a liberal immigration system to help ease the UK’s bar staff shortage.
Martin’s pub chain runs the Free Man in Carlton, Woodthorpe Top in Mapperley and Ernehale in Arnold.
MrMartin says more EU migration is needed to help tackle the shortage of bar staff working in the UK.
He urged Boris Johnson to introduce a “reasonably liberal immigration system” controlled by Britain rather than the European Union. He recommended the prime minister adopt a visa scheme for workers from the bloc to help the country’s pubs and restaurants hire more staff as they recover from the coronavirus pandemic.
Martin also suggested that countries geographically closer to the UK could be prioritised for the programme.
He told the Daily Telegraph: “The UK has a low birth rate. A reasonably liberal immigration system controlled by those we have elected, as distinct from the EU system, would be a plus for the economy and the country. America, Australia and Singapore have benefitted for many decades from this approach. Immigration combined with democracy works.”
The pub chain’s boss was one of the most prominent British business voices for leaving the EU ahead of the referendum.
A visa system would make it easier for pubs and restaurants to hire workers from the bloc, with post-Brexit rules making it more difficult for workers in lower-skilled roles to settle in the country.
According to recruitment website Caterer.com, roughly one in 10 hospitality workers have left the sector over the past 12 months, while the industry’s trade body, UK Hospitality, estimated a shortfall of about 188,000 workers due to successive lockdowns.
People can bag themselves a bargains at a jumble safari taking place in Mapperley this Sunday (June 6).
The safari provides people with the opportunity to sell off unwanted items and for everyone else to shop.
A ‘safari’ map has been created both digitally and on paper that pinpoints the locations of yard sales taking place across the neighbourhood on Sunday, enabling people to travel round and shop.
There will be clothing, household items, furniture, garden tools and equipment, books, plants and more.
The event takes place between 11am-3pm.
As part of the safari trail there will also be a table top sale at the Haywood Road Community Centre, where people can hire a table and sell their items. There’ll also be refreshments available and is the perfect place to stop for a rest and a cuppa on your way round the jumble safari.
There is a £3.00 fee for those taking part which goes straight to the Haywood Road Community Centre, which is a charity run by volunteers.
During lock-down the community centre hasn’t been able to generate income, so the contributions from the Jumble Safari will help to support the centre.
The event has been organised by Maria Narducci the CO-OP Member Pioneer for Mapperley in response to requests from the community.
After a scorching hot Bank Holiday in Gedling borough and beyond, the RSPCA is offering free tips on how to keep pets safe.
The animal charity is offering advice, tips and DIY video tutorials to pet owners to help keep furry and feathered friends cool and comfortable.
Every year the RSPCA receives hundreds of reports of animals suffering from heat exposure, including dogs left in hot cars, pets with heat burns on their paws from pavements, dehydrated wild animals after water supplies have dried up, grazing animals with no shade, and dogs over-exercised in the heat.
RSPCA pet welfare expert Dr Samantha Gaines said: “Though many of us will be enjoying the hot weather, it is really important we make sure to plan how we’ll keep our pets cool and comfortable this week.
“We’ve all experienced a very challenging time with the lockdowns, and as measures have eased it will be tempting during the hot weather this week for us to want to spend lots of time outside with our families and take our pets, but taking our dogs out with us for walks or to the park could really put them at risk of suffering heat stroke or exhaustion. It’s really important that we take extra special care of our pets and wildlife during this extremely hot weather.”
Dogs and horses need exercise, even when it’s hot. But the RSPCA says you should avoid exercising them in excessively hot weather. Experts advise walking or riding in the morning or evening when it’s cooler. When walking dogs keep in mind that pavements can get very hot in the warm weather – if it’s too hot to touch with your hand, then it’s too hot for a dog’s paws.
If temperatures are set to really soar in your region this week and you’re planning to spend several hours outdoors enjoying the sun, try and avoid the temptation to take your dog with you. Spending prolonged periods of time in the sunshine without shade poses a really serious risk to your pet. It may be better to leave them at home – but no more than four hours.
Never leave pets in vehicles, caravans, conservatories or outbuildings in the warm weather. Dogs – and other pets – can overheat and die if left in a hot environment, such as a car.
Snakes are most active in June and July so don’t be alarmed if you see one in the wild. Most tend to shy away from people.
Farm animals should have access to shaded areas and clean drinking water. Transportation of animals in hot weather should be avoided unless absolutely necessary. If animals are housed during hot weather, buildings must be adequately ventilated and monitored regularly.
Don’t let your pet get sunburnt – use pet-safe sun cream.
Ensure animals have constant access to shade and fresh drinking water at all times. For animals that are kept outside, remember that as the sun moves during the day so too does the shade. Somewhere that was shaded in the morning could be in full sun by the afternoon.
Gedling MP Tom Randall is encouraging women across the borough to come forward and share their experiences through the Government’s consultation to reshape the future of women’s healthcare.
The first of its kind, the Women’s Health Strategy will address women’s health in England over the course of their lifetimes from adolescence through to older age. It will focus on health issues specific to women as well as the ways in which women experience health issues.
First launched in March, there has already been an incredible response to the call for evidence, with over 75,000 women, organisations, clinicians and carers responding so far.
However, responses from the East Midlands make up just 8 per cent of the total responses so far – meaning women across the East Midlands may not be properly represented in the new strategy.
To enable as many women as possible to have their say and capture a variety of views on access to services, experiences and health outcomes, the call for evidence will be now extended by two weeks, to close on June 13.
Tom Randall MP said: “Every one of us should have confidence in the health and care we receive – but for too long, women have been experiencing a system that is not designed to meet their needs.
“As we look towards our recovery and building our NHS back better, we must seize this moment to deliver a system that truly delivers for women, and we want them to have their say in shaping the future of women’s healthcare.
“I would encourage women across Gedling to come forward and share their experiences, so together we can deliver fairer, more equal and better healthcare for everyone in this country”.
Commenting, Minister for Women’s Health Nadine Dorries said: “For generations, women have been living in a health and care system primarily designed by men, for men.
“The number of responses to date has been incredible and I thank everyone who has shared their experiences – these interim findings clearly highlight the need for decisive action.
“I now urge every woman in the East Midlands, if they have not yet, to come forward and respond to the call for evidence. It is only by hearing the experiences and priorities of women from all walks of life that we can truly develop a strategy that works for all women.”
We’re back with another reader’s gallery! It seems happy snappers across the borough are starting to make the most of the (sometimes) better weather as we head into summer…
If you have captured a borough moment in a photograph and think that others would like to see it, then send it in to be featured on our Gedling Eye Readers’ Gallery.
You can send us your local pics by tagging us in on Instagram or using the hashtag #gedlingeye.
You can also email your pics to us via news@gedlingeye.co.uk. Please supply your name and a brief description of where and when the photograph was taken, or perhaps a funny caption.
The cut off is Monday at 17:00pm and photos will be published on the Gedling Eye website on Tuesday.
If you miss the cut off time, then don’t fear, we will just add them into the following week.
A bee pictured seconds before landing at Netherfield Lagoons (PHOTO CREDIT: @ausaf)Down on the Beach. The new display on top of the post box in Porchester Road (PHOTO CREDIT @scamp53)This green woodpecker was captured on camera at Netherfield Lagoons (PHOTO CREDIT: @nslackphotographyIn the grounds of Newstead Abbey on a glorious day (PHOTO CREDIT: @shaun.maskreywhat a glorious sky above Arnold. (PHOTO CREDIT: @alessandrobottini75)
This list contains only the roadworks considered to be most likely to cause delays on key routes as well as those involving road closures and temporary traffic lights.
The list is not exhaustive and does not feature some minor or emergency repairs that come up after publication.
Other roadworks may finish or start before schedule or be cancelled altogether.
All information is from Highways England, local authorities and utility companies.
Rising temperatures have led to a plea to ensure that people stay away from open water at Colwick Country Park during the half-term holiday.
According to the Met Office, the weather across Gedling borough could hit the mid-20s during the school break next week.
This has prompted the council running the park to issue a warning after young people were spotted using a nearby stretch of river during the heatwave last year.
Nottingham City Council said: “In hot weather it may be tempting to take a dip in the park’s lakes or the river. Please don’t as there are hidden dangers which can be fatal.
“Swimming is not allowed in the park unless it’s part of an organised session.”
A spokesman for Notts Fire and Rescue echoed the warning: “In warmer weather, you might think that taking a dip in a river or reservoir is the perfect way to cool down, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. In fact, cooling off in open water is not cool.
“What might look tranquil and peaceful can be hiding dangers that might take you by surprise, such as strong currents, a cold temperature and items below the surface.”
Water safety advice
Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service have issued the following water safety advice…
If you see someone in the water:
Would you know what to do if you saw someone struggling in water? Would you go in and save them? Would you assume they can swim and think nothing more of it?
The answer is neither.
NEVER enter the water to save someone as this can put your life at risk. Instead, here is what you should do:
Call for the emergency services:
You should always call 999 immediately and ask for the fire service and ambulance. If you are by the coast, make sure that you ask for the Coastguard.
TAKING THE PLUNGE: Swimmers in the water at Colwick Park during an organised session
Location, location, location:
We will need as much information on your location as possible to be able to send fire crews to the emergency. You can help us by looking out for landmarks, signs or bridges, or you can use the What Three Words service to find out your location.
Don’t leave us hanging:
Never hang up as this will only make responding to the emergency more difficult for us. Instead, make sure you stay on the line and our Fire Control team will be able to talk you through what you can do to help. It is always a good idea to let the person in the water know that you have phoned 999 as this may help keep them calm knowing that help is on its way.
Encourage the casualty to float:
The best piece of advice to give someone in the water is telling them to try and float. Instinct will naturally tell them to swim, but even the strongest swimmers can be overcome by currents in the water. If there is lifesaving equipment close by, such as a throwline or life buoy, follow the instructions given, or ask the emergency call handler about what to do.
Fight the urge:
We know that it is human nature to want to help in any way you can, but we cannot stress enough that you should NEVER enter the water to save someone else. Even the strongest swimmers can be overcome by cold water shock and currents.
If you are in the water:
If you find yourself in the water, we want you to remember the phrase Float To Live.
This is because although instinct will tell you to swim, it is best to put your energy into staying afloat. So if you are in water, remember the steps below:
Fight the urge to swim and try to stay calm.
Lie back and keep you airways clear, push your stomach up and extend your limbs, moving your hands and feet to help you float.
Try to control your gasping reflex from the cold water shock, and once your breathing is controlled, only then should you call for help.
Remember, do as little as possible and float to live.
A Woodborough man has heaped praise on a local NHS stroke team who helped put him on the road to recovery and revealed he now has his sights set on completing a three-mile walk by the end of the year following treatment.
Christopher Watterson has shared his experience of suffering a stroke and the support offered to help him recover to help promote the work being carried out by Nottinghamshire NHS Trust’s Community Stroke team.
A stroke happens when the blood supply to part of the brain is cut off, killing brain cells. Damage to the brain can affect the way your body works, and it can also change how you think and feel.
There are more than 100,000 strokes in the UK each year with around one in four strokes happening to people of working age.
Christopher, 61, was alone in his house when he experienced his stroke. His wife, son and daughter were out for the afternoon and he was unable to call for help.
Before the stroke, Christopher, was a legal executive in residential and commercial property. He was an active man who enjoyed cricket, rugby, walking and bike riding.
“I’d been for a bike ride in the morning just like any other day,” he said.
“I was upstairs at the time of the stroke. I dropped my phone and laid on the bed until my wife returned home. I was frightened to move and could not call for help. I felt numbness in my right arm and leg and weakness, slurred speech and a right facial droop.”
Christopher was admitted to hospital and spent just over two weeks there before being referred to the Trust’s Community Stroke team. The team then put him through an intensive therapy programme, with occupational therapy, physiotherapy and a rehab Support Worker which meant that he was seen daily.
Jasmine and Emma from the Trust’s stroke team said: “We identified that Christopher had weakness of his right arm and leg, sensation changes throughout his right side, which resulted in his ability to mobilise and participate within activities of daily living. He also had support from the START Service (a short-term care team) to progress with his personal care needs.
PICTURED: Christopher Watterson, centre, with members of the community NHS stroke team
“The goals that were set for Christopher were very much patient led and we also wanted to ensure these were realistic and achievable. These included to regain independence in his mobility and activities daily living, in order to support his dignity by not having to rely on others for personal tasks such as toileting and washing and dressing needs.”
Jasmine added: “Occupational therapists gave Christopher a sensory and active upper limb programme which enabled him to return to using his right upper limb to enable him to do personal care task and meal preparation. They are now working with Christopher to achieve his main goal of returning to work and driving.
“Physiotherapy has also helped him to progress from a rotunda transfer aid to now walking independently unaided both indoors and outdoors. He can now complete stairs without support and has returned to sleeping upstairs. He is now focusing on progressing his outdoor mobility and to re-integrate back into the community. This involves returning to his leisure interests such as playing sports.”
Christopher said that hypertension caused by stress at work which led to excessive alcohol consumption was to blame for the stroke.
He said: “I’ve had to learn how to walk again which restricts how I get around the house and stops me from going outdoors.
“The stroke initially affected my speech which has now resolved but because of my facial droop I dribble food without knowing it. It has also affected how tired I feel. I was left thinking what was the future going to bring. However, I was able to concentrate on getting better and to deal with things as they come.
“I am fortunate that I have the support of my family to help me recover with my wife taking on the role of being his carer and support from my children. I think my wife has been affected emotionally with not only being my carer, but working, looking after the house, children and finances.
Christopher was full of praise for the work of the Community Stroke team.
He said: “They have been so helpful and encouraging in my recovery. They have helped me achieve my goals in a speedy manner and I like that they keep me focused and guide me in the right direction which is imperative. Without their help I may not have got to where I am today.”
The intensive input and fantastic motivation from Christopher to progress in therapy has enabled him to significantly recover from his stroke.
Christopher added: “My short-term aim is to progress my walking further outdoors and be more independent to take away the pressure from my wife and family. By the end of the year, I would like to be able to complete a 3-mile walk.
New steps have been installed to improve access to a play area in Arnold.
They are part of a number of measures local councillor Michael Payne has promised to deliver in a bid to improve St Mary’s Recreation Ground.
As well as improving access points to the park, he also hopes to try and get the play area revamped.
Councillor Payne said: “A few weeks ago I promised to improve the muddy, eroded and slippery access to St Mary’s Recreation Ground from Church Lane by having steps installed.I’m delighted to have delivered on this promise to local residents with the steps now being installed by Gedling Borough Council.
“Three access points to the Recreation Ground have now been improved over the years as a result of action I’ve taken as your local councillor. Next step is to try and secure improvements to the children’s play park.
“Working together we can make this and other local parks and green spaces great places for all. We are blessed to have such lovely green spaces in and around Arnold.
