Pensioners in Gedling borough can now request a one-off collection of any large items such as sofas, fridge freezers, carpets, mattresses and other items for free.

11,000 residents will be eligible for a free bulky waste collection as part of a new scheme launched by Gedling Borough Council.

The service is being introduced as part of the council’s ongoing work to support elderly residents and reduce inequality and hardship in the borough.

This new scheme will work alongside the existing provision of a free bulky waste collection for all households in the borough in January and February each year.

This year, hundreds of households took advantage of the free collection, which also helps to reduce fly tipping and contaminated bins.

This new scheme will work in the same way except it will be available all year round. By taking advantage of this service, eligible customers will be saving up to £30 based on a three-item collection.

Bookings for the free collections can be made from April by calling the council on 0115 901 3901. When requesting the service, customers will be asked to confirm that they are of pensionable age and collections are subject to availability.

Deputy leader of Gedling Borough Council, Councillor Michael Payne said: “I’m proud that we’ve been able to offer this free bulky waste service to over 11,000 eligible elderly residents. It will give them a chance to get rid of any unwanted items and save them up to £30 that, for many, will be a much needed saving during these difficult times.

“While some residents can rely on friends and family to help them to remove unwanted items, we know not everyone can, particularly some of our more vulnerable and isolated residents. 

“We already run an incredibly popular free collection period each year in January and February for all households, but this additional offer will be available all year round, for pensioners and I hope it will be of great benefit.

He added: “In spite of the severe funding cuts to our services and a reduction in government grants, we are continuing to offer our residents the support that matters to them the most and this is another example of how we are focused on serving people and improving lives.”

People in Gedling borough waiting for parcels to arrive have today been given a fresh warning about a scam that claims payment is required for a package to be delivered.

The scam involves a text message being sent that claims a parcel is awaiting delivery by Royal Mail.

The link in the text connects to a copycat website run by fraudsters, which is designed to steal your personal details and banking information.

Royal Mail said it would never send a text message of this kind – unless specifically requested – and would use a grey card instead to tell people if any fee was required.

It warned the public in Gedling about a similar email scam in February, and it appears that the fraudsters’ campaign is gaining momentum.

Katherine Hart, from the Chartered Trading Standards Institute, said: “This delivery scam is yet another example of fraudsters attempting to make money out of the unsuspecting public.

“Due to the lockdowns, many millions of people rely on product deliveries, so scammers have focused their efforts on this theme.

“Also, the public must also be aware that these types of scams may come in many forms, and scammers do not only use Royal Mail branding. Indeed, in January, I commented on a similar scam that used DPD branding.

“These types of scams come in many forms, not just via text but also in emails and through the phone.”

Mark Johnson from Calverton was one of the readers asking to raise awareness about the scam.

He said: “My mother had one and luckily showed it to me during a Zoom call. The domain just didn’t sound right to me and a bit of research online revealed it was a common scam.

“My mum was lucky as if she’s not have been in communcation with me, she would have clicked through and given her details.

“People need to know elderly relatives in particular aware aware of this scam.”

The government is investing £56 million in high street shops nationwide as part of their ‘Welcome Back Fund’, with Gedling borough set to receive almost £105,213 in an essential lifeline for many struggling businesses.

Councils can use the funding to hold street markets and festivals, boost the look and feel of their high streets, with more seating areas and street planting or less graffiti, and install new signage to help keep people safe as restrictions are lifted.

The fund has been set up to help boost the high street, which has been heavily impacted by three lockdowns during the last 12 months.

Gedling MP Tom Randall welcomed the fresh funding.

He said: “I know how difficult it has been for businesses on our high streets across Gedling Borough over the last year, and I am determined to secure them all the help they need to recover.

“That is why I am delighted that our area will receive £105,213 as part of the Conservative Government’s new Welcome Back Fund, which will help our high streets to re-open safely and successfully this Summer as restrictions lift.

“This will ensure that our high streets have the support they need as we move into recovery, and build back better from the pandemic.”

Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick outlined the reasons for setting up the Welcome Back Fund.

He said: “As we move to the next stage on the roadmap out of lockdown we are all looking forward to being reunited with friends and family outdoors and making a safe and happy return to our favourite shops, cafes, pubs and restaurants.

“Our Welcome Back Fund gives every city, town and high street support to prepare for a great summer. This funding will help councils and businesses to welcome shoppers, diners and tourists back safely.

“As soon as the roadmap allows, we need to get behind our local businesses and enjoy all that this country has to offer and that we’ve been missing so much.

“I’m allowing every pub in the country to erect a marquee in their garden for the whole summer as a one-off power to support our locals.”