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Pothole patrol: How to report road damage in your Gedling borough neighbourhood

Gedling Eye Reporter
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Pothole patrol: How to report road damage in your Gedling borough neighbourhood

People in Gedling borough out on pothole patrol can report their findings to the council.

Nottinghamshire County Council maintain our roads in Gedling borough and were recently allocated another £8 million to tackle the problem across the county.

And to get potholes repaired on our borough roads, they can be reported to the authority online or via telephone.

The council say any pothole reported will be investigated by one of their team within 10 working days.

Readers of Gedling Eye were recently asked to nominate the borough’s worst pothole-ridden road.

You will need to be able to pinpoint the pothole using the council’s online map.

The instructions on the council website state: “Please be as accurate as possible. You can use the search box above the map to type in a postcode or street which will zoom the map and enable you to locate the problem more quickly.

You are also able to upload an image of the pothole to the online form.

The council say you can post a report anonymously, but if you want to receive and update on the situation, they require your email address.

A telephone number may be needed if our inspector is unable to find the pothole you reported and requires more details of its location.

You can report a pothole online HERE or via the MyNotts app.

Potholes on these roads can be reported directly by telephone: 0300 123 5000 or email: info@highwaysengland.co.uk.

John Cottee, chairman of Nottinghamshire County Council’s communities and place committee, said:

“We know that this is a very important subject in our communities and that residents may be concerned when they see potholes in their local area.

“With 2,734 miles of roads to cover, highways inspection teams cannot be in every location at once.

“That is why it is so important for residents to report any potholes or road defects that they see to us, otherwise we may not know about it.

“When potholes are reported to the council, an inspector will visit the site within 10 working days, and those which are at least 40mm deep will be repaired in a time scale ranging from within two hours to 28 days depending on their severity.

“Many may wonder why we only fix some and not all potholes on the same street at the same time. In many cases, larger potholes need to be addressed by separate teams with different equipment in order that the most effective repairs can be carried out in each situation.”

“Residents who have provided an email address when reporting a pothole, will be informed of actions taken following the inspection.

“We would like our communities across Nottinghamshire to know that we are committed to ensuring that our roads are of a high quality, and that they have a significant role to play in helping us to achieve this.”

Gedling Police remove uninsured and defective vehicles from the roads in Carlton

Gedling Eye Reporter
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Gedling Police remove uninsured and defective vehicles from the roads in Carlton

Police in Gedling borough took a number of uninsured and defective vehicles off the road yesterday.

The vehicles were spotted while a team of Gedling Specials carried out increased patrols in Carlton following reports of catalytic convertor thefts.

Two tipper vehicles and one car was seized.

Specials Sergeant Dilks said:”Driving offences are incredibly dangerous. They not only pose a risk to the driver but also the public and we will always take these offences very seriously”

“Just one uninsured, untaxed or defective vehicle on Nottinghamshire’s roads is one too many and our message is simple: driving offences will not be tolerated on our county roads.”

“The vehicles seized yesterday are from a combination of offences which include, no insurance, no tax, no MOT and defective tyres.

”Car insurance is a legal requirement in the UK to protect you and other road users when something unexpected happens. It can cover costs from accidents, thefts, or fires depending on the type of cover you choose, as well as others’ injuries or damage to property. If you drive without insurance, you can get a £300 fine and six penalty points on your licence – we may also seize your vehicle, and even have it destroyed. If your case is taken to court, the maximum fine is unlimited and you may be disqualified from driving.

Inspector Chris Pearson the local policing inspector for Gedling said: “Traffic offences remain a priority for us following feedback from the local community and we are now planning further enforcement activity.

“The additional patrols yesterday by the Gedling Specials patrolling our roads has led to the seizure of these vehicles and a number of offences being reported for summons.” “This just goes to show how the Gedling Special Constables work closely with our Neighbourhood policing and Operation Reacher teams in order to proactively police the Gedling Borough”.

600 extra school places at Carlton le Willows Academy in £16m council cash boost

Gedling Eye Reporter
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600 extra school places at Carlton le Willows Academy in £16m council cash boost

600 extra secondary school places are to be created at Carlton le Willows Academy as part of a county-wide cash boost from the council.

Nottinghamshire County Council is planning to invest £16 million over the next two years to expand primary and secondary schools all over Notts.

The council say the funding is being put in place to ensure there are enough school places for local families over the coming years.

school-pupil
More places for primary and secondary school pupils are being created

The costs will be covered by the council’s basic need allocation budget, as well as housing developer contributions.

600 places are planned over the next two years at Carlton le Willows Academy. 300 have already been provided at Carlton Academy.

Councillor Philip Owen, Chairman of Nottinghamshire County Council’s Children and Young People’s Committee, said: “We are committed to ensuring that children across our county have access to a good quality and education, and we have a duty to provide a sufficient number of school places in Nottinghamshire, to meet growing demand.

“We are continually working to analyse the figures and predict where school places will be needed. This £16 million investment will mean that we can provide extra capacity where it is needed over the coming years.

“This is an investment in our children’s future. The next few years will be an exciting time for school developments, with expansions and improvements planned across the county.”

Notts ‘dog detective’ vows to do everything in her power to stop beloved pets being stolen.

Gedling Eye Reporter
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Notts ‘dog detective’ vows to do everything in her power to stop beloved pets being stolen.

Nottinghamshire‘s new ‘dog detective’ has vowed ‘to do everything in her power’ to stop families suffering the heartache of having their beloved pets stolen.

Chief Inspector Amy Styles-Jones, who has three pet dogs of her own, said she understood how dogs are part of the family for many people and having one taken can be devastating.

The newly-promoted officer took up the first police role of its kind in the country last Friday and will take a strategic overview of dog thefts and mistreatment in Nottinghamshire – where last year the attempted drowning of Bella the dog gained international media attention and the joint working of Nottinghamshire Police and the RSPCA led to Bella’s owner being sentenced earlier this month.

Ch Insp Styles-Jones’ role will also involve analysing trends, co-ordinating resources and working alongside partners to prevent and investigate crimes involving dogs.

She said: “I’m really excited to take on this role which gives a great opportunity to understand what has been a really serious issue nationally over the last 12 months and I want to ensure we put our resources in the right places within force to make sure it doesn’t become a local issue.

“I understand how concerning it is for people. As a dog owner myself I know it is an emotive issue and that you want to feel safe walking your dog or whilst at home or in your garden with your pets.

“I understand that for many people your dogs are part of your family and Nottinghamshire Police understands that as well which is why we are the first force in the country to appoint a lead for this type of crime.

“I want to reassure people that if you want to report any concerns about your dogs being stolen we will take that seriously.

PICTURED: Chief Inspector Amy Styles-Jones, left, and Nottinghamshire’s Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner (DPPC) Emma Foody

“I also want to make it clear to anybody involved in dog theft or the mistreatment of animals that it will not be tolerated.”

Ch Insp Styles-Jones, who will perform the role alongside a number of other duties and responsibilities within the force, will work closely with the officers who investigate individual dog thefts, including neighbourhood and response officers.

Part of her role will also be to work with partners and other forces to establish best practices in investigating this type of crime and work out how processes can be improved.

An animal lover herself, as she has three pet Chihuahuas called Tink, Jasper and Josie, she said: “As well as investigating dog thefts I’m also keen to prevent them happening and there are a number of things pet owners can do to increase safety for themselves and their pets.

“One of the best things is to have your dog microchipped, make sure you keep your details up-to-date with the microchipping company and have them to hand if the worst should happen. This is one of the fastest ways that the police can track stolen animals and really save you the heartache.”

She added that around 50 per cent of dog thefts were from gardens and by securing fences, gates and perimeters it could help reduce this threat. 

Ch Insp Styles-Jones also advised people not to leave dogs unattended outside shops or in cars.

The new role was created after a survey revealed dog owners are increasingly fearful over their pets’ safety following growing cases of dog theft across the country during the pandemic.

Nottinghamshire’s Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner (DPPC) Emma Foody, who launched the survey, was instrumental in devising the role. 

She said: “I’m delighted that Nottinghamshire has become the first force in the country to appoint a dog theft lead.  There is growing alarm – both locally and nationally – over the threat of dog theft. This has been fuelled by a number of distressing incidents which have eroded public confidence.

“I’m incredibly grateful for the support of Guide Dogs for the Blind in helping us highlight how serious this issue is, and I’m keen to work with other organisations to do whatever we can to prevent dog theft in the future and disrupt the lucrative market that has emerged during the national lockdowns.  

“As a dog owner myself, I know just how worrying this issue is, and I’m determined to fight for tougher penalties for those involved in this despicable crime.” 

Anyone who has their dog stolen is urged to contact Nottinghamshire Police on 101, or 999 in an emergency.

Uber drivers in Gedling now recognised as workers

Courtney McLaven
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Uber drivers in Gedling now recognised as workers

Uber drivers in Gedling borough will now be paid holiday time, automatically enrolled into a pension plan, and guaranteed to earn at least the National Living Wage.  

All Uber drivers across the UK will now receive holiday pay, meaning every two weeks drivers will receive a payment of 12.07% of their earnings to reflect their right to paid holiday.  
  
Drivers will now also receive automatic enrolment in a pension plan, with contributions from Uber and paid at least the National Living Wage.  

A spokesman for the taxi giant said: “This is a floor, not a ceiling and drivers will still be able to earn more, as 99% already do.  

“This is in addition to the benefits available to drivers since 2018, including free insurance to cover sickness, injury and maternity and paternity payments.  
  
“Making these changes to the way drivers earn with Uber is the right thing to do, and we hope other operators will join us in taking this important step.  “

Frances O’Grady, general secretary at the Trades Union Congress, told Sky News: “Gig economy workers deserve to be treated with dignity at work, and to be given the same basic rights as everybody else. 

“We will check the small print of this offer. But this appears to be a big step in the right direction from Uber. 

“Now the company must recognise trade unions. The TUC stands ready to host talks with Uber and private hire unions to begin that process.” 

Man taken to hospital after being ‘struck with sword’ during fight in Burton Joyce

Gedling Eye
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Man taken to hospital after being ‘struck with sword’ during fight in Burton Joyce

A man was taken to hospital after being struck with a sword following an altercation with a group of men in Burton Joyce.

It was reported that the 23-year-old’s injuries could have been worse had a woman not intervened.

The man was stabbed with the weapon and was taken to Queen’s Medical Centre with a non-life threatening injury to his ankle.

Detectives are now appealing for any information and witnesses to come forward to help with their enquiries.

Detective Constable Julian Eminson-Ferry of Nottinghamshire Police is leading the investigation. 

He said: “A man was reportedly stabbed and suffered minor injuries at around 5pm on Monday (March 15, 2021) on Main Street. 

notts police
Police are appealing for information

“Officers were swiftly on the scene following the report and searched the area, but couldn’t find anyone in relation to the incident. 

“This incident could have had far more serious consequences had a woman not intervened, which encouraged the group of offenders to leave the scene.

“We are appealing to anyone who saw anything or anyone suspicious in the area to contact the force immediately.

“The man has since been discharged from hospital. 

“This would have been a frightening incident for people to witness and we are keen to resolve it as quickly as possible.

“Knife crime is never acceptable and is something which we are committed to tackling.

“I would like to reassure the local community that officers were quickly on the scene to ensure that there was no risk to the wider public.

“If anyone has any information please call 101 quoting incident number 703 of 15 March 2021.”

£3bn ‘bus revolution’ could improve services across Gedling borough

Courtney McLaven
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£3bn ‘bus revolution’ could improve services across Gedling borough

Passengers across Gedling borough will benefit from a new National Bus Strategy, which will deliver the most ambitious reform to the sector in generations.  

Nottinghamshire County Council will need to work in partnership with operators on the determined new Bus Service Improvement Plans for the benefit of passengers to be eligible for future funding.  

Only councils and operators who work to meet these requirements will continue to receive the around £100 million per month emergency Covid funding for the sector, or any new sources of funding from the £3 billion investment.   

The plan paves the way for cheaper, quicker and more reliable bus services across England as the Conservative Government continues its levelling-up agenda.  

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said: “Buses are this country’s favourite way of getting around. They help us get to school, to the GP, or to the shops – but services across England are patchy, and it’s frankly not good enough.” 

Passengers on a late bus

Councils and operators will be expected to provide:  

  • Simpler single bus fares with daily price caps, so people can use the bus as many times a day as they need without facing mounting costs.  
  • More services in the evenings and at the weekends.  
  • Integrated services and ticketing across all transport modes in the area, so people can easily move from bus to train.  
  • Easy to access information, including online, so that services are simple to use.  
  • All buses to accept contactless payments.  

The investment will allow many Gedling residents who rely on public transport to have easier access to its services.  

Gedling MP Tom Randall said: “Good bus services can have a transformational role in places like Gedling, unlocking job opportunities, boosting businesses and supporting economic growth.” 

Councils will need to franchise services or establish statutory partnerships with operators which ensures that they work in collaboration for the benefit of passengers. 

They will also be required to publish an improvement plan.  

Such improvements will be underpinned by fundamental reforms to the sector and will see operators need to work with their local councils on targets for improving passenger numbers, reliability and passenger satisfaction.  

Alongside the new bus strategy it was also announced that Nottinghamshire County Council will receive £1,497,000 as part of its £20 million Rural Mobility Fund.  

It’s designed to trial an on demand responsive transport in rural and suburban settings – such as minibuses booked via an app – where a traditional bus service isn’t appropriate.  

Improving services across the country will help ensure more people turn to the bus, rather than the car, as the country builds back better and greener from the pandemic.  

This new funding will make a significant positive impact on the lives of people living in more remote communities across Nottinghamshire, by boosting their local transport links, as well as providing valuable insight into an innovative approach to bus travel.  

Census scam warning to households in Gedling borough

Gedling Eye Reporter
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Census scam warning to households in Gedling borough

Households in Gedling borough are being warned following reports that scammers are cold-calling people and claiming they have filled in their Census forms incorrectly and then ‘fining’ them.

The 2021 Census is a survey conducted every decade to count the number of people in England and Wales, along with other details.

It is a legal requirement to fill out the form by Sunday, March 21 and fines of up to £1,000 can be dished out to households for surveys that are not completed or if false information is given.

But now fraudsters are using the nationwide survey and potential fine for their own benefit and duping people into believing that they are being penalised for giving out incorrect information.

Census letter

Last week, Action Fraud tweeted a warning: ‘Criminals may try to use this as an opportunity to send phishing emails or texts.’ 

One report said a cold caller claimed he was from a local authority and accused an individual of filling in a Census incorrectly and then told them that they had to pay a fine.   

The caller then asked for basic identification details which they said was to confirm the Census record and the individual’s bank details so they could process the fine.

Action Fraud says members of the public will only be contacted about the Census via letter – never email, text or phone. 

What can I do if I’m a victim of a scam? 

  • To report scams, contact Action Fraud, or if in Scotland, contact Police Scotland.
  • To report email scams, contact the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) by emailing report@phishing.gov.uk
  • For consumer advice, call the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 0808 223 1133

WAS IT BANK-SY?: Graffiti artist targets boat stuck on riverbank near Burton Joyce

Gedling Eye Reporter
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WAS IT BANK-SY?: Graffiti artist targets boat stuck on riverbank near Burton Joyce

A boat which has been stuck on the bank of the River Trent between Burton Joyce and Stoke Bardolph for weeks has been targeted by a graffiti artist.

The vessel, which is believed to have been abandoned by the owner, had previously been seen floating down the River Trent during the recent floods.

It eventually became stuck on a bank in between the two villages and is awaiting removal.

There have been reports of groups of people trying to boarding the vessel, with police officers being called out to take action over over recent weeks.

PHOTO: Nathan Dye
The boat had been seen drifting down the River Trent several weeks before becoming stuck on a bank (PHOTO: Gedling Eye)

And now the vessel has been covered in graffiti, with a large cartoon fish with speech bubble declaring ‘I’m an emotional wreck’, along with an artist’s tag.

It’s not known if if or when the boat will be removed from the River Trent.

Gedling Eye has contacted the Canal and River Trust for the East Midlands for a comment about its removal.

Cash boost for Mapperley-based charity who work to tackle loneliness among young adults

Courtney McLaven
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Cash boost for Mapperley-based charity who work to tackle loneliness among young adults

A project that supports vulnerable and isolated young adults across Nottingham has been awarded a £9,000 grant from Jigsaw Foundation, part of the Jigsaw Homes Group.  

The Wolfpack Project, a charity which works with people aged 16-35 across the region to improve their mental health and wellbeing, was allocated the money from Jigsaw Foundation.  

A £500,000 pot of funding is shared to support projects that will positively impact local communities.   

The award-winning charity was founded in 2019 by CEO Damien Reynolds from Mapperley, and supported more than 250 people across Nottingham last year.  

He said: “Thanks to the money from Jigsaw Foundation we are now able to increase capacity and the number of volunteers to support an additional 500 people.” 

The Wolfpack Project applied for the money to fund an increase in capacity of its telephone ‘buddy scheme’. 

This scheme’s main aim is to tackle the sense of loneliness struggling young people may feel by providing a safe place to chat with likeminded people.  

 The programme is designed to pair volunteers with lived-experience, with those who have similar interests.  

They also provide wellbeing packs.  

Due to Covid restrictions, a virtual support programme has been set up to continue to help hundreds of young people.  

Damien Reynolds Wolfpack Project
PICTURED: The Wolfpack Project founder Damien Reynolds

The need for referrals has increased 60% due to the pandemic, so this money will also allow them to cope with the ascending demand. 

CEO Damien Reynolds continued: “We have close referral links with organisations such as the Red Cross, YMCA and all local authorities as well as colleges and universities.  

“We’ve seen a real rise in vulnerable, lonely young people who are struggling mentally, needing our support. 

 “We hear from many of them, particularly since the first lockdown, who haven’t known where to get help. In today’s society, we are all communicating more digitally, but we see a lot of people who have been missing a personal connection and we want to change that.”  

 Sarah Keenan, Jigsaw Foundation manager, said: “I am so pleased that Wolfpack Project has been successfully selected to receive this money.  

“I know it will make a huge difference to Damien and his team to help reach more young, vulnerable people and for him to be able to raise awareness of the project more widely.”  

The Wolfpack Project has an office and community space which Damien hopes will be able to re-open soon, once national lockdown restrictions are eased.  

 Further details can be found on the website www.thewolfpackproject.org.uk   

 If you have a project that you think could benefit and is eligible for funding, please see the Jigsaw Foundation website on how to apply.  

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