More than two in five adults across Gedling borough have now had their first Covid jab, the health secretary has revealed in a new video.
In the clip, shared online, Matt Hancock praised people in the borough for its efforts and also staff at the Richard Herrod Centre.
He said: “I want to say a massive thank you to everyone across Gedling who is working so hard to get these vaccines out.
“Over 41 per cent, that’s more than two in five adults, across Gedling has been vaccinated and it’s thanks to the Richard Herrod Centre in Carlton and all the staff at the QMC and City Hospital.
“In particular I want to pay tribute to Tom Randall, who as local MP has been helping with the vaccination effort and getting the message out that the vaccination is good for you, good for your community and will help us all get out of this.
“A massive thank you to everybody involved in this effort.”
The video was shared by Gedling MP Tom Randall, who said on social media: “The Secretary of State for Health, Matt Hancock, wanted to offer his personal thanks to everyone in Gedling who is working hard to get vaccines out.
“Many thanks to the staff at the Richard Herrod Centre and our local hospitals helping to deliver vaccinations.”
Nottinghamhshire Police has become the first in Britain to appoint a ‘dog detective’ at its headquarters in Arnold following a national spike in pet thefts.
Chief Inspector Amy Styles-Jones will be dedicated to tackling canine theft in Nottinghamshire.
The officer, who has three pet Chihuahuas called Tink, Jasper and Josie, said: “As an animal lover myself I relish the prospect of ensuring we take a compassionate response to the developing situation in regards to dog theft and any animal cruelty.
“I am proud to be part of a force where such a commitment has been given.”
Nottinghamshire Police Chief Constable Craig Guildford said the move to introduce the specialist officer, who will be based at their Sherwood Lodge HQ, should send a clear message that this type of crime ‘would not be tolerated’.
It comes as part of a package of measures 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.
Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Emma Foody, who launched the survey, 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.
PICTURED: Max the Welsh terrier is now back at home in Carlton after being stolen by thieves in West Bridgford
“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.”
Nottinghamshire’s Chief Constable Craig Guildford said the appointment of a dedicated dog theft detective showed the force took the issue seriously.
He said: “Firstly, it’s important to reassure local residents that we have not seen a significant spike in dog theft in Nottinghamshire. However, we obviously want to keep it that way, and give our dog owners confidence that we are taking the matter seriously.
“That’s why I felt it was important to have a senior officer to lead on this. We want to prevent dogs being stolen in the first place, with the heartbreaking stress and trauma this causes the owners, and will be working hard to spread those messages.
“Secondly I want to send a clear message to those who seek to carry out this cold-hearted crime that it will not be tolerated, it is taken very seriously and we will come after you.”
Tim Stafford, director of canine affairs at Guide Dogs, said: “Stealing a dog is not the same as stealing someone’s television, despite the law seeing it this way.
“The theft of a dog is much more like the loss of a loved family member. What’s more, blind and visually impaired people rely on their guide dogs for their independence and wellbeing. A huge investment of love, time and money over many years has gone into creating each of our incredible guide dog partnerships.
“This year, for the first time, we have been informed of a couple of incidents when someone has attempted to take a guide dog from its owner. While such incidents are very rare in relation to how many guide dog partnerships our charity supports, we are concerned about how fearful our guide dog owners are of being a potential target at the moment. The law needs to change to stop dog theft from being a low-risk, high-reward crime, and better reflect how people value their dogs.”
The NHS is to text vulnerable people across Gedling borough this week and urge them to get a life-saving Covid jab.
The messages will target those with underlying conditions such as diabetes and some forms of cancer.
GPs have already been inviting those with the conditions from their patient lists.
Now the NHS is texting them with a link that enables them to arrange a jab at a vaccination centre or pharmacy-led service at the touch of a button.
NHS Chief Executive Sir Simon Stevens said: “We’re sending out around two million NHS text invitations over the weekend as more vaccine supplies come online next week. Bookings are booming, with a record number of NHS COVID jabs arranged through our national service last weekend when over one million appointments were made.”
34,183 people in Gedling borough have now had the jab and the majority of appointments were arranged through the national booking service as people aged 55 and over were invited to get a jab.
The vast majority booked online, while a smaller number booked by calling 119 which offers additional support when booking their jab.
More than 19 million people across England have now received a life-saving COVID vaccination.
Jane Lyons, CEO of Cancer52 which works to support people with rare and less common cancers: “We can’t say it often enough – if you or someone you love has a cancer that makes them more vulnerable to COVID-19 and they are called for the vaccine then the best thing you can do now is to have the COVID jab or help them have theirs. It may save your life, or that of your loved one. Watch out for texts from NHSvaccine that are being sent to vulnerable people. And then please act on it.”
Mark Winstanley, chief executive of Rethink Mental Illness: “Rethink Mental Illness strongly encourages anyone who is invited by text, letter or phone to book an appointment for a vaccination. Unfortunately, people severely affected by mental illness are more likely to become seriously unwell with COVID-19. The vaccine is the best way to protect yourself from the virus, significantly reduce that risk and help keep others safe. If you have any concerns, you will be able to talk to a health professional before your vaccination who can provide further information and support.”
Texts include a web link for those eligible to click and reserve an appointment at one of more than 300 large-scale vaccination centres or pharmacies across England.
Messages will be sent using the Government’s secure Notify service and will show as being sent from ‘NHSvaccine’.
If people cannot or would prefer not to travel to a Vaccination Centre or pharmacy-led site, they can choose to wait to be invited by a local GP-led service.
Ian Green, chief executive at Terrence Higgins Trust, said: ‘We hope these text messages will encourage even more people living with HIV to book in for their first dose of COVID vaccine with a few clicks on their phone. It’s also important to say that anyone living with HIV who hasn’t shared their HIV status with their GP for whatever reason – and therefore won’t receive a text link – can organise an appointment by contacting their HIV clinic. Whatever the way, we strongly encourage anyone living with HIV to get vaccinated in the next week or so for peace of mind and protection against COVID-19.’
The Doctors’ Association UK welcomes the drive to ensure as many people as possible amongst cohort 6 take up the COVID-19 vaccination.
Dr Ellen Welch is a GP with the DAUK and says: “I have an appointment for my second vaccination today, which as a pregnant healthcare worker was important for me to have to feel protected. I would encourage everyone, especially those at increased risk, to make the most of this opportunity. To be able to return to a sense of normality, it is essential we vaccinate as many of the population possible.”
DAUK’s Dr David Nicholl says: “We already know that the vaccine is safe, we now know that it also brings protection to our nearest and dearest. This is especially important for the clinically vulnerable in the cohort 6 group. As such the Doctors’ Association UK would encourage anyone who gets called, to get vaccinated, to get themselves and those they love protected as quickly as possible”
Police are urging residents to be on their guard against rogue traders after a woman in Calverton was targeted by men claiming a gutter repair was needed.
Officers are advising them not to answer the door to any unexpected callers and report anything suspicious.
They’re also urging people living near to elderly residents to keep an eye out for their neighbours.
The warning comes after two men called at an address in Calverton on Thursday and told the owner that her guttering needed repairing.
After having an initial quote of £350 rejected they left the scene – only to return two hours later and attempt to start the job anyway.
ALERT: Police have issued a rogue trader warning
They then demanded £250 for materials and left with a promise that the amount would be paid to them via bank transfer.
Officers believe the men, described as white and middle aged, are driving around in a white transit van.
Inspector Nick Butler, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “No reputable tradespeople would ever act in this way so our advice is very clear: if somebody calls unannounced at your home and offers to carry out work you should just say ‘no’. Ideally you should not even answer the door if you don’t recognise the person on the other side.
“If you feel threatened or uncomfortable you should call the police immediately. We take this kind of brazen, calculated offending extremely seriously and would love nothing more than the opportunity to catch people in the act.
“I would also urge anyone with elderly or vulnerable relatives or neighbours to also keep an eye out for anyone calling at their house.”
A number of towns and people from across Gedling borough are featured in a new podcast series covering stories of everyday folk from bygone Nottingham.
We Share These Streets has been lovingly put together by Gedling resident Danielle Etches, who does the historical research, and Scott Taylor from Clifton, who writes, produces and presents each episode.
Twelve episodes have been uploaded so far, with the borough getting a mention in several of the shows.
Episode three of the series, which can be found on Podbean and Apple podcasts, is centred around Cyril, a postmaster from Colwick whose life was changed forever following an accident during a wartime blackout around Christmas 1941.
Danielle told Gedling Eye she hopes the borough will feature more heavily in future episodes.
“As well as Colwick in episode two, The love story featuring The Bell pub in episode 4 mentions Arnold and the Victoria Station episode talks a bit about Netherfield. It’s a nice mix really
“There will be other local stories on there too in time, we’ve got a list as long as our arms to go though.”
Elderly people from across Netherfield and Colwick got a spring boost this week when kind-hearted children from a nearby primary school designed and created Easter cards for them.
The cards were designed to help give the pensioners a much-needed boost as they may be feeling lonely and isolated as a result of recent lockdowns.
The idea to tackle loneliness in the community was brought up on the recent Co-op Gedling and Netherfield Forum, with member pioneer for Netherfield, Alison Marsh, suggesting the school could create cards to distribute. The plan was backed by Netherfield Primary School headmaster Jon Crone.
Mr Crone said, “It was such a positive message for our young children in Years 1 and 2 on their return to full schooling.
This member of Netherfield & Colwick Senior Citizens Club was delighted with her Easter card made by pupils at the nearby primary school
“They were able and very willing to provide a ray of sunshine for others in their community.
“They thoroughly enjoyed making the Easter cards and the project fits perfectly with kindness, which is one of our character pillars. Our thanks to everyone who made it possible.”
The cards, with postage funded by the local Co-op, were much appreciated by the Senior Citizens.
Maureen, 82, said “My card is a real keep-sake, and it is so nice to be thought of in these difficult times.”
Peter, 74, agreed: “Thank you so much, you have made my day. It’s been a tough time lately on my own a lot, and I will treasure my card.”
Jean, 75, said, “It’s beautiful. We are so blessed to be thought of by the children. I’ve not seen many people in the last 10 months so I’m really touched.”
The Co-op Gedling & Netherfield Forum meets bi-monthly. New members who live or work in Gedling or Netherfield are most welcome. For more information contact Alison Marsh, Co-op Member Pioneer for Netherfield 07971 181137 alison.marsh@coop.co.uk
COVID levels are still too high despite a “good week”, Nottingham public health officials have said.
Nottinghamshire continued to make vaccination progress as it navigated its way through week one of the Prime Ministers Coronavirus roadmap.
With schools now reopen, vaccine availability has become vital for health executives.
Dr John Brewin, Chief Executive for Nottinghamshire Healthcare, stated that weekly vaccinations had roughly doubled in recent weeks.
Dr Brewin said: “On average our vaccinations have gone from 40,000 people a week to 80,000.
“A significant number of those 80,000 will be second doses.
“We continue to focus on the highly vulnerable – those initial cohorts of over 60’s and 65’s.
“And in those cohorts overall we are above the national average for England which is a really pleasing position to be in.”
PICTURED: Public Health boss Jonathan Gribbin said he was encouraged that levels have fallen but said we ‘still have a long way to go’
Officials also revealed that Nottinghamshire hospitals now have fewer covid patients compared to the initial wave in April for the first time since October.
The amount of people in Covid beds has shrunk from 468 to 274 over the last week.
Yet, officials warned that so long as Nottingham continued to sit above the national average for Coronavirus cases the public could not relax.
With the national average at around 60 per 100,000, Nottingham cases remain some way off that figure despite the progress that the county has made.
Nandos has told Gedling Eye its new restaurant at Victoria Retail Park in Netherfield ‘will be opening soon’ after rumours began circulating on social media that it had abandoned plans to open up in the town.
The food giant last year began work on constructing a new unit to house a new restaurant on land previously used by Morrisons for car parking. Work began on a new Starbucks drive-thru at the same time.
PICTURED: The new Nando’s unit at Victoria Retail Park (PHOTO: Gedling Eye)
Starbucks opened their doors a few weeks ago, which left many in the area questioning why little progress had been made at the Nando’s site next door. This prompted rumours on social media that they had pulled out of plans to open a new restaurant.
Gedling Eye got in touch with Nando’s yesterday to get an update on progress or confirmation they had left the site.
A spokesman for he food giant told us plans we still in place but progress had been delayed by the Covid pandemic.
They said: “I can confirm that the rumours on social media are not true.
“While Covid might have postponed our plans slightly, we are still very much looking forward to coming to Victoria Retail Park.
Police have warned residents to ‘be on the alert’ after a spate of catalytic converter thefts across Gedling borough.
Vehicles in Gedling and Carlton have been targeted over recent days.
Officers said they have received four reports of catalytic converter thefts between Tuesday (March 9, 2021) and this morning (March 12, 2021).
These incidents, which are currently being treated as linked, happened in Florence Road, Gedling, and in First Avenue, Moreland Court and South View Road in Carlton.
During the South View Road incident, which happened shortly after 9pm yesterday (Thursday 11 March 2021), the victim disturbed offenders after seeing them go underneath his car holding a battery-operated saw in an attempt to take the catalytic converter.
The increase in these thefts is a national, and even an international issue, as the catalytic converters contain two valuable metals – rhodium and palladium – the cost of which increased during 2020 and has recently gone up again.
Hybrid cars are particularly vulnerable because their converters contain a higher concentration of precious metals and are generally less corroded. It is believed gangs operate looking for cars to target as they can steal the catalytic convertors within minutes by using a few basic tools.
Inspector Chris Pearson, Neighbourhood Policing Inspector responsible for local policing in the Gedling borough area, said: “As a force we are absolutely determined to crack down on this issue and track down those responsible.
“Whilst officers are working tirelessly to investigate these offences and we have upped our patrols in targeted locations, I am urging people to be vigilant and if they spot any suspicious vehicles or people in their area to call 999 immediately as this will be treated as a crime in progress.
“These thieves will target cars at any time during the day or night so if you see someone acting suspiciously under a vehicle, please report it. Obtain as much information as possible, including any vehicle registrations.”
Inspector Pearson added: “Victims of catalytic converter thefts are left with costly repair bills and without a car, something which can have a huge impact on their lives and leaves them unable to get to work or make important journeys.
“However, there are a number of things vehicle owners can do to offer themselves further protection.“The first thing to do is to find out where your catalytic converter is located on your car. If it’s at the front then park with the bonnet towards a wall if possible. If it’s at the back, park with your exhaust to the wall.
“Avoid parking half on the pavement and half on the road as this may make it easier for thieves to get under your car.
“If your catalytic converter is bolted on, you can ask your local garage to weld the bolts to make it more difficult to remove. You can even purchase a ‘cage clamp’, a device which makes converters more difficult to remove.”Another option for drivers is to ask their garage or dealership to fit a tilt sensor, which activates an alarm if anyone tries to jack the vehicle up to steal the converter.”
Anyone spotting a crime in progress is urged to ring 999. Anyone with any other information is asked to ring 101, or report it anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Extra free car parking space is being made available to help cope with demand at Colwick Country Park, which has seen visitor numbers surge during lockdown.
The extra spaces have been introduced to help avoid problems on Mile End Road, with those visiting the attraction parking outside houses and blocking access for residents.
The parking space off Daleside Road East will be open at peak time and can be found next to the starting gate – not to be confused with the public house.
Visitors to Colwick Country Park can now use land near the starting gate off Daleside Road East to park during peak times
Neighbourhood Wardens will also be patrolling the area to ensure people aren’t parking and obstructing access. They’ll also be advising those parking on Mile End Lane about the new parking space.
Yellow lines will also soon be put into place to help ease the problem.
Councillor Nikki Brooks revealed the news on her Facebook page. She said: “Hopefully this will help ease the terrible problem for residents.”
