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Gedling borough tax bills to increase as council sets out budget

Gedling Eye
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Gedling borough tax bills to increase as council sets out budget

Council tax will rise by nearly three percent in Gedling borough.

The tax rise was announced as Gedling Borough Council’s budget was signed off by councillors.

The budget includes funding for ambitious plans to extend Gedling Country Park and fight climate change.

Gedling Borough Council leader Cllr John Clark revealed that an increase would be imposed at a Full Council at a meeting last night (March 4):

“We were told by Central Government that we would get ‘whatever it takes’ in our fight against Covid-19 and that hasn’t happened and we are now facing a potential £1 million funding gap on top of the core spending reduction that has left us, for the second year in a row, as the worst affected council in the country, equivalent to a 20% reduction compared to 2015.

“This has left us with no choice but to regrettably increase our share of the Council Tax by 2.97%, which equates to £3.33 per year for someone in a Band A property.

“We understand how difficult times are for many and we will continue to support over 4,800 families across our borough with our 100% funded Council Tax Reduction Scheme.

Gedling Country Park extension scheme included in latest council budget

Gedling Eye
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Gedling Country Park extension scheme included in latest council budget

Plans to extend Gedling Country Park were announced last night at a full council meeting.

Councillors were summoned together to approve the new budget that includes funding for a ‘Green Lung’, which will see an extension to the country park being created to connect with the nearby Digby Park

Money will also be made available to fund free bulky waste for pensioners, invest in flood prevention, create new public toilets and tackle Climate Change.

The budget, presented by the leader of the council, Councillor John Clarke and deputy leader, Councillor Michael Payne, set out the programme of projects for the next year.

They revealed that the cost of responding to the coronavirus outbreak has, so far, cost the council nearly £4 million and the government funding, so far, has left the council with a £415,000 funding gap which could rise to nearly £1 million that will need to be found by savings or cuts in other services.

Since 2010, grants from Government to the council have been cut by 65% (£5.8m) and for the last two years, The leaders said that Gedling Borough Council has become the worst affected council in England in terms of core spending power, facing a reduction of 20.2% in funding since 2015/16.

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Gedling leader John Clarke, left and deputy leader Michael Payne, right presented the budget last night (Credit: Joseph Raynor)

Despite the uncertainty around the future funding of the council’s essential services, Councillors did approve a programme of investments aimed at improving the lives of residents and supporting businesses to grow in the borough, they include investment in new toilets at King George V playing field in Arnold, which will include Changing Places toilets.

They also approved plans for free a bulky waste collection for all pensioners all year round, which is on top of the free bulky waste collection that will still be maintained fo fall households in the early months of every year.

£50,000 was also approved for investment in flood alleviation and the creation of a new Climate Change Reduction Officer to help the council meet its target of becoming Carbon Neutral by 2030.

Other plans approved at the budget council included:

  • Investment in enterprise units at Calverton
  • Investment in Hazelford Way industrial units in Newstead village
  • Investment in Lambley Lane Changing Rooms and pitch renovation
  • Further investment to improve Bonington Theatre & Cinema
  • Construction of a Sand Martin Bank and two Bird Hides at Gedling Country Park to provide a sustainable nesting habitat for Sand Martins.
  • Funding to provide a secure unit to store equipment at Carlton Cemetery.
  • The creation of a Tree Management Officer role.

Deputy leader of Gedling Borough Council, Councillor Michael Payne said: “We have announced a series of ambitious projects in this year’s budget that will focus on the health and wellbeing of our residents, provide growth and, in spite of the ongoing severe cuts to our funding, will do everything it can to meet the needs of our residents and businesses while ensuring we balance our books. It won’t be easy but we have shown that, thanks to the continued hard work of our staff, we can deliver on our promises and we will deliver a budget full of ambition for the future.”

The Leader of Gedling Borough Council, Councillor John Clarke said: “Our administration has presented a budget to the council that sets out our vision for Gedling and supports our mission to serve people and improve lives.

“Even in the face of a global pandemic with all the challenges we’ve faced locally, by working with our local communities and our partners we are still delivering on this vision.

“In spite of ongoing government cuts and the uncertainty over future funding, we are very proud to continue to invest in our borough. Work has already started on regenerating Arnold town centre and Carlton Square and we are now announcing further investment in green projects like the Green Lung at Digby Park and a new Climate Change Officer who will help drive our ambition to be carbon neutral by 2030.”

Road safety improvements planned after hundreds sign petition calling for ‘urgent action’ to improve crossing outside school in Arnold where child was hit by car

Emily Sanchez
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Road safety improvements planned after hundreds sign petition calling for ‘urgent action’ to improve crossing outside school in Arnold where child was hit by car

Road safety improvements are to be made outside a primary school in Arnold after hundreds called for ‘urgent action’ following an accident on the crossing involving a young pupil.

Arnold North councillor Michael Payne handed in a petition to Nottinghamshire County Council which was signed by more than 800 people after the accident outside Richard Bonington Primary School last October.

The council has now confirmed improvement works will take place with plans including installing a ramp on the crossing on Calverton Road, replacing the beacon lights, upgrading street lights leading up the the crossing and adding new warning signs.

Cllr Payne said he was delighted the council had listened to the concerns of residents.

He said: “Last October, following an awful incident involving a young child on the crossing outside Richard Bonington Primary School, I launched a petition and campaign calling on Nottinghamshire County Council to improve road safety measures at this busy crossing on Calverton Road.

“Thanks to the pupils, parents, local residents and teachers that support the petition and campaign. I presented the 866 signature petition to the Full Council meeting of Nottinghamshire County Council in December last year and today I spoke at the County Council Committee considering the response to our petition.

“Since last October, I’ve consistently pressed the case for improvements to senior highways officials at Nottinghamshrie County Council. I’m pleased to report that thanks to our collective “efforts we’ve been successful! The County Council has agreed and is proposing improvements to the pedestrian crossing and surrounding area on Calverton Road:

“There will be a formal consultation on the proposed measures. Make sure you have your say. I’ll continue to argue for further improvements locally.”

£40m Gedling Access Road on track to be completed in the autumn

Gedling Eye Reporter
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£40m Gedling Access Road on track to be completed in the autumn

Nottinghamshire County Council has offered an update on progress around the new £40m Gedling Access Road.

The first kerb stones have been put in place paving the way for the new road to officially open in the autumn.

Nottinghamshire County Council’s Communities and Place Committee heard yesterday (March 4) about the progress of works along the 3.8km route and in the wider community.

Progress highlights since works began last January include the construction and opening of a new junction at Burton Road and the creation of an embankment at Mapperley Plains using earth excavated from Lambley Lane.

Construction teams have also completed over 1,000 hours of voluntary work with organisations including the 3rd Woodthorpe Scouts and Arnold Foodbank and have inspired over 4,700 students through a virtual careers event.

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Gedling Access Road flyover from October

The coming months will see three new roundabouts start to take shape along with top soil and tarmacking works before the road opens to traffic in September.

Local residents are reminded that the current camera enforcement of the Stoke Lane Bus Plug will remain in place while works on the project continue. 

Councillor John Cottee, Chairman of the Communities and Place Committee, said: “Not only will the Gedling Access Road significantly reduce traffic through Gedling Village, but it will also link communities in the area to wider Nottinghamshire and Nottingham City Centre, while progressing the sustainable redevelopment of the former Gedling Colliery/Chase Farm site.  

“Construction works have been progressing well despite the COVID-19 pandemic and are following the latest Operating Procedures issued by the Construction Leadership Council to reflect the latest Government guidance.

“The pandemic has also meant that volunteer work within the community has also operated differently but thanks to the dedication of the construction team, activities and partnerships have continued to flourish.

“The coming months will be an exciting time as we look towards the Gedling Access Road opening to traffic in the Autumn and we look forward to seeing the road take shape further.

“We would like to thank residents and motorists for their ongoing understanding and patience while we carry out works on this project.”

Police rescue stolen dehydrated puppies from van in Carlton

Gedling Eye Reporter
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Police rescue stolen dehydrated puppies from van in Carlton

Police officers have rescued nearly a dozen severely dehydrated puppies who were concealed in plastic bags and believed to be stolen from a van outside a property in Carlton.

Officers from Nottinghamshire Police were called to a house in Apple Walk at around 6pm on Tuesday (March 2) evening after a member of the public reported a bad smell coming from a property.

Police were confronted with dog waste strewn across bedrooms in the house when they went to investigate, but there was no sign of any dogs.

Further searches led officers to a van parked nearby in Farndon Mews.

The windows were all steamed up and movement could be seen in a bag in the rear passenger seat. Officers broke into the vehicle and found a total of eleven puppies kept in small cages and bags. Six of the animals were crammed into a guinea pig cage.

A 20-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of theft and fraud.

This comes as Nottinghamshire’s Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Emma Foody recently urged dog owners to be vigilant following high-profile incidents of dog thefts nationally.

PICTURED: These puppies were rescued by police from a property in Carlton

She has now launched a survey asking for people’s views locally. The results will help determine the public’s fear of dog theft in Nottinghamshire and support for tougher enforcement.

Chris Pearson, Neighbourhood Inspector for Gedling, said: “The puppies located inside the van were in an appalling state and were visibly distressed.

“We made sure they got the instant care they needed overnight and we’re now conducting a joint investigation with the RSPCA.

“We are continuing to carry out a number of enquiries and are determined to uncover what has been happening at this house and establish where the animals have come from.

“My team acted quickly having suspected something wasn’t right after arresting a man at the scene. Without their diligence and quick thinking, the puppies might not have been located in time.”

Emma Foody, Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner, said: “This is a shocking example of callous individuals using animals for their own ends. There is no consideration for the health, wellbeing and safety of the animals concerned, and in my view it’s time to get tough on those who seek to steal, exploit and ill-treat dogs and indeed any animal.  We need confidence that those responsible will receive appropriate sanctions.  Dog theft, for many is akin to the theft of a family member which is why we are doing everything we can to help people protect their dogs and prevent dreadful incidents like this.  I hope people will complete our survey which will give strength to our campaign.”

The animals were immediately taken to the local People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA) team before the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) could be contacted this morning.

A man remains in custody and officers are appealing to anyone who might recognise the animals or who may have any information that could help, to contact 101 quoting incident 586 of 2 March. Alternatively, people can call Crimestoppers completely anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Police find 150 cannabis plants during raid on property in Arnold

Gedling Eye
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Police find 150 cannabis plants during raid on property in Arnold

Police have discovered 150 cannabis plants at an address in Arnold.

Officers executed a warrant at a residential property in Mansfield Road in Redhill at around 1.40pm on Monday (March 1, 2021) and discovered a grow comprising of about approximately 150 growing and drying cannabis plants

They also found almost 200 cannabis seedlings ready for planting.

The grow was dismantled and all the plants seized by the Gedling North Neighbourhood Team.

Two men, aged 39 and 24, were arrested in connection with the incident and have since been charged with the production of cannabis.

Sergeant Neil Langham, of the Gedling North Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “This is another significant find and fantastic work by our officers involved in this proactive enforcement activity.

PICTURED: Cannabis plants found at the property in Redhill

“I know that some people think growing cannabis is a victimless crime, but they are wrong. The production and distribution of drugs blights communities and ruins lives. It can also often be linked to more serious organised crime and violence.

“Cannabis cultivation can also be extremely dangerous due to the fire risk, especially if people are living in adjoining properties. The heat given off by these kind of grows is immense and – when combined with often dangerous and bypassed eclectics – poses a significant danger.

“The production and supply of drugs have a hugely detrimental impact and we remain committed to doing all we can to bring those involved in the supply of such drugs to justice as well as preventing harmful drugs from hitting the streets.

“We will continue to target offenders who blight our communities with drugs. Information from the public is vital in helping us crack down on drug crime and I’d urge anyone with any information about suspected drug-related activity in their community to get in touch with us. You will be listened to and we will investigate the matter.

“If you spot something out of the ordinary in your area or have any concerns please report them to Nottinghamshire Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. In an emergency, dial 999.” 

Dramatic drone footage shows people fleeing from police at illegal house party in Mapperley

Gedling Eye Reporter
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Dramatic drone footage shows people fleeing from police at illegal house party in Mapperley

Dramatic footage showing dozens of party-goers fleeing from an illegal house party in Mapperley has been released after police officers were assaulted as they went to break it up.

The eye-in-the-sky drone footage shows the revellers running away as officers attend. It has been released by Nottinghamshire Police to highlight the work they are still doing to stop the spread of Coronavirus and some of the dangers they face doing this.

There is a clear mandate from Government that mixing and parties are still not allowed as the numbers of positive Covid-19 infections is still not where it needs to be nationally, putting strain on the NHS.

All bar one area of Nottinghamshire is still in the top 25 per cent for positive cases nationally, with health chiefs worried the numbers are not coming down at a fast enough rate compared to other areas.

Despite this position, police are still being called out to house parties locally where people are blatantly ignoring the rules, putting other people’s health at risk as a result. 

Last night a total of seven police officers were injured after being called to a large house party in the Mapperley area of Nottinghamshire in the early hours of this morning. 

Officers were called to Woodborough Road at 12.05am on Wednesday. (March 3, 2021).

They attended along with the police drone and a police dog but upon arrival they were met with violence including bottles being thrown at officers.

There were estimated to be around 40 people inside the property when officers arrived.

On this occasion most of the officers who were assaulted while dealing with the incident only suffered minor injuries, the most serious being a black eye.

Two men, aged 26 and 21, and a 17-year-old female were arrested on suspicion of common assault of an emergency worker. The 26-year-old was also detained on suspicion of possession of cannabis.

Another 26-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of being in charge of a vehicle while unfit through drink.

Officers also issued ten £800 fines to people for breaching Covid-19 regulations relating to the illegal gathering.

Nottinghamshire Police Assistant Chief Constable Steve Cooper said: “This incident was completely unacceptable. An investigation is ongoing as to who else may have been present and we will take robust action against those found to have committed offences.

“Covid or no Covid – assaults on emergency services staff will not be tolerated and as well as receiving fines the individuals involved in this incident will be liable for prosecution for other offences. 

“Our officers pride themselves on providing an excellent service to the public in order to keep them safe. The vast majority of people have been complying with the rules throughout the pandemic however sadly we have seen a few incidents whereby people have thought it acceptable to assault emergency workers. We will not stand for it and we will thoroughly investigate any reports of this happening.

“Thankfully the officers called to this incident did not suffer serious injuries and are being supported by the force but we are treating this incident seriously and following up leads to identify other people believed to be involved in this disorder.”

Mr Cooper added that since the start of this Covid-19 pandemic the force has engaged, explained and encouraged people to comply with the rules in order to keep people safe but where people have blatantly flouted the restrictions the force has not hesitated to take enforcement action. 

“Most of Nottinghamshire is in the top 25 per cent nationally for highest rates of infection which it is why it is essential everyone still take the restrictions extremely seriously,” added Mr Cooper. 

“The only way to bring the numbers down is to stick to the rules and where we find anyone deliberately contravening these, especially after receiving several warnings, they will be robustly dealt with.

“It’s great news that increasingly more people are being vaccinated in Nottinghamshire. We’ve all come so far and we don’t want to jeopardise things now which is why it’s vital that everyone does everything they can to prevent transmission of the virus by sticking to the rules.

“Our collective duty is to protect the NHS, save lives and keep people safe. This applies to everyone. 

“We understand that it’s a difficult time for everyone and I’d like to thank the vast majority of people who continue to adhere to the rules for their patience and understanding as we continue to keep the people of Nottinghamshire as safe and protected as possible.”

A police officer and paramedic were also assaulted during a separate incident in Kirkby-in-Ashfield yesterday.

Police were called to a disturbance in Western Avenue at around 6.15pm after a report of a man who was being aggressive towards paramedics.

The man spat at two paramedics and punched a police officer to her head during the incident. A 34-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of assault on a police officer, assault on an emergency worker and being drunk and disorderly. He remains in custody.

The police officer and paramedic colleagues were not seriously injured while dealing with the suspect.Incident Number: 

Gedling borough school term dates could change – have your say

Emily Sanchez
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Gedling borough school term dates could change – have your say

Parents can have their say on school term dates in Gedling borough from 2023.

Nottinghamshire County Council has launched a consultation to determine the dates when all school terms and holidays are to begin and end.

The Council is consulting on School Holiday and Term time dates for 2023 until 2027.

The consultation will run until May 2, 2021.

Primary_school

People can vote to keep the holidays as they are or a two-week break for October half-term and changes to the start and end date of the academic year.

Dates for 2021/2022 and 2022/2023 have already been set.

Local Authorities have a duty to determine school term dates for local authority maintained schools. Schools must be open to pupils for 190 days in an academic year, and 195 days for teachers.

Foundation, Trust, Voluntary Aided schools and Academies are responsible for setting their own holiday dates and so individual schools, which are not maintained by the local authority, may choose to follow a pattern and/or specific dates that do not match those set by Nottinghamshire Local Authority.

When setting proposed dates for each model, we have, where possible, tried to take account of dates/patterns already set by our local authority neighbours.  However, it should be noted that there is no formal mechanism for the regional setting of holiday dates. 

You can take part in the consultation here: https://consult.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/children-and-families-services/school-holiday-consultation-2023-24-2026-27/

Rise in Universal Credit claims in Gedling borough

Gedling Eye Reporter
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Rise in Universal Credit claims in Gedling borough

Gedling borough has seen an increase in the number of in-work Universal Credit (UC) claimants since the pandemic began, data shows. 

Analysis of UC claims data has shown that from February 2020 to October 2020, there was a 5% increase in claims from people in employment in the area. 

This increase is in line with that which has been seen in every region in the country, with the highest increase being 9% in East Lindsey and no areas seeing a decrease. 

Experts said many UC claims since the beginning of the pandemic were from furloughed workers, those in low-wage jobs or on zero-hour contracts, drawing the benefit to top up incomes. 

Minesh Patel, principal policy manager at Citizens Advice UK, said: “We’ve definitely seen a rise  of people seeking advice on benefits while in some sort of work and I think that’s to do with the impact of this crisis. 

“Overnight, loads of people lost their job or saw a drop in their hours.  

“Our advisors are telling us a lot of the people coming to us are on the furlough scheme and need Universal Credit to top up.” 

The analysis comes as the government considers whether the £20 weekly increase in UC introduced at the start of the pandemic should be kept in place beyond 31 March. 

A Department for Work and Pensions spokesperson said: “Universal Credit has been a lifeline for millions affected by the pandemic and will play a vital role as we build back better to recover our record-breaking jobs market. 

“We are committed to supporting the lowest-paid families, which is why we’re spending hundreds of billions to safeguard jobs, boosting welfare support by billions and have introduced the £170m Covid Winter Grant Scheme to help children and families stay warm and well-fed during the coldest months.” 

Universal Credit is a means-tested benefit for people of a working age on low income. It is paid every month in England and Wales and can be claimed when you are in or out of work. 

The Joseph Rowntree Foundation, a charity which researches poverty, says millions of households face an income loss equivalent to £1,040 a year, and that 500,000 more people will be driven into poverty. 

The government says it has made £280bn available to the most vulnerable families, and that additional help will be set out in the March budget. 

Gedling Borough Council to commemorate those who died in the pandemic

Emily Sanchez
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Gedling Borough Council to commemorate those who died in the pandemic

Gedling Borough Council leaders will this week lay a memorial stone dedicated to the memories of residents who have tragically lost their lives due to Covid in Arnold this week.

The stone will be unveiled by Cllr. John Clarke, Leader of Gedling Borough Council and Cllr. Michael Payne, Deputy Leader of Gedling Borough Council on Thursday (4 March) at the site of Eagle Square, near the main Arnold town centre.

The stone was designed by local masons, D & M Monumental Masons.

The stone has been carved and engraved with the words ‘Tomorrow will be a better day’ which were words spoken by the late Captain Sir Tom Moore who had become a symbol of hope for millions of people during this pandemic when he raised over £30 million pounds for the NHS.

The stone also contains an engraving that thanks NHS staff, carers and key workers for their work during the pandemic.

In Gedling Borough, 301 people have sadly lost their lives because of Covid since the initial outbreak of the pandemic. In February, on Valentine’s Weekend, the council created a vigil at the council’s office to remember those who have died. 280 candles were placed around the council’s emblem to remember the husbands, wives, mothers, fathers, sons, daughters or partners. Devastatingly, the number of deaths has risen by over 20 since the candle-lit vigil took place.  

Leader of Gedling Borough Council, Councillor John Clarke said: “This stone will be placed in Eagle Square so we never forget the terrible tragedy caused by this pandemic.

“So many people in our borough have been affected by Covid and we wanted to create a symbol somewhere prominent where people could pay their respects. We also wanted to create something that reminded people that there is light at the end of the tunnel and that one day, this will all be a distant memory.

He added: “We must make sure we never forget the sacrifices our NHS have made and the toll this has taken on all of us, especially those who have lost a loved one.”

Deputy Leader, Councillor Michael Payne said: “All those who have lost a loved one to Covid-19 are in our hearts, thoughts and prayers.

“This memorial stone serves as a lasting tribute to the far too many people lost far too soon. It is also a tribute to our genius scientists, brave nurses and doctors and the scores of carers and key workers who have been there for us all throughout this incredibly challenging time. We also owe our NHS a tremendous debt of gratitude for the rollout of the vaccine, which is offering us all a glimmer of hope – this memorial is just one way of ensuring we never forget the selfless service and sacrifice of all those who work in our NHS.”

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