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Woodthorpe’s Breck Hill Park playground reopens after £100,000 revamp

Gedling Eye Reporter
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Woodthorpe’s Breck Hill Park playground reopens after £100,000 revamp

A play park in Woodthorpe has been given a much needed makeover.

The Breck Hill Park play area has been improved thanks to funding from FCC Communities Foundation, a not-for-profit business that awards grants for community, conservation and heritage projects from funds donated by the Landfill Communities Fund. They will be providing a grant total of £98,000. 

The park reopened yesterday (February 26) after £100,000 worth of new play equipment was installed. Works started at the park in January and were originally expected to be completed by mid-March, however contractors have been able to finish ahead of schedule.

PICTURED: The play area at Breck Hill Recreation Ground before the revamp

The park features more than 20 new pieces of equipment including balance beams, Olympic basket swings, a wheelchair accessible roundabout, climbing net, multi play unit and more. As well as the play facilities themselves, picnic tables and chairs, cycle stands and a wildflower area will be installed at the park.

The funding bid was made jointly by Gedling Borough Council and the Friends of Breck Hill Park, a local residents’ community group who undertook community consultation and identified a strong community need for the project.

Portfolio Holder for Environment, Councillor Peter Barnes said: “I’m really pleased to see that this park can reopen, I’m amazed at how fast the work has been completed and I’m sure the local community will be delighted with the news too.

“I’d like to thank FCC Communities Foundation for supporting us with the funding for the park, The Friends of Breck Hill Park Group for working with us on the application, and the contractors HAGS-SMP Ltd who have done an incredible job of getting the park refurbished so quickly.

“We know just how important facilities like this are to our local communities and we want residents to be able to enjoy some of the fantastic parks and open spaces we have across the borough.” 

Catherine Honey, Chair of the Friends of Breck Hill Park said: “We have all worked really hard on the funding bid and to see it open so soon is great news. On behalf of the Friends of Breck Hill I would like to thank Gedling Borough Council for their help with the bid and also to FCC Communities for providing this grant, it will be something that local children can enjoy for years to come.” 

Cheryl Raynor FCC Community Foundations local grant manager said: “It’s great to see the play area once again looking great and ready to be used by the local community, the enhancements are fantastic and I’m sure will be appreciated over the summer months and for many years to come. FCC Communities Foundation is always happy to consider grant applications for projects that make a difference to local communities and this is a great example of what can be achieved.” 

Gedling MP Tom Randall calls for fourth Trent crossing at Colwick during meeting with Transport Minister Baroness Vere

Gedling Eye Reporter
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Gedling MP Tom Randall calls for fourth Trent crossing at Colwick during meeting with Transport Minister Baroness Vere

Gedling MP Tom Randall has called for funding for a fourth Trent crossing to be built at Colwick in a bid to reduce traffic and boost business in the borough.

Mr Randall said he discussed the possibility of the crossing this afternoon (February 26) with Transport Minister Baroness Vere during an online meeting.

Mr Randall said: “We discussed the possibility of a fourth crossing across the River Trent.

“I’ve long believed that a fourth Trent crossing is overdue and that Colwick would be a good place for such a crossing: it would help to reduce traffic along the A612 throughout Burton Joyce, Colwick, Stoke Bardolph and Netherfield and could be linked up with the new Gedling Access Road.

“It would also connect Gedling to the A46 corridor and provide better links to our businesses and create more local jobs, particularly if the East Midlands Freeport is approved.

“I will continue to lobby Government, Nottinghamshire County Council and Midlands Connect for funding towards this project.”

The Gedling MP has made a case for a bridge before during a debate about an extra crossing which was triggered by last year’s closure of the A52 Eastbound.

His views were shared by Gedling Borough Council leader John Clarke who wanted a road, pedestrian and tram bridge to go at the back of Colwick Industrial Estate.

The leader of the county council, Kay Cutts, who represents Radcliffe-on-Trent where one side of a Colwick bridge would be didn’t want a bridge.

She said it would be ‘unacceptable to residents.’

Do you think we should have a fourth crossing in Colwick? Let us know in the comments below

Gedling taxi driver pays out more than £700 for operating without valid licence

Gedling Eye Reporter
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Gedling taxi driver pays out more than £700 for operating without valid licence

A Gedling taxi cab driver has been fined more than £700 for using his vehicle without a valid licence.

The driver was prosecuted by Gedling Borough Council at Nottingham Magistrates Court on February 22, 2021, for continuing to drive his taxi despite not holding a valid Gedling Borough Council taxi driver’s licence.

The driver was approached after the Gedling Borough Council’s Licensing Officers spotted the vehicle parked on Hayden Road, Sherwood. After carrying out additional checks, it became apparent that the registered driver of the vehicle did not hold a current taxi driver licence.  

Taxi driver stopped
PICTURED: Library photo of a taxi driver is stopped by police and council officials. (PHOTO: GBC)

When contacted, the driver claimed, he believed he was allowed to drive the vehicle as he had submitted his application, despite his current badge being out of date. A letter from the council had previously been sent to the driver stating that he must allow up to 15 working days for the license to be issued while checks are made to the application.

The driver was found guilty of driving without a valid licence by the courts and ordered to pay a £50 fine and costs of £678. 

Councillor David Ellis, Portfolio Holder for Public Protection said: “Any driver or vehicle must go through the correct application process, including a number of checks to ensure that it is safe, legal and appropriate for a taxi vehicle or taxi driver licence to be issued.

“We notify existing drivers of timescales for renewals and it is their responsibility to ensure that their licence does not expire before a renewal license is issued, in the same way you’d expect for your own car insurance or road tax for example.

“This process is in place to ensure that anyone who gets into a Gedling Borough Council licensed vehicle will be driven by someone who meets the standards required of them.

“The vast majority of our drivers already follow this process but wherever there is a breach of these requirements we will take the appropriate legal action.”  

‘A true legend’:Tributes flood in for Carlton Town club stalwart

Gedling Eye
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‘A true legend’:Tributes flood in for Carlton Town club stalwart

Carlton Town FC players and staff are reeling from the death of the club’s much-loved commercial manager Brian Dennett.

Mr Dennett sadly passed away in hospital after contracting Covid-19 earlier this week.

Brian had been with the club for almost 20 years, first becoming press officer before then being promoted to commercial manager.

Carlton Town chairman Mick Garton said he couldn’t remember a day when he received so many text messages as news filtered out about the death of Mr Dennett.

“He was a brilliant Commercial Manager who raised thousands for this football club, even from his hospital bed, he contacted a sponsor to remind him to sponsor an up and coming game. But more than anything a close friend and he will leave a big hole in so many ways,” he said.

Carlton Town sign
PICTURED: The club will now name the Academy Suite at the Bill Stokeld Stadium after Mr Dennett (PHOTO: Neil Slack Photography)

Club legend Martin Ball who is still playing for the club, also paid tribute on the club website.

He said: “Brian was a real Nottingham non-league man and one of the genuine good guys in football.

“He epitomised everything that is Carlton Town and going to home games without Bri being one of the first people I have a chat to, while he eats his biscuits, will certainly take some getting used to.

“No matter how often you’d seen him, or how long you had known him he could keep people talking non-league football for hours, and the outpouring of tweets and messages I’ve seen the last 24 hours is the only way I can think to even begin to explain how much he was loved as a person, and as a friend. “

Northern Premier referee Martin Fryer contacted the club this afternoon speaking on behalf of match officials who all knew Brian said

“All the referees enjoyed talking to Brian and it won’t be the same on Match days with him not coming to have a laugh with us. Our thoughts go out to the club and his family”

The club’s senior management have announced they will be naming the Academy Suite at the Miller’s Bill Stokeld Ground on Stoke Lane in his honour.

Pet owners urged to complete survey and help drive down dog thefts in Gedling borough

Gedling Eye Reporter
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Pet owners urged to complete survey and help drive down dog thefts in Gedling borough

Nottinghamshire Police has issued a warning to dog owners across Gedling borough following a rise in reports of dogs being stolen

Dog owners are being urged to be vigilant following the rise in incidents of dog thefts as criminals exploit the huge hike in prices and demand for puppies during the coronavirus restrictions.

Police say the best way to trace missing pets is through local social media posts, but when there is clear evidence a dog has been stolen then officers will investigate.

Dog owner James Ashworth is highlighting the plight of searching for a missing pet, after his Springer Spaniel recently vanished from her owner’s car boot. 

He began a social media campaign to help get his three-year-old dog home and it’s already been shared 7,000 times online.

James is appealing to anyone who has any information to come forward.

He said: “We live on a farm and Polly was asleep in the boot whilst I pottered about doing usual Saturday DIY jobs. 

“She’s a really calm dog, so don’t expect her to run off, she was just chilled.

“I then checked the car and she was gone. We were all so shocked and upset. There was five of us which spent hours looking for her around the area, but sadly no luck.

dogstrust1

“It’s really upset the whole family. We’re all devastated.

“We turned to social media to try and find her and I’ve been so surprised to see the whole community rally round and share the appeal. I’m still hopeful of a positive outcome.”

At the moment there is no evidence to suggest the dog has been stolen, but officers are appealing for anyone with information to come forward to see if that is the case.

Police Sergeant Christian Hurley said: “It was reported the three-year-old dog went missing on Saturday evening and we are appealing to anyone who saw anything suspicious to come forward.

“The English Springer Spaniel is brown and white in colour, has no collar, but is chipped with the owners details. 

“The dog’s owners are clearly upset about the incident, so if anyone can help or has any information on the whereabouts of Polly please call police on 101, quoting incident number 725 of 20 February 2021.”

Earlier this week Nottinghamshire’s Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Emma Foody launched a survey to gather views on dog theft in Nottinghamshire. 

She is inviting dog owners to complete a new survey to better understand public views on dog theft

The results of the survey will help determine the public’s fear of dog theft in Nottinghamshire and support for tougher enforcement.

Dog lover Mrs Foody, whose two dogs Boomer and Corona are currently reigning champions of the ‘Westminster Dog of the Year’ contest, said: “The increasing frequency of dog theft nationally is a cause for concern and it is vital we do what we can to deter this appalling activity.

“As a nation of dog lovers, this issue cuts across the political and judicial divide. There is growing justification for pet theft to become a more serious offence and quite simply, unless we make dogs too hot to handle and the penalty too high to risk, many more dog owners will face the pain and trauma of losing their beloved pets. 

“In reality, dog thieves rarely, if ever, receive the maximum seven-year jail term available. In any case, it does not reflect the seriousness of the crime. Dogs are part of the family and loss in such dreadful circumstances can take a lifetime to heal. 

“Across the county, we have seen unregistered litters discarded on roadsides and puppies used as bait for fighting through a lucrative organised criminal market that has no regard to welfare. These barbaric activities mean that we have to toughen the penalties for dog theft to deter those who simply don’t care about the animals and the heartbreak losing them causes to their families.”

Although the number of dog thefts reported in Nottinghamshire is relatively small, the Deputy PCC urged pet owners to be on their guard for criminals looking to take advantage of this new market.

To complete the survey visit: https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/6208995/Dog-Theft-Survey

Advice to owners for prevention

It’s heart-breaking for people when a loved family pet is stolen. 

Putting in place a few measures can help prevent pets from being stolen or becoming a target.

Dog owners should:

– Never leave pets tied-up unattended, such as outside shops for example.

– Make sure the dog is wearing a collar and ID tag when in a public place, as is now required to do by law. Include surname, telephone number, address and full post code and if there’s room, put ‘microchipped’ on the tag if the dog has a chip.

– Ensure the dog can be permanently identified by its microchip or tattoo. A microchip is normally sufficient to identify a pet if it does become lost or stolen.

– Ask their vet to check their dog’s microchip every year to ensure all details are accurate and up-to-date.

To find out more advice of how to protect dogs from thieves please visit: https://www.nottinghamshire.police.uk/advice/dogs/theft

Work on new Sainsbury’s store near Colwick will begin next week – with autumn opening planned

Gedling Eye Reporter
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Work on new Sainsbury’s store near Colwick will begin next week – with autumn opening planned

Work to build a new multi-million pound Sainsbury’s store near Colwick will get underway next week.

The new Sainsbury’s supermarket will also have a petrol filling station and it’s expected customers can start to enjoy the new and modern shopping destination in the Autumn.

Works to commence from next week involve levelling out the site, installing store foundations and provision of drainage infrastructure. This work is expected to be completed by May. Following this phase of works, the steel frame will be erected and everyone will be able to really see the state-of-the-art store take shape.

Preparatory land clearing works have been underway over the past few months, including vegetation clearance and setting up site welfare facilities.

Sainsburys colwick
PICTURED: Land where the new Sainsbury’s will be created

The new Sainsbury’s store will provide a fantastic range of Sainsbury’s own-brand and branded food ranges, alongside its popular clothing and general merchandise offer. The store will also include an Argos plus the new Sainsbury’s petrol filling station will conveniently be nearby.

Sainsbury’s Property Director, Patrick Dunne said: “Colwick has told us loud and clear that they want us to open our doors as soon as possible and we’re doing everything we can to do just that. We will continue to keep the community updated as we build this exciting new store, including how residents can apply to join the local colleague team.” 

The new Sainsbury’s store will support economic growth and regenerate the local area. The Sainsbury’s colleagues will also play an active role in the local community and support Sainsbury’s nationwide community programmes and charity partners.

Last month Sainsbury’s also announced an additional £1 million community fund for stores to donate to charities and other good causes in their local areas. This follows Sainsbury’s ‘Help Brighten a Million Christmases’ campaign that raised £6 million in December for over 800 local charity partners, Comic Relief and FareShare.

Stolen van that had been full of food parcels for homeless found empty in Arnold

Gedling Eye Reporter
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Stolen van that had been full of food parcels for homeless found empty in Arnold

A van containing food parcels for the homeless which was stolen at the weekend has been found in Arnold – but empty.

The victim said he is ‘devastated’ that the vulnerable are now without supplies.  

Officers managed to track down the vehicle 24-hours later, but the items including food, toiletries, clothing and other essentials haven’t been recovered.

They are now appealing to anyone who can help with their enquiries to come forward.

Police are appealing for information

Inspector Amy English said: “We are determined to find out who stole the van and make them face the consequences of their actions.

“Incidents like this cause considerable upset and inconvenience for charities. That’s why we work so hard to track down suspects and get justice for victims.

“The victims were trying to do some fantastic work in the local community, during a very difficult time for people and it’s so sad to see people stealing food parcels for the homeless. 

“Enquiries are ongoing and we are appealing for anyone who was in the area and witnessed anything that may be relevant to our investigation to come forward.

“Nottinghamshire Police received a report of a van being stolen on Saturday (20 February 2021) in Hucknall Road in Carrington. 

“It was reported the vehicle, which contained the parcels, was stolen around 1pm. 

“The following day the van was located by officers on Oxengate in Arnold, but sadly all the items inside had been taken. 

“If anyone has any information to help with our enquiries please call 101, quoting incident number 412 of 20 February 2021.”

Coastguard helicopter heard over Colwick and Netherfield had been called to reports of teenagers in canoe on waterway

Gedling Eye Reporter
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Coastguard helicopter heard over Colwick and Netherfield had been called to reports of teenagers in canoe on waterway

Police say a coastguard helicopter seen circling by residents in Colwick and Netherfield had been called out following concerned reports of teenagers in canoes on nearby waterways.

Nottinghamshire Police said they were called to Holme Pierrepont at around 7.20pm last night after a member of the public reported their concern for teenagers on a canoe in the fishing lake. 

A large scale emergency service response quickly attended the scene to search for the group, however, after hours of searching, nothing was found. 

The Coast Guard helicopter was utilised to search from the sky at around 10pm to aid officers searching on the ground.

The noise was heard over Colwick and Netherfield, with residents in Mapperley also reporting hearing the helicopter as it carried out a spotlight search.

Police Sergeant Iain Blackstock, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “We take reports of people getting into trouble in water very seriously and will always work to bring such incidents to a safe conclusion.

“It would appear that the group had left area by the time emergency services arrived but I would ask that anyone who has any information about what happened to get in touch with police as soon as possible.

“The actions of this group led to a large scale emergency service response and we working to establish that the teenagers are safe and well.

“We are always incredibly concerned when we get reports of people in danger in bodies of water and our response last night was part of our commitment to ensuring that these types of reports are resolved quickly and safely.”

Anyone with any information on the incident should contact Nottinghamshire Police on 101 quoting incident number 698 of 24 February 2021

A coastguard helicopter has been spotted over Colwick Country Park and Netherfield Lagoons after reports of ‘suspicious man in canoe’

Gedling Eye Reporter
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A coastguard helicopter has been spotted over Colwick Country Park and Netherfield Lagoons after reports of ‘suspicious man in canoe’

A coastguard helicopter has been spotted over Colwick Country Park and Netherfield Lagoons this evening looking for ‘a group of teenagers in a canoe’

A search light was visible and the helicopter appeared to be carrying out a search of the lake at the park, nearby River Trent and it was also later spotted over Netherfield Lagoons.

It hovered over the lake at Holme Pierrepont for a time as well.

Details appear to show it as a search and rescue HM Coastguard helicopter which is stationed on Humberside.

Reader John England provided us with a screenshot showing details of the ‘copter’s journey and other information

The search appeared to begin at around 10pm and the craft was seen leaving the area at 22.56pm.

The loud noise of the helicopter has sparked concern across the neighbourhoods.

Colwick resident Sue Ball contacted the site saying the noise was bringing people out onto the street.

She said: “It was really loud and didn’t sound like the usual police helicopter.

“Surely it can’t just be a training exercise like some were saying. This was very loud and late at night in a built-up area?

“People were curious to know what it was. They were worried.

“Whatever has happened, I hope those that they are looking for are found safe and well.”

A Nottinghamshire Police spokesperson said the search had been triggered after reports of suspicious activity on the waterway.

You can read their statement here: https://www.gedlingeye.co.uk/news/coastguard-helicopter-heard-over-colwick-and-netherfield-had-been-called-to-reports-of-teenagers-in-canoes/

New Starbucks Drive Thru opens tomorrow at Victoria Retail Park in Netherfield creating 16 new jobs

Gedling Eye Reporter
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New Starbucks Drive Thru opens tomorrow at Victoria Retail Park in Netherfield creating 16 new jobs

Coffee lovers will be able to get their hands on a Starbucks locally from tomorrow (Thursday, 25) when a new branch in Netherfield opens its doors.

The new Starbucks store and Drive-Thru will open at Victoria Park Way on Victoria Retail Park at 10am.

Operated by Starbucks licensee, Soul Coffee House, the store will create 16 new jobs.

To celebrate the opening of the first Starbucks Drive-Thru in the local area, the store will be holding a ribbon cutting ceremony with local Paralympic athlete and GB gold medallist, Richard Whitehead MBE, taking place at 10:00am. 

Customers are invited to visit the store to try Starbucks latest dairy alternative, the Original Nut Blend – a blend of hazelnut and cashew nuts, crafted specifically for a superior coffee experience.

Work begun on the new Nandos and Starbucks site late last year (PHOTO: Neil Slack Photography)

Beata Grabowska, Soul Coffee House Limited district manager, said: “We are excited to open our new store in Nottingham and becoming a part of the local community. The team are closely following the latest guidance from both the government and health authorities to keep everyone safe.”

The store will support Footprints as its local charity partner. In support of the partnership, Soul Coffee House will present a cheque for £1,000 to Richard Whitehead MBE at the ribbon cutting ceremony, who will accept the cheque on behalf of Footprints. Starbucks values building strong and lasting relationships within store communities through partnerships with local charities, community groups and residents.  

In accordance with the latest government guidance, the store will be ‘to-go’ only. While seating is not available for use inside our store, customers can still order for takeaway. Mobile Order & Pay and Drive Thru services will be fully available to all customers. Delivery will be available via Uber Eats from Monday 1 March.

Starbucks coffee is 99% ethically sourced and accredited by Conservation International under the C.A.F.E. Practices programme. Starbucks offers a 25p discount to all customers who bring a reusable cup when purchasing a drink. 

The new store is conveniently located at Starbucks Unit 1A, 4 Victoria Park Way, Nottingham, NG4 2PA and open from 6:30am until 10:00pm, Monday to Saturday, and 8:30am – 6:00pm on Sunday.

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