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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.”

People in Gedling borough aged 60 and over can book Covid vaccine from 9am this morning

Gedling Eye Reporter
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People in Gedling borough aged 60 and over can book Covid vaccine from 9am this morning

People in Gedling borough aged 60 and over can now book an appointment for a Covid vaccine from 9am this morning (Tuesday, March 2)

If you are eligible, you can book your Covid-19 vaccination appointment by visiting the booking link or call the local booking line on 0115 883 4640 between 8am – 8pm during weekdays and 9am – 5pm on weekends.

Vaccinations are being carried out at the Richard Herrod Centre in Carlton.

Over 60s can also call the National Booking Service on 119 or use the national booking link to book an appointment at the large scale Mansfield Vaccination Centre or their nearest pharmacy-led site.

Vaccination Gedling
People are now being vaccinated at the Richard Herrod Centre in Carlton

Amanda Sullivan, Accountable Officer at NHS Nottingham and Nottinghamshire CCG, said: “We are pleased to be able to invite everyone who is over the age of 60 forward for their Covid-19 vaccination.

“Anyone who is eligible can book in for their vaccination via the local booking site or by calling 0115 883 4640. I would urge anyone in this category to take up vaccination to help protect themselves against Covid-19.

“People in the priority groups which have already been announced have not missed their chance to get jabbed. If you haven’t yet taken up the offer, please do come forward and make an appointment – the vaccine is safe, simple, and will offer you and those around you the best protection against this virus.

“We are making significant progress in vaccinating our most vulnerable and I would like to thank the public for their continued patience with the vaccine roll out.”

All over 65s have now been invited for their vaccination; if you have not received your letter please book your Covid-19 vaccine as soon as possible.

Work begins on £58k revamp of Onchan Park in Carlton

Gedling Eye Reporter
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Work begins on £58k revamp of Onchan Park in Carlton

A new multi-use games area and table tennis tables are just some of the new additions coming soon to a park in Carlton as work on a £58k revamp gets underway.

Works started at Onchan Park yesterday (March 1) and are expected to take around five weeks to complete. The park will be closed while the work takes place. 

The refurbishments include a brand new multi-use games area, suitable for playing football, basketball and cricket, new surfacing will replace the existing tarmac at the site making it safer for users, an additional entrance will be created from Onchan Avenue and an improved footpath suitable for disabled park users as well as pushchairs will give access to the new facilities.

Improvements are being made 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 waste and resource management company FCC Environment through the Landfill Communities Fund. FCC Communities Foundation will be providing a grant total of £58,265 for the park refurbishments.

Onchan-Pavilion
PICTURED: Onchan Park on Oakdale Road in Carlton

The funding bid was made jointly by Gedling Borough Council and The Friends of Onchan Park, a local residents’ community group which formed in 2016 to help look after the park as well as allowing the local community to have their say in how the site is managed.

Cheryl Raynor, FCC Communities Foundation Local Grant manager said; “We are delighted to be supporting Gedling Borough Council and the Friends of group who worked tirelessly to show us why the project was needed and that it was well supported by the local community. The access works are works are of great importance and will ensure the new facilities are available for all to use.” 

Portfolio Holder for Environment, Councillor Peter Barnes said; “We know that across every part of the borough, parks and open spaces are some of the most important parts of any community, so it’s important that we ensure our residents can access these types of facilities. We’re very pleased that work will start on Onchan Park and children will be able to enjoy the new facilities very soon.

“We’ve listened to what the residents want and have worked with local community groups to apply, and secure funding for this site from FCC Communities Foundation, who have yet again come through and supported us. I’m incredibly grateful to FCC for providing this funding, it’s going to make a huge difference for all that use it, and help us to enhance our parks and open spaces for more people to enjoy”

Upset passengers hit out at plans to axe direct trains from Carlton Station to Matlock

Gedling Eye Reporter
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Upset passengers hit out at plans to axe direct trains from Carlton Station to Matlock

Passengers have hit out at plans to axe a direct train from Carlton to the Peak District.

Following a recent consultation, East Midlands Railway has taken the decision to remove the service which runs from Carlton Station to Matlock from the timetable.

For years, passengers have been able to get a direct service into the Peak District seven days a week. But from May, those looking to take a trip into the Derbyshire countryside will now have to take a train into Nottingham and change there.

Future plans by the railway franchise include running a direct service from Carlton to Stoke-on-Trent and Crewe instead.

Passengers at Carlton Station said they were upset by the decision.

Train-suspended
PICTURED: A train leaving Carlton Station

Marion Field, from Gedling, said: “We’ve caught the train to Matlock as a family on a Saturday on many occasions. It’s a lovely ride into the Peaks and only takes around an hour.

“I don’t see why this has been scrapped. It’s a great reason to use the railway. I only use trains occasionally to get to work but we drive into the city at weekends as the station is too far away from the city centre.

“We’ll probably drive into the Peak District in the future now. It will be a real effort changing once or twice with two young children in tow. It is a shame as it could mean more cars driving into the Peak District.

Gary Maddocks lives in Carlton and called the move ‘ridiculous’.

“A few summers ago five of us caught the train from here to Matlock Bath for a few beers; it was a really great day out. We were planning to do it again this summer if the restrictions were lifted. I can’t see me persuading the lads to have a day out in Stoke instead!”

Netherfield resident Tina Knight said it was a ‘disgraceful decision’.

“I have young children and no car. We have used the train to Matlock a few times to get to Gulliver’s Kingdom. It was great having this on your doorstep.

“Children in Netherfield get very little access to green spaces and countryside. We have no bus to Gedling Country Park and all the parks and fields around here are being built on. Being able to just jump on a train to the Peak District was great and now its going. I hope they think of families around here and reconsider.”

Passenger Mike Thorpe said: “They want their heads examined. Matlock or Crewe? Doesn’t take a genius to work out where passengers would rather go.”

Carlton Station adopter Tony Cave is a volunteer who manages the station. He said the decision was ‘a great disappointment’.

He said: “From my observations a good number of passengers from Carlton travel long distances both at peak times and off peak, and the Matlock service is extremely popular.

“It will be a great disappointment to many that in future the service from Carlton will run to Stoke-on-Trent and Crewe instead, although this will be of benefit to others.

“We will still have the same number of trains to stations between Nottingham and Derby, these stations being well used by passengers from Carlton.

“Very few shoppers use the train to Nottingham as it is too far from the main shopping area, but at peak times those working in the station area do use the train as it saves them time and helps relieve congestion on the roads.

“After all, peak-time fares to Nottingham from our two stations are much more expensive than from other local stations, which precludes a lot using the train at peak time”

In the document about the consultation, an East Midlands Railway spokesman said: “Services from Carlton will no longer run through to Matlock, as this service will now terminate at Nottingham.

“The vast majority of passengers currently using this service from Carlton only travel
as far as Nottingham.”

Covid vaccine: 27.5pc of people in Gedling borough have now received first dose

Gedling Eye Reporter
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Covid vaccine: 27.5pc of people in Gedling borough have now received first dose

27.5 pc of the population in Gedling borough have now had their first jab of the Covid vaccine, according to government figures released today.

Scores of people have been attending the borough’s vaccination centre at the Richard Herrod Centre in Carlton over recent weeks to get vaccinated against the virus, with those 60 and over getting their first dose.

The Prime Minister last week revealed he is aiming to have offered every adult in the UK a vaccine by the end of July.

So far, more than 18.6 million people in the UK have received a vaccine – equivalent to 1 in 3 adults. This is the third highest per capita, behind only the UAE and Israel.

Tom Randall
PRAISE: Gedling MP Tom Randal has praised efforts by NHS workers

In addition, figures reveal only two countries have administered more doses than the United Kingdom – China and the USA.

Gedling MP Tom Randall welcomed the news, describing it as ‘the biggest vaccination programme in British history’.

He said :“The NHS vaccination programme has been a fantastic success story and showcases the very best of collaboration across the entire United Kingdom. I would like to thank everyone involved in this enormous effort, without whom, this would not be possible.

“It’s great to see that so many people across Gedling have received the vaccine as we lead the world in our fight back against coronavirus.

“We are defeating this virus by the hundreds of thousands of jabs going into people’s arms every day, giving us hope as we look to a route back to normality”.

Bowling ball and bathroom sink amongst bizarre items found on community riverside litter pick

David Bratton
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Bowling ball and bathroom sink amongst bizarre items found on community riverside litter pick

A bowling ball, kitchen sink and car break pads were among the many odd items collected during a litter pick of the Stoke Lane riverside involving members of the local community, councillors and fishing club members.

The socially-distanced clean up of the riverside between Burton Joyce and Stoke Bardolph took place on Saturday (February 27) and volunteers found the grass banks strewn with items visitors to the beauty spot had left behind.

The clean-up was organised by Steve Williamson, a bailiff for Ashfield Angling Club, who recently made a plea for visitors to take their litter home.

He told Gedling Eye: “We had around 20 to 25 people turn up, with half of these being from the Ashfield Angling Club. Everyone worked really hard. It was an amazing turn out and much better than I expected,

PICTURED: Clean up organiser Steve Williamson, left, and councillors Michael Adams, centre and Sam Smith, right
PICTURED: A volunteer takes part in the clean up of the riverside near Stoke Bardolph
Litter collected during the clean up

“Amongst some of the items collected were a pot, bathroom sink, car tyres, car break discs, two cast iron pots, a bowling ball and an electric heater,

“Again, there were loads of empty cans of alcohol -mainly Stella – and lots of general plastic waste.”

The volunteers were joined on the litter pick by Gedling Borough Councillors for Trent Valley, Sam Smith and Michael Adams.

The councillors said: “Stoke Bardolph is beautiful and we need to keep it that way by not littering. So our message is clear: don’t be a tosser, bin it!

We’ve recently installed three new bins along Stoke Lane so there’s no excuse.

“We supplied the fishing club with litter picking equipment and are grateful to them for clearing up bits of litter when they are out fishing.

They added: “As lockdown restrictions begin to lift, we will be organising and hosting community litter picks across Trent Valley in Gedling, Burton Joyce and Stoke Bardolph.”

50 new jobs available at new care home on Rivendell estate near Netherfield

Gedling Eye Reporter
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50 new jobs available at new care home on Rivendell estate near Netherfield

Up to 50 new jobs will be created with the opening of a ‘luxury’ care facility near Netherfield.

The new Rivendell View came home will be situated on Magenta Way on the Rivendell estate near Victoria Retail Park.

The new 66-bed residential and dementia home is due to open in May 2021. 

Owners Ideal Carehomes are now recruiting for up to 50 team members ahead of its eagerly awaited launch later this year.

Positions available include care management, care assistants and kitchen and domestic staff.

The new team will complete a thorough induction period before the home opens in May when they will provide first-rate residential and dementia care.

Rivendell sign
The new Rivendell View care home will be situated on the Rivendell estate near Netherfield

Rivendell View which has benefitted from a £10m investment, will be provider Ideal Carehomes 24th home and boasts a lavish cinema, an airy botanical room leading onto landscaped gardens, a traditional tea shop, beauty parlour and opulent Sky Bar. 

The caring staff team will be focussed on providing round-the-clock support, regular and varied activities, healthy and nutritious food and laundry and housekeeping service.

Head of Development and Engagement, Sarah Colling, said, “It is a great time to join the Ideal Carehomes family and even to start a career in social care if you are new to the sector.

“Over the course of the pandemic the media has really shone a light on how amazing care workers are and it is wonderful to see them get the recognition they deserve.

“We have unique training and development initiatives through our Ideal Academy, including industry leading training, career progression opportunities via a range of learning resources such as E-learning and specialist workshops.

“We have recently launched our ‘future managers’ training programme and even a fun MasterChef competition in association with Brakes Foodservices for our kitchen teams – there are always things to get involved in and opportunities to progress for the right people.”

Ideal Carehomes have said they will offer the Covid-19 vaccine for any new members of staff who have not yet received the jab. 

Managing director, Stacey Linn, said: ‘We are keen to hear from people living in the local community who are seeking fulfilling careers within care.

“Whilst our environments are second to none, it is our staff team who make our homes the best places to live and who help our residents to retain their independence whilst supporting them to live an active lifestyle.”

Rivendell View is a brand new 66 bed residential and dementia care home due to open in May 2021.  The home will welcome new residents for short and long term placements and will have a unique inclusive fee offer to give peace of mind to residents and their families.  To find out more about opportunities at Rivendell View, contact 0113 385 3575, email recruitment@idealcarehomes.co.uk or visit www.idealcarehomes.co.uk/careers.

Builder from Carlton who had van stolen while beloved dog was inside is ‘over the moon’ to have him home.

Gedling Eye Reporter
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Builder from Carlton who had van stolen while beloved dog was inside is ‘over the moon’ to have him home.

A builder from Carlton who had his van stolen while his beloved dog was inside says he’s ‘over the moon’ to have him returned safely home.

Andrew Ash’s vehicle was stolen from Musters Road in West Bridgford at around 3.40pm on Tuesday (February 23).

As well as containing £1,000 worth of tools, it also had inside his pride and joy – his pet Welsh Terrier, Max.

Mr Ash, 49, said he was heartbroken: “I had come back outside to the van and realised that there was a car in its place.

“I was confused at first then it dawned on me that something awful had happened. My thoughts instantly turned to Max and the devastation kicked in, I thought he would be gone forever.

“I’ve had had Max for for six years since he was an eight-week-old puppy. He goes everywhere with me, it’s just me and him, I call us the dynamic duo!”

Officers from Nottinghamshire Police began investigating and meanwhile Mr Ash managed to locate his van close to the scene with all the tools inside but Max no where to be found.

The response team continued their enquiries and together with intelligence and investigative work, they located a vehicle suspected to have been involved with the original theft.

It led to the arrest of a 47-year-old man and 17-year-old girl on suspicion of theft of a vehicle and theft of a dog. A 48-year-old woman was also arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit theft on Thursday evening (February 25).

Shortly after this Max was located after he wandered into a garage not too far away from the arrest in Hucknall.

Mr Ash said: “I can’t express how happy I was when I took that call, for two days since I’d lost him, I’d had no sleep and I honestly thought he’d be dead.

PICTURED: Max the Welsh terrier

“I travelled to the garage and there he was, running straight up to me like nothing had happened.

“I’m so glad to have him back. I’ll continue to treasure him every day.”

“I’ve received so much support from the police and from local people, I can’t thank everyone for the way they’ve rallied round and tried to help me. It really has shown me that humanity is not lost, despite what happened.”

West Bridgford Sergeant Declan Bourne, said: It’s horrible to experience a theft of any nature but especially when it’s a beloved pet. We understand how much they mean to their owners, we treat them like children a lot of the time, so we knew how important it was to get Max returned home.

“We’re just grateful that he wasn’t injured especially when he was roaming the streets on his own and that this incident has resulted in the victim having all of his belongings safely returned back to him.”

“We’ll always take these crimes seriously and do everything we can to find out who’s behind them in order to get the best possible outcome.”

The three arrested people have been released under investigation while enquiries continue.

Nottighamshire Police recently urged dog owners to be vigilant following high-profile incidents of dog thefts nationally where it is believed criminals are exploiting the huge hike in prices and demand for puppies during the coronavirus restrictions.

This has prompted a local survey to better understand public views on dog theft conducted by the deputy police and crime commissioner. Emma Foody is inviting dog owners to complete a new survey to better understand public views on dog theft.

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

To complete the survey click here.

Arnold councillors launch campaign to save church earmarked for demolition

David Bratton
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Arnold councillors launch campaign to save church earmarked for demolition

Councillors in Arnold have started a petition to save a church building from demolition as they say it’s a ‘valuable community asset’.

The empty building on Killisick Road was once home to the Beacon Baptist Church but is now earmarked for demolition after plans were submitted this week for new housing on the site.

But now a campaign has been launched by Arnold North councillors Michael Payne and Pauline Allan in a bid to secure the building’s future and make it available for community use.

The councillors said: “The petition urges the Baptist Union Corporation to ensure Beacon Baptist Church in Killisick is retained for community use and not sold and demolished for the purpose of housing development.

“That the loss of such a valuable community asset to Killisick and Arnold risks exacerbating existing issues with poverty and deprivation and any proposals for additional housing would have an adverse impact on an area that is already incredibly densely populated”.

housebuilding
Developers want to build new homes on the site

“We urge the Baptist Union Corporation to immediately withdraw plans to sell the Beacon Baptist Church in Killisick for housing development and instead to work with the local community and Gedling Borough Council to retain the site for community” 

Coppice Ward Labour councillors Henry Wheeler and Marje Paling have also urged residents concerned about the future of the building and the site it stands on to sign the petition.

Residents have posted on the petition page calling for the church building to be saved.

Gemma Wood wrote: “The church has some good, and not so good memories for our family. It wouldn’t be the same with Beacon church. We do not need more housing; we need a youth centre for our children and youth groups like back in the day ran by the churches or council.”

Belinda Pickering commented: “I live in this area and there is hardly anything available for the community anymore.

“I have been to stay and play baby coffee mornings and lots of events here in the past and it is somewhere for people to meet and this will be so important when restrictions are lifted; we will need a sense of community.

“There are so many poorer families around here, please don’t keep taking these important resources away from us .”

The planning application has been submitted by Loughborough-based developer Direct Land Investments.  

In the planning application document that can be seen on the Gedling Borough Council website, the developer states: “Following the closure of the church – following water damage, the property has been the subject of extensive marketing –for alternative community-based uses, and no interest has been shown in the continued community use of the premises.”

You can sign the petition here: https://www.change.org/p/baptist-union-corporation-save-beacon-baptist-church-killisick-from-demolition-for-housing

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