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Anger at lack of disabled access to Gedling Country Park

Gedling Eye Reporter
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Anger at lack of disabled access to Gedling Country Park

A Gedling resident has criticised the council over the lack of disabled access to Gedling Country Park. 

Roy Occleshaw got in touch with Gedling Borough Council in order to point out an issue with the Lambley Lane playing field entrance to the park, which is near to where he lives.

The entrance on this side of the park involves a swinging gate turnstile which does not provide enough space for a mobility scooter user to enter the park. 

Should a disabled visitor manage to enter through this gate, they are then faced with a steep hill in order to reach the top of the park from which the viewing platforms can be accessed. 

Mr Occleshaw, who visits the park regularly, told Gedling Eye: “The issue is with the supposed entrance to the country park. 

“While it’s okay for pedestrians or cyclists, where it really strikes a chord with me is the fact that because my wife is disabled, she can’t come onto the country park with me from this end because of the design of the entrance. 

The entrance to Gedling Country Park from Lambley Lane
These photos taken by Roy Occleshaw show how difficult it is to access the park from Lambley Lane. He said if the padlock was removed from the gate, pictured, it would be a ‘simple fix’

“With looking at the gate and going through it every few days, I noticed that it is such a simple fix, it just needs one padlock unlocking and then it’s open to all. 

“To me it seems as though there are lots of viable solutions, but the council don’t seem to want to take any of them on board or do anything.” 

In order to gain easier entrance to the park, anyone unable to get through this gate or make their way up the hill would be forced to travel to the Spring Lane entrance of the park, around 3 miles away. 

Councillor Peter Barnes, portfolio holder for environment, said: “Gedling Country Park was created with access for disabled visitors at the forefront of its design.  

“We created a 1.4km route in the park that is specifically designed for wheelchair and mobility scooter users and is fully compliant with the Disability Discrimination Act.  

“The park was built on a former colliery site so some areas, including the Lambley Lane entrance, where there are steep hills are just not suitable for people with wheelchair access.  

“We understand that due to the build of the Gedling Access Road, it means that access to the park is limited but we are hoping that Nottinghamshire County Council will finish the road very soon and access will be easier for residents.” 

Gedling Country Park opened in 2015 and boasts 580 acres of open space, footpaths and wildlife, along with a children’s play area, a visitor centre and two viewing platforms. 

Man in hooded top tries to rob petrol station in Mapperley

Gedling Eye Reporter
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Man in hooded top tries to rob petrol station in Mapperley

Police are appealing for witnesses after an attempted robbery in Mapperley on Monday night.

Officers were called to The Co-operative Petrol Station on Woodborough Road at around 7.40pm.

A young male, believed to be a teenager, is said to have approached the counter and demanded that a till be opened.

The suspect, described as as skinny and dark haired, wore a black tracksuit with a hooded top and left the store empty-handed when he noticed another customer.

Nobody was hurt in the incident.

Detective Sergeant John Kerry, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “Although nothing was taken in this incident we are still taking it extremely seriously.  Attempted robberies like this one can have a lasting impact on victims so we are very keen to catch up with the suspect in this case.”

Anyone with any additional information should call police on 101 quoting incident 632 of Monday 8 February. 

Fundraiser for Covid memorial woodland in Carlton nears target

Gedling Eye Reporter
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Fundraiser for Covid memorial woodland in Carlton nears target

People are being urged to donate now to support a coronavirus memorial woodland in Carlton that needs just £256 more to be pledged so work can begin.

The woodland is being created at the Carlton Hill Recreational Ground.

The Carlton Hill Community Action Group have set up the woodland scheme and are being supported by Gedling Borough Council.

The memorial woodland is being created to remember the people of Gedling Borough who have lost their lives due to the Covid-19 pandemic..

So far, £1,504 has been donated and the £1,760 total will go towards paying for the design and installation of a memorial plinth, information signage for the woodland area, seating and also tree maintenance and wildflower costs.

Trees planted on Carlton Hill
Volunteers and park rangers from Gedling Borough Council planted new trees on Carlton Hill last year

A spokesman for Carlton Hill Action Group said: “For phase 1 we are planting native British trees, hedgerows & spring bulbs; installing a rostrum and plaque and some recycled materials seating.

“We are close to our target now, can you help us reach it? Any amount you can afford is greatly appreciated.

“Later phases will include wildflower areas, sineage, additional seating and information panels to show what kinds of trees have been planted.”

You can make a donation to the woodland fundraiser by visiting the action group’s dedicated fundraising page here: https://www.peoplesfundraising.com/fundraising/MemorialWoodland

Office to flat conversion and house extensions amongst planning applications in Gedling borough this week

Gedling Eye
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Office to flat conversion and house extensions amongst planning applications in Gedling borough this week

Plans to convert an office to flats and tree removals are among the planning applications that have been made this week across Gedling borough

Every week dozens of planning applications are submitted to the council – and the coronavirus pandemic has not changed that.

Here is the list of applications that have been submitted and validated by Gedling Borough Council in the last week.

Visit the council site HERE the links below to find out more and to have your say…

Arnold

Proposed conversion of existing first floor B1 offices to 1 No. C3 dwelling flat. 

8 Croft Road Arnold Nottinghamshire NG5 7DX

Ref. No: 2021/0076PN

Bestwood

Reserved matters application in relation to plots 6, 12, 81, 84, 87, 89 and 97 pursuant to outline planning permission 2014/0238. (Amended housetypes).

Land West Of Westhouse Farm Moor Road Bestwood Nottinghamshire

Ref. No: 2020/0010

Carlton

Erection of replacement garage

5 Forester Road Carlton NG3 6LP

Ref. No: 2021/0095

Extend roof and form loft conversion, convert undercroft storage to habitable rooms and form bay window to rear elevation.

50 First Avenue Carlton NG4 1PA

Ref. No: 2021/0094

Single storey front extension

236 Oakdale Road Carlton Nottinghamshire NG4 1AD

Ref. No: 2021/0082 

Erection of external timber oak framed portico (with retractable roof & removable infill panels)

294 Carlton Hill Carlton NG4 1GD

Ref. No: 2021/0023

Daybrook

Provide a 2 storey side extension, single storey front extension & additional room in roof space.

181 Sherbrook Road Daybrook NG5 6AS

Ref. No: 2021/0073

Planning_Gedling

Lambley

Construction of single storey side extension

57 Cromwell Crescent Lambley NG4 4PJ

Ref. No: 2021/0019

Mapperley

Rear and side two-storey extension.

27 Gardenia Crescent Mapperley Nottinghamshire NG3 6JA

Ref. No: 2021/0087

Raised decking to property rear

17 Hazel Grove Mapperley NG3 6DQ

Ref. No: 2021/0036

Papplewick

T1 marked in red – silver Birch, dead, large wet rot cavity in base T2 marked in green – cherry plum, dead, heavily bifurcated at base and stems able to fall onto adjacent footpath which has a high use.

Morton’s Tea Rooms 57 Main Street Papplewick Nottinghamshire NG15 8FD

Ref. No: 2021/0077TPO5

Redhill

Alterations to shop frontage, change of use of one retail unit to residential and creation of 2 additional residential units.

69 Redhill Road Redhill Nottinghamshire NG5 8GX

Ref. No: 2020/0634 

Woodborough

T1 – self set Sycamore: section fell to 1 m; T2 – Sycamore: 2m crown reduction and clear ivy; T3 – self set Ash: section fell to 1 m; T4 – Ash: clear ivy to 2 m from ground level. 

17 Old Manor Close Woodborough Nottinghamshire NG14 6DJ

Ref. No: 2021/0081TCA

Woodthorpe

Variation of condition 4 (approved plans) of planning permission 2020/0294 – Two dwellings and proposed rear extension (ground and first floor) at No 133 

133 – 137 Breck Hill Road Woodthorpe Nottinghamshire NG3 5JP

Ref. No: 2021/0074 

Nottinghamshire Police issue fake officer scam warning

Gedling Eye Reporter
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Nottinghamshire Police issue fake officer scam warning

Concerned police officers have issued a warning to people in Gedling borough after receiving more reports of scammers pretending to be police officers.

Sadly one victim lost £350 to fraudsters, as they convinced the woman that there was a warrant for her arrest. 

The force’s fraud department has issued a warning for the community to be vigilant. 

The scammers, pretending to be officers, would normally call by using a withheld number and tell the victim that they’re investigating some fraudulent activity regarding their National Insurance number being blocked. 

In these latest reports the scammers have told the victim that their accounts are being used for drug laundering and there is a warrant out for her arrest. 

Detective Sergeant Anna Haynes is concerned and urged the local community to report any incidents to the police but also to talk to their friends and family to make them aware. 

She said: “We want to warn members of public about this type of fraud, we have worked really hard in Nottinghamshire by educating and working with the public through strong communication messages about possible scams. 

“A real police officer would never call a member of the public asking them to disclose personal or financial information and then instruct them to take immediate financial action.

notts police

“If you receive a call you’re not sure about, always insist on verifying the caller’s identity. If you’re calling them back, use a number known to be connected to the organisation in question, not the one provided by the caller. For the police, it’s 101 and make sure you insist on talking to the named officer. 

“Make this call from a separate telephone line to the one that the call was received if you can. If you don’t have one, wait at least 10 minutes before calling on the same line. 

“Legitimate organisations will understand you wanting to make these steps and will not take issue with it.

“They sometimes trick the victim into verifying they are legitimate by calling them back on 999, when they in fact remain on the line the entire time.

“Please continue to spread the word ensuring elderly or vulnerable loved ones and neighbours are aware of these types of scams.”

If you believe that you have been called by a bogus police officer, please report the incident to Action Fraud, the UK’s national fraud and cybercrime reporting centre, on 0300 123 2040.

If you think you’ve lost money through this scam, please call us on 101 so we can preserve evidence as quickly as possible.

Gedling deputy leader and MP clash ahead of Commons vote on council budgets

Gedling Eye Reporter
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Gedling deputy leader and MP clash ahead of Commons vote on council budgets

Deputy leader of Gedling Borough Council Michael Payne and local MP Tom Randall have clashed ahead of a vote later today on council budgets,

Councillor Michael Payne says that Gedling borough is the ‘worst affected’ when it comes to reduction of resources available and in a letter sent last night called on MP Tom Randall to ‘stand up for the community you serve’ and secure a healthy rise.

But Mr Randall responded earlier today claiming the decreased budget was down to the council falling short in its house-building targets.

Mr Payne’s calls come after all 41 Gedling Borough councillors signed a joint letter to government ministers last week calling for an increase in funding for local services.

In his letter to Mr Randall, Councillor Payne wrote: “Gedling remains the worst affected council in England in terms of reduction in the resources available to it over the last six years. 

“Disappointingly, Conservative Government Ministers have also ignored the cross-party written request of all forty-one Gedling Borough Councillors for the Government to increase Gedling Borough Council’s share of the Local Government Finance Settlement 2021/22. 

Houses of Parliament
A vote and debate will take place today

“You stood on a Conservative Party manifesto in 2019 that promised to ‘level up every part of the UK’ – this promise rings hollow for as long as Gedling borough remains the worst affected community in England in terms of reduction in Core Spending Power since 2015/16.”

“I trust you will use the opportunity in today’s House of Commons debate and vote to stand up for the community you serve and put right this gross injustice. Gedling borough’s residents deserve better than to be treated this way by the Government.”

Mr Randall responded earlier today, saying there will be an increase.

In response to Councillor Payne’s letter he said: “I’m pleased that, this year, Gedling Borough Council’s Core Spending Power will rise by 1.4% in cash terms this year, an increase of £135,000.

“The local government settlement provides a funding floor, to ensure no council sees a year-on-year reduction in Core Spending Power; and provides stability the sector has asked for, through confirmation that the Government will not pursue fundamental finance reform, including a business rates reset, in 2021-22.

“Gedling has also received £2,100,000 in total Covid-19 funding this year. Nationally, the Government has allocated over £8 billion to support local authorities.

“While Gedling’s Core Spending Power is now £2.5m lower than in 2015-16, I understand that almost £2m of this fall is attributable to a fall in New Homes Bonus payments as Gedling has fallen short in its house-building targets.

“The New Homes Bonus is a time-limited reward scheme and payments are based on local home building performance. Without this decrease in New Homes Bonus payments, Gedling Borough Council would receive an increase 4.3% in their Core Spending Power since 2015-16, compared with 2.9% for districts generally.

He added: “I note also that Gedling Borough Council chose to freeze its Band D council tax in 2016-17 and 2019-20, resulting in lower revenues.

“Gedling Borough Council did not participate in the consultation for the 2020-2021 settlement. I am pleased that it did make a submission for this settlement, in which a number of interesting points were made, and I was very happy to facilitate a meeting between Gedling Borough Council and the Local Government minister to discuss them.

“I hope that this can be the start of a productive relationship with central government.”

What are your thoughts? Let us know in the comments section below…

Ravenshead man sentenced after downloading hundreds of indecent child images

Gedling Eye Reporter
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Ravenshead man sentenced after downloading hundreds of indecent child images

A man from Ravenshead who downloaded close to 1,000 child sexual abuse images and videos has been caught by police.

Alexander Hitch had his home raided by officers and they found hundreds of files on his computer.

Officers from Nottinghamshire Police were alerted when his IP address was used to download the material on the illegal software. 

In total officers found that Hitch had 17 images and videos graded in the most serious Category A. Meanwhile he also had 216 images and video from Category B and 660 images and video from Category C. 

notts police

Officers conducted a warrant at his home address in the early hours of 4 December 2019 after they intercepted a user downloading an indecent image four months previously. 

Hitch was arrested on suspicion of making indecent images of children and his devices and mobile phones were seized. 

Officers at the scene asked Hitch if there would be any indecent images on his computer, which he replied. ‘Possibly on my laptop.’ He then pointed to his device next to his bed upstairs.

Whilst being interviewed, Hitch admitted having hundreds of photos and videos stored on his device. 

Hitch, 32, of Cheriton Drive pleaded guilty to three counts of making indecent images. 

He appeared at Nottingham Crown Court on Wednesday and was sentenced to six months imprisonment, suspended for 18 months. 

Detective Constable Andrew Taylor said: “Behind every one of these images are vulnerable children in various parts of the world who are being abused by adults.

“By downloading this kind of material offenders like Hitch are directly contributing to a cycle of abuse that can have a devastating impact on the lives of victims.

“Nottinghamshire Police is committed to tackling this type of crime and we will do everything we can to find those who download indecent images of children.”

Netherfield man jailed after abusing emergency workers

Emily Sanchez
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A man from Netherfield has been jailed for abusing police officers and two ambulance crew members after they were called to a reported insulin overdose.

Police were called to assist after Lance Morgan, of Chandos Street after he became abusive towards paramedics that had examined him.

The attack began after crews told the 62-year old that he was okay and there was no sign of an overdose.

Officers on scene handcuffed Morgan, at which point he kicked out at an officer and a paramedic, and shouted racial abuse.

Having been arrested for assaulting an emergency worker following the incident on February 1, 2020, he was moved to a police car, where he continued to make racially aggravated comments towards officers and paramedics.

He will now spend 20 weeks in prison after pleading guilty to four counts of assaulting an emergency worker at Nottingham Magistrates court on Thursday, January 28, 2021, and being cleared of another.

Assistant Chief Constable Steve Cooper of Nottinghamshire Police said: “Emergency workers are there to help people in what are likely to be their greatest hours of need.

“Our officers go out every day and put themselves at risk to keep the public safe from harm, but we must make it clear that we will not accept this treatment of our officers and staff. It is simply not part of the job and it shouldn’t happen.

“These officers and paramedics were simply trying to help Morgan after reports of an insulin overdose, which could have had quite significant consequences. For them to then be faced with getting kicked and have racial insults shouted at them is absolutely not acceptable.

“It is pleasing to hear of this sentencing and we hope it sends a clear message about the consequences of mistreating an emergency worker.

EMAS Technician’s Paul Pointon and Michael Phipps were injured during the process, with Morgan punching Michael in the groin and also punching Paul in the abdomen.

Following the arrival of the police to the scene, Morgan assaulted Paul again when restrained.

Paul said: “I’ve worked in the ambulance service for five and a half years and I love my job.

“We go out to try help people as much as possible and so it is incredibly upsetting and frustrating when some think they have the right to assault you when you are helping them in their time of need.

“Like everyone, we go to work expecting it to be a normal day but when faced with circumstances like this, it could potentially be life altering for us. You never know how far it will go. It doesn’t just affect us either, it has a lasting impact on everyone around us especially our families.”

Kelvin Langford, Violence Reduction and Prevention Lead, said: “Assaults on our staff are absolutely unacceptable and we take a zero-tolerance approach towards anyone who verbally or physically assaults them.

“Our frontline colleagues, as well as our team in our 999-control room, are here to help people, not to be assaulted, and they deserve to be treated with respect.

“We will continue to support any of our colleagues who are assaulted on the frontline while trying to help others and to work with the police and the Crown Prosecution Service to prosecute those who abuse our colleagues.”

Mapperley Plains lane closure to be lifted as Gedling Access Road works progress

Gedling Eye Reporter
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Mapperley Plains lane closure to be lifted as Gedling Access Road works progress

Traffic woes should soon start to reduce around Mapperley Plains when a lane closure is lifted in the coming weeks.

The closure has been in place to allow teams to work on the Gedling Access Road, which will link Mapperley Plains to Burton Road in Carlton.

Nottinghamshire County Council confirmed the 24/7 lane closure will remain in place until February 19.

But it’s not all good news – there will be BT works taking place on Sunday, February 21 and Sunday, February 28 and this will mean that four-way temporary traffic lights are installed at Arnold Lane/Gedling Road junction with the B684 during the day.

Mapperley Plains
PICTURED: Mapperley Plains

A spokesman for Nottinghamshire County Council said: “The 24/7 lane closure is being removed due to the completion of the retaining wall and diversion of gas mains at this location. Further lane closures will be required in the future to construct the footways and rebuild the road.

“We would like to thank residents and motorists for their ongoing cooperation and patience.”

It has been just over 12 months since works on the Gedling Access Road first began.

In these 12 months, the 3.8km route that GAR will take from the A612, to Mapperley Plains has certainly undergone a lot of changes. 

From the construction of a new junction at Burton Road all the way up to the where GAR will meet Mapperley Plains, the team has made significant progress including; moving over 300,000 cubic metres of earth from Lambley Lane – that’s equivalent to 120 Olympic sized swimming pools!

This earth has been moved towards the north of the site, where a large bank can now be seen just off Mapperley Plains. 

The route set to open to traffic in the Autumn of 2021.

McDonalds to reopen Arnold and Netherfield restaurants for walk-in takeaways later this month

Gedling Eye Reporter
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McDonalds to reopen Arnold and Netherfield restaurants for walk-in takeaways later this month

McDonald’s restaurants in Arnold and Netherfield will start reopening again for walk-in takeaways later this month.

The fast food chain was forced to close for walk-ins at the start of lockdown.

It has since been able to offer delivery and drive-thru only at the sites on St John Robinson’s Way in Arnold and on Victoria Retail Park in Netherfield.

Some McDonald’s restaurants in England will start reopening for walk-ins at some locations this week to test out new safety measures.

It then hopes to open all branches from Monday, February 22 onwards.

mcdonalds-arnold
PICTURED: McDonalds on Sir John Robinson Way (IMAGE: Google)

The chain said it took the decision to close for takeaway while it reviews extra safety measures to keep workers and customers safe.

McDonalds Chief Executive Officer, Paul Pomroy reminded customers Covid safety measures will be in place.

He said: “I kindly ask you all to keep playing your part as we bring more of our restaurant options back to your community.

“As a reminder, by law you are required to wear a face covering when inside our restaurants unless you are exempt. Our teams will have spare face coverings if you forget yours. We also ask that you sanitise your hands on arrival at the restaurant. We’ll be making our sanitising stations bigger and more convenient over the coming weeks to make this even easier for you, with plenty of hand sanitiser around the restaurant to make use of.

“Thank you for your continued adherence to our safety measures, and for helping to protect yourselves and our employees.

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