Arrests have been made in Arnold and Gedling as part of a county-wide clamp-down on drug-related criminal activity.
Warrants were executed at addresses in the borough as well as Bullwell and West Bridgford this morning (December 15) and were part of a number of investigations into organised criminal activity in the county.
Four men, aged between 32 and 40, were all arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to supply controlled drugs and further enquiries are ongoing.
Officers and detectives from across the force, including an Operation Reacher team, all undertook the activity as the force continued its commitment to tackling organised drug crime.
Detective Sergeant Emma Pollard, who is leading the investigations, said: “Our investigations are at an early stage but it is incredibly positive that we have made four arrests as part of our enquiries.
“Drug crime can have a devastating impact on our communities and as a force, we are committed to taking action against criminals who commit such offences.
“The warrants send out a clear message to criminals, we will not tolerate drug crime on our streets and we will take action.”
If you spot something suspicious in your area, please do not hesitate to contact Nottinghamshire Police on 101 or in an emergency, dial 999.
Work on a much-anticipated Sainsbury’s near Colwick will begin later this week.
In a letter seen by Gedling Eye sent to Colwick-based Councillor Meredith Lawrence, the supermarket giant confirmed preliminary work ‘would begin this week’.
The letter said:” Since announcing the news that we will be investing in a new store for the local community, we have been delighted by the positive reaction we have received from many residents.
“We know this new development will provide significant investment in Colwick. We’re proud to be boosting the local economoc growth by supporting jobs and providing a convenient shopping desitnation for residents.
“Starting next week our contractor Base Build will commence preparatory works on site, including vegetation clearing. We will continue to provide updates at the development progresses and will let you know once we have more details to share with respect to our plans.
The supermarket also stated that any work on-site would ‘strictly adhere’ to COVID-19 guidelines.
Plans for a new Sainsbury’s supermarket, Argos store and petrol station were approved in August.
Sainsbury’s have said that over 100 new jobs will be created for the local community when the new store opens next year.
Pub-goers across Gedling borough are being asked to flood social media and MPs’ inboxes with messages about why their pubs matter this Christmas, as the area prepares for a very different festive season.
The call to action is part of the #PubsMatter campaign which has been set up to remind politicians and the media just how important pubs are to local communities across the UK.
The campaign has been set up by a coalition of industry partners including the British Beer and Pub Association, British Institute of Innkeeping, the British Guild of Beer Writers, the Campaign for Real Ale, the Society of Independent Brewers, the Independent Family Brewers of Britain and UKHospitality.
The #pubsmatter campaign puts a spotlight on pubs, tap rooms, social clubs and hospitality venues that are at the centre of their communities. These venues have been disproportionately hit by recent restrictions and lockdown measures despite the important role that they play in looking after their regulars, providing local amenities, raising money for charities, and tackling loneliness and social isolation.
Anyone who loves their local is encouraged to share why #PubsMatter to them on social media and contact their MP, using resources available at whypubsmatter.org.uk
A spokesperson for the campaign said: “There has never been a more important time to send a clear message to politicians and the media that pubs matter.
“Despite the fact that many publicans have spent thousands ensuring their pubs are COVID-secure, hundreds are still unable to reopen under the current guidelines. This is not only hurting local businesses, but also the wellbeing of the people using them. Pubs need fair treatment and better financial support to get through the festive period.”
Michelin-starred chef Tom Kerridge, who penned the foreword for CAMRA’s Good Beer Guide 2021 earlier this year, said: “It’s clear from the testimonials flooding into the #PubsMatter campaign that Christmas this year won’t be the same without the backdrop of our pubs.
“The one thing we have all missed during lockdown is human connection and social interaction which, above all else, is everything that the Great British pub provides – a warm, happy and friendly place for people to drink and eat. This is even more keenly felt at Christmas, a time of year that we would usually trek the miles to reconnect with friends, family and colleagues.
“Yet despite the important role that many pubs play in our local communities – and the significant investments that many pub landlords have made to re-open COVID-secure premises post-lockdown – it looks like most of us will be unable to visit our local this Christmas. This is a reality that will weigh heavily on people who have already faced a year of loneliness and social isolation due to the ongoing pandemic.
“The Great British pub is recognised around the world as a uniquely British institution and the passion and the heart and soul that goes into brewing is equal to the top winemakers, distillers, cheese makers, bakers, artisan chocolatiers or any other craft led hospitality producer. It is something we should be very proud of and should aim to protect for generations to come.
“I fear that without greater Government support our unique pub culture will be under significant threat, and we will see many pubs close their doors forever.”
To find out more and take part, visit whypubsmatter.org.uk and regularly check the @CAMRA_Official Twitter feed from 13-16 December for updates and testimonials.
More than 600 families across Gedling borough will receive special food and Christmas parcels thanks to the generosity of residents who donated to a council campaign.
Gedling Borough Council is co-ordinating a festive food parcel delivery to families identified as needing support over the Christmas period.
Each parcel will contain fresh food, fruit and vegetables, festive treats, a festive craft pack produced by local play charity the Gedling Play Forum, activity ideas, family recipes and important wellbeing advice.
The parcels, which are being put together by volunteers at one of the council’s leisure centres, the Richard Herrod Centre, will be delivered between 14 – 18 December and will be distributed through the local schools and family support teams network.
The council launched a Feeding Gedling Children campaign in October and raised £10,000 in support of footballer Marcus Rashford’s campaign to end child food poverty. Hundreds of residents donated to the cause and the money is now being used to create and deliver the 600 parcels.
PICTURED: Some of the food parcels packed earlier today
The council has worked with local churches, family support groups, children’s services and schools to identify the most vulnerable families in the borough who would benefit from the Feeding Gedling funding.
Deputy leader of Gedling Borough Council, Councillor Michael Payne said: “It is vitally important that we support our most vulnerable residents during this pandemic. We set up a fundraising campaign and thanks to the generosity of residents, we were able to create the parcels that will be delivered directly to the families that need them the most. The parcels contain essential food and vegetables but they also have activity packs, games and festive treats that we hope will bring a smile to the faces of children this Christmas.
“We would like to thank the local community, schools and children’s services for their support to get these parcels distributed to the families and to the residents who donated to this cause.
He added: “If anyone else needs help this winter, please visit the council’s Giving for Gedling webpage or call our Customer Services team on 0115 901 3901.”
A thief’s own CCTV footage was used to catch him red-handed with £10,000 worth of stolen goods from a delivery van, including one in Woodthorpe.
He was one of five thieves who were sentenced in court this week after two delivery drivers had their vehicles stolen containing hundreds of packages.
Two incidents in April and August, including one at Woodthorpe, saw a group of opportunist thieves drive off with two vans whilst the couriers were delivering parcels.
In one incident, officers took just 15 minutes to find a stolen van with 94 parcels inside after two men and a woman made a five-minute journey to one of their houses to try to hide the stolen goods.
The parcels included phones, tablets, clothing, tools, football kits and some trainers were quickly hidden within a bedroom.
However, they were swiftly found thanks to the force drone which was deployed into the skies to locate the stolen van and two cars which were seen to be in convoy following the incident. All three vehicles were traced back to the home of Liam Barnes, of Kingsley Street in Kirkby-in-Ashfield.
Upon entry into the house, officers found numerous parcels and packaging littered inside, which matched the description from the victim.
Despite trying to get the occupants out of the address to come to the door, officers forced entry into the property by sawing the front door off.
They found three people inside in an upstairs bedroom who were arrested in connection with the theft.
Officers were able to match from the invoice provided from the driver to those found with a premises.
Local CCTV footage was also used as part of the investigation, as well as Barnes’ footage which showed the movements of the offenders to and from the house nearby.
Five months later in August, Barnes also left another delivery driver traumatised and having to work in a different area following a similar incident.
Officers arrive within minutes to a house in Kingsley Street in Kirkby-in-Ashfield in April following a report of a van being stolen.
The courier was delivering two parcels to a house in Coronation Road in Woodthorpe on 28 August 2020. He watched on to see thieves steal his van and drive out of sight.
Officers were able to track down the offenders having gone through clear CCTV footage, which showed the parcels being unloaded from the van.
They found them whilst out on a proactive patrols and at home addresses to make the arrests. A total of five people were arrested in connection with the two incidents and appeared at Nottingham Crown Court this week. Barnes was charged with two counts of theft in connection with both incidents.
The 32-year-old, was given a 21 month imprisonment, suspended for two years and ordered to do 120 hours unpaid work.
Meanwhile Anthony Chapman and Levi Smith were also sentenced in connection with the Woodthorpe theft in August.
Chapman, 32, of no fixed address, was sentenced to 15 months imprisonment suspended for two years. He has been ordered to do 100 hours unpaid work after being charged with driving a motor vehicle without consent, theft and driving whilst disqualified. Meanwhile, 24-year-old Smith, of Windermere Road in Forest Fields, was charged with theft and given a community sentence and ordered to do a 100 hours unpaid work.
Beth Creswell, 26, of Northolme Avenue in Bulwell, was given a conditional discharge for two years and Ashley Hargreaves, 24, of Bewick Drive in Colwick, was given a community sentence after pleading guilty to theft in connection with the Kirkby-in-Ashfield incident in April 2020.
Detective Constable Georgina Gallagher led the investigation.
She said: “This must have been a terrifying incident for both victims and understandably they have both been left very traumatised.
“It’s absolutely unacceptable for a delivery driver to be targeted in this way as they go about their job, making an honest living and the victim has been left shaken by what happened as you can imagine.
“Nottinghamshire Police will continue to proactively tackle theft, thoroughly investigate all reports and do everything in its power to bring offenders to justice.”
Police have dealt with more than 20 drivers during eight policing operations cracking down on speeding in Gedling borough.
The enforcement activity, which has been carried out in direct response to community concerns about road safety and speeding in the borough, has involved the Gedling Neighbourhood Policing Team, Operation Reacher team and Special Constables working closely with Safety Camera Team colleagues.
More operations are planned following eight speed checks in different hotspot areas last month which resulted in a number of drivers being issued with traffic offence reports for excessive speed.
The results of the operations included:
A612 Burton Joyce Nine drivers reported for excessive speed. Along with this a further six drivers were dealt with for other road traffic offences such as defective lights.*
Rolleston Drive and Arno Vale Road, Arnold Five drivers issued with reports for excessive speed.
Bank Hill, Woodborough Three drivers dealt with for excessive speed, the highest being 45mph in a 30mph zone.
Main Street, Calverton Three drivers being issued with reports for excessive speed.
Church Road, Burton Joyce One driver dealt with for excessive speed.
Main Road and Arnold Lane, Gedling A number of drivers given warnings.
Main Road, Ravenshead No speeding vehicles identified.
Spring Lane, Lambley No speeding vehicles identified.
Also last month mobile speed vans visited Rolleston Drive in Arnold (eight offenders caught speeding), Arno Vale Road in Arnold (eight offenders caught speeding) and Bonner Lane in Calverton (six offenders caught speeding).
Inspector Chris Pearson, Neighbourhood Policing Inspector responsible for local policing in the Gedling borough area, said: “Speeding is one of the local policing priorities we are tackling, based on feedback from members of the public, and more operations are planned as we continue to address their concerns.
“Speed limits are there for a reason and if you go over them then you’re breaking the law and selfishly putting other people at risk.
“The careless and dangerous actions of one motorist can have devastating effects on the lives of others. Every mile per hour you travel above the speed limit massively increases the risk of fatally injuring someone in a collision.
“We’re urging motorists to travel within the speed limit, pay attention and take care at all times and to ensure their vehicles are in good condition and winter-ready before heading out on to the roads.
“We believe that one death on our roads is one too many and we’re asking drivers to think about how their speed would affect a vulnerable road user if they came into contact with one.
“Speeding is a key area of concern for our communities. As these ongoing operations have shown, we have listened to what our residents have told us and we will continue to take action to address their concerns.”
Worried residents in a Gedling street are calling on parents to turn off their engines when parking up to collect their children from a nearby school and help cut down on air pollution.
People living on Waverley Avenue say that some drivers are leaving their engines running for up to 40 minutes while waiting to pick up their kids from nearby Carlton le Willows School.
And although it’s a fineable offence to leave an engine running when parked, local authorities say they are unsure about what can be done to stamp it out in the street.
Mother-of-two Samantha Bowen, who lives on Waverley Avenue, is now having to confront drivers herself in a bid to cut down on the problem.
She said: “I don’t have a problem with parents parking on the street at all. It’s leaving their engines running while they wait that’s the issue
“For every minute a car leave the engines running while parked creates enough toxic chemicals to fill around 150 balloons.
“I have two young children and I don’t want them breathing this air in when they are playing outside.
Idling engines are causing a local pollution problem
“I just want someone to do something about it.”
Samantha said the response from parents had been ‘mixed’ when she approached those parked up with their engines running .
She said: “Some are polite, others are quite rude.
“I politely asked one lady to turn her engine off and she just went and parked further down the road and still left the engine on. One man refused to wind his window down and just waved me away. Some people can be quite rude.
“But one woman was unaware of the environmental impact and was really nice about it.”
Samantha is now thinking about launching a campaign to help tackle the problem.
She said: “I’m thinking about having posters and leaflets done. I don’t think people are aware about the environmental damage that leaving your engine running causes.”
Francis Rodrigues is another resident with concerns about idling drivers on the street.
He said: The problem has arisen since they stopped parents dropping pupils off at the school entrance on Wood Lame. Waverley, Brooklands, Tennyson and Vernon Avenues are now car parks from 3pm to 4.30pm every school day.
“Many parents leave their engines idling and polluting the local air for residents which is unhealthy. Many parents sit in their cars and when asked to switch off their engines are abusive and rude in their reply.
“I’m hoping the new entrance and school buildings planned on Burton Road will help alleviate the issue.
“I hope the head teacher Craig Weaver will write to parents asking them to switch their engines off or even encourage pupils to walk more & save their parents having to pick them up.”
Residents have been in contact with local Gedling Borough Councillor Jenny Hollingsworth about the problem.
Councillor Hollingsworth told Gedling Eye: “I have contacted the Police and Nottinghamshire County Council via County Cllr Nicki Brooks and neither have enforcement powers in respect of Idling vehicles.
“Unfortunately There are no obvious environmental powers either.”
“I would ask parents who park on residential Streets, to wait for their children, to be considerate and respectful towards local residents and the environment “
Gedling Eye has contacted Nottinghamshire County Council and Carlton le Willows School for a comment.
What are the rules?
Rule 123 of The Highway Code looks at ‘The Driver and the Environment’, stating that drivers must not leave a parked vehicle unattended with the engine running or leave a vehicle engine running unnecessarily while that vehicle is stationary on a public road.
Local authorities have the power to issue £20 fixed penalties for emission offences and stationary idling under The Road Traffic (Vehicle Emissions) (Fixed Penalty) (England) Regulations 2002.
Gedling borough won’t be included in the first wave of Tier 3 areas in England to receive the government’s community testing.
The list of 67 local authorities that can begin enhanced testing support programmes to drive down COVID-19 transmission rates has now been published by the government.
Testing will begin on Monday.
The government hopes the testing initiative will lead to an easing of restrictions in Tier 3 areas.
It is hoped the community testing programme will be rolled out to more areas in the new year.
The lateral flow tests being distributed use similar technology to a pregnancy test and have a turnaround time of under an hour.
Liverpool was the first part of the country to trial mass testing for all in November – including those who do not have COVID-19 symptoms.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said: “I am really pleased to announce the first areas embarking on enhanced community testing programmes – after the successful work in Liverpool.
“Community testing will be very important in helping the areas where levels of the virus are highest to drive down infection rates and ultimately will help areas ease tougher restrictions.”
He added that the testing rollout is “just the start” as the government is working fast to roll out community testing in more areas.
Tesco and Morrisons stores in Carlton and Netherfield will remain open on Boxing despite calls to give staff the day off.
Retail Gazette has reported that unions have criticised the two supermarket giants and said staff should not have to go in on December 26 so they can spend time with friends and family– and as a thank you for their hard work during the pandemic
Sainsbury’s has also said it will open stores on Boxing Day for a limited number of hours,
Other retailers in the borough including Asda, Marks & Spencer and Pets at Home have announced they will close on the day.
PICTURED: Morrisons in Netherfield (PHOTO: Neil Slack Photography)
Tesco said its stores will only open for reduced hours on Boxing Day as many customers rely on their local stores over Boxing Day.
Meanwhile, Morrisons told Retail Gazette it would ensure that staff have a “meaningful break during the Christmas period”.
Tesco said frontline staff were being rewarded with an extra 10 per cent bonus over the Christmas and New Year period.
Morrisons said that working on the day would be voluntary and that those working on the day would get double pay.
Sainsbury’s said that although it will remain open, it will operate with reduced hours after requests from staff, although most employees will have the day off on Boxing Day.
Asda said that all of its 631 shops would close for two days over the Christmas break, while staff receive 100 per cent of their bonus entitlement regardless of whether they have reached sales quotas.
A food bank in Arnold has welcomed a boost of £100 to purchase essential food for people in need as the economic impact of the pandemic is felt across the area this Christmas.
The Nottingham’s Arnold branch made the gesture to help put food on the tables of struggling local families this Christmas.
The money was donated after he building society asked its branches to nominate projects that help the most vulnerable in their communities the team in the Gedling borough town decided to support Arnold Food Bank.
The £100 donation will be put towards the cost of providing Christmas dinners for families from in and around Arnold who access the invaluable service.
Customer Services Assistant Sioban Dalton said: “We’re really happy to be able to donate to Arnold Food Bank to help out local families this Christmas.
“As a branch team we are also really proud to work for an organisation that continues, even at a time when everyone is facing extra challenges due to the Covid-19 pandemic, to play a key role in supporting those who are most at need or vulnerable.”
Photo caption (l-r): Sioban Dalton and Adam Nanda from The Nottingham present a cheque to Arnold Food Bank representative Arthur Pember.
