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‘We’re on the verge of breakdown’: Castle Rock boss pleads for extension to furlough scheme

Gedling Eye Reporter
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‘We’re on the verge of breakdown’: Castle Rock boss pleads for extension to furlough scheme

The boss of a brewery with pubs in Mapperley and Gedling is calling on the government to extend the furlough scheme, saying his firm are ‘on the verge of breakdown”.

Castle Rock managing director Colin Wilde has written to chancellor Rishi Sunak informing him that without support for the hospitality trade in Notts, ‘thousands of jobs will be lost, reports Propel.info

Mr Wilde is asking for a six-month extension to the furlough scheme to be put in place.

In the letter to Sunak he wrote: “Our own revenues across 22 pubs and a brewery are 50% down, but our costs have gone up. Rent and loan interests still need to be met, and the expense of being covid-compliant is extensive.

“Castle Rock has been a successful business since 1977 but that is now changing.

“It is not unrealistic to ask for continued help that will see visible businesses like our through the next stage of the pandemic, which will, in turn, secure our considerable contributions to the economy in the future.

Rishi Sunak
CALL FOR SUPPORT: A letter has gone to chancellor Rishi Sunak asking for an extension to the furlough scheme

“As a pub group and brewery, operating for nearly 45 years in Nottinghamshire, we are on the verge of breakdown.

“The entire supply chain is impacted by every unfair restriction placed on pubs, with businesses operating in an array of industries taking a resulting hit, from food suppliers to electricians, to marketing professionals, to breweries like ourselves. The list is long and devastating.”

Wilde asked the chancellor for a continuation of the furlough scheme to help pay staff wages and for the removal of employers’ national insurance payments and a VAT rate on beer so the playing field is levelled with supermarkets.

Nottinghamshire has been placed in tier two, which means it has more restrictions than tier one but without the potential financial assistance available to sites in tier three.

Wilde, whose 22 Castle Rock pubs have not been responsible for a single positive coronavirus case, said he has so far been forced to make ten members of staff redundant and reduced his own wages in March in a bid to help the company and retain jobs.

Castle Rock runs The Willowbrook in Gedling and The Bread & Bitter in Mapperley.

Police negotiator called to man on window ledge after ‘disturbance’ in Colwick

Gedling Eye Reporter
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Police negotiator called to man on window ledge after ‘disturbance’ in Colwick

A police negotiator was called following an incident in Colwick yesterday where a man was reportedly on the window ledge after a disturbance. 

Nottinghamshire Police were called at 3.30pm on Sunday (October 18, 2020) to Balmoral Road following a report of a domestic incident.

Officers attended following an argument between a man and a woman.

Inspector Keiron Hancock said: “A large number of police resources were in Colwick yesterday following a report of a disturbance. 

Police car siren

“A man threatened to jump out the window and a police negotiator was requested. He was able to persuade the man to get back away from the window ledge and to safety. 

“The man was treated by paramedics at the scene. No arrests were made. No one was injured.

“We would like to thank local residents for their patience throughout the incident as it was dealt with.

“We would like to reassure people that there was no wider risk to the public and we did everything we could to bring this incident to a peaceful conclusion.”

Covid marshals have started patrolling Gedling borough’s streets to help people adhere to social distancing

Gedling Eye Reporter
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Covid marshals have started patrolling Gedling borough’s streets to help people adhere to social distancing

Gedling borough now has its very own Covid-secure marshals whose job it is to be on the lookout for people not following government guidance and social distancing rules.

Gedling Borough Council‘s Neighbourhood Wardens will be rotating their usual day-to-day roles with new Covid Marshal duties.

The marshals will be working across the boroughs high streets, parks and open spaces and will be on hand to support residents with enquires and concerns they may have.

Marshals will also be monitoring businesses to ensure track and trace QR codes are in place where applicable and that appropriate social distancing and health and safety regulations are being followed.

PICTURED: Leader of Gedling Borough Council, John Clarke, left, with new Covid marshals
PICTURED: A new Covid marshal van will be patrolling the streets

Gedling Borough is currently under the Tier 2 (High) Covid Level Alert – which means that there are a number of restrictions in place including that people must not socialise with anybody outside of their household or support bubble in any indoor setting.

The rule of six also applies to any gatherings outdoors including gardens or other spaces such as parks. 

Leader of Gedling Borough Council, Councillor John Clarke said: “It’s vital we play our part in keeping our borough safe and making sure we do everything we can to help stop the spread of this terrible virus.

“Our Covid Marshals are here to help support our residents and businesses and ensure everyone is following the current safety guidance.”

Former pub in Gedling could be demolished to make way for new apartment block

Gedling Eye Reporter
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Former pub in Gedling could be demolished to make way for new apartment block

A former pub in Gedling could be demolished to make way for an apartment block if new plans are approved.

Residents are now being urged to have their say on proposals for The Phoenix site on Shelford Road.

Hockley Developments have submitted plans for construction of a three-storey apartment block containing 26 self-contained flats.

It was received by Gedling Borough Council on Wednesday, September 23.

The application proposals are to demolish the existing buildings on the site and remove the existing vehicular accesses and construct a three-storey apartment block, a new access to Wollaton Avenue, 21 car parking spaces, a bin store and associated landscaping.

PICTURED: The Phoenix before the shutters went up in 2019 (PHOTO: Google)

The pub last traded back in 2019 and there was hope it could be reopened if new tenants were found, but owners the Ei Publican Partnership then announced this year that the pub was being put up for sale.

A spokesman at the time told Gedling Eye: “As part of our on-going business, we do from time to time identify a pub that may no longer have a long-term future in our estate.

“After careful consideration, the decision has been made to sell the freehold of the Phoenix, Gedling.”

Will you be sad to see The Phoenix demolished? Let us know in the comments section below.

People in Gedling borough warned over fake ‘penalty charge’ emails

Gedling Eye Reporter
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People in Gedling borough warned over fake ‘penalty charge’ emails

Scammers are targeting people in Gedling borough with fake ‘penalty charge’ emails which lead to phishing websites designed to steal personal information.

Action Fraud said the fake emails are purporting to be from the HM Courts and Tribunals Service.

The emails state the recipient has been issued a £25 penalty charge for “the use of vehicle on a road in the charging area which a charging scheme applies without payment of the appropriate charge”.

The links provided in the emails lead to genuine-looking websites phishing websites that are designed to steal personal and financial information.

Action Fraud is urging people to report any suspicious emails on report@phishing.gov.uk

Speaking on Twitter, Action Fraud said: “Your bank or any other official organisation won’t ask you to share personal information over email or text. If you need to check that it’s a genuine message, call them directly.”

Search is on for former pupils and their memories of Seely C of E School in Arnold

Gedling Eye Reporter
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Search is on for former pupils and their memories of Seely C of E School in Arnold

Staff and children at a school situated at the top of Burntstump Hill in Arnold are asking that former pupils share their memories and images.

The school was originally founded in 1902 by the Seely family and originally called Seely Church of England School.

The Seely family lived at Sherwood Lodge, now the police headquarters and legend has it, built the school after seeing children struggling through the snow to reach the nearest school in Arnold. The original school building is now a residential property next door to the modern school.

The school is now called Burntstump Seely C of E Academy.

Head Teacher Heather Gabb said, “We would love to hear from former pupils or staff of the school and our children are keen to know its history.

“We have so little to go on; just a story of why it was built and little more. The original school building is next door and still has the date 1902 over the door, but that is about the sum of our knowledge.

“We would love to hear from anyone who either attended or worked at the school, and it would be fantastic to show the children any images that might be available. We want our children to have a sense of the history of the school but we need the help of others to that and that’s why we are appealing to the people of Nottinghamshire to help.”

If you have any stories or images concerning the Seely C of E School, you can contact the school by email: office@burntstump.snmat.org or by post at Burntstump Seely C of E Academy, Burntstump Hill, Arnold Nottinghamshire, NG5 8PQ.

Council and police to ramp up business coronavirus inspections across Gedling borough this weekend

Gedling Eye Reporter
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Council and police to ramp up business coronavirus inspections across Gedling borough this weekend

Covid-19 compliance checks at pubs, bars, restaurants and food and drink outlets in Gedling borough are increasing this weekend to further support business owners trading securely.

Environmental Health Officers from Gedling Borough Council are providing support to business owners to maintain their secure practices with extra visits to premises across the area, backed by Nottinghamshire Police.

The checks are building on the teams’ activity of recent weeks, helping owners and staff understand and apply the latest rule changes after Nottinghamshire’s move to being a ‘high’ risk area this week.

From socially distanced tables, table service and some outlets offering safe outdoor areas to accommodate rule of six, officers will offer advice and assistance to owners on how to maintain safe premises to maximise customer safety and encourage ‘Hands Face Space’ when not sat at a table.

Jonathan Gribbin, director of Public Health at Nottinghamshire County Council, said: “As we move into the first weekend of living at high alert level, it’s important that we all play our part to help stop the spread of infection. 

INSPECTION PASSED: It’s Inn The Bank in Netherfield (PHOTO: Neil Slack Photography)

“If you are planning on going out, please remember that you cannot mix indoors with another household unless it’s your support bubble and the rule of six applies outside.

“The majority of businesses are going to great lengths to help keep their customers, staff and visitors safe from COVID-19 and I’d like to thank them for their diligence. Their actions are supporting the work to safeguard local jobs, local people and protect the NHS and health services.”

Leader of Gedling Borough Council, Councillor John Clarke said: “This weekend of action will help the ongoing work we are doing to support our local businesses during the pandemic. We have already visited over 130 businesses across the borough in the last few weeks and the vast majority are doing everything they can to make sure their premises are safe for customers.

“This operation is being done to reinforce the importance of doing everything we can to try and get the number of cases down in our boroughs while keeping our businesses open. It is a real challenge for everyone but we are here to help our businesses and reassure our residents.”

Nottinghamshire Police will also have a presence in town and village centres to provide further reassurance to business owners and offer any advice around customers leaving premises safely at 10pm closing times.

Neighbourhood Inspector Craig Berry said: “We are fully behind the councils as they endeavour to carry out these spot checks on businesses and as police we will support them in this approach.

“We are very grateful to all those people and businesses who are complying with the rules, and I am very pleased to say the vast majority are. Where there are issues of the rules not being followed we will look to encourage compliance and only where this is not possible will we enforce.”

One business to pass an inspection with flying colours is It’s Inn The Bank in Netherfield.

Environment inspectors from Gedling Borough Council visited this week to see if the pub was covid-secure – and the business was quickly given the thumbs up.

Owner Nicola Murphy said: “We’ve done our absolute best to keep our community safe, despite some criticism for being too strict by adhering to all the regulations.

“Now that these new restrictions have come in, and there was alot of uncertainty about how these new “social bubble” allowances work it was so reassuring to have a visit from the gedling borough council who not only took the time to make sure everything was correct but also gave us the confidence that we were right in what we were doing. The last thing any pub needs right now is heavy fines & the threat of closure for not doing things safely so it meant alot for us all at its inn the bank that we were given the thumbs up!

25 Gedling taxi drivers stopped and checked by council and police in joint operation

Gedling Eye Reporter
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25 Gedling taxi drivers stopped and checked by council and police in joint operation

A joint operation with Gedling Borough Council, Nottinghamshire Police and neighbouring local authorities to stop and check local taxi drivers has been a success. 

Taxi drivers were stopped by Police to check that their vehicles were safe and that their licences were up to date and on display. In total, 25 drivers were stopped and the majority of vehicles and drivers were fully compliant with the rules and regulations. Four drivers were issued advisory notices and warnings for failing to have identity badges on display and minor cosmetic bodywork damage. One driver’s licence was temporarily suspended due to having rear tyres that were under the legal limit for tread depth.

The checks ensured that vehicles met the council’s standards and legal requirements for calibrated taxi meters for hackney carriages, that plates and licences were displayed correctly, that tyres were correct and safe and that all safety equipment such as first aid kits, fire extinguishers, no smoking signs and spare vehicle bulbs were in the vehicle.

Drivers were also checked to ensure they had the appropriate documentation with them including their taxi driver’s licence and valid insurance.

The operation is part of a month long campaign by Gedling Borough Council in and around the Netherfield area to tackle anti-social behaviour, littering, and other crime. The council is working closely with the Police and other authorities, as well as increasing engagement with local communities.

Leader of Gedling Borough Council, Councillor John Clarke said: “As the local licensing authority we have a responsibility to ensure the drivers and vehicles we issue licenses to are fit and proper and it is very welcoming news to see that our drivers are following the rules and are providing safe cars and are displaying their licences correctly. I would like to thank Nottinghamshire Police and our neighbouring authorities for their partnership efforts on this operation as well as the drivers for their co-operation and understanding.”

Pupils told to self-isolate after Covid-19 case at Stanhope Primary School in Gedling

Gedling Eye Reporter
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Pupils told to self-isolate after Covid-19 case at Stanhope Primary School in Gedling

Dozens of youngsters at a Gedling school have been asked to self-isolate after a confirmed case of Covid-19.

Pupils in Year 3 at Stanhope Primary School on Keyworth Road have been told to self-isolate at home for 14 days following a positive Covid test.

An email to parents says: “Unfortunately we have had a positive case of Covid-19 in school.

“Children from Y3 MUST self-isolate from 14 days from today (October 16). If they display ANY symptoms they MUST get tested.

“Please do not send your child into school today.”

Amanda Richards, Head teacher at Stanhope Primary School, said: “We are strictly following all national government public health guidance. We will continue to do so, making sure that appropriate measures and processes are always in place, to stop the virus from spreading.

“We have had a confirmed case of COVID-19 this week, and have sent a bubble home, in line with government guidelines. I look forward to welcoming them back after half term. We will continue to work with Public Health England to ensure the safety of our children, staff, and their families.

Jonathan Gribbin, director of Public Health at Nottinghamshire County Council, said: “If your child develops COVID-19 symptoms, keep them home from school and get a test. Let your school know the test results as soon as you get them. “Everyone in the household should stay at home while a person with symptoms is tested, and afterwards, in line with NHS self-isolation guidance, if the test result is positive.

“From time to time over the coming months, a headteacher may need to send home a group of pupils if there has been confirmation of a case of COVID-19. By isolating for 14 days in accordance with the guidance, the pupils will be helping to prevent the spread of the virus.

“The school will let you know if there is a confirmed case of COVID-19 and your child needs to be isolated. Schools will provide learning for children that need to stay at home. 

“If you have children at different schools or in different bubbles, and one of your children is in a group which has been sent home to isolate, there is no need for other household members to stay at home, unless your child develops symptoms.”

Landlords slam Gedling Borough Council for going ahead with licensing plan consultation

Gedling Eye Reporter
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Landlords slam Gedling Borough Council for going ahead with licensing plan consultation

Landlords have accused Gedling Borough Council of being ‘short sighted’ for going ahead with plans to implement a scheme for private rented housing during the coronavirus crisis.

Gedling Borough Council this week announced it has launched a consultation to see if a selective licensing scheme for private landlords is needed in wider areas after a successful trial in Netherfield

The scheme will make it mandatory for landlords to have licences for each of their private rented properties.

It was successfully piloted in Netherfield and the consultation is asking for views to expand it to Colwick, Carlton Hill, Daybrook and Newstead Village.

The licence requires that landlords meet a minimum standard of accommodation for residents. 

But the move has been slammed by EMPO – a not-for-profit Landlords Association that represents the need of Residential Landlords across the East Midlands.

Giles Inman, EMPO’s Business Development Manager, said: “It is disappointing at a time of national crisis that Gedling Borough Council has commenced a 12-week landlord licensing consultation to license family homes in Carlton Hill, Colwick, Daybrook and Newstead Village as from June 2021

“This consultation is contrary to MHCLG guidance which asked local authorities to suspend this kind of activity until the crisis was over. How Gedling Borough Council can practically prepare for and produce such a scheme with their staff out of the office is baffling.

CRITICAL: EPSO’s Giles Inman

Local agent and EMPO member, David James also condemned the move.

He said: “At a time when the private rental sector is seeing massive challenges, it is short-sighted of the council to perceive selective licensing as having a positive impact in any capacity.

“In Netherfield, we have encountered landlords disposing of good quality housing stock over the last 2 years as a direct effect of selective licensing. When the council ran the initial consultation on licensing the Netherfield ward, they stated they had no desire to extend the scheme and they had targeted Netherfield as it met all the deprivation triggers that would lead a local authority to consider a selective licensing scheme.

“We are struggling to see how they can use the same criteria in areas such as Carlton Hill. Furthermore, we still have client money sat in our client’s account in relation to licensing applications submitted in 2018. How can they justify extending this scheme when they haven’t even processed the 600-odd applications from the last two years.”

Another local agent and EMPO member, Woo Properties said “When Gedling first introduced their scheme, we were pleased to see that they concentrated on just one small area of problem. If they expand the area in the current climate, then that makes them no different to Nottingham City Council. i.e. no consideration for landlords providing a much-needed service.

“At a time when we have noticed investors beginning to hold back from putting more money into BTLs, this will be another reason for them not to invest in much needed rented housing in these proposed areas.”

Gedling Borough Council has defended the decision.

Leader of Gedling Borough Council, Councillor John Clarke, said: “We welcome the views of property agents, landlords and landlord associations such as EMPO which is why we have opened a consultation and we hope they will take part in the consultation and attend the landlord specific meetings we are organising as part of the consultation.

We have seen the benefits the scheme has had in Netherfield and while we appreciate that the landlord associations are focusing on the cost to their clients, we have seen that the benefits of the scheme outweigh the costs which are less than those in the Nottingham City scheme. 

This scheme is about improving the living conditions in areas identified as in most need of improvement. If the scheme was to be approved, it would not begin until, at the very earliest, summer 2021.

We want to create safer communities for our residents and reduce hardship and inequality and this scheme would help contribute towards that ambition.”

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