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Tony Cave: Carlton Station car park transformation is scheduled for next year

Tony Cave
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Tony Cave: Carlton Station car park transformation is scheduled for next year

Normal service resumes – almost

My last morning visit to the stations was on Tuesday, March 17 and it wasn’t until Saturday, June 20 that I returned. Since then I have only managed an hourly Saturday morning visit, apart from a couple of ‘site meetings’ with an EMR Community Ambassador.

My home commitments now restrict my time at the stations, but hope to include a few weekday early morning ‘attendances’.

I was surprised to see how well the garden had fared, as we were unable to set any summer bedding plants, but a few from last year have reappeared, and it hasn’t looked too bad with still a good show of colour. Plants have survived through the dry spells, without any watering, although the planters have suffered.

So, what has happened on the railway since March…

A reduced train service has been operating, but from September 7 around 97% of pre-lockdown services will run, so always best to check before travelling.

Face coverings are now mandatory on all public transport and in stations which are enclosed.

Cleaning has also been intensified to provide a safe environment and travel is now encouraged.

During the summer high speed trains have again been provided on summer Saturdays to and from Skegness because of the large numbers travelling.

Netherfield-Station
PICTURED: Netherfield Station (IMAGE: Gedling Eye)

Carlton Station news

The car park is due to be ‘transformed’ before the end of March 2021 and have a proper tarmac surface. No actual date yet, so we await developments.

There are plans for the wasteland between The Crossings Social Club and the Newark side platform to be tidied up and transformed into an area with seats and tables for the benefit of rail passengers and the social club.

Passenger numbers plummeted at the end of March and it is going to take a very long time to get numbers back to where they were. Some of our commuters are now working from home. This problem is of course nationwide, but our two stations do have an advantage over other places in that so much development is taking place within l¼ miles of the stations, increasing the number of potential passengers greatly. For example, 1,100 homes at Chase Farm. 830 at Teal Close. 120 on Burton Road. Willow Farm. Plans for Sainsburys on the Colwick side of the railwayline has now been approved, with the potential for 100 new jobs. Not to mention the primary school, shops, care home, restaurant and shops at Teal Close.

Netherfield Station news

A meeting is planned in early September with the Community Hail Officer for the Poacher line (Nottingham-Skegness) to look at ways of brightening up the station to improve its ambience, perhaps involving the local community.

EMR train services

The current difficulties mean that improvements to Midland Mainline services due to be implemented in December, have been put back until May 2021.

Delays introducing new trains and electrification work have been constrained by new work practices.

Regarding planned changes at Carlton in December, mentioned earlier in the year, I haven’t heard if these will go ahead as planned, so listen out for announcements from me.

Local railway heritage news

Work is progressing on turning Gedling Railway station buildings into a community asset.

Friends of Gedling Station are always looking for volunteers.

On Saturday, September 19 they are having an open day from 10am to 3pm where you will be able to see the transformation taking place with tours of the building, displays and talks plus refreshments. Entry is free. You can email gedlingyouth@gmail.com for more details.

Mapperley Tunnel was on the same line as Gedling and closed in 1960 due to mining subsidence. It is still there, although not accessible, and is to be retained because of its historical significance.  It will not be affected by the building of the Gedling Access Road which is taking place at present.

Penalty/flexible season tickets

Passenger group Transport Focus (TF) has called for further revisions to the Penalty Fares appeals process to ensure that passengers who are unable to buy a ticket through no fault of their own are not unfairly penalised.

Now that fewer people travel to work five days a week, some railway companies are introducing flexible season tickets. TF has asked the Government to introduce flexible season-style tickets or ‘carnets’ of tickets offering discounts for multiple journeys bought in advance.

News in brief

Lincoln Christmas Market in December has been cancelled this year.

Rail Riders Club which was run by BR until 1991, has been revived. Now run privately, it is open to all ages with membership for one person being £35, This gives discounts on some UK Heritage Railways, model railway shops, booksellers etc. More information can be found at www.railriders.club Facebook www.facebook.com/Railridersclub/ or on Twitter twitter.com/ridersrail

Calverton Leisure centre pool to reopen after £50k refurbishment

Gedling Eye Reporter
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Calverton Leisure centre pool to reopen after £50k refurbishment

A village leisure centre pool will reopen next week following a £50k refurbishment project.

Calverton Leisure Centre swimming pool is set to reopen on Monday (September 7) after work to improve facilities was completed.

The changing rooms have new floors and walls and there has been an increase in the number of showers and private cubicles in both the male and female changing rooms as well as new changing room benches installed.

The toilets have also had some improvements with new sinks, urinals, hand and hair dryers added.

The leisure centre, situated on Flatts Lane, Calverton reopened its gym and classes in July following the easing of lockdown measures. The centre has implemented a number of measures to make it safe for customers to visit. All sessions must be booked in advance, there is a one-way system and spaces are limited for safety reasons.

The centre will be restarting its public swimming, 1-2-1 lessons, aqua aerobics and parent and toddler sessions from Monday and bookings can be made now on their website or by calling the leisure centre.

A picture of the revamped pool

Gedling Borough Council, who operate the centre, has a membership offer that allows new members to join from £25 per month for adults and access any of the council gyms, pools, sports halls and classes across the borough. Concessionary memberships are also available at a reduced price. Members are no longer required to sign up for a contract period and the council is offering a free three-day pass to anyone who wants to try out the facilities. 

Leader of the Council, Councillor John Clarke said he hopes peopel will enjoy the improved facilities.

He said: “We think customers will be delighted with the new facilities and they will be able to get back into the pool and enjoy the sessions. We have worked really hard to make sure all of our leisure centres are safe for people to use and we have had some really positive feedback from people returning to our centres about the measures we have in place. 

“It’s really important that people can have access to swimming pools, gyms and fitness classes near where they live and for it be reasonably priced. We want to make sure people have access to a healthier lifestyle and by updating our facilities, we can encourage more people to use their local leisure centre and improve their health and wellbeing.”

For more information about Calverton Leisure Centre or to book a session, visitwww.gedling.gov.uk/leisure or call 0115 901 3800.

31,000 Eat Out to Help Out meals eaten in Gedling borough

Gedling Eye
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31,000 Eat Out to Help Out meals eaten in Gedling borough

The number of meals eaten under the Government’s Eat Out to Help Out scheme have been revealed.

In total, more than 100 million meals were claimed across the UK under the scheme, which ran throughout the month of August.  In total, 84,700 establishments signed up to the scheme – including 52 in Gedling borough.

More than 31,000 meals were claimed in Gedling according to the latest statistics.

Both local MP Tom Randall and Chancellor Rishi Sunak have hailed the success of the scheme, which was designed to support the hospitality industry after a challenging few months because of coronavirus.

The scheme is credited with protecting 1.8 million jobs across the country, with restaurant bookings significantly up on the previous year. Data from OpenTable shows bookings increased by an average of 52 per cent on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays throughout the whole of August, compared to the same days in 2019.

The Government has announced it will continue to support the hospitality industry now that the scheme has ended with a temporary discount to VAT, from 20 per cent to 5 per cent, until January 12, 2021.

Rishi Sunak
PICTURED: Chancellor Rishi Sunak
KFC vegan burger

Gedling Tom Randall MP praised local support for the scheme.

He said: “I am absolutely thrilled at the level of support local people in Gedling borough have provided to our brilliant restaurants and hospitality businesses.

“Eat Out to Help Out was always about far more than just giving people money off their meals – it was about protecting jobs which are reliant on businesses which have really struggled through coronavirus.

“I have no doubt that there are businesses in Gedling today which, without this brilliant scheme, may not have made it through the summer. I hope local people will continue to support them in the months ahead.”

Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak said: “From the get-go our mission has been to protect jobs- and to do this we needed be creative, brave and try things that no government has ever done before.

“Today’s figures continue to show Eat Out to Help Out has been a success. I want to thank everyone, from restaurant owners to waiters, chefs and diners, for embracing it and helping drive our economic recovery.

“The scheme is just one part of our Plan for Jobs and we will continue to protect, support and create jobs to ensure we come back stronger as a nation.”

Crossbow recovered and two people arrested during latest police operation in Gedling borough

Gedling Eye Reporter
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Crossbow recovered and two people arrested during latest police operation in Gedling borough

Police have recovered a crossbow and made two arrests during a proactive operation to tackle burglary and travelling criminals in Gedling borough.

Officers carried out uniformed and covert activities in a day of action to target potential burglars and disrupt criminals using the roads, following recent reports of burglaries in areas including Carlton, Porchester and Netherfield.

Teams of officers covered Carlton, Gedling, Netherfield and Colwick in cars as well as patrolling on bikes and on foot yesterday (Thursday, September 3).

Neighbourhood officers were supported by Gedling’s dedicated Operation Reacher Team and volunteer Special Constables.

A 44-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of shop theft after plain clothes officers spotted him near to a recent reported theft and directed uniformed colleagues to detain him.

He has since been interviewed at a local station and summonsed to attend court at a later date.  A 73-year-old man was also arrested on suspicion of possessing an offensive weapon after a crossbow and arrows were found in his car after his vehicle was stopped in Netherfield. He remains in custody while the circumstances are investigated.

Throughout the evening over 20 vehicles were stopped. One was seized for having no insurance and a further four traffic offence reports were given to drivers for various offences including no insurance and failing to wear a seat belt, with words of advice issued to a number of motorists for defective lights and excessively tinted windows.

Arrows recovered by Notts Police

Officers were promptly on scene at a report of a possible burglary in progress which was investigated and found not to be as initially reported but ongoing support was provided to the resident by the attending officers.

Throughout the evening officers also engaged with groups of teenagers in the street and local parks, ensuring they were safe and to discourage antisocial behaviour issues.

Inspector Chris Pearson, Neighbourhood Policing Inspector responsible for local policing in the Gedling borough area, said: “I’m pleased that this day of action was so positive.

“We undertake operations like this to disrupt criminals and target offenders and also to gather intelligence to help us to tackle those issues which our communities have told us matter most to them.

“As the operation shows we treat burglary, drug use and supply, antisocial behaviour and road safety seriously and will take positive action to target and disrupt offenders involved in criminal activity.

“Such criminality will not be tolerated and we will continue to carry out uniformed and covert operations such as this over the coming months to ensure that burglars and drug offenders know that we will catch up with them and do everything in our power to bring them to justice.

“Part of the reason that we are able to carry out proactive days of action such as this is because of the reports of suspicious activity we receive from the public. I’d urge anyone who sees someone, or a vehicle, acting suspiciously on their street to call us on 101 so that we can build a comprehensive picture of what is happening in our areas.

“I would like to thank our local communities for their support – operations such as the one yesterday can’t happen without it.

“It’s essential that people continue to tell us about the issues in their areas – whether this relates to suspected burglary or drug offences, or other related criminal activity.

“If you have concerns in your area I’d urge you to come forward and talk to us in confidence.

“Anyone with information should call Nottinghamshire Police on 101, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or by visiting https://crimestoppers-uk.org/”

Inspector Chris Pearson provides neighbourhood policing update

Gedling Eye Reporter
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Inspector Chris Pearson provides neighbourhood policing update

Inspector Chris Pearson leads the Gedling Neighbourhood Policing team which helps crack crime across the borough.

Here’s his latest update on progress his team made in August…

It’s been another busy month for the Gedling team and I’ve a few updates to share from the
Neighbourhood Policing team and Operation Reacher.

Pilkington Road, Mapperley

Firstly I wanted to mention the incident on Pilkington Road in Mapperley back on the
afternoon of August 5, when we attended to reports of a serious assault.

This was a really difficult incident for all involved and I know this created a great deal of concern in the local community.

I wanted to pass on my thanks to those affected for their understanding and patience whilst we worked to fully understand the circumstances of the incident and to locate an outstanding suspect who was later arrested.

Joseph Chattaway has now been charged with Attempted Murder x 2 and has been remanded in custody to appear at Nottingham Crown Court later this month.

In response to the incident officers from the Neighbourhood Policing team including our Special Constables carried out a number of foot patrols in the area in order to reassure residents and in order to answer any questions from the local community.

Pilkington Road Mapperley
PICTURED: Pilkington Road

Crime priority Updates

Next up I wanted to update you on the activity towards our policing priorities.

Over the last month we have continued to focus on our priorities of Burglary, Drug Supply and Shop Theft.

In terms of drug supply the ‘Operation Reacher’ team have worked with the Neighbourhood Policing team and other force resources to carry out two further drugs warrants.

On August 3, officers executed a drugs warrant on Oakdale Road, Carlton resulting in the
arrest of three males for drugs supply offences. Cash and suspected Class A and B drugs
were recovered from the address. All three males have been bailed for further enquiries.

On August 6, I joined officers from Operation Reacher on Mapperley Plains, Arnold where
we executed a warrant in relation to a suspected cannabis grow. This was following
feedback from members of the local community. Officers entered the address and located
a large cannabis grow consisting of around 349 plants. We have estimated this to be worth
around £350,000. Two males were arrested and later charged with the production of
cannabis. They have since been remanded in custody and are awaiting sentencing. Following
the warrant I joined PCSO Kirsty Szeluk in visiting a number of members of the local community to update them regarding our policing activity in the area.

On Tuesday, August 11 officers from Operation Reacher and other force resources
carried out 4 x warrants across Gedling and the Nottingham City. This was in relation
to drugs being imported into Prisons. A total of 4 people were arrested in relation to
drugs supply offences and have since been bailed for further enquiries.

On August 21, officers also executed a drugs warrant on Worrell Avenue in Arnold
resulting in the further seizure of Class B drugs. A male has been interviewed in
relation to drugs and charged with the production of cannabis. More enforcement activity is planned.

Moving on we have also made progress around Burglary. On the evening August 18,
officers from Jubilee House attended to a report of a burglary in Calverton whereby
attempts had been made to gain entry to a property. Following quick response from
local officers two males (aged 14 and 15) were arrested on suspicion of Burglary and
enquiries into the incident are ongoing.

A female has also been arrested on suspicion of Burglary as we continue enquiries into
a car key burglary on Claygate, Carlton back on 1July 17. Detectives from the County
Burglary team have continued to investigate the circumstances of this incident. A male
has also been arrested in relation to this and has been released under investigation.

Over the bank holiday weekend Operation Reacher and Carlton Neighbourhood
officers had a focus on shop theft offences following a rise in reported incidents.
Following a weekend of activity two females were arrested on Saturday, August 29
following a theft from the Next store on the Victoria Retail Park. Eagle-eyed officers
located a car involved and recovered stolen property and later discovered a cannabis
grow as part of their enquiries. Both females were interviewed, charged and one of
them was remanded into custody.

Operation Reacher officers also located a local female on Sunday, August 30 in
relation to a further 5 x shop theft offences. The female was arrested and later
remanded in custody for a number of shop thefts across the Gedling South area.

The team will continue to focus on this with particular attention being paid to the Victoria
Retail Park and Carlton Hill areas. In the Gedling North area; Arnold Town Centre
also remains a focus for the team.

Road safety

Moving on I wanted to touch on Road Safety. I know this a priority for many and
reports of speeding and nuisance vehicles have increased this year. In response the
Gedling Special Constables focused on this over the bank holiday weekend. The team
carried out speeding enforcement on Main Street, Calverton following concerns raised
by members of the public. During their tour of duty the team also seized 5 x illegal
vehicles in relation to Insurance offences. The team will be focusing their attention on
Speeding and road safety over the coming weeks and we have identified a number of key
areas following feedback from the local community.

Anti-social behaviour

Vandalised bench
PICTURED: One of the vandalised benches (IMAGE: Notts Police)

We have responded to increased reports of anti-social behaviour during the last month,
particularly linked to the relaxed government restrictions and the warmer weather.
Officers have worked together with the council to identify key areas for increased
patrols.

I was disappointed to see deliberate damage caused to park benches in the
Papplewick and Linby areas with three set on fire in the last month. This has its obvious
risk’s and we are working closely with the Parish Council to reduce this type of
behaviour and to fully investigate the offences. Full details can be found here and if you
have any information regarding the damage then please contact PC 2280 Chris Whild
quoting incident 275 of 12th August.

Witness appeals

We are investigating after a delivery driver was victim of a Robbery on Coronation Road,
Woodthorpe on the afternoon of Friday, August 28. The offence happened at around
16:35 whereby the delivery driver was assaulted before his van was taken. The van has
now been recovered and detectives are investigating the offence. We are appealing for
any witnesses or anyone with information to contact us quoting incident 472 of 28th
August. Full details of the incident can be found here.

Telephone Scams

Finally I wanted to touch on ‘scam’ phone calls due to a rise in reported Fraud offences
across the force area. We have received several reports of scam telephone calls since
the lockdown and I’m also aware of one particular scam in relation to ‘Council Tax’ in
Gedling whereby residents are being contacted by someone pretending to be from
Gedling Borough Council stating that they are due a council tax rebate before bank
details are requested. We have worked with the council who have produced an
information leaflet with the following advice:
What should I do if I get a scam call?
* Don’t reveal personal details. Never give out personal or financial information
(such as your bank account details or your PIN) over the phone, even if the caller
claims to be from your bank.
*Hang up.
*Ring the organisation. If you’re unsure whether the caller is genuine, you can
always ring the council on 0115 901 3901.
*Don’t be rushed. Scammers will try to rush you into providing your personal
details. They may say they have time-limited offer or claim your bank account is
at risk if you don’t give them the information they need right away.
How can I avoid phone scams and cold calls?
You can block or prevent some cold calls. Try these simple things:
*Register with the Telephone Preference Service
*Talk to your phone provider to see what other privacy services and call-blocking
services are available
*If you have a smartphone, you can use the settings on the phone to block
unwanted numbers.

Borough protestors call on Gedling MP Tom Randall to support Extinction Rebellion-backed climate bill

Gedling Eye Reporter
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Borough protestors call on Gedling MP Tom Randall to support Extinction Rebellion-backed climate bill

Protestors based in Gedling borough have called on local MP Tom Randall to back a new Climate and Ecological Emergency Bill (CEE Bill) and help prevent ‘a climate crisis’.

The bill was announced in Parliament yesterday (September 2) by Caroline Lucas and is being supported by 12 other MPs —including Nottingham East MP Nadia Whittome. 

Extinction Rebellion campaigners organised a protest in Central London to coincide with the Bill announcement.

A number of campaigners were arrested during the protest after they sat in the middle of the road next to Parliament Square to stop traffic.

Ms Whittome met with Extinction Rebellion Nottingham in Parliament Square during the protest.

Now local campaigners are urging Gedling MP Tom Randall to support the Bill.

Amanda Pumo, 61, is a property management consultant from Gedling and was one of the local people who made their way down to London to protest.

She said: “I’m terrified of what the future might hold. Tom Randall needs to listen to the science and back the Bill.”

Margret Vince, 62, is a translator and mother of two who lives in the borough. She is hoping the new Bill will help create a green recovery that can offer new opportunities for young people in her area.

She said: “My children went to Redhill School, Tom Randall’s old school. We have great schools in Gedling, but also a lot of social deprivation.


“There’s not much here for young people, and because of Covid everyone is even more worried about lost jobs. We need a real effort to create new jobs in new green industries,

Margret was not in London to protest for health reasons but she’s an active ‘home rebel.’

PICTURED: Margret Vince

She said: “I have arthritis and I can’t stand for long, but there are a lot of ways to help.

“I’ve helped the London protests with tents and equipment, and I’ve made an appointment to see Tom Randall about the CEE Bill. I will talk to local politicians of any party.” 

Margret has called on her MP to now act as a leader and support the CEE Bill.

She said: “This is a chance for Tom Randall to make his mark.
“As an MP he could make a real difference. If he cares about representing his constituents, this is the perfect way to go about it.”

PICTURED: Nadia Whittome at yesterday’s protests in London

The Climate and Ecological Emergency Bill, if passed, gives the Prime Minister a duty to ensure that the UK achieves specified objectives on climate change, ecosystems and biodiversity.

The Bill, if passed, sets out a framework for how this can be achieved, including establishing a citizens’ assembly.

It has been drafted by an alliance of policy-makers from Extinction Rebellion, the Big Ask campaign, and respected climate, energy and ecology academics.

Gedling Eye contacted Gedling MP Tom Randall for a response.

He said that he agreed that climate change is a priority but disagreed with aspects of the Bill.

He told Gedling Eye: “Tackling climate change is a priority for this Conservative Government and me.  

“I am proud that the UK was the first G7 country to legislate to achieve net zero emissions by 2050. We have recently seen some great strides in protecting the environment, such as generating electricity for a record period of time without burning fossil fuels.

“I understand that this Bill has been developed by campaign members of Extinction Rebellion, Big Ask and Power for the People.

“I note it seeks to examine the UK’s global carbon footprint, such as indirect UK emissions in our supply chain which may affect developing countries. I am encouraged that the UK remains committed to environmentally sustainable development as set out in the Millennium Development Goals and the Sustainable Development Goals.

“In September 2019 the Prime Minister committed to doubling the UK’s International Climate Finance over the next five years which I hope will enable the UK to play an active part in protecting the environment and reversing biodiversity loss.

He added: “I profoundly disagree with the idea of forming a citizens’ assembly. Parliament is the proper place to make decisions and the people should have the right to elect – and reject – the people who make decisions on their behalf.  

“While I welcome the increased awareness and debate this Bill brings, I do not believe that it is required as work is already underway.”

People can support the CEE Bill by contacting their local MP using the digital rebellion webpage. 

More information on the ‘home rebel’ events can be found on the Extinction Rebellion Nottingham website or facebook. 

National radio station talkSPORT is to officially support Carlton Town on the road to Wembley after sensational victory

Gedling Eye Reporter
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National radio station talkSPORT is to officially support Carlton Town on the road to Wembley after sensational victory

A national sports radio station will now be cheering on Carlton Town during their journey down the road to Wembley after the Millers secured a place in the next round of the FA Cup.

talkSport’s breakfast show announced on Monday that they would be picking the name of a lower league team out of a hat to back during their time in the FA Cup competition – with the hope of them securing a tie against a top side in the third round.

Loughborough University FC were the team selected and the national station, which has over 5m listeners, announced on air that the Leicester side had been drawn against our very own Carlton Town in the extra-preliminary round of the competition.

The station hyped up the tie by carrying out a live interview with Loughborough’s team captain prior to the match last night at Stoke Lane.

After hearing the interview, reporters at Gedling Eye contacted the station prior to the game asking where the breakfast show’s loyalties would lie if the Millers managed to secure victory – and the station committed to backing Carlton Town if they dumped Loughborough out of the competition.

And the Millers came good, winning the tie via a 4-2 penalty shoot out following a 1-1 draw

https://twitter.com/TSBreakfast/status/1301469734773370880

A talkSPORT spokesperson told Gedling Eye yesterday: “Carlton will become our team if they win tonight. The talkSPORT team will be keeping a close eye on tonight’s game.

“The ideal scenario is our side gets one of the big boys in Round 3! ”

The station and club have since exchanged tweets, with Carlton Town supporters now pledging to send an official scarf to be worn by the trio of breakfast show presenters now that they would be supporting the club.

SUPER COUNCIL: Government to reveal details about proposal to scrap councils across Notts

Gedling Eye Reporter
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SUPER COUNCIL: Government to reveal details about proposal to scrap councils across Notts

Council bosses are expected to be briefed by the Government this week on what the plans will be for potentially scrapping councils and replacing them with one ‘super council’ for the whole of Nottinghamshire. 

A public county council meeting due to be held next week has been postponed until the week after, so councillors can report back on what Government ministers have said. 

It is not yet known whether the public meeting – now due to be held on Wednesday, September 16 – will contain an agenda item relating to local government reorganisation.

The Conservative-controlled county council has long favoured a plan which would see seven district and borough councils scrapped – as well as the county council itself – and replaced with one single council.

It would likely make it the second largest council in the country in terms of population, behind Birmingham.

A Government document, known as a white paper, had been expected in early autumn, but is now understood to be delayed slightly until October, and will set out the future direction for local government reorganisation.

Cllr-Kay-Cutts

It is likely to set out the rules which reorganisations will have to follow, specifically on the maximum numbers of residents, and potentially the level of local support needed.

Several district and borough councils have been strongly opposed to the scheme, and Labour councillors on the county council have consistently voted against the proposal.

It comes after a report, commissioned by the County Councils Network, found almost £3 billion could be saved by scrapping the so-called two tier system of county councils and district councils, and replacing them with much larger councils. 

However another parallel report, by the District Councils’ Network said reorganisation would distract from local COVID recoveries, and create less agile, less responsive local government.

A spokeswoman for the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government said: “We have set out a clear commitment to level up all areas of the country by empowering our regions through devolving money, resources and control away from Westminster.

“We are considering a range of options and will set out our detailed plans in the White Paper that will be published this autumn.”

Nottinghamshire County Council declined to comment.

£4m Arnold Market revamp project will move to next phase after being approved by councillors

Gedling Eye Reporter
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£4m Arnold Market revamp project will move to next phase after being approved by councillors

The long-anticipated overhaul of Arnold Market has been approved by councillors, paving the way for the £4 million project to move to the next phase. 

In a special meeting today, councillors of all parties unanimously approved spending an additional £1.5 million on the scheme, which will add to funding committed in previous years, and £1.25 million from D2N2.

It is anticipated the scheme will be completed in around 18 months time.

As well as significant upgrades to the marketplace itself, the centrepiece will be a new ‘landmark’ market building, between the Methodist Church and King George V park.

The building will have seven small outlets on the ground floor facing the marketplace, targeted at small, independent businesses, and will provide a ‘central focal point for the market’.

Solar panels are planned to be installed on the roof of the building, along side a range of other environmental measures.

The first floor of the building will be set aside for flexible business space, which could be used either as a single office or subdivided offices.

An office and toilets for traders would also be included on the ground floor of the new building.

In a special meeting of Gedling Borough Council today (Wednesday, September 2) councillors welcomed the initial designs and the concept. 

The spending was approved in principle by the cabinet last month, but was officially confirmed by the full council this afternoon.

PICTURED: An artist’s impression of how the market will look from Front Street (IMAGE: GBC)

Jenny Hollingworth is the Labour councillor for the Gedling ward, and the portfolio holder for growth and regeneration.

She told the meeting today: “Arnold Market opened just over half a century ago, and what was once a vibrant and attractive asset for the town has sadly over a number of years deteriorated, both in its physical environment, and in the variety of goods and services that it now offers.

Arnold Market
PICTURED: Councillor Gary Gregory, Councillor Jenny Hollingsworth, Leader of Gedling Borough Council Councillor John Clarke and Deputy Leader Councillor Michael Payne outside Arnold Market after announcing its purchase by the council

“Following overwhelming support from the community to intervene and improve the market the council acquired the site in 2018.

“The new building has been orientated to frame the new market place, as well as create a gateway into the town.

“A new public square will create a central focal point for the market and provide a flexible space for events and performances.”

Councillor Michael Payne is the deputy leader of the council, and represents the Redhill ward for Labour.

He said: “This is a really good example of local government stepping in to try to assist the local economy.

“None of us know where the economy is going to go in the next six months, and clearly everybody is trying to do their level best to make sure the economy doesn’t tank in the next six months.

“We have a role to play in that, private business has a role, and central Government also has a role.

“Of course everybody hopes and expects the building and the market is full and flourishing but nobody knows what shock the economy is going to face after we’ve just gone through one of the worst  pandemics we’ve ever faced.

“I think we all look forward to the building being open , the market being open and people being able to enjoy the space once when we can return to normality.”

Detailed plans for the project are now expected to be submitted to the council’s planning committee in the coming months.

Revamped areas at Woodthorpe Park unveiled as £100k improvement works continue

Gedling Eye Reporter
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Revamped areas at Woodthorpe Park unveiled as £100k improvement works continue

A number of revamped areas have opened up this week as part of £100k improvements being carried out at Woodthorpe Park.

The works, carried out by the Nottingham City Council parks and neighbourhood teams, have been funded jointly by FCC Communities and Nottingham City Council, following extensive consultation with park users, the friends group and local residents.

One of the main improvements is an enlarged play area with new equipment, including a slide and more swings, suitable for toddlers and junior school aged children. 

Woodthorpe Park Improvements
PICTURED: The new-look play area

Other improvements include new picnic benches, seating areas and trim-style gym.

Cllr Dave Trimble, Portfolio Holder for Leisure and Culture, said: “We are so pleased to have been able to respond to feedback from the public to improve Woodthorpe Park in this way. We are very grateful to FCC Communities Foundation for their support and contributions which have helped our teams to make this happen.

“Woodthorpe is one of our many Green Flag Parks in the city and we are keen to make sure this standard is upheld by constantly reviewing and improving our services and experience for visitors. I really hope the community enjoys the improved space and amenities we have created for them.”

Cheryl Raynor, Grant Manager from FCC Communities Foundation Ltd said: “It’s great to see the playground once again looking great and ready to be used by the local community, the enhancements are fantastic. FCC Communities Foundation is always happy to consider grant applications for projects that make a difference to local communities and this is a great example of what can be achieved.”

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