Home Blog Page 654

MPs in Gedling borough tell us why they voted against protecting the NHS from a post-Brexit trade deal

David Bratton
-
3
MPs in Gedling borough tell us why they voted against protecting the NHS from a post-Brexit trade deal

MPs have voted down an amendment to the government’s Trade Bill which would help protect the NHS from any form of control from outside the UK.

Many now fear the health service could become part of a trade deal with the USA after the amendment was voted down by 340 to 251 late on Monday night. 

Readers contacted Gedling Eye today voicing anger that the borough’s two Conservative MPs Tom Randall and Mark Spencer voted against the move which many feel would have ring-fenced the NHS.  

Gedling resident James Sinclair hoped his local MP Tom Randall would have backed calls for an amendment.

He said: “During the election it was my understanding from the Conservatives that the NHS would not be on the table during trade talks with any country. This clause would had ensured that the NHS would had been safe.

“It appears that my MP for Gedling voted against this clause therefore paving the way for parts of the NHS to be not protected from foreign ownership.

“I do honestly believe that our Gedling MP only votes for his party’s policies and not the interests of his constituents.”

Gedling Eye contacted Mr Randall and asked him to respond following concerns over his vote.

PICTURED: Nadia Whittome voted for an amendment. The Conservative MPs said the claims that the NHS was now up for sale was ‘Labour spin’

Mr Randall said he has always been clear that ‘the NHS is not for sale, no matter how many times Labour play politics with the it’ and wasn’t on the table in trade deals.

He said “The NHS is not for sale. It wasn’t yesterday, it isn’t today, it won’t be next year and under the Conservatives it never will be.”

“The price the NHS pays for drugs isn’t on the table and the services the NHS provides are not on the table. Monday’s amendment to the Trade Bill was nothing more than a distasteful exercise in parliamentary showboating and a stunt from Labour.

The amendment was not designed to help the NHS.”

“The text from the Trade Bill itself says:’Regulations under subsection (1) may make provision for the purpose of implementing a free trade agreement only if the other signatory (or each other signatory) and the European Union were signatories to a free trade agreement immediately before exit day.’ ”

“So, the Bill only rolls over pre-existing trade agreements that we already have via the European Union – nothing to do with the United States.

“Labour’s game playing was intended to generate misleading headlines and obscure the truth about how protecting the NHS is at the heart of our negotiations.”

Simon Hulse from Calverton was also concerned about the vote.

He contacted us to say: “It seems the NHS is on the table and for sale to Donald Trump. It should be protected. Look how the US healthcare system has struggled with coronavirus. Do we want a system more like theirs? Ours should be safe from harm.”

Mark Spencer, who is MP for Sherwood also voted against an amendment but said it ‘was ridiculous’ that people thought that parts of the NHS would now be up for sale.

He said: “To be clear, the idea that a British Government would ‘sell’ parts of our National Health Service, to America or anyone else, is frankly ridiculous.

“This is tired and typical Labour spin, and whilst I’m disappointed, I have to say I’m not entirely surprised.

Every single leaflet that Labour put out claims the NHS is in some kind of danger, and yet, after 10 years of Conservative Government, here is our NHS, receiving record levels of funding under Boris Johnson and the Conservatives.

Considering we are in the middle of a global pandemic, now more than ever it’s essential that people are given the facts, not political spin, and I think it’s time Labour give up with these scaremonger tactics.

The idea that the NHS is or was ‘up for sale’ is just factually untrue, and blatant political spin from Sir Keir’s Labour”

Labour MP for Nottingham East Nadia Whittome voted to include the amendment.

Gedling borough’s council gyms and pools reopen this Saturday

Gedling Eye Reporter
-
0
Gedling borough’s council gyms and pools reopen this Saturday

Gedling Borough Council will reopen its leisure centres, including gyms, group exercise classes and some of its swimming pools from Saturday (July 25). 

Carlton Forum, Redhill, Calverton and Arnold Leisure Centres will reopen from next week following the government’s announcement to relax the lockdown measures.

Leisure centres across the country closed in March as part of the national response to the coronavirus pandemic.

The leisure centres have been deep cleaned during the closures and the leisure team has been working hard for a number of weeks to introduce new safety measures, including spreading out gym equipment to enable social distancing, introducing safety signage, a one way system and additional cleaning sessions. There will be cleaning stations in all areas with hand sanitisers and all equipment will be cleaned between sessions.

As well as the classes, gym sessions and public swim sessions restarting, the pools at Arnold and Carlton Forum Leisure Centres are timetabling children’s swimming lessons. Calverton’s pool will remain closed initially, as the changing rooms are being refurbished.

Gyms in Gedling

All classes, gym and pool sessions, including children’s swim lessons will now have to be pre-booked, to limit the number of people in the centres at any time and enable social distancing and to meet government test and trace requirements.

Gym, swim sessions and classes will be bookable through the leisure app or online from Saturday 18 July and by calling the relevant leisure centre from next Monday. Children’s swimming lessons will be bookable by calling the relevant centre from 9am on 20th July. Customers will need to have a DNA gym membership or Gedling Leisure Card to book, which is free to order at www.gedling.gov.uk/leisure

Leader of Gedling Borough Council, Councillor John Clarke said: “I am very happy to announce that we are re-opening our fantastic leisure facilities.

“We know that our members have missed going to their gyms, classes and pools and will be eager to return to their local leisure centres. Our staff have missed seeing their regular clients too.

“Our team have worked hard to get all of the centres ready to receive people again and while customers will find some things have changed, they can be re-assured that the centres are safe places to visit and work out.”

Find out more about the safety measures in place across the leisure centres and the children’s swimming lessons: www.gedling.gov.uk/leisure.

VIDEO: Police raid homes after drug supply concerns are raised by residents in Netherfield

Gedling Eye Reporter
-
0
VIDEO: Police raid homes after drug supply concerns are raised by residents in Netherfield

Police and Gedling borough and Nottinghamshire County councillors yesterday carried out a day of action in Gedling and Netherfield in response to community concerns about drug use and supply in the area.

The Gedling Operation Reacher Team and Gedling Neighbourhood Policing Teams executed two drugs warrants at addresses in Shaw Gardens on the back of information received from members of the public.

Quantities of suspected controlled drugs were seized from both properties.

No arrests were made. Two men and a woman have been voluntarily interviewed in connection with the seizures.

The warrants were carried out as part of the ongoing drugs operation ‘Operation Thistle’ – tackling the issue of drug supply which has been raised by the local community as being a main concern for them. 

As well as the enforcement activity, local police teams were joined by Gedling Borough Councillors as they took part in an awareness-raising community walkabout in Netherfield and letter drop.

Police said it was to inform and update residents on joint action which has already been taken to address their concerns and the ongoing proactive work to tackle the issue of drug use and supply in their area – an issue which police and partners have made a priority after listening to residents’ concerns.

The day of action was held following a number of previous Operation Thistle drugs warrants carried out over recent months resulting in drug arrests and seizures.

Pictured: (l to r) Gedling Borough Councillors David Ellis, Errol Henry, Jim Creamer and Nicki Brooks PHOTO: Nottinghamshire Police

Neighbourhood Policing Inspector Chris Pearson said: “The aim of this positive day of action was to take a coordinated approach to targeting suspected offenders and disrupting suspected illegal activity as well as engaging with the people we serve, listening to any concerns and informing them about the work we’re doing to tackle drug crime in their area.

“Drugs ruin lives and are often the catalyst for more serious and violent crimes, which can have a huge impact on local communities.

“Today’s warrants are a prime example of the robust action we can and will take if we receive information to suggest there is drug dealing activity in our communities.

“In response to concerns raised by Netherfield residents about drug use and supply we have increased our enforcement activity in the area.

“It shows how Nottinghamshire Police is focused on acting on community concerns that matter to local people and making our communities even safer places to live and work.

“We can only achieve this goal with the help of the public by providing us with information, as well as telling us what issues matter most to them in their area.

“We are constantly working behind the scenes to gather information and develop intelligence about those who may be involved in drug supply and we remain committed to working with our partners to target offenders and take action.

“If you have any concerns or see anything suspicious in your area, please do not hesitate to contact Nottinghamshire Police on 101 or 999 in an emergency.

“Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or by visiting https://crimestoppers-uk.org/” 

Councillor David Ellis, Portfolio Holder for Public Protection, said: “It was valuable for us to take part in the walkabout and speak to the community about how we are working with the police to reduce crime.

“It is clear from the people we spoke to that reducing crime and specifically drug-related crime is very important to them. Making Gedling a safer place to live is one of the council’s main priorities.

“The actions taken today and the ongoing joint work of Operation Reacher to disrupt the criminal activities in the area is working. We are very pleased with the results so far and we will continue to work closely with the police to reduce crime in Netherfield and in other areas.”

Papplewick home targeted during major police crackdown on drugs in Notts

Gedling Eye Reporter
-
0
Papplewick home targeted during major police crackdown on drugs in Notts

A property in Papplewick was one of many targeted during a day of action by Nottinghamshire Police.

Eight members of a suspected organised crime group, thought to be responsible for moving cocaine throughout Derbyshire and into Nottinghamshire and the West Midlands, have been arrested. 

Detectives from the East Midlands Special Operations Unit (EMSOU) — supported by uniformed officers from Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and West Midlands police forces—conducted a number of warrants across the three counties on Tuesday 21 July 2020.

Five men aged 32, 37, 44, 48 and 62, were detained at residential premises in Derby. 

Two men, aged 35 and 56, were also arrested from residential properties in Papplewick and Nottingham city centre. A business address in Radford was also searched. 

A 40 year-old man was detained at a house in Coventry, in the West Midlands.

Police have recovered a substantial quantity of controlled drugs, large sums of cash, a suspected firearm and a number of high value pieces of jewellery. Several luxury cars have also been recovered including a Rolls Royce and a Bentley.

 All eight suspects remain in custody for questioning on suspicion of conspiracy to supply Class A drugs.

Detective Inspector Tim Walters said: “The arrests today are a culmination of several weeks of prolonged investigations in to this group, who were operating under a veil of secrecy. The recoveries today not only show the vast wealth being generated by the criminal supply of controlled drugs, but also the threat that these people pose to our communities, with the discovery of an illegally held firearm.”

Detective Chief Superintendent Dave Kirby, Head of EMSOU, said: “A huge amount of work went into coordinating today’s warrants. Working together as one team – and putting in a tremendous amount of effort – has reaped some great results and I want to thank the forces for supporting EMSOU today, as ever. 

“Along with the arrests, we’ve seized a substantial amount of suspected Class A drugs, a suspected shotgun and a big chunk of cash. We will not tolerate this kind of criminality in the East Midlands, and we’ll relentlessly pursue those who cause harm for their own gain across our counties and beyond.” 

Knife crime plunges to new all-time low across Notts, new stats show

Gedling Eye Reporter
-
0
Knife crime plunges to new all-time low across Notts, new stats show

Knife crime in Nottinghamshire has fallen sharply – bucking national trends which has seen the number of similar offences in England and Wales rise to a new record high, says the Office for National Statistics.

The force saw a 13 percent reduction in the number of knife offences in the year end to March 2020. This is in stark contrast to the national and regional picture, where knife crime increased by six percent in England and Wales and by 11 percent in the East Midlands.

The reduction is a result of sustained and tactical proactive engagement with local communities in order to prevent knife crime, coupled with investment into the force’s Knife Crime Team and Robbery Team, who focus on tackling weapon-enabled violence.

Schools and Early Intervention Officers have also been working hard in secondary schools across Nottinghamshire to drive home the prevention message over the last three academic years – prior to schools closing due to Coronavirus – and further PCC investment has gone into launching the Dare 25 programme in primary schools, which includes bespoke education on knife crime.  

Chief Constable Craig Guildford feels a combination of factors has contributed to the drop in knife crime. He said: “Our focus has been unrelenting around knife crime. People will see that knife crime figures have increased nationally by around six percent and there’s lots of hard work going on locally to reduce this type of offending.

“To see a 13 percent reduction in the number of offences before Coronavirus social distancing measures came into place is something that I think the public will be reassured by and that is down to a lot of hard work across Nottinghamshire Police.

knife_crime

“We’ve achieved this as a result of excellent work with our partners, focusing and targeting the right people thanks to excellent intelligence gathering from our local communities and therefore checking and searching the right people, which ultimately leads to preventing crime.

“We have a dedicated knife crime analyst and researcher whose work helps us to identify hotspots and trends. This allows us to be very targeted with our patrols and other initiatives to tackle knife crime.

“Street outreach workers, a custody diversion scheme and other initiatives including the Ben Kinsella Trust at the National Justice Museum serve to educate young people and help them to make positive life choices.

“Working with our partners in the city and county Youth Justice Services, among others, we have adopted a tailored approach to each individual to ensure they get access to the right kind of support.

“The whole of the force has got behind this and our crime reduction performance has been very impressive in all types of offences.

“That being said, it is also important for me to say that our job will never be done. We are here for you and it is important that we keep responding to local information so please contact the police, give us the information and we will continue to help you.”

Chief Inspector Kathryn Craner, Nottinghamshire Police’s Force Lead for Knife Crime, added: “The Knife Crime Team has been working incredibly hard over the past few years with the goalof clamping down on the illegal possession of knives.

“We are making good progress in our commitment to knife crime and we will continue to focus our efforts into preventing knives from being used on the streets of Nottinghamshire.

“I am pleased with the reduction but we are not complacent. I look forward to the extra resources we have at our disposal thanks to the funding secured by the Violence Reduction Unit (VRU) and further Home Office funding.”

This year, it was announced that Nottinghamshire Police would receive £1,003,730 of Home Office funding to help tackle violent and knife crime.

Chief Constable Guildford added: “The extra funding is a welcome boost to our ongoing work to tackle and further reduce knife crime through a combination of education and enforcement.

“The force has invested heavily in a programme of recruitment of officers, with 282 more officers recruited into the front line a year ahead of schedule. We are well on with recruiting another 300 officers this financial year too.  

“The VRU funding and Home Office surge funding we have received has also been used to target additional patrols and other officer activity to combat knife crime.

“Overall, we have a very robust approach to dealing with knife crime offenders, including youth offenders, to ensure that no opportunity is missed to divert them away from this kind of offending.”

If you have any concerns about knife crime in your area, please contact Nottinghamshire Police on 101.

Campaigners say Carlton homes plan would destroy badger habitat

Gedling Eye Reporter
-
2
Campaigners say Carlton homes plan would destroy badger habitat

Wildlife supporters have hit out at plans to build new homes in Carlton which they say will impact rare creatures who have made a green space their home.

An application has been made to build three modern homes on the site of the Burleigh House Orchard, off Midlands Crescent.

Campaigners say this land is home to badgers, barn owls and bats and now plan to object to the plans in a bid to protect the local wildlife.

Burleigh Close resident Paul Farrant said: “Residents are very concerned about noise, additional traffic, safety of residential roads, the effect upon small businesses, and about the wildlife that relies heavily on the orchard for food if these plans get the go ahead.

“Many surrounding gardens are visited by orchard’s resident badgers – including rare white erythritic badgers. They are protected by law in the UK. 

PICTURED: The badgers captured on camera while visiting gardens surrounding the land earmarked for development

“Additionally, barn owls are frequent visitors to the nearby trees, using the more open space of the fruit orchard to hunt rodents. Barn owls roosts and feeding grounds are also protected by law.

“Bats are a common sighting in and around the orchard. As creatures of habit they commute along fixed tree lines to known hunting grounds. The established fruit trees of the orchard helps support a diverse insect world upon which the bats thrive. Not only their roosts, but their lines of travel should not be broken up and their feeding grounds shouldn’t be developed. 

Mr Farrant added: “In all at least sixteen trees will be felled to make way for the new dwellings, which will then overlook homes below.

“Concerned residents have also stated their fears for the integrity of surrounding properties, with heavy earthworks being required to excavate the hillside in order to build.”  

A Facebook group has now been set up by residents to drum up support for their campaign. You can visit it here: https://www.facebook.com/burleighbadgers/

People now have until July 23 to object to the plans which can be viewed on Gedling Borough Council’s website: https://pawam.gedling.gov.uk/online-applications/

The application was submitted on behalf of Roger Wheldon.

Gedling Eye has reached out for a comment.

A spokesman for Gedling Borough Council said: “A decision on the application is expected to be made by the council later in the summer.”

SUPER COUNCIL: Scrapping councils ‘won’t be forced’ if unwanted in Notts, Minister says

Gedling Eye Reporter
-
0
SUPER COUNCIL: Scrapping councils ‘won’t be forced’ if unwanted in Notts, Minister says

Local approval will still be important if councils in Notts are to be scrapped and replaced with one new council, the local government minister has said. 

He said he wanted to make it easier – potentially with financial incentives – for councils who do ‘embrace reform’, but didn’t want to ‘impose’ council restructures on areas that didn’t want them.

New guidelines are expected to be published by the Government later this year for local government reorganisation.

The Conservative-led Nottinghamshire County Council has long wanted to abolish all seven district and borough councils – and itself – and replace them all with one council for the whole of Notts, outside the city. 

It argues this could save taxpayers around £30 million a year, and improve services.

However, the scheme was highly contentious, with Labour councillors and several borough and district councils vocally opposed, arguing it would weaken local decision making and cost a huge amount in the short term.

Under previous guidelines, ‘broad consensus’ was needed in order to reorganise local government.

The county council’s plans were unexpectedly shelved in December 2018, but a new committee – which met for the first time last week – is tasked partly with looking into renewing the scheme.

Now, the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government Robert Jenrick, who is also the Conservative MP for Newark, has said he wants to make it easier to reform, but that he doesn’t want it ‘imposed’.

The Government new guidance – known as a white paper – is expected this year.

In an exclusive interview on Friday, July 17, Mr Jenrick said: “We’re going to publish a white paper on devolution and recovery in the autumn, and that will set out our ambitious plans for more mayors, greater powers and financial incentives to be given to local councils who embrace reform, and set out the important role we want local councils to play in economic growth in the future, particularly at the end of the transition period when we are able to take back more control from the EU and we will also have the funding that used to be given to local areas by the EU and want to find a better way to spend that in local communities.”

Asked whether the current requirement for ‘broad consensus’ would be maintained, Mr Jenrick said: “Today if you want to have a mayor then you need to have the unanimous support of all the councils. 

“If you want to pursue local government reform such as unitarisation you need to be able to demonstrate broad support but you don’t need to demonstrate unanimous support. 

“We will set out in the white paper our plans, but we want to make it easier for local councils to embrace reform, but we’re not in the business of imposing solutions in local areas where there’s no demonstrable support. 

“I’m not in the business of 1970s top-down local Government reform where we impose solutions on parts of the country that don’t want them.

“My personal view is that there are a lot of savings to be found through embracing reforms like unitarisation, and there can be other benefits as well, like the delivery of critical public services like social care, which we’ve seen in the pandemic how fragmented and challenging the sector is.

“It will be a choice for the local area whether they want to embrace these reforms. 

“I’m fortunate enough to represent a constituency with a number of excellent local councils, so in this area I appreciate it’s not a straightforward decision because certainly in my experience both Newark and Sherwood and Rushcliffe councils are high-performing councils which have done a good job in the pandemic of supporting their local communities, so it will be up to them to decide whether they want to embrace the reforms we will make available. 

“But the important thing to emphasise is that it won’t be imposed on communities, it will be up to local councils here to decide whether it’s a route they want to follow.”

Cut down on carbon footprint as shoes made from recycled plastics go on sale in Lidl stores across borough

Gedling Eye Reporter
-
0
Cut down on carbon footprint as shoes made from recycled plastics go on sale in Lidl stores across borough

Looking to cut down your plastic footprint? Look no further than your weekly shop, as Lidl is introducing its first shoes made from 25% recycled ocean-bound plastic – and they’re on sale from Thursday in stores across the borough.

The discount supermarket has said the shoe is being made with 25% recycled ocean bound plastic and 75% recycled polyester, as part of its wider commitment to sustainable sourcing.

The eco-conscious kicks are made with 25% recycled plastic drinks bottles collected from beaches, islands and coastal regions in Asia that would have otherwise polluted the sea.

Lidl have said their range of recycled plastic trainers has so far prevented over 150,000 bottles from entering the ocean, which is great news for the marine environment. 

The shoes are as pretty as they are planet-friendly, available in  three designs to suit any style – laced options in soft grey or classic black for men, and a slip on version in blush pink and laced grey for women. They’re comfy too, with a memory foam insole that adapts perfectly to your feet for a super comfortable fit that will leave you walking on air, whilst a breathable knitted upper and textile lining also makes them perfect for summer strolls. 

Available in sizes 4 – 11.5, check out the range on your next visit to Lidl from Thursday, July 23. 

Carlton burglary suspect arrested after police foot chase

Gedling Eye Reporter
-
0
Carlton burglary suspect arrested after police foot chase

Police arrested a Carlton burglary suspect after a foot chase in the Sneinton area on Saturday.

Officers were on mobile patrol when their attention was drawn to a car which had been driven along Sneinton Boulevard at around 6.25pm.

They tracked the vehicle to Pullman Road where the driver had got out and was walking away while the car was still moving, colliding with a parked vehicle and a wall.

While an officer secured the abandoned vehicle, another officer pulled up alongside the suspect but he ran off.

Police-notepad

The officer gave chase on foot before a search of the area was carried out. A short time later the suspect was located in a garden and arrested.

Enquiries established that the car driven by the suspect was suspected to have been stolen during a house burglary in Claygate, Carlton, which is believed to have happened overnight between Thursday and Friday.

A 33-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of burglary, theft of a motor vehicle and possession of cannabis. He remains in police custody.

Detective Inspector Ed Cook, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “This was a great bit of old-fashioned police work which led to the suspect’s arrest.

“He is now being questioned in connection with the burglary while we continue with our enquiries which include checking for any CCTV opportunities.”

Anyone who has any information about the car key burglary is urged to call Nottinghamshire Police on 101, quoting incident number 131 of 17 July 2020.

Gedling borough gyms reopening: New rules for council leisure centres issued

Gedling Eye Reporter
-
0
Gedling borough gyms reopening: New rules for council leisure centres issued

Gedling Borough Council has issued updates on major changes to how its gyms and pools will operate when they reopen next weekend.

Arnold, Calverton, Carlton Forum and the Richard Herrod Centre all reopen next Saturday (July 25) now that government guidelines have been relaxed.

The council said that the centres have been deep cleaned and we have introduced additional cleaning routines, along with cleaning stations and hand sanitisers, throughout all centres.

Although the sites are reopening, there will be changes.

There will be reduced capacity and pre-booking.

Users will need to pre-book a time slot for a gym session, a swim or exercise class and only visit within that timeslot. People are also being advised to arrive and queue 10 minutes before your allocated time. If you arrive more than five minutes late for your session you may not be allowed to participate. All sessions must be booked and paid for in advance.

All activities are now bookable from today (Saturday, 18) via the Gedling Leisure app and online. You can book by phone by calling the relevant leisure centre from Monday, July 20. 

PICTURED: Redhill gym

Those using a gym are being told to arrive dressed ready to work out as lockers and changing rooms are out of use.

Gym equipment has been spread out with clearly marked areas, to allow at least 2 metres from you and another customer.  Some machines will be marked as out of use and there is a one way system in the gym spaces, to help everyone to keep their distances.

All classes also have floor markings to ensure people have at least 2 metres between them and the next person.

Changes have been made at leisure centre swimming pools too.

Each public swim session in the pool will last 50 minutes and must now be booked in advance. People will not be allowed into the pool without a booking.

No spectators are allowed on site for public swimming sessions until further notice.

Swimmers must arrive 10 minutes prior to their session to allow time to get changed and be pool ready for the start of their session.

Public swim sessions take place in lanes and requires customers to swim lengths in a clockwise direction to ensure social distancing

Changing facilities and lockers will be available for use, but customers are being advised to come with their costumes on underneath their clothes so time spent in the changing room is kept to a minimum.

At the end of the session the lifeguards will instruct customers to exit the pool.

For more information visit the council’s website: https://www.gedling.gov.uk/leisure/

1...653654655...1,015Page 654 of 1,015