The Environment Agency is warning people in Gedling borough of the dangers of jumping off local locks, weirs, and bridges
The warning amidst soaring temperatures and the easing of lockdown restrictions.
The Agency said swimmers have been taking unnecessary risks by not social distancing, and swimming too close to Environment Agency structures in water that could pose hidden dangers for even the strongest swimmers, such as strong currents, underwater hazards and even algae that could make people ill.
Irven Forbes, Anglian Waterways Manager at the Environment Agency, said: “We manage a large number of structures like locks and weirs to keep our waterways safe, keep our navigation channels clear, and keep homes protected from flooding.
“Every summer we see people put themselves at risk by ignoring warning signs and swimming where it isn’t safe, and we know this can have serious, even tragic, consequences.
“Please don’t take the chance – follow posted safety warnings and guidance from the authorities. If you don’t, you’re risking your life, and you could face a day in court and a steep fine.”
“Increased numbers of people have been noted across many Environment Agency structures and sites – despite warnings year on year of the dangers.
“But this year, as the country emerges from lockdown, the behaviour poses additional risks not just to those breaking the rules, but to local residents, and is putting additional pressure on police and EA resources.
Guidance on gov.uk – search ‘staying safe around water’ – shows the message is clear: vigilance can save lives, and water-related accidents can be avoided by knowing how to stay safe.
Top tips for river safety:
Don’t jump or dive in as the depth may vary and there can be unseen hazards.
Don’t go in near weirs, locks, pipes and sluices. These and some other water features are often linked with strong currents.
Inland waters can be very cold, no matter how warm the weather. Those going into cold water can get cramp and experience breathing difficulties very quickly.
Keep a look out for boat traffic. Boaters, especially on larger vessels, can find it very hard to spot swimmers.
A fighting force of volunteers are close to taking back control of a waterway in Netherfield from an evil invader who has been terrorising local inhabitants for years.
The group have been recruited by Gedling Conservation Society to help bash down balsam at Ouse Dyke.
Himalayan balsam grows rapidly and spreads quickly, smothering other vegetation as it goes.It tolerates low light levels and also shades out other vegetation.
It has now been revealed the efforts of the volunteers are paying off, with experts believing the borough could soon be free of the invader, which grows quickly and smothers our indigenous plants.
The plant was introduced to the UK in 1839 and quickly escaped into the wild. Our native species now simply can’t compete for survival on waterways where the plant is prevalent.
PICTURED: Himalayan balsam
As well as targeting Ouse Dyke, they have also been removing the plants from an area of land near Mapperley Golf Course.
Mark Glover from Gedling Conservation Trust said he was delighted by the progress and hopes the borough could soon be balsam free..
He said: “We made so much progress last year, it would be great to maintain the momentum.
“Chris Jackson from the Notts Biodiversity Action Group believes, if we stick at it, Gedling could become a Balsam free zone. What an achievement that would be.
“It is imperative we continue to eradicate the plants from the golf course as well as to repeat the clearance at the Ouse Dyke.
Those taking part in the bashing are social distancing while carrying out the work.
Volunteers are needed to join the balsam bash tomorrow (June 27) at Teal Close from 2.30pm
Call Mark on 07850 768337 if you want to volunteer and lend a hand.
UK Finance is warning people in Gedling borough to be on the lookout for holiday scams including fake caravan and motorhome listings, refund offers and travel deals.
The warning comes as criminals take advantage of uncertainty around coronavirus travel restrictions and cancellations to target their victims and commit fraud.
Criminals will impersonating trusted organisations such as airlines, travel agencies or banks.
They are using a range of methods to target victims, including scam emails, telephone calls, fake websites and posts on social media and auction websites.
People are being reminded to always follow the advice of the Take Five to Stop Fraud campaign and take a moment to stop and think before parting with their money or information in case it’s a scam.
Katy Worobec, managing director of Economic Crime at UK Finance, said: “Criminals will exploit the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on people’s holiday plans to commit fraud, whether it’s advertising fake listings for caravans or pretending to offer refunds for cancelled flights.
“The banking and finance industry is working closely with law enforcement to crack down on these cruel scams, but we need others to play their part too. It’s important that auction websites and social platforms take swift action to remove fraudulent posts and listings being used to promote holiday scams.
“Always be wary of any requests to pay by bank transfer when buying goods or services online and instead use the secure payment options recommended by reputable websites.
“It’s also important to question any emails, phone calls or social media posts offering refunds for cancelled holidays and not to click on links or attachments in case it’s a scam. Instead, contact organisations directly to confirm requests using a known email or phone number such as the one on their official website.”
These are the scams to watch out for…
Caravan scams
Criminals are taking advantage of growing demand for ‘staycations’ in the UK this summer, by advertising fake listings for caravans and motorhomes on auction sites and citing lockdown restrictions as the reason vehicles can’t be viewed in person. These vehicles are advertised at attractive prices to tempt people into believing they’re getting a good deal, when in reality they simply don’t exist or don’t arrive once paid for.
UK Finance recommend youdo your research before making any purchases and ask to see vehicles over video if you’re unable to see them in person.
You should use the secure payment methods recommended by reputable online retailers and auction sites and don’t accept requests to pay separately via a bank transfer.
Where possible, use a credit card when making purchases over £100 and up to £30,000 as you receive protection under Section 75.
Fake refunds for cancellations
The current travel restrictions imposed due to coronavirus have meant thousands of customers have applied for refunds for cancelled flights or holidays.
Criminals may exploit the current situation to defraud people via phishing emails, ‘spoofed’ calls or social media posts and adverts claiming to be offering refunds from airlines, travel providers or banks. Often emails and posts will include links leading to fake websites used to steal personal and financial information that can infect a victim’s device with malware.
Don’t click on links or attachments in social media posts or emails.
Question uninvited approaches and contact organisations directly to confirm requests using a known email or phone number.
Cheap travel deal scams
Criminals will set up fake websites offering ‘cheap travel deals’ which are used to obtain your money and information. Websites may look similar to the genuine organisation’s but subtle changes in the URL can indicate that it’s fraudulent. These websites may also seem professional and convincing, using images of luxury villas and apartments that don’t exist to convince victims they’re trusted and genuine. These are offered for rent, often at discounted prices and require a deposit to be made which is never returned.
Always remember to be suspicious of any “too good to be true” offers or prices – if it’s at a rock bottom price ask yourself why.
Where possible, use a credit card when booking holidays over £100 and up to £30,000 as you receive protection under Section 75.
Use the secure payment options recommended by online travel providers and don’t accept requests to pay separately via a bank transfer.
Read online reviews from reputable sources to check websites and bookings are legitimate.
Access the website you’re purchasing from by typing it in to the web browser and avoid clicking on links in unsolicited emails.
Police have charged a man from Ravenshead after a police officer was headbutted during an incident in the village yesterday (25).
A man is due to appear at Nottingham Magistrates’ Court today (July 26) charged in connection with an alleged assault on a Nottinghamshire Police officer.
The charge relates to an incident where a police officer was allegedly head-butted after moving to arrest a man in Ravenshead at around 11.50am yesterday morning.
Police were called to Ravenshead yesterday morning
The officer received bruising to their face in the incident.
Daniel Cross, 27 of Main Road, Ravenshead, is charged with assaulting an emergency worker in connection with the report.
Chief Inspector Christopher Sullivan, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “Officer assaults are a sad reminder of the potential dangers our officers face on a daily basis.
“We will not tolerate violence towards our staff and will investigate all incidents where officers are assaulted thoroughly.”
They are demanding the MP speaks out now about what they say is the Government’s failings to reach its own climate targets.
Accompanied by a loud ensemble of drums and carrying flags they marched to the city centre offices of the Nottingham Conservatives in a bid to address Mr Randall.
They stuck a message about their concerns to the office doors.
The group said the socially distanced protest was organised because the government’s own Committee on Climate Change (CCC) reported yesterday to say that the government’s actions fall way short of meeting its own legally-binding target to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 – a target most scientists consider to be woefully inadequate.
Margaret Vince, 62, translator from Arnold said “Tom Randall says that he is ‘proud’ of the Conservative Party’s legislation ‘to eliminate our contribution to climate change’, but today the CCC says there are 21 indicators of progress towards net zero and the UK is only on track for four of these. 4 out of 21 is terrible! I’m frustrated!
PICTURED: Rebels outside the offices of Nottingham ConservativesPICTURED: Extinction Rebellion protestors march in Nottingham City Centre
“The Conservatives need to listen to the science and act.”
Jo Bucklow, 60, from Gedling said “I went to one of Tom Randall’s surgeries, and he really listened and he even did more research about the subject I took to him. I’m desperate that he takes the Climate and Ecological Emergency just as seriously. I’m really looking forward to talking to him about this on his “Virtual Lobby on a fair and green recovery” this coming Tuesday.”
Mr Randall is holding a virtual lobby on Tuesday, June 30 between 10.30am-11am and he is inviting Gedling constituents and community groups to join him and discuss climate change and nature.
CCC Chairman, Lord Deben, said: “the global crisis of climate change is accelerating…choices that lock in emissions or climate risks are unacceptable.”
Chair of the CCC’s Adaptation Committee, Baroness Brown of Cambridge, said: “We have warned repeatedly that the UK is poorly prepared for the very serious impacts of climate change, including flooding, overheating and water shortages.”
We’ve contacted Mr Randall’s office for a reaction to the story.
Pubs in Gedling borough have welcomed the recent announcement by the Prime Minister allowing pubs across the UK to start opening from Saturday, July 4.
Places of mass gatherings, including pubs, were told to close by the Prime Minister when lockdown was first announced more than two months ago.
Landlords and landladies in Gedling borough said they are looking forward to welcoming their customers back and are currently now working hard to prepare their pubs for opening day.
Gedling Eye spoke to several pubs in the borough to see how they were preparing to open – and this is what they had to tell us
PICTURED: The Nags Head on Carlton Hill (IMAGE: Facebook)
Nags Head, Carlton
Louise Howard. landlady of the pub, confirmed to us they would be reopening on July 4.
She said: “We are looking forward to opening and we will be following goverment guidelines.
“There will be social distancing, hand sanitising on arrival and a requirement to check or booking in with contact details to aid track and trace. We are currently working out the logistics of it all
“We will be outlining our specific guidelines for our site following advice from our brewery team in the coming days and I am currently finalising our risk assessments to cover our staff and customers to the highest ability
The Vale Club, Colwick
The Vale club on Vale Road is planning to reopen on Saturday, July 4. They are offering table service only for drinks which can be ordered using a new app they have developed. Tables don’t have to be pre-booked.
Nathan Woodward, who is general manager at the club, said: “Things will be slightly different when you return and please follow social distancing and other rules we have in place so we can continue to open.
“Please be patient with the staff as everything is new to us to and we are learning the new rules too.”
Gedling Inn, Gedling Village
The Gedling Inn will be open on July 4
The pub said that safety measures will be put in place which will allow a decent capacity.
Access to the pub is being restricted and customers will have to pre-book a visit via their Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/TheGedlingInn/ or by calling 07746910135
The pub’s landlady Beccy Webster told us: “I am happy but apprehensive about the reopening.
“I want people to have a good time but I also want my staff to be happy at work too.”
PICTURED: The Gedling Inn
Old Volunteer, Carlton
The Old Volunteer in Carlton won’t be opening on July 4, but does have plans to start trading again a week later.
Landlord Andrew Dunkin told Gedling Eye: “We think opening on a Saturday is crazy and we’ve not been given enough notice anyway. Plus, we’re both in the vulnerable category and in no hurry to put ourselves at risk.
“We currently have a date of Monday, July 13 pencilled in as our likely re-opening date. We will keep people updated with progress. on our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/OldVolunteerNG4/
The pub are continuing to sell beer boxes, minikegs and bottles of real ales every Friday afternoon to takeaway from 2 to 6pm.
The Gleaners, Calverton
The popular Calverton pub plans to reopen on July 4.
A post on their Facebook page read: “Covid 19 protection is in place and a full list of rules will be posted at the one-way entrance and around the pub. Anyone who does not comply will be asked to leave and not return until restrictions are changed.
“We kindly ask you to keep your distance, wash hands or use sanitisers regularly.
The Lord Nelson Pub & Kitchen, Burton Joyce
This popular village boozer can again be enjoyed by customers from July 4.
The pub have said that you won’t have to book a table inside or out if you want to drink although you may have to wait.
The Nelson is putting a ‘buddy’ in place top ensure there are safe quotas of people inside and out.
A post on their Facebook page read: “It’s been a long time since the doors have been open at the Nelson and we cant wait to see you all again.”
Cross Keys, Arnold
The popular pub in Arnold will be opening on July 4 in time for the local clash against Derby County and Forest.
On their Facebook page, the pub notified customers: “Under strict new safety measures we are operating a ‘bookings-only format’ for the game and other events we will be offering.
“The table allocation time for this event will be from 11am-3pm.
“Bookings are based on a first-come first-served basis and you will be notified with confirmation from ourselves once we have secured you a table.”.
PICTURED: Cross Keys in Arnold
Griffins Head, Ravenshead
The Griffin’s Head in Ravenshead will open on July 4.
They will offer two-hour table bookings which will be taken over the phone only on 01158745834. Bookings start from June 29.
The pub posted online: “Come and be looked after safely here at the Griffin. We look forward to welcoming you back.
“The bookings will be for tables both inside and out all will be table service to maintain government guidelines. Also we’ll be taking card payments only to help keep staff safe.
On a posting on their social media sites, they wrote: “After completing numerous risk assessments and looking into the guidelines, unfortunately we don’t believe we will be ready to open on the 4th July. “This will be reviewed regularly and we will keep you updated on any changes.
Treetops, Mapperley
A post on their Facebook page said: “We will be opening the doors to the TreeTops on Monday, July 6 at 11 am. Wanting to book a table? We are just finalising the plans on bookings and will update our Facebook page on how you can book a table very soon!
Elwes Arms, Carlton
The pub plans to reopen to the public on Wednesday, July 8.
Bookings for the carvery and afternoon tea takeaways are still available.
Residents, organisations and businesses are being asked to have their say on the Greater Nottingham Strategic Plan to help shape future planning for the area.
Councils are required to set out strategic policies to address local priorities for development.
Broxtowe, Gedling and Rushcliffe Borough Councils along with Nottingham City Council are developing a joint Strategic Plan, which sets out the policies, which will help guide future development across their combined areas.
The plan looks at how Greater Nottingham’s longer-term development needs can be met up to 2038 supported by more detailed policies which will be developed in each council’s own individual Local Plan.
Being able to plan for future development needs such as housing and growth is important to the prosperity of local people. Planning for development will also provide a vital stimulus to the local economy, which will help the area recover from the impact of Covid 19, by encouraging investment, which helps to create jobs and supply chain business.
Once approved, the document, along with other planning policies, can be used for guidance by developers and planners as part of the planning process.
The Greater Nottingham Strategic Plan aims to:
· Have the right number and types of new homes, which are built in the right places and meet the needs of our local population and diverse communities;
· Create vibrant and viable city and town centres, which are sustainable and are places where people want to live and work;
· Provide the right conditions for economic development which generates new jobs and economic growth, and to enable strong, safe and healthier communities.
The Strategic Plan will also consider other planning issues such as climate change and how the plan can help achieve each council’s ambition to become carbon neutral.
Approval of the Strategic Plan is a matter for each Council and the Growth Options document will first be in the public domain as part of the agenda for Gedling Borough Council’s Cabinet meeting on 2nd July. The consultation, once approved, will last for ten weeks starting on 6th July and ending on 14th September 2020
Councillor Tony Harper, Chair of the Greater Nottingham Joint Planning Advisory Board, said: “The Greater Nottingham Strategic Plan will help us plan for a better future, recover quicker from the current Covid 19 crisis, and contribute to progress on making Greater Nottingham a great place to live and work, to visit or do business in.
“We welcome views from residents, organisations and businesses, and encourage anyone who would like to help shape how we plan for our future development to have their say on the plans which are available to view online.”
Once the consultation has closed, comments will be considered and a summary of responses made available along with the councils’ response. A draft Strategic Plan will be published next year when there will be a further opportunity to comment.
Subject to approval by the Councils, there will be an opportunity to have your say on the Strategic Plan. Full details can be found at www.gnplan.org.uk
Mike Hill, who is currently the Acting Chief Executive, will be officially appointed, subject to Full Council approval, on July 15.
Mike began working for Gedling Borough Council in July 2016 as the Deputy Chief Executive.
He was appointed Acting Chief Executive in March of this year and has guided the council through the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. He previously worked at Bassetlaw District Council from 2008 as their Head of Finance, Property and Revenues before he joined Gedling Borough Council
Mr Hill replaces Karen Bradford, who vacated the role earlier this year
Mike received unanimous support for his appointment from councillors on the Appointments & Conditions of Service Committee.
Leader of Gedling Borough Council, Councillor John Clarke said: “Mike has performed well in his role as Acting Chief Executive, steering us through one of the most difficult challenges we have ever faced, this experience shone through in his interview.
“He has demonstrated to us that he will do a great job for the residents and businesses of Gedling borough and he will provide supportive leadership for all of our staff. We are an ambitious council and Mike understands our council’s ethos of Serving People, Improving Lives. We look forward to working with him to deliver our key priorities for our local community.”
Mike Hill said: “I’m proud to have been appointed as Chief Executive of Gedling Borough Council. It is the realisation of a career dream.
“I know that the job ahead is a tough one, particularly in the current climate, but there are many opportunities to be realised too for our local communities and I am very grateful for the opportunity to lead this fantastic work force and deliver the council’s vision for its residents and businesses.”
All shops will be open from 10am – 4pm Tuesday to Saturday and closed on Mondays for restocking.
The hospice has followed government guidance to ensure the safety of shoppers, staff and volunteers and put in place new measures for social distancing.
Penny Cooper, Head of Retail at Nottinghamshire Hospice, said: “I’d like to thank members of the public for their patience and co-operation and our staff and volunteers for their hard work.”
The hospice has put in place the following measures to ensure safety according to government guidelines.
Customer numbers will be limited, with the number of people allowed in dependent on the square footage of the shop.
Hand sanitiser is available on entry, and customers are required to use it.
Perspex screens have been installed to protect tills.
Floors have been marked out in two metre sections to allow for social distancing and each shop has a one-way system in operation.
Fitting rooms are closed so customers will not be able to try on clothes, but can return items they buy within 14 days. This applies to all clothing including coats and footwear.
Children should be supervised at all times and not be allowed to play with toys in the shop.
Each shop will have a holding cage inside where customers can place their donations. Donations will be collected daily and taken to the retail support centre for three days for decontamination before they are put out on sale.
The hospice is not able to collect donations (including furniture) at the current time.
Penny Cooper added: “We’re very grateful to our loyal supporters who have held onto their donations for us. We are currently limited in the number of donations we can take at any one time, so once the holding cage is full, we won’t be able to take more donations that day, so please bear with us.
“We can only accept donations if they are suitable for resale in our shops, so please don’t be offended if we aren’t able to accept your donations.”
Nottinghamshire Hospice’s shops all closed at the start of lockdown. The hospice anticipates a loss in funding of £150,000 due to shop closures and cancelled fundraising events. In April it launched its Forget Us Not appeal to address this short fall.
Police are appealing for any witnesses after a teenage girl was assaulted last night (22) in Calverton.
The incident happened in Oxton Woods at around 9.30pm.
Officers have said they are keen to speak with a man seen walking his dog in the Carrington Lane area shortly before the incident.The man is described as being around 5ft 8ins tall, with a bald head. He was wearing a rain coat and walking a German Shepherd type dog.
Any other people who were in the area at that time are also urged to come forward.
Detective Inspector Parminder Dhillon, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “Whilst this man is not under any suspicion we do believe he may have valuable information that may help us identify the offender in this case, if anyone else was in the area at that time then I urge you to come forward as your information may assist the enquiry.”
If this was you or anyone you know please call 101 immediately quoting incident 879 of 22 June.
