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Former Nottingham Forest striker Dexter Blackstock fined for renting out unlicensed homes

Gedling Eye
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Former Nottingham Forest striker Dexter Blackstock fined for renting out unlicensed homes

Former Nottingham Forest striker Dexter Blackstock has been fined over £25,000 for owning twelve rented properties that had no licence.

Mr Blackstock appeared at Nottingham Magistrates’ Court where he faced charges relating to twelve unlicensed properties he owned and were required to be licensed under either Part 2 or 3 of the Housing Act.

Mr Blackstock, aged 33 of Papplewick was convicted of nine offences of failing to license properties under the Selective Licensing scheme. These were in Addison Street, Haydn Road, Langtry Grove, Marmion Road, Magdala Road and Hucknall Road.

He also failed to license two properties under the Additional Licensing scheme – in Bingham Road and Addison Street – with one other offence under Mandatory Licensing for a flat in Addison Street.

Mr Blackstock was fined £24,000, £1,100 costs and a victim surcharge of £170.

Paul James, aged 54, of Nottingham, who managed the properties also faces ten charges – seven for Selective Licensing breaches, two for Additional Licensing and one for Mandatory Licensing. His case has been adjourned until November.

The prosecution was brought by Nottingham City Council’s Safer Housing team. The court heard that the total rental income for the 12 properties was more than £10,500 a month. It would have cost £12,180 to licence them for a period of five years.

nottingham-magistrates-court
PICTURED: Nottingham Magistrates Court

Also, as part of investigations into the case, enforcement officers visited a number of their properties, where they found disrepair and in some cases found smoke alarms that weren’t working, meaning that the people wouldn’t have been given any warning if a fire broke out. Emergency Remedial works were carried and enforcement action was taken under Part One the Housing Act 2004. 

Councillor Linda Woodings, Portfolio Holder for Planning, Housing and Heritage at Nottingham City Council, said: “This is another good result for the council and I’d like to pay tribute to the hard work of the Safer Housing team.

“Properties have to be licensed for a good reason – to provide higher standards, regular maintenance and, most importantly, to make sure that tenants across the city are safe and living in acceptable conditions.

“Mr Blackstock has continually placed his profits over ensuring that these homes were appropriately licensed.  

“The purpose of the licensing regime is to guarantee the house is suitable for the number of people occupying it, and that the licence holder is fit-and-proper person to hold a licence as well as additional controls over anti-social behaviour.

“Taking action like this is always a last resort when a landlord or agent refuses to engage with us, we want to work constructively with landlords to improve the standards of rented properties, but we make no apology for bringing people before the courts and we hope this sends out a strong message.”

Anyone wanting to report a landlord who has failed to license their property should call 0115 915 2020, option 3.

For information on how to find a good private-rented home through the Nottingham Standard visit http://www.nottinghamcity.gov.uk/information-for-business/the-nottingham-standard-for-landlord-accreditation/.

‘Flu can kill’: Health bosses remind people in Gedling borough to get free flu jab

Gedling Eye
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‘Flu can kill’: Health bosses remind people in Gedling borough to get free flu jab

Health chiefs are reminding residents in Gedling borough at risk of complications from flu that now is the time to plan ahead and organise getting their free flu jab.

This year, health and social care priorities across the county are to improve the uptake of the free nasal spray vaccination for two-and-three-year olds, free flu jabs for pregnant women, over 65s and patients in clinical risk groups.

The flu jab is also being offered to all frontline social care staff who are directly employed by the County Council.

The uptake of the flu vaccination last year for pregnant women and toddlers aged two and three across Nottinghamshire was less than 50%, the national ambition for this year is to achieve an uptake of at least 55%.

For the over 65s, last Autumn/Winter the uptake in Nottinghamshire was over 70%, the national ambition for 2019/20 is 75%.

Nottinghamshire County Council’s Chairman of Adult Social Care and Public Health Committee, Councillor Tony Harper said: “Flu can kill so it’s important to make sure you are vaccinated. Some people are more at risk than others and it can be extremely dangerous for them to contract flu.

“Vaccination is the best protection we have against flu and it’s important that you get vaccinated each year as the flu virus is constantly changing.”

If there is an increase in uptake from those most at risk this in turn helps to reduce serious health consequences and hospitalisation amongst these groups as well as GP appointments and pressure on A&E.

Anyone who falls outside the at-risk groups can get the flu jab from high street chemists and most of the leading supermarkets at varying costs. If you fall into an at-risk category, you can get the flu jab for free on the NHS from your local GP or pharmacy.

Police appeal for witnesses as 93-year-old dies days after crash in Arnold

Gedling Eye Reporter
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Police appeal for witnesses as 93-year-old dies days after crash in Arnold

Police are appealing for witnesses after a 93-year-old woman was killed following a collision in Arnold.

Nottinghamshire Police said they were called just before 10am on Wednesday, October 9, 2019 to a report of a two vehicle collision on Mapperley Plains Road, near to its junction with Linden Place.

The road was blocked whilst police and paramedics attended the scene.

A 93-year-old woman, named by officers as Annette Currie-Wood from West Bridgford, was taken to hospital for treatment. She passed away in hospital on Sunday, October 13.

Mapperley Plains Road
PICTURED: The crash happened near the junction with Linden Place

Inspector Andy Roberts from Nottinghamshire Police’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit said: “It is vitally important that we have as much information as possible to help us understand the events and circumstances leading up to the collision, which tragically resulted in the loss of a lady’s life.

“We urge anyone who saw the incident or anyone with information which could help our investigation to contact us.”

If you saw the collision or believe you may have captured the incident on dashcam footage, please contact Nottinghamshire Police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, quoting incident 194 of 9 October 2019.

‘Good progress’ being made to save Newstead Abbey from being ‘lost through decay’

Gedling Eye Reporter
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‘Good progress’ being made to save Newstead Abbey from being ‘lost through decay’

Historic England say ‘good progress’ is being made to save Newstead Abbey from being lost to decay.

Lord Byron’s ancestral home in Newstead is one of 85 on the ‘at risk’ register released today.

The annual Heritage at Risk Register provides an annual snapshot of the critical health of England’s most valued historic places, and those most at risk of being lost.

Today’s report revealed repairs have been carried out at Newstead Abbey but the threat of falling stone fragments from the adjoining priory church ruin means that this part of the site has not been accessible to the public for several years.

Last year Historic England awarded a grant for project development and repair work, and a sensitive repair programme is being undertaken. As part of the grant we are also funding repairs at the site’s Canon Fort.

The report stated that ‘good progress’ had been made to restore the site.

RESTORED: Repairs are being carried out at the site’s canon fort (PICTURE: Historic England)

Cllr Dave Trimble, portfolio holder for Leisure and Culture at Nottingham City Council said: “Newstead Abbey is proud to be one of the success stories and case studies for this year’s Heritage at Risk announcement. Our overall aim is to remove Newstead Abbey from the Heritage at Risk Register.

“We are incredibly grateful to have received a generous grant fund from Historic England, we are incredibly fortunate.  We are pleased to report that work is progressing very well and we are on track to achieve our aims for the site.”

Louise Brennan, regional director Midlands for Historic England, said: “The message is clear – heritage needs to be saved and investing in heritage pays. It helps to transform the places where we live, work and visit, creating successful and distinctive places in the county for us and for future generations to enjoy.

“But there’s more work to do. There are buildings still on the Heritage at Risk Register that are ideal for rescue and capable of being brought back in to meaningful use and generating an income, contributing to the local community and economy. These are the homes, shops, offices and cultural venues of the future.

“Historic England’s experience shows that with the right partners, imaginative thinking and robust business planning, we can be confident in finding creative solutions for often complex sites.”

You can search the latest register here: https://historicengland.org.uk/advice/heritage-at-risk/search-register/

Gedling Borough Council plan to install CCTV at anti-social crime ‘hotspot’ in Arnold

Gedling Eye Reporter
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Gedling Borough Council plan to install CCTV at anti-social crime ‘hotspot’ in Arnold

Gedling Borough Council has submitted plans for a new CCTV camera which will be installed in an anti-social ‘hotspot’ in Arnold.

Gedling Borough Council has submitted a planning application for the new CCTV camera that will go on a 10ft pole at the junction of Rolleston Drive and Brookfield Road, near the Major Oak pub.

The new camera is being installed to help cut down on problems in this ‘hot-spot’ area following complaints about anti-social behaviour.

PICTURED: The site plan for the new camera

A camera was installed last October on Smithy Crescent in the town and has helped reduce crime substantially in the area.

Leader of Gedling Borough Council, Councillor John Clarke said ““There have been a number of incidents of anti-social behaviour in the area and we have been working closely with Nottinghamshire Police to find solutions. We have also listened to residents’ concerns and are proposing that CCTV is installed in the hot spot area.

“We have seen some very good results from the camera installed on Smithy Crescent, Arnold, which has significantly reduced the number of incidents there and residents have given us some very positive feedback. The camera will be installed as soon as possible, subject to planning permission being granted.”

MATCH REPORT: Teversal 1 – 4 Gedling Miners Welfare

Marc Williams
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MATCH REPORT: Teversal 1 – 4 Gedling Miners Welfare

Teversal…………… 1 (Smith 8′)
Gedling MW……… 4 (Hastings pen 11′, 18′, 60, Harrison 51′)
(HT 1-2)

Courtney Hastings’ hat trick guided Gedling Miners Welfare to second in the East Midlands Counties League as they eased to victory over Teversal on Saturday afternoon.

They may have gone one up after only 45 seconds when Hastings cutely spun marker Adam Colton following Dwayne Brown’s pass but could only fire wide past a sprawling Gareth Briggs in the home goal.

The hosts have stumbled since they took all three points in the reverse fixture in August and their form has only seen two league wins all campaign. However, they started brightly in this one.

Only 4 minutes had passed when an unmarked Greg Smith nodded wide Colton’s deep corner, but they weren’t to be denied only moments later following a spell of early pressure when they took the lead.

Colton had time and space to deliver from wide and although his cross was headed away by Brown, Smith was on hand to fire goalwards and his effort carried enough power to beat Keaton Sharpe as Teversal found themselves ahead.

Buoyed by impressive wins recently over Sherwood Colliery and Clipstone, Miners retaliated well and found an instant response 3 minutes after going behind when Kieran Harrison’s thunderous strike hit the arm of an unsuspecting Sam Levelle and referee Gary Thomas harshly pointed to the spot.

Hastings stepped up and forced his penalty under Briggs to pull his side back to level terms.

The visitors rallied and started to take real control of the game on a difficult surface. Down for only a matter of minutes, they deserved the equaliser and shortly before the 20 minute mark, they turned the game on it’s head.

Josh Thornton’s arrowed pass in behind Adam Li was excellent and was latched onto at speed by Hastings who, after picking his spot, fired across Briggs to nestle the go-ahead goal into the far corner to put Gedling in front.

The hosts became deflated having seen their early lead squandered and after finding themselves with it all to do, failed to cause Gedling any further troubles as Sharpe and his rearguard coped with minimal difficulty.

Shortly before the half hour, Joe Fox’s effort from all of 35-yards summed up their first half as the ball ballooned well wide of its target.

Gedling continued to push forward hoping to put the game out of Teversal’s sight by the break and 8 minutes before the interval, Aaron Large’s shot, bound for the top corner, was superbly tipped onto the crossbar by Briggs, before Harrison failed to capitalise on the rebound as he rushed his follow-up.

Comfortably ahead at the break, the travellers picked up where they left off in the second by immediately putting the home side on the back foot and after Hastings was felled on the edge of the penalty area 6 minutes after the restart, they added a third.

With time and poise to set himself, Harrison’s sumptuously struck free-kick curled venomously into the top corner via the underside of the crossbar as Briggs could only watch and admire the midfielder’s first for the club.

Despite good intentions, Teversal really were second best all afternoon and struggled to make use of experienced frontman Dave Cockerill and nimble wingers around him.

With 54 played, Cockerill, once of Sheffield Wednesday, did well to fend off Dean Gent in the area after being found by Fox but his scuffed effort was easy for Sharpe who remained untested.

At the other end, Thornton’s raking pass to Cameron Thurgood allowed the wing-back to cut inside Li but his lowly-driven shot was kept out by Briggs at his near post.

With a third win on the bounce on the horizon, Welfare could afford to cast one eye over next week’s crunch match with Hucknall Town and they were able to relax further on the hour mark when the win was sealed.

Gent’s fine control and punt forward under no pressure was perfect for Hastings to cleverly break the offside trap in behind a static defensive line and as the talisman bared down on goal, he was clumsily hauled down by the retreating Ash Bartle and Thomas awarded Miners another penalty.

For the second time in the match, Hastings dusted himself down and whilst his initial effort was well saved by Briggs diving low to his left, the rebound was smashed home with conviction tallying another hat-trick for the striker, his 18th goal of the season, and confirmed the three points headed back to Plains Road.

As the final 25 minutes approached, Teversal continued to offer very little going forward and Cockerill’s tame strike into the welcoming arms of Sharpe was about as good as it got for them as they registered a fifth loss in nine.

An all-but-perfect showing for Gedling on the day despite Thornton’s late dismissal following a needless tackle on Joel Smith as they continue their impressive run. They now look forward to a huge tie with Andy Graves’ Town at Plains Road on Saturday (19th October), kick off 15:00.

Manager Chris Marks put forward his thoughts after the game –
“We were really pleased with the result today. The lads got the job done and got the 3 points to climb up the table. We felt we owed Teversal as we thought we deserved more from when they beat us at home earlier in the season. There’s a good vibe across the place at the moment and the squad is strong. The competition for places is high which allows the lads to keep raising their standards. It will be a tough test next week against Hucknall, but we’ve said it from the start of the season that on our day we are more than capable of beating any team in this league.”

Gedling Miners Welfare Man of the Match – Tony Law

Match Attendance – 68

Referee – Gary Thomas
Assistant Referees – Daniel Ghent & Kevin Tietjen

Teversal – Gareth Briggs, Ashley Bartle (Miles Thirnwill 66′), Adam Li, Adam Colton (c), Sam Lavelle (Matt Wilkinson 70′), Greg Smith, Joe Fox, Joel Smith, David Cockerill, Liam Vardy (Dan Fullwood 54′) Jon Watkin
Unused Substitutes – Ryan Duffy-McGirr, Rio Alberry
Cautions – Colton (foul 49′), Lavelle (sin-binned for dissent 58′), Cockerill (foul 56′)

Gedling Miners Welfare – Keaton Sharpe, Dwayne Brown, Ross McCaughey (c), TK Mushambi (Felix Hogg 61′), Dean Gent, Cameron Thurgood (Charlie Roberts 76′), Aaron Large, Josh Thornton, Courtney Hastings (Curtis Millward 66′), Tony Law, Kieran Harrison
Unused Substitutes – Jordan Knight, Alex Haughton
Dismissals – Thornton (serious foul play 68′)

Match report compiled and written by Marc Williams
Email: marcusa.williams5@hotmail.co.uk; Twitter: @ichbinmarc_

Follow Gedling on social media! –
Twitter: @GedlingMWFC
Facebook: GedlingMiners WelfareFC
Instagram: @gedlingmw

Mapperley man charged with burglary and handling stolen vehicles

Gedling Eye Reporter
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Mapperley man charged with burglary and handling stolen vehicles

A 26-year-old man from Mapperley appeared in court today charged with burglary and handling stolen vehicles.

Ryan Unsworth, of Redcliffe Road, was arrested yesterday in connection with a burglary in Teeside Road, Sherwood, on April 6, where car keys were stolen and a Volkswagen Scirocco was taken.

He appeared before magistrates in Nottingham today and was granted bail to appear at Nottingham Crown Court on November 12.

Parents in Gedling borough are being reminded about Hallowe’en deadline for children’s secondary school places

Gedling Eye Reporter
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Parents in Gedling borough are being reminded about Hallowe’en deadline for children’s secondary school places

Parents are being urged to remember that applications for secondary school places for next year in Gedling borough need to be in by the end of this month.

The application process for children transferring from primary schools to secondary schools in September 2020 closes at midnight on Thursday, October 31, 2019 (Halloween).

 Residents in Gedling borough need to apply through Nottinghamshire County Council.

The council today revealed over 2300 families have still not applied for a school place in Nottinghamshire.

Nottinghamshire County Council’s service director for education, learning and skills, Marion Clay, said: “If a child started in Year 6 at primary school this September, parents need to apply for a place at secondary school for next September by the end of this month.”

“Applying within the deadline and listing more than one preferred school is key. Parents must understand that listing only one school does not increase the chances of being offered a place at that school. And it’s not too late – parents can make changes to their preferences and application up until the deadline. 

“The good news is that last year, almost 98% of families who applied on time for a secondary school place were offered one of their preferred schools. And of those who were not successful for any of their preferences, over half had listed only one school in their preferences.

secondary-school-pupils
Parents have until the end of October to apply for a secondary school space for their children

If parents miss the October deadline, their application will be processed after all the on-time applications. By that time, the schools that parents would really like their child to attend might all be full. In that case the County Council will make an alternative offer of a place at a school which could be some distance from their home address.

The easiest way to apply for a place is online at https://www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/education/school-admissions/apply-for-a-school-place

The Council’s committee chairman for children and young people’s services, Councillor Philip Owen, said: “It is crucial that parents give themselves the best possible chance to get their child into their preferred school – if the application is late or only one school is listed, this could substantially reduce their chances of getting their child into one of their preferred schools.

“The council processes all of the applications received by this date at the same time using schools’ oversubscription criteria to prioritise applications when necessary.”

Secondary school offers will be made on Monday, 2 March 2020. If parents apply online and have opted to receive an email outcome, they will receive notification that day. All those applying online can log in to view the outcome of their application.

For parents who apply by telephone or by completing a paper application, their offer will be sent by second-class post on Monday, 2 March 2020.

For more information about the application process, schools, the number of places available or how places are allocated, please visit:

 www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/admissions  or call 0300 500 80 80.

East Midlands Railway encourage commuters in Gedling borough to switch to Smart Card

Gedling Eye Reporter
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East Midlands Railway encourage commuters in Gedling borough to switch to Smart Card

Customers using East Midlands Railway in Gedling borough are being encouraged to stop using paper tickets and change to Smart Cards.

The new initiative is part of Smart Week – a collaborative cross industry campaign to encourage customers to switch to either a Smartcard or to purchase an e-ticket.

From October 14-18, customers will be able to order their new Smartcards from Derby, Nottingham, Sheffield and Leicester stations from staff that will be equipped with iPads between 0700 – 0900 and 1600 – 1800. There will also be some treats for anyone making the switch from paper to smart, including Smarties and cookies.

EMR are now offering a range of paperless ticket options for passengers right across the network. Tickets can be loaded directly on to a handy, durable Smartcard, sent directly to a smartphone or sent via email. Paperless tickets help passengers to skip the queues at ticket machines, can be easily replaced if they are lost and are better for the environment.

INITIATIVE: East Midlands Railway are hoping to get passengers to sign up for their new smartcard scheme

Neil Grabham, Customer Services Director, for EMR said: “We want to make it as quick and easy as possible for our customers to get where they need to go.

“Making the move to smart ticketing is not only a much more secure way for our customers to manage their tickets; it will save them time. 

“With our smart ticket gates and ticket machines across the network, we hope to reduce queue times and allow all of our customers to get where they need be in a timely manner”.

The smartcard is one of many new initiatives being introduced onto the network by EMR, who took over the franchise for the East Midlands in August 2019. They also plan to introduce new trains,

How the smartcard works

Buy your Season, Anytime or Off-Peak ticket online or through our app. Then select Smartcard in the ‘How to get your ticket’ section at the checkout. After two hours, you’ll be able to load your tickets onto your Smartcard by tapping it on a card reader at your chosen collection station.

You can find out more information at East Midlands Railway website here: https://www.eastmidlandsrailway.co.uk/

Demolition of Total fuel depot in Colwick moves a step closer as planning application is submitted to council

Emily Sanchez
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Demolition of Total fuel depot in Colwick moves a step closer as planning application is submitted to council

Work to demolish a former fuel depot in Colwick could soon get underway now plans for the work have been submitted to Gedling Borough Council for approval.

Oil and gas giant Total announced earlier in the year they will be leaving their fuel storage site at Colwick Industrial Estate during 2019 and plan to demolish the site,

The application for the demolition was submitted on August 20 and prior approval was granted on October 9.

Plans to close the Nottinghamshire terminal as part of a new logistics programme were first announced by Total back in 2015.

The land is key to Gedling Borough Council’s ambition to transform the area, with a cinema, Sainbury’s supermarket and restaurant planned for the site.

PICTURED: Total fuel depot on Colwick Loop Road (IMAGE: Google)

The new planning application, submitted to Gedling Borough Council, is as follows:

2019/0940PN

Total Oil Great Britain Ltd Road No 3
Prior Notification of Proposed Demolition of: Road Loading Petrochemical Distribution Terminal, Hydrocarbon Storage Tanks, Above ground Pipe work, Road Loading Bays. Vapor Recovery Unit, Switch Rooms, Control Room / Office Buildings, Concrete Bunds, Concrete Hard Standings, Underground Interceptors and pipework

Future plans for the depot and adjacent former Texaco and Esso oil depot include a new Sainsbury’s store, cinema, restaurant and other commercial buildings.

Colwick Councillor Meredith Lawrence said: “I am pleased to see that demolition is taking place and look forward to the development of the site to bring new jobs and facilities into my Gedling Borough Council ward.”

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