Two borough councillors from Gedling have received summonses over unpaid council tax bills.
Data revealed by the Freedom of Information Act shows that Labour councillors Jim Creamer and Roxanne Ellis both received summonses.
Councillor Creamer represents the Carlton Hill ward, and in 2017/18 received a court summons for £1,234.16, which is now settled in full.
Councillor Ellis represents the Ernehale ward. Information released by Labour-controlled Gedling Borough Council shows she received court summons in two consecutive years.
In 2017/18, she received a summons for £575, and in 2018/19 she received one for £706.
Both are now settled in full, and neither councillor has an outstanding balance.
Councillor Creamer, who is also a Labour county councillor for Carlton West, said: “I was as shocked as anybody else, because I still maintain I didn’t get a warning letter saying I was in arrears.
“I can’t deny I was in arrears, it was a mistake and it was in an election period, I normally pay in advance.
“People make mistakes. I didn’t deliberately do it. People who do it deliberately, I’ve got no time for, but it was a matter of months during an election. I completely lost track of time.
Councillor Roxanne Ellis said she was unemployed at the time, and that it was an ‘oversight’ that the bills didn’t get paid.
She also said she has been unemployed on and off since becoming a councillor, because in her experience companies were reluctant to hire councillors.
A spokesman for Gedling Borough Council said: “Everyone is subject to the same rules if they fail to pay their council tax on time.
“In this case, both councillors were advised of non-payment and the arrears were cleared, which also covered any costs incurred by the council.”
For a Band D property in Gedling, council tax is currently between £1938.26 and £2,047.58, depending on where in the borough you live.
For a Band A property it is between £1,292.17 and £1,365.05
Some of Gedling borough’s top pubs have gained a new owner – a Chinese billionaire.
The Hutt in Ravenshead, Travellers Rest in Mapperley and Friar Tuck in Arnold are some of the pubs included as part of a £2.7billion deal for the Greene King pub and hotel estate, which has been snapped up by Hong Kong’s richest family.
The pubs will now be owned by CKA Group, a global firm controlled by Li Ka-shing, the 91-year-old multibillionaire who also owns pharmacy chain Superdrug and mobile operator Three.
PICTURED: The Ferry Boat at Stoke Bardolph
These are the other pubs in the borough included in the sale:
Wheatsheaf Inn in Burton Joyce, Plainsman in Mapperley, Coopers Brook in Daybrook, Ferry Boat Inn in Stoke Bardolph Starting Gate in Colwick Arrow in Arnold Tree Tops in Mapperley
The bid, which Greene King directors have now advised shareholders to approve will values the company at £2.7billion.
CKA, a property business based in Hong Kong but incorporated in the Cayman Islands, is a part of a vast empire of global business interests headed by Li Ka-shing, estimated to be worth US$29.4bililion, making him the world’s 30th richest man.
A new study centre offering young people in Gedling borough the chance to gain extra skills and qualifications is to open in Arnold this September.
Inspire Learning will offer study programmes for young people aged 16-24 at their dedicated new facility in Arnold at Redhill Young People’s Centre.
Young people will be able to work with Inspire for three days per week towards a recognised AIM Awards qualifications in Personal and Social Development and Employability. Maths and English is also an integral part of the programme.
Work experience,
providing real, industry relevant work opportunities is a key part of the
programme. All learners can also further enhance their CVs by taking part in
group-based community placements.
All learners will receive
a bursary of up to £20 a week while studying (aged 16-19 or up to age 24 with
EHCP), plus travel costs are refunded and some may be entitled to free meals.
Simon Cook, the Study Programme Manager at Inspire Learning said: “Our programmes are an ideal first step onto further study, traineeship, apprenticeship or employment, and helpful and caring staff will be there to ensure you progress.
“I’m thrilled that we’re expanding our provision into Arnold. We received information that there was a lack of provision for young people in the Gedling area and this left us determined get our Study Programme running for this next academic year. Providing opportunities for young people who are unsure of their next steps is what we do.”
Young people can enrol onto the
programmes at any time during the year.
A team from a TV film company recently spent a number of days in and around Calverton compiling material for a programme about “strange happenings” in the area.
The production team were busy filming Really TV’s popular show “Help! My House Is Haunted” – with the village being the focus for one of the future episodes.
Part of the team’s time was spent at the Folk Museum where they found out about some of the history of the village, including its origins about 3000 years ago during the Iron Age. Reference was also made to local Roman settlement and how Calverton was mentioned in the Domesday Book in 1086.
The team was also keen to hear about how the hosiery industry had its roots in the village and became an extensive cottage industry particularly during Victorian times.
Other aspects of local history they were interested in included the unique “Roeite” religious sect which existed in Calverton about 250 years ago and more recently the effect that the colliery had on local life.
PICTURED: The film crew arrive at the village Folk Museum
The film crew were mainly interested in the unusual events which have occurred at the museum over the years. These “happenings” have included a sudden drop in the temperature inside the cottage, noted by visitors on several occasions even in high summer, a hank of spun wool left by a Museum volunteer overnight on the winding frame was found next day to have been removed from the frame and tangled in such a way that it was impossible to unravel. Examples of other oddities include items suddenly disappearing from a room which could not be found despite searches by various people over several days. They would then turn up days later in full sight, lying on the floor right in the centre of the carpet in the same room.
The Calverton edition of “Help! My House Is Haunted!” will be screened on the Really channel later in the year.
Humped zebra crossing on Main Street?
Nottinghamshire County Council has proposed to install a flat-topped road hump (plateau) zebra crossing on Main Street near the Library. The crossing will incorporate a controlled area indicated by zig-zag markings where parking and loading will be prohibited.
Any comments/objections in respect of the zebra crossing or traffic calming proposal must be submitted by August 8.
Fish farm helps fight river pollution
Calverton Fish Farm, run by the Environment Agency, recently supplied 17,000 bream and rudd which were released into the River Witham in Lincolnshire.
This brings the total of fish restocked into the river to 91,000 so far and is part of ongoing efforts to help with its recovery to its natural, healthy state from serious pollution over a year ago when ammonia badly affected part of the river and more than 100 000 fish were killed.
Planning matters
At a recent meeting of GBC Planning Committee conditional permission was granted for the erection of 20 single storey bungalows on the site of the former colliery car park site near North Green. The housing would comprise thirteen one-bedroom bungalows and seven two-bed bungalows.
Further revisions have been submitted by Persimmon Homes to the planning application for up to 365 dwellings, on land between Park Road and North Green with access from Park Road and Collyer Road. The revised plan does not seem to provide for a school or shops on the proposed site.
That’s a-ma(i)ze-ing
A new four-acre Adventure Maze opened at Lime Lane Woods, close to the Arnold Town Football Ground, at the end of July. Formed in a field of maize the site includes a mile-long path designed to bamboozle visitors and will include night-time sessions for those brave enough!
The Maze, which includes hidden activities along the way, is due to stay open until November 1. It is the newest addition to the site which already offers other outdoor craft experiences.
Pres Clips…
The resurfacing of Park Road near the business park is to be welcomed for the resultant smooth ride for traffic, how long before it’s dug up for new road works? Pity the resurfacing wasn’t extended along Park Road East towards the Gleaners to give a longer smooth ride for bus passengers, car drivers and caravans!
Daybrook-based building supplies company Frank Key is once again providing vital support to local football team Arnold Town FC to ensure they are ready to run out for the new season.
A long-standing relationship between
the football club and the Daybrook branch of Frank Key stretches back a decade.
For the last five years Frank Key has been the main stand sponsor, support that
is valued from the club.
Steve Holland, Arnold FC Chairman, said: “Frank Key has agreed to continue their sponsorship of our stand for the forthcoming season which is a massive help to us and goes mainly to support our men’s team. Frank Key is a real example of a local company giving back to the community and is very much appreciated.
“This time of year is extremely expensive for clubs like ours
as we have to replenish kit (where do those socks go!), medical kit, training
balls etc so their generous sponsorship really is crucial to ensure we’re ready
to go at the start of the new season.”
Richard Meeks, Group Hire Director at Frank Key, said: “We have supported the team for more than 10 years now, as we believe it is important to give back to our local community. As fans of the sport, it just seemed right to provide the team with that extra support they need to continue doing what they love.”
Frank Key has previously donated more
than £10,000 worth of building materials and financial support to enable the
club to construct the facilities at their Eagle Valley football ground.
The Midlands-based independent builders
merchant will be supplying the football team with their new look signage to
upgrade their main stand banners.
Frank Key is an independent
family-owned company with its HQ in the Daybrook, Nottingham and branches
across Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and Yorkshire. It has an ongoing programme
of charitable donations and supports many local community groups and campaigns.
Gedling MP Vernon Coaker has slammed a housing association for keeping residents waiting over two years for urgent improvements to a ‘neglected’ block of flats in Carlton.
Mr Coaker said it was an ‘utter disgrace’ that residents of Walton Court have been waiting so long for internal and external improvements to their building.
The MP has now called on the chief executive of Jigsaw Homes, who owns the property, to meet with himself and residents to discuss the situation.
He said: “I’ve had meetings with residents and have been asking for action from Jigsaw Homes for over two years.
“While the initial delay is understandable and, rightly so, as it was cladding that was deemed dangerous, that was over two years ago and still residents do not have a date for when works will start.
Mr Coaker said that a recent email from Jigsaw Homes stated that they planned to clean the building, but had no plans for new insulation or painting. They also didn’t commit to a start date for the cleaning work.
He said: “It is clear to see that Walton Court has been seriously neglected by the owners of the building and despite my ongoing work get them to make the improvements, they have never materialised.
“The residents were promised the improvements, I was promised the improvements and yet the outside of the building remains a complete eyesore.
Walton Court (IMAGE: Gedling Eye)
“I have been given different time frames from Jigsaw Homes and I am very concerned that works will continue to be delayed. I have asked the chief executive to meet myself and residents at Walton Court. I will be expecting to see real plans for the building, including substantial work to the outside of the building as promised.”
Mr Coaker added: “There is currently work and investment locally for the regeneration of this area of Carlton taking place and it would be unacceptable if Jigsaw Homes let down the area, the residents and community by not carrying out the works so desperately needed to Walton Court.
“They need to take responsibility for the building they own, commit to real improvements, not just cleaning it and to start the works immediately. I think it is an utter disgrace that residents are still waiting’.
Hilary Roberts, Jigsaw Group Chief Executive, said a clear plan of works for Walton Court was now in place.
She told Gedling Eye: “I understand the frustration of the residents of Walton Court with the time it has taken to carry out improvement works. This project has taken much longer than we had anticipated, but had to be postponed while we awaited guidance on tower block improvements and revised in the light of that guidance.
“There is now a clear plan of works, which includes improvements to the external appearance, redecoration and refurbishment of the communal areas and the installation of a sprinkler system. We have appointed a lead contractor earlier this month to work on the project and aim to start by the end of October.
“We are in the process of organising for the residents to review the plans in early September and to meet with representatives of the company and of the contractor at the September meeting. We also look forward to discussing these plans shortly with Vernon Coaker, MP.
She added: “Jigsaw Homes remains committed to improving the homes of our residents and working alongside the local authority and other partners to invest in the regeneration of this area of Carlton.”
This list contains only the roadworks considered to be most likely to cause delays on key routes as well as those involving road closures and temporary traffic lights.
The list is not exhaustive and does not feature some minor or emergency repairs that come up after publication. Other roadworks may finish or start before schedule or be cancelled altogether.
All information from Highways England, local authorities and
utility companies.
Burton Joyce
A612 Church Road
August 27 — 29
Delays likely due to traffic control (give & take) as
interactive sign added and old stump removed.
Delays possible due to some carriageway incursion at the junction
with Avon Road (Southeast bound)
A6211 Arnold Lane
August 21 — 23
Delays likely due to traffic control (multi-way signals)
from the junction of Cotgrave Avenue
A6211 Arnold Lane
August 22 — 27 August
Delays likely due to traffic control (multi-way signals) From
junction with JESSOPS LANE to junction with Cotgrave Avenue on Arnold Lane.
A6211 Arnold Lane
August 27 — 31
Delays likely due to traffic control (multi-way signals) on
junction with Waldrom Road as new 8.5m new gas pipe installed
Lambley Lane
August 27 — 29
Delays possible due to traffic control (two-way signals) at
footway – approx 67 metres from Jessop’s Lane. Work taking place to replace anti-corrosion
materials and street furniture on gas pipeline.
Police have shared a CCTV image of a man they hope will assist their enquiries in an investigation into a robbery at a Co-op store in Carrington.
The incident took place at the Co-op on Mansfield Road on Sunday, June 16, 2019.
Do you recognise this man? (IMAGE: Notts Police)
A spokesman for Nottinghamshire Police said: “Whilst you can’t clearly see the man’s face, you might recognise his stance and jacket with the bright yellow drawstrings.
“If you recognise the man in the image or know anything about the incident, please call 101 quoting incident number 880 of 16 June 2019.”
Back in April 2019 I stood as a candidate for the Labour Party in Calverton. At 25, I was under the average age of a councillor.
For as long as I can remember there has been much discussion about youth apathy towards politics and political parties paying thousands for consultants to advise them on how to harness the youth vote. As somebody on the cusp of no longer being a ‘youth’, I thought now was a fitting time to write this article.
I want to address three points I learnt whilst campaigning. I hope it can help somebody who might be considering getting into local politics.
LESSON 1
Firstly, expect the bullies! There were moments while I was on the campaign trail when I honestly felt intimidated. Being sworn at and called a ‘commie’, often together, were the two top picks from those hurling abuse. How do you deal with this? Simple. Just make sure you have a good grasp of your main campaign issues. Don’t go in saying who your representing, first go in telling them what you want to change. At the end of the day, you are trying to be an agent for their interests.
As a councillor candidate, this campaign was a local campaign. if you’re in an election you have policies and concerns you want to discuss, then invite people to discuss them with you. This brings me on to my second point…
LESSON 2
Communication. Trust me, if you thought charity street fundraisers had a challenging time in getting members of the public to stop and talk to them – try wearing a brightly colour rosette displaying the name of a political party!
A wise person gave me the following advice for when starting a conversation: “Invite concern, present a solution (yourself, your policies and your party – in that order), and then discredit the alternative (but only if the alternative is deserving of discredit – never act dishonestly)”. I share this method with you as it truly is a revolutionary way of holding people’s attention both in a political setting, but also as a general life negotiating tool. Tied to this is the fact that honesty is the best policy. Don’t tell them that voting for someone else will unlock the doors to hell. It’s unbelievable and contributes to the distrust people already have in politics.
LESSON 3:
Young people are at a huge advantage on the campaign trail as they can more easily engage with the very demographic politicians find it so hard to engage with – YOUNG PEOPLE! If you’re a young campaigner use this to your advantage.
Politics needs more young people involved to control the ever out-of-touch narrative of the current political discourse. With the appointment of Dominic Cummings as Boris Johnson’s Spin Doctor, the PM’s strategy will depend heavily on young people not voting, and converting a young liberal audience towards the idea of voting being a waste of time. I think Dominic openly exploited this with vote leave, and will do the same again.
Boundaries for dogs is all about not pulling on the lead,
being housetrained and coming when called, whereas boundaries for us is very
different. Our boundaries are about the ‘line in the sand ‘ in our relationships
such as what is ok and what is not. They show people who we are and how we like
to be treated.
If we have good boundaries then we feel protected, and if we
don’t, we often feel anxious or we become compulsive resulting drinking or
eating too much, for example. Our boundaries are based on our beliefs, values
and morals, the choices we make, the life we want and what we need from others.
Many of us know our boundaries but we do not keep to them
all the time or we let them lapse – often to please people. When we are prone to behaving like this, we can be really
sensitive to other people’s comments, and we could find ourselves unable to identify
what we need as we have no real sense of self due to the fact that we have merged with the
other person in the relationship. We find ourselves involved in other people’s
lives, trying to ‘fix’ people and their problems, being a perfectionist or just
taking on too much. We are basically trying not to be alone with ourselves as
we do not know who we are as we have no limits.
For others, the boundaries become too tight and too strict, and
this is a great way for us to avoid connecting and being intimate with others.
Loneliness, emptiness and depression often follow and yet we crave to be close,
but our boundaries stop us from talking a risk.
So, what are the signs that our boundaries need adjusting
(either way)
People pleasing all the time
Unable to say no, despite the cost to ourselves
Being responsible for other people’s emotions
Unable to make up our minds
Putting everyone else’s wants and needs in front
of our own
Being so tired because we have just taken care
of or tried to guess what everyone else needs
Looking for the quiet life or ‘just going with
the flow’ all the time
Being unable to identify our feelings
Being unable to ask for what we want
Allowing people to say or do things we don’t
like but never asking them not to (being
bullied)
Avoiding intimate relationships or things that
make us feel vulnerable
Going past empathy into taking on people’s emotions
Giving for the sake of giving
Boundaries have to depend on the situation/person we are
dealing with, so they have to have a level of flexibility. We may, for instance,
have the one friend who is always bossy and controlling so going “with the flow”
with them will get us doing things they know we don’t want to do. Or we may be
in a relationship with someone with an addiction, where we need really strong
and solid boundaries with them to ensure we are safe.
To set healthy boundaries we have to believe in ourselves
and trust that we know what is best for us. We have to be fully aware of what
our wants and needs are and how they can be met. We have to trust and believe
in ourselves because only “I know me” and “only you know you”. We are the
highest authority on how we feel, what we want and what we need. We need to
know we are important; we are as important as everyone else, we can care for
others, but we must be as important as them. We have to learn to say “no” , and
stick to “no”, but for some of us that may seem selfish as it is not it’s the
key boundary. Finally, we must know and
feel we have the right to boundaries, and it is not selfish but necessary for
our emotional, spiritual and even physical well-being.
Setting boundaries can be difficult for us when we first
start, but some easy things to remember are:–
Staying away from judgement – we can be
compassionate but not fix people
Stop judging ourselves – be self-compassionate
too
Let people know how we feel – being open and
telling others how their actions make us feel.
Learn who and what drains us and being able to
limit our time with those people and their activities
Stop and breathe when the urge to do what we
would normally do or say “yes” to something we don’t want to do – try using
phrases like ‘let me think about it and get back to you’. Giving ourselves time
and space to be honest with ourselves about where our boundaries are.
Finally, how do we explain our boundaries to other people
especially if this is a new thing for us? There are some key phrases we can use
to explain our boundaries: –
I am not comfortable with…
Not this time …
Please don’t do that
It’s not appropriate for me…
I can’t do that…
Not now
Remember if we are setting our boundaries for the first time,
we should be confident, respectful and have planned what we need people to
know. Others will found our new boundaries difficult at first especially if our
lack of boundaries got them a pay off like being cared for or getting their own
way. We need to be aware of the impact of having boundaries and be prepared to
be pushed back for a while.
If boundaries are a struggle for you, you will need help
from someone to set them a counsellor will know how to help you to find out
what your values, needs and beliefs are to set your boundaries around them.
Elaine Bond is a counsellor and runs a business in Gedling.
