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Petition calls for Gedling Borough Council to declare climate emergency and become carbon neutral by 2025

Gedling Eye
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Petition calls for Gedling Borough Council to declare climate emergency and become carbon neutral by 2025

A petition has been set up calling on Gedling Borough Council to declare a climate emergency and work to become carbon-neutral by 2025.

Carlton resident Ciaran Hickey is calling on the authority to join over 100 other councils across the UK and fully commit to tackling climate change.

So far over 175 people have so far signed the petition.

The petition states it wants ‘Gedling Borough Council to declare a climate emergency and review the council’s current carbon reduction plans to establish the actions needed to be compatible with 1.5 degrees warming and to bring the timescale forward to 2025.’

“Further we ask the council to call on government to give Gedling Borough Council the powers and funding to enable Gedling Borough Council to become carbon neutral by 2025 .’

Single_use_plastic

It added: “We welcome action by the London Assembly, Bristol City Council and other city councils around the world declaring and committing resources to tackling the climate emergency and becoming carbon neutral regions by 2030 at the latest.”

Mr Hickey, who is also a member of Extinction Rebellion member told Gedling Eye: “We have already seen Nottingham City, Rushcliffe, Newark & Sherwood and Broxtowe do this and set clear dates aimed at achieving net zero emissions between 2027 and 2030. This is a far quicker and ambitious target than the governments poor and disastrous target of 2050.

“We are happy and ready to assist the council in putting an appropriate motion forward and have tried and tested templates used around the country. And with the Labour Party having already declared a climate and Ecological Emergency we see no reason Labour councils around the country shouldn’t be doing this too.”

“Gedling Borough Council could show some serious ambition and be a global leader in tackling climate change.”

Leader of Gedling Borough Council, Councillor John Clarke said one of the council’s key priorities was creating a sustainable environment for Gedling.

He said:” The Gedling Plan, approved by Full Council in May, sets out how we are reducing our carbon emissions through a number of ways.

“We are a Plastic Clever Council, reducing the amounts of single use plastics we use. We have installed water fountains in our parks to encourage reusable water bottles. We are reducing contamination levels for recycling whilst increasing recycling rates.

“We have several electric car points in the borough and we have more energy efficient lighting than ever before. We are also establishing a robust plan to become a carbon neutral council.

He added: “The long-term sustainability of the borough is of upmost importance to us and we welcome any residents who want to get involved and help us shape this key priority for Gedling and help us seek innovative ways to reduce our carbon footprint.”

You can sign the petition here.

What is a ‘climate emergency’?

The United Nations says we could have just 11 years left to limit a climate change catastrophe.

Because of this, A national climate emergency has been declared by the UK Parliament.

MPs are now calling on the government to make changes that include setting a new target of reaching net zero emissions before 2050.

The current target is to reduce carbon emissions by 80% (compared to 1990 levels) by 2050.

Dozens of local areas around the UK have also said there is a climate emergency – but what does the term mean?

There’s no single definition, but many areas say they want to be carbon-neutral by 2030.

Bristol councillor Carla Denyer first put forward the idea of a local area declaring a climate emergency and last year the council passed the motion.

Since then over 100 councils across the UK have also declared an emergency.

Man jailed after armed police stopped taxi in Colwick and found loaded shotgun inside

Gedling Eye Reporter
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Man jailed after armed police stopped taxi in Colwick and found loaded shotgun inside

A man has been locked up after armed officers stopped a taxi in Colwick and found a loaded shotgun inside.

Craig Roach, 30, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to being in possession of an altered firearm without a certificate.

He was jailed for two years when he appeared at Nottingham Crown Court yesterday (July 31, 2019).

PICTURED: The gun police say they found inside the taxi (IMAGE: Nottinghamshire Police)

Roach was stopped in the vehicle at 3.15pm on May 18, 2019.

Officers found a bag on the back seat of the taxi which contained the shotgun.

Investigator Kerry Paterson, of the East Midlands Special Operations Unit (EMSOU), said: “This is another fantastic result, in which we utilised regional capabilities in intelligence and investigation, and worked alongside Nottinghamshire firearms officers, to take another dangerous individual and deadly weapon off the streets.

“By taking this proactive approach, I’m in no doubt we’ve prevented a subsequent firearm-related incident in Nottingham.”

These teenagers have launched a new green group in Gedling and the campaigning has already begun

Nick Salt
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These teenagers have launched a new green group in Gedling and the campaigning has already begun

A new environmental group formed by teenagers in Gedling are calling on people in the community to start living more sustainable lifestyles

Notts Environmental Action have begun a campaign that they hope will encourage people to start having important conversations about how to save the environment.

They have produced a series of coasters which have been distributed around local pubs and restaurants in the area that feature a series of important environmental statistics. The group hope the coasters will encourage customers to have some important conversations about the damage being done to the environment.

Jade Oram is one of the members of the new group and has written a blog for Gedling Eye about why they formed the group and what they hope to achieve with their new campaign.

PICTURED: The new coasters being distributed as part of the new campaign

Blog by Notts Environmental Action

As of 2018, it was announced by environmental scientists, that this planet officially has until 2030 to turn everything around for the environment, or the damages will be irreversible. 

How does it make you feel reading that? For me, and my colleagues who have helped me write this article, it is petrifying. As 15 year olds, words cannot express how it feels to know that by time we reach the modest age of 26, the planet may well be at a stage where the damage already sustained to it is irreversible. 

WE ARE NO LONGER WILLING TO BE BYSTANDERS. WE HAVE DECIDED TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT.

We have formed ‘Notts Environmental Action’. We are small but efficient group of 15-16 year olds from Gedling and recently launched our ‘Coaster Campaign’ to encourage the local community to live more sustainable lifestyles. All being well, you will see one of our coasters in a restaurant near you…

So what is our ‘Coaster Campaign?’ Well, we have liaised with local businesses, bars and pubs in Gedling and the surrounding areas and can confirm that, from next week, they will be actively using coasters provided by us during the normal course of business.

When you come across one of our coasters, you will know about it! Not only is their design bright and eye catching, but each coaster has written on it an important statistic about our environment. We hope this will help start those all important conversations. So – say goodbye to awkward silences whist on a date with a prospective partner – use one of our coasters as a conversation starter!

The harm being done to our environment is huge – but nonetheless, there are still small steps we all can take. If our coasters can help educate you, and in turn, encourage you to be more aware of environmental matters – we will be delighted.

RSPCA issues warning amid shocking rise of puppy farms across Notts

Gedling Eye
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RSPCA issues warning amid shocking rise of puppy farms across Notts

Reports of heartbreaking puppy farms have soared by a staggering 308% per cent in just 10 years in Nottinghamshire.

The RSPCA is now urging families thinking of getting a puppy over the summer holidays to consider adopting a rescue pet following the release of figures earlier today (August 1).

RSPCA dog welfare expert Lisa Hens said: “It is distressing that we are still seeing so many reports about puppy farms but part of this increase is probably due to people being more savvy about what to look out for when getting a pet.

“We know there’s a spike in people searching for puppies and buying dogs at the beginning of the school holidays but we’d urge families to carefully consider whether getting a dog is right for them. Dogs are a huge commitment and need lots of time and attention, even once summer is over and the kids are back at school.

“If you do have the time and money for a dog then we’d urge you to consider rescuing instead of buying a puppy. Not only will this give a rescue dog a chance at finding his forever home but it’ll also save any potential heartache caused by unwittingly buying a dog from a puppy farm.”

puppy-dog

The warning comes as new figures reveal that last year (2018) was the worst yet for complaints about the puppy trade in England* to the RSPCA’s 24-hour emergency hotline. The charity received 4,357 complaints last year – a 390% increase on 10 years ago (2008) when it took just 890 reports related to the underground industry. In Nottinghamshire, the charity received 24 complaints in 2008 compared to 98 last year.

Lisa added: “After the RSPCA campaigned for years, the Government last year finally introduced tougher licensing regulations around the selling of animals – including breeding and selling dogs – which we hope will help crackdown on this multi-million pound industry. 

“The Government has also committed to a ban on the third-party sales of puppies and kittens which, alongside tougher licensing conditions will also help to tackle puppy farms and dodgy dealers. However, we also need to educate the public to ensure that they only buy puppies from responsible breeders who prioritise the health and welfare of their dogs over profit.”

Top tips for families buying a puppy this summer

  1. Do lots of research and make sure you can commit to a new dog before looking for your new family member;
  2. Adopt don’t shop – visit your local centre to see if you can offer a rescue dog a home;
  3. Use The Puppy Contract – a guide to how to responsibly source a puppy which can help you find a happy, healthy dog;
  4. Always visit more than once and the see the mum and puppies interacting together. Be wary of any breeder who won’t let you or pressures you into buying;
  5. If you’re concerned about something you see at a breeder then walk away, do not buy the puppy and report your concerns to the RSPCA on 0300 1234 999, police on 101 or your local council. 

To offer a rescue dog a new home visit www.rspca.org.uk/findapet. To help the RSPCA continue investigating the puppy trade and rescuing dogs please donate by visiting www.rspca.org.uk/give. 

Gedling leaders backing bid to get country park named as best green space in UK

Nick Salt
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Gedling leaders backing bid to get country park named as best green space in UK

Gedling MP Vernon Coaker and leader of Gedling Borough Council, Cllr John Clarke are calling on local in the area to back a bid to get a local country park named as the best green space in the UK.

Gedling Country Park has been nominated for the UK’s Best Park award and the Gedling leaders are reminding people they can vote for the green space in the UK-wide competition organised by green space charity, Fields in Trust.

A total of 364 public nominations for parks and green spaces across the UK have been made – and 17 of these are in the East Midlands region – each one a much-loved part of its local community.

People can vote for their favourite park online at www.fieldsintrust.org/best-park/east-midlands until noon on Monday, August 19.

Vernon Coaker MP said “Gedling Country Park is not only an exceptional place for the whole community, it has a rich variety and diversity of wildlife. It has maintained strong connections to the local mining heritage and history which is very important to people.

“It has something for everyone, providing a retreat for many, a chance to be outdoors and creates a real appreciation for nature and wildlife. The paths, trails, playpark, cafe and viewpoints at Gedling Country Park have created a destination that everyone in Gedling can be truly proud of.

BACKING: Vernon Coaker MP is encouraging people to vote for Gedling Country Park in the UK’s Best Park awards

“I would like to thank the Friends of Gedling Country Park who continue to work tirelessly for the park. I would urge everyone to please vote for the wonderful Gedling Country park, let us bring this award to Gedling”

Leader of Gedling Borough Council, Cllr John Clarke said:“We’re delighted that Gedling Country Park has been shortlisted for this award and we ask residents of Gedling to get behind us and vote for it to be recognised as one of the best in the country.

“The park has great support from the Friends of Gedling Country Park, who nominated the park for this award, and it has some of the best facilities in the county including a fantastic children’s play area, a modern café and ‘changing places’ facilities for the severally disabled. 

“Voting is really quick and easy so please visit the Fields in Trust website and vote for Gedling Country Park.” 

Fields in Trust is a UK-wide charity that legally protects parks and green spaces in perpetuity. The UK’s Best Park Award recognises the role that parks play in our communities, supporting mental and physical health and bringing people together.

Fields in Trust chief executive Helen Griffiths said: “Our parks and green spaces are a vital part of UK community infrastructure. We know that they provide benefits to the physical health, mental wellbeing and community connections for people that use them, so we are delighted to see a record number of nominations for the UK’s Best Park award and it is encouraging to see so many people celebrating how much they love their local park.

“Fields in Trust is committed to protecting these valuable and much-loved parks and green spaces for future generations to enjoy.”

Once voting is over, the park with the most votes in each of England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland will be shortlisted with the UK’s Best Park 2019 announced in mid-September. 

Arnot Hill Park play area reopens: Council replaces equipment destroyed in arson attack

Gedling Eye Reporter
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Arnot Hill Park play area reopens: Council replaces equipment destroyed in arson attack

Play area equipment destroyed by an arson attack in Arnold has been replaced in time for the school holidays

A brand new children’s play tower, complete with slides and climbing wall has been installed at Arnot Hill Park, just two months after the park was closed due to the attack.

In May, the tower at Arnot Hill Park, Arnold, was destroyed by vandals who deliberately set the equipment on fire.

There was public outcry about the damage caused to the much-loved park with thousands of people commenting on the council’s social media pages.

Following the incident, the Police carried out an investigation and swiftly arrested two teenagers on suspicion of arson.

The new tower, which cost £32,000, took just three weeks to build and is a full metal construction. The metal will protect it from a similar act of vandalism attack carried out on the previous tower, which was made of wood.

The play area also boasts a junior and toddler zone, swings, climbing walls as well as the tower, which was inspired by the iconic Arnot Hill House, situated next to the play area in the idyllic surroundings of Arnot Hill Park, Arnold.

Leader of Gedling Borough Council, Cllr John Clarke said: “We’re very pleased with how quickly we’ve been able to restore the park back to its original best. Children from all over the area come to the park and were upset when it had to be closed due to the incident in May. 

“The support we had on social media about the damage was incredible, and the Police did a fantastic job at catching those responsible so quickly.

“I’d like to thank our team of officers who have worked around the clock to get the park back open in time for the school holidays.”

East Midlands Railway promises passengers more seats and faster trains with £400m investment in new fleet

Gedling Eye
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East Midlands Railway promises passengers more seats and faster trains with £400m investment in new fleet

New Japanese bullet-style trains with air-conditioning and Wi-Fi will run on routes from Lincoln and Nottingham to London as part of an ambitious programme which includes more services.

Abellio UK, the firm awarded the new eight-year East Midlands Railway (EMR) franchise, yesterday confirmed it has now awarded a £400 million contract to Hitachi Rail to build a pioneering new fleet of intercity trains.

The new state of the art intercity trains will start operating in 2022 and will serve the main cities and towns on the Midland Main Line including Nottingham, Leicester and Lincoln as well as London St Pancras. 

The new trains will offer significant advances on the existing fleet, with passengers benefiting from more seats and modern interiors.

Abellio say they have ordered 33 five-carriage trains, which will regularly be operated in 10-carriage formations. 

The new East Midlands Railway logo

The trains will include features that passengers and local stakeholders have said they want to see, including air conditioning, free Wi-Fi throughout, plug sockets and better passenger information screens. 

There will also be an improved and more consistent ‘seven day’ catering service in both 1st and Standard Class.

The new Hitachi trains are quieter and greener, meaning lower carbon emissions and a better environment for passengers, stations and communities along the route. They have the ability to run using electric overhead lines wherever possible, taking advantage of the £1.5 billion Midland Main Line upgrade and, when running in diesel mode, will cut harmful emissions (particulate matter) by up to 90% compared to the legacy High Speed Trains.

Dominic Booth, Abellio (UK) Managing Director said the firm have ambitious plans for the East Midlands rail network.

He said: “These new trains form the centrepiece of our ambitious plans for a complete replacement of all the trains on the East Midlands Railway and are a more than £600 million investment to really improve the region’s railway. 

“They will respond to what our passengers have told us they want with more frequent services, faster journeys between the East Midlands and London, and provide more capacity with 80% more seats into London in the morning peak”.

Flood warnings in place across Gedling borough

Gedling Eye Reporter
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Flood warnings in place across Gedling borough

Flood warnings have been issued across Gedling borough after heavy rain in the area overnight.

The Environment Agency say they are monitoring the situation.

The Agency has issued a flood alert on Day Brook, which affects parts of Arnold.

The warning said: “The risk of thunderstorms remains in the East Midlands throughout this morning 31th July.

A flood alert and warnings are in place across the borough (IMAGE: Environment Agency)

“Given the unpredictable nature of thunderstorms, there is low confidence in the locations and impacts of rainfall at this point. Areas most at risk are low lying agricultural land, roads and footpaths close to small rivers and streams. Water levels could rise rapidly and potentially generate deep, fast flows.

The alert will be assessed later today.

The Environment Agency said:  “More rainfall is forecast over the next 24 hours which may cause river levels to rise further. We are closely monitoring the situation.

“Our incident response staff are actively checking river levels and the weather forecast. Please avoid using low lying footpaths and bridges near local watercourses and plan driving routes to avoid low lying roads near rivers, which may be flooded.”

Achievements of pupils from Gedling schools celebrated at Flying High Trust awards night

Emily Sanchez
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Pupils from schools across Gedling borough took to the stage at Royal Concert Hall last week to celebrate their achievements in front of an audience made up of 2200 proud friends and family members.

Youngsters from Arnold schools Ernehale Junior School, Ernehale Infant School and Killisick Junior School joined pupils from Haddon Primary and Nursery School and Porchester Junior School in Carlton for The Flying High Trust Awards.

They were among 22 schools from Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire in total taking part in the festival celebrating their educational achievements.

The Flying High Trust is the forth highest performing multi-academy trust in the country and was recently voted joint-first, top multi-academy trust by the Times Educational Supplement (TES).

During the event children performed musical medleys including songs by The Beatles, Elton John and many more in a show that had the audience at Royal Concert Hall laughing, cheering and dancing along. 

The Flying High Partnership’s CEO, Chris Wheatley, said the event was a tour de force of talent and exuberance.

He said: “The event was an incredible success, with 22 schools, their children and staff and families coming together to celebrate their collective and individual achievements and efforts in a spectacular visual display of talent and joy.

“The children displayed their confidence and performing skills on the magnificent stage in front of a huge audience and are a credit to themselves, families and schools.”

“Our awards are dedicated to thanking those who go above and beyond to make the schools the best they can be. We all collectively aim to increase aspiration for staff, pupils and parents and this is at the heart of everything we strive for in the Flying High Trust.

He added: “The event is the highlight of the year and brings together the schools with our sponsors, Trustees and supporters from across two counties, to acknowledge the dedication and commitment demonstrated by all to make children’s experience in education the best it can be.”

Watch out for these roadworks across Gedling borough this week

Gedling Eye Reporter
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Watch out for these roadworks across Gedling borough this week

Drivers are being warned to expect delays across Gedling borough over the next week due to these roadworks.

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. It 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 4                         

Delays likely due to temporary speed limit         

CARLTON

Addison Road

July 30 — August 6                      

Delays likely due to road closure at utility repairs take place

B686 Burton Road

August 1—5 August                    

Delays likely due to traffic control (Stop/Go boards) as work takes place from rear of 21a CAVENDISH DRIVE to the outside of 4 on Burton Road                                    

Marshall Hill Drive

August 5                         

Delays likely as it is a diversion for Hallam Road, Mapperley                      

Middle Avenue

July 31 — 12 August                    

Delays likely due to road closure

Works location: At the Side of Number 109 to the Side of Number 111, On the Junction with Second Avenue             

Second Avenue

July 31 — August 12                   

Delays likely as it is diversion route during works on Middle Avenue

Middle Avenue,             

COLWICK

Vale Road

July 31 — August 2                      

Delays likely due to traffic control (two-way signals)                                         

GEDLING

A6211 Shearing Hill

August 2— 6                  

Delays likely due to traffic control (multi-way signals) of 26 Shearing Hill to the junction with Station Avenue on Shearing Hill                                     

Roadworks-Gedling

MAPPERLEY

B684 Woodborough Road

August 4-5        

Delays likely due to road closure at Whittingham Road              

Hallam Road

August 5

Delays likely due to road closure

Bennett Road

August 5—7 August                    

Delays likely due to road closure            

B684 Woodborough Road

August 4 — 5

Delays likely due to lane closure as repair works are carried out by Severn Trent Water

Whittingham Road

August 4 — 5                 

Delays likely due to road closure            

Works location: S/O 880 WOODBOROUGH ROAD                                              

WOODTHORPE 

B684 Plains Road

August  4-5       

Delays likely due to lane closure             

A6211 Arno Vale Road

August 7                         

Delays likely due to traffic control (multi-way signals) during works to replace damaged lamp column (23)              

Somersby Road

August 7                         

Delays likely due to traffic control (multi-way signals)              

Works location: Arno Vale Road junction with Somersby Road              

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