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Local groups asked to back bid to create ‘community hub’ at park pavilion in Carlton

Gedling Eye
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Local groups asked to back bid to create ‘community hub’ at park pavilion in Carlton

Campaigners looking to restore a pavilion at their local park are calling on groups in the area to back their bid for funding to help transform the building into a community hub.

Friends of Onchan Park were formed back in 2016 to save the green space from a possible sale by Gedling Borough Council.

Now after winning the fight to save the park’s future, they are looking at ways to restore the park’s pavilion to it’s former glory.

The building is currently unusable due to its poor condition.

The team recently carried out a survey in the area and the results revealed residents are eager for the creation of a community hub in the area.

To help secure charity funding to help pay for repairs and also a redesign of the dilapidated pavilion building, the group are now calling on local groups to show their support and help back their bid.


Maria Robinson from Friends of Onchan Park told Gedling Eye: “We’d like the building to serve as a community hub for local groups.

“We’d like to create a building that would meet the needs of the groups who would like to use the space.  At the same time we would like to create a space that will be very cost efficient to run, perhaps incorporating solar and wind power.

“We are trying to involve community groups in our development project so they can help design a new venue with all the features that their group needs.

“We want to get social groups, fitness groups and any other groups to get in touch with us to help with the planning of the building refurbishment.

“To support our bid [for charity funding] we will be required to show the need for the works and how the project will benefit the community.  We think the best way to do this is by involving local groups in the planning stages to create the ultimate community hub.”

She added: “We would like to hold a meeting with interested groups to try to establish a starting point.”

The Friends group are now calling on local groups to get in touch and those interested will be invited to a meeting to discuss future plans.

If you would like to be involved  should email parkonchan@gmail.com for more details.

More details can be found about the scheme here: http://onchanpark.co.uk/pavilion-development-opportunity/

Leaked documents reveal seven options for ‘super council’

Gedling Eye Reporter
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Leaked documents reveal seven options for ‘super council’

Leaked plans show the seven different options currently being investigated for the future of how Nottinghamshire’s councils are run, and even whether some exist at all.

The Conservative-run Nottinghamshire County Council is working on a plan to abolish itself, as well as all district and borough councils such as Rushcliffe, Gedling and Broxtowe.

It would then create a brand new council, or two new councils, which would cover all of Nottinghamshire apart from the city.

The key supporter of the scheme is the leader of the county council, Conservative councillor Kay Cutts.

She says it could streamline and simplify council services, and save as much as £20 million to £30 million a year, which could then be invested in front-line services.

But vocal critics, including the leaders of several district and borough councils which could be dissolved, have said they will fight to protect their councils.


They say it would remove local decision making and end up costing more in the long-run.

Nottingham City Council has also retaliated to the county council’s plan, saying it would submit its own bid to the Government to expand the boundaries of the city into parts of West Bridgford, Stapleford, Beeston, Arnold and Carlton.

It said the current city boundaries are too small, and the crisis in local government funding which has led to the calls for council re-organisation has been caused by cuts from the central Conservative Government.

Now, leaked documents have revealed there are seven different options being debated by the county council.

The documents were discussed at a meeting which the media was denied access to.

None of the county council’s plans take an expanded city into account.

Cllr Cutts, who represents the Radcliffe-on-Trent ward for the Conservatives said: “Our working group is looking in detail at all options for better local government in Nottinghamshire.

“It’s clear we can give the best value-for-money, be more accountable to local people and improve services with a unitary system.

“By replacing eight senior management teams with one, reducing the number of councillors and having one point of contact we can make significant savings, end confusion and ensure you get the best services, no matter where you live in the county.

“We look forward to sharing our business case with local people when it is fully developed.”

The seven options:

Option One – preserve the status quo.

Keep with seven district and borough councils, and the county and city councils.

Option Two – One unitary authority for Nottinghamshire.

It would have a population of around 817,000. The headquarters would likely be County Hall, in West Bridgford, and it could be called simply Nottinghamshire Council.

Option Three – Divide the county into two unitary councils (north and south)

In the north would be Ashfield, Bassetlaw, Mansfield and Newark and Sherwood. This would have a population of 472,000.

In the south, with a population of 345,000, would be Broxtowe, Gedling and Rushcliffe.

Option Four – Divide the county into two unitary councils (north and south)

In the north would be Bassetlaw, Mansfield and Newark and Sherwood, with a population of 345,000.

In the south would be Ashfield, Broxtowe, Gedling and Rushcliffe, with a population of 472,000.

Option Five – Divide the county into two unitary councils (east and west)

Bassetlaw, Newark and Sherwood, and Rushcliffe would be in the east, with a population of 353,000.

Ashfield, Broxtowe, Gedling and Mansfield would be in the west, with a population of 464,000.

Option Six – Divide the country into two unitary councils (urban/rural mix to roughly equalise population density)

The north west would have Ashfield, Bassetlaw and Mansfield, with 351,000 people.

The south east would have Broxtowe, Gedling, Newark and Sherwood, and Rushcliffe. This would have 466,000 residents.

Option Seven – Two unitary councils

This would see Ashfield, Broxtowe and Mansfield in one area and Bassetlaw, Gedling, Newark and Sherwood and Rushcliffe in the other.

Leader of Gedling Borough Council, Cllr John Clarke said he had no interest in pursuing any of the leaked options.

He said: “We want nothing to do with it. We’ve already seen £270,000 spent, plus a huge amount of office time.

“We’re fighting for Gedling. We have had so much response to it from right across the board – people who have never voted Labour in their lives are saying they support us on it. No one wants it. People want councils to stay local.”

How can a new council be created?

Under Government regulations, a new council area has to have at least 300,000 residents.

It also has to have ‘co-terminus boundaries’, meaning the districts or boroughs have to currently share a border. This is to avoid creating ‘doughnut options’.

There is some dispute over whether the new councils have to be based on current district and borough council boundaries. The county council states they do, but the city council believes they do not, and that its proposal would still be considered by the Government.

They also need to maintain ‘reasonable levels’ of population density.

Gedling MP joins police officers on the beat in the borough

Gedling Eye Reporter
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Gedling MP joins police officers on the beat in the borough

Gedling MP Vernon Coaker was today sent out on patrol with police officers based in the borough to get a better understanding of the challenges and demands placed on the local emergency services.

Mr Coaker spent the day with officers as part of The Give a Day to Policing scheme which is being co-ordinated by the National Police Chiefs’ Council, giving MPs the chance to spend a day during the Parliamentary summer recess to better understand the challenges facing police forces across the UK.

The MP for Gedling started the day in his constituency at 7am by meeting Gedling Neighbourhood Policing Inspector Steven O’Neill. He then took part in the response morning briefing before taking a tour of the local partnership hub facilities at Jubilee House, Arnold.

Mr Coaker then met the Neighbourhood Policing Team for Gedling at both of their bases, Jubilee House Arnold and Carlton Ambulance Station. He was shown how officers are now working alongside their council colleagues including the recently Community Safety Scheme Accredited neighbourhood wardens.

He then went on morning patrols with the beat team around some of the local schools and was also shown some antisocial behaviour hot spots, including the site of a proposed new CCTV location in Smithy Crescent, Arnold.

He was then taken to the Gedling Civic Centre at Arnold and shown the knife amnesty bin, one of 13 locations across the county for the amnesty which runs until Sunday (23 September).

Mr Coaker later took part in a planned policing operation organised by Insp O’Neill’s team to try to deter and detect burglary and autocrime offences in the Porchester and Woodthorpe areas.


He was able to see how officers use modern technology in policing and Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) in particular to help to focus their patrols on such an operation. Mr Coaker visited the Police front counter at Carlton Fire Station with Insp O’Neill where another knife amnesty bin is being hosted, and then joined response officers on their duties to see some of the fast-paced demands placed on local policing teams.

Mr Coaker said: “It was very interesting to see the day-to-day work of the police and to see first-hand the important and vital work they do every day in our communities.

“They work incredibly hard to keep the people of Gedling safe and it was very clear to see just how committed they are to the communities they serve.

“Despite the Police Force being faced with ongoing budget challenges they continue to do their very best under very difficult circumstances.

“I will continue to press the Government for the funding and resources Nottinghamshire Police need and deserve. I would like to thank Nottinghamshire Police for today and thank them for everything they do.”

Gedling Neighbourhood Policing Inspector Steve thought the visit had been a real success.

He said: “We tried to fit in as much as we could to give Mr Coaker a real sense of local policing in Gedling. Policing is not just about seeing officers on the street corner, there is so much more to the role.

“Every day the local response and neighbourhood officers deal with diverse issues including dealing with many immediate incidents where life is at risk and problem solving longer term issues in partnership with other agencies in the area.”

Travellers set up camp on Arnold playing field

Gedling Eye Reporter
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Travellers set up camp on Arnold playing field

A group of travellers have stationed themselves on playing fields in Arnold.

They are thought to have damaged a gate to gain access to Church Lane playing fields, which are located behind St Mary’s Church.

The site was being assessed earlier today by Police and officials from Gedling Borough Council.


A spokesman for the council said: “We’ve been made aware of travellers on the site of Church Lane playing fields, in Arnold.

“Our officers have been and carried out the assessments and served a notice requesting the occupants to vacate the site within 24 hours. Failure to comply will result in enforcement action. “

Calls for referendum on ‘super council’ plan rejected

Gedling Eye Reporter
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Calls for referendum on ‘super council’ plan rejected

Calls for a county-wide referendum on plans to form a ‘super council’ have been rejected.

If plans for a combined council move forward, Gedling Borough Council an other smaller local authorities would be scrapped.

Now a group opposed to the ‘super council’ had put a motion calling for a the referendum to be held.

Earlier this month a cross-party meeting was held, which the press was denied access to. The motion also called for these meetings to be held in public.

A detailed plan is currently being put together by Nottinghamshire County Council for the new ‘super council’, with a public consultation expected early next year.

It would see a new council created for Nottinghamshire, and supporters say it would save £20 to £30 million a year and make it simpler to provide services.

However critics fear it will cost too much to set up, and would remove local decision making.

Now the Ashfield Independent Party, which opposes the plan, has attempted to hold a debate on whether to have a county-wide referendum on the plan.

It hoped to debate the motion at a full council meeting this Thursday, which is open to the public.

But the council rejected the debate on technical grounds. The independent council officer who made the decision not to allow the motion to be debated said because a plan to draw up a business plan was passed by a committee in July, no amendments could be made to that plan for six months.

The council also said the public’s voice will be heard in the full consultation.


Councillor Jason Zadrozny, who represents the Ashfields ward for the Ashfield Independents, said: “I am appalled that the county council will not even listen to our arguments.

“We were very clear about our motion to the council – that any business case for change should be decided by the people and not self-interested politicians.

“The Conservatives who run our county council want to scrap eight local councils and we think the public should make the decision.

He said he was not happy at the decision of council officer to “gerrymander” the democratic process, meaning to manipulate the boundaries of the county to favour the Conservative party.

Councillor Zadrozny is also the leader of Ashfield District Council, and said he was considering holding a referendum on the issue in Ashfield on the same day as local council elections in May next year.

Marjorie Toward, monitoring officer at Nottinghamshire County Council, said: “Local government reorganisation has been comprehensively debated twice by councillors recently – both at the last full council meeting and policy committee.

“The county council’s constitution stipulates that decisions taken at council or committee meetings should not normally be altered or amended within six months. I considered that the proposed motion would have altered those original decisions.

“In order to make a reasonable decision on such a significant matter, the council would have needed more information than what was contained in the submitted motion.”

Coronation Street star to appear at launch of new travel store in Arnold

Gedling Eye
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Coronation Street star to appear at launch of new travel store in Arnold

Coronation Street star Alan Halsall will join colleagues and local residents at the official launch of the new Midcounties Co-operative Travel branch in Arnold this weekend.

Halsall, who plays much-loved character Tyrone Dobbs, will be at the Front Street branch’s opening event on Saturday, September 22 between 10.30am and 12pm.

The independent travel agent was named ‘Central England Large Agency of the Year’ for the sixth time at the 2018 Agent Achievement Awards.


To celebrate opening its doors in Arnold, Co-operative Travel will also offer holidaymakers the chance to take advantage of its celebratory savings offer on holidays booked before September 30.

Alan Halsall said: “I’m always delighted to lend my support to Co-operative Travel. They’re committed to making a difference in the community, and I’m sure Saturday’s event will be a great example of this.”

Natalie Turner, Head of Branches at The Midcounties Co-operative Travel, said: “We’re delighted to be welcoming Alan to our celebrations in Arnold He has long been an advocate of Co-operative values, and I’m sure with his support the launch will be a massive hit.”

Two charged after 17-year-old boy attacked in Bestwood

Gedling Eye Reporter
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Two charged after 17-year-old boy attacked in Bestwood

Police have charged two men after a 17-year-old boy suffered burns and stab wounds at an address in the Bestwood on Sunday (16).

Brandon Whelpton, 22, of Danes Close, Arnold and 25 year-old Jake West, of Pedmore Valley, Bestwood, have both been charged with causing grievous bodily harm with intent and false imprisonment.

They are due to appear at Mansfield Magistrates’ Court today (September 18).


Three other men arrested in connection with the incident remain in police custody.

The 17-year-old victim remains in hospital in a stable condition.

Love Island star returns to her old dance school in Carlton to present workshop

Gedling Eye Reporter
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Love Island star returns to her old dance school in Carlton to present workshop

Love Island star Savanna Darnell is planning a return to her old dance school in Carlton later this month to present one of her popular workshops.

Darnell trained at the Nottingham’s Midlands Academy of Dance and Drama, which is based on Carlton Hill, between 2012 to 2015

She will now return to MADD – as it’s affectionately known – on Sunday, September 30, 2018 to presents one of her ‘Savvy Workshops’ in the studios.

During the workshop between 1-4pm, Savanna will draw on her dancing skills and teach a short dance routine and answer questions about her Love Island 2018 experience and career to date.

There will be a photo-signing and selfie opportunity with Savanna, and energy-boosting food and drink is provided by Fresh Prep Nutrition.

Sheffield-born Savanna said she still had huge affection for the Carlton dance school.

She said “Midlands Academy of Dance & Drama, WOW – the most incredible three years of my life. I achieved skills that I thought I would never accomplish, such as learning a time-step in tap and discovering a relevé in fifth in ballet.

From playing the Cat in Honk to singing classic Tina Turner tunes in the Nottingham Playhouse end of year show, MADD offered it all. But the most important thing I learnt, is who I am. MADD prepared me for the big, scary and wild world of entertainment and taught me about perseverance and hard work.

I was a shy teenager before joining MADD sixteen but the college helped me to overcome that and taught me to value and believe in myself, and here I am…I was on the biggest reality show of 2018 so I can’t be that shy now!”


She added: “MADD taught me how to hold myself in an audition and how to show the panel how much I wanted the job. I auditioned for the musical Thriller Live in my last year at college. It was my first ever audition and I was TERRIFIED! However, I got the job and it was the BEST feeling EVER!

“Now I can’t wait to return to Nottingham and share my experiences during one of my Savvy Workshops. It promises to be a very special day and dancing in the MADD studios again will bring back a lot of wonderful memories!”

Midlands Academy of Dance and Drama was founded in 1967 by its Principal Frances Clayton and celebrated its 50th anniversary with a string of celebratory events last year. MADD prides itself on being a ‘College of Excellence’ and provides one of the leading musical theatre courses in the UK. In addition to the full-time members of staff, MADD is proud to welcome guest practitioners from across the sector including leading directors, choreographers, casting directors and agents.

For more information about Savanna Darnell, the Savvy Workshop and to book you place please go to https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/savanna-darnell-17626353789 or email ks.photography@hotmail.co.uk 

New school planned to deal with increased population from housing estate in Netherfield

Gedling Eye Reporter
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New school planned to deal with increased population from housing estate in Netherfield

A new school will be opened to help deal with the increased population from new homes being built in Netherfield.

Nottinghamshire County Council said it has been given permission to seek proposals for potential sponsors for the new free schools, which are a type of academy school. These could include groups of parents, charities, universities and educational groups.

The council said the free school is needed as a result of housing development on Teal Close in Netherfield over the next six years.

Once a new housing development has reached 150 house completions this triggers a publicity campaign for a sponsor, known as the Free School Presumption competitions.

The current calculation is 150 house completions will equate to 32 primary aged children moving on to the development.

Free schools are similar to academies, and are usually new-build schools. The main difference is that they can be set up by groups of parents or teachers.

Like academies, they do not have to follow the national curriculum, can set their own pay and conditions for staff, and can hire teachers who do not have the usual qualifications.


Councillor Philip Owen, is the chairman of children and young people’s committee at the council, and represents the Nuthall and Kimberley ward for the Conservatives.

He said: “The county council has a statutory duty to ensure there are a sufficient number of school places for children across Nottinghamshire.

“We take the necessary steps to make sure the widest possible range of groups and organisations are aware of the sponsorship opportunity and have the time to develop proposals.

“At any point during the process, if a direct route application is made to the Secretary of State, any presumption process can be withdrawn by the county council.”

Work to begin on £73k scheme to revamp Eagle Square in Arnold town centre

Emily Sanchez
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Work to begin on £73k scheme to revamp Eagle Square in Arnold town centre

Work will begin this week on improving Eagle Square in Arnold.

The renovation works will take four weeks to complete and is part of Gedling Borough Council’s plans to improve Arnold town centre.

The work is being carried out by Alliance Consulting Solutions and will involve the removal of the brick planter that currently blocks the view of some shops on Front Street and the installation of new lighting and new trees.

The new open-space design will turn the square into an area for shoppers to enjoy a break, entertainment and events. The square will also be easier to access with level flooring and circular seating that can be removed for events.

The new square will host the Arnold Christmas Market with thousands of people expected to attend the event, which will be held on November 23 and 24..


The improvements to the square, which is expected to cost around £73,000, is the second recent major investment in Arnold Town Centre following the council’s announcement back in July that they had purchased Arnold Market.

Leader of Gedling Borough Council, Councillor John Clarke said: “The works taking place on Eagle Square and the purchase of Arnold Market is part of the promise we made to residents to improve Arnold town centre.

“We want to bring some life back into the high street and the improved square will open up many opportunities. The bigger space will make this year’s Christmas Market even better than last year. There are also plans to use the space for entertainment and events, something I’m sure people shopping in Arnold will enjoy when they visit the town centre.”

The square will be expected to be finished by mid-October and businesses around the area will be open as usual whist the works are carried out. Consultation on the improvements took place earlier in the year and 340 residents and businesses had their say on the plans which were used to help create the final design.

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