A crack down on rogue landlords who let sub-standard properties across Gedling borough to desperate tenants is to be launched.
Landlords who have been convicted of a range of housing, immigration and other criminal offences such as leasing overcrowded properties, fire and gas safety offences and unlawful eviction, will now be entered onto a new government database.
This database will be available to use by Gedling Borough Council and other authorities to crackdown on poor and unfair practice in the private rented sector such as overcrowded, squalid or dangerous accommodation, and to help target their enforcement action.
Councils must record details of any landlord or property agent who has received a banning order on the database. Landlords that ignore a banning order will face criminal sanctions including up to six months imprisonment and an unlimited fine.
Landlords convicted of offences under the government’s new law may also be given banning orders preventing them from leasing accommodation for a period of time, ranging from 12 months to life.
Minister for Housing and Homelessness Heather Wheeler said: “I am committed to making sure people who are renting are living in safe and good quality properties. That’s why we’re cracking down on the small minority of landlords that are renting out unsafe and substandard accommodation.
“Landlords should be in no doubt that they must provide decent homes or face the consequences.”
These fresh measures follow the announcement that councils will be given tough new powers to tackle the small minority of rogue landlords who rent out overcrowded properties and impose fines of up to £30,000 for those landlords who do not comply.
A man from Arnold has braved the snip and had his long locks lopped off to benefit a children’s cancer charity.
David Sayles had his waist-length hair cut short and then donated it to the Little Princess charity – which makes wigs from real hair and offers them out to children with cancer or alopecia for free.
The 23-year-old was persuaded by his dad to go along to the local KH Hair salon on High Street where he said goodbye to his long hair once and for all.
“I honestly can’t remember the last time I had my hair cut.” he says.
“To be honest, I just couldn’t be bothered, but I got up one morning and decided I was sick of it. I’d heard of the charity so I thought it was a great opportunity to help.”
CUT ABOVE: David in the barber’s chairPICTURED: David before, left, and after, right
“I know this didn’t require any major commitment or training, unlike some other charity endeavours, but I’ve been attached to my long hair for a very long time so it was a bit of a shock to look in the mirror afterwards.
He added: “I’m really glad I did it and very grateful to the team at KH Hair who made me feel really comfortable and relaxed. The reaction from my friends and family has been very positive – once they eventually recognised me.”
David says he was so impressed with his new haircut, he has promised to become a model for the salon’s future trainees.
Salon director, Dawn Bramhall says: “David was so brave and we’re really proud of him. He looks completely different. We’re really glad his Dad persuaded him to come along. Little Princess Trust is a wonderful charity that we have supported for a number of years and we were very happy to help.”
The government’s ‘ground-breaking’ sugar tax comes into force today across the UK.
From April 6 manufacturers will have to pay a levy on any high-sugar drinks they sell.
Many of the UK’s drinks makers have already reduced sugar content in many of their products to avoid increased costs. Ministers and campaigners are now seeing this as a sign of success. Others say it’s too early to judge the impact.
Fanta, Ribena and Lucozade are some of the brands who recently announced they have cut the sugar content of drinks – but Coca-Cola has not.
The tax was implemented after it was revealed all age groups are consuming too much sugar – with teenagers the worst offenders.
Research shows they get a quarter of their sugar intake from soft drinks.
Public Health Minister Steve Brine told the BBC: “Our teenagers consume nearly a bathtub of sugary drinks each year on average, fuelling a worrying obesity trend.
“The levy is a ground-breaking policy that will help to reduce sugar intake.”
But will the new tax have an impact? We got out and about in Gedling borough to find out what you think.
Barbara Watt is a retired office worker from Arnold. She thought the tax would have little impact.
“I think those that make the drinks will just pit up the prices and those addicted to a sugar hit will carry on paying. They tax fags, but people don’t stop,” she said.
He said: “Good. My granddaughter has way too much sugar and it sickens me. I’m glad they are doing something about it and forcing drinks makers to cut down.
Lisa Matthews works at a chemist in Bestwood. She thought it was about time something was done.
“I’m glad it’s having an effect already if some drinks have already cut sugar down. People are getting a lot fatter and this is putting a strain on our NHS. Something has to be done.
Steve Adams, from Netherfield, thought it was another example of the UK’s move to becoming a complete ‘nanny state’.
He said: “Can’t people look after themselves? They get fat and the government has to step in and stop them eating and drinking rubbish. How thick are these people? Unless a glass of coke is practically removed from their hands they can’t stop. We’re a country of drug addicts really.”
He added that he wanted any money raised to go directly into the NHS.
Steve said: “We have to have evidence this money is going into the NHS. If manufacturers are being taxed and extra revenue is coming in, I don’t want to see it wasted on some transport project in London. We all have to benefit and it should improve our hospitals or hie more GPs.”
What do you think about the sugar tax? Will it be a success? Have your say in the comments section below.
The latest line-up of guided walks have been announced for 2018 at Netherfield Lagoons which will allow people from across the borough to get closer to nature
The Gedling Conservation Trust which owns and manages the Netherfield Lagoons nature reserve has just announced details of this year’s extensive program of walks for 2018.
These popular walks are led by site manager and wildlife expert Pete Smith.
The Netherfield Lagoons site is a designated Local Nature Reserve and the most important site for wildlife in Gedling Borough.
The meeting point for all the walks in on the metal bridge over Ouse Dyke at the entrace to the nature reserve (reached by footpath from Teal Close).
Here’s a list of the walks planned to take place throughout 2018:
Monday 9th April, 14.00 hrs – Bird Walk, Migrants
See what migrants are about. If we are lucky we might find a Redstart or Wood Warbler.
Sunday 15th April, 09.30 hrs – Bird Walk, Migrants
See what migrants are about. If we are lucky we might find a Redstart or Wood Warbler.
Tuesday 15th May, 14.00 hrs – Warbler Walk
Most of the Warblers should be in now. Come and familiarise yourself with ten Warbler species, their songs and calls.
Sunday 20th May, 09.30 hrs – Warbler Walk
Most of the Warblers should be in now. Come and familiarise yourself with ten Warbler species, their songs and calls.
Friday 25th May, 14.00 hrs – Wildlife Walk
There should be plenty to see with most birds now breeding, plenty of insects and flowers.
Sunday 27th May, 09.30 hrs – Wildlife Walk
There should be plenty to see with most birds now breeding, plenty of insects and flowers.
Saturday 2nd June – 09.30 hrs – Orchid Walk
The Orchids should all be in flower, with up to five species to find.
Monday 4th June – 14.00 hrs – Orchid Walk
The Orchids should all be in flower, with up to five species to find.
Tuesday 12th June – 14.00 hrs – Wildlife Walk
If we are blessed with a hot, sunny day then there should be plenty of insects and flowers to see. Of course we will keep an eye out for anything else of interest as well.
Sunday 17th June – 09.30 hrs – Wildlife Walk
If we are blessed with a hot, sunny day then there should be plenty of insects and flowers to see. Of course we will keep an eye out for anything else of interest as well.
Tuesday 10th July – 14.00 hrs – Butterfly Walk
Again, sunny weather is important to maximise our chances to see a good range of species. Browns, Whites, Skippers and Blues should be about.
Sunday 15th July – 09.30 hrs – Butterfly Walk
Again, sunny weather is important to maximise our chances to see a good range of species. Browns, Whites, Skippers and Blues should be about.
Friday 20th July – 14.00 hrs – Insect Safari
This walk is aimed at people with an interest in finding insects. Sunshine will aid our cause and perhaps some new species will be added to the site list.
Sunday 22nd July – 09.30 hrs – Insect Safari
This walk is aimed at people with an interest in finding insects. Sunshine will aid our cause and perhaps some new species will be added to the site list.
PICTURED: A Bee Orchid which was snapped during one of the guided walks at Netherfield Lagoons
Sunday 29th July 09.30 hrs – Dragonfly Walk
We could see up to ten of the eighteen species regularly seen on the reserve.
Monday 30th July 14.00 hrs – Dragonfly Walk
We could see up to ten of the eighteen species regularly seen on the reserve.
Sunday 5th August 09.30 hrs – Pond Dipping
This activity is aimed at children and can make a very enjoyable outing. Bring a net and see what creepy-crawlies are lurking in the water.
Tuesday 7th August 14.00 hrs – Pond Dipping
This activity is aimed at children and can make a very enjoyable outing. Bring a net and see what creepy-crawlies are lurking in the water.
Friday 17th August 14.00 hrs – Wildlife Walk
The warmest, and we hope sunniest, part of summer. Butterflies, Dragonflies, Crickets should all be about and there might be some migrant birds coming through as well.
Sunday 19th August 09.30 hrs – Wildlife Walk
The warmest, and we hope sunniest, part of summer. Butterflies, Dragonflies, Crickets should all be about and there might be some migrant birds coming through as well.
Sunday 23rd September 09.30 hrs – Bird Walk
We will be looking for passage migrants and early winter birds returning.
Monday 24th September 14.00 hrs – Bird Walk and Starling Murmuration
We will be looking for passage migrants and early winter birds returning. As evening draws in we will retire to the Causeway to watch the Starlings coming in to roost. Possible Barn Owls as well.
Sunday 30th September 09.30 hrs – Plant Gall Walk
A chance to see how insects modify vegetation in order to give themselves a home.
Sunday 2nd October 14.00 hrs – Plant Gall Walk
A chance to see how insects modify vegetation in order to give themselves a home.
Friday 12th October 14.00 hrs – Bird Walk and Starling Murmuration
We will be looking for passage migrants and early winter birds returning. As evening draws in we will retire to the Causeway to watch the Starlings coming in to roost. Possible Barn Owls as well.
Arnold Market is set to be transformed in the coming months after Gedling Borough Council revealed it expects to exchange contracts with the current owner next week, before taking control of the site next month.
The council – which is buying the market – says its offer for the site has been made and accepted, and the formal acquisition of the property will now happen in mid-May.
Many Arnold residents feel the market has been in a state of decline for years, with only a few of the stalls being taken.
The council hopes to breathe fresh life into the site, with ambitions for food markets and live entertainment.
After buying the market, the bosses at the council have now submitted a bid for £1.25m to N2 Town Centres – part of the D2N2 local enterprise partnership.
Gedling Borough Council hopes the money will transform the area, including making more of the space open to the public, improving facilities and increasing retail space.
For years, residents have complained about the state of the market, which was labelled “dreary”, “empty” and “disused”.
At one point, only a small handful of traders were using the market’s fixed stalls.
The site itself was converted from a former school in 1966, and was the centre of a bustling town.
Councillor Jenny Hollingsworth, portfolio holder for growth and regeneration, said: “We’re very pleased to announce that we’ve made significant progress with the owners of the market and we will be exchanging contracts imminently, placing the market under council ownership by next month.
“At our cabinet meeting earlier today, members approved plans for work to start on getting the correct licences, fees and operational needs in place.
“This is another very significant step in the right direction and I am very much looking forward to the future of the site and excited that residents will soon begin to see improvements to the market.”
Fees for using the stalls have also been proposed ahead of the takeover, which the council says are broadly comparable with the current prices.
For the regular market, which will be on a Tuesday, Friday and Saturday, the fares will be: stalls £20 per day; kiosks £70 per week; mobile operators £30 per day and; mobile operators with hook up £70 per day.
There’s a warning to dog owners across Gedling borough to be more responsible after a number of guide dogs have been attacked and left traumatised.
National charity Guide Dogs is calling for urgent support from dog owners, as latest data reveals the aggressor dog was off the lead in 60% of these attacks.
In addition to the emotional and physical trauma of an attack, for the dog and owner, this serious issue has cost the charity over £1.3million since 2010 – the equivalent of 90,000 guide dog leads.
Today, the charity is launching their Take the Lead campaign, calling for the public to put their dog on a lead when they see a guide dog working. Canine researchers from the charity say this simple action could be the key to preventing future attacks.
Guide Dogs has campaigned on the issue of dog attacks in the past and back in 2014 tougher laws were introduced meaning if your dog attacked an assistance dog you could face up to a three-year jail sentence. However, the charity feels more needs to be done to prevent attacks and is now looking to the nation’s dog owners for support.
Guide Dogs researcher, Rachel Moxon, said: “Guide dogs are life-changing for those living with sight loss, helping their owners live life to the full.
“Attacks on our dogs destroy confidence and can mean a guide dog owner once again loses their freedom and independence. Putting your dog on a lead when you see a guide dog working, allows you to have more control over the situation. Even if you know your dog is well-behaved, it’s always better to be safe than sorry.”
Attacks on guide dogs can have long-lasting affects for both the dog and owner.
Claire Cooper’s guide dog, Minnie was attacked in October last year and the pair are still dealing with the repercussions of that day.
She said: “Thankfully Minnie was not hurt, but as time has passed her behaviour has changed. She now shows signs of anxiety and has become fearful of unfamiliar small dogs, especially when working in harness.
“As I am unable to see potential danger, I cannot protect her and I feel we are both vulnerable.
She added: “When a guide dog is attacked, the physical injuries may be visible, but what cannot be seen is the potential loss of independence to the person living with sight loss. Attacks could be avoided if dog owners put their dog on a lead when they see a guide dog working.”
Police have arrested two boys following a robbery at the Daybrook Retail Park
The incident took place on Wednesday (4) afternoon at the park in Woodthorpe.
Officers were called after a report that two suspects armed with a knife and a gun had stolen three mobile phones from three boys. It happened at about 3.10pm.
Officers recovered a loaded gas-powered BB gun nearby. Two boys, aged 11 and 15, were arrested on suspicion of robbery and remain in police custody.
A spokesman for Nottinghamshire Police said: “We are not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident.”
Anyone with any information is urged to call Nottinghamshire Police on 101, quoting incident number 526 of 4 April 2018, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
A supermarket’s own brand water will soon be on sale in 50 per cent recycled bottles to customers in Gedling borough – although they will be cloudier and greyer in appearance than usual.
The bottles will be sourced in the UK and be 100% recyclable, says the Group. The change will be introduced for all its own-brand still, sparkling and flavoured water later this year.
It is the first retailer to run this initiative, which it estimates can save almost 350 tonnes of plastic annually.
Jo Whitfield, chief executive at Co-op Food, said: “We know that by working closely with our supply and waste-value chains we can find new ways of sourcing sustainable alternatives. Our customers expect us to respond to this challenge and help them make more ethical choices, and we’re dedicated to doing just that.
“Making these changes will also create new uses for recycled materials which in turn gives our customers greater confidence in recycling. We’re constantly listening to our members and customers, understanding what they need, where and when they need it, and we’re committed to continuing to explore the opportunities.”
PICTURED: Water will be sold in recycled bottles which look slightly cloudier (IMAGE: Co-op Group)
In his 29 years with the retailer, environment manager Iain Ferguson has led a number of radical changes to the way it packages food and produce.
He said: “Suppliers are working hard to make the bottle clearer – and they already have.
“In the meantime, our bottles will wear this greyish colour which I see as a badge of honour – we are part of the market for recycled products and are proud of that.”
The retailer has set a target to make 100% of its packaging recyclable with an interim goal of 80% by 2020. It also plans to get rid of black and dark coloured plastic. This cannot be identified by sorting plants, which use optical sorting techniques to identify polymers, and contaminates the recycling stream, reducing the usefulness and value of the recovered material.
It is estimated that this adds at least 30,000 tonnes of plastic each year to waste.
Nottinghamshire Police want to speak to a man captured on CCTV following a theft from a store in Bestwood.
Officers want assistance the identifying the male in the CCTV image about the theft from the Co-op store on Arnold Road in Bestwood on April 2.
A spokesman said: “Anyone who can identify this male please call Nottinghamshire police on 101, incident number 375-02042018, or reply through this post.”
