A flood alert has been issued to villages in Gedling borough as levels on the River Trent continue to rise following heavy rainfall.
The alert, issued this morning (Wednesday), says flooding of low lying agricultural land and roads in communities around the River Trent is possible and properties could be affected.
Heavy rainfall was blamed for the rise in river levels.
Properties in Burton Joyce, Colwick, parts of Carlton, Netherfield and Stoke Bardolph were named as those most at risk.
Levels are expected to fall tomorrow.
A spokesman for the Environment Agency, who issue the alerts, said: “We urge residents to prepare, remain vigilant and avoid walking and driving through flood water.
“We are closely monitoring the situation and will endeavour to provide an update on Wednesday evening, or as the situation changes.”
A new housing association group which this week took control of Gedling Homes has pledged to build new properties to help ease the housing crisis.
Jigsaw Homes Group Ltd is a new group of housing associations which owns more than 33,000 properties across the North West and East Midlands and launched this week
The group say they have plans to deliver in excess of 2,700 new homes over the next three years.
The new organisation is now one of the largest housing providers in the UK following the merger of New Charter Group, which owns Gedling Homes, and the Adactus Housing Group, based in Leigh.
The new organisation seeks to address the housing crisis by investing in a mix of quality homes across Greater Manchester, Merseyside, Cheshire, Lancashire and Gedling borough – including properties for affordable rent, shared ownership, Rent to Buy, for sale and private rent.
The group say there will be no immediate change to day-to-day landlord activities, although residents will benefit from Jigsaw Rewards, an innovative Group-wide scheme of collecting points in exchange for feedback on services and plans for the future.
Adactus’ former head and now Jigsaw Group Chief Executive, Hilary Roberts said: “We have come from two successful organisations with strong track records of providing quality homes, services and support, but together we will do more and do better.”
New Charter’s current Chair, Fay Selvan, is the new Group’s Chair with Jane Clayton, former Adactus Chair, as the new company’s Vice Chair.
New Charter’s Chief Executive Ian Munro remains in the business for a period of time to help ensure a smooth transition.
How many times do we hear someone say, “I’m OCD about being tidy” or “I am obsessive compulsive about getting my spreadsheets finished on time”? In fact, a hotel group recently advertised for someone who was OCD about their work as they wanted a perfectionist.
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is much more than being a perfectionist. It is a serious anxiety related condition which is often driven by the sufferer not being able to live with elements of doubt or needing black and white answers to everything in life, which is not realistic.
If someone has OCD they will have frequent, intrusive and obsessional thoughts that can take over their lives. This will be coupled with repetitive impulses and urges.
OCD comes in many forms and, as ever, everyone who has OCD will have different symptoms. In general, they will experience obsessional thoughts, images, impulses, fears and urges that interfere with their day to day living. These thoughts are not wanted but they continue to have them and the thoughts often intrude in all activities which then affect relationships despite the fact the sufferer knows they are irrational.
The only way for someone with OCD to get any relief from the anxiety that these thoughts cause is to complete compulsive behaviours. These again irrationally believe will protect them from harm or someone they love from harm. They often have an anxiety issue which is caused by a feeling of responsibility for other people’s well-being or protecting others from harm – it’s their ‘job’ to make sure others are ok. Sometimes they have no perspective on the threat of harm to others, for example, a person with OCD may feel that the plague is on its way back and it’s their responsibility to stop it getting to their children.
These compulsive behaviours can be physical, a thought process or avoidance and will become ritualistic. If the sufferer cannot complete these behaviours then their anxiety level is heightened and panic or shutdown may take place. The relief felt is only temporary for the person with OCD, so the original obsessive thought is then reinforced and the behaviour has to take place again.
OCD comes in many forms and, as ever, everyone who has OCD will have different symptoms. In general, they will experience obsessional thoughts, images, impulses, fears and urges that interfere with their day to day living.
OCD behaviours fall into several categories and can be seen as checking (the door, the gas etc.), contamination (cleaning, hand washing etc), hoarding (collecting food or clothing) and finally intrusive thoughts (the world is going to end, next door is a spy etc).
From time to time all of us may show signs of OCD behaviour, mostly when we are stressed or anxious, which results in actions like checking we have locked the door one more time or worrying if we have left the iron all day and the house has burned down. For OCD sufferers the thought and behaviours do not stop and often increase over time.
One of the most difficult issues for anyone with OCD is the fact that their logical brain remains active all the time when they have the intrusive thoughts and are compelled to take the actions they need to get relief. Most people with OCD know that their thoughts and behaviour are irrational but cannot find a way to stop them. The fear is too great for them to stop as there will be a negative outcome for themselves or a loved one. So, no matter how small the risk or how much someone with OCD knows this, they still have to complete the compulsive action.
OCD often comes with other mental health issues that have anxiety driven behaviours. These include Body Dysmorphic Disorder where someone obsessively worries about the perceived bodily flaws they have and so develop compulsive behaviours to deal with these worries. Compulsive skin picking to relieve anxiety and similarly, Trichotillomania or hair picking, for the same reason. Obsessive Compulsive Personality disorder a personality disorder that is based on anxiety but manifests as a need for order, being unrealistic with standards for self and others, catastrophizing when a mistake is made or everything is not perfect.
The good news is there is help for OCD. Medication can help relieve some of the obsessive thoughts and this is usually an anti-depressant. Therapy will help and one of the best forms for OCD is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy as this will help sufferers break down the thoughts, emotions and behaviours that drive the OCD. Then the therapist will help someone with OCD to face up to the thoughts and fears appear and then fade without using the compulsive behaviour.
There are online groups and support groups available for people with OCD. The charity OCD action can provide lists and contact for this issue – http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/
If OCD affects your life you do need to get professional help from a therapist or your GP, the sooner you seek this the sooner you can be free from the disturbing thoughts and obsessive behaviours.
Police are appealing for witnesses to a crash in Arnold last month to come forward.
Officers were called at around 5.45pm on Wednesday, March 25 to a crash between a Morris Minor and a Nissan Navara in Ollerton Road at the A614 Burntstump Hill junction.
Two men were taken to QMC, one with serious injuries.
A police spokesman said: “Were you in the area at the time? Do you have any dashcam footage? If you have any information that that could help with the investigation, please contact us.”
Preparations for this year’s Arnold Carnival – which takes place on June 16 and 17- are now underway, with a host of big entertainers already confirmed for the big day.
The annual free event returns to Arnot Hill park with a line-up including live music, dance, arts and crafts activities, a fun dog show, fun fair, BMX and skateboarding sessions, a memorial flypast and more.
Meanwhile, a host of big name tribute acts have now been lined up to entertain the crowds during the two-day event.
The events kick off on Saturday, June 16, with headliners THAT 80’S ROCK SHOW performing some of the biggest 80’s glam and hair-metal rock classics and power ballads from bands such as Def Leppard, Kiss, Whitesnake and many others.
COULD THEY BE MAGIC? Take That tribute act Take@That
Sunday’s headliners will be bringing the stadium rock to the park with performances from Queen tribute act Real Magic and Take That and Robbie Williams tribute Take@That.
Along with performances from professional musicians, there will also be a variety of community music, dance groups, local school bands, choirs and solo artists performing over the weekend.
The carnival has more to offer besides music, with over 150 craft, charity and trade stalls and a dedicated food and drink court with a fully licensed bar.
ROCK ON: 80s rock tribute group That 80s Rock Show
Children’s arts and crafts activity sessions will be hosted by Gedling Play Forum and a fun dog show will also be taking place over both days of the event.
The event is free to attend on both days with something for all the family to enjoy.
A mother from Colwick will take on her fourth half-marathon of the year later this month as she looks to raise funds for new facilities at her son’s school.
Gemma Bardwell is planning to run 12 marathons during 2018 in a bid to raise £10,000 which will fund a new art and music room for St John the Baptist School in the village.
The ‘marathon mum’ has so far completed three half marathons in 2018 in Whitby, Leicester and London.
Her efforts have so far raised £1,800 for the cause.
Gemma told Gedling Eye: “The support I have received has been overwhelming and people have continued to give me words of encouragment and make donations to my JustGiving page.
BACKING: Cllr Meredith Lawrence donates money to Gemma Bardwell’s (right) charity challenge aiming to raise £10,000 for St John the Baptist School in Colwick. Also pictured is headmaster Chris Belton, left,
“I’ve found it hard to balance training as well as looking after my children, going to work and fundraising, but it’s all been worth it so far.
“So far we have managed to raise approx £1,800. This includes offline fundraising, a generous corporate sponsorship from painting contractor Slack and Rose and a £200 contribution from our local councillor Meredith Lawrence who is also supporting our fundraising efforts.”
The donation from Gedling Borough Council’s Colwick ward councillor, Meredith Lawrence has come from his councillor community fund, although he also plans to make a personal donation online.
Cllr Lawrence was full of praise for Gemma’s efforts.
He said: “I am really impressed at Gemma’s commitment and happy to help.”
Gemma will be now running her next marathon later this month – although this time, she won’t be running alone. She’ll now be joined by her husband as they plan to mark their seventh wedding anniversary by running the Longhorn Half-Marathon together.
Mrs Bardwell said she was glad she could do something to help out a ‘fantastic school’, which provides a fantastic education for her young son.
MARATHON MUM: Gemma Bardwell in action
She said: “It’s a fantastic school and the staff go above and beyond in terms of helping children achieve their potential.
“I couldn’t wish for a better school for my son. By raising this money not only will it further enhance the school but it will benefit our children even more.
“The Headteacher Chris Belton and I have various other plans to try and raise money throughout the year but we are mainly relying on the generousity of the community to help us reach our target. We still have a long way to go though and I am determined to get as close to the target as possible.”
A man has been charged with attempted murder after a collision and subsequent assault in Sherwood.
Zahier Bashir, 41, of Valley Road, Nottingham, has been charged with attempted murder, GBH, dangerous driving, possession of an offensive weapon and breach of restraining order following the incident on Hucknall Road in Sherwood.
The incident happened in the early hours of Sunday, April 1 2018.
Two women, aged 23 and 44, sustained non-life threatening injuries during the attack, Both women were taken to Nottingham’s Queens Medical Centre for treatment for their injuries, which were not believed to be life threatening.
The incident resulted in part of Hucknall Road being closed until 4.15pm that day. The road has since reopened.
Bailiffs aggressively pursuing debts from people across Gedling borough will come under fresh scrutiny after new measures were announced today by ministers to tackle intimidating behaviour.
Ministers say that despite recent reforms they still have lingering concerns with a minority of bailiffs are still acting aggressively when collecting money debtors – and particularly those who are vulnerable.
The government has now called for evidence into these behaviours and will look to those directly involved to share their experiences to help stop this in its tracks.
Justice Minister Lucy Frazer said: “The majority of bailiffs act professionally and within the rules, but we have been told by those working on the front line that this may not always be the case.
“Aggressive tactics will not be tolerated, and through our call for evidence we will identify where the problems are and, if necessary, take action to ensure all bailiffs operate professionally and with proper respect and sensitivity.
In 2014, the government brought in new laws to protect the public from aggressive enforcement agents, while at the same time making sure that debts could still be collected fairly.
The first review of those reforms is published today (2 April), demonstrating positive progress since our changes. This includes better awareness around debtor rights and how to complain, more clarity for debtors about the fees that can be charged, the processes that should be followed, and where to go for advice.
It also found the overall effectiveness of proper enforcement has improved, with a greater proportion of debts now being successfully enforced.
However, following concerns raised by the advice sector, the call for evidence which will be launched shortly seeks to address those minority of bailiffs who continue to flout the rules and aggressively pressure vulnerable people.
A new £20,000 expansion to a gym in Calverton will open next week.
An underused squashed court at Calverton Leisure Centre, which is owned by Gedling Borough Council, has been converted to make way for a new strength and conditioning free-weight training studio.
The new £20,000 expansion includes an Olympic lifting platform and bench press, squat rack, cable crossover, benches, dumbbells and weight plates.
The new gym expansion will double the existing capacity.
The new facilities will open to the public from Tuesday, April 3 and there will be a ribbon cutting event taking place on Thursday 29 March.
Councillor Henry Wheeler, Portfolio Holder for Housing, Health & Well-being said: “The new facilities look fantastic and are a great addition to Calverton Leisure Centre. With UK gym memberships increasing all the time, we understand the need for modern equipment and extra space.
He added: “We are very proud to offer affordable facilities like this one at Calverton for our residents, on their doorsteps.”
For more information about Gedling Borough Council’s leisure facilities visit www.gedling.gov.uk/leisure
Unemployed young people in Gedling borough will continue to receive housing benefit after the government scrapped plans to bar 18-21 year olds receiving the payout over fears it would increase homelessness.
Work and Pensions Secretary Esther McVey said today that the change, which reverses a key part of the 2015 Conservative general election manifesto, would “reassure all young people that housing support is in place if they need it”.
McVey said: “We want every young person to have the confidence to strive to fulfil their ambitions.
“For those young people who are vulnerable or face extra barriers, Universal Credit provides them with intensive, personalised support to move into employment, training or work experience; so no young person is left behind as they could be under the old benefits system.
“As we rollout Universal Credit, we have always been clear we will make any necessary changes along the way. This announcement today will reassure all young people that housing support is in place if they need it.”
Universal Credit is currently planned to be introduced into Gedling borough in November 2018
The new payment replaces six existing means-tested benefits: Working Tax Credit; Child Tax Credit; Housing Benefit; Income-related Employment and Support Allowance; Job Seeker’s Allowance; and Income Support and is It is paid monthly, rather than weekly.
