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Gedling Access Road plans set to move to next stage

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Plans for a £40m access road in Gedling are set to move to the next stage as a legal process to acquire essential land looks set to get approval by councillors next Thursday (16)

The Gedling Access Road (GAR) is a 3.8km new stretch of road which will link the existing A612 Burton Road to the B684 Mapperley Plains and has been designed to reduce congestion in Gedling Village.

Nottinghamshire County councillors will discuss the project at next Thursday’s Transport and Highways committee when they are expected to give the go-ahead to start the legal process to acquire land and rights required to construct the GAR , including making changes to side road and other access points affected by the new road.

The legal processes are known as a Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) and Side Roads Order (SRO) which are subject to final approval by the Secretary of State. No existing residential properties will be affected and the only buildings affected are outbuildings or are derelict.

The route of the GAR takes it alongside Gedling Country Park and discussions are underway with Gedling Borough Council to ensure that any work required won’t impact on the main Country Park and is in keeping with the area.

A total of approximately 28 hectares of land needs to be acquired to construct the GAR. This is made up of 53 plots of land with more than half of these plots and land already owned by public sector organisations. The remaining plots – covering 14.6 hectares – has 14 individual owners.

A team from Via East Midlands, working on behalf of Nottinghamshire County Council have been in contact with all14 landowners affected by the proposals including a local scout group and Carlton le Willows Academy.

Ron Hodges of the 3rd Woodthorpe Scout Group on Mapperley Plains said: “We’re pleased that after being in regular contact with the agencies involved in this scheme, including Nottinghamshire County Council, we’ve had firm assurances that our buildings will not be affected by the scheme and that we will continue our scouting and guiding activities at Pepperpots Scout Ground which has been our group’s home for the last 40 years.

“Everything has been dealt with in an open and professional way. We have been kept informed at every stage and we’re happy to continue to work with the Council in to achieve the best outcome for our Scouts group.

Craig Weaver, head teacher at Carlton le Willows Academy said: “Since the Gedling Access Road was approved we have been in regular contact with Nottinghamshire County Council and their highways team.

“After many months of discussion the Highways team are aware of our ongoing concerns about access, disruption and safety and we are satisfied that they will continue to listen to our issues as the project continues.

“Accepting that the road must be built, we feel that we’ve reached a fair agreement and are confident that we can all work together going forward.”

Councillor Alan Rhodes, Leader of Nottinghamshire County Council said: “This is one of the biggest infrastructure projects our county council is currently involved in.   It’s one which will benefit residents, road users and businesses in the long-term.

Gary Wood, Group Manager Environment and Highways, at Nottinghamshire County Council, said: “We are working to challenging targets to deliver this scheme. If all goes to plan, the main construction works is due to start in spring 2018 with a completion date of Spring 2020.”

Mike Barnett, major projects and improvements team manager at Via East Midlands said, “We have been in contact with the landowners affected by the proposals and have listened to their concerns to see if we can offer any compromise where possible.

“These landowners will be made fully aware of what compensation they can claim and also what they should do if they wish to object to the CPO. And importantly, where negotiations are ongoing, landowners are aware of the fact that legally, any CPO served will continue to be officially listed while negotiations continue to take place and legal agreements are completed.

“We are keen to answer any concerns people have about the proposals – so if you are affected – directly or indirectly -contact our project team on 0115 9774818 or  email us on gar@viaem.co.uk or go to www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/GAR where more details about the scheme, including plans and frequently asked questions are available.”

Help is out there for loan shark victims in the borough

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People in Gedling borough can now access a new website set up to help victims of loan sharks.

The website outlines how victims can report an illegal money lender and the support that is available to help repay debt, source legitimate loans from credit unions, and help with health and wellbeing.

Victims are not likely to have received any paperwork, may have had items such bank cards, passports and jewellery taken as security and could have been subject to threats and intimidation.

Nottinghamshire County Council has worked with the England Trading Standards Illegal Money Lending Team (IMLT), hosted by Birmingham City Council, to set up the site and help people who may be in turmoil at the hands of a loan shark.

It is estimated that nationally 310,000 UK households use illegal money lenders and the IMLT has helped over 26,000 people who have borrowed from loan sharks since it was set up in 2004.

Councillor Glynn Gilfoyle, Chair of the Council’s Community Safety Committee, said: “A big myth about loan sharks is that their victims are also committing a crime by taking out a loan with them and this simply is not true.

“This website makes it clear the illegal money lender is committing the crime, the victim can remain anonymous if they want to give information about a loan shark and the safety of the victim is at the heart of what the illegal money lending team does.

“Many victims suffer in silence due to fear of reprisals so it is important that their friends or relatives are also able to report a loan shark on their behalf.”

Tony Quigley, Head of Service for the England Illegal Money Lending Team, comments: “We wanted to offer loan shark victims with an alternative way to report a loan shark safely – our new website allows victims to leave their contact details and request a call back from an IMLT officer at a time and day that suits them.

“If you or someone you know has been a victim of a loan shark, please visit www.stoploansharks.co.uk/report-a-loan-shark or call our 24-hr hotline on 0300 555 2222. All calls are handled by an IMLT officer and information is treated in the strictest confidence.”

The website address is www.stoploansharks.co.uk

People who are victims or know of a victim can call the hotline 24 hours a day 7 days a week on 0300 555 2222 and remain anonymous if you wish as all calls are treated in confidence.

Two men in serious condition after stabbing in Bestwood

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Two men are in hospital in a serious condition after a stabbing in Arnold.

The men suffered stabbing injuries during the incident in Oxengate at 11pm on Monday (March 6).

Oxengate-Arnold
ASSAULT: Oxengate in Arnold

The 30-year-old and 26-year-old were taken to the Queen’s Medical Centre. Their condition is described as serious but stable.

A spokesman for Nottinghamshire Police said: “Anyone who witnessed the assault or has any information us urged to call Nottinghamshire Police on 101, quoting incident number 920 of 6 March 2017, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111”.

Budgens store in Sherwood to close as chain calls in administrators

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A Budgens store in Sherwood is to close after administrators failed to find a buyer for the stricken business – with 24 staff facing redundancy.

This morning it emerged that Budgens stores up and down the country have been closed after the operator of the stores went into administration.

The store on Mansfield Road will close later this month.

Accountancy firm PwC was appointed as administrators for the shops by restructuring firm Hilco Capital, but the accountancy giant could not find a buyer for the convenience stores.

Budgens-Sherwood
CLOSING: Budgens on Mansfield Road (Image: Google)

Mike Denny, who is joint administrator at PwC, said: “Unfortunately, we have been unable to find a buyer and it is not commercially viable to continue trading the stores

“We are working closely with the Co-op, USDAW and the relevant government agencies to ensure that all employees receive the maximum levels of practical and financial support through the redundancy process.”

Arnold care home one of first in UK to serve pureed food that looks like meal

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Elderly residents at a care home in Arnold who have difficulty swallowing food are benefiting from an initiative aimed at encouraging them to eat more.

People experience problems eating and drinking for a number of reasons, for example if they’ve had a stroke or suffer from dementia.

Milford Care, which runs Ernehale Lodge in Arnold, is about to launch special meals for those residents who have a pureed food diet. Adopting an idea from Germany, the pureed food is made to look like a meal again. Using a thickening product called Gelea, a sausage will look like a sausage should, and a carrot will look like a carrot should.

PICTURED: Pete Radford, who has created the sensational new dishes

The meals are being rolled out in all the homes on March 1, thanks to the company’s catering manager Peter Radford.

Peter, 48, a chef of many years who has worked for Milford Care for eight years, read an article about the food, known as ‘smoothfood’ in 2014 and decided to follow it up. He discovered that a company in Germany called Biozoon have come up with a range of food products and processes for people with Dysphagia, who often have meals liquidised due to difficulties swallowing.

The company found a way of making food look like a meal again after it had been pureed, using food moulds and a process called ‘jellification’, which involves adding additives to the food, like you would with a jelly.

Puree-food
ON OFFER: The new puree food which looks like a meal

Peter said: “This product will help so many people on these smooth diets. They say you eat with your eyes first, so we hope that as these meals look more appetising our residents will be more tempted to eat them which will improve weights and their overall health and wellbeing.”

Peter is currently training staff about the meals at all of the Milford Care homes: Spencer Grove in Belper, Ashbourne Lodge, Milford House, The Meadows in Alfreton, Hazelgrove in Hucknall and Ernehale Lodge in Arnold.

He said: “It’s been brilliant so far. We have trialled the meals with 20 residents and the feedback has been great. The staff are really enthusiastic to try this new technique and improve the lives of our residents.”

Meals he has made using this process so far include chargrilled chicken breast with pineapple ring, meatballs with tomato sauce, and stuffed chicken.

Sheila Barwick, home manager at Milford House, said: “I think it’s brilliant. Some of the residents said the pureed food they had before was like baby food so I can’t wait for them to try it.”

Ravenshead man sentenced after police investigation into drugs and money laundering

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A man from Ravenshead is among those sentenced as part of an investigation into the production of drugs and money laundering.

Nottinghamshire Police initiated Operation Nabit after a warrant was executed at Ravenshead Plant Centre in Mansfield Road, in June 2013, a business owned by 57-year-old Dale Richmond.

A total of 70 cannabis plant stumps and 22 juvenile cannabis plants were recovered at the scene along with cannabis seeds but it was the large amount of cash recovered from the scene that led officers to uncover a network of money laundering.

Inspection of bank accounts belonging to Richmond revealed numerous cash deposits and numerous cash withdrawals. Police began to investigate his associates and in January 2014 a series of warrants were carried out across the county.

A trial held at Nottingham Crown Court in July and August 2015 found Richmond guilty of conspiracy to produce cannabis and six counts of money laundering to the tune of more than £150,000.

Dale-Richmond
SENTENCED: Dale Richmond

His co-accused John William Palfreyman and Neil Rose were found guilty of conspiracy to produce cannabis. Palfreyman was additionally found guilty of money laundering.

Two more men, Warren Richmond and Kevin Martin, had pleaded guilty to producing cannabis at the start of the trial.

On Thursday 15 October 2015 they were given the following sentences:

– Dale Richmond of Mansfield Road, Ravenshead, was sentenced to eight years in prison.

– John William Palfreyman, now 30, of Kirby Close, Newthorpe was sentenced to three years in prison.

– Neil Rose, now 44, of Ragdale Road, Nottingham, was sentenced to 20 months imprisonment.

– Kevin Martin, now 31, of Rufford Avenue, Rainworth was sentenced to nine months imprisonment, suspended for two years and 200 hours unpaid work.

Warren Richmond, now 35, of Second Avenue, Rainworth was sentenced on December 14, 2015 to 10 months imprisonment suspended for 18 months and paid a £100 victim surcharge. He is Dale Richmond’s step-son.

Dale Richmond already had a history of cannabis growing but the financial information coupled with evidence recovered at Ravenshead Plant Centre in June 2013 and the other addresses in January 2014 indicated the drugs were being produced on a much wider scale.

Invoices showed that between 2011 and 2013 Dale Richmond had spent in excess of £70,000 on hydroponics equipment and fertiliser to produce the drug. Searches in Mansfield, Rainworth and Hucknall properties linked to the accused revealed multiple cannabis grows. Martin, Rose, and Warren Richmond, who were living in some of the properties at the time, were arrested.

In some cases the electricity meters were by-passed and paperwork linking the group to each other was recovered.

Yesterday, Dale Richmond was sentenced to a further one and a half years after being found guilty of two counts of money laundering, to run consecutively with his previous sentence, making his total jail term nine-and-a-half years. He had denied the offences on 7 May 2015.

During the four-day trial, the court heard about his involvement in both a rogue builder and a money laundering case.

Between February and April 2013, a 76-year-old man fell victim to ‘rogue builders’ and paid them £134,000 to carry out work on his house in London – £70,000 of which was paid directly into Dale Richmond’s company account for Mansfield Limited and as soon as it was received, Dale Richmond withdrew it in cash.

The work was examined by Trading Standards and was estimated to be worth between £1,691 and £2,029. This had cost the victim his life savings and he had taken out a £10,000 bank loan to pay off the debt.

In June 2010, Charlie Doherty, 30, of Dickens Heath Road in Solihull, West Midlands, defrauded two men out of £33,000. They had agreed to loan the money on the pretext of getting a high rate of interest on the loan for ‘a mate’ who needed to seal a property deal before a mortgage was granted. This was paid directly into Dale Richmond’s bank account.

Charlie Doherty pleaded gulity to fraud by false representation on 7 May 2015. On 6 June 2016 he was sentenced to eight months imprisonment, suspended for 12 months and paid £33,000 in compensation.

Financial Investigator Ray Goddard said: “All of these sentences are the result of a long, ongoing and highly complex case looking at years of financial records and providing the evidence to link this group to each other. I’m really pleased with the results which mark another success for our continued efforts to stamp out drug-related crime and money laundering in Nottinghamshire. I am also pleased as it highlights our efforts continue to try and support the vulnerable victims of fraud and prosecute those responsible, including the individuals who launder the proceeds of these crimes.”

Detective Inspector Jon Scurr said: “Nottinghamshire Police’s Organised Crime department seeks to protect the vulnerable and pursue offenders who target them until justice is achieved. This investigation emphasises this commitment and also the excellent work conducted by Ray to secure these convictions. The sentences are reflective of the offences committed.”

MATCH REPORT: Carlton Town 2 – 2 Newcastle Town

Lawrence Gorman scored twice as Carlton Town drew 2-2 with promotion chasing Newcastle Town at Stoke Lane.

Gorman, stand-in captain in place of the absent Kieran Walker, scored in either half and also put through his own goal to complete a hatrick of sorts in an eventful afternoon as Carlton started well but were hanging on for a point by the end.

Manager Wayne Scott made two changes to the side which beat Teversal last time out. Both Walker and Daniel Gordon were unavailable, so back into the side came Malachi Lavelle-Moore and Alexander Troke, back on loan from Coalville.

In front of a good crowd boosted by the attendance of parents, staff and pupils from St John the Baptist school, Carlton began well. They had the benefit of a strong wind at their backs and forced Newcastle on the defensive from the start.

Lavelle-Moore headed wide from an excellent position after a cross from Troke in just the fifth minute.  Kevin Lusamba then fired high over from 25 yards.

Troke and Newcastle captain James Askey were booked on 10 minutes following an altercation and three minutes later Carlton took the lead.

Carlton-Newcastle

Troke sent over a corner which was only half cleared and Gorman volleyed into the bottom corner of the net.

Moments later Troke went clean through on goal but he took one touch too many and the chance went.

Lusamba then headed wide from a Troke corner as Carlton dominated.

Newcastle’s first effort came on 21 minutes when Jack Steggles made an excellent stop from a Daniel Cocks free kick.

The visitors then claimed a penalty when Cocks went down under challenge from Jake Carlisle but the referee wasn’t interested.

Back came Carlton and Lusamba shot wide after good work by Lavelle-Moore before Troke shot inches wide after a lovely move involving Niall Davie, Danny Elliott and Lusamba.

Another fine passing move between Carlisle, Elliott, Troke, William Mellors-Blair and Lusamba saw Lavelle-Moore run though on goal on the left hand side. The striker elected to try and pass rather than shoot and the chance was cleared.

Newcastle had the ball in the net deep into first half stoppage time following a fine move but Lee Cropper’s effort was disallowed for offside.

Whatever the Castle manager said at half time it had the desired effect as the visitors were a different proposition with the wind at their backs in the second period.

Luke Askey headed against the bar within 40 seconds of the restart and the visitors were level on 52 minutes.

A deep ball into the area from Chris Baker saw Luke Askey rise highest to head home powerfully.

The momentum was now with Newcastle and Steggles did well to save a free kick from Jordan Cole.

The Staffordshire outfit took the lead on 58 minutes. Carlton’s efforts to deal with a routine ball down the Newcastle left were shambolic and when the ball fell to Cole, his shot hit the post and rebounded against the unfortunate Gorman and over the line.

The Millers surprisingly levelled on 65 minutes with a peach of a goal. Elliott was fouled 30 yards from goal on the left.  Jake Wholey’s ball was met by the sweetest of volleys from Gorman who steered the ball into Dave Parton’s right hand corner of the net.

Mellors-Blair then beat Parton to a through ball and only excellent defending by Kyle Blake prevented Carlton from taking the lead.

As the half wore on Carlton dropped ever deeper and Newcastle pushed forward. Cropper put a free header wide after a fine cross by Baker on 78 minutes.

With a couple of minutes left Cole went clean through after good work by Ricky Bridge and Baker. However, with the goal at his mercy, Cole fired high over the bar to the relief of the home support and the anguish of the visitors.

With the game deep in added time Carlton might have stolen the points. Substitute Josh Rae did well to hold up the ball and Carlisle sent over a lovely cross which Troke laid off to Mellors-Blair but the striker hit his effort high over the bar.
Carlton Town: Steggles, Troke, Fletcher, Wholey, Gorman, Carlisle, Mellors-Blair, Elliott, Davie, Lavelle-Moore (Rae 85), Lusamba (Newton 64). Unused subs: Phillips, Stovell, Schoenecker

Goals: Gorman 13, 65; Luke Askey 52, Lawrence Gorman 58 og

Carlton Town Supporters Club MOTM – Lawrence Gorman

Attendance: 147

Young boxers from Arnold take on talent from across the country at event in Rotherham

Three young boxers from Arnold were invited to compete with some of the best amateur talent from across the country at an event held in Rotherham last week.

Josh Timson (13) , Joel Severn (11) and Conner Brown (10), who all compete for Arnold School of Boxing where invited to take part in the skills contest were there were no winners or losers at the Magna Centre.

On the day unfortunately Connor Brown’s opponent did not make the agreed weight so could not compete.

ASB-boxers
YOUNG STARS: (l to r) Connor Brown, Josh Timson and Joel Severn

Joel Severn put in very dominant display of boxing against Kane Quinn of Birtley ABC, in County Durham.  Severn, who was the taller boxer, used his jab to great effect catching his smaller opponent with some eye-catching shots.

Josh Timson used his fast hands and feet to great effect against Jake Tattersfield of KBW Dewbury, in Yorkshire. Both boxers with similar styles gave the packed crowd a great display of skilful boxer with Timson landing some great backhands.

All three boxers will be taking part in Arnold School of Boxing’s next boxing show on May 26 at the Arnold Liberal Club which will feature the rest of the club talent.
 

Elwes Arms in Carlton crowned as Gedling borough’s Best Bar None winner

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The Elwes Arms in Carlton was crowned as Gedling borough’s Best Bar None winner at an awards ceremony on Tuesday night.

The competition judges praised the popular venue which they described as a “valuable, integrated, part of its community, as shown by the annual community barbeque it holds”.

Pubs, bars and clubs across the county were also honoured at the ceremony, which was held at Goosedale, in Papplewick.

All of the venues eligible for an award had achieved Nottinghamshire Best Bar None accreditation, by passing a thorough assessment of their operating policies and procedures.

The judges also chose one overall winner – billed as “Best Bar None in Nottinghamshire”. This year this prestigious accolade was awarded to independent bar and restaurant andwhynot in Mansfield.

Best Bar None is a national scheme, which is supported by the Home Office. There are currently over 30 individual schemes across the country, with each scheme tailored to suit the area in which it is run. Due to the way Best Bar None encourages licensees to continually improve their standards of operation, some areas that operate schemes have shown impressive reductions in alcohol-related crime and disorder.

Elwes-Arms
WINNER: (l-r): Dave Harlow, Chef at The Elwes Arms, Beccy Webster, Manager at The Elwes Arms and Councillor Marje Paling, Chair of the Licensing Act Committee at Gedling Borough Council.

The scheme in Nottinghamshire is the country’s first county-wide scheme, and launched in 2015. It is funded by the Police and Crime Commissioner and Nottinghamshire County Council.

PCC Paddy Tipping said: “I want people to have a great night out in safety. Licensed venues can play a key role in this, while ensuring a thriving local economy, but only when they provide a safe environment where people can enjoy themselves.

“Best Bar None helps to nurture this safe environment by raising standards and encouraging licensees to take pride in their premises. The commitment the venues have shown in achieving accreditation deserves to be recognised, and will hopefully be rewarded through increased custom from people looking for a safe place to visit.”

Councillor Glynn Gilfoyle, Chairman of the Community Safety Committee at Nottinghamshire County Council, said: “This year’s assessments have shown that standards across the county are already increasing, especially in those venues accredited for a second year.

“It’s creating a win-win situation for both licensed venues, who will see less enforcement as well as improved relations with the Police and local authorities, and their customers who can be sure of being in a safe, enjoyable environment when they go out.”

This year it has also been sponsored by Diageo GB, and Fraser Brown Solicitors.

More information on the scheme, as well as the award winners and all the accredited venues, can be found atwww.nottinghamshirebbn.com

Gedling Borough Council signs terminally ill staff charter

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Gedling Borough Council yesterday (March 1) signed a charter aimed at helping terminally ill workers.

The Council is the latest employer to sign up to the Dying to Work Voluntary Charter, following in the footsteps of employers such as E-On, Legal and General and Santander.

The Charter is part of the TUC’s wider Dying to Work campaign which is seeking greater security for terminally ill workers where they cannot be dismissed as a result of their condition.

Dying to Work was taken forward by the TUC following the case of Jacci Woodcook, a 58-year-old sales manager from Derbyshire, who was forced out of her job after being diagnosed with terminal breast cancer.

The TUC is asking employers to sign up to its voluntary charter to stop cases like Jacci’s happening in the future.

Gedling Borough Council leader, Cllr John Clark said he was glad the council have now signed up to the charter

He said:  “When a family are dealing with a terminal illness, the last thing they need is to worry about their job. This charter supports our ethos as employers that our staff are the backbone of the council and it will give them some comfort that we will do what we can to help them if anything happens.”

Dying-To-Work
SHOWING SUPPORT: (l to r) Sean Redgate from GMB; Rob Johnston from the TUC; Cllr Meredith Lawerence of Gedling Borough Council; Louise Was-Griffiths from Unison; Cllr Michael Payne of Gedling Borough Council; Alison Hunt and Gill Morley from Unison and GBC leader Cllr John Clarke (GBC)

Sean Redgate, GMB organisersaid:  “The Dying to Work Campaign is about giving the working people of Gedling Borough Council, battling a terminal illness, choice and security and welcome the authorities decision to adopt the charter. Both GMB and the TUC welcome this signing and hope this will inspire other employers in Nottinghamshire to work with the Trade Unions and implement this in other workplaces in Nottinghamshire.”

Gill Morley, who is chair of UNISON, said she was delighted Gedling Borough Council has signed up to the scheme.

She said:  “We fully support the council’s commitment to helping colleagues who are diagnosed with a terminal illness, in order to ensure they will not have to go through the extra stress and worry about their jobs at a very difficult and trying time.”

Lee Barron, Midlands TUC Regional Secretary, said: “We welcome the fact that Gedling Borough Council have committed to the Dying to Work Charter. Worrying about your job should be the least of your concerns when you receive a terminal diagnosis.

“Over 275,000 workers across the UK are now covered by the Charter. There is real momentum behind the campaign as we work to secure the dignity and protection that all terminally ill workers deserve.

He added: “We hope and expect more employers to follow the Council’s lead and sign the Charter as we take the campaign into more workplaces across Nottinghamshire, the East Midlands and, indeed, across the UK.”