A CAKE-TASTING evening in Bingham has been cancelled.
The Yummy Tummy evening, set for Tuesday, April 8, was planned by Bingham Methodist Church to raise money for its £1.77 million multi-purpose community centre project.
It has now been "cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances", organisers say.
JOBLESS teenagers will get the chance to start a new construction course after Easter.
The course, for people aged 16 to 18 will take place at Derby College's new Ilkeston campus.
It is full-time and will in brickwork, woodwork, painting, decorating and plastering.
Helen Lillie, head of construction, said: "The resources at the town centre campus are ideal for young people who are not in education or work at the moment."
For more information, visit www.derbycollege.com.
FARMERS in Notts are warned they are not immune to global warming as a new report by the UN names Britain as one of the countries most at risk from the immediate effects of climate change.
The study by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change states that climate change in Northern Europe is likely to have positive effects for agriculture, with warmer climes offering better crop yields. And as one of the country's drier counties we are less under threat from flooding.
However, there is still a serious risk of extreme weather, says Associate Professor of environmental management at the University of Nottingham, Paul Wilson.
He said: "To combat those extreme events farmers, even in Nottinghamshire, will need to manage water by using it more efficiently and investing in storage.
Despite some of the positive effects for Britain, consumers should still be concerned with extreme weather around the world as we live in a global food market."
POLICE online service Track My Crime has been praised for helping victims and witnesses in Notts.
The new scheme allows victims to have direct contact with the officer investigating their case 24 hours a day via a secure online messaging system.
Victims can send non-urgent updates to their officer through the system as well as seeing updates from the police, who can update it any time of the day.
Notts Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Chris Cutland said: "Victims of crime tell me that they want to be kept better informed about the progress of the investigation into their crime.
"Track My Crime is designed to make that easier for everyone, but particularly the victim, who rightly expects support, respect and access to information."
THE cost of running the Maggie's cancer support centre was funded yesterday by Nottingham Post staff and family of the paper's former editor.
As part of the charity's Sponsor a Day scheme, more than £5,000 was raised – enough to fund two days in memory of former editor Mel Cook (pictured) who died of kidney cancer.
Mr Cook's partner Helen Dyson chose to fund yesterday, the first anniversary of his death, and November 8, which would have been his 52nd birthday.
It costs £2,400 per day to operate the centre, in the grounds of the City Hospital, which provides emotional and practical support for cancer patients and their families for free.
Helen and her son Luke boosted the Post's fundraising appeal.
Helen raised £2,000 by holding a barbecue at her home in Fernwood, near Newark, and Luke – Mr Cook's 12-year-old stepson – collected £600 by doing a sponsored 24-mile bike ride through Yorkshire.
Thirty Post staff raised £1,500 by running the Ikano Robin Hood half-marathon in September and a vintage tea party raised £850.
Individuals, companies or clubs are being urged to raise funds for Sponsor a Day. For more information contact Laura Grant, the centre's fundraising manager, at laura. grant@maggiescentres.org or telephone 07970 043949.
COUNCILS have joined forces to demand the Government changes planning laws to stop the spread of betting shops.
Nottingham City Council is one of 63 local authorities calling for betting shops to have their own planning category.
They are currently classed as A2 financial services – the same as banks and estate agents, meaning they can move into premises without planning permission.
Local Works, a coalition of over 100 national organisations, has led the campaign.
The group said: "It is great to see 63 councils joining forces and using the Sustainable Communities Act to address this – now Government has to sit up and listen."
LOCALLY-MADE food and crafts will be on sale in the Lace Market this weekend – with the return of the Nottingham StrEAT market.
The event brings together local producers of art, crafts, food and drink and celebrates independent vendors.
It takes place in Lace Market Square, just off Fletcher Gate, on Friday from 10am to 7pm and Saturday from 10am to 4pm.
Free 'I Love Beeston' shopping bags will be handed out courtesy of the Beeston Business Improvement District to promote Beeston as a shopping destination.
The five cheapest places to fill up within ten miles of Nottingham city centre:
Unleaded
1. Tesco, Middle Street, Beeston, 125.9p
2. Sainsbury's, Cross Street, Beeston, 125.9p
3. Tesco, Swiney Way, Toton, 125.9p
4. Tesco, Waverley Street, Long Eaton, 125.9p
5. Asda, Loughborough Road, West Bridgford, 126.7p
Diesel
1. Sainsbury's, Cross Street, Beeston, 131.9p
2. MRH Wollaton Spar, Wollaton Vale, Wollaton, 131.9p
3. Asda, Loughborough Road, West Bridgford, 132.7p
4. Asda, Radford Road, Hyson Green, 132.7p
5. Asda, Midland Street, Long Eaton, 132.7p
For the latest prices, check online at nottinghampost.com.
STEPHEN Brown, 33, of Rockingham Grove, Bingham, pleaded guilty at Nottingham Magistrates' Court to having a machete in Bowland Road, Bingham, on December 17. He was bailed to attend again on April 17.
PAUL Marshall, 47, of Deptford Crescent, Bulwell, allegedly stole £3 worth of dishwasher tablets from Poundland in Bulwell on February 6. His case will be listed at Nottingham Magistrates' Court on June 24.
IAN Newton, 47, of Cinderhill Road, Bulwell, was found guilty of drink-driving in Church Drive East, Arnold, on November 16 last year. Nottingham magistrates heard he had 62 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath, over the limit of 35. He was handed a community order and banned from driving for three years. He was ordered to pay a £60 victim surcharge and £85 costs.
RICHARD Sykes, 33, of Naomi Court, Bulwell, pleaded guilty to being drunk and disorderly in Bulwell and using threatening behaviour in Nottingham on March 1. Magistrates in Nottingham fined him £75 and handed him on a community order. He was ordered to pay £100 compensation, a victim surcharge of £60 and £85 costs.
STEVEN Ferns, 31, of West Furlong, Cotgrave, admitted assaulting a male in Cotgrave on New Year's Day. Nottingham magistrates gave him a community order with a two-month curfew and tagging, ending May 25. He was ordered to pay £75 compensation, a £60 victim surcharge and £85 costs.
JEROME Russell-Walters, 33, of Victoria Road, Sherwood, is charged with possessing cannabis with intent to supply in Nottingham on August 14. He is bailed to attend a plea and case management hearing at Nottingham Crown Court on July 22.
LEANNE Ellison, 25, of Sneinton Dale, Sneinton, pleaded guilty at Nottingham Magistrates' Court to a benefits offence. She was fined £60 for failing to notify the Department for Work and Pensions about a change in her circumstances – she was living in the same house with a man between July 26, 2011, and May 13, 2013. She was ordered to pay a £20 victim surcharge and £50 costs.
STEVEN Fletcher, 48, of Seymore Road, Eastwood, pleaded not guilty at Nottingham Magistrates' Court to assaulting a female in Eastwood on March 8. He was bailed to attend his trial on May 28.
LUKASZ Kuchta , 23, of Cinderhill Walk, Bulwell, was bailed after pleading guilty to assaulting a female in Nottingham on March 2. He will appear at Nottingham Magistrates' Court on April 30.
NATHANIEL Cox, 28, of Ogle Street, Hucknall, was fined £130 at Nottingham Magistrates' Court after he admitted using threatening behaviour in Nottingham last September. He was ordered to pay a £20 victim surcharge and £200 costs.
ADEEL Akhtar, 25, of Marlborough Road, Woodthorpe, has been fined £70 by Nottingham magistrates for driving an Audi without a seatbelt in Sherwood Rise on June 25. He pleaded guilty by post and was ordered to pay a £20 victim surcharge and £85 costs.
JULIE Jackson, 46, of Rockford Court, Stapleford, admitted stealing £2,000 from Equalized Working Men's Club, Stapleford, between May 1 and November 20 last year. At Nottingham Magistrates' Court, she received a community order with a six-month curfew and tagging, ending on September 26. She was ordered to pay £2,000 compensation.
MICHAEL Wright, 22, of Middleton Road, Newark, is charged with failing to give information to police about the identity of a Ford Transit driver who was allegedly guilty of a traffic offence in Arnold last June. Wright's case will be listed at Nottingham Magistrates' Court on May 28.
KIERAN Smith, 20, of Stanhope Crescent, Arnold, admitted possessing 14.66 grams of cannabis in Arnold on December 7 last year. At Nottingham Magistrates' Court, a community order was made with an unpaid work requirement of 150 hours over 12 months. He will pay a £60 victim surcharge and £85 costs.
SHANE Carlyle, 26, of Grange View, Eastwood, is accused of driving without due care and attention in a Ford Transit in Wood Street, Eastwood, on January 8. He is due to attend Nottingham Magistrates' Court on April 16 .
ALAN Draycott, 32, of Oakleys Road, Long Eaton, admitted stealing meat and cheese, valued at £58.30, from Sainsburys, Stapleford, on February 23. At Nottingham Magistrates' Court, he was conditionally discharged for 12 months and ordered to pay £58.30 compensation, a £15 victim surcharge and £35 costs.
LUKE Edwards, 23, of Reedham Walk, Bestwood, has been fined £240 after pleading guilty to drink-driving in North Sherwood Street, Nottingham, on March 1. Nottingham Magistrates' Court heard he was breathalysed with a reading of 55 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath, over the limit of 35. He was banned from driving for 12 months and ordered to pay £85 costs and a £24 victim surcharge.
SAFETY concerns have led to the closure of a school's science block.
Engineers raised structural concerns about the building at Arnold Hill Academy.
As a result, principal Robin Fugill closed it and has told all pupils in Years 7 and 8 not to go to school for the rest of the week.
In a letter to parents, sent on Monday, he said: "We have just received an engineers' report which has highlighted signs of stress appearing in the concrete structure of the science building.
"They have informed us that accommodating science classes in this building is not sustainable. Therefore, the decision has been made to close this building for the remainder of this week."
The academy is in discussions with the Department for Education about whether they can obtain funds for repair work or a replacement building.
Students break up for Easter this Friday.
Mr Fugill said they are "urgently" trying to get temporary classrooms in place for the start of next term.
Students in Years 9 to 13 will be found different rooms for science lessons.
Mr Fugill also stressed there were no safety concerns about any other buildings on the site.
His letter added: "I deeply apologise for this short notice and the difficulties this can create for childcare, but I hope you will understand my reasons for being extremely cautious and placing the safety of students and staff as a priority."
One mum, who did not want to be named, said: "It is very worrying to think that the buildings are now crumbling at the school.
"I am at least glad they have taken the sensible step and closed the block."
The science block closure comes after the academy had major problems with its Ofsted report.
The watchdog sent out inspectors to conduct a second visit, claiming the initial check was "flawed".
When the report was eventually released, the academy was given the worst-possible grade of "inadequate".
Another parent, who did not want to be named, added: "Arnold Hill School used to be a great school but it is going downhill greatly.
"First, it got slated by Ofsted. Now, my younger kid is sent home because the place is falling down."
A 12-year-old girl died when a wall collapsed at a school in Edinburgh. For full story, see page 20.
Are you a concerned parent at the school? E-mail marcus.boocock@nottinghampost.com
THE HILLSBOROUGH disaster is "seared into the memories of the many people affected by it", a coroner told jurors at fresh inquests into the deaths of 96 football fans.
Lord Justice Goldring explained the tragedy was "the worst-ever disaster at a British sports stadium".
The findings in the original inquests were quashed in December 2012.
The events unfolded on April 15, 1989, during Liverpool's FA Cup semi-final against Nottingham Forest as thousands of fans were crushed on the Leppings Lane terrace.
Among the different questions the jury will have to consider is whether a decision to promote chief superintendent David Duckenfield, who was in charge on match day, was the right choice, the coroner said.
Lord Justice Goldring told the jury Mr Duckenfield had been promoted to his role on March 27. He was given responsibility for Hillsborough over a more experienced officer despite his speciality being criminal investigations rather than public order.
Lord Justice Goldring told the jury: "Whether that was a sensible decision may be something for you to consider."
The inquests continue.
MORE than 150 people have applied for five jobs with a Nottingham architect as it takes on projects worth hundreds of millions of pounds.
Maber, which is based on Barker Gate in the Lace Market, is taking on the staff to cope with a significant rise in the amount of work it is doing to design schools, university buildings, student accommodation and industrial premises.
The business employs just under 50 people across four offices and managing director Mark Hobson says it is now heading back towards pre-crisis levels of turnover.
Since Christmas, the business has won deals to finalise the designs on no fewer than 15 schools in three different parts of the country.
It is looking to hire "at least" five new people to help manage the expanding workload.
Mr Hobson told the Post: "Architecture is very cyclical, and we always run this business with a sense of cautious optimism. But if I had to put that optimism on a scale of one to ten I'd say we're a seven at the moment.
"We've seen a major upturn in the demand for our services over the past few months and as a result we've been looking for architects, graduates and technologists.
"We've had 150 applications for these jobs in less than a week, which probably tells a story about the numbers of people there are out there in the marketplace.
"I think some of them are looking to move on from other businesses that have perhaps had a tough time, and some are people who've qualified but haven't yet found work. We've even had applications from people in Italy and Spain."
Maber, which has been in business for just over 30 years, found fame as the architect which carried out much of the work that has transformed Trent Bridge into an international cricket stadium.
It was also the architect on Trinity House, the Eon office building next to Nottingham's Guildhall – a project it secured after meetings which took place at the MIPIM international property and development exhibition in 2010.
Like the construction industry, architects saw a drop off in work during the recession as new building projects dried up.
Mr Hobson says Maber has been kept busy by work for long-standing clients like aerospace giant Rolls-Royce and holiday company Center Parcs.
Maber's interiors division has just finished work on five of the key public spaces at Center Parcs' new Woburn site.
The firm also launched an international division which is currently working on a number of projects in Kurdistan, the state north of Iraq which is using oil and gas revenues to rebuild infrastructure destroyed by Saddam Hussein.
But work on the Government's Priority Schools Programme has been the biggest source of growth since Christmas.
"The programme seems to have really kicked off," said Mr Hobson. "We've won three different programmes, one in the West Midlands, one in Hertfordshire, and one in Luton and Reading with Interserve and then last week we found out that Bowmer & Kirkland, who we work with, had won the Derby batch of schools.
"In total, 15 schools have landed in the office and we're now working on projects worth £150m in construction values.
"We're also working on a significant number of student accommodation projects for London investor clients who specialise in these kinds of developments across the country."
Maber's turnover dipped after the recession struck, but Mr Hobson says a strong pipeline of new work suggests it will be climbing again.
He added: "Looking ahead to 2014-15, we've got a significant proportion of our workload mapped out already.
"But we have always maintained a management structure which enables us to deliver on these projects, and the business is now growing turnover back to pre-crisis levels."
PROBATION officers fear Government plans to privatise their industry will put the public at risk.
Members of probation service union Napo held a public protest in Nottingham city centre yesterday to highlight their concerns at government plans to contract out 70 per cent of the service.
Around 30 of the 330 members of Napo's Trent branch, which covers Notts and Derbyshire, took part in the protest at the Brian Clough statue, off Old Market Square.
Some dressed as the Grim Reaper and a pantomime dame, holding placards with the messages 'RIP Public Safety' and 'Stop Making a Pantomime of Probation'. Others displayed the message 'Public Protection Not Private Profit'.
Branch vice-chairman Helen O'Dare, in the Grim Reaper outfit, said: "The government should stop rushing things through and listen to the people on the ground that do the work."
Ms O'Dare, 55, of Beeston, works as a victim liaison officer and has worked in the probation service for 37 years.
She said: "I deal with victims of sexual or violent crimes, where offenders are sentenced to 12 months or more in prison.
"I can put in place conditions for people coming out of prison to make victims feel safer when they are released. My fear is if it is privatised victims will be lost in the system."
Yesterday's protest came after probation workers also staged a walk-out and demonstrations outside Nottingham Crown Crown and Magistrates' Court on Monday.
In January, the coalition government published proposals to replace public sector probation trusts with privately-run community rehabilitation companies.
Their role will be defined under the Offender Rehabilitation Bill approved by the House of Lords in March.
A number of other protests have been held across the country by Napo members throughout this week.
Trent branch secretary Sarah Mycock, 28, of Stapleford, took part in the Nottingham protest.
She has been involved in the probation service for five years, and said: "Probation is something I believe in. If you are going to privatise it there is not going to be the same consistency of service.
"I do not want private companies to make a profit out of crime. That's wrong; the only people who do that are criminals.
"It's about making a difference to people's lives and enabling them to change.
"Ultimately it's going to put the public at risk."
In light of the protests, Justice Minister Jeremy Wright said: "It is very disappointing that Napo has chosen to strike when we are making positive progress towards the implementation of these vital reforms. We are pleased that Napo, along with the other probation trade unions, has recently ratified a national agreement on staff transfer that will provide a series of protections for probation staff.
"We are therefore surprised that they have now chosen to adopt this unhelpful course of action.
"Probation trusts have well-established contingency arrangements to deal with any potential action and we will continue to support staff and engage with unions as our reforms move forward."
What do you think of the role probation officers play? Email opinion@nottinghampost.com
PARENTS and children watched in horror as a thug beat up his ex-girlfriend in a frenzied attack outside a city school.
Martell Campbell punched and kicked his victim Emma Hunt – gouging at her eyes and trying to strangle her just after she had dropped her daughter off at a Basford primary school.
He bit her ear, leaving part of it hanging off and needing 11 stitches, and dragged her along the road.
Campbell was caught thanks to members of the public – including one who followed him and snapped his picture on her mobile phone. At Nottingham Crown Court yesterday he was jailed for more than six years.
The sentence comes after the Nottingham Post led a county-wide domestic violence campaign called Man Enough, in which nearly 6,000 men promised to help end domestic violence by signing the White Ribbon pledge.
And we called for Clare's Law to be introduced so people can check the police record of their partners.
In court, it emerged that Campbell was on a suspended prison sentence for assaulting another ex-partner and had been issued a non-molestation order to stay away from Miss Hunt just a month before the attack.
The 24 year old's sentence has been welcomed by Val Lunn, chief executive officer of Women's Aid Integrated Services in Nottingham.
She said: "The severity of the sentence conveys a strong message that domestic violence will not be tolerated and perpetrators should expect to be held to account.
"Women in Nottingham have the right to live their lives free from the stress of violence."
Campbell, of Shakespeare Street, Nottingham, struck after his victim had dropped her three-year-old at the school nursery. He had threatened Miss Hunt, of Highbury Vale, a few days before the attack and she had warned the staff about him at the school that morning.
As she walked away from the school gates at 8.30am, the court heard that Miss Hunt spotted a figure lurking behind some bushes, then Campbell pounced.
She tried to run but he grabbed her in a bear-hug in the middle of the road.
She dropped to the floor. Campbell held her with one hand and punched her repeatedly with the other in her face as she shouted to passers-by to call police.
"She was dragged along the road and was on all fours," said Mark Achurch, prosecuting.
"She managed to get to her feet before he threw her down to the floor again between two parked cars. She was pleading with him to stop.
"She says he stuck his fingers into her eyes; her assessment of that was he was trying to gouge her eyes out. He was holding her hair, strangling her, punching her.
"She thought that if she passed out there was a risk he could kill her. He put his fingers into her mouth and she tried to bite them. He attempted to bite through her ear. She said it was the worst pain she ever experienced."
The court heard that Campbell accepted he lost his temper.
Errol Ballentyne, mitigating, said: "He hadn't set out for matters to end where they did end. He had hoped to be able to talk to the complainant."
Campbell was locked up for six years and nine months after admitting wounding his former partner of four years with intent on November 6 last year.
GROUND-BREAKING work to help people with dementia has won a national NHS award.
Sherwood Forest Hospitals' Library and Knowledge Service has won the coveted Sally Hernando Award for Innovation for its project.
It has developed a special kit, including games and picture books, to help patients feel less frightened when they are admitted for emergency care.
Alison Sherratt, the trust's primary care librarian, said: "Although the scheme only started in September, it has been well-received. Staff say the patients find the kits entertaining and engaging, which helps them feel less anxious."
HARD-HITTING new posters are being put up around Notts to warn motorists about the dangers of speeding.
Notts County Council has launched the poster, with accompanying picture of a child, in a bid to protect highways workers on the roads.
The council is responsible for more than 4,000km (2,600 miles) of roads, over 5,000km (3,400 miles) of footway, 90,000 street lights, 120,000 highway trees and 350 sets of traffic signals.
Workers are out day and night in all conditions to maintain those roads.
Since September 2010, 14 incidents have been reported, from speeding through roadworks to being hit by a car while gritting.
One worker was hit by a car after the driver ignored a diversion sign, but thankfully recovered from his injuries.
"Looking after Nottinghamshire's roads can be a tough and dangerous job, but someone has to do it – and it could be your dad, brother, uncle, cousin or even sister working behind those cones," said Councillor Kevin Greaves, chairman of the transport and highways committee.
"Although we regularly talk about safety on our roads, it's all too easy to forget about those people who actually work on the highways. "These posters redress the balance."
HOUSE building is still on the up reports the National House Building Council.
The number of new homes registered in the UK increased by 14 per cent for the rolling quarter December to February, compared to the same period last year.
In total, 29,557 new homes were registered from December 2013 to February 2014, compared to 26,004 for the corresponding period 12 months ago.
However, the latest figures reveal that the February total of 9,484 registrations was slightly down on last February (10,538), which could be a knock-on effect of the bad weather experienced at the start of the year.
Richard Tamayo, NHBC's commercial director, said: "Although the results for February in isolation are not particularly strong, the rolling quarter shows that the number of new homes being registered continues to increase.
"Our latest statistics show there is still a way to go before the country starts seeing figures on a par with pre-recession registration, but the new measures revealed in the Budget show the Government remains committed to boosting the house building sector."
THE clocks have gone forward and the nights are lighter meaning that, among other things, Notts Recycling Centres have changed their opening hours.
They will open at 8am as usual, but will stay open until 8pm every day, until the end of September.
The start of the summer opening hours also marks the start of the Community RePaint Nottinghamshire public paint evenings.
Held at Beeston, Calverton, Newark and Warsop recycling centres, they take place every month until October and provide free reusable paint for Nottinghamshire residents or groups.
Booking is essential so contact Nottinghamshire County Council on 0300 500 8080 to book your slot.
Dates for April:
Calverton Recycling Centre, NG14 6NR – Thursday, April 24 5pm-7.15pm
Beeston Recycling Centre, NG9 1PF – Wednesday, April 30 starting at 5pm-7.15pm
Warsop Recycling Centre, NG20 0JG – Tuesday, April 29, 5pm-7.15pm
Newark Recycling Centre, NG24 2EG – Monday, April 28, 5pm- 7.15pm
All dates can be found at www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/communityrepaint
ASHFIELD MP Gloria De Piero has given the thumbs-up to new safety measures outside a village school.
She had campaigned for the move after hearing of the concerns of parents at Westwood Infant and Nursery School.
Notts County Council has now installed a new safer crossing. Miss De Piero said: "You can clearly see that it has already made a huge difference. Everyone involved in the campaign deserves a huge amount of credit."
Luckily, modern cleaning products and tools can make light, speedy work of the process, compared to the weeks our grandmothers used to take beating rugs, scrubbing and scouring and re-hanging drapes.
"A top-to-bottom, thorough clean won't just make a home look more appealing, it can also boost your spirits and make you feel more energised, as rooms will feel more airy and spacious," says Simon Glanville, managing director of specialist storage company, STORE.
"Use the opportunity to take a good look at spaces and, if need be, de-clutter – which isn't about throwing everything away.
"Rather, it's about losing what's useless and ugly in order to have space for things that are useful and beautiful."
Before you begin your super spring sort-out, check out these expert tips on making it easy, and the smart kit that will make even the most reluctant yearn to blitz away the winter blues.
Smart strategy
"To get over that mental block that prevents you actually starting, break the task into bite-sized pieces. Allocate 20 minutes each day to tackling just one area," suggests Simon.
"Always start with the bedrooms and work your way down, and never tackle more than one room at a time, otherwise you'll get overwhelmed."
Top tip: Turn on the music, get a timer and get each member of the family to fill one bag full of unwanted items, then recycle or sell them.
Top kit: Ensure you have all the kit to hand as you move around your home. Designer Sebastian Conran's produced a sleek Universal Expert range, including a steel storage caddy, £44, from West Elm. John Lewis has a smart whitewash wood crate, £35, which could be ideal for a utility room.
Top treat: Reward yourself for your efforts with fun and useful items. Animal string and scissor holders, featuring a badger, owl, westie dog or fox design, £25 each, Graham & Green.
Hidden horrors
Dust mites love to lurk in duvets and carpets, and these can cause problems for those with allergies, says David Begley, cleanologist at Johnson Cleaners.
"Often, duvets are overlooked but they should really be cleaned twice a year," he advises.
"Most domestic washing machines are too small to clean a duvet effectively and professional laundering is more likely to kill off dust mites and the allergens produced by them. This is particularly important for people who suffer from asthma or other respiratory ailments."
People shed enough skin each day to feed one million dust mites, so regularly vacuum your mattress, bed and headboard.
Curtains need cleaning at least once every six months to prolong their life and keep them looking as good as new, he says. If washing at home, iron while still damp and don't forget to release the pleats as they can harbour dust.
Top tip: Carpets accumulate a lot of dust, dirt and even fungi over time, all of which are unsightly, unhygienic and can be potential health hazards. Up to 80 per cent of carpet dirt is loose and can be removed with regular vacuuming. Make it a rule that people remove shoes at the front door so you avoid dirt and grit being walked in.
Top kit: If carpets have stubborn stains, a Rug Doctor professional cleaning machine starts from £20 a day from Johnsons Cleaners. Wooden floors need regular sweeping; an Iris Hantverk tall dustpan & brush set, £55, John Lewis, will prevent the job being backbreaking.
Top treat: Make a kitchen zing with colour with bright yellow Kenwood appliances. A Kmix kitchen machine, reduced to £279, and hand mixer, £64, Isme. Pretty up a utility area with Dunelm's pink cleaning utensils range, which includes a raspberry spectrum collection dustpan and brush, £2.09, and a pink slim three-tier indoor airer, £9.99.
Get a retro touch echoing yesteryear cleaning with a Linea vintage laundry advert cushion, £20, House of Fraser.
Green goddess
If you're concerned about the ozone layer and don't want to use chemical-laden cleaning products, there are plenty of ranges to gladden your heart.
"Scrutinise cleaning product labels like you would food labels," advises Eric Ryan, co-founder at eco-friendly cleaning products company, Method.
"You wouldn't want toxic ingredients in your food, so don't inadvertently put them on food prep surfaces by using chemical cleaners.
"Our products are as easy on the eye as they are on the nose, and are 100 per cent vegan-friendly and paraben-free."
Top tip: Seal granite or marble worktops so they're not prone to etching, the corrosion due to wear and tear and harsh cleaners.
Top kit: Method granite spray, £4; multi-surface cleaner, £3, available from major supermarkets including Tesco and Sainsbury's.
A classic feather duster, from £19.50, Marks & Spencer; an Iris Hantverk dustpan & brush Set, £29, John Lewis.
Top treat: Pretty up a dull kitchen corner with shelves and a display of vintage-style china from Dunelm's Candy Rose or Country Spot ranges. Candy Rose collection mug, £1.99, and Candy Country Spot Collection cup and saucer, £3.99. Recycling is essential and a stacking recycle bin, £15, has a 39-litre capacity, from STORE.
Finally, a good first impression in a hall will make the whole house seem organised. Sebastian Conran's glossy white universal expert hallway organiser, £54, West Elm, with a message board, clock and shelf.
Get the look – products from:
Dunelm, Castle Retail Park, Radford Boulevard, Nottingham: 0845 165 6565/www.dunelm.com
Graham & Green: 0845 130 6622/ www.grahamandgreen.co.uk
House of Fraser, Victoria Centre, Nottingham: 0870 160 7270/ www.houseoffraser.co.uk
Isme: www.isme.com
John Lewis, Victoria Centre, Nottingham: 0845 604 9049/ www.johnlewis.com
Johnson Cleaners – branches in Sandiacre, Hucknall, Ilkeston, Loughborough and Mansfield: www.johnsoncleaners.com
Marks & Spencer, Albert Street, Nottingham: www.marksandspencer.com
Method: www.methodproducts.co.uk