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It's the third time Polish chef Robert Markowski has visited Nottingham's Global Market and according to him it's one of the best food festivals in the world. The five-day event based in Market Square, taking place from Wednesday, April 9, to Sunday, April 13, is featuring exciting food and drink as well as fashions and gifts from across the globe. Treats ranging from Mediterranean olives and french baguettes to Mexican churros and Snowdownian cheese were delighting the appetites of its launch day crowd. For Robert, who will be serving up polish staples such as hearty bigos stew and meaty kielbasa sausage, Nottingham visitors have always been a pleasure to serve. He said: "There's a lot of positive people who want to try something new. "Nottingham is a beautiful city, it's a really beautiful place. "It's the first market we've come to this year, we think it's going to be a good one." The traders at the festival were by no means cultural imitators - it was all authentic recipes and foods brought from home. Recipes like sweet biscotti and delicate cannolis were made for the beautifully displayed Italian Tempations stall. Manager Gabor Villo, has made Nottingham a must-have destination to sell his handmade delicacies. He said: "It's our third time here, the people here are lovely and the city is beautiful. "We started our business about nine years ago and it just grew and grew and it's just got better. "We'll be here for another five days and we're really looking forward to making food that you might not find in Nottingham." One of the more unusual traders was Geoff Woodward, who was selling authentic medieval meads imported from Germany. Every year at the festival, the crowds were eager for a taste of Geoff's historic brews. He said: "I've got a regular clientele based in Notts, some guys spend as much as £100 a time - they all stock up until next time. "I have a lot of people want to try the honey mead - they say it's the best they've ever had. "It's making a bit of a comeback." Sitting back and enjoying the atmosphere was Jane Stevenson, 55, who was taking a break from all the scrumptious snacks on offer. Jane said: "It's my first time, I'm being really adventurous and having a coffee and cake but I'm going to have some paella and want to try some West Indian food. The Turkish Delights have caught my eye too. "It's nice to have it in front of the council house in the Old Market Square. I love it when they do things like this." What are your favourite Nottinghamshire food hot spots? Email newsdesk@nottinghampost.com

Food and drink delight the Nottingham crowds at the Global Market Festival

FILMING at council meetings has been banned despite national calls to allow it. Stapleford Town Council has made the decision despite the Government telling local authorities to be more transparent. Out of 16 councillors only two voted for filming to be allowed at meetings. Councillor John Longdon said: "I am 100 per cent for filming because the technology is there and it is going to come in eventually anyway. "Meetings should be filmed and put on the council's website so anyone can view them at any time. "I believe in transparency and filming would be one way towards that." Councillor Helen Grindell voted against the idea of allowing filming due to the way people act at meetings. She said: "I went against the filming because I don't think the council will be able to afford to do it. "If it was the last meeting that was being filmed some councillors would have shown themselves up due to their behaviour which could paint the council in a bad light." Two people abstained from voting on the motion which was given as "Stapleford Town Council does not permit the filming of town council meetings" by the council leader. Councillor Dave Pearson said: "If the motion was asking if we were in favour of allowing filming at meetings, I would have said yes but it didn't. "I am in favour of filming because I believe that things should be open to public." In June last year the Department for Communities and Local Government said: "Councils should thus allow the filming of councillors and officers at meetings that are open to the public." Resident Jayne Sansom of Horace Avenue, Stapleford, said: "I do not see why there should not be filming. "A recorded version of what happens could be really useful. "The council should move forward and not stay in the past." Jess Welbourne of Church Street, Stapleford, agreed. She said: "I feel that they should be filmed because it gives the community the chance to see the decisions and how they are made. "It would be helpful to see people debate a subject and when councillors are passionate about something it means they care. "I want to be able to see our council make decisions." A draft regulation called The Local Audit and Accountability Act 2014 has been laid in Parliament and if approved it could come into force by May giving rights to everyone to film all council meetings. Council leader Jacky Williams said: "Should the legislation change we would have to look at it again. "I feel that at this time for a town council it would not be appropriate for us to leading the way with this." A spokesman from The National Association of Local Councils' said: "Stapleford Town Council is correct in passing this motion at this time because as it stands it is a matter for them to decide upon." The decision made on Friday night was the first ever recorded vote at the council. A Department for Communities and Local Government spokesman said: "An independent local press and robust public scrutiny are essential for a healthy local democracy. "Town and parish councils should promote transparency and openness wherever possible rather than clinging to out-dated standing orders. "That's why we're changing the law to ensure that anyone, from professional reporter to citizen journalists, can film, blog and tweet the public meetings of all local government bodies." Do you think filming council meetings is a good idea? Let us know by emailing newsdesk@nottinghampost.com.

Stapleford Town Council officially bans filming at meetings

NOTTINGHAM City Council is selling off one of its £40,000 civic cars, the Post can reveal. The authority's two Jaguar XJ TDVi Sovereigns ferry the Lord Mayor and Sheriff to events across the city, but one will now be auctioned to save money. The authority has blamed a drop in government funding for cuts to services which have impacted on libraries, children's services and adult social care. In total, Nottingham City Council cut £25.5 million from the budget signed off last month, but there were initially no plans to sell the luxury cars. Now one of the cars will go – with one of the chauffeurs taking voluntary redundancy. This will save the council £59,000. There will also be ongoing savings in fuel and maintenance costs. Deputy leader of the council, Graham Chapman, said "times are hard" but the city needed to keep the two civic roles of Sheriff and Lord Mayor, although one may now have to travel by cab. He said: "We have to be realistic with the cuts. It may be that the Sheriff will have to attend events by taxi or drive themselves to events." When questioned as to whether he would be in the market for the Jaguar, Mr Chapman said: "I drive a 1997 Nissan that has been fairly well run into the ground, I'm not that interested in the Jag." Documents released by Nottingham City Council under the Freedom of Information Act show the two Jaguars travelled 16,231 miles on official engagements in the last 12 months. By comparison, the average annual mileage for a family runaround is around 10,000. The cost of fuel for the cars is £213.87 per month and they were used to attend 636 engagements – with one used 398 times and the other 238. A Nottingham City Council spokesman added: "We are looking at every civic engagement and looking at where we can reduce the use of the remaining civic car. "There may be options for the Lord Mayor and the Sheriff to share the car on certain journeys, as well as using taxis or walking where appropriate."Meanwhile, Notts County Council said it would be selling off its sole civic car last December as part of plans to cut £83 million from its budget. The Ford Mondeo was bought in 2011 to replace two Mercedes limousines and is in the process of being sold. Speaking at the time, corporate director for policy, planning and services, Jayne Francis-Ward, said: "These are exceptional times and the council is being forced to take some very difficult decisions about the services it can continue to provide due to government austerity." What do you think of the plans? E-mail opinion@nottinghampost.com For more politics news, click here.

Council to sell off civic Jaguar

PRESSURE is mounting on the owners of a 'rundown' market as politicians are urging them to bring it up to standard. Traders at Arnold Market are concerned for the future of their stalls because of a lack of investment in the historic market place. Gedling MP Vernon Coaker and Gedling council leader John Clarke are writing a joint letter to the owners, Thurland Estates. "We want to improve the town centre in all sorts of ways to make it more attractive to the traders and the local shoppers," said Mr Coaker. "I will be writing to the owner and working together with the council to try and come to an agreement that best suits the needs of the people of Arnold." Mr Coaker said the market had become dilapidated and investment would boost shops on Front Street and the town centre, too. "We want to find a solution that will breathe fresh life into the town centre, creating jobs and opportunities for investment that will benefit everyone. The market is a vital part of local shopping and a vibrant market will increase business for other shops around." A recent survey by the Post found that on Front Street alone there are ten empty shops as well as 13 charity shops. Shopper Glenis Harwood, 59, of Charnwood Lane, thinks the whole town would receive a boost. She said: "I love markets because they are so different. You get a really friendly and personal service. I go to the Wednesday flea market in Arnold. "But there are too many empty stalls because it's not in a good state. They should do something with the market. If they made it bigger and better it would bring so many more people to Arnold." Jon Gray, who runs JJ Pet Foods at the market, is pleased to hear the MP and the council are taking up the issue. He said: "The market's become a bit rundown over the years and needs some investment. If it was modernised more people would come and that's not just good for the stallholders but the other shops in Arnold as well." Thurland Estates Ltd, which owns the private land where the market is based, declined to comment to the Post. Do you live or shop in Arnold? What would you like to see to improve the market and town centre? Tell us what you think at newsdesk@nottinghampost.com.

MP backs market traders in calls for investment at 'rundown' Arnold Market

NOTTINGHAMSHIRE showed they can hold their nerve in four day cricket with a tense and often thrilling victory over Lancashire at Trent Bridge. The hosts' chins would have been on the floor if they had not managed to see off a valiant side as they won by 45 runs with 11.1 overs to spare to pick up 21 points from their first County Championship game of the season. For so long it looked a matter of time as Notts reduced their opponents to 112 for six at Trent Bridge. But a brilliant partnership of 147 between Ashwell Prince and Tom Smith threatened to force a draw and at one stage even a win. The arrival of the second new ball proved crucial as Luke Fletcher got Smith for 76 and when Wayne White was out for four the visitors were reduced to 278 for nine. But Prince pushed for his century and with James Anderson occupying the crease pulses must have been racing for Notts' players. Suddenly Prince got out to a full toss of all things with the score on 303, moving too far across his stumps to give Harry Gurney the moment to savour. Notts' four-man specialist seam attack bowled superbly over the course of the match with Championship debutant Jake Ball bowling a particularly destructive spell before lunch. With Australian Test star Peter Siddle, Andre Adams and maybe very occasionally a rehabbing Stuart Broad to come in at some point, Mick Newell's side will be confident they can take 20 wickets on a more regular basis than last season. Notts batsman Riki Wessels had talked about the importance of the new ball in the first hour but Lancashire made light of any threat in that spell. It took Paul Horton a total of 49 balls to score his first runs in the match but when he got going he looked accomplished. Michael Lumb dropped Simon Kerrigan when he was on five, the score 18 for one, but the majority of the crowd would have expected the night watchman to be dismissed swiftly. However, he put on 70 for the second wicket with Horton. It took an hour and 23 minutes for the first wicket of the morning to fall, but when it did the floodgates opened. Ball made the breakthrough with a beauty that saw Horton edge through to Chris Read as he went for 41, Lancashire 76 for two. Samit Patel had soon removed Andrea Agathangelou for four as the ball straightened a little to catch the edge, Wessels showing safe hands at first slip. The spinner had a second wicket in quick succession as Kerrigan's resistance was broken to make it 90 for four. He played for spin that wasn't there and he was out lbw for 33 from 84 balls. Notts had taken four for 19 in 28 minutes when Ball continued his excellent spell with a delivery that drew Luke Proctor forward, out caught behind for a duck. By lunch it was 99 for five and the game was firmly in Notts' hands. Gurney got in on the act straight after the interval as he got one up at rib height on Alex Davies, who nicked it to Read to go for 13 – 112 for six. Prince was given a second chance on 18 when he was dropped by Ball at mid-off off the bowling of Carter in the 46th over. That looked a big miss by tea as Lancashire had pressed on to 218 for six, 131 short of victory. The South African was 62 by that stage, while Smith was on 52. It was crunch time, or so it seemed, when Notts took the new ball on 259 for six and within two balls Smith was out for 76, squared up by a sharp one from Fletcher that nicked off to Wessels at first slip. Lancashire had barley recovered when they lost another wicket, White lbw to Fletcher for four. They were teetering on 278 for nine after Kabir Ali had flicked one off his hip straight to Alex Hales at square off the bowling of Gurney. There was almost a chance to end the game when Prince launched a Gurney delivery that dropped in between Phil Jacques and Ball in the deep. However, after a brilliant pull for six had taken him to 99, Prince reached his century. Lancs decided to shut up shop but could not see it out as they lost to a dismissal that was not befitting of such a game or innings.

Nottinghamshire hold their nerve to claim final-day win against Lancashire

AN historic church where DH Lawrence's parents are buried could be demolished after it was gutted by a huge fire. Firefighters were called to the chapel at Eastwood Cemetery at around 2am on Wednesday to find the chapel "well alight". The dousing down continued for six hours and building control officials from Broxtowe Borough Council were on the scene throughout April 9. Eyewitness Simon Taylor, 39, said he saw sparks fly over his head as the chapel roof was engulfed in flames. "I smelt smoke and looked outside to see what it was and could hear all the fire engines and a big glow in the sky. "I drove down and was stood about 50 to 100 yards away behind the church - it was completely ablaze. "I saw it collapse and when I looked up there was all these sparks and ashes in the sky, flying over my head." Mr Taylor, of Plumptre Way, said it was a shame to see such an historic building go up in flames. "My kids' great granddad is buried there and so were DH Lawrence's parents," he said. "It will be a huge loss for the town." Mr Taylor filmed the blaze on his smart phone.

Patricia Roland, of Chewton Street, said: "It was a really quaint little church, a lovely place and a well-known landmark for the community. It will be a massive shame if they are forced to knock it down. "I went to the site and looked through the railings afterwards and it nearly brought a tear to my eye. "My friend's mum and dad are buried in the cemetery, very close to the building. They were very lucky the graves weren't damaged." Council engineers are now working to assess whether the chapel, between Chewton Street and Church Street, should be demolished. Broxtowe council leader Milan Radulovic said: "I am extremely upset to see this historic building so badly damaged and the council will look very carefully into the possibility of saving the building or whether it will be forced to demolish the chapel." "Council employees are installing fencing around the area of the fire to ensure that the site is safe and secure. "There will be a full investigation into the cause of the fire but until that investigation is complete we cannot speculate on what started the blaze. "Sadly, the building is seriously affected but fortunately no individuals were involved and the surrounding site and graves are intact. Mick Sharman, the incident manager for the fire and rescue service, said four crews were called to the blaze. He said: "The building was severely damaged. We got the call at 1.51am and by the time we arrived the fire was well developed. The windows and the doors were all damaged. "Our first priority was to check there was no-one in the building and once we had confirmed that, we could work to bring the fire under control. "We had five appliances at the scene which I think is about right and we were working to make the area safe." Notts Police confirmed that the officers were called to the scene but said the investigation into the cause of the blaze was ongoing and any police investigation would follow this.

Eastwood church fire: Eyewitnesses saw roof collapse during blaze

NOTTINGHAM Prison was hit by yet another disturbance yesterday as inmates refused to return to their cells. The six-hour protest did not involve injuries but prison officers had to use force to move a "handful" of the demonstrators. The prisoners' action began at 3.30pm and lasted until 9.30pm. The Ministry of Justice said it could not say how many of the inmates had been involved in what it described as a "passive protest". "There was no fighting with staff – this was by no means a riot," a spokesman told the Post. "It was a passive protest and the majority of prisoners returned to their cells on their own accord. Force had to be used on a handful. "None of the prisoners were armed at any point and no staff or prisoners were injured. The police have been informed." On Monday, 23 prisoners refused to return to their cells at the Perry Road jail and prison officers complained about the level of staffing. On the same day, two other prisoners deliberately trapped themselves in safety netting and an unrelated fire was started in a different part of the prison. These incidents prompted Glyn Travis, of the Prison Officers' Association, to call for a review of the mix of prisoners. HMP Nottingham expanded in 2010 to hold 1060 prisoners. Following news of Monday's action, Nottingham East MP Chris Leslie said: "In the last 18 months, there has been a significant reduction of staff at the prison. There is no doubt that cutting the number of officers presents a steep challenge to maintain order."

Further protests at Nottingham Prison

THE Government has given the company that owns Thoresby Colliery - the county's last deep coal mine - £10 million to shut it down. More than 500 jobs will be lost at the pit over the next 18 months. However, the money provided by the Government will prevent the immediate closure of the Edwinstowe mine. A Written Ministerial Statement, which was tabled in Parliament on Thursday morning, revealed the fate of the pit. Business and Energy Minister Michael Fallon said: "We are doing everything we can to help in this unique situation. "Our commercial loan, as part of this private sector led initiative, can support a managed closure that is in the best interests of the taxpayer and employees. The only alternative was immediate insolvency. "It has been a real collective effort to get to this point, but this remains a challenging situation and all parties need to continue working closely together."

Thoresby Colliery: Government give UK Coal £10 million to shut pit

Rob Foster, owner of NG11 Cars in Clifton, sizes up to a 7ft mannequin dressed by staff as St George, complete with a sword and a suit of armour, ahead of St George's Day on April 23. Staff say it's to cheer up passers-by after they've had to cope with tram works in Southchurch Drive in recent months.Have you seen the mannequin? What do you think? Did it cheer you up?

Seven-foot mannequin of St George to 'cheer up Clifton'

PUPILS from a Newark school met with Olympic heptathlon gold medalist Jessica Ennis-Hill (pictured).

The 20 students from Magnus Academy in Newark attended the English Institute of Sport in Sheffield, where they met Jessica.

It was part of the Sky Sports Living for Sport event. This is a free, national schools-based initiative run with the Youth Sport Trust that uses sports stars and sports skills to help build young people's confidence and life skills.

As well as meeting Jessica, the students had the chance to try out a range of sports, including hockey, judo, basketball, athletics, football, gymnastics, rugby, boxing and badminton.

Natalie Riding, PE Teacher at Magnus, said: "Our pupils were blown away by the experience of joining Jessica and so many sporting legends in Sheffield.

"It was incredible to see the pupils inspired to try so many new activities and seeing them so proud of their achievements. I believe they will take the experience of this day and the lessons learned with them for many years to come."

Olympic star Jessica Ennis-Hill is an inspiration for life

NOTTINGHAM Rugby have announced winger Ryan Hough has signed a new deal with the club. Hough, 22, is another member of the first team squad who has worked his way through the Green and Whites' ranks, having earned his stripes in the Academy. He is also another local lad to make the grade, having started off at Mansfield RFC. He has made 32 appearances for Nottingham and has scored seven tries, including a hat-trick against Plymouth Albion towards the end of last season. "I'm very happy to have signed a new contract with the club as I've really enjoyed this year, even if results haven't been as good as we would've liked," he said. "I'm looking forward to next year to see if we can progress and build on the foundations we've put in place. "I really enjoy being part of the squad as the lads are a good bunch and I enjoy working with the coaches. "The coaches know what they're doing and I like the direction that they want to take the club in. "The signings the club have made ahead of next season are exciting, especially for me as a winger. The new 10 (Dan Mugford) should get the backline going and we've signed an international winger (Viliame Iongi) so hopefully I'll be able to learn a lot from him to improve my own game." Nottingham head coach Martin Haag said: "I'm very happy that Ryan is remaining with us for next season. "Similar to Tom Calladine, Ryan has come through the ranks to make his mark and is another local lad at the core of the squad. "Ryan is a player who is developing all the time and is an excellent member of the group. "He is a good trainer and has put in a quality showing so far in his career. "The next step for him is to develop consistency in his performances, but with his attitude and some more experience I've no doubt that will come. "I expect to see him forging ahead and making a big impact next season."

Ryan Hough signs new Nottingham Rugby deal

JAMES DeGale will fight on the undercard of Carl Froch v George Groves II at Wembley for the right to face the winner in a world title showdown. DeGale has signed a promotional deal with Matchroom Sport and will face Brandon Gonzales in a final eliminator for the IBF world super middleweight title on May 31. The 2008 Olympic Gold medalist will take on the unbeaten American for the right to face the winner of Froch and Groves, as the Brit rivals do battle in a rematch for Froch's WBA and IBF belts. And if he beats Gonzales he insists he doesn't mind if he fights Froch or Groves. "I'm not fussed who wins out of Carl and George," he said. "I think Carl is an easier fight as he is made for me, but with George and I it is personal – I get angry talking about him. I'm ready for whoever is there but I'm concentrating on Brandon Gonzales." "We're delighted to welcome James to the Matchroom Boxing team," said Eddie Hearn. "The timing of the fight against Brandon Gonzales couldn't be better with the winner set to face the winner of Froch vs. Groves 2. "The 168 pound division is buzzing and this just adds a new dimension to the potential of mega-fights for British boxing."

James DeGale will fight on Carl Froch v George Groves undercard to earn world title shot

A 23-year-old man has been arrested following a shooting in St Ann's on Tuesday. Officers from Nottinghamshire Police searched three addresses in the city on Thursday morning and the man was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit grievous bodily harm. He remains in custody where he is to be questioned by detectives.Officers are investigating following reports of loud bangs in the Donkey Hill area of St Ann's at about 3.50pm on Tuesday. Despite no one being found injured at the scene, officers believe a man may have sustained injuries to his foot and a trawl of CCTV has identified a blue Ford Focus in the street, which police are keen to trace. A cordon remains in place in Thorneywood Mount and there will be a continued police presence in the area throughout the day. If you have any information about the incident please contact Nottinghamshire Police on 101, quoting incident 535 of 8 April 2014, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Arrest after St Ann's shooting

BLOOD splats on the floor where a man was found in a bin lorry have shocked residents. The Wastecycle dustbin lorry remains in Lyndhurst Road, off Sneinton Dale in Sneinton, as police look into the death of a man found inside at 5.10am on Thursday morning. The man was taken to the Queen's Medical Centre but has since died. Kalanithy Kandasumy, 40, of Lyndhurst Road was seeing her husband off to work when she heard police sirens in her street. "I couldn't get back to sleep because I was too scared," she said. "I didn't know what was happening. I heard a lot of noise and police sirens shortly after 5am. "They had taped the road off all the way to Sandringham Road by the school - so my house was behind the cordon. "I think I'm going to stay with my sister in law tonight," said Mrs Kandasumy. "I don't think I could sleep here." Staff at Lyndhurst Family Dental Centre, who didn't wish to be named, said they saw blood on the street when they arrived at work next door. "There were blood splats on the pavement," one receptionist said. "I can't believe it happened." Police have since reduced the size of the cordon, with cars able to get around to Sneinton Dale via Sandringham Road. The cordon is likely to remain up all day as Notts Police continue their enquiries. Hairdressers Mazhar Mahmood and Muhammad Ahmed have been left out of work as their shop - Mazhar Barbers - is still behind the cordon. "It's a really bad thing for the area," said Mr Ahmed. "If the body's found here then people will think something bad happened here. But it could have been in there from before. "Everyone who comes into the shop tomorrow is going to ask what happened and I don't know what I'm going to tell them. "It will be a big blow to business missing out on today's trade." Mr Mahmood added: "It's just so strange to see something like this happen in our neighbourhood - so close to the shop. It has a knock-on effect in the community." The discovery reminded Sneinton resident John Sanders, 67, of August 2012, when a decapitated body was found on land between Rossington Road and Burrows Court. He said: "I'm not surprised after that body was found with no head a couple of years ago." Peter Healy was ultimately jailed for life for battering Kevin Kennedy to death after the discovery of the torso. Mr Kennedy's arms and head were never found. Police are also investigating the circumstances of the death of a man whose body was found by a former mill in London Road on Saturday April 5. A postmortem into the death of the man, believed to be in his 40s, proved inconclusive and further tests are set to be carried out. "This stuff does happen and gives Sneinton a bad reputation," Mr Sanders said. "The majority of people who live here are brilliant, it's a great diverse community. "But the good name of Sneinton will be affected by this. Everyone will decide that it's a bad area when they read this." Mr Sanders called for a bigger police presence on the streets in Sneinton. "I would like to see more police," he said. "There aren't enough and people think they can get away with anything." Notts Police confirmed they were called to an incident off Lyndhurst Road at 5.10am on April 10. A spokesman said: "A man has died following an incident in Sneinton Dale. Officers were called to a report that a man had been seen in the back of a refuse collection vehicle. "The man was taken to the Queen's Medical Centre where he later died. Police have closed Lyndhurst Road while officers carry out enquiries." They said the death is not being treated as suspicious.

Bin lorry body: Residents in shock after blood splats seen on pavement

NOTTS County's League One clash at Bristol City will now be played on Good Friday. The Magpies were due to face the Robins at Ashton Gate on Saturday, April 19, but it has now been brought forward by 24 hours, Notts have confirmed. It will now be played on Friday, April 19 (3pm). Notts today said: "Having been contacted by Bristol City on Thursday morning, the club can confirm that the switch to Good Friday has been agreed and ratified by the Football League. "The club would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused by this change and ask that any Notts fans who have purchased a ticket for this game, who are unable to make the rearranged date, to please contact the Ticket Office on 0115 9557 210 or by email at ticketoffice@nottscountyfc.co.uk." Official travel to Ashton Gate will now depart outside the Club Shop on Meadow Lane at 10:30am on Friday April, 18, costing £17 per person, with a £1 discount for season ticket holders, members of the Official Supporters' Association, Member|Card holders and those in Lifeline.

Notts County game at Bristol City moved to Good Friday

VILLAGERS have headed off moves to open a 24-hour McDonald's – saying it could become as busy as a motorway service station. The project, which would have created 65 jobs, was planned near where the M1 and A52 meet in Sandiacre – with advertising to be seen by motorway traffic. Erewash councillors were advised by planning officers to approve the £2.5 million scheme on the land. But neighbours said McDonald's should not be allowed to operate around the clock – and claimed it would cause traffic problems around Bostocks Lane. Local resident Maxine Jones said 93 protest letters had been sent in and claimed the new destination would appear on driver's sat navs as a place to stop to eat. "It will bring excess people to the area – we will be getting another motorway service station," she told the council's planning committee. Risk management consultant Tony Payne said highway problems would worsen and added: "Traffic on Bostocks Lane is already either gridlocked or speeding." And the headteacher of nearby Friesland School, Peter Monk, said pupils would be tempted to call at McDonald's for lunch rather than have healthy meals in the cafeteria. "We have not served chips for many years," he added. East Midlands McDonald's director Gareth Pearson argued it would be an asset to the area and would not increase noise. Permission already exists to build an office block at the site, although there are no current plans for development. "Because we are long term, we will contribute to the local economy and we will work hard to address issues," he said. McDonald's jobs could lead to good careers and the firm would provide backing for a local football club, added Mr Pearson. But ten councillors voted to reject the scheme – with only two voting in favour. One of the supporters was Cllr Howard Griffiths who said: "It seems to me we have brand snobbery. Whether you like it or not, jobs are important." But Cllr Frank Phillips told the meeting it would be a "charmless, characterless building at a gateway to Erewash". He said an approach to Ilkeston already had a KFC and was about to get a McDonald's. Cllr Phillips added: "That is the only thing people will remember about this borough." Highways chiefs raised no objections to the project which would have 40 parking spaces. A total of 271 people signed a protest petition. Risley and Sandiacre parish councils were also against the scheme. After the meeting, a McDonald's spokesman said they would study the council's reasons for the decision before deciding whether to lodge an appeal.

McDonald's restaurant in Sandiacre turned down

SPIDERMAN was put through his paces by a 14-year-old girl from Notts. Lalicia Elston interviewed the stars of the latest action adventure film ahead of the national premiere in London tonight. The Amazing Spider-Man 2 features Hollywood regulars Emma Stone, Andrew Garfield, Jamie Foxx and Dane DeHann. But the pupil from the Joseph Whitaker School kept her composure under the bright lights of the studio. Lalicia, from Rainworth, said: "I was really nervous but I tried to hold it all in. I really wanted to freak out and scream but I didn't! "It has been one of the best days of my life. I asked them how it felt to come back and do a sequel and what it was like to be in costume. "They were all really friendly and nice to me. "I am a big fan of Emma Stone because she does a great job and has really good fashion sense. I was in a room with cameras and lights and only a few other people, I couldn't believe it." Lalicia was given the opportunity to interview the stars after entering a competition run by Disney. She was also invited to a screening of the film with her mother Maxine Elston, who was almost as excited as her daughter. The 40-year-old said: "I found out that she had won the competition on my birthday last Friday. "She had a master class in interviewing before she did it and she did so well. "I don't think I could have done it and I can see her doing this sort of thing in the future. "I am really proud of her and can't wait to go to the premiere later." Disney's Aim High campaign seeks to inspire children to set goals and reach for their dreams, and has joined forces with London Live – a 24-hour entertainment channel. Anna Hill from Disney UK said: "It is about making the impossible possible and encouraging them to be the best they can be. "It's great to be working with new channel London Live on this latest mentorship which has been designed to give kids across the UK an opportunity to learn key reporting skills that they can take away with them for a potential career in entertainment journalism when they're older. "What better way to put their skills to the test by interviewing the cast of The Amazing Spider-Man 2?" Spotted a celebrity? Tell us about it at newsdesk@nottinghampost.com

Spiderman stars interviewed by 14-year-old Rainworth girl

A FARMER joked to two engineers he rescued after a bull pelted towards them that it "did keep walkers on their toes" - weeks before it fatally attacked a walker. Robert Smith and colleague Christopher Robinson, of Central Networks, had attempted to carry out emergency electrical repairs but were chased off by the bull when it charged at them. As part of the repairs, the engineers had to access a pole at night on land at Underhill Farm in Stanford-on-Soar, on Friday, October 1, 2010, Nottingham Crown Court heard on April 10. But the men abandoned the job after they encountered a bull, sought safety in a ditch and had to be ferried out of the field by Waterfall, in a two-metre wide bucket on the front of a tractor. Waterfall denies manslaughter by gross negligence after rambler Roger Freeman was killed by the bull six weeks later. Waterfall allegedly told Mr Smith the bull's name was Zac and had an aggressive nature. "The only way he could control the animal was by putting his food in the shed and shutting the door, and it kept ramblers on their toes," Mr Smith told the trial. In his police statement he had described the last comment about keeping ramblers on their toes as "jovial". Mr Smith told how the drama began that night when they had heard a loud bellowing sound as they went to the pole in the field. He saw cattle lying down and a brown bull standing up 30 to 40 metres away with big horns. "It wasn't happy to say the least," Mr Smith told the court. "It soon made tracks toward us...pretty much instantly. It was sort of galloping down the field. "It was quite scary, to be fair. There was a big animal coming toward us at full pelt." Mr Smith shone his torch to dazzle the bull, while Mr Robinson assembled rods they were to use on the job to hold out in front. The bull headbutted the rods and pushed Mr Robinson into the hedge backwards, leaving just the rods poking out. Mr Smith made for the gate and got out of the field to help his colleague, who had gone through the hedge to the other side and into a three-foot deep ditch. But when Mr Smith went into this field he heard a similar noise to the one before and dived into the ditch. "That's when I realised it was exactly the same bull," he said. "It stopped right up to the electric fence boundary." Jurors listened to a call from Mr Smith to his control room to report their predicament and loud animal noises could be heard in the background. Waterfall was contacted by the control centre and he arrived with the tractor. The men dived into the bucket on the front and were driven out of the field. After they escaped, prosecutor Andrew McGee asked Mr Smith: "How did the bull seem?" He replied: "A lot calmer now I wasn't in his field." Mr Smith contacted police after he heard on the news about another incident at the same farm. Mr Freeman was on a walking holiday with his wife Glenis, 70, when he was savagely attacked by a bull on a public pathway that ran through Underhill Farm on November 12, 2010. Mr McGee told the jury Waterfall was well aware of the risk posed by the bull, who was named Moonriver Zac Pi. "As a farmer Paul Waterfall had a duty of care to those who used the public footpath," he had said. "Paul Waterfall had that duty of care and knew his bull posed a real risk of death to people using that path." The prosecutor added that Waterfall had been "grossly neglectful" in failing to take any steps to prevent that risk. "The death was made all the more tragic because it was completely avoidable", he added. Waterfall allegedly breached his duty of care to the public by failing to ensure the bull was safely confined on his land on the Nottinghamshire/Leicestershire border. Mrs Freeman, of Glen Parva, ran from the field and flagged down a motorist who called for an ambulance. She was taken to Queens Medical Centre in Nottingham where she had surgery for chest and abdominal injuries. Police and paramedics found Mr Freeman, a father of two, face down with only his underpants and boots on. His clothes had been stripped from him and were scattered at the scene where he was declared dead. ProceedingFor the latest crime news, click here.

Bull death trial: Beast chased two workers six weeks before killing walker

HOPES for a £250,000 skate park no longer look like a pipe-dream as new plans are submitted for council approval. The site, proposed for development in Coronation Park, Eastwood, has been under consideration for several years. Now the plans have been finalised and sent to Broxtowe Borough Council for the go-ahead. If approved, construction could begin by late May or early June. Should development run smoothly, it could be built by September. Facilities on the site will include a complex and challenging skating "bowl" with various heights between 1.2-2.4 metres, ledges, as well an underpass and flyover jumps. Students from local schools have been at the heart of these plans, raising money and finding out what people wanted from the site. Pupils Beth Lee and Rhianne Lounds from Eastwood Comprehensive School spearheaded the fundraising project, bringing it to the attention of the community. Beth Lee, 17, of Woodside, Eastwood said she was thrilled the project looked like it would come to life. She said: "It just feels like all the hard work has finally paid off. "I don't skate, but we knew how much it would benefit other people and benefit the town. "Eastwood is well known because of DH Lawrence and it would be really great for people around the region to come and visit, not just because of Lawrence, but for our skate park too." The project has been joint-funded by Nottinghamshire County Council, Waste Recycling Environmental Ltd, Safe Action For Eastwood and Broxtowe Borough Council. The application has been submitted by skate park developers Freeskate, who will build the site. Ross Marshall, Special Projects Officer for Nottinghamshire County Council, said it would not have been possible without the imagination of those involved. He said: "We've just never given up on it, we just kept going and going. "I was massively inspired by both Beth and Rhianne. Their early determination helped inspire the rest of the team." The project's organisers have been keen to get the project off the ground since May last year. Early completion estimates suggested the site could have been built as soon as August 2013. However careful ground analysis found this would not be possible. New plans for the foundation have taken this into account. Nottinghamshire County Council's Eastwood Councillor Keith Longdon, said he was proud of everyone involved. He said: "The hard work and determination by all involved has allowed us to pursue this dream of a first class facility for residents and youngsters in Eastwood." A decision date for the application has not been set.

£250,000 skate park plans in Eastwood submitted for approval

MANSFIELD Town boss Paul Cox is hoping to get a head start on his summer recruitment in the next few weeks. Revealing he is hoping to add up to five new faces for next season, he has already started to invite players for trials at the One Call Stadium. Cox is also keen for some of the club's young stars to make the step up, with defenders Kyle Hempshall and Jack Koczalski starting the reserves' 3-1 victory at Hartlepool United in midweek. "I think there's going to be a lot of players out of work in the summer," said the Stags manager. "We don't want to be overloaded with trialists in pre-season. We want to get a nice little nucleus but not rush into it this year. I want to take my time and be a little bit more thoughtful on players, then see where we go from there. "We want to get a few more games, especially behind closed doors ones, so we can have a look at players who have been told they're being released by other clubs. "And it's a chance to get some of the younger players – the 16-year-olds, first year pros and maybe some of the lads who are going to come in next year as apprentices – a good run out against good opposition. "It's just so we can gauge them, see where they are and plan accordingly with them. "We've got another month or so of the season to go, so if we can get as much out of that time period as we can, I'll be happy." Cox is also aware some 'big decisions' will need to be made in the close season once some players' contracts have come to an end. "Everyone, in this next month, will be given an opportunity to stay at the club. There's no door closed on any player; I've said that since I've been here," he said. "If players want to be here and be successful and fight for the shirt, then I'm happy with that. "But we do need a little bit of something else in the summer. "I wouldn't be doing my job if I'm not on the lookout for one, two, three, four, maybe five players who are going to improve the squad."

Mansfield Town boss Paul Cox will take his time over summer recruitment