End of an era as ice cream sellers lose Wollaton Park contract

April 10, 2014, 8:00 am

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A family who have been selling ice cream from a van in Wollaton Park for 40 years have lost their plot – to a company from Coventry. The Digisi family had held the contract with Nottingham City Council to supply the park. But the authority has just awarded a new three-year deal to sell ice creams at Wollaton Park, Nottingham Castle and Highfields Park to Coventry Event Catering. The council said it awarded the contract to the firm offering the best value for money. But Maria Digisi, 51, of Lenton, says she and her uncle, Giacomo Digisi, 80, also of Lenton, were distraught at losing the business to "outsiders" and said they would now stop trading all together. Miss Digisi said: "My uncle is going to retire and it's a shame. That was the love of his life, he went there every day. We have lots of regular customers who are gutted." The family found out they had lost the contract on March 27 and three days later they had to leave the park. Ms Digisi said: "My uncle didn't tell anybody it was the last day. I think he was too upset about the whole thing. "Because we have always been there, we only bid for Wollaton Park. It's too late to find any other places at this stage so I will be selling my ice cream vans now. "We are a bit peeved that it's gone to outsiders. We lost it fair and square but we were up against a massive company." Miss Digisi said she would now concentrate on running their Alfresco coffee shops in West Bridgford, Mapperley and Southwell. The contracts were among 24 tenders for mobile catering at the city's parks that have been renewed. A council spokesman said: "We have to follow strict procurement rules in line with city council policy and legislation to ensure fairness and transparency. "A number of factors are taken into consideration when awarding such contracts including value for money, quality and safety. "Wherever possible we will do what we can to support local businesses so they can benefit from such opportunities, but tenders are awarded to the bidders that receive the highest combined score on both price and quality." Coventry Event Catering marked its arrival at Wollaton Park by giving out free ice creams for an hour on Thursday. Carlo Fella, managing director of the firm, said: "The park went for tender so why should a company from out of Nottingham be discriminated against, and not be given a fair chance? "The fact that we scored way and above the company that previously had the contract is a clear reflection that the company that has run the concession for 40 years was not the company capable of offering the highest quality service. "Change should not be frowned upon where it is for the benefit of the public. I hope that the Nottingham public will support us." After tasting one of the ice creams, Carolyn Casterton, 41, of Mapperley, said: "It's a shame for the previous sellers as Wollaton Park is advertised as being a local attraction. But the new sellers do seem to have good products at a reasonable price." Has your company been affected by this tendering exercise? Email newsdesk@nottinghampost.com

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Sneinton man shouted abuse and had knife in jacket, court told

April 10, 2014, 8:31 am

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ALCOHOLIC Geoffrey Gell hurled racial abuse in the street and was carrying a knife in his jacket, a court heard. The 54-year-old was given a suspended sentence on April 10 for using racially-aggravated behaviour and having the knife in Sneinton Boulevard. He was shouting "we don't need you here" and "go back to your own country" when he saw foreign-looking people on bikes, Nottingham Crown Court heard. One member of the public was so worried he called police when he noticed Gell, of Kentwood Road, Sneinton, had a knife blade hanging out of his coat. Gell disappeared into a house with the knife. Police found him with the blade on a bed and muttering something about foreigners. He told them he went out with the knife because an Englishman had been beaten up round the corner. He was also racially abusive to a policewoman. "He said he had the knife on him to cut open a settee," said Robbie Singh, prosecuting. "He went out drinking, started gambling and forgot the knife was there." Recorder Stephen Lineham QC told Gell he was an educated and intelligent man but for sometime had indulged enough in drinking, and Gell described himself as an alcoholic. "That of course is no defence or excuse for criminal conduct. "You went out into the street with a large knife, which was in fact on display. "I can only assume you were so drunk you did not realise the knife cut through your coat and was hanging out for the public to see." He gave Gell, who pleaded guilty, six months in prison for his racial behaviour and eight months consecutively, but suspended the sentences for two years. And he ordered Gell get help for his alcohol problem, pay a £100 victim surcharge and go on a community order with probation supervision. Finally, the judge wished him luck. "Mr Gell, you know perfectly well that the only person who will decide your future in life is you, no lecturing from the court will alter that. You have it in your own hands." Gell, who choked back tears, told the judge: "Thank you for giving me a final chance." Barry White said, in mitigation, that Gell had referred himself to an alcohol treatment clinic. "His first words to me today were, 'I'm 54 years of age. I don't need to be here. I just need help."For the latest crime news, click here.

Detective cleared of rape to return to work

April 10, 2014, 9:10 am

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A POLICE officer who was convicted and then cleared of rape will be given his job back. Detective Sergeant Trevor Gray was initially suspended and subsequently dismissed from Notts police after he was jailed for eight years for the offences at Derby Crown Court in May 2012. But Mr Gray, of Watnall, was later cleared of raping a mother in her own home – but said his life was been "ruined" by the allegations. The 49-year-old was convicted of the sex attack on the woman, aged 43, following a date in Nottingham city centre. Mr Gray had his conviction quashed by the Court of Appeal after spending 14 months in prison and a retrial at Birmingham Crown Court found him not guilty. The IPCC is currently looking into Notts Police's investigation, which will look at whether steps were taken to identify and locate significant witnesses. And yesterday it was announced that a police appeals tribunal had determined that Detective Sergeant Gray should be reinstated. Notts police said that it did not oppose the reinstatement, but had to a follow legal process. A statement said: "We have received the determination of the formal decision, and will be arranging a meeting with Trevor Gray to discuss his future with Nottinghamshire Police."

Nottingham man had stroke at 29 due to stress

April 10, 2014, 10:21 am

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BAR manager Adam Andrew Hayes has warned workaholics to take it easy after he had a stroke at just 29-years-old. The Belward Street resident was home alone when he realised that the right side of his body started to become paralysed. He managed to call an ambulance before it was too late and he now believes that the stroke happened due to the amount of stress he was under. "I walked from the washing machine to the bathroom and I couldn't move my right arm," he said. "I looked in the mirror and the right side of my face had drooped. "When I saw my face I knew I was having a stroke because I saw the FAST adverts on TV. "I called an ambulance with my left hand and I put it on loud speaker but I had to crawl to the door to open it for the paramedics because my right leg had paralysed. "I managed to get to the door and the paramedics found me semi-conscious unable to talk on the floor. "I was in a state of shock, panicking and struggling to breathe. "They think that it was all caused by stress because before it happened I was working 70-hour weeks, not getting enough sleep and not looking after myself properly." Adam was diagnosed with arteriovenous malformation which occurs when a tangle of blood vessels in the brain or on its surface bypasses normal brain tissue and directly diverts blood from the arteries to the veins which occurs in less than one per cent of the population. Since the stroke Mr Hayes has been working hard to recover and can now walk and talk again but still finds it hard to write due to residual arm weakness. However, he is now on the waiting list to receive neurosurgery which could help him further recover. Retired stroke physician and stepfather Dr Peter Mayer, 70, of Birmingham, said: "I think for a 29-year-old to recognise that he was having a stroke he did very well. The whole thing was very frightening for everyone. "You do not expect a fit and active 29-year-old to be disabled by a stroke. "He is still able to communicate very well which is great and we are hoping his condition will continue to improve. For the last 20 years of my career I was a stroke specialist and I predominantly dealt with older people. "It is very rare to have something like this happen to someone of his age. "We are really proud of his recovery and I think lots of people would be shattered by what has happened, if it happened to them." Following the stroke on December 10 Adam went to stay with his parents for a few weeks and since then has tried to raise awareness and funds for Stroke Association. He will be holding a fundraising event on Sunday, April 13, at Hooters in Queen's Road, Nottingham, which will include live music and a chicken wing eating competition. Regional fundraising manager Louise Knight from Stroke Association said: "It's fabulous that Adam has chosen to support us at his event. "The money raised will go to help prevent strokes and reduce their effects through campaigning, education and research. "It will help the 88,000 people in the East Midlands adjust to life after stroke." Tell us about your charity events. Email newsdesk@nottinghampost.com

Anger over plans to move library into Mary Potter Centre

April 10, 2014, 11:00 am

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Adults with learning and physical disabilities will lose out if a library is opened in a community centre, it is claimed. Nottingham City Council wants to open the library in the Mary Potter Centre in Gregory Boulevard, Hyson Green. But people who use the Acorn Resource Centre, based in the Mary Potter Centre, fear it would mean them losing two-thirds of their space, including a kitchen and toilet facilities. Acorn offers activities including crafts, cookery, indoor and outdoor games, discussion groups, a sensory room, flower arranging and boat trips. It also offers meals and personal care. Users of the centre held a protest this afternoon in front of the Council House in Old Market Square. Debbie Fearn, 45, of Bulwell, who has cerebral palsy, was one of the protest organisers. She has used the service for nearly three decades and is desperate to stop the library plans. She said: "It would see us lose a huge amount of space. A lot of users have electric wheelchairs and need the space to get around. It would not work with the library. "Plus we get fresh hot meals cooked for us. That would not happen as we would lose our kitchen. "We don't want the library. We hope the council will listen to this." A consultation is running until next month on the library plans. It would mean the existing library, also in Gregory Boulevard, would close. About 20 protesters held placards yesterday. One read 'don't invade our space', another 'SOS - save our space'. Passers-by were asked to sign a petition. Wheelchair-bound Felicity Swift, 64, has also used the service for several years. She said: "I use the centre most days. It is a real lifeline. I go to singing classes there. "If they open the library we just won't have the space." Carol Cooper, who is a personal assistant to a service user who has epilepsy, woldn't give his name said: "If there was less room he would really struggle with it. "The plans are ridiculous. There is already a library over the road from the centre. I don't see why they can't refurbish that." Mick Chort, 68, runs a coffee bar in the centre. He added: "I'm backing this protest. "It is not suitable to have a library in there. What would happen if there was a fire? There would not be enough room to get people out." The consultation runs until Friday, May 9. The council says the plans would be beneficial to people in the area. Portfolio holder for adults and health, Councillor Alex Norris, said: "Customers tell us that the existing library is no longer fit for purpose and that they like libraries located in joint service centres like Mary Potter. "The Acorn Resource Centre is one of a number of services based at Mary Potter and while the proposals would have an impact on the amount of space available to them, it would also mean service users can benefit from modern library facilities and activities, including free wifi access which has been a concern for Acorn users." What do you think of the plans? E-mail newsdesk@nottinghampost.com

Column bases from Lenton Priory discovered during excavation works

April 10, 2014, 11:00 am

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Archaeologists have discovered column bases from Lenton Priory and the walls of a medieval building during excavations for the new tram route. The discovery was made at a site behind The White Hart, in Gregory Street, where works to the track beds are being finalised. Paul Flintoft, project officer at Trent and Peak Archaeology - employed by NET Phase Two contractors Taylor Woodrow Alstom - said: "The discoveries are brilliant. You do not really get the opportunity to dig in cities very often because there are buildings everywhere so when you get to do a project like this it is great to find new things. "People do not seem to know much about Lenton so it would be great to discover more of it and I think it is going to change once we state our findings and publish what we have got." Mr Flintoft added that the team were carefully removing the soil layer by layer when the discovery of a series of medieval walls were made at the end of last week. This was then followed by the discovery of two floors, one made of cobble, likely to be a yard, and one made of thin mortar, likely to be a part of the building's interior. The archaeologist added: "I think we have clipped part of a building. I think people have been living here and it is part of a medieval domestic occupation. It is really exciting." A column base was also discovered at the site, which Mr Flintoft believes is from Lenton Priory. Two other column bases from the Priory were also found in Gregory Street. Lenton Priory, founded in 1106-7, was the largest church and monastery in the region. It was closed on the orders of Henry VIII in 1538, and almost all its buildings demolished. The site of Lenton Priory is a Scheduled Ancient Monument, but nothing survives of the church above ground except for the base of one column. Excavations by Trent and Peak Archaeology in 2013, previously reported in the Nottingham Post, revealed good evidence of the medieval fairground to the north of the Priory, with finds including a cow burial, a gold Noble coin from 1360, and several other coins and trading tokens. It is believed the trading tokens could have been from the Priory's Martinmas Fair, which was held every November, attracting traders and visitors from across Europe. Pete Watkin, project supervisor for Trent and Peak Archaeology said: "We were machining the surfaces down when we discovered a series of walls. I was over the moon because I have been doing this for two years and have only ever found fragments [of walls] in this area but never a length as well preserved as this." Once investigations are complete the finds will be donated to local museums and the results will be fully published. What do you think of the discoveries? Leave us a comment below.

Rushcliffe Borough Council rejects plans for biogas digestion plant in Orston

April 10, 2014, 2:40 pm

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Villagers let out a sigh of relief after councillors rejected plans for a biogas digestion plant. Rushcliffe Borough Council's development control committee last night considered whether to approve plans for the plant off Longhedge Lane, in Orston. The facility, proposed by Longhedge Renewables, would result in around 35,000 tonnes of fresh, chopped plant material converted into biogas, which would then be fed into the National Gas Grid. But after a two hour discussion on the proposal – which attracted more than 500 objections – councillors decided to reject the plans. Anaerobic, or biogas digestion is a process in which plant and animal materials (biomass) are broken down by micro-organisms in the absence of air. These micro-organisms then digest the biomass, which releases a methane-rich gas (biogas) that can be used to generate renewable heat and power. The remaining material (digestate) is rich in nutrients, so can be used as fertiliser. Adeline Pell, of Flawborough, was among the dozens of objectors who turned up at Rushcliffe Civic Centre to hear the councillors' verdict. Ms Pell said: "I was very concerned about the vast number of heavyweight vehicle traffic movements that would take place on totally unsuitable roads and about the odour and visual impact of the plant. "I am very relieved. We were concerned they wouldn't listen to the public but today they have listened to us at last." Councillor John Cranswick, who represents the Thoroton ward, raised concerns about the extra traffic movement the plant could create and the danger that tankers would present to children travelling on foot or by bike to Orston Primary School. Mr Cranswick said: "I strongly oppose the application. "This is a very large industrial gas plant which is totally unacceptable in open countryside. It will be clearly visible for miles and it will stick out like a sore thumb." His comments were greeted by applause from members of the public. Stewart Davidson, a resident of Orston, said: "My initial concerns were that it would look out of proportion to the area. "I think there is a battle yet to come if the applicant appeals but so far so good; it is a huge relief." What do you think of the plans? Leave us a comment below

Police called to Edwinstowe Parish Council meeting after row over allotments

April 11, 2014, 3:44 am

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A row over allotments became so heated that police were called to a parish council meeting. The disorder prompted Edwinstowe Parish Council's chairman, Celia Brooks, to call a halt to Thursday's proceedings after just 15 minutes. Mrs Brooks said the chaos erupted during public speaking time when several residents became angry that the council was taking over the administration of the Ollerton Road allotments. The councillor said: "We dealt with the first four agenda items with no problems, then it was public speaking time, where we give a minute to residents to raise a point, ask questions or make a statement. "A few of the speakers were out of order and yelling." Mrs Brooks added that several speakers also branded the parish council 'corrupt', believing that the council was trying to sell off or evict people from their allotments. The police were then called before Mrs Brooks asked members of the public to leave the village hall, calling a halt to proceedings. "All we are doing is taking on the administration [of the allotments]. We are not going to sell or evict anyone. That must be stressed. "It just got out of hand and we couldn't continue the meeting. Several residents refused [to leave], " the councillor said. All members of the public eventually left the meeting and congregated outside for a short period before dispersing. Mrs Brooks added: "Our meetings are usually incredibly orderly and everything is as it should be. "We do not mind if the public come and question us, we are answerable to them but this behaviour is completely unacceptable. There must have been around another six or seven people that wanted to speak but they did not have the opportunity. "The message is democracy cannot take place in such circumstances. We have asked the police to be present at the next two meetings; we will see if it calms down. If another meeting is disrupted in the same way action will be taken." Nottinghamshire Police confirmed they were called out to reports of disruption at a council meeting in Edwinstowe on Thursday. A spokeswoman said: "We were called out at about 7.15pm following reports of a bit of disruption at the council meeting. "Everyone had moved outside by the time we got there but we will be speaking to some of the people involved." What do you think? Leave us a comment below.

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Domestic and General contact centre worker wins iPad after landmark two millionth sale

April 11, 2014, 3:55 am

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A contact centre worker from Nottingham is celebrating after securing a landmark two millionth sale for an appliance repair plan run by warranty specialist Domestic and General. Nicole Stevenson won the deal for the UK repair and protect product at the company's Nottingham site in Talbot Street – and won a personal prize of an iPad Air in recognition of her efforts. The company's repair and protect offer allows customers to book fixed-price home appliance repairs with official manufacturer engineers. Since January 2011 there have been 49 staff appointed in the firm's repair and protect division. Royston Starling, head of product management said since its launch in 2001, repair and protect had continually grown in popularity – now accounting for around 25 per cent of the firm's business. It took nine years to reach sales of one million, but only a further three and half years to get to two million, he added. Mr Starling said: "I'd like to thank everyone in the team in Nottingham, but also everyone across the business who has contributed to our sales."

Three arrested for suspected drugs offences after Alfreton house raid

April 11, 2014, 4:00 am

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Two women and a 16-year-old boy have been arrested on suspicion of drugs offences after police raided a house in Alfreton. Officers carried out a warrant in Milton Avenue on Monday, Derbyshire Police said. A quantity of suspected cannabis and heroin was seized during the raid, which was set up following reports of suspicious activity from neighbours. A 41-year-old woman and an 18-year-old woman, from Alfreton, were arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply drugs, while the boy was arrested on suspicion of possession of cannabis. All three have been released on bail pending further inquiries.

Work starts on new play area at Wollaton Park

April 11, 2014, 4:02 am

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WORK on a new play area at Wollaton Park has begun. The £255,000 project is expected to be finished by the end of June. The play area will be on a grassy section next to the pavilion and opposite the car park. Equipment will include climbing frames, a five-metre- long slide, swings, a large roundabout, a zip wire, a see-saw and natural play objects including earth mounds, logs and tree stumps. The money is being provided by a number of organisations, including the city council and waste recycling group Wren. Councillor David Trimble, portfolio holder for leisure and culture at the council, said: "We're delighted to be progressing with the work to develop a new play area in Wollaton Park. It will enhance what is already a very popular park with children and their families." For more Wollaton news, click here.

Leaving British Cycling is right decision, says Sir David Brailsford

April 11, 2014, 4:07 am

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SIR Dave Brailsford has stepped down as British Cycling performance director to concentrate full-time on his role as Team Sky principal, the national governing body has confirmed. Brailsford has led Britain's cyclists to an unprecedented period of success, with eight gold medals at the Beijing and London Olympics and has arguably been more influential than any other person in turning cycling into a mainstream sport in this country. The 50-year-old Welshman also established Team Sky, winning the Tour de France through Sir Bradley Wiggins in 2012 and Chris Froome in 2013. "This is a big step but it is the right decision for the team and for me," Brailsford said. "Since London 2012, we have worked hard on succession planning and that has meant we've got to a point where I can move on, knowing the team will go from strength to strength." The decision was made following an internal review. Shane Sutton, Brailsford's right-hand man in more than a decade of success and previously performance manager, has been named technical director, while Andy Harrison will continue as programmes director. A new role of head of performance support will be created. As well as Brailsford, Professor Steve Peters will leave British Cycling, stepping down as the team's psychiatrist. Peters now works with a range of other individuals and teams and will work with England's footballers ahead of the World Cup in Brazil this summer. Brailsford added: "I'll still be available to Ian, Shane and Andy for support if they need it and my role at Team Sky will mean we'll still work closely and support the aims of British Cycling. "I'd like to thank all the great staff who I've worked with and of course the amazing athletes who ultimately deserve all the credit for their success. "I have some extraordinary memories – not just from Olympic Games and World Championships but also just day to day seeing cycling go from a fringe activity to a mainstream sport. "I've always said that, more than any of the medals, the transformation of cycling in Britain is the single thing I'm most proud of having helped achieve."

Man who attacked takeaway diner with machete locked up for 12 years

April 11, 2014, 5:38 am

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A diner in a city takeaway was stabbed repeatedly in the back in an unprovoked attack by a man wielding a machete. Vincent Hall, 39, started an unprovoked confrontation with the man in his 20s after entering the restaurant in Sneinton Dale. The argument became more heated and Hall began to punch his victim repeatedly, at one point throttling him. Members of staff, fearing for the man's life, tried to break up the fight and the victim managed to escape outside into Sneinton Dale. Hall then took a two-foot long knife, described by witnesses as a machete, from behind the food counter. He followed the victim and another fight began – this time with Hall stabbing him repeatedly in the back. His attack was so vicious that his victim suffered serious injuries and required surgery on four large wounds on his shoulder and one on his ankle. After being called to the scene, police were made aware of the car Hall had used to leave the area and CCTV investigation work linked the vehicle to his home. He was later arrested. Hall, 39, of Bowers Avenue, St Ann's, was found guilty of causing grievous bodily harm with intent after a three-week trial at Nottingham Crown Court. The jury heard the attack happened at about 7.30pm on February 6 last year. Hall had gone into the takeaway to order some food. He was jailed for 12 years. After the sentencing, Detective Constable Raj Johal, of Radford Road Police Station, said: "This was a nasty attack which has left Hall's victim with lasting injuries. "Had onlookers not intervened, Hall could well have been looking at a murder charge. "Instead he has been jailed for 12 years which shows how serious the police and the courts view knife crime. This underlines the importance of our force's ongoing Alliance Against Violence campaign. "I'd like to thank the staff and officers who carried out the investigation as well as the witnesses who were brave enough to give evidence during the trial. "Without the help of these witnesses we would not have had a conviction and I am sure that our community will be safer with Hall behind bars."

St Ann's shooting: Arrested man released on bail

April 11, 2014, 5:59 am

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Police have bailed a 23-year-old man who was arrested after a shooting in St Ann's pending further inquiries. They also carried out three more raids at homes on Friday morning, taking the total number done as part of the investigation to six. Officers were called to Thorneywood Mount at about 3.50pm on Tuesday after a loud bang was heard by residents. Forensic evidence recovered at the scene suggests a gun had been shot but no one was found hurt. Despite this, 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 detectives are keen to trace. A cordon that had been in place in Donkey Hill has now been lifted but there will continue to be an increased police presence. High-visibility patrols will also be carried out in the area to reassure residents. Anyone with information should call police on 101, quoting incident 535 of 8 April 2014, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Queuing metal fans 'livid' after Rock City sell exclusive Machine Head tickets online

April 11, 2014, 6:35 am

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Metal fans are furious after a box office mistake left more than 100 people without tickets for a one-off Machine Head show, despite queuing from the early hours. The US band are known for headlining arenas and festivals, but announced a one-off date at the Rescue Rooms in July with capacity for just 250 people. The Rock City box office said 50 tickets would go on sale through its online partner Alt Tickets at 9am Friday, but the majority would be available at the box office, advising fans on their Facebook page to "get to the box office early as we are expecting this show to sell out quickly." But despite desperate buyers showing up from 7am to get their hands on the golden tickets, just one customer was served as the rest of the stock had been released online and sold out in a matter of minutes. Steve Blackmore, 36 from Ruddington, said: "I'm livid, having been near the front of the queue. I and lots of others queued early due to the allocation kept back for walk ups. Not a great situation." A spokesman from the DHP Family, who own Rock City and the Rescue Rooms, said: "Unfortunately, due to a computer system error at the 'alt-tickets' website, the majority of tickets were sold online at 9am. This meant some people who went to the Rock City box office at 9am were unable to buy a ticket. "We have launched an internal investigation to discover how this error occurred and to make sure it does not happen again." Names, numbers and postcodes were taken from people in the queue in case the situation can be rectified but fans remain unconvinced. The spokesman added: "To those people who turned up at the Rock City box office this morning and do not yet have a ticket, we offer our sincere apologies for the inconvenience and disappointment caused."

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CCTV footage released in hunt for missing Radford man Bogdan Nawrocki

April 11, 2014, 7:13 am

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Police have released more CCTV footage as the search for missing Radford resident Bogdan Nawrocki goes on. The Polish-born 22-year-old was last seen in the Bobbers Mill Road area on Sunday January 5, but there have been no confirmed sightings of him since and officers fear he may have come to serious harm. Detective Chief Inspector Tony Heydon, who is leading the search inquiry, said: "Someone, somewhere, knows where Bogdan is or has information about what has happened to him. We've acted on all the information we've had so far and we remain deeply concerned for Bogdan's wellbeing. "I urge you to look at the CCTV we have issued, does it jog your memory? Did you see anything unusual on Sunday January 5? If you have any information at all, however small, let us know. It could help." Bogdan is white and about 5ft 10ins tall. He has short, dark brown hair cut into a crew cut and has a muscular build. He has a number of tattoos on his body including a set of lips on his neck and a cat on his ankle. A dedicated teams of Polish speaking officers have been making enquiries and a specialist number has been set up so anyone with information can speak directly them in confidence - 07785573415.

Gypsies on Benefits and Proud: Legless skateboarder from Hyson Green gets £750 a month in benefits

April 11, 2014, 7:31 am

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A Romanian man will feature in a Channel Five documentary which starts tonight. Viorel Dinu, who lost both legs in an accident when he was seven, is one of six Roma gypsies to be featured in 'Gypsies on Benefits and Proud.' The 25-year-old, who uses a skateboard to get around, lives in Hyson Green and travelled from his home to busk in London. His story will be featured in the Channel 5 programme, which examines the lives of six Roma gypsies living in the UK. Viorel tells how he had to beg to get by in Romania. He gets benefits of £750 a month here. "I come to the UK 'cos I don't have a nice life there," he said. "In Romania it's very hard with the money and everything. The money that I have is not exactly what I need, but what can I do, I must say thank you for this one. "In England is more better life because here they don't look on you if you black or not, they don't think if you're gypsy or not. "Every door is open here, this is the most easy." Viorel is learning to read and write English. "Because I have so many years on this skateboard, I learn myself. This is my legs for now. I call it my little car." Jacqui Wilson, the show's executive producer, said: "People should watch this programme before jumping to conclusions. Some of its revelations will make people think twice about gypsies in the UK." The programme is on at 9pm. For more entertainment news, click here.

Bull death trial: Engineer saw 'angry' beast as colleagues rescued

April 11, 2014, 8:00 am

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ENGINEER Darren Rose claimed he encountered an "angry bull" at the same farm where a walker was fatally attacked weeks later, a jury heard. He had met farmer Paul Waterfall - who denies manslaughter by gross negligence - after a rambler was killed by a bull on his land six weeks later. Waterfall, 39, had rescued Mr Rose's colleagues from a ditch when a bull chased them in the field after they turned up at night to do emergency electrical repairs back in October 2010. Mr Rose, who was not in the field when the incident happened, saw the farmer as he disappeared in his tractor to find his stranded friends. Mr Rose told the trial at Nottingham Crown Court: "He [the farmer] said he'd heard the bull from the bedroom. "The farmer said 'leave me to it, I'm going to go down the lane into the field'. He did exactly that. "When he came back out he was driving his tractor and had a scoop on the front and in the bucket there was Robert and Chris [his colleagues] sat in the front." Mr Rose said he was looking for the bull because that was the "main culprit". "It was an angry bull, because I could see the steam it was blowing through its nostrils. It was showing its teeth and that's about it I think. It didn't have large horns. I think it had small horns or stubs." He claimed the farmer said it was a "problem bull" and he could not go into the enclosure with it himself. Co-workers Robert Smith and Christopher Robinson both sought the safety of the ditch after they were chased by the bull. The men, of Central Networks, had walked on farmland at Underhill Farm, in Stanford-on-Soar, to access a pole by a hedgerow to do the emergency electrical repairs. But when the bull pelted toward them, they both dived into the ditch, and Waterfall rescued them in the bucket of the tractor after he was contacted by their control room. Waterfall was charged after rambler Roger Freeman was killed by a bull on November 12, 2010. Prosecutor Andrew McGee told the jury Waterfall was well aware of the risk posed by the bull, who was named Moonriver Zac Pi. Known as Zac, the 19-month-old Brown Swiss bull had been involved in two previous incidents just weeks before the alleged fatal attack on Mr Freeman, the court heard. Mr Freeman, 63, was on a walking holiday with his wife Glenis, 70, of Glen Parva, when he was savagely attacked by the animal on a public pathway that ran through Underhill Farm. The court heard Mrs Freeman tried to distract the animal but it turned and attacked her. Her husband told her to go and fetch help, saying: "I'm sorry my baby, I can't get us out of this." He died at the scene from multiple injuries while his widow needed surgery following the attack. "As a farmer, Paul Waterfall had a duty of care to those who used the public footpath. Paul Waterfall had that duty of care and knew his bull posed a real risk of death to people using that path," Mr McGee told the jury. 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. It is alleged Waterfall 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. The trial is expected to last up to five weeks.For the latest crime news, click here.

Staff at Brantano footwear measuring up for charity

April 11, 2014, 8:00 am

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A footwear company are showing their sole by attempting to complete an incredible feat for charity. Staff at Brantano footwear on Springfield Retail Park, in Bulwell, have been raising money for baby charity Tommy's this week by measuring customers' feet. Ten pence per pair of feet measured is being donated to the charity, which funds medical research into pregnancy problems and provides information to parents. As part of the group's fundraising fortnight, staff will be cycling the equivalent distance from their store to Tommy's research centre at St Mary's Hospital in Manchester. Regional manager Ashley Taylor said the staff were all extremely enthusiastic about the events. "The staff are all really up for it," he said, "It's the first time we've done anything as big as this." "They are all very excited and ready to do their bit. "Everyone is getting involved, so it should be an enjoyable weekend. "I'll be visiting all the stores, eating lots of cake and then cycling it all off next week." So far Brantano have raised over £1,500 for the charity, but with fundraising efforts kicking off nationwide this weekend, the group hopes to raise £25,000 for the charity. To donate pop into your local store or visit http://www.tommys.org/

Delays on A52 following crash near the M1

April 11, 2014, 8:33 am

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Traffic is delayed on Brian Clough Way between its junctions with Middleton Boulevard and the M1 following a crash earlier. A lane of traffic has been closed on the A6007 and M1 following the incident. The incident is causing congestion for drivers near Long Eaton. The lane is expected to reopen by 5pm.