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THE clerk of a town council has written to a top politician asking why she had not been consulted on possible changes to the way meetings are recorded. Stapleford Town Council has made the decision not to allow filming of their meetings despite Government calls for local authorities to be more transparent. 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. However, Stapleford Town Council clerk Margaret Downie has written to Eric Pickles the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government to ask why she had not been consulted over the changes. She said: "I have worked in Local Government since 1982, initially with large metropolitan councils including the London boroughs of Harrow and Wandsworth during the 1980s and 90s. "One of my duties as a committee secretary was to take my turn, in the public gallery, at meetings to ensure that no unauthorised recordings were being made. "This was an integral part of my job, there were concerns then that selective editing could interfere with the democratic process and I see no evidence to counter this view. "No one consulted me or other colleagues, in fact when I raised the matter at a branch meeting of the Association of Local Council Clerks, I found myself in a minority, only a small number of fellow clerks were aware of this legislation. "As to how we felt about being filmed by either professional or amateur camera operatives, no one had bothered to seek our views." The letter went on to say that transparency in local government was welcomed and the public were allowed to attend meetings in person. The Post has contacted the Department for Communities and Local Government for a response.

Stapleford Town Council: Clerk writes to Eric Pickles to query lack of consultation over filming legislation

ENGINEER Kurt Moran is on a mission to collect 1,000 Easter eggs for children at the Queen's Medical Centre and for Barnardo's children's charity. And the 30-year-old, from Long Eaton, could be given support by supermarket chain Asda after overcoming a misunderstanding at his local store. Mr Moran, of Lakeside Avenue, had already boxed up more than 100 eggs at the Long Eaton Asda superstore at 9.30pm on Thursday when the manager said he was buying too many. Asda said it needed enough stock to cater for the public and were not expecting another delivery until the weekend. Mr Moran said: "I thought they must have been joking. The staff I spoke to at first were great and got me some boxes – I thought I'd need about four. "But then the manager came over and said it wouldn't leave enough for the public. "I can't see how because there were thousands on the aisles and when I've done it before it's never even made a dint in their stock. And surely they have a load more in the back." However, Asda is now in talks with Mr Moran about a possible donation to his cause. The supermarket giant insists that only 400 eggs were on the shelves on Thursday night and that the next delivery was due at the weekend. Mr Moran has been collecting donations towards the eggs, which he hands out to children at the Queen's Medical Centre and has been giving to children's charity Barnardo's since 2012. Last year he amassed 750 himself, which were given out alongside a further 1,000 from friends at his old job at used car dealer ESP Cars. "It's great when you go round and see the smiles on the kids faces," said Kurt. "It can be quite upsetting because some kids are more poorly than others and some just don't feel like smiling. "It's so rewarding. We have a chat to the kids and parents and try to cheer them up." Wayne Ball, sales director at ESP Cars, said former employee Kurt still feels like a member of staff with the amount of time he donates to the project. "Kurt was one of the original three people who came up with the idea. It was all about trying to give something back to the community and putting a smile on people's faces." "He's a massive people person and is still really close to the company. It's like he never left." Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust confirmed that ESP Cars gave Easter eggs out at the QMC last year. Barnardo's said eggs from Mr Moran and ESP went to its Derbyshire Leaving Care service in previous years. "We would like to thank Mr Moran," a spokeswoman said. "Our care leavers certainly appreciated the thought and enjoyed tucking in to the chocolate treats provided by the company and its supporters." Asda is working with Mr Moran to help him place a large order of eggs ahead of his hospital visit. A spokeswoman said: "We are committed to working within the community and answer hundreds of requests to support charitable causes every week. "As with any charity we're happy to place an order for larger amounts of product so our regular customers are still able to buy what they need on a daily basis." Are you doing something great for charity this Easter? Tell us your stories by e-mailing newsdesk@nottinghampost.com.

Man on mission to spread Easter cheer despite Asda stock mix-up

TEN inches of hair chopped from a seven-year-old's head has been donated to a cancer wig charity. Pippa Batchelor, of Meadow Road, Netherfield, was inspired to gift her locks to the Little Princess Trust after her school friend recently went through chemotherapy. The new hairdo surprised some of her class mates until they realised why the selfless Netherfield Primary pupil did it. Pippa said: "I have always had long hair and it took three years to grow that length so it's been a big change. "I think it looks really nice though and I kind of like it because now I don't have to brush my hair in the mornings." Pippa insists she is not trying to emulate Disney pop-starlet turned scandal merchant Miley Cyrus with her short do and will be keeping it. "I didn't model it on anyone," she said. "Everyone at school said they really liked it but were surprised to see such a big change. At first they laughed because they thought it was a bit funny." Mum Karina, 35, said they had been talking about a restyle for a few weeks. "We were looking at getting her hair cut and Pippa wanted to do something for someone else. "One of the girls in her class has recently had cancer and been through chemotherapy. Pippa saw she was wearing a wig and wanted to help." Her hair has been sent to China where a company will transform it into a wig for a young cancer patient or alopecia sufferer. "Everyone - the family, teachers and friends are so proud of her because she's been so selfless. She always wants to do things that help someone else." Teachers at Netherfield Primary treated Pippa to a personalised teddy from the Build-A-Bear workshop in the Victoria Centre. Sharon Gray, head teacher at Netherfield, said Pippa was a "shining light" who personifies the school's ethos. "She's just an amazing young person with a fabulous family. She's a shining light for what this school stands for. Integrity is one of our key straplines at Netherfield." Mrs Gray said they took Pippa to the Build-A-Bear Workshop as a special treat she can always treasure. "It was a lovely deed from a special young girl and she deserved a fitting reward. You make the bears with love and laughter and here is a girl who is full of both of those." Monica Glass, charity manager at the Little Princess Trust said: "On behalf of everyone connected with the Little Princess Trust I would like to thank Pippa sincerely for her wonderful hair donation. Support such as this is invaluable. "It is truly heartening that someone as young as Pippa is so keen to do so much for others. What an amazing girl."

'Shining light' of school gives ten inches of hair to cancer wig charity

PROMISING second row forward Morgan Eames has signed a two year deal with Nottingham Rugby ahead of the 2014/15 season. The former England Under-18 Schools and Clubs player has made three first-team appearances for the Green and Whites to date, scoring one try. Those performances, coupled with the potential that saw him on the books of Leicester Tigers, have earned him his professional contract. Eames will combine playing with finishing his Sports Coaching, Fitness and Development degree at Bishop Burton University College in Hull during the first year of his contract. "It feels great to have committed to Nottingham Rugby for the next couple of years," he said. "I've worked very hard to put myself in the frame and it's pleasing when that hard work pays off. "Martin Haag being at the club was a massive influence on my decision to sign. He's been instrumental in bringing me through and developing my game. It's great for the club that he's staying and I'm looking forward to continuing to work with him." Head coach Haag said Eames is one to watch for the future. "Morgan is a young lad that has come on leaps and bounds and I've been very pleased with his progress," Haag commented. "He's another player who has come through the Academy system and has made his way into the first team squad. "We're looking to send him to New Zealand in the summer to further his second row education and we expect him to continue to develop over the next year or so. I'm delighted that he will continue his development with Nottingham."

EATING habits of peasants from the Middle Ages is just one of the facets of an Easter trip back in time at Sherwood Forest. Visitors can try food from the 1300s at a free event between 11am and 4pm from Saturday April 19 to Monday 21. James Askins, Chairman of the Dogs of War re-enactment group explained that some foresters used to eat beavers' tails during Lent with the excuse of it living in the water. The same was said of duck and goose, according to the legend. This Easter, there will be a medieval foods such as ale and seasonal vegetables on display. The beaver dish will be depicted by beef steak in the shape of a tail. James, from Wellington Street, Long Eaton, said: "It will be an intriguing insight into life during the mid 1300s under the rule of Edward III. We will be exploring the Easter theme closely when people used to cook and eat the meat from a beaver's tail and other water based animals to bend the rules of Lent. "We will also have a display of a common man giving the Easter Benediction to the crowd. It was the one time of year when a lay person rather than a priest was able to deliver the Latin sermon." People can see how medieval camps were set up and watch members of the Dogs of War preparing food, eating and entertaining crowds as they would have done in that period of history. "It is interesting to note that Edward III presided over the country at the time of the Black Death when some 60 per cent of the population perished," added James. "We will show some of the surgical tents from that time, but it is astonishing how Edward was able to not only contain and overcome this plague, but also keep the country together to start to rebuild itself." Councillor John Knight, committee chairman for Culture at Notts County Council said: "Sherwood Forest is always a popular location for visitors and we are looking forward to a wide variety of events this Easter."

Medieval Lent-cheating explained at Sherwood Forest Easter event

RUNNING a marathon is an extraordinary challenge for most people, but one soldier is hoping to complete the distance on every continent. Royal Engineer John Squires is based at Chetwynd Barracks, Chilwell, Nottingham and next month he will be running the Sierra Leone Marathon for charity Street Child UK. This will be John's fourth marathon on a different continent, having completed races in London, Australia and Singapore. With the Falkland Islands marathon on his hit list for next year, as well as races in North America and Antarctica still to do, John still has plenty of miles to cover on his Seven Continents Challenge. "I did London a few years ago," he said, "The year before last I did the Gold Coast Marathon in Australia with a couple of guys in the Army and also one in Singapore. I'm doing some work over in Sierra Leone next month and so I thought I might as well do a marathon whilst I'm there." "It's a personal challenge more than anything. It's not just about doing the marathons, it's about the training in the build-up. "It gives you something to aim towards, because obviously fitness is very important as a soldier. "My personal best is about five hours. But for me, it's not about aiming to break any time records; it's about doing the distance." John and his wife Nikki have been married for 14 years and together have three children – Daniel, 22, Lily, 12, and Poppy, 9. Although eldest son Dan has joined the army, Nikki says that John is a lonely soldier when it comes to running. "The kids think he's mad," she said, "Dan is in the Royal Engineers too, so he's following in his Dad's footsteps. But not with the running though. "He did London in 2000 for a bet. One of his mates told him he couldn't do it with his Bergen and so he ran it with his 32lb bag on, with a fluffy chicken on top." Sam Law is a soldier in the Royal Engineers, currently stationed in Brunei. Having served alongside John for a number of years, Sam believes the Cheshire-born 38-year-old has the strength of character to complete the challenge. "John is a soldier of the highest calibre, a good friend and one of the kindest people I know," he said. "I have known him for 14 years and he is one of the most generous people I have ever met. It is no surprise to me that he ensures the less fortunate benefit while he tests himself physically." The Sierra Leone marathon in Makeni is organised by Street Child and this year over 900 people are set to enter the race on May 25, including 150 overseas participants. Event Director Greg Harris says the money John and others are raising will have a life-changing impact for children in the country. "Our aim is to provide opportunities through education and to help solve the problem of children on the streets," he said, "We help villages to build their own schools and train their own teachers." "By the time John finishes his fundraising he will have raised enough money to build a school which will change the lives of hundreds of Sierra Leoneans for generations to come." To sponsor John or donate to Street Child UK, visit https://mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/sevencontinents.

Marathon soldier will run in Sierra Leone as part of seven-continent challenge

POLICE are to evacuate 50 properties in Sneinton. It comes after a man reported the discovery of an historic explosive device in a back garden in Highcliffe Road, at around 2.25pm today. As a precaution the road has been cordoned off from Sneinton Dale to Sneinton Boulevard and will be closed for several hours while specialists from the Joint Service Explosive Ordnance Disposal ensure the device is safe. A spokesman for Nottingham City Council said: "We are talking with emergency planning colleagues at Nottinghamshire Police about whether there is currently a need to provide emergency shelter for hose people affected."

Fifty homes evacuated as explosive device found

The son of a woman whose body was found after a four-month search is doing a cycle ride to raise cash for charity in her memory. The worst fears for Elaine Harrison's family were realised when her body was discovered at Colwick Park earlier this month. She had been missing since December 9, having left her house boat moored at Castle Marina. Her son Andy Harrison is now gearing up to ride from Edinburgh to London to raise money for the charity Missing People. Mr Harrison, 33, said: "I'm still trying to come to terms with mum's death. "Some in the family, including one of my sisters, feared the worst but I believed she would turn up alive. "I now want to do this bike ride in her memory. I also want to raise funds for the charity, as they are a fantastic organisation." The charity offers 24/7 support for the families of missing people, including mass production of appeal posters, and has organised the bike ride. Mr Harrison, a corporal in the Royal Engineers, had decided to do the event while his mum was still missing. He said: "The charity gave me the option of pulling out when they found out what had happened to mum but I wanted to do it to raise the profile of the campaign even more. "Obviously the situation has changed now. But I am determined to keep going and still do the bike ride." The five-day ride, covering 500 miles, begins on June 28. It will include stops in Newcastle, York, Nottingham and Northampton, before ending in Richmond Park in the capital. Mr Harrison added: "I've been cycling a lot over the past 18 months. I haven't done so much since we found out about mum being found, but once the funeral is over I will really start training." Mr Harrison's cycle ride comes after his sister Tracey did a half marathon in Galway, Ireland, raising more than £800 for the same charity. She said: "She's now at peace, but will be missed by us all so, so much." Both fundraisers have received a huge amount of support on social media and via the Just Giving website. One person who made a donation to Tracey said: "Well done Tracey. You're an inspiration to us all." To make a donation, visit justgiving.com/FindElaine Are you doing something special for charity? E-mail newsdesk@nottinghampost.com

Elaine Harrison: Son to do bike ride in mother's memory

THE first images of a planned 3,000 home development have been revealed. A planning application is being prepared to build on greenbelt land to the south of Clifton. Edwalton-based Oxalis Planning, who is working on behalf of several land owners, has released artist impressions of how street scenes, housing and the larger site could look if the plans go ahead. Director Ben Holmes said:""There was a bigger scheme put forward for the site but that was withdrawn about three years ago and since then the framework has been driven by Rushcliffe Borough Council and what we have put forward is in line with what they are looking for. "The scheme has a significant amount of landscaping and there will be a full mix of housing types within the development. "This site has one huge advantage which is from the Clifton Tram Park and Ride on the edge of the development. "It will be second to none in terms of sustainable transport." A consultation for people who live close to the site – which spreads from the east of the new A453 at Clifton, to the turn-off for Barton-in-Fabis and across towards the north of Gotham and Clifton Pastures – will start next week. As well as up to 3,000 new homes, the development – called Fairham Pastures – will include two primary schools, a new community centre, sports pitches and 20 hectares of land used for employment. Owner Andrew Anderson of Foresight Pest Management, Brown Lane, Barton in Fabis, said: "The news has just landed here about the proposal. "I farmed some of that land a few years ago when I was in agriculture and it will be sad to see it go. "My gut instinct says that it is a bad idea but I will wait till the consultation opens to make up my mind." Other proposed features of the site include open spaces, walking and cycling routes as well as a community park with woodland planting. Resident David Briggs of Kingston on Soar said: "Most sensibly minded people can see the stupidly of trashing the greenbelt countryside for housing development. "Is it so difficult for them to focus on those vast areas of brownfield scrubland tips that continue to blight the area. "If they carry on thinking like this, they might as well start planning another couple of lanes onto the A453 before the latest ones are even opened for use." Clifton councillor Chris Gibson from Nottingham City Council believes there are too many houses in the proposal. He said:"There is a definite need for some housing south of the river but this is far too many. "A lot of people are unhappy about the number of houses that will built on the greenbelt land. "The new widening of the A453 did not take into consideration an additional 3000 homes – it will put a strain on the roads. "If it was up to me half of that number would be acceptable and that would preserve some of the greenbelt. "I would urge people to go and make their views known at the public consultation." Details of the development will be available as part of a public consultation on the following dates: Thursday, April 24, at Gotham Memorial Hall, Nottingham Road, Gotham, from 3pm to 7pm. Friday, April 25, at Barton In Fabis Village Hall, Manor Road, from 3pm to 7pm. Monday, April 28, Clifton Cornerstone, Southchurch Drive, Clifton, from 3pm to 7pm. What do you think about the plans? E-mail newsdesk@nottinghampost.com.

First images of proposed 3,000-home estate near Clifton

Vet Matthew Dobbs told a manslaughter trial that to keep a bull in a field with public access was a "very high risk" after a walker was killed by a bull. The expert - speaking at Nottingham Crown Court - did not know of a farmer that would take that risk and explained how the management of a dairy bull needed to be "carefully done". Speaking at the trial of Paul Waterfall – who denies manslaughter by gross negligence after his bull killed a walker – he said a bull would see a group of heifers like his "harem" and, if he perceived a threat, deal with that with a "flight response". "He may become increasingly dominant," he said. Waterfall is alleged to have breached his duty of care to the public by failing to ensure a bull was safely confined on his land on the Nottinghamshire/Leicestershire border. Roger Freeman, 63, of Glen Parva, was on a walking holiday with his wife Glenis, 70, when he was savagely attacked by the animal on a public pathway that ran through Waterfall's Underhill Farm in Stanford-on-Soar on November 12, 2010. The bull had allegedly been involved in two previous incidents with electrical engineers in the weeks leading up to the attack. Mr Dobbs said male dairy breeds were known to be particularly aggressive and this was well-known in the farming community. Over time a bull may show an increase in aggressive tendencies to protect a territory and a fight-like response to a threat. He gave the examples of another bull or people entering. "All of those can be perceived as a threat to his dominance over a group," said Mr Dobbs. He said all bovine animals, when confronted with a threat will either adopt a fight or flight approach. Prosecutor Andrew McGee asked: "In your view is it suitable to keep a bull of a dairy breed in a field with public access?" Mr Dobbs said: "Certainly not suitable to keep in a field with public access because of their propensity to show aggression. "In my opinion and experience, dairy breeds of bull can, because of their physical stature, cause serious injury or even death because of their propensity to show aggression." Asked what sort of risk it was to keep a dairy bull in a field with public access, Mr Dobbs said: "It's a very, very high risk. I don't know of a farmer that would take that risk. The management of a dairy bull needs to be carefully done." A farmer's response to a bull's aggressive behaviour should not be tolerated and, in his view, the bull should be culled immediately. Prosecutors alleged as a farmer Waterfall, 39, of Underhill Farm, had a duty of care to those who used the public footpath. "Waterfall had that duty of care and knew his bull posed a real risk of death to people using that path," Mr McGee had 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. The trial continues.

Bull death trial: Expert says bulls see heifers like 'harem'

BUILDING confidence, making new friends and inspiring other young women are the aims of a 15-year-old who has been shortlisted for three national pageants. Chloe Barrett, of Cranmore Close, Arnold, is in the final of Miss Spirit of True Beauty this May. She has also reached the final round of next year's Miss Inspiration competition and is in the semi-finals of the Miss Teen Great Britain - aiming to qualify for the showcase final in Blackpool this August. She said: "They are all natural pageants designed to build self-confidence. It's not swimwear, it's a bit classier and nicer than that stuff in America." Chloe has made it to the finals with her glowing application forms - where she's described her talents, hobbies, goals and aspirations along with submitting pictures. "The phrase true beauty really stood out for me," Chloe said. "That's being beautiful on the inside and I think it's important that other young girls get that message. Personality is really important. "Someone can be really pretty, but if they don't think of others then they aren't a good role model." Chloe says it took her a little while to acclimatise to Arnold since she moved here from Oxford with her family last year. But having recently starred as Tracy in the school production of Hairspray at Christ the King Academy. "The pageants have already helped my confidence in things like public speaking," Chloe said. "I used to be really shy but this, and things like performing in Hairspray, have really helped me get used to being on stage. "It was quite scary at first but now I'm confident with things like interviews. "I'm looking forward to representing Nottingham and going to all these places around the country. All the other girls have been really friendly and I've already made a lot of friends doing this." Chloe's mum Trish Barrett said she hoped her daughter's "grounded" personality comes through in the pageants. "We've always brought her up to be a caring and grounded individual and I think the other girls in the competition are like that as well," said the 39-year-old energy consultant. "We've chosen events that focus on the personalities, not just the way the girls look. Her experiences, like public speaking, will help her in the future." Recently crowned Miss Nottingham, Rebecca Drysdale, has thrown her support behind Chloe and said it was an opportunity to show people that pageants are not just beauty contests. "I used to be really self-conscious myself and it was just an incredible confidence boost to win Miss Nottingham," said the 18-year-old from Wollaton. "I wish her all the best - it should be a really good experience." Rebecca agreed with Chloe's sentiments that pageants are now more about the brains behind the beauty. "They've scrapped the swimwear in Miss UK as well, which is good," Rebecca said. "The girls who take part all know it's not about just standing there and looking pretty. You have to get your hands dirty and help other people." To see Chloe's profile for the Miss Teen Great Britain awards, visit www.missteengreatbritain.co.uk/semi-finalists. Do you know someone who is up for a national award? Tell us their story by emailing newsdesk@nottinghampost.com.For the latest Arnold news, click here

Arnold teenager through to semi-finals of Miss Teen Great Britain

THE number of people that have fallen victim to doorstep crime has increased in the last year. New figures show that during 2013 there were 188 cases of rogue merchants being reported to Trading Standards – up 49 on the previous year. Of those cases a rise in people offering tarmacking, roofing and gardening services has been recorded. Trading Standards officer Tessa Coates from Nottinghamshire County Council, said: "First and foremost, our advice is never to buy goods or services from a cold caller – either at the door or over the telephone. "It's always best to get three separate quotations for any work, which will give you an indication on whether you are being charged a fair amount for the job. "On many occasions, scammers will want to avoid providing genuine contact details so it makes it harder to trace them to complain, so always make sure you get the full name, geographical address and phone numbers of anyone you do business with. "We'd advise phoning the number before you agree to the work, as sometimes the numbers provided don't even exist." Of the 188 incidents last year, 44 involved tarmacking, 42 involved roofing and 13 involved gardening complaints. This is compared to 25 tarmacking, 26 roofing and five gardening complaints out of 139 reports in 2012. Trading Standards is currently taking legal action against a company that offers driveway resurfacing services. The company – that cannot be named for legal reasons – works across the county and as soon as the customer signs a contract and leaves their home the company moves in and digs a large hole in the driveway. If challenged, they say that the holes are 'exploratory', but, in reality, the aim is solely to stop the customer from cancelling. According to Trading Standards the quality of their work, has proven to be very poor, with little in the way of foundations. Councillor Glynn Gilfoyle, chairman of Nottinghamshire County Council's Community Safety Committee, said: "Doorstep crime is underreported as victims are often embarrassed or ashamed about their experiences. "Its important people do not suffer in silence and we have done a lot of work recently to raise awareness on this issue which may have partly led to the increase in reports." The carer of an elderly Arnold resident reported a double glazing company to Nottinghamshire Police and Trading standards following a cold call last month. The resident was originally quoted £3000 to have a door fitted and paid a £400 deposit. However, incorrect paperwork was issued and the customer was later contacted and told the cost had risen to £20,000. The resident became extremely worried but did not want to tell her family what had happened. Trading Standards and the Police became involved and the trader agreed to cancel the contract and provided a refund. Nottinghamshire Police has started a campaign called Not Sure Don't Open the Door to try and cut down the number of people stung by doorstep crime. A spokeswoman said: "Our advice is simple, do not agree to services of this kind from people who turn up at your home unannounced. Always check the ID of those who are providing you with a service and confirm this by looking up the number of the company they claim to be working for in the phone book and calling them to verify. Do not call the number on the ID or business card. "You should also always get several quotes before agreeing to someone carrying out work."

Increase in doorstep crime in Nottinghamshire

An historic church which was gutted by fire is being treated as a suspected arson attack. Firefighters were called to the chapel at Eastwood Cemetery in the early hours of Wednesday, April 9, to find the building "well alight". The cemetery the chapel is in is home to the DH Lawrence family grave where the writer's mother Lydia, his father Arthur and brother William are buried. Broxtowe Borough Council is now looking into the possibility of saving the building, between Chewton Street and Church Street, but it cannot be confirmed exactly what is going to happen to it. Earlier today, Police confirmed the fire is being treated as a suspected arson attack. Borough council leader Milan Radulovic said he is hoping the council will restore and upgrade the building. He said: "I am very sad and disappointed. A lot of people are upset by this. "If it is local people [that started the fire] I hope that they are quickly caught and dealt with because this sort of thing needs to be stopped immediately. "This sort of behaviour is totally unacceptable. "I am really grateful to the fire service for their professionalism and the way they dealt with the fire; they did a first class job."For the latest emergency-services news, click here.

Eastwood church fire is being treated as suspected arson attack

Excitable cocker spaniel Willow is hoping to bounce her way to a top spot in this year's Bark in the Park competition. The 18-month-old dog and owner Chris Weaver were in Woodthorpe Park this afternoon when they decided to enter The Post's competition, which is searching for the cutest canine in Notts. But posing for a photograph does not come easily for the chocolate-brown pooch, who was far too energetic to sit still even for a few seconds. Chris, 48, of Sherwood, said: "Willow just loves everybody and everything; there's not an ounce of harm in her. She is a bit of a nuisance though and will land herself in other people's picnics to say hello." Chris, who also entered his four-year-old cocker spaniel, Sapphire, said he is looking forward to seeing his prized pooches appear in The Nottingham Post. "Both of them love playing ball, it's their favourite thing to do. They will chase them for hours and I always get tired before they do. "I think they are winners," he added. Every dog that is entered into the competition will have their photograph taken, which will appear in a special supplement on May 13. Members of the public will then vote for the cutest canine, and the top three will win a prize. Yvonne Dragun, 46, of Sherwood, entered Ben, her eight-year-old border collie cross, into the competition. She said: "Ben loves other dogs and children. He is usually well behaved but he does have his mischievous moments. He also loves chasing squirrels but never catches them luckily. "Why not enter Bark in the Park? It is a bit of fun. I think he is an attractive dog. We are proud of him." Craig Thomas, one of the Bark in the Park photographers, said: "They were all so cute. I didn't want to take pictures of them I just wanted to pet them. "It is really nice to see how much the owners love their dogs and how much they care about them." Barry Cooper, social media executive at the Post, said more than 40 dogs were entered into the competition today. He said: "It has been nice to see so many people coming out in the sun shine. We have had some lovely dogs and a wide variety of breeds. We would urge all dog owners to come down to Colwick Park tomorrow." For full details on how to enter your prized pooch visit www.nottinghampost.com/promotions.

Bark in the Park 2014: The search is on for Nottingham's top dog

IN just two weeks more than 1000 drivers have been caught breaking the law while at the wheel. All of those stopped were either not wearing a seatbelt or using a mobile phone while driving across the city and county. The crackdown came as Nottinghamshire Police began a two month campaign targeting those for the offences at the start off the month. Chief Inspector Andy Charlton said: "Sadly this isn't a surprise – despite similar campaigns in 2012 and 2013 - it shows a significant number of people still regard their addiction to their phone as more important than the safety of others and themselves. "The number of people who still refuse to wear a seatbelt may come as a surprise. "But if anyone believes that drivers have got that message then think again. "A significant minority still haven't. "If you get into a car with a friend or relative who doesn't wear a seatbelt please remind them of the consequences – you could be saving their life. "It's not too late to change your habits. Don't get distracted by your phone and always wear your seatbelt." Last year's enforcement campaign, which ran at the same time of year, caught over 5,000 drivers and based on this year's figures so far, it is predicted that this number will increase. Campaigns officer Ed Morrow of Brake, the road safety charity, said: "It is disappointing that so many drivers are still breaking some very clear laws of the road. "We know that using a mobile phone while driving, whether hand-held or hands-free, makes you much more likely to crash, and we know that seatbelts save lives. "Wearing a seatbelt was made compulsory over thirty years ago, there can be no excuse for not wearing one. Nor can there be for using a phone at the wheel. "We welcome Nottinghamshire Police taking action against risky, law-breaking drivers, but we also need to see much higher fines handed out to deter this kind of selfish and irresponsible behaviour." Drivers that are caught using a mobile phone are given the option to take three points on their licence and receive a £100 fine or take part in a driving awareness course. Those that are pulled over for not wearing a seatbelt can either pay a £100 fine or take an awareness course. Nottinghamshire cycling provision and safety campaign group, Pedals, has also urged motorists to stay off their mobile phones. Committee member Hugh McClintock said: "It is appalling that so many people are still using their mobile phones while driving after it was banned so many years ago. "The point is that any lapse in concentration by someone driving a motor vehicle could result in an accident and if that involves a pedestrian or a cyclist they often end up worse off. "I would urge everyone just not to do it. "Anyone that knows someone that does it needs to let them know it is not acceptable."

More than 1000 drivers caught without wearing seatbelts or on mobile phones in Notts

Shocked residents were evacuated from their houses after a man found a wartime bomb that had been buried there for more than 70 years. Around 50 homes in Highliffe Road, Sneinton, were evacuated as bomb experts carried out a controlled explosion. Residents watched the drama unfold from the end of their road as experts made the device safe. Alan Shaw, who has lived in the road for 30 years, said: "They came and knocked our doors and told everyone to get out. "They went up between my house and next door to the back. It was a bit of a surprise. Luckily quite a lot of people are away on holiday." The 70-year-old retired recycling plant supervisor added: "It certainly woke me up and it's attracted quite a crowd. "I was washing up my pots after having my dinner and put a video of Towering Inferno on and then they knocked on my door." Another man, who lives in Sneinton Dale and was visiting his sister on the road, said: "This road is usually very quiet. You never see anyone at night or on the streets; it's very peaceful. "I've never heard about anything like this happening before." Local historian Dave Ablitt, of Thorneywood, said the bomb was probably a stray that missed its target during the Nottingham Blitz on the night of May 8-9 1941. "The main bombing happened in the Railway Yard on Manvers Street," he explained. "There was quite significant damage there and there was some in Meadow Lane too. "Anything that went into the Sneinton Dale area must have been a stray, but this sort of thing does happen. "The pilots were probably just letting their bombs go and getting out of there." A man reported finding the bomb in the garden of his house in Highcliffe Road at around 2.25pm, on Monday. Highcliffe Road was cordoned off until 4.52pm from Sneinton Dale to Sneinton Boulevard. Specialists from the Joint Service Explosive Ordnance Disposal (JSEOD) team arrived at the site and conducted a controlled explosion in nearby allotments. Another resident of the street, who has lived there since 1969, said she had been line-dancing when her husband told her what had happened. She added: "The bomb people came up and then came out with a red box and put it in their van. It was all very dramatic." At around 5pm residents were allowed back into their homes and the roads were reopened. A statement from Nottinghamshire Police said: "We would like to thank people for their patience and apologise for any inconvenience caused." Have you discovered anything unusual in your garden? Contact us via e-mail at newsdesk@nottinghampost.com

Homes evacuated after Second World War bomb found in garden

Thousands of residents who live in hard-to-heat homes need help to keep their energy bills down, a senior city councillor has said. Portfolio holder for energy and sustainability Alan Clark made calls for a massive programme of insulation for solid-wall homes to keep them warmer. He was speaking during a full council meeting and put forward the motion which was passed without the support of the opposition. The motion referred to lessons that needed to be learned in the wake of a £20 million scheme to insulate 4,500 homes in Clifton which stopped when British Gas pulled out. Mr Clark told the meeting that while it was important that new houses were energy efficient and well-insulated, there needed to be a mass programme of "retro-fitting" older properties. He said: "People talk about mitigation and adaptation when it comes to climate change, which is important, but these aren't the words that people on doorsteps are using. "They want to know how to keep their bills low and an effective way of doing this would be what is being suggested here. Retro-fitting insulation will be huge help in staving off the problem." The motion calls for the Government to fund a scheme that would make it easier for homes to get insulation and cover the charge for Green Deal assessments – which cost £100. The assessments involve companies going into a home and seeing how energy efficient it is before suggesting what work can be done. Mr Clark said: "It might put people off paying £100 when they don't know what they might save in the long term." Wollaton East and Lenton Abbey councillor Sam Webster hit out at the Government for turning its back on the Energy Company Obligation – which funded the scheme in Clifton. It worked by forcing large energy companies to help pay for energy efficiency measures for domestic users. The energy firms would pass on the cost of improvements – about £50 per customer annually – on to the consumer. The Government says that saving will now be passed on to customers. Labour councillor Mr Webster said: "Only this Government could put the brakes on a programme that brings skills and jobs, energy efficiency and lower bills." He added he felt cutting the ECO was "short-sighted" and that passing on the £50 saving to customers was a "sticking plaster". Roger Steel, Conservative councillor for Clifton North, said that householders would welcome the £50 off their bills and pointed out that the ECO has been extended for some households from March next year to 2017. He added: "Over 450,000 households have benefited from the new regime and bills have come down." What do you think should be done to improve the energy efficiency of homes? E-mail opinion@nottinghampost.com

Motion calls for insulation scheme to prevent fuel poverty

NOTTINGHAM Forest remain five points off the play-offs with four games to go after Reading drew 1-1 with already-promoted Leicester last night.

The Royals moved back into the top six on 64 points, overtaking Ipswich and Brighton on goal difference.

The result will serve as a slight boosts to the Reds, who are 11th, still massive outsiders in the race to the end of season showdown in the Championship.

Reading took the lead in the 16th minute when Alex Pearce rose above Forest old boy Wes Morgan to score with a powerful header from Jordan Obita's right wing cross.

Another ex-Forest player was having a good night in Garath McLeary. The Reading winger picked out Jobi McAnuff, but Kasper Schmeichel made a fine save.

It was 1-1 after 33 minutes when the Royals failed to defend a corner and Dean Hammond set up Danny Drinkwater to rifle into the bottom corner.

Schmeichel did well once again when he pushed away an effort from McCleary after he got in behind former team-mate Morgan.

Pavel Pogrebnyak's header came back off the Foxes woodwork after the break before Reading's Mikele Leigertwood was shown a second yellow card for a lunge at Riyad Mahrez with four minutes left.

Nottingham Forest still five points off the play-offs as Reading draw with Leicester City

SUPPORTERS have urged the Church of England not to take action against a Nottinghamshire priest who ignored a ban on gay clergy marrying.

Canon Jeremy Pemberton married partner Laurence Cunnington on Saturday.

It made Mr Pemberton the first clergyman to go against the Church and take part in a same-sex marriage.

The couple, of Southwell, are now on honeymoon, while some members of the Church are calling for disciplinary action to be taken against Mr Pemberton, 58.

But others have rallied round him, arguing his sexuality has no impact on his ability to do his work.

Fellow Southwell resident Sue Rodgers said: "Why should there be a problem with it? It is not an issue.

"I wish them all the best for a happy marriage. It has no impact on how he can do his work at all."

Another resident, who asked not to be named, agreed.

The 60-year-old added: "It is ridiculous people are even saying there is an issue.

"Gay marriage has been legalised, so why on earth should Canon Pemberton not be allowed to marry his partner? I hope they have a happy marriage."

Mr Pemberton is chaplain at Lincoln Hospital but also preaches at Southwell Minster.

According to his Facebook page, he started his relationship with Mr Cunnington, 51, in February 2008.

Same-sex marriage was legalised in the UK last month.

But the Church of England has ruled that clergy cannot marry someone of the same sex.

A note to all clergy from the House of Bishops said: "It would not be appropriate conduct for someone in holy orders to enter into a same-sex marriage, given the need for clergy to model the Church's teaching in their lives."

Citing that note, the Rev Rod Thomas, chairman of the Reform evangelical group, has led calls for action to be taken against Mr Pemberton.

He told a national newspaper that the marriage could lead to a "crisis" in the Church of England.

The Acting Bishop of Southwell and Nottingham, the Rt Rev Richard Inwood, said: "I am aware that a member of the clergy who has permission to officiate in the Diocese of Southwell and Nottingham has married a partner of the same sex.

"The introduction of same- sex marriage in our country is a new reality and has consequences for the life and discipline of the Church of England.

"Whilst our prayers are certainly with those concerned, it would be pastorally inappropriate at this stage to comment on individual situations publicly."

What do you think? E-mail newsdesk@nottinghampost.com.

'Don't take action against gay priest for marrying'

Mansfield is waiting for a decision from Purple Flag to find out if the town meets its standards for a safe and enjoyable night out. The Association of Town Centre Managers, the steering group made up of the Mansfield Association of Licensed Venues, Mansfield BID, Mansfield District Council , Mansfield Partnership Against Crime and Nottinghamshire Police, made the application, but a lack of staff at Purple Flag meant the inspection was delayed. It finally took place on Saturday and saw inspectors visit sites including the CCTV control room, White Lion Yard, Titchfield Park and the new £9 million bus station to judge the town's cleanliness, safety and attractiveness. They were also greeted at the Town Hall by representatives from the organisations involved, and chatted to bar, restaurant and club owners, BID ambassadors, British Transport Police, council managers, street pastors and Local Area Commander Inspector Neil Williams. BID Manager Sarah Nelson said: "We felt it went well; everyone has worked very hard to show what a great place Mansfield is for a night out and to banish the outdated reputation that it has as a place to avoid in the evening. "We just have to await the decision now." Purple Flag said Mansfield can expect to get a final decision in June.