Council looking for £2.8m to redevelop Highfields Park

June 4, 2014, 7:18 am

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The city council is poised to submit a bid to the Heritage Lottery Fund for cash to give a park a makeover. Improvements at Highfields Park, off University Boulevard, would include clearing silt from the lake and Tottle Brook, refurbishing and repairing historic buildings – including the pavilions and ticket office – and appointing a head gardener. The authority has already cleared the first stage of its bid and is now set to submit the second part. If successful, the money will be provided for the historic Grade II-listed park. The council is looking for a contribution of £2.86 million from the fund towards the total cost of £3.9 million. Councillor David Trimble, portfolio holder for leisure and culture at the city council, is helping to lead the bid. He said: "The park is a real gem for the city. It includes a fantastic lake and is generally a great area. "It has features which are unique in the city and it is right that we are submitting this bid to be able to carry out the work. "The lake is one of the biggest issues. For a number of years now there has been a build up of silt and work needs to be done to that." More than 350 people signed a petition backing the bid, which is likely to be submitted in August. Highfields Park was laid out in the early 1920s on the initiative of Sir Jesse Boot. It was partly opened in 1923, with the public given full use in 1926. Hilary Silvester, chairwoman of the Highfields Park User Group, has backed the plans. She said: "The park is a real jewel in the crown for Nottingham. But I think that the general appearance needs to be improved because it has become a bit neglected. "The area near Castle Boulevard needs work, as does the lake. I would also like to see some work done to the side of the park near Beeston where we used to have a paddling pool. It would be nice to have some kind of feature there." In addition to the Heritage Lottery Fund, the extra money would come from a variety of sources, including the city council, the University of Nottingham, and waste contractors Wren and Veolia. Ms Silvester added: "Hopefully the funding can be secured and work can start soon." Peter Knowles, 53, of Beeston, a regular park user, also believes the work is necessary. He said: "You are talking about a lot of money but this is a really important resource for Nottingham so I'm all for it. "The park is amazing but it does appear a little tired. With a bit of a facelift it could look fantastic." What do you think should be done to improve Highfields Park? Email newsdesk@nottinghampost.com

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Gedling Volunteer Celebration welcomes new recruits in Arnold

June 4, 2014, 8:00 am

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New volunteers were welcome and old volunteers thanked at an event in Arnold. The Gedling Volunteer Celebration, run by Gedling CVS, saw 15 organisations gather to give people a chance to come and meet existing volunteers, hear about what they do and see if they want to do it themselves. Dave Thomas, the transformation coordinator for volunteering at the Gedling CVS, said Wednesday's event at the Bonnington Theatre was a celebration of years of hard work. He said: "This week is Volunteers' Week and it has been going for 30 years, so the event is celebrating and promoting a big anniversary for volunteering." More than 30 people went by lunchtime and, although this may seem small, Mr Thomas said they were "of very high quality and really interested in getting involved." The event came to be at the newly renovated theatre after Mr Thomas and David Popple, the new theatre manager, had a chat about volunteering. Mr Popple said: "I was employed to develop professional events alongside the community activities as we were refurbished during a difficult time for money and that money will only go so far. So I knew needed help, be it stewarding events or marketing them. "Dave and I exchanged email and he asked me in the conversation if I knew about Volunteers' Week. He said he was going to do this event downstairs in the shop and I thought why not come and do it here at the theatre? "Using the space helps them, it helps show off the new theatre and hopefully it will help me find some volunteers." Lizzy Wilson works at the Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire Air Ambulance and said the event was really important to her organisation. She said: "We rely almost entirely on fundraising and the volunteers are so important to us. It has been really nice to meet and greet so many friendly people who are keen to get involved. Catherine Shaw, who runs a befriending service for under 65s at Alzheimer's Society, said anyone could get involved if they had the time. She said: "All we ask is for a commitment of once a week for befriending, but we also have plenty of local groups who would appreciate any help you can offer. "You can learn a new skill, it looks good on the CV and it is a chance to give back to the community, as well as meet lots of new people. "Events like today give us a chance to meet people and raise awareness for our cause." Mr Thomas said the key thing to remember is anyone can get involved. "As a volunteer you can do anything from making the coffee to running an organisation as a trustee. "The point is whatever level of skill or confidence you have, there is something for you and the event is about showing you that range." Do you volunteer for a charity? Let us know at newsdesk@nottinghampost.com.

Canning Circus character takes to the seas to raise money for charity

June 4, 2014, 8:00 am

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Sea breezes are calling to a Nottingham man who will race around the Isle of Wight to raise money for charity. Andy Corry, of Canning Circus, will travel to Cowes to take part in the annual Round the Isle sailing race – a fast and furious challenge for any sailor. The 46 year old and his team are determined to do well and raise money for CRY, Cardiac Risk in the Young. Mr Corry has a day job for Her Majesty's Revenue & Customs in the city centre but, despite his landlocked roots, he is an experienced sailor. He said: "I think I wanted to do it after childhood holidays on a canal boat and the romantic dream of living on the water. "Then eight years ago I was on a trip to Hawaii and I thought 'why not learn to sail and see the world yourself''." After doing a course to become a skipper at Trent Sea Training in Long Eaton, three years of night school, and volunteering for every trip going, he arrived at the helm. Mr Corry said: "My idea was to cruise around the world's sunny spots but I have spent most of my time around rainy England!" A fellow sailor from the training school, Roz Henshaw, asked Mr Corry to take part in racing her boat around the Isle of Wight and he leapt at the chance. He said: "It is such a fun race with between 16,000 and 17,000 sailors taking part and around 1,800 boats all competing over the same strip of water. "It is manic, with boats criss-crossing in front of you, but being asked to be at the helm is a massive privilege." The team is raising money for CRY because Mrs Henshaw's daughter lost her friend, Claire Reed, a year ago to sudden adult respiratory syndrome. Mr Corry said: "She had just got married in a fairytale wedding a few months before and then she was gone. If she had been tested, if there were more mobile units to do the tests, she could quite easily have been treated. "With 12 people a week under the age of 35 dying from this, that means there are 12 families suffering every week. "We really want to raise the money and raise awareness so more mobile test units are bought and more people go and get tested." The team has already raised more than £1,800, including £200 from each crew member taking part, but Mr Corry hopes they will reach £3,000. The race takes place on Saturday, June 21. To donate, visit the Just Giving page at www.justgiving.com/B-Natural-racing-in-memory-of-Claire-Reed

Transfer gossip: Forest among host of clubs reportedly interested in Bournemouth striker Grabban

June 4, 2014, 8:10 am

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NOTTINGHAM Forest are reportedly among a host of clubs to be linked with Bournemouth striker Lewis Grabban. A string of Championship clubs are said to be monitoring the position of the Cherries front man, who netted twice against the Reds as they were beaten 4-1 on the south coast in the penultimate game of last season. Cardiff, Norwich, Derby, Middlesbrough, Fulham and Wigan are all listed among the clubs who are said to be keen on the front-man, who is understood to have a clause in his contract that states he can move for around £3m. Cardiff are understood to have met the that release clause, while Middlesbrough had also held talks over the player. Welsh side Cardiff have now swooped to sign both Adam Le Fondre and Federico Macheda, but are still said to be keen on signing Grabban too. They have a void to fill in their squad following the retirement of former Welsh international Craig Bellamy. Norwich are also said to be interested in the 26-year-old, who bagged 22 Championship goals last season, as Bournemouth staged an unexpected push for promotion. Grabban's form earned him a new contract on the south coast, but that deal does still contain a release clause.

Thundery storms and flood warnings forecast for Nottinghamshire this Saturday

June 4, 2014, 8:29 am

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Flood warnings have been issued for this weekend by the Met Office. A yellow alert has been issued for Nottinghamshire and the rest of the East Midlands for this Saturday. Heavy thundery showers are said to be expected with a potential for localised flooding due to the storms. Which areas will be worst affected are still being assessed by the Met Office although the public have been advised to take care. Thunderstorms are expected from 4am to 7am on Saturday morning. Rain will continue throughout the day until 10pm when it will remain cloudy. Further rain is expected on Sunday from 10am to 10pm although no weather warnings have been issued. The warning has been issued across the UK. Met Office spokesman Dan Williams said the weather had been caused by low warm air coming in from the continent. He added: "When you have quite a lot of unstable air rising rapidly you get a higher risk of heavy rain and thunderstorms. "It could create quite a lot of water in a short space of time. "The best thing to do is to stay up to date with the latest weather forecasts and warnings as they become more precise closer to the time about where's going to be the most at risk. "If you have concerns about your property you should speak to the Environment Agency."

Christopher and Susan Edwards go on trial for murder

June 4, 2014, 10:05 am

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A jury has been sworn in at the start of a trial of a man and his wife accused of the murder of her elderly parents 16 years ago. The panel of eight women and four men will hear the case against Susan Edwards, 55, and her husband, Christopher Edwards, 57, at Nottingham Crown Court on Thursday, June 5. They deny killing William and Patricia Wycherley, Susan's mother and father, between May 1 and 5, 1998. The Wycherleys disappeared from their home in Blenheim Close, Forest Town, in 1998. The accused, of no fixed address, were arrested at St Pancras Station on October 30 last year.For the latest crime news, click here.

Sussex v Nottinghamshire: Match report

June 4, 2014, 11:21 am

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THERE might not have been the anticipated downpours – but the final day of Nottinghamshire's trip to Sussex proved to be a damp squib. Perhaps the quality of the first three days spoiled those who watched religiously in Hove. Three brilliant centuries of differing styles in differing circumstances gave the punters their money's worth to set up what could have been a great last three sessions if more than 56 overs had been possible. The weather forecast suggested no play though, so when the clouds cleared and proceedings got underway at 1.10pm there was a sense there could have been a repeat of the fireworks provided by Alex Hales on Tuesday. But an opening stand of 161 from Luke Wells (73) and Chris Nash (86) soon put paid to that as a high quality County Championship clash petered out into a draw. That result was as expected before a ball was bowled going into the final exchanges, but it was the manner of a pedestrian day's play that ended the match on a slight sense of anticlimax. Notts batsman Hales admits the delayed start scuppered much of the entertainment factor, but he remains delighted with the team's form as they sit fourth in Division One. "A full day would've made it more interesting but I think we've been outstanding this year," he said. "We've got more batting points than anyone in the country so hopefully we can continue that for the rest of the year. "We go on to Yorkshire now and I think they're probably the strongest side. It will be a very tough game away from home but we're positive we can get a result." Sussex, resuming on 29 without loss, closed on 198 for two, chasing what proved a notional victory target of 434, although with a full day's play it could have been a real thriller as both sides would have fancied their chances. Stuart Broad made the breakthrough when he sent Wells' middle stump flying. It was certainly a case of mission accomplished for Broad, who got in the 30 plus overs he wanted to prove his fitness ahead of England's Test series against Sri Lanka with the squad set to be announced tomorrow morning. He finished the match with figures of five for 109 from 35 overs. Team-mate Samit Patel will probably have stood in the field wondering if just maybe his name will be on the list as well having scored a brilliant 156 in Notts' first innings. The visitors certainly controlled the first three days with Hales' 167 off 133 balls representing what is hoped is a rejuvenation of his four day career after his struggles of 2013. But they could not assert similar authority today as Wells and Nash stemmed the flow with measured and important, if less spectacular knocks than Patel, Hales and Sussex captain, Ed Joyce, who scored 164 not out in their first innings. Nash could have made a century, but he too fell to Broad – a good ball that drew a slight edge and Chris Read took the catch. By then it was a case of job done for Sussex, who had staved off any threat of defeat as they finished with 12 points and Notts 13. As expected, players arrived at the ground to rain, but that soon surprisingly dissipated with lunch taken early and the first ball bowled after an early lunch. There were promising early signs as Wells, on 15, edged Broad between second and third slips. Nash then survived a pair of big LBW appeals from Broad and Peter Siddle respectively, both when he was on 23. Broad looked sharp in his initial spell of 5-3-6-0 but then he left the field for a brief time and Notts rather lost any slight momentum they had. It took until the score was on 94 for the next opportunity to arrive, Phil Jaques putting down a tough chance at short mid-wicket that looked to have just about carried off the spin of Patel. Nash reached his 50 off 84 balls with a single off Andre Adams as Wells also passed his half century. The extent of the game's malaise was highlighted when Read turned to the respectable but very occasional spin of Riki Wessels for the final over before tea with Sussex 146 without loss at the 20 minute interval. Broad returned to the attack at the resumption and tried to give the game the kiss of life by removing Wells with the score on 161 and Nash when it was 170. His efforts were in vain though and the umpires put everyone out of their misery at 5pm. Notts finished the game with a less than imposing spin attack of Wessels and Hales, the latter bowling his first First Class overs since 2011. And he could have had a wicket but for Read failing to hold on to an edge from Rory Hamilton-Brown. Patel is in the frame to be England's Test spinner-batsman but Hales joked that Read's faux pas had cost him his place. He said: "It was disappointing to have a dropped chance. I never get a chance to bowl so it would have been nice! "If Ready hadn't dropped that catch maybe I'd have been in!"

Flowers blooming across Nottingham in city art displays

June 4, 2014, 12:48 pm

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Floral sculptures have blossomed across the city to brighten up shoppers' days. The Floral Trail has been running in the city for the past three years and this year organisers have placed 14 displays across Nottingham. Visitors are encouraged to follow the trail of attractive installations which have popped up along city centre hot spots including Clumber Street, Exchange Arcade and the Theatre Royal. As an added bonus, anyone who takes a selfie with one of them and tweets it to @itsinnottingham will be in with a chance to win £50 worth of shopping vouchers. The draw takes place every Friday afternoon at 5pm while the sculptures are on show. The Floral Trail is jointly sponsored by Nottingham Business Improvement District (BID) and Nottingham City Council. Neil Fincham from Nottingham BID, said making the city an attractive place to visit was one of their ongoing goals. He said: "Ensuring that the city is attractive, welcoming, clean and safe is vital. "The floral trail is one of a number of initiatives that we organise that really improves the overall look and feel of our city so that people enjoy the experience and want to return." Two of the sculptures were designed by Nottingham school children Laiba Jabran, 7, from Middleton Primary School in Wollaton and Jessica Spray, 9, from Henry Whipple School in Bestwood. Laiba's ice-skate sculpture has been erected in Fletcher Gate and Jessica's cupcake at Chapel Bar. They were chosen in a competition arranged by Nottingham BID. Upon winning the competition, Laiba said: "I never imagined when I first drew it that it would look like this. "We're definitely going to go and see it in town." Shoppers and visitors said the sculptures added real character to the city's streets. Lecturer Lauren Moore, 24, of Wollaton said: "I think they're really lovely. "They really brighten up the place against all the industrial architecture. "To have something really eye-catching here is really nice." Doctor Shorsh Abdullah who saw Jessica Spray's cupcake design added: "I'd love to see more. "They should put more in places people pass by often." Nottingham City Council's Executive Assistant for Culture and Tourism, Councillor Cat Arnold, said she was delighted to see the trail run into its third year. She added: "I am sure the trail will be another great talking point this summer." What improvements would you like to see in the city centre? Email newsdesk@nottinghampost.com

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POLL: Should supermarkets be taxed?

June 5, 2014, 6:57 am

≫ Next: Edwalton Waitrose development: Rushcliffe councillors set to make a decision

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Broxtowe Borough Council have supported proposals that, if granted, would give councils the power to introduce a levy on big retailers including supermarkets. The council agreed to support the plans at a meeting on Tuesday evening. If the plans are given approval under the Sustainable Communities Act, local authorities across the UK would have the power to impose the levy on shops whose annual rateable value – the amount a property could be let for – is above £500,000. The proposals have received support from 11 other authorities across the UK including Derby City Council. It could affect nine businesses in the borough of Broxtowe, including Tesco Extra, in Station Road, Beeston; Ikea, at Giltbrook Retail Park; Morrisons, in Derby Road, Eastwood; and Sainsbury's, in Green Lane, Kimberley. The choice to impose the levy would be at the discretion of the council. We want to know what you think of the proposals - should supermarkets or large stores be taxed?

Edwalton Waitrose development: Rushcliffe councillors set to make a decision

June 5, 2014, 6:57 am

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THE future of a new supermarket development which would create 200 jobs is set to be passed to the Secretary of State. Councillors at Rushcliffe Borough Council are scheduled to make a decision on the plans submitted by Waitrose for a new store and four other units on Thursday. However, officers at the council have recommended that the decision be passed to Eric Pickles, secretary of state for communities and local government, due to the project's proposed location on greenbelt land off Landmere Lane, Edwalton. Despite its planned location some people welcome the development. Resident Karen Crawford, 57, of Greenacre, Edwalton, said: "I think that it is a great idea to have a Waitrose and I have no worries about it. "I know it is planned for an area of green land but it is not used for anything. "If it goes ahead and the jobs go to local people it can't be a bad thing. "We have an Asda nearby but this will be something a bit different and I think it is greatly needed." As well as the creation of 200 jobs, the projects represents an investment in the region of £20 million. Despite the benefits not everyone welcomes the plans. Resident Olwen Quinton of Village Street, said: "I think we are fully catered for in terms of supermarkets in the area. "I very much like Waitrose but I would prefer the open space to be left alone. "It is just not needed." If the development is given the go-ahead the store and retail units would be served by a customer car park of 225 spaces, including 14 for customers with disabilities and six for parents with children. In addition there would be 24 cycle spaces and five motorcycle bays as well as a bus stop. Although it is recommended the decision is passed on, councillors could approve or deny the plans. Edwalton ward councillor Simon Robinson from Rushcliffe Borough Council, said: "We have been working on this for many years and we are delighted that Waitrose want to develop in this area. "I am confident that the planning committee will accept the development. "The 200 jobs plus additional units will kick start development in that area but we are ensuring it is done as sympathetically as possible with the full support of the community." The main store would be a similar size to the existing Waitrose store in Newark and as part of the development highway works, including the construction of a new signal controlled junction from Melton Road to the north of the site and road widening are also planned. Nigel Keen, Waitrose director of development, said; "We believe this is an exciting opportunity to realise a long-standing ambition to bring Waitrose to Edwalton and have been extremely encouraged by the level of local support our proposal received. The plans will inject new investment into the area, which will enable us to provide more choice and a significant number of jobs for local people. The new branch will also donate £12,000 and 250 working staff hours to local causes nominated by our customers. "We really hope the council backs this application and we look forward to bringing forward the new store as quickly as we can with a scheduled opening date, subject to securing planning permission, next year."

Hayden Mullins becomes Notts County's fourth summer signing

June 5, 2014, 7:38 am

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Notts County have made their fourth addition of the summer by re-signing Hayden Mullins. The former West Ham midfielder has signed a one-year contract at Meadow Lane. It is Mullins' second spell at the club after joining the Magpies on loan from Birmingham last January. The former England Under-21 international played a key part in the club's survival particularly in the heart of defence. Mullins, a pal of Notts boss Shaun Derry, said he was glad to be back at the club. "It's a good club and I really enjoyed my time here," he said. "Obviously I know the manager as well and I'm really looking forward to getting started again." Mullins is Derry's fourth signing of the summer. He joins Alan Smith, Liam Noble and Taylor McKenzie.

Domestic & General staff go back to school to help Mansfield school pupils prepare for work

June 5, 2014, 8:00 am

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STAFF from Nottingham contact centre Domestic & General went back to the classroom to help prepare school pupils for the world of work. They offered 14 and 15-year-olds at All Saints Catholic School in Mansfield advice about getting a job. Angela Ayton, Francesca Parris, Martin Beal, Chris Regan and Richard Gaunt held mock interviews to show the pupils how to cope under pressure. Angela Ayton, HR assistant at Domestic & General, said: "The team really enjoys going into schools to talk to young people about the world of work. We have been doing it for several years and we believe it is really worthwhile. "Working in the HR department at Domestic & General involves dealing with job applications and the recruitment process on a daily basis and because of this we can offer pupils a wealth of advice as well as sharing our expertise. "Getting guidance early on is really important. We hope to continue working with the pupils of All Saints' Catholic School to offer our full support in preparing them for starting out in their careers." In preparation for the day, which formed part of the students' curriculum, the year 10 students were each asked to apply for a fictitious job and then asked to respond with an application, CV and letter of interest. Domestic & General employs around 1,000 people at its Nottingham contact centre and has supported the school's annual mock interview day for the past six years. Lesley Buet, director of support services at All Saints Catholic School, said: "The mock interview day was a great success and the pupils thoroughly enjoyed the experience of being interviewed by members of staff from the business community. "The pupils are at a pivotal stage in their schooling and we want to prepare them for what will come next. We were delighted to have had the support once again from employees at Domestic & General and are extremely grateful for all of their guidance."

Lorry driver in critical condition following crash on M1

June 5, 2014, 8:03 am

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A lorry driver has suffered life-threatening injuries following a crash on the M1 in the early hours of this morning. The collision, which involved two heavy goods vehicles, shut down the motorway for ten hours. The incident took place at around 3.40am this morning after one of the lorries had broke down in the outside lane of the northbound carriageway. The second lorry hit the stationary vehicle where it had stopped north of junction 29A. One of the lorries jack-knifed across all three lanes of the northbound stretch with debris, cargo and oil spread over both carriageways. The driver of the second lorry, a 48-year-old man from Derby, remains in critical condition at Northern General Hospital in Sheffield. The driver of the first vehicle was uninjured in the collision. Police shut the M1 from junction 28 northbound and junction 30 southbound while an investigation into the collision and recovery work was carried out. The motorway was reopened shortly after 2pm. "The motorway was closed for such a long time because the trailer of the first vehicle was destroyed and its cargo had to be removed by hand before it could be recovered. "There was also a significant amount of damage to both vehicles and debris and oil all over the surface of the motorway, which meant a specialist team had to be called in to clean the road up and ensure it was safe to reopen it to other drivers." Witnesses or anyone with information should call Derbyshire Constabulary's Roads Policing Unit on 101.

Children to learn circus skills and magic tricks at Colwick Play Day

June 5, 2014, 8:12 am

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Laser quest, circus and magic workshops are just some of the fun activities lined up at the year's Colwick Play Day. The free event has been organised by Colwick Parish Council, Gedling Borough Council and Gedling Play Forum to encourage youngsters to get out and play. Aimed at under 14s, activities will also include a climbing wall, drumming workshops, sports sessions, inflatables and arts and crafts. Lesley Rhodes, co-ordinator at Gedling Play Forum, said: "At the last event we had around 1,000 to 1,500 people; there was a wonderful atmosphere. "It is a very family-orientated event and it gives children a chance to play together. "I would urge people to join in with the wide range of activities on." The event will take place on Saturday at Colwick Recreational Ground, in Mile End Road, from 1pm until 4pm. Councillor Iain Hickman, chairman of Colwick Parish Council, said: "We try and do one of these every couple of years. We have themed this one around the 100th anniversary of the Second World War. Hopefully it is going to be a day of fun and variety, with activities including poppy making." Lorraine Brown, events and play officer at Gedling Borough Council said the event will help to get local families talking. She said: "It is something Colwick Parish Council and Gedling Borough Council have funded to give something back to the residents. "It will be a free afternoon with plenty to do; you can let your kids run riot in a safe and secure environment. "I just hope the weather is kind to us." Play clothes are essential and parents must be in attendance at all time. For anyone who misses the event, there will be similar play days in Calverton on Saturday, August 2, and Arnold on Wednesday, August 13. Councillor Kathryn Fox, portfolio holder for community development at Gedling Borough Council, said: "The play day is a fantastic free event for families from all over the borough to enjoy. With Colwick Parish Council and Gedling Play Forum we've worked hard to make sure that there is a variety of fun activities." Anyone wishing to attend Saturday's activities is advised to check the Gedling events Facebook page first for weather updates.

Horse rider still in serious condition after collision with car

June 5, 2014, 8:17 am

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Police are appealing for witnesses after a horse rider was seriously injured from a collision with a car. The incident happened on Kinoulton Road in Cropwell Bishop at about 12.15pm on Wednesday May 28 and involved a Vauxhall Astra and a horse. The 56-year-old rider was taken to hospital and remains there still where her condition is described as serious but stable. The driver of the car was not injured. If you saw what happened, call Nottinghamshire Police on 101, quoting incident number 322 of 28 May 2014.

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Woman dies after Newark car crash

June 5, 2014, 8:23 am

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Police are appealing for witnesses following the death of a woman after a car crash on Wednesday night. The incident happened in London Road, New Balderton, at about 5.30pm. A silver MGF was travelling in the direction of Newark when it was in collision with a number of stationary vehicles. The 45-year-old driver was taken to hospital in Lincoln but later died. Anyone who witnessed the collision should call Nottinghamshire Police's collision investigation team on 101, quoting incident number 690 of 4 June.

Thieves selling on over-sized Kit Kats in Mansfield

June 5, 2014, 8:33 am

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Mansfield residents are being warned of thieves selling on stolen confectionery. Nottinghamshire Police were called to a series of burglaries in Enterprise Way, Millennium Business Park, that were thought to have happened overnight on Wednesday. One business reported theft of a Vauxhall Combi Van and a large amount of chocolate, crisps and canned drinks. One of the boxes will stand out as it was flat and brown, marked for vending use only and dated July. It contained four finger Kit Kats with packaging four times larger than usual. A second business had tools, a laptop computer, and a large quantity of children's ear defenders stolen. The firm they were taken from is the only place in the UK that imports the ear defenders from Taiwan. Have you been offered any cheap chocolate bars, tools or ear defenders? If so contact the police on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Motorcycle and car crash on A610 near Aspley

June 5, 2014, 9:11 am

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SEVERE delays hit Aspley during rush hour after a car and motorcycle crashed. The incident happened at around 4:30pm on Thursday on the A610 Nuthall Road inbound at the junction with the A6541 Western Boulevard. The road was closed at the ring road junction on the city side, whilst the outbound route was reduced to one lane. Nottingham City Transport said the Turquoise line numbers 79 and 79a were not serving bus stops between Western Boulevard and Aspley Lane because of the accident, and for passengers for the 77, 78, 79 and 79a to expect delays. Traffic was queuing all the way back to Alfreton Road because of the incident.

Firefighters vote to strike for 24 hours

June 5, 2014, 11:00 am

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Firefighters have called a 24 hour strike in an on-going battle with the government over pensions. The dispute concerns increases to the normal pension age of 55 to 60, which Fire Brigade Union (FBU) members claim could put jobs at risk. They said by increasing the normal pension age, older members will be at a higher risk of dismissal on the grounds of failing fitness tests. But firefighters are also incensed that the consultation into the new proposals by the Department for Communities and Local Government has failed to publish alternative plans that the union claims it has had since March. Sean McCallum, the brigade chair of the Nottinghamshire Fire Brigades Union, said: "We do not have a lot of faith in the consultation process as it is, but if you are not willing to publish all the details that affect so many firefighters and their families, it challenges its credibility." The longest strike to date, due to take place from 9am on Thursday June 12, will be the fifth strike the FBU has taken in three years, and with 97% of the 800 or so firefighters in Nottinghamshire part of the union, all 24 stations across the county will be affected. Another strike has also been set for between 10am and 5pm on Saturday June 21. But Mr McCallum said the decision was never taken lightly. He said: "Firefighters by their nature are caring people. For a decision to be made by any individual firefighter that they are being treated so badly and the only option is to strike shows the gravity of the situation. "Firefighters have families in the community, they are part of that community, so they will be leaving them without fire services as well. No-one wants to strike but it is the only option left to us." Matt Wrack, the general secretary of the FBU nationally, added: "The minister has decided to bury his head in the sand, but he must accept that firefighters simply will not give up fighting for their futures — and our fire and rescue service. "It is as ever a difficult decision for us to take, but the only way for us to resolve this unnecessary and costly dispute is for the government to start listening to reason." A spokesman for the Department for Communities and Local Government said the union had been "disrupting constructive discussions" and "has once again shown the country it is not serious about finding a resolution." He added: "The Government has made clear that a way forward can be reached, but not under the shadow of industrial action, which only serves to damage firefighters' standing with the public. "The deal on the table gives firefighters one of the most generous pension schemes in all the public sector, and the proposals protect the earned rights of a higher proportion of members than any other public sector scheme. "Public safety remains our prime concern and robust contingency plans are in place to keep people protected." Do you agree or disagree with the strikes? Let us know at opinion@nottinghampost.com.

Former NHL prospect Chris Lawrence joins Nottingham Panthers

June 5, 2014, 11:57 am

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NOTTINGHAM Panthers have made their second signing of the day by bringing in former NHL third round draft pick Chris Lawrence. The 27-year-old winger has almost 200 AHL games on his resume and more than 150 games in the East Coast Hockey League. He was drafted - 89th overall - by Tampa Bay Lightning in 2005. Lawrence follows in the footsteps of Steve Lee, the GB defenceman returning to the club for a sixth season earlier in the day. Lawrence skated for Team Canada at the World Junior Championships and was a top prospect throughout his junior career. Since turning professional he has played at Norfolk, Augusta, Mississippi, Stockton, Worcester, Houston, San Francisco, Orlando and last year at Kalamazoo Wings in the ECL. He had 35 points in 59 games and 103 penalty minutes. Panthers head coach Corey Neilson said: "He's big, he's strong, he's got a great work ethic and the one thing people keep telling me is that he skates well, not just well for a big man, they say he skates really well. "We wanted to add more size and weight this year too, so Chris fits the bill. He's excited about joining the Panthers and he's even had a little taste of European hockey a couple of years ago with a brief stint in a tournament with Salzburg. "He's pretty much a point a game guy at the East Coast level. "We wanted our forwards to be faster and our centres to be bigger and more physical. We're confident Chris gives us that. "I spoke two of his former coaches and they say he wins around 75 per cent of his face-offs and 'consistently ripped guys hands off in the face-off circle'. "He can be a huge offensive contributor in the right context and we're planning on putting him in that context."