TV property developer Sarah Beeny and BBC correspondent Jeremy Bowen will be among recipients of honorary degrees from Nottingham Trent University next month.

Ms Beeny became a familiar household name after presenting TV shows such as Property Ladder and documenting the transformation of her own Grade II-listed home on the Channel 4 show Restoration Nightmare.

She will be named an honorary doctor of design during a graduation ceremony on July 24 in recognition of her significant contribution to raising the profile and accessibility of property management and development and related issues to the wider general public.

Mr Bowen will receive an honorary doctor of social science on July 22, to mark his significant contribution to understanding the nature and complexities of contemporary affairs, particularly in the Middle East.

Since 2005 he has covered wars, revolutions, civil strife and disasters on four continents.

Other recipients throughout the university's graduation ceremonies from July 21 to 25 at the Royal Concert Hall will be permanent secretary of the Scottish government Sir Peter Housden, BBC Radio Nottingham sports commentator Colin Slater, international education expert Professor David Hopkins and classical composer Paul Carr.

Nottingham Trent University vice-chancellor Professor Neil Gorman said: "The recipients of our honorary degrees have all enriched and influenced the lives of people in this city and indeed across the globe through dedication to their work.

"They serve as an inspiration, not just to young adults graduating from Nottingham Trent University now, but to us all."

PLANS for a £10 million leisure centre in West Bridgford have been submitted to Rushcliffe Borough Council.

The application for the Rugby Road site was received on Monday .

The facility will be designed by Nottingham architects CPMG and will include two pools, a health and fitness suite, a sports hall, bowls facilities and a café.

Blueprints were showcased at a public meeting this month.

The centre will replace the current Rushcliffe Leisure Centre and Rushcliffe Arena.

The council wants to save money by relocating its offices to the new premises, allowing the civic centre to be used for different activities.

Council leader Neil Clarke said: "Having listened to the community, we believe we have achieved the best mix of facilities alongside a modern new building offering great choice, which will attract as many customers as possible."

AN inquest has opened into the death of Roderick Shaw, who disappeared from his Long Eaton home.

The body of Mr Shaw, who went missing on Sunday, June 8, was found in the River Trent, in Trent Meadows, Long Eaton, by police on Friday at 9pm.

The divorced 62-year-old maintenance engineer, of Peveril Crescent, Long Eaton, was identified by his dental records.

The inquest has now been adjourned until a later date so a further postmortem examination and file from the police can be sent to the coroner.

THE Grand Theatre, Hyson Green, one of Nottingham's cinema landmarks singled out for recognition, was the site of the first public screening in the city on July 13, 1896.

So was the site of the Victoria Electric Picture Palace, Nottingham's first purpose-built cinema, which opened in Milton Street in 1910.

Its innovations included a sloping floor, illuminated gangways and signage, a marble entrance vestibule and lobby, numerous ornate fittings and chandeliers, comfortable upholstered seats in blue velvet with matching curtains, drapes and carpets, plus a number of Aromovas vases, which emitted an Eau de Cologne perfume.

The proprietors provided opulent surrounds, warmth and comfort, a uniformed staff, a trio of talented musicians and a high class presentation.

The Victoria opened its doors on Thursday, March 24, 1910, having been granted a licence to show films by the council and a licence to play mechanical and live music.

One contemporary account claims it had a 'pianolistz' as well as a 'panotrope' and its 'victorian orchestra', all which helped to render accompaniment to the silent pictures on view, some that included bathing belles in full colour.

It set new standards in luxury and safety.

When departing from an evening's entertainment, the commissionaire would summon a Hansom cab from the ranks over the road for the more affluent.

Slight alterations were made in 1912, the most attractive of which was the creation of an Oriental tea-bar. And a corner balcony was installed in 1915, seating 60 people. An innovative 12ft sliding roof panel was ideal on a hot August night.

But after several severe winters, the mechanism became noisy and started seizing up, and it was removed in 1925. A dome with six cherubs, scrolls and leaves fashioned in rococo style was installed, with a crystal chandelier.

The words 'electric' and 'palace' were discontinued and a full refurbishment was undertaken in 1930-31 culminating in Talkies, which meant the loss of the seven-piece orchestra, mourned by many after 20 years' service.

By 1947 the management were finding it difficult to book films for mainstream audiences, which had not already been exhausted by much bigger rivals. It attempted to emulate the News House, by showing newsreels, topical shorts and documentaries. It was not successful, so the main attraction became a foreign picture with 'newsy' items filling in. It still didn't work so double-feature programming was resumed.

As the New Victoria, the house re-opened as a flagship for Western Electric, whose 4-track magnetic stereo system was the first in the East Midlands.

A 26ft-wide screen graced the stage, and new presentation equipment was installed in May 1954 to present Flight of the White Heron – the film of the Royal tour of Australia.

After another refurbishment, the house re-opened as the Cine Moulin Rouge on December 5, 1960, after a launch party the previous evening with the 1953 film Moulin Rouge.

The commissionaire was dressed as a French gendarme, while all female staff wore short black skirts and white mini aprons (a la 'Allo 'Allo) with white frill-fronted blouses.

Billed as the home of the continental film, its new owners overlooked the fact that it made every effort to show the very best of continental classics and film festival winners amongst the more prosaic dime-a-dozen adult dramas and American classics.

Business on Sunday nights was so poor that strippers were brought in. Blonde Australian-born Ingrid Anthofer kicked off proceedings by stripping before a screening of Take Off Your Clothes And Live in March 1963.

In March 1968, Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor came to help promote their film Dr Faustus, but the writing was already on the wall. Flanked by closing down notices, the cinema played what many regarded as its last show on September 30, 1969. It was later given a stay of execution and reopened on October 5 as a private adult club. It finally closed on February 21, 1970.

The centenary cinema plaques also recognised Alma Lucy Reville, screenwriter, editor and Alfred Hitchcock's wife, who was born at 69 Caroline Street, St Ann's on August 14, 1899.

The fourth plaque commemorated author Graham Greene, who began his career in the old Evening News offices in Express Buildings, Parliament Street. Ten films have been based on his novels.

DEREK Adjaidoo, 33, of Westdale Lane, Mapperley, pleaded guilty to drink-driving. He was behind the wheel of a Corsa in Thorneywood Mount, St Ann's, when he was caught over the limit on February 6. Magistrates in Nottingham heard he had 45 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath, when the limit is 35. Adjaidoo was fined £280 and banned from driving for 14 months. He was ordered to pay costs of £85 and a £28 victim surcharge.

SARAH Thacker, 45, of Moore Road, Mapperley, was banned from driving for two years after she admitted drink-driving. Magistrates in Nottingham heard she had 113 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath, over the limit of 35, in Castle Boulevard, Lenton, on May 5. Thacker received a community order with a requirement to get alcohol treatment for ten days. She was also ordered to pay a £60 victim surcharge and costs of £85.

STEVEN Brown, 31, of Cobden Street, Lenton, denied two charges when he appeared at Nottingham Magistrates' Court. He is accused of causing criminal damage to a barbecue pot worth £58 and to the windscreen of an MG car in Whitemoor on January 8. He has been bailed to attend his trial on September 4 at 10am.

OWAIS Ahmed, 21, of Berridge Road, Forest Fields, pleaded guilty to using threatening behaviour in Nottingham on April 16. He is on bail to attend Nottingham Magistrates' Court on July 3 at 2pm.

DAMIEN Stanton, 23, of Beauvale Drive, Ilkeston, was sentenced for using an uninsured Vauxhall Astra when he was a disqualified driver. Magistrates in Nottingham gave him a community order after he pleaded guilty. The offences were in Giltbrook on February 25. Stanton was banned from driving for six months and ordered to pay a £60 victim surcharge and costs of £85.

BRYAN Martin, 28, of Laughton Crescent, Hucknall, will have a trial accused of drink-driving. He was in a vehicle in Lower Parliament Street, Nottingham, on February 15. When tested, he had 54 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath, over the limit of 35. His case has been listed at Nottingham Magistrates' Court on September 15 at 2pm. He remains on bail.

STEVEN Bourne, 23, of Noel Street, Hyson Green, pleaded guilty to assaulting a woman at the Sheesh Mahal Restaurant, Alfreton Road, Radford, on March 9. Bourne was given a 18 weeks' prison sentence by magistrates in Nottingham. The court heard the assault had involved a stick, the injured woman was vulnerable and the offence was late at night in a kebab shop. Bourne was subject to a community order, which was breached, aggravated by previous convictions and persistent failures to comply with court orders.

CRAIG Hollas , 44, of Lingford , Cotgrave, was bailed to attend his trial at Nottingham Magistrates' Court. He denied two benefit offences. He allegedly failed to notify Rushcliffe Borough Council about a change in his circumstances that would have affected claims for housing and council tax benefit between January 28 and January 26 in that he was living in the same household as a woman and did not provide this information when claiming for employment support allowance in Nottingham in January last year. Hollas' case will be heard on October 1 at 10am.

PHILIP Moran, 40, of Brayton Crescent, Highbury Vale, Bulwell, pleaded guilty to failing to provide a specimen of breath to police for analysis in Nottingham in March. Morgan is on bail to attend Nottingham Magistrates' Court on July 10.

MICHAEL Richens, 31, of Yorke Drive, Newark, has been remanded in custody accused of assaulting a female on June 2. After pleading not guilty at Nottingham Magistrates' Court, he will attend court again on July 3.

BILLY Harrison, 20, of Manor Road, Keyworth, pleaded guilty to using threatening behaviour in Talbot Street, Nottingham, in May. At the city's magistrates' court, he was conditionally discharged for six months and ordered to pay a £15 victim surcharge and costs of £85.

JASON Sheppard, 25, of South Avenue, Rainworth, pleaded guilty to drink-driving in a Vauxhall Astra. When tested, he had 70 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath, over the limit of 35. Magistrates in Mansfield heard the offence was on the A60 Woodhouse Road, Mansfield, on May 31. Sheppard was fined £500 and banned from driving for 17 months. He was ordered to pay a £50 victim surcharge and costs of £85.

ALAN Duncan, 39, of Devonshire Drive, Langwith, pleaded guilty to theft. He stole £270.56 of groceries from Morrisons, Mansfield, on June 4. At Mansfield Magistrates' Court, he was conditionally discharged for 12 months and ordered to pay a £15 victim surcharge and costs of £85.

IAN Ray, 57, of Twitchell View, Sutton-in-Ashfield, has been fined £80 for possessing amphetamine in the town on June 4. At Mansfield Magistrates' Court, he admitted the charge and was ordered to pay a £20 victim surcharge and costs of £85.

VULNERABLE women were targeted by a man exposing himself in a series of "bizarre" crimes in the Beechdale area.

Danny Thompson struck at the homes of three women over several weeks, Nottingham Crown Court heard.

He exposed himself to his first victim, a married woman in her eighties and in poor health, when she saw him in her back garden on May 21 last year.

Two hours later she found he had been into her home and taken a laptop and stereo.

Thompson, 24, of Beechdale Road, Bilborough, went on to climb in through a bungalow window of a sleeping 54-year-old woman with mental health problems on June 10 last year.

Grace Hale, prosecuting, said the woman woke up to find Thompson in her bedroom saying that there was nothing to steal as he sat next to her on her bed.

"She begged for him not to hurt her," said Mrs Hale.

Thompson asked her to touch him sexually and she agreed because she thought he would hurt or kill her, the court heard yesterday.

The terrified woman then managed to call her son and passed the phone to Thompson.

"The defendant said he wasn't going to hurt her," said Mrs Hale.

Her son, who was at work, called the police, then phoned his mother back to reassure her that the officers were on their way.

She was crying uncontrollably when detectives arrived at the house – but there was no sign of Thompson.

Then, on June 12 last year he turned up at the home of a 71-year-old.

She opened her door when she heard a noise and found Thompson there.

He said he wanted to perform a sexual act on himself and began doing so in her garden before going into the house.

Mrs Hale said: "He had crisps, biscuits and drank wa ter. She threatened to call police. He asked if he could return the following night. He was there for half an hour."

Thompson was caught by forensic tests after he inadvertently left his DNA on a cigarette butt and a glass.

In mitigation, Simon Eckersley told the court: "This is a bizarre series of offences and, in many ways for all concerned, a very sad set of circumstances."

Today, Thompson will be sentenced after pleading guilty to two charges of exposure, burglary with intent to steal, burglary and causing a person to engage in sexual activity without consent.

He also admitted possessing cocaine.

FANCY a drink and a bite to eat? Nottingham's newest bar will officially open with a blaze of star spangled glory on American Independence Day.

Ocean State Tavern is a downstairs bar at Annie's Burger Shack in the Lace Market.

American owner Anmarie Spaziano is pulling out all the stops for the July 4 celebration, with red, white and blue Americana, food, drink and a ragtime band for a pavement party at No.5 Broadway.

Anmarie, who has built up a tremendous following and produces what have been hailed the best burgers in Nottingham, said: "We're all excited. We're going to be celebrating the opening of the new tavern and Independence Day.

"Upstairs we have a restaurant with good beer and downstairs we wanted a tavern with good food."

The empty shell is being transformed with the help of graphic designer Matt Clixby from Studio Deathray.

The 200-capacity bar has a nautical theme, with aged wooden floorboards from a church covering the walls and bar, ships' lighting and grey decor, as if entering a submarine.

A replica of Jaws – or at least the shark's head – will greet visitors.

"Jaws was filmed just off Rhode Island," says Anmarie, who hails from the state in New England.

"The restaurant is New England in the woods and the tavern is New England by the coast."

American bar snacks will be on the menu downstairs. Stuffed clams – known as stuffies to New Englanders – will be presented in authentic quahog shells, specially shipped over from the US.

Mini corn dogs and homemade beef or tofu jerky will also be served. "We're trying to keep everything equal, with veggie and vegan equivalents," said Anmarie. Just like the burgers in the diner.

Cocktails and root beer floats are new additions for the bar.

The outdoor party on July 4 will start at 5pm with music from Rob Heron and the Tea Pad Orchestra and the Goddamn Wallbangers from 6pm.

A red ribbon will be cut to mark the bar's official opening at 7.30pm.

Meanwhile Annie's chef Dan Brown celebrated reaching the summit of England's highest mountain by sinking his teeth into a burger made at the restaurant. At the top of Scafell Pike in the Lake District, he tucked into a cold veggie burger that he'd cooked in Nottingham while fellow climber Nigel Tate devoured a cheese burger.

Dan, 34, of West Bridgford, said: "I thought, why not? I cooked them in Nottingham, froze them and then defrosted them." It might have been cold but Dan added: "It was still damn good. I was grateful for it after going up there."

RECOVERING Ian Wakefield has thanked the men that saved his life after he suffered a heart attack during a cricket match.

Four men performed CPR for ten minutes before paramedics revived him using a defibrillator and took him to Royal Derby Hospital.

Mick Hopkins, of Long Eaton, worked desperately with his teammates to resuscitate the batsman – who remains in hospital – at Long Eaton Cricket Club on Saturday.

Mr Wakefield, 50, of Stretton, plans to visit all four men after he is released from hospital.

The HR manager said: "It's difficult to put into words how thankful I am, words are not adequate.

"The doctors said if those guys hadn't have done what they did then I probably wouldn't be here today.

"Everyone has been fantastic and I can't thank them enough."

Mr Hopkins, 52, of Long Eaton, was first on hand to tend to his opponent.

The Sawley and Long Eaton Park player said: "I saw him fall down and immediately ran to him and could see that he needed urgent help.

"He was fitting and then he was not moving. People were saying he was dead."

The electrical consultant was first aid trained to deal with electrically induced heart attacks for his work.

And he was able to keep his head and apply what he had learnt in order to assist the man from Stretton.

Teammates Dean Hubbard of Sandiacre and Graham Bucanan of Long Eaton were also on hand to help.

Steve Yates, 53, of Stretton, was watching the game from the boundary.

After seeing his friend collapse to the ground he ran to the scene to see if he could help.

He said: "The other three guys had already started trying to revive him and after a while I joined in.

"It was very emotional."

Rollesten Cricket Club's chairman Bob James added: "Everyone at the club thanks the people that saved Ian's life from the bottom of our hearts.

"While not fully fit at the moment as he remains in hospital, he appears in good health and thankful for all the people wishing him well.

"All of our thoughts are now with him and his wife Alison during his recovery."

Paramedics used a defibrillator to get the player's heart pumping again before taking him to hospital in an ambulance.

A spokesman for the East Midlands Ambulance Service said: "We received a call at 6.12pm on Saturday to West Park, in Long Eaton, reporting a male who had collapsed on the playing field.

"A fast response vehicle arrived on scene within four minutes of the call being made. A double crewed ambulance was also dispatched and took the patient to Royal Derby Hospital."

Have you been involved in a life-or-death situation? Email newsdesk@nottinghampost.com

A MAN  has been taken to hospital after a fire outside a house in Beeston.

Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service was called out to Myrtle Grove at around 11.44pm on Tuesday.

Two engines from Highfields fire station and one from Stapleford attended  the blaze, where smoke was making its way inside the property.

Firefighters rescued a 53-year-old man who was taken to hospital. 

The cause of the fire is unknown at this time. 

FOUR of Nottingham's struggling schools are beginning to show some signs of improvement.

There is a long way to go before children are receiving the standard of education they need in the city, but the progress is welcome.

Ofsted has conducted monitoring visits at Big Wood School, Bulwell Academy, Ellis Guilford, and Farnborough School.

They were among seven schools that were labelled "inadequate" by the Government watchdog last year.

As reported in the Post, some of those schools were initially slow to respond.

But now Ofsted notes that teaching standards have improved, although not enough; school attendance and behaviour is better. The progress comes after the development of a new challenge board, set up to push schools and check on progress.

It is important to acknowledge improvement. The schools, their staff and the pupils face a tough task in turning the situation around.

There will need to be structural changes in how schools are run, but also cultural change, which is even more difficult to achieve.

So, while we recognise the distance left to travel, well done on making a decent start.

DANIEL Alvey is keen to follow in the footsteps of his dad and great-grandad by joining the Armed Forces.

The 18-year-old has been told stories by dad Michael of his time in the parachute regiment.

And last night Daniel, of Bestwood, found himself at a joint recruitment event for the 144 Parachute Medical Squadron and C Company, 4th Battalion The Parachute Regiment (4 PARA).

He said: "I have grown up in a family which has strong links with the Army.

"As well as my dad and great-grandad, my cousin has been in the Royal Air Force.

"I want to follow in their footsteps."

About a dozen potential recruits for the reserves visited at the 144 squadron's base in Triumph Road, Lenton.

Those who want to take their interest further will have to go through an interview and tests before being selected.

Steve Stones, 31, of Kimberley, was also looking to join up.

He was previously in the regular Army and has done a tour of Iraq. He confessed he wants to rejoin because he "misses it".

He added: "You can have a great laugh with the lads. There's a real sense of togetherness.

"I left five years ago now and I'm really keen to get involved again as a reservist."

The 144 squadron is the only Army reserve medical unit with a parachute capability. It is designed to be parachuted into action to provide initial treatment to casualties and stabilise them for movement to more specialist facilities.

The squadron's Triumph Road detachment recruits trained medical and healthcare personnel including surgeons, nurses and combat medical technicians. It also has non-clinical roles for chefs, drivers and radio operators.

The 4 PARA are airborne infantry reservists. They are based in Leeds but use the Triumph Road centre for recruitment and training.

Leigh Crowdem, 19, a recent recruit for 4 PARA, was at the event to give advice to potential recruits, having just completed his first weekend.

He said: "I am a business analysis manager but I have always wanted to go into the Army, so this was a great choice.

"My initial experience has been really good. It has been really well organised. I would encourage anyone interested to give this a go."

Major John Ainscough, of 144 squadron, said: "We are fully integrated with our regular regiment, 16 Medical Regiment, and have deployed personnel every time it has gone on operations.

"Our medical personnel adapt their skills to a military environment whilst our non-medical staff provide the valuable support that allows us to concentrate on delivering medical care."

Have you joined the Army reserves? E-mail newsdesk@nottinghampost.com

A WEEKEND of celebrations and remembrance to honour our Armed Forces is due to take place this weekend.

After playing host to the official Armed Forces Day last year, Nottinghamshire will be holding various events.

The East Midlands' flagship Armed Forces event will take place on Saturday and Sunday, from 11am to 4pm at Wollaton Hall.

There will be a range of free events to get involved in, such as dressing up as evacuees.

Elsewhere in the county, a special service of thanksgiving to honour our Armed Forces is to take place in Kirkby-in-Ashfield on Saturday.

A short service by Reverend Neil Popham will be held at the Council Offices in Kirkby, at 10.30am and will be followed by the Armed Forces flag-raising at 11.15am. The Ashfield School Choir will also be performing throughout the morning.

HOMES built in the seventies will be demolished to make way for comfortable modern flats in a scheme costing nearly £5m.

Residents of Stepney Court, Aspley, will pack up their belongings to be temporarily rehoused in the next six months.

Twenty eight people will be found new homes at the start of the two-year project just approved by the executive board at Nottingham City Council.

Designs and planning permission are yet to be drawn up but the board has already given the project its stamp of approval.

The existing homes provide independent living for the over 55s and disabled tenants under 55.

The plan extends to knock down Aspley Housing Office and Strelley Library at the same site.

As well as the new homes, a joint service centre will be built to include housing and library services.

Stepney Court tenants have already been consulted on the proposals and will be closely involved in the re-design of the complex.

They will be re-located temporarily while the work is carried out.

It is expected they will have moved out by the end of 2014 with demolition and building work starting in 2015.

Those who want to move back to Stepney Court, which is managed and maintained by Nottingham City Homes, can return in 2016.

The investment is part of the multi-million Building a Better Nottingham programme to build more than 400 new council homes across the city.

Aspley resident Margaret McLoughlin, who has lived in the area for 56 years, said she was worried for the older people who lived at Stepney Court.

"It's very stressful moving house for a young people, let alone an older person."

NCH Chief Executive Nick Murphy said: "The plans for the area give us the opportunity to replace the old flats at Stepney Court with new, better, modern homes for older people while at the same time helping to regenerate this area of the city.

"We know this could be an unsettling time for the people at Stepney Court. So we have been busy talking with each resident about the plans and we have promised to keep them involved in the whole process.

"It also gives us the opportunity to create a new joint service centre with colleagues from the City Council as the flats at Stepney Court and the adjoining Aspley housing office and Strelley library are part of the one building."

Councillor Alex Ball, executive assistant with responsibility for housing at Nottingham City Council said: "Both the new joint service centre and improved homes at Stepney Court have the potential to make a real difference to local residents and the wider community.

"We are working to transform Nottingham's neighbourhoods, removing the properties that are no longer fit for purpose and replacing them with new, sustainable, energy efficient properties that will help both existing and new residents to feel safe and secure in their community by creating neighbourhoods where people want to live and work."

What do you think of the plan? Comment on our website at www.nottinghampost.com

RESIDENTS have been invited to share their views on health and social care services using a new Have Your Say Point.

People in Gedling can now submit comments directly to Healthwatch using the new facility which was opened at the Civic Centre, in Arnot Hill Road, on Monday .

Healthwatch is the independent consumer watchdog for health and social care in Nottinghamshire.

They would like to hear from patients, staff and carers about things that work well in the community and areas for improvement.

The Have Your Say Point will be open from Monday to Friday, between 8.45am and 5.15pm.

It was opened by Councillor Jenny Hollingsworth Mayor of Gedling and Joe Pidgeon, Chair of Healthwatch.

Mr Pidgeon said: "It is a first for Healthwatch Nottinghamshire in extending our Have Your Say Points to a Council Civic Centre."

PLANS to build a 60-bed nursing home at the site of an derelict Clifton pub have got the green light.

The Grey Mare pub in Farnborough Road, Clifton has been closed for several years and was demolished in February.

Radcliffe-on Trent-firm Wynbrook Ltd are the developers behind the plans.

The plans are to build 75 en-suite bedrooms which will be arranged across three storeys with a communal lounge and dining area on each of the floors.

There is an external courtyard garden proposed to the rear of the building and a sheltered patio.

The plans were approved unanimously by the planning committee at Nottingham City Council.

NOTTINGHAMSHIRE'S Police and Crime Commissioner is urging the Government to withdraw proposed changes to legislation in the taxi industry.

Paddy Tipping has joined other prominent figures from across the UK to slam the plans, claiming the Deregulation Bill, currently going through Parliament, could pose a risk to some vulnerable passengers.

The Bill, which aims to cut down on paperwork and bureaucracy, includes measures relating to the private hire trade, such as allowing people to operate a licensed private hire vehicle even if they do not hold a private hire vehicle driver's license.

Mr Tipping pointed said this will mean while the taxi itself can be clearly licenced for all to see, there is no guarantee that the same can be said for the driver.

This gives "a window of opportunity "for those intent on committing a crime or assaulting passengers.

He said: "People, especially young women and girls, take a taxi journey in the belief that it is a safe way to travel.

"In fairness, it usually is and in Nottinghamshire we are doing everything we can to improve still further the safety of those travelling on our roads and to increase the safety of women and girls.

"But in its current format this legislation would remove some of the safeguards that are in place and they are there for a reason."

Other commissioners from across England and Wales have echoed concerns raised by licensing officials, police, the taxi trade and organisations that work with victims of rape and sexual assault, saying that the lack of driver regulation is a serious safety risk.

They are lobbying Rushcliffe MP Ken Clarke, one of the ministers responsible for the Bill, for changes to the current proposals.

The Commissioner has just launched a new scheme in Nottingham which will see CCTV cameras in taxis to improve passenger and driver safety.

The five cheapest places to fill up within ten miles of Nottingham city centre:

Unleaded

1. Sainsbury's Beeston, Cross Street, Beeston, 126.9p

2. Asda Nottingham, Loughborough Road, West Bridgford, 127.7p

3. Sainsbury's Arnold, Nottingham Road, Arnold, 127.9p

4. Morrisons Gamston, Gamston District Centre, Gamston, 127.9p

5. Clifton Express, Clifton Lane, Clifton, 127.9p

Diesel

1. Clifton Express, Clifton Lane, Clifton, 131.9p

2. Mrh Wollaton Spar, Wollaton Vale, Wollaton, 131.9p

3. Asda Nottingham, Loughborough Road, West Bridgford, 132.7p

4. Asda Hyson Green, Radford Road, Hyson Green, 132.7p

5. Asda Long Eaton Automat, Midland Street, 132.7p

For the latest prices, check online at nottinghampost.com.

NADARASA Selvasothy, 44, of Sutton Road, Kirky-in-Ashfield, received a 40-month driving ban. He admitted he was behind the wheel of a Peugeot 206 in Kingsway, Kirkby, when over the limit on April 8. When tested, he had 150 milligrams of alcohol in 100 millilitres of blood. The limit is 80. He also admitted he had an accident in Kingsway and failed to stop and provide his name and address. Magistrates in Mansfield ordered he complete a community order with 200 hours of unpaid work. He must pay a £60 victim surcharge and costs of £85.

JACEK Pasik, 39, of Crossland Road, Bestwood, was fined £160 after he admitted driving and using a hand-held mobile phone. Pasik was behind the wheel of a vehicle in Huntingdon Street, Nottingham, when caught on January 17. JPs ordered he pay a £20 victim surcharge and £85 costs. He was banned from driving for six months.

STEPHEN Feeley, 38, of Ashleigh Avenue, Sutton-in-Ashfield, will be sentenced on June 27 for two offences. He assaulted a policeman and assaulted a female in Mansfield on December 15 last year. He has been bailed to attend Mansfield Magistrates' Court.

IRENEUSZ Biszczanik, 26, of Hall Street, Mansfield, denied using an uninsured Vauxhall Tigra on the A60 Devils Elbow, Ravenshead, on August 26 last year. His case has been listed for trial at Mansfield Magistrates' Court on August 5 at 2pm.

CHRISTOPHER Illiffe, 48, of Fairfield Road, Horsley Woodhouse, Ilkeston, denied driving a vehicle without due care and attention in West Bridgford on November 11 last year. His trial has been listed at Nottingham Magistrates' Court on September 9 at 2pm.

MEANJIT Purewal, 48, of Hillcrest Drive, Hucknall, has been fined £210 for driving without a seat belt and using a mobile phone. He was found guilty of using the phone when he appeared at Mansfield Magistrates' Court. He offended by using the phone when he drove in Main Road, Watnall, on July 2 last year, then he admitted he had no seat belt on in another vehicle in Derby Road, Nottingham, on September 4 last year. He was ordered to pay a £20 victim surcharge and costs of £85. He was disqualified from driving for six months.

SAMANTHA Davidson, 26, of Banks Close, Shirebrook, pleaded not guilty to theft. She will have a trial at Mansfield Magistrates' Court accused of stealing badminton sets and equipment, a groundsheet, small garden fork, plunger and trowel, valued at £30, from a garden shed in Mansfield on May 21. She has been bailed to attend court on August 5 at 2pm.

BRADLEY Dawes, 19, of Brandish Crescent, Clifton, Nottingham, is accused of offences under the Protection from Harassment Act. He denied he threw a carton at a woman and spoke to her when prohibited by a restraining order on May 27. He is also alleged to have attended the woman's address and threatened to assault her on June 9. He is on bail to attend his trial at Mansfield Magistrates' Court on August 18 at 2pm.

DAVID Fisher, 29, of Tideswell Court, Mansfield, denied stealing £60 worth of medication from Rowlands Chemist, Mansfield, on April 28. He has been bailed to attend Mansfield Magistrates' Court on August 20 at 10am.

CRAIG Dickman, 36, of Birkdale Avenue, New Ollerton, denied theft. He allegedly stole a purse containing £145 from a woman in Ferndale Close, Ollerton, on January 12. He has been bailed to attend his trial at Mansfield Magistrates' Court on August 12 at 10am.

JAKE Ince, 20, of Springfield Close, Mansfield, was fined £60 for using an uninsured Ford Fiesta in Newstead Abbey car park on August 18 last year. After pleading guilty at Mansfield Magistrates' Court, he was ordered to pay a £20 victim surcharge and costs of £35. Six penalty points will be endorsed on his licence.

RONALD Davey, 48, of Winster Way, Mansfield, was fined £100 for using a Vauxhall Corsa without insurance or a licence in Winster Way on March 18. Magistrates in Mansfield heard he pleaded guilty and ordered he pay a £20 victim surcharge and costs of £85. Six penalty points will be endorsed on his licence.

PETER Bell, 25, of Sunnyside Road, Beeston, denied two charges when he attended Nottingham Magistrates' Court. He will have a trial accused of drink-driving in a Seat Ibiza in Marriott Close, Chilwell, and having an accident with a vehicle and failing to stop in April. He remains on bail to attend his trial on October 3 at 10am.

AARON Freestone, 31, of Hanslope Crescent, Bilborough, pleaded guilty to drink-driving in St Ann's. Magistrates heard he was behind the wheel of a Ford Escort, in Bath Street, when he was caught over the limit on May 31. When tested, he had 72 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath, over the limit of 35. Magistrates in Nottingham fined him £250 and disqualified him from driving for 17 months. He was ordered to pay a £25 victim surcharge and costs of £85.