A 13-YEAR-OLD boy has been arrested in connection with a series of suspected racist attacks in Bingham.

Police say the teenager, who was arrested on Friday, has been questioned in relation to five incidents – including one where a Muslim family had a cross wrapped in pork left outside their house on November 20.

He was also arrested on suspicion of two further incidents involving the same family – shouting racial abuse at a 32-year-old woman on December 3 and allegedly throwing a stone at their window on December 4.

Police have also questioned him about two attacks on restaurants in the town.

Racist graffiti was scrawled on the Singapore Pepper restaurant in Bingham Market Place on August 11, and bricks were thrown at the Balti Restaurant in the Market Place on October 31.

The boy has now been released on bail, pending further inquiries.

In a further incident, the same family had racist graffiti daubed on a pavement outside their house on Saturday morning.

No arrests have been made in connection with this incident.

The family who were allegedly targeted do not want to be named but the father, a 39-year-old who works at E.on, said: "One of the neighbours knocked on my door and showed me the graffiti – someone had spray-painted racist messages on the pavement."

The family used to live in West Bridgford but the mother and two boys, aged eight and 10, moved to Bingham at the beginning of November after the parents separated.

The father said: "My wife is scared for her life.

"I've had to move back in to protect her and make sure no one attacks the house."

A police spokesperson said: "Inquiries are ongoing and police continue to work with affected parties and residents to establish who is responsible.

"Increased patrols have been mounted to provide reassurance and officers have been conducting house-to-house inquiries and working very closely with the victims to ensure they are safe.

"Hate crime is completely unacceptable in any degree or form and Notts Police take any incidents of this nature incredibly seriously."

Anyone with information about the incidents should call police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

GRAHAM Watson, 40, of Queens Court, Newark, has been found guilty of having failed to provide a blood sample after a road traffic offence. He had denied the charge, which occurred in Newark on August 9. Watson was disqualified from driving for three years, ordered to pay £150 prosecution costs, and made subject of a four-week curfew. Watson pleaded guilty to further charges of driving in a Vauxhall Combi van in Alliance Road, Newark, on August 8 without a valid licence or insurance. He faced no separate penalties for those offences.

SATBIN Dusanj, 51, of Victoria Centre flats, Nottingham, has admitted stealing a £595 nine carat gold bracelet from Beaverbrooks, in Nottingham city centre, on September 5. He was ordered to carry out 40 hours of unpaid work within the next year, and to pay £85 costs.

PETER Hollingsworth, 55, of Brockhole Close, West Bridgford, must pay £200 compensation to the victim of an assault. He pleaded guilty to assaulting a woman in Gamston on October 21. Hollingsworth was also fined £500, ordered to pay £85 prosecution costs, and made subject of a two-year restraining order.

WAYNE Summerfield, 26, of Victoria Street, Stapleford, has been found guilty of assaulting a woman in Carlton on October 26. He had denied the charge. Summerfield was ordered to pay £100 compensation to the victim, a £275 fine, £150 prosecution costs, and a £15 victim surcharge.

PHILLIP Henshaw, 43, of Lime Tree Court, Beeston, has been handed a six-month conditional discharge by magistrates in Nottingham after pleading guilty to assaulting a woman in Lenton Abbey on August 8.

STACIE Hodge, 28, of St Ann's Well Road, St Ann's, has been fined £230 for drink-driving. She drove a Citroen C2 car in The Wells Road, St Ann's, on August 11 with 47 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath – exceeding the 35 micrograms legal limit. The court heard in mitigation that Hodge had unwittingly consumed drinks that had been laced with alcohol. As well as the fine, she also had her driving licence endorsed with six penalty points, and was ordered to pay £85 prosecution costs and a £15 victim surcharge.

JAYJAY Campbell, 32, of Quibells Lane, Newark, pleaded guilty to stealing two pairs of Barbour shooting gloves, worth a total of £50, from Mole Country Stores in Newark on October 11. He was fined £40 and ordered to pay £89 compensation to the store, £85 prosecution costs, and a £20 victim surcharge.

NEIL Cartwright, 30, of Cernan Court, Hempshill Vale, has been disqualified from driving for four months after admitting driving while more than three times over the legal alcohol limit. He drove a Vauxhall Astra in Hempshill Lane, Bulwell, on November 10 with 108 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath, exceeding the 35 micrograms legal limit. Cartwright was also fined £110 and ordered to pay £85 prosecution costs and a £20 victim surcharge.

A KEYWORTH man has been banned from the roads for 40 months after being found drink-driving. William Gill drove a Vauxhall Vectra in Britannia Avenue, Basford, on November 11 with 88 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath - exceeding the 35 micrograms legal limit. Gill, 22, of Mount Pleasant, Keyworth, was also fined £450, and ordered to pay £85 prosecution costs and a £20 victim surcharge.

JAMES Hudson, 19, of The Wells Road, Mapperley, admitted driving in Bells Lane, Aspley, with 87 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath. It exceeded the legal alcohol limit of 35 micrograms. Hudson was disqualified from driving for 20 months, fined £165, and ordered to pay £85 prosecution costs and a £20 victim surcharge. Hudson also pleaded guilty to a charge of failing to stop following an accident in Bells Lane on November 11. He faced no separate penalty.

QUISAR Iqbal,,19, of Woodborough Road, Nottingham, has admitted possessing a quantity of cannabis in Nuthall Road, Aspley, on November 11. He was fined £100 and ordered to pay £85 prosecution costs, and a £20 victim surcharge.

CAMERON McKenzie, 28, of Vernon Road, Basford, admitted causing criminal damage to a woman's Renault Clio car in Whitemoor on June 17. He was ordered to pay £60 compensation to the victim, £85 prosecution costs, and to carry out 80 hours of unpaid work within the next 12 months.

LUKE Charles, 24, of Mulberry Gardens, Bulwell, has been charged with robbing a man in Bulwell of £80 on November 18 this year. He is also accused of assault in Nottingham on November 18 and failing to surrender to custody at Bridewell Police Station, Nottingham, on November 20. His case will be heard at Nottingham Crown Court on December 14. He is in custody.

VANESSA Seaton, 49, of Stotfield Road, Bilborough, is accused of assaulting a female in Radford on July 27 this year. Her case will be heard at Nottingham Crown Court on January 4. She is on conditional bail.

A MAN has died after the car he was driving came off a road and crashed into a river yesterday.

It happened in Ollerton Road, Carburton, north Notts at about 12.10pm.

Police and an ambulance were called to the scene and found the vehicle in the water.

The male driver was pronounced dead at the scene.

Notts Police said they do not believe anyone else was hurt or that any other vehicle was involved. The road was closed at the junction of Sparken Hill and Carburton crossroads during investigations.

A STAPLEFORD man has been fined after he admitted claiming hundreds of pounds in benefit he was not entitled to from a council.

Matt David Armstrong, 30, of Nottingham Road, admitted failing to declare he had left a property while claiming housing benefit.

Armstrong, formerly of Newstead, claimed over £600 he was not entitled to.

Gedling Borough Council said in September 2011 it received information suggesting Armstrong had left the property in June 2011.

At court last week he was fined £100, ordered to pay £100 towards prosecution costs, and also incurred a £15 victim surcharge. He will also be required to repay the housing benefit overpayment to the council.

FOREST Fields residents say they believe squatters might have been to blame for a house fire.

Firefighters from Central and Stockhill stations put out the blaze, which broke out at 11am yesterday in Premier Road, off Gregory Boulevard.

The road was cordoned off for three hours while investigations were carried out into the cause, which turned out to be a faulty heater on the ground floor.

Mike Roberts, 36, who lives opposite the house, said it was an empty property where homeless people stayed.

He said: "We heard the fire engines around 11am and could see smoke billowing from the first-floor window, but no flames.

"I know the house is definitely not lived in by a family or permanent residents and it has had squatters in there in the past.

"They have never caused much trouble before, but it is sad to see a nice house like that on fire."

He added: "Several fire engines came and firefighters quickly put the fire out. I suppose it is a shame that we get squatters around here, but it happens everywhere."

Mr Roberts' flat mate, John Stevens, 35, said the house had been empty for as long as he could remember.

He said: "We didn't see any people being rescued from the house and as far as I know it has been empty for a long time apart from the squatters."

Another resident, 21-year-old Nauman Khan, said his mother had heard the fire engines screech to a halt outside the burning house.

He said: "I was asleep this morning when it all kicked off, but my mum was awake and heard the engines.

"It is an empty house, but I've seen people in and out of there who don't officially live there.

"It was quite dramatic for a Sunday morning but I didn't see loads of flames or anything.

"The people don't cause us any trouble. This is the first time anything like this has happened."

Investigating officer Bruce Keeling, who is based at Central Fire Station, said: "The property is not permanently inhabited and one person had got himself out of the house before we got there.

"We are putting the cause down to a faulty temporary heater on the ground floor of the house. At this stage we are saying the cause is accidental and the fire is not being treated as suspicious."

A spokesperson for Notts police said: "A 28-year-old man suffered minor burns and was taken to Nottingham's Queen's Medical Centre for treatment. No other person was inside the house."

Have you got problems with empty houses in your area? Contact our newsdesk on 0115 905 1967 or email newsdesk@nottinghampostgroup.co.uk

A MOTHER who was homeless for two years will today be appealing for donations of food and blankets for people who are still sleeping rough.

Cheryl Morris, 36, left her home in West Bridgford in 2009 due to domestic problems.

Miss Morris said she found it hard to find council housing, and a heart problem meant she could not work.

While her mother looked after her children, now aged 15 and 16, Miss Morris stayed at different friends' homes. However, she said she was also forced to sleep on the streets.

"I slept rough about five nights throughout those two years," she added. "It was horrible. The biggest fear I had was not to be there in the morning, because there are some nasty people out there at night.

"You can't really sleep at night, because you're constantly scared of what might happen and you don't know what's around the corner.

"My kids didn't know what I was going through but they understand it now."

With the help of Framework, Miss Morris found a flat which did not require a deposit.

She moved into her current home in St Cuthberts Road, Sneinton, in May.

"Having a home has completely changed my life and I am so grateful for Framework for all their help. They provided me with a list of properties which didn't require a deposit.

"I was not able to pay a deposit, so that really helped.

"The first flat I saw was pretty bad – the toilet was broken and the kitchen hadn't been fitted properly, but this one was the second I viewed."

To give something back, Miss Morris will be collecting donations for homeless people outside Wilkinson's, Main Street, Bulwell, from 2pm today.

Her appeal has already filled three boxes with non-perishable foods but she hopes to get many more donations.

More than 30 people have pledged their support for today's event, which will feature Miss Morris and four friends collecting in Framework T-shirts.

Framework fundraising manager Louise Darby said: "We are so pleased to have Cheryl collecting on Framework's behalf. Her story proves what vulnerable people can achieve when they are given the right kind of help."

"Many of the people we have helped in the past retain long-term connections with us – by raising money, volunteering, or even working with us full time. We are very proud of our work and people like Cheryl remind us all just how important that work is."

There are seven rough sleepers in the city, compared to ten last year, says the city council.

Framework's Christmas campaign is raising money to prevent people from losing their homes. To donate, text ROOF13 £5 to 70070.

The Post is running its Five Tons of Tins campaign to boost food bank stocks by Christmas. Call reporter Emily Winsor on 0115 9051951 or e-mail emily.winsor@nottinghampostgroup.co.uk to find out how to help.

FASHIONABLE mums were spoilt for choice with the launch of a maternity clothes library at Nottingham City Hospital.

Bumps Boutique is aimed at style-conscious pregnant and breast feeding mothers who can borrow maternity clothes and equipment for a small fee.

Smart tops, denim skirts, leopard skin nursing bras – even a Jaeger dress – hung on coat hangers donated by John Lewis at the launch event.

Bumps Boutique will open once a month and is the first project run by the Baby Steps organisation, set up by Liz Shier, 38, and Lin Ryan, 34, who met while training as midwives.

It is a not-for-profit organisation and the duo have put £500 of their own money in.

Lin said: "We want to offer small practical steps of support to new mothers and families."

John Lewis bra fitters Bev Baulch and Ellen Skinner donated their time too.

Bev said: "It's good to promote our service. We do maternity and nursing fits, but lots of other ladies are in the wrong bra too."

Gillian Standing, 37, there with her six-month-old baby, Phoebe, said: "For me it means I can put the money towards other things."

Baby Steps aims to make pregnancy easier for mums and will also be looking to help with other issues, like breast feeding in public.

Co-founder Liz said: "I'm not a midwife anymore but I still work in the birth network circles. It's the personal touch. You reduce postnatal mental health issues just by networking and feeling good about yourself. Looking good boosts self-esteem."

Maria Ward, development officer at the Nottingham Community and Voluntary Service, has been mentoring the duo and helping to get the organisation started.

She said: "I was so excited to be involved in this project. It has the potential to work in every unit in every city.

"This is not just about vulnerable people, this is about women, every woman."

Volunteer Becky Gee said: "We're all mothers. Probably between us we can come up with the answer to any problems we're having."

The Boutique is next open on Friday, January 18.

Annual membership is £2 and clothes are £3 per item for 12 months. Mums can return them whenever they want in that time.

They are also encouraged to contribute any maternity garments they no longer need.

To find out more, or to donate clothing, email info@babysteps.org.uk or go to http://www.facebook.com/ babysteps.org.uk.

PEOPLE in Nottingham are being given a once in a lifetime opportunity to spend a day with chart topping boy band JLS.

To coincide with Children's Cancer Awareness month, the group have joined forces with Cancer Research UK to launch the JLS Foundation.

Together they are raising vital funds for research into cancers affecting children, teenagers and young adults aged up to 24

The JLS Foundation aims to help Cancer Research UK bring forward the day when all children and young people are cured of cancer.

In the East Midlands, around 150 children are diagnosed with the disease every year.

People across the region are being invited to help raise money for the Foundation by entering a special prize draw to win a unique boy band experience for themselves or a loved one.

The deadline for entries is Friday 21 December.

The JLS Foundation will also have a dedicated helpline that goes directly through to Cancer Research UK's cancer nurses, for any of their fans to call to find out more information. The number is 0844 892 0127.

ALLOTMENTS in Nottingham could fall into decline if plans to change the way they are run go ahead, it is claimed.

The city council wants to alter its agreements with allotment associations, which lease and self-manage some of the city's 40 allotment sites.

Possible changes to the lease agreements include a cut in the amount of plot rent that associations keep in exchange for helping to run the sites.

Or they could get a rise in their share in exchange for taking on more responsibility.

John Kidger, secretary of Clifton Garden Holders Lease Holders Association, helps run Merevale Allotments, Clifton.

He said one proposal involved dropping the associations' share of rent from 75 per cent to 50 per cent.

Mr Kidger, who has helped run the site since 1976, said: "The deal, as I see it, is detrimental to the one we have. The city council will have no liability to do anything on the site when currently they are responsible for major repairs.

"We just manage to run it on our income now but to be responsible for things like roadways and boundaries, it's financially bad, it's not viable."

Mr Kidger said he collects a maximum rent of £1,600 a year of which the association keeps 75 per cent, or £1,200, and the council takes 25 per cent, or £400.

This could change to the association keeping £800 while the council takes £800.

He said: "One or two secretaries fear it could drive people away. Some might still be interested in administering them, but how long is it going to last?"

The council is already raising rents for allotments to 20p per square metre by 2016, up from 7p as recently as last year, after a rise in demand.

Mr Kidger added: "With the rent increases coming on we are worried. We are dependent on people renting plots and if there's no rent, there's no income."

Fred Bailey, 70, secretary of the allotment site in Stockhill Lane, said: "The new proposals are up for discussion and are not set in stone, but it is confusing.

"There are 20-odd pages of consultation and I think it boils down to them wanting us to do more for nothing. No-one will want to. It's complicated and I don't understand half of it."

Associations could choose to stick to their existing deals until they run out.

A city council spokesman said: "We are consulting with allotment associations on proposed changes to lease agreements.

"One proposed changes is to increase the existing 75 per cent site rent rebate for associations to a 100 per cent in return for associations taking on more responsibilities in administering allotment sites.

"We understand associations will want to get together to discuss these proposed changes and we will listen to any suggestions they have."

The associations are meeting at Basford Hall Miners' Welfare on Thursday at 7pm.

EVERYONE was talking about the 'Beast from the East' after this. Not the nasty Siberian snow storm set to hit Britain this week though, but a friendly one, Notts County's giant goalkeeper Bartosz Bialkowski, from Poland.

He was the Magpies' hero in a goalless draw against Yeovil Town and if there is a better goalkeeper in League One, I haven't seen him.

There can be few, if any, better than Bialkowski, however. A goalkeeper clearly flourishing on finally being given his chance to be a No.1 at Notts, after six frustrating seasons at Southampton.

The 6ft 4in Pole has actually now made exactly the same number of league starts this season for the Magpies as he did for the Saints, 21, which is all rather appropriate because his performance at Huish Park ensured his new club extended their record unbeaten away run to 21 games.

Without him, it would have been all over. Bialkowski kept Yeovil at bay almost single-handedly in the second half, with super save after super save.

He made four big saves in the space of 16 minutes, in fact, to stop the Glovers inflicting a first away defeat on Notts since February.

Twice, he denied Yeovil midfielder Ed Upson.

The first time was on 50 minutes. Upson fired in a powerful shot from 20 yards that flew through a crowd of bodies in the penalty area and Bialkowski leapt full stretch to his left to parry it away brilliantly.

The second time was on 66 minutes. This time Upson swept purposefully into the box from the left and drove the ball at goal with almost equal venom as his first attempt, but, again, the Magpies' No.1 was there and blocked it at his near post.

Bialkowski also thwarted Glovers' striker Gavin Williams on 58 minutes. Williams seized onto the ball 12 yards out, rifled it at goal and he clawed it away.

His best save of them all came on 65 minutes, or, at least, everyone thought it was a save, because afterwards Yeovil claimed the ball had crossed the goal-line. It was too hard to tell through a mass of players, in truth, so it will stand as a moment of superb goalkeeping.

Notts were almost undone from a free-kick, as Jamie McAllister, the Glovers' captain, swung the ball into the box and defender Daniel Burn powered a downward header at goal from seven yards.

It looked set to break the deadlock – and the Magpies' hearts – but Bialkowski reacted in the blink of an eye and, plunging to his left, he somehow made the save of all saves. It was immediately likened to that famous Gordon Banks save from Pele in the 1970 World Cup in Mexico, it was that good.

Nobody knew quite how he pulled it off, not even Bialkowski. Even he was in a state of disbelief after the final whistle.

Notts were glad when that came, make no mistake. They have faced some big tests during their incredible unbeaten run on the road, but this proved the biggest of them all so far. Not even the likes of MK Dons and Sheffield United gave them quite the scare Yeovil did.

The Magpies were far from at their best. Andre Boucaud, who is sidelined with an ankle injury, was badly missed once again.

Without him, Notts struggled to get their passing game going so they went more direct to on-loan striker Chris Iwelumo.

But he had a hard time against Yeovil's two towering centre-backs, Burn and Byron Webster.

They still had their chances, though, and the first of those came after less than two minutes. It should have been taken.

Captain Neal Bishop has been in his best-ever form in front of goal this season, having already scored five goals. He will still be kicking himself he did not make it six, however, after the ball fell invitingly to him eight yards out, and he struck a shot straight at Yeovil goalkeeper Marek Stech who blocked it with his legs.

Yoann Arquin had their next good chance on the stroke of half-time. The young French striker grabbed all the headlines with a wonder volley against Rotherham United in the FA Cup seven days earlier, but the Magpies' leading scorer was not so clinical against the Glovers.

It was route-one stuff from Notts on 44 minutes as Bialkowski launched a long goal-kick forward, Hughes flicked it on and Arquin raced away on the left wing and drove towards the penalty area.

One on one with Stech, he attempted to curl the ball beyond him and into the top-right corner of the net, but did not get enough lift on his effort and Yeovil's Czech goalkeeper made an easy save.

Magpies went close to nicking a 1-0 win on 72 minutes. Hitting the Glovers on the break, sub Francois Zoko sent Alan Judge racing into the penalty area.

The Irishman did everything right, as he seized onto the ball and created an angle for a shot, drawing Stech off his goal-line, but his low effort went inches, no centimetres, past the foot of Stech's right-hand post.

Just like Yeovil, Notts had one complaint afterwards. They felt Glovers' defender Luke Ayling should have been sent off after just 20 seconds, after he brought down Hughes on the very edge of the penalty area as the pair challenged for a long ball forward from kick off.

They had a strong point too. Ayling was the last man, but referee Andrew Madley chose only to book him.

That would have changed everything, but a draw was the right result in the end, anyway.

League One results: Brentford 3 MK Dons 2, Bury 0 Leyton Orient 2, Carlisle 1 Sheffield Utd 3, Colchester 0 Oldham 2, Coventry 5 Walsall 1, Crawley 2 Shrewsbury 2, Hartlepool 0 Stevenage 2, Preston 1 Crewe 3, Scunthorpe 1 Bournemouth 2, Swindon 1 Doncaster 1, Tranmere 2 Portsmouth 2.

SEAN O'Driscoll believes Andy Reid is in the form of his career – and has backed the midfielder to be a future captain of Nottingham Forest.

The Irishman had a hand in both goals as the Reds secured a morale-boosting 2-0 win over Burnley, to further enhance his status as one of the most important players at the club.

It is a transformation from last season, when Reid struggled to hold down a regular place in the side for long periods.

But, aside from a recent spell when he was injured, the player has featured in every game during this campaign.

O'Driscoll insists the 30-year-old has always had quality – but is also showing that he has the attitude to match.

"As people get older, they get more mature. He has not had a bad career, that is for sure. But he still wants to achieve something at Forest. If he has that attitude, he is going to be a real asset for us," said the Forest boss.

"He is the one who, when you look at the team sheet as an opposition manager, you would be worried about him popping up in dangerous positions and causing you problems.

"He is difficult to mark and he creates something when he is on the ball.

"He has another year on his contract. He is reliable, he is a good bloke in the dressing room and he always has an opinion. You can talk to him. He is captain material.

"Andy is a creator. He is somebody who trains really well. I was really impressed with him when I was here last season."

O'Driscoll says Reid has benefited from the hard work he put in over the summer to get himself in shape.

"He lost a lot of weight in the summer," he said. "He trains really well. When he wasn't in the team last season, when I walked off the training pitch, I still always thought to myself that he was one of the better players. It was just a case of trying to get him into the team.

"He was prepared to back himself defensively. When people look at him, they know he is good on the ball, but do they believe he can do the other hard graft?

"He always said 'give me a chance and I will do it'. Steve (Cotterill) gave him that chance last season and he did it and he has carried that on and maintained his form.

"I have thought about resting him from time to time, but we haven't really got another player like him. He is technically very good and the strikers like playing with him.

"People make runs off him because they believe he will spot it. If you are a striker, you would want Andy Reid in your team.

"He says he played against Cafu, who is the most adventurous full-back ever known – and Andy reckons he did a job on him. If he can do a job on Cafu, he can play in the Championship.

"He is never going to be svelte like, but he is fit and he works very hard in training. Throughout the time I have been here, he has always done that."

Striker Dexter Blackstock, who headed home a Reid cross to put Forest ahead, added: "Everyone knows Andy Reid is quality, but that is what he is in the side to do. He can produce that little bit extra."

A MEETING about a rail and tram crossing where a girl was fatally injured has been moved to a bigger venue because so many people want to go.

The event to discuss the crossing where teenager Lindsey Inger was hit by a tram last month is on Wednesday.

Ashfield District Councillor Chris Baron said it was being moved from Bestwood Miners' Welfare Club in Park Road to the community centre next door.

He said: "There have been that many responses that we'll have to go next door and put a sign on the welfare centre.

"We're not holding this meeting to create a blame culture and there'll be no speculation about how she died – we want to come up with a solution that will hopefully appease everyone."

Lindsey, 13, was hit by a tram at the crossing near Bestwood Village on November 28.

It happened almost four years to the day that a woman and her seven-year-old grandson died at the crossing, on the railway lines that run alongside the tram track.

The latest tragedy led MPs, Lindsey's family and people living nearby to call for a new safety review.

Police, the Rail Accident Investigation Branch and NET, which runs the tram network, are all investigating.

Network Rail is also co-operating with the enquiries.

Coun Baron said: "It is going to be about how we go forward from here and come to a conclusion where it is made safe and pedestrians can get from one side to the other without getting knocked down."

He said the police, Network Rail and NET had all been invited to the meeting and had agreed to send representatives.

Coun Baron was among those who called for a safety review after the previous tragedy in 2008 when Jean Hoggart, 65, and grandson Michael Dawson, 7, were killed.

Following their deaths the layout of the crossing was changed and new signs and lighting put up.

Coun Baron said when he heard about the death of Lindsey he was "gutted".

He said: "It brought tears to my eyes. After last time they said the likelihood of this happening again was almost nil."

After the death of Lindsey, who lived in Bulwell, her family, including foster mother Marlene Starling, called for the crossing to be closed until the new investigations have been completed.

"It's not all that easy," Coun Baron added.

"I hear what they are saying and I understand it completely but it's a footpath and it's not easy to close a footpath.

"A lot of elderly people go through from Bestwood Village to the tram and bus stops."

He said a bridge might also not be suitable because elderly people might find it difficult to negotiate.

He said: "There is modern technology now and there are sensors for things like high bridges.

"Sensors, automatic locking gates and warning signs indicating whether a tram or a train or both is coming could be an option."

Wednesday's open public meeting at the centre in Park Road will run from 6.30pm with anyone welcome to attend.

Lindsey's family are also planning a fundraising event at Bells Lane Community Centre on December 16 to raise money for her funeral and safety improvements at the crossing.

NOTTS County No.1 Bartosz Bialkowski is flattered to be called the best goalkeeper in League One and says: "I want to get even better."

The Pole is at the top of his game right now and he was the Magpies' hero in their 0-0 draw at Yeovil.

"It's always nice to hear those kinds of things, but I just need to keep doing what I'm doing," he said. "I'm just loving playing. I always believed I could play every week.

"I didn't get that chance at Southampton, but I am now and I'm really pleased with my performances just recently.

"There is always room for improvement so I want to keep getting better."

Bialkowski made several top saves in the second half on Saturday to make sure Notts extended their record unbeaten away run to 21 games – but admitted one of them might have been over the goal-line.

Yeovil boss Gary Johnson felt Daniel Burn's close-range header on 65 minutes was in before Bialkowski clawed it away with a Gordon Banks-style save and the keeper smiled: "Yes, maybe it was in. I don't know.

"The referee didn't give it so I'll take credit for a save. It all happened in a split second so it's hard to say really."

I MUST say, when Guy Moussi came off the bench for Nottingham Forest, he impressed me.

The big Frenchman has not been a major part of Sean O'Driscoll's plans but against Burnley, he came off the bench and made a real impact.

He might not be the most elegant of players, far from it.

He is gangly and his touch is not always the best but he can be effective.

And at the City Ground on Saturday, he made a difference when he came on.

His work-rate cannot be faulted and he gets stuck in but you could see how much playing for Forest means to him.

He wanted to take his chance and, for me, he did that.

It was not about finesse, it was about trying to make things happen and he did that, winning the ball that led to Billy Sharp's goal which effectively killed the game.

The midfielder got the ball down and passed it well.

He came on for Simon Gillett and proved he can play that defensive role. And when you look at him as an opposition player, he looks so imposing. I'm sure he is now in O'Driscoll's thoughts for the weekend. He has definitely played his way into them and maybe Moussi could still have a big part to play on the banks of the Trent this summer.

I also thought Alan Hutton looked sharper at full-back and the Aston Villa loanee is benefiting from playing games.

He is coming along and showed a threat going forward as well as at the back.

But for me, Moussi was a big positive. And it would not surprise me to see him start at the weekend.

AFC Bridgford continue to fly the NAA flag, shocking Clifton FC in the Intermediate Cup.

Goals from Rob Churchouse and Rob Carmichael put them through to the quarter-finals.

The Premier Division leaders and the Division One leaders came face to face in the last eight of the NAA Senior Cup and Kashmir showed they were a class above Aspley with a stunning 8-1 win.

Adam Nelson netted three goals with Curtis Campbell scoring two, one a stunning 30-yard strike.

Gareth Taylor bagged a brace as FC Samba beat their rivals Santos 4-2 to make the semi-finals.

Kimberley MW 'B' joined them with the same scoreline over Crusader. Robbie May (2), Anthony With and Wayne Smith got the Kimberley goals.

In the Junior Cup, Mark Downing hit a magnificent five goals for Crown Inn Selston who easily saw off Skegby United 7-1.

FC Geordie also had an easy day as they defeated Gedling Soutbank Colts 6-1. Sam Malcolm bagged a hat-trick, with Luke Allwood scoring twice for Geordie.

ASC Ilkeston narrowly made the last four with a 3-2 win at Jiberah. Ian Bowley (2) and Daniel Dobbie did the trick.

In the Premier Division, FC Dynamo thrashed bottom side Durham Ox 8-1 thanks to a hat-trick from Luke Harrow.

The only other Premier game saw ten-man Nottm Sikh Lions draw 1-1 with Beeston Rovers. Michael Stray opened the scoring for Beeston but Elliott Breaks equalised for the Lions.

Basford United Reserves closed the gap at the top of Division One to two points, beating Ashfield Athletic 6-0.

Nottingham United 'A' and Bold Forester shared the spoils as they drew 2-2. Andreas Ostheimer and Krzysztof Cieslarczyk scored for United with Tom Blaney and Daren Fowler on target for the visitors.

With the Division Two leaders on cup duty Trent Bridge moved level on points after a win over Arnold Celtic. Goals from Hassan Majid and Kamran Hussain gave them a 2-0 victory.

Bestwood AFC are still in touch after they pipped West 8 2-1. Shaun King scored for West 8 but Kristian Ricketts notched a double to give Bestwood the points.

Rushcliffe Dynamo defeated Hyson Green Cavaliers 'A' 5-2 thanks to goals from Matt Simms (2), Kieran Betteridge, Nigel Moore and Greg Caratti.

Nottingham Albion recorded a rare win in Division Three, Tom Dalton scoring twice as they defeated Hyson Green Cavaliers 'B' 3-2.

Dale Rippey and Cameron Marsh both scored as Netherfield Town Pumas defeated Robin Hood Colts 2-0.

NOTTS athletes can now enter the annual Derby 10km, 3km walk/jog/run and 3km wheelchair event, which will take place on Sunday, April 28, 2013.

Entires are open for the races, all starting at the home of Derby County Football Club, Pride Park Stadium.

There will be lots of activities and stalls to entertain spectators in the race village.

The Derby 10km, which is again sponsored by The Derbyshire Building Society, is hopeful the success of London 2012 will inspire more people than ever to take part in the event.

It has been organised by Sporting Futures.

And event manager Richard Kay said: "The event is now in its 12th year and it is growing from strength to strength, with places selling out for the past six years, so entering as soon as possible is recommended.

"As always, it is guaranteed to be a fun day for all the family to come along to.

"After running through the heart of Derby city centre for the Derby 10k or along the River Derwent for the 3km walk/jog/run, the finish line will be spectacular.

"Participants will accelerate down the finishing straight at the side of the pitch in Pride Park."

The event in Derby also incorporates a business team challenge, which is sponsored and organised by local firm Cooper Parry.

All profits from the event will go directly to the Derbyshire-based charity, Sporting Futures.

People can enter the race on the new Derby 10km website which can be found at www.derby10k.co.uk.

If people enter before Christmas Day, they will be entered into a draw to win a pair of New Balance running shoes.

The earlier people enter, the less they will pay for registration as prices will rise in April 2013 for the event.

YOUNGSTERS whose achievements have ranged from sporting success to dealing with severe illness have been celebrated at an awards ceremony.

Derbyshire County Council marked the outstanding achievements of some of the county's most exceptional young people at the 14th Derbyshire Young Achiever Awards.

A total of 95 young people aged three to 18 received awards during the ceremony at Highfields School in Matlock on Friday.

And about 550 guests and nominators joined them in celebrating their achievements.

Among the winners was 17-year-old Megan Noble, of Long Eaton.

Megan has been diagnosed with a degenerative condition in both eyes which gives her constant discomfort and will require surgery.

She finds coping with crowded situations difficult, but her mother Stephanie said: "I'm so proud of Megan's determination to cope with the difficulties she faces every day and the effort she makes to remain cheerful and positive."

Each young person was nominated because they had shown:

Bravery, such as fighting an illness or living with a disability

Kindness in helping others

A commitment to improving their school, community or local environment

Sporting, musical, artistic or academic success.

Former footballer and Strictly Come Dancing star Robbie Savage handed out the awards along with council chairman George Wharmby.

Derbyshire County Council leader Andrew Lewer said: "We know that young people have a lot to give.

"The majority of young people are doing good things in our schools, homes and communities. Unfortunately we do not get to hear enough about them, which is why it is important to recognise the outstanding achievements of these incredible young people."

CALVERTON Parish Council has hit out after council officers have recommended the approval of a 24.5-metre micro wind turbine at a closed landfill site.

FCC Environment, which is in charge of the now closed Burnstump Landfill Site, off the A614 Ollerton Road, asked Gedling Borough Council for permission to build the turbine to produce power for pumps used at the site.

The company said the wind turbine, which can generate up to 11KW of electricity to pump leachate – liquid produced from rubbish processing – will save 13 tonnes of greenhouse gases every year.

Officers have recommended councillors grant planning permission and will make a decision at a planning meeting tomorrow at 6pm.

Calverton Parish Council, which was consulted on the proposals, objects as it says the turbine would be in the greenbelt and close to a proposed Special Protection Area for nightjars.

Parish council chairman Nick Quilty said: "Calverton Parish Council is extremely disappointed that Gedling Borough Council still has no sensible, sustainable zoning policy in place for wind turbines.

"Turbines are rapidly and seemingly indiscriminately popping up all over the countryside.

"It is proposed that this particular turbine is located in green belt very close to a proposed Special Protection Area for the internationally rare nightjar bird and this is cause for additional concern about the suitability of the site."

The county council, which was also consulted, said the proposed turbine would be "inappropriate development in the greenbelt", but that the applicant had demonstrated "very special circumstances required to justify inappropriate development in the greenbelt".

The report that will go before tomorrow's meeting also says "very special circumstances have been demonstrated which outweigh the potential harm to the openness of the green belt."

These "special circumstances" include the production of renewable energy and the wider environmental benefits of the pumps.

FCC Environment said there were no outstanding wildlife objections from Natural England, the Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust or Notts County Council's Ecology team.

Gedling Borough Council declined to comment before a decision is made. For more details search for application reference 2012/0840.