A DISABLED woman was given a fine for spending too long shopping at a supermarket.

Susan Walker, 55, was sent a £40 fine in the post after shopping at Asda in Loughborough Road, West Bridgford, for longer than the three hours allowed.

Mrs Walker suffers from ME and chronic fatigue syndrome and spent £280 on her Christmas shopping. The fine has now been withdrawn.

A spokesperson for the store said: "We've refunded Susan's parking notice. We know the Christmas shop takes a little longer than normal, so we'll aim to be as flexible as possible over the extra busy period."

WILLIAM Lavelle, 23, of Little Meadow, Cotgrave, has been disqualified from driving for six months. He admitted driving without insurance in Elm Avenue, East Leake, on June 10. Lavelle was also fined £365 and ordered to pay £85 prosecution costs, and a £15 victim surcharge. He also pleaded guilty to two further charges of driving without a licence and obstructing police officers in the execution of their duty. No separate penalties were given.

JOANNA Hallsworth, 43, of Carlingford Road, Hucknall, admitted knowingly permitting the production of cannabis at her house on September 9. She was made subject of a community order which includes requirements to undergo 12 months of supervision and carry out 180 hours of unpaid work within the next year. Hallsworth was also ordered to pay £85 prosecution costs.

MARK Allen, 45, of Harberton Close, Redhill, pleaded guilty to driving without due care and attention in Mansfield Road, Carrington, on January 30. He was fined £100, and ordered to pay £300 compensation, £40 prosecution costs, and a £15 victim surcharge. Allen also admitted driving without insurance, and was fined £50.

DIANE Harrison, 48, of Birchfield Road, Arnold, pleaded guilty by letter to dropping a cigarette end and leaving it in Front Street, Arnold, on August 1. She was fined £110, and ordered to pay £180 costs to Gedling Borough Council and a £15 victim surcharge.

AHMET Balla, 45, of Cromer Road, St Ann's, admitted driving without due care and attention in Owthorpe Lane, Kinoulton, on March 7. He was fined £150, and ordered to pay £85 prosecution costs and a £15 victim surcharge. Balla also had five penalty points put on his licence.

A CARLTON man has been fined £90 for driving without due care and attention. Alan Ingle pleaded guilty to committing the offence in Gregory Boulevard, Hyson Green, on January 25. He also had his driving licence endorsed with three penalty points, and ordered to pay £85 prosecution costs and a £15 victim surcharge.

A BULWELL man has been given a suspended jail sentence after stealing nearly £80 of washing liquid. Paul Marshall admitted taking £79.90 of Ariel Liquid gel from the Co-op in Victoria Road, Netherfield, on October 3. He was ordered to pay £79.90 compensation to the store, and given a 12-week prison sentence suspended for 12 months. Marshall, 46, of Deptford Crescent, Bulwell, also admitted three other shoplifting offences, for which he received a 12-week prison sentence, suspended for 12 months, to be served concurrent. They related to the theft of three legs of lamb from Iceland in West Bridgford on October 23; the theft of Ariel Liquid gel and Lynx deodorant from the Co-op in Netherfield on November 3; and the theft of Ariel and Fabreeze washing gels, from the same store on November 7. He was also handed one-week concurrent suspended prison sentences for four other shoplifting offences for which he had previously been sentenced to a community order for.

LAURA Lamb, 21, of Hornbeam Gardens, Bulwell, has been sentenced for four offences in Bulwell. She received a community order for taking a VW Passat without the consent of the owner in Dogwood Avenue, Bulwell. She was also given a 12-week curfew – to remain at her address between 7pm and 7am daily, tagging and 80 hours of work to be done in the community. She must pay court costs of £50. Lamb was banned from driving for six months for not having insurance for the Passat, in Dogwood Avenue, Aspen Road and Walnut Tree Gardens, Bulwell. No separate penalty was imposed for further offences in the Passat of driving without a licence and without due care and attention. She pleaded guilty to all the offencess after they happened on August 12.

PAUL Allman, 45, of Ambleside Road, Aspley, is due to appear before magistrates in Nottingham on December 19. He previously pleaded guilty to driving a Ford Fiesta in Aspley Lane, Aspley, when he was disqualified from driving on October 14 this year. He admitted that he had driven the car without insurance on the same date. His next hearing is to consider if there are special reasons for him not to be disqualified from driving.

A CHARGE of assault against Christopher Johnson, 43, of St Mawes Avenue, Wilford, was dismissed at Nottingham Magistrates' Court. He had denied assaulting a female in Nottingham on August 25. His costs will be paid from central funds.

NO evidence was offered against Darren Jones, 41, of Chedworth Close, Sneinton, who had been accused of assault in Sneinton on September 14. Magistrates in Nottingham dismissed the case. Jones had denied the allegation.

LAURENCE Melvin, 40, of Mansfield Grove, Radford, has been given a conditional discharge for 18 months by magistrates in Nottingham. He was found guilty of using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour in Addison Street, He must also pay costs of £600.

NETWORK Rail has promised residents that improvements will be made to the crossing where a teenage girl died after being hit by a tram.

But it stopped short of pledging to build a bridge, which is what campaigners are calling for.

Dozens of people filled the community centre next to Bestwood Miners' Welfare Club for a public meeting last night to make their views about the safety of the crossing known.

Passionate speeches were given about the crossing, near Bestwood Village.

The meeting was called after Lindsey Inger, 13, of Bulwell, died at the crossing on November 28.

It happened only four years after Jean Hoggart and her seven-year-old grandson Michael Dawson were killed there.

The over-riding feeling in the room was that a bridge should be built over the tram line and rail line, which run side by side.

One woman, who made a number of heart-felt appeals to the panel, which included representatives from Network Rail and the tram operators, said: "All we want is a bridge. If I was working for the tram I'd be disgusted with myself that I didn't do the right thing in the first place."

She added that if money was an issue, she was confident the community would raise funds to get the bridge built.

Another woman cried: "Please do something, close it down until you make it safe and that's the only thing you can do if you've got any decency at all."

People complained trees near the lines hampered the view when trying to cross.

The meeting revealed that trams travel over the crossing at 50mph and trains at 70mph, which prompted an angry reaction from residents.

Phil Hewitt, chief executive of Tramlink Nottingham, which operates the system, explained the crossing must be designed to the standard of a road crossing.

"That crossing has been designed within the guidelines," he said. "Whether they're wrong is another matter."

Residents argued that most zebra crossings used by families were in 30mph limits.

And one woman said: "At that crossing every train that goes by can go by at 70mph – the [two carriage] trains weigh 150 tonnes, they can't stop."

Martin Frobisher, route managing director for Network Rail, who also sat on the panel with Mr Hewitt and other representatives from the two companies, said they had listened to everything that had been said.

Speaking to the room, Mr Frobisher said: "Today was for us to listen. We have made commitments that we need to make improvements at this location and that's a commitment we make. It's the right thing to do.

"We've listened to what you've said, there's a strong consensus in the room that the community is looking for a bridge."

The two men said they will now work together on the matter and keep the community informed on the progress.

Mr Frobisher added they could not give a time scale on when the solution would be in place as it would depend on what action was taken.

He warned that a bridge would need planning permission and some residents might object.

The crossing is between the bottom of Mill Lane, Bestwood Village, and the roundabout where the A611 Hucknall Lane and Nottingham Road meet and is known as the Bayles and Wylies crossing.

COUNCILLORS have given the green light to controversial plans for a multi-million-pound health hub in West Bridgford.

Notts County Primary Care Trust was last night granted planning permission for the £8 million surgery in Wilford Lane.

The plan will see five existing GP surgeries merge.

Patients have campaigned against it, stating it is the wrong location.

Rushcliffe Borough Council's development control committee approved the idea last night, with eight of 15 members backing the plan.

Councillor Debbie Mason said: "People do at the moment have to travel around West Bridgford to get the specialist services that they need. I think the best thing is to have one site that is accessible to the majority of people."

Council leader Councillor Neil Clarke said: "Despite the fact I acknowledge there are serious problems and residents have concerns, I don't think there are sufficient reasons to justify a refusal."

Councillor Gordon Wheeler opposed the plan, raising issues with the impact on traffic flow and potential flood risk.

He said: "It gives me no pleasure to be here before you opposing the application. I do accept that some of the practices are seeking to merge or relocate because they're not fit for purpose, but a compelling case has not been made."

Councillor John Bannister also opposed the plan, saying: "I am yet to be convinced that this is the right place for the surgery."

The plan affects 30,000 patients registered at Ludlow Hill Surgery in Melton Road; Musters Medical Practice and Southview Surgery, both in Musters Road; Trent Bridge Medical Practice in Bridgford Road; and the Compton Acres Medical Centre.

The meeting heard that four of the practices wouldn't meet Care Quality Commission guidelines which come into force in March and could be closed.

Before the meeting, about 20 campaigners gathered outside holding a banner, which read: "No to the mega-surgery."

Campaigner Peter Jaggar said: "I'm very disappointed that a decision that will impact on generations of patients has been taken without proper consideration of other options and sustainable travel needs."

The council received 94 letters, with 87 objecting to the scheme and seven in favour.

Council planning officers recommended that planning permission be approved subject to 44 conditions.

They included landscaping, that it only opens between 8am and 8pm on weekdays and not at weekends, and that travel surveys are conducted to monitor people travelling to the practice by car on their own.

Developers will contribute £135,000 towards improving bus transport.

POLICE searching for a missing man have found a body.

It is believed to be that of Steven Johnson, who has been missing for more than a week.

The discovery was made by the police underwater search team, who used sonar equipment at Shireoaks marina yesterday afternoon.

Mr Johnson, 61, went missing from the marina, where he lived on a boat, on Tuesday, December 4.

At this stage, police believe there are no suspicious circumstances.

TEN people have been arrested in ten days for alleged drugs offences.

Police have thanked people who tipped them off about suspected drug dealing which has helped Operation Vanguard.

The operation has seen more than 20 warrants executed in ten days, with the following results:

A man in St Ann's was arrested and bailed on suspicion of possession with intent to supply a Class A drug. He was also recalled to prison for another matter.

Two men and two women arrested and bailed on suspicion of possession with intent to supply cannabis after the Class B drug was recovered from houses in St Ann's, Thorneywood and Sneinton.

Three men and two women arrested and bailed on suspicion of Class A and Class C possession and supply offences after quantities of suspected cocaine and cannabis were found in a house in Hyson Green.

Class A drugs were found at a house in Sneinton and a quantity of suspected live ammunition was seized near a house in St Ann's.

Detective Inspector Keith Priest said: "We have recently had a lot of information from the public in relation to drug offenders operating in the city and surrounding suburbs and we wanted to strike while the iron is hot."

Vanguard was launched four years ago as a large-scale investigation to target violent offenders, including those involved with drugs and firearms, in Nottingham.

Mr Priest said: "This is a prime example of how seriously we take information that comes in from the public.

"No one knows their community better than those who live in it and, more often than not, the information we get from residents is right on the money. That is why it is so important for people to report any suspicious or criminal activity in their neighbourhoods to police.

"With your help we are reducing drugs activity and the serious acquisitive and violent crime that it fuels, such as burglary and robbery, in residential areas of Nottingham."

If you suspect someone is dealing in drugs or involved in crime contact Notts Police on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

LAST month Gedling Borough Council revealed it was spending £80,000 of taxpayers' money on a £250 cash reward for workers earning £21,500 or less.

Now, Ashfield District Council has backed a similar idea.

An emergency motion to pay a £250 bonus to staff on less than £21,000, was passed at a council meeting last week.

The move will cost the authority about £73,000.

A total of 313 council workers will get a payment – 212 will get the full amount and 101 part-time workers will receive a pro-rata payment. The decision follows an announcement by Chancellor George Osborne that council workers on low wages could get an extra £250 a year in the face of the public sector pay freeze.

The motion was put forward by Labour councillor Mick Coppin and backed by colleagues on the council's majority party.

Mr Coppin said the payment would reward workers who had "endured a three-year pay freeze" and "worked tirelessly in partnership with this authority to protect services, improve quality and bring forward financial savings".

However, Councillor Jason Zadrozny, Liberal Democrat group leader, said the money should have been spent on other projects.

"This council has cut its front-line services as part of this year's budget," he said.

"Services are still there, but they are slower and less efficient.

"In Selston, the community has asked for CCTV for a street where there are problems with anti-social behaviour and they are told the council can't afford the £8,000 this would cost.

"Paying out this bonus is absolutely ludicrous.

"People are really upset, that, during hard times like these, such a payment is made to such a small number of people, effectively paid out of the taxpayer's pocket."

David Marsden, 36, of Hucknall, said: "I think this money could be better spent for the rest of the community.

"Everybody is struggling, so why is the council only helping such a small number of people?"

Mr Marsden, who works for West Bridgford-based Page One Photography, said he hadn't received a Christmas bonus for at least five years.

"I also think £21,000 is actually quite a good wage. A lot of people are on a lot less than that."

Independent councillor Gail Turner added: "It's wrong, Ashfield District Council can't afford this. They should be giving something back to the people of Ashfield.

"It's a union-led thing, it's like being thrown back to 1979 when the unions ruled the roost.

"It doesn't take into account people's performance or if they have been off sick, it's just right across the board."

But Josh Dutton, 21, a fairground worker from Hucknall, said: "I think everybody should have a bonus at Christmas, especially when you have been working hard all year.

"I get a Christmas bonus, I think it's fair. It just shows that your boss appreciates you."

A council spokeswoman said: "

"The cost of the payment will be met from existing budgetary provision."

Ashfield and Gedling are believed to be the only ones in Notts to give a bonus.

What do you think? Call our newsdesk on 0115 9482000 or e-mail newsdesk@nottingham postgroup.co.uk

A FATHER of six who suffered horrific injures after falling from a hotel balcony is preparing for Christmas with his family.

Karl Nethercot, 34, fell two floors from the balcony in Tunisia.

His fiancee Emma Huszarik found him in a pool of blood and was convinced he would die.

But now the family are together again at home in Netherfield and ready for the Christmas they thought they would never see.

Karl, who worked as a sign fitter, said: "It's going to be a good Christmas. The children are looking forward to it and it's great to see how excited they are.

"I just want to get back to being normal and being a family man.

"It's things like going to the park and going for walks with my children that I can't do right now but I'm keen to do them again.

"I want to go back on holiday with my family too, so I can do all the things I missed out on."

Karl was on holiday with Emma and nine-month-old Keira and 22-month-old Ethan in October when the accident happened.

He suffered severe head and chest injuries.

Ms Huszarik, 32, was so sure he would die, she started planning a funeral.

"The first thing I saw was Karl in a pool of blood where he had fallen," she said.

"When the ambulance came, the paramedic just said the word severe a couple of times to me and I just thought the worst was going to happen. I was planning his funeral, little things like the songs we would play."

Ms Huszarik stayed in Tunisia with Karl – who also has four children, Aidan, Leyton, Sheldon and Kylan, with a former partner – but found seeing him lying in bed hard to deal with.

"I could only see him for two hours a day and even then it was behind a big piece of glass," she said.

"At first it was hard to understand what was going on, but then I got an interpreter and I found out he was slowly getting better.

"There were times during his recovery when he couldn't remember people's names and things like that which was a bit upsetting and frustrating for Karl, but at least we've got him back home."

A 40-YEAR-OLD thief was snared by a police capture car.

Martin Tideswell, of Ravenswood Road, Arnold, broke into one of the force's specially adapted vehicles.

It had been parked in Haywood Road, Mapperley, at 3.40am on November 15.

Tideswell stole an iPhone, a wallet, laptop bag and sports bag. He was arrested after officers recognised him from the images taken in the car.

He pleaded guilty to theft from a vehicle and possession of amphetamines and was sentenced to a community order, including a four-week curfew, 12-month supervision requirement and six months of drug rehabilitation, by Nottingham magistrates on Tuesday.

Capture cars are fitted with cameras and audio devices to catch thieves in the act.

NOTTINGHAM Contemporary has been awarded a "sizeable chunk" of a £5 million fund to help young people in the city become more involved with the arts.

The money has been made available through a national arts programme called Circuit and will be used to reach as many as 3,000 young people aged 15-25 years in Nottingham over four years.

The Contemporary is one of six organisations involved across the UK. It hasn't yet been disclosed exactly how much of the £5 million the gallery will receive.

Nottingham Contemporary director Alex Farquharson said: "We'll know very soon – it's a sizeable chunk. It's a really tremendous opportunity is what I can say now. It will be a really valuable investment."

Circuit will be officially launched in April 2013 and is the latest in a series of grants given by the Paul Hamlyn Foundation, which has given a total of £200 million over the past 25 years.

The foundation was established by publisher and philanthropist Paul Hamlyn in 1987.

At the core of the Contemporary's Circuit project, 80 young people will act as peers to other youngsters to ensure the project reaches as many people as possible.

The gallery already has a youth group called Get Involved 17, but this will be on a much larger scale.

"It will enable us to reach many more young people," said Alex. "Our existing work with young people was a major factor in us winning the bid.

"There's a big digital component to this programme of work, so it gives us resources to work in new ways with a larger number of people and there will be continuity in the great work we've already done."

The project will incorporate a festival in 2015 or 2016, which the young people will design and organise themselves.

Much of the project will focus on working with youngsters from more deprived areas of the city.

Kay Hardiman, head of learning at the gallery, said: "There are many children in Nottingham who come from families who might not have the means to pay for them to have music lessons, or they might not feel comfortable taking them to a cultural or artistic venue.

"Art builds up young people's confidence and gives them the ability to fulfil ambitions. There are so many difficult situations they're facing both socially and economically – the horizon is looking bleak for many of them and, yet, if they can get involved with artistic projects, then we can start to develop their confidence."

The funding will allow the gallery to do more work with local community groups including BEST (Broxtowe Education Skills and Training), which aims to improve employment prospects in Broxtowe; NGY myplace, which offers young people a creative space in the city centre; and Meadows Youth Centre, a youth group which aims to stop young people getting involved in antisocial behaviour.

It's hoped Circuit will not only give young people in Nottingham a creative outlet but also change the negative stereotypes of young people today.

Kay said: "We already do a lot of work as part of Get Involved, which is fantastic, but this kind of money will allow us to increase that by 100 per cent. The funding allows such an incredible amount of new work to be done with young people."

AS the 100 children who travelled the 2,000 miles to Lapland discovered the hidden treats of Santa's magical forest, one mother said she had never seen her daughter so happy.

Talia Dacres, 6, of Aspley, has a rare condition called dyskeratosis congenita, which affects only one in a million children. It means she has an extra chromosome which is damaged and puts her at more risk of developing mouth cancer in the future.

"Today has been absolutely wonderful for Talia," said mum Victoria Lees, 24. "She is so brave, and it is so special to see such a big grin on her face."

As Talia played in the snow in the magical forest and toasted marshmallows over a warm fire, Victoria explained how her daughter also has aplastic anaemia, which leads to bone marrow failure.

"Last year in November Talia had a bone marrow transplant, but her body rejected it. She had another one in February, and that worked.

"We have to go to hospital in Sheffield every three weeks for regular check ups, but to look at Talia you wouldn't know it.

"She is such a perfect daughter and today has been a dream come true."

Talia, who attends Firbeck Primary School, Wollaton, said her favourite part of the day had been riding on a skidoo.

She said: "I loved the magical forest and seeing Santa. The skidoo was the best with the big friendly bear. When I'm at school I'm going to write all about Lapland in my journal."

After riding on husky sledges, reindeer sleighs, watching a glittering firework display and drinking hot chocolate, the children moved on to meet Santa Claus in Rovaniemi, the capital of the Lapland region, in northern Finland

Victoria, who is a full-time mother to Talia and her sister Torie, who is 17 months old, added that it was lovely to see so many brave children acting like children.

She said: "A lot of these children have to go in and out of hospital regularly, but today is all about them just enjoying themselves.

"It really has been magical, and a once in a lifetime experience.

"It certainly is the happiest I've seen Talia, and a much happier time than last Christmas."

After handing their Christmas lists to Santa, a warm buffet lunch in a cosy hotel and a sing-a-long to some Christmas songs, the children were taken to visit Santa's elves at the Santa Claus village.

Victoria added that she and her daughter would remember the special trip forever.

She said: "I think today is one we will never forget.

"From the fireworks to the husky dogs and Talia being able to give her Christmas list to Santa, everything has been perfect.

"And she's such a wonderful daughter, she deserves a bit of magic this year."

SEAN O'Driscoll believes simple determination has been the key factor in Simon Cox's remarkable recovery from injury.

The Nottingham Forest striker could be included in the squad at Brighton on Saturday, just three weeks after he sustained ligament damage to his ankle the club feared could see him sidelined for a minimum of two months.

The 25-year-old is set to join in full training today and the manager believes Cox's positive attitude has been a key factor.

"They say a lot of things are mental and the fact he is so keen to get back is going to help," said O'Driscoll. "He desperately wants to get back to fitness.

"Before he came off injured against Wolves, he had been playing really well, which was the biggest disappointment.

"And he had been playing really well generally, so he does want to get back to that as quickly as possible.

"He is not the type who wants to sit around on the treatment table, if he can help it.

"We had resigned ourselves to not having him until the end of January. So, to suddenly have him in contention for this weekend – even if he does not actually end up being in the squad – is a great boost."

Cox suffered a detached ligament and a minor fracture after falling awkwardly at Molineux.

And the outlook was initially bleak, admits O'Driscoll, saying: "Initially, the medical staff warned me that he could be on crutches for two to three weeks, with a protective boot.

"But then, the next thing is you see him walking around in trainers, unaided and without pain.

"It is a positive for us. He has defied medical opinion. We were told he should still have been on crutches now – but he has been running on the treadmill.

"The medical staff are a little wary of pushing him too far. But he is keen to be involved as soon as he can be. He will train today and see how he is.

"He may be somebody that, if we are not going to risk any damage to his ankle, could be a wildcard for us this weekend.

"He has been running, he has been out on the grass and he has kicked a few balls. We don't want to push him too far. He looks like he will be okay come the Christmas period, if Saturday does prove to be too soon."

A NOTTS van driver has hit all the right notes after recording a Christmas song which has shot into the charts.WATCH: Gary's video here

Gary Armstrong, 34, from New Ollerton, penned Dance Down the Local while driving and said he was aiming to create a feelgood Christmas song.

And it appears to have worked, as thousands have watched the video on Youtube and downloaded the single, which has reached No 87 in the Singer/Songwriter chart on iTunes.

Mr Armstrong, who recorded the song in his home studio, said he was disappointed that recent Christmas chart-toppers seemed to ignore the festive season.

He added: "There hasn't been a good tune for a long time – it's always whoever won X Factor or TV talent shows – and after speaking to people, it seemed they wanted something a bit more festive in the charts.

"So, that's how the song came about – a line came into my head when I was driving, so I got my dictaphone out and recorded it.

"I then went into my home studio, recorded all the parts and the song was made."

"It's not commercial at all – it's about Christmas and having a good time with your friends and family in the pub or at home."

Mr Armstrong has been making music for most of his adult life.

He said: "I want people to listen to the record and enjoy it. Music is something I have a real passion for.

"I've been lucky enough to have a lot of people support me.

"I've played on stage with people like Frank Turner and I've enjoyed the experiences my music has given me.

"It's not just my friends and family that have bought the song – I've had a few people come up to me in the local supermarket telling me they liked my song and that's just a brilliant feeling."

The former West Notts College student said he really wanted to see the song hit the top 40, but conceded it would take a big effort to see that happen.

He said: "If I get into the top 40, the radio stations will have to at least give me a bit of airplay – it would be great to hear my song on Radio 1.

"But it would take a few more sales to see that happen. I spoke to the website which has helped with distribution of the song and they have said to get to 87 in the iTunes chart, it must have sold a few thousand.

"Nottingham has got some incredible music coming out of it at the moment, especially Jake Bugg.

"The national spotlight is really here – so perhaps a Christmas No 1 might not be a crazy idea after all."

Watch the video for Dance Down the Local at thisisnottingham.co.uk

NEWS had just filtered through that Notts County's match with Rotherham had fallen victim to the freezing weather at late notice.

But despite wearing a short T-shirt, albeit with body warmer, Dean Leacock emerged pitch-side, still sporting a smile.

Like his team-mates and manager, the central defender was desperate for the FA Cup second round replay to go ahead on Tuesday night.

But his laid back demeanour meant he was not going to get too upset about matters, it was not going to upset his rhythm, that's for sure.

However, his chilled out attitude should not be taken as someone who does not care.

Quite the opposite. This is a man who is loving every second of life at Meadow Lane in a Notts shirt.

And not the cold, the postponement or anything else is going to put Leacock into some of the darker places he has been in his footballing career in the last few years.

By his own admission, a long-term contract saw him take his eye off the ball somewhat while at Pride Park and when he was not a first-team regular, either out of favour under Paul Jewell or during spells with injury, he was not enjoying life.

After leaving Derby County by mutual consent and going a few months without playing a game, he began a stint at Leyton Orient at the start of this year.

From Premier League to an uncertain future, it was a strange situation for Leacock – but the opportunity at Meadow Lane with the Magpies has seen the fire re-ignited.

And for a player who does not even turn 29 until the end of the season, there is still time to get back to the top.

With Notts, he is certainly taking his chance.

Leacock has started all 21 league games this season, helping the Magpies to seventh and just one place and one point outside the play-off places ahead of tomorrow's visit of fourth-placed Brentford.

And, if anything, he is now relishing three home games in a week, with the replay rescheduled for Tuesday and sandwiched between home league matches against the Bees and then his former club Orient the Saturday before Christmas.

"It is going to be a busy, busy period for us but we will relish that," said Leacock.

"But we know the weather is not always great around Christmas time and you expect some games to be off, not just here but up and down the country."

Notts had gone five games without victory at home, despite clocking up a record 21 games unbeaten on the road.

But their last outing saw them topple Paulo Di Canio's Swindon Town on home soil, winning 1-0.

Leacock feels that victory, and clean sheet, is something they can really build on with a hat-trick of home matches in the space of a week.

The weather is expected to be fine for tomorrow, with no problems for the pitch.

Leacock said: "It was a monkey on our back, the home results.

"We probably weren't getting the results we deserved at home but to get that win against Swindon was good.

"We battled well and to come away with a 1-0 win was great for the club and keeps us in the mix and hopefully that can continue.

"On a personal level, it has been great just to be playing. There is a great bunch of lads here, the management are great too. They have all been brilliant for me.

"Just to be playing and enjoying football again has been really good for me.

"We have had a few disappointments at home but hopefully that win against Swindon can kick-start our season at Meadow Lane."

As for the Rotherham match being postponed, Leacock felt it was the right decision in the end by referee Darren Deadman, taken just 90 minutes before kick-off.

"Our preparation was done and to know it was off was very disappointing, but it is back on next Tuesday now so we just have to look to Brentford and hopefully get a good result in the league," he added.

"The ground staff tried to do everything they could and it was the last minute when it was called off so it was disappointing.

"We wanted to put on a good performance for the fans and get through to the next round.

"But the pitch wasn't in the best shape and it was quite slippery so the safety of the players, the referee and the linesman all came into play and maybe they did make the right choice.

"It was getting colder and when I was driving in it went down to minus two degrees and it was plus two degrees when I left my house.

"Rotherham travelled down and looked at it as well and felt it was the right decision.

"But you have to be prepared for that and now we move on to tomorrow's game and three matches in quick succession. I'm looking forward to them."

RAINWORTH MW manager Kevin Gee is looking for his 'entertainers' to do the business again at Sutton Coldfield Town tomorrow in Evo-Stik Division One South.

The Wrens will be visiting the Coles Lane artificial surface for the third time this year after two earlier matches against the Royals' ground-sharers Romulus, and will be seeking their first league double of the current campaign, having beaten the Birmingham area side at home on the first day of the season.

Prior to that occasion, manager Gee rated the Royals as potential play-off candidates, and although they made a slow start they are now well up among the front runners.

And Gee said: "We have already played on their artificial surface twice and we train on one once a week, so we are not unused to it, but we know Sutton are a very good side indeed.

"We know, too, that they will not be making the mistake of under-estimating us.

"I know their manager well, and know they are a physically strong and well-organised side.

"But we are also now on a new run of three games unbeaten."

Last Saturday's 4-2 home victory over Mickleover Sports marked the half-way point of the season and, reflecting on that game and the Wrens' season so far, Gee said: "I think we should change our name to The Entertainers, because we are creating a lot of chances, and when we take those chances we tend to win matches.

"On Saturday we scored four times, but we needed to do so to win the game.

"The lads travelled up to Leeds for their Christmas party afterwards and went in high spirits after the win.

"The togetherness within the club is fantastic and, although I had to make some tough decisions in terms of personnel, we've got a rock solid group. We still need to find a sharper cutting edge, so I'm still looking to strengthen the squad – but I want players who want to come and play for us and who will strengthen the team."

Barclays Premier League: Newcastle v Man City, Liverpool v Aston villa, Man Utd v Sunderland, Norwich v Wigan, QPR v Fulham, Stoke v Everton

npower Championship: Hull v Huddersfield, Birmingham v Crystal Palace, Blackpool v Blackburn, Bolton v Charlton, Brighton v Nottm Forest, Bristol City v Derby, Burnley v Watford, Cardiff v Peterborough, Leeds United v Ipswich, Middlesbrough v Wolves, Millwall v Leicester, Barnsley v Sheff Wed

npower League One: Bournemouth v Colchester, Crewe v Bury, Doncaster v Coventry, Leyton Orient v Scunthorpe, MK Dons v Hartlepool, Notts County v Brentford, Oldham v Swindon, Portsmouth v Preston, Sheff Utd v Tranmere, Shrewsbury v Carlisle, Stevenage v Crawley, Walsall v Yeovil

npower League Two: Exeter v Plymouth, Morecambe v Oxford Utd, Accrington v Wycombe, Wimbledon v Rotherham, Aldershot v Rochdale, Cheltenham v Port Vale, Chesterfield v Burton Albion, Dag & Red v Barnet, Gillingham v Fleetwood, Southend v Bradford, Torquay v Northampton, York v Bristol Rovers

Blue Square Premier: Macclesfield v Nuneaton

FA Trophy second round: Dartford v Tonbridge Angels, Stockport County v Southport, Sutton United v Oxford City, King's Lynn Town v AFC Telford United, Bromley v Kidderminster Harriers, Forest Green Rovers v Gainsborough Trinity, Tamworth v Corby Town, Cambridge United v Gateshead, Woking v Welling United, Wrexham v Solihull Moors, Chesham United v Barrow AFC, FC Halifax Town v Maidstone United, Hereford United v Chelmsford City, Grimsby Town v Havant & Waterlooville, Skelmersdale United v Guiseley AFC, Matlock Town v Luton Town

Evo-Stik Premier: AFC Fylde v Ilkeston FC, Blyth Spartans v Witton Albion, Buxton v North Ferriby United, Chorley v Stocksbridge Park Steels, Eastwood Town v Marine, FC United of Manchester v Grantham Town, Frickley Athletic v Hednesford Town, Rushall Olympic v Whitby Town, Stafford Rangers v Kendal Town, Worksop Town v Ashton United

Evo-Stik Division One South: Brigg Town v Kidsgrove Athletic, Carlton Town v Loughborough Dynamo, Chasetown v Gresley FC, Coalville Town v Belper Town, Hucknall Town v Newcastle Town, Leek Town v Romulus, Mickleover Sports v Halesowen Town, Sheffield FC v Lincoln United, Stamford v Northwich Victoria, Sutton Coldfield Town v Rainworth MW

FA Vase round three: Sutton Town AFC v Spalding Utd

NCEL Premier Division: Armthorpe Welfare v Liversedge, Arnold Town v Worksop Parramore, Brighouse Town v Nostell Miners Welfare, Glasshoughton Welfare v Hall Road Rangers, Maltby Main v Thackley, Pickering Town v Bridlington Town, Retford United v Long Eaton Utd, Staveley MW v Barton Town OB, Winterton Rgrs v Heanor Town

NCEL Division One: Albion Sports v Selby Town, Athersley Recreation v Louth Town, Bottesford Town v Hemsworth Miners Welfare, Clipstone Welfare v Worsbrough Bridge Athletic, Eccleshill United v Dinnington Town, Grimsby Borough v Yorkshire Amateur, Knaresborough Town v Appleby Frodingham, Rossington Main v Pontefract Collieries, Shirebrook Town v Askern Villa, Teversal v Hallam

Midland Football Alliance Division 1: Alvechurch v Coventry Sphinx, Bridgnorth Tn v Dunkirk, Causeway Utd v Kirby Muxloe, Coleshill Tn v Stratford Tn, Ellesmere Rgs v Stourport Swifts, Gornal Ath v Loughborough U, Heath Hayes v Tipton Tn, Heather St. John's v Continental Star, Rocester v Studley, Tividale v Boldmere St. Michaels, Westfields v Highgate Utd

East Midlands Counties Premier: Blaby & Whetstone Athletic v Basford United, Borrowash Victoria v Radford, Gedling Miners Welfare v St Andrews, Graham St Prims v Aylestone Park, Greenwood Meadows v Thurnby Nirvana, Holwell Sports v Ibstock Utd, Lutterworth Athletic v Radcliffe Olympic

Central Midlands League

Black Dragon Division – North: AFC Mansfield v Dronfield Town, Bentley Colliery v Easington United, Clay Cross Town v Ollerton Town, Harworth C I v DFS Welbeck, Phoenix Sports & Social v Brodsworth Welfare, Sherwood Colliery v Kiveton Park, Thorne Colliery v Glapwell, Yorkshire Main v Westella Hanson

Black Dragon Division – South: Blackwell MWFC v Belper United, Blidworth Welfare v Pinxton, Holbrook St Michaels v Hucknall Town AFC, Linby Colliery v Southwell City, Newark Town v Clifton All Whites, Nottingham United v Bilborough Pelican, South Normanton Athletic v Real United

Reserve Supreme Division: Dunkirk Reserves v Staveley MW Reserves, Heanor Town Reserves v Graham St Prims Reserves, Long Eaton United Reserves v Teversal Reserves, Radford Reserves v Holbrook Sports Reserves

CU Phosco Lighting Reserve Premier Division: Belper United Res v Holbrook St Michaels Res, Bilborough Pelican Res v Nottingham United Res, Newark Town Res v Harworth C I Res, Real United Reserves v Sherwood Colliery Res

Precision Training Notts Senior League

Senior: Attenborough v Magdala Amateurs, Burton Joyce v Hucknall Rolls Leisure, Clifton v Sandhurst, FC Cavaliers v Bilborough Town, Keyworth United v Wollaton, Selston v Kimberley Miners Welfare, Bulwell v Ruddington Village, Cotgrave v Awsworth Villa

Division One: Awsworth Villa Res v Nottinghamshire, Gedling Southbank v Magdala Amateurs Res, Hucknall Rolls Leisure Res v Underwood Villa, Keyworth United Reserves v Radcliffe Olympic Res, Netherfield Albion v Arnold Town Res, Wollaton Res v Beeston AFC, West Bridgford v Boots Athletic

Division Two: Bingham Town v Linby Colliery Welfare Res, Clifton Res v Calverton Miners Welfare AFC, FC05 v Ashland Rovers, Kimberley Miners Welfare Res v Kirton Brickworks, Nottinghamshire Res v Selston Res, Ruddington Village Res v Moorgreen, Sandhurst Res v West Bridgford Res

Midlands Amateur Alliance

Premier: Beeston Old Boys Association v Southwell St Marys, Radcliffe Olympic III v Bassingfield, Rainworth Rangers v Bulwell Town, Trent Vineyard v Beeston AFC II, Wollaton III v Old Elizabethans

Division One: Eaton Hall College v Ashfield FC, FC Sutton Foresters v Mansfield Hosiery Mills, Magdala Amateurs A v Derby Deaf, NRU FC v Bilborough Town Academy, Ravenshead v BAFC Vine, Wollaton IV v Old Elizabethans II

Division Two: Ilkeston Rutland II v Rainworth Rangers II, Southwell St Marys II v FC Trinity, Sutton Travellers v Old Bemrosians, Town Mill v Derbyshire Amateurs, Woodbeck Diagonals v Nottinghamshire III

Notts Amateur Alliance

Premier: Beeston Rovers v Durham Ox, Bilborough Utd v FC Dynamo, Fox & Crown v Kimberley MW 'A', Kashmir v Nott'm Sikh Lions, Netherfield Tn v FC Samba

Division One: AFC Bridgford Res v Aspley, Birchover Park v Basford United Res, Bold Forester v Netherfield Albion Res, Strelley Rose v Ashfield Athletic , Vernon Villa v Crusader

Division Two: Beeston Rylands v Arnold Celtic, Bestwood Afc v Rushcliffe Dynamo, FC Geordie v Boots Athletic Res, Forest Green v Ali Islam, Hyson Green Cavaliers 'A' v West 8, Trent Bridge v Skegby United

Division Three: ASC Ilkeston v Netherfield Town Pumas, Bingham Town Res v Hyson Green Cavaliers 'B', Gedling Southbank Colts v AFC Bridgford 'A', Jiberah v FC Samba Res, Red Lion United v Nottingham Albion, Robin Hood Colts v Gedling Town

A NEW community could be created on a former Notts RAF base after councillors approved the plans.

Outline plans for up to 500 homes, a new primary school, and 50 other buildings at the old RAF Newton site have been given the go-ahead.

The proposal by developers Newton Nottingham also includes more than five hectares of land for businesses, up to 1,000 square metres of community space, a new cycle track and public open spaces.

Five existing hangars on the site will also be retained for employment use.

Rushcliffe Borough Council's Development Control committee unanimously agreed to grant outline planning permission to the scheme .

But progress depends on the application not being called in by Government, as it involves building on green-belt land.

Planning officers said development could be justified because it would help achieve housing targets and have a limited impact on green belt.

Council leader, Councillor Neil Clarke, who is also a councillor for Trent ward, which covers Newton, said: "The applicants and local community have worked together, discussed any differences, and have come to an agreement that hopefully is the best compromise available.

"Whilst there are some tensions and disagreements I sincerely hope they can be ironed out."

Fellow Trent ward councillor Jean Smith stressed the importance of green land remaining between the proposed site and the new A46.

She said: "If 1,000 houses on the east side of the A46 go ahead there's nothing to stop Newton being merged into and taken over by Bingham. We need to maintain that gap."

But she added: "I think it could be a very nice development and this is something that should be supported."

Councillor Bryan Tansley said: "As a former member of the RAF, it's always sad to see a station close. But I think this is a very good use of the site."

The plan also retains reminders of the site's heritage – such as the control tower.

Ben Read, of Hunter Page Planning, which has worked on the project for Newton Nottingham LLP, said: "I'm very pleased with the outcome. A lot of work has gone into it.

"The application has been with Rushcliffe Borough Council for the best part of two years, and before that we spent 18 months discussing with the local community."

Mr Read said it could take a couple of years before houses are built on the site.

He added: "It was an RAF base. I think it's important to remember what it was and have a memorial to that, and where possible keep important buildings that represent it."

Mick Unwin, chairman of Shelford and Newton Parish Council, said he was happy with the council's decision.

He said: "I think a lot of the locals are quite happy with it. We have been in consultation with the developers, particularly on the road system. That will be the biggest problem and we have pointed out potential bottlenecks."

The Post reported in June how the Ministry of Defence confirmed radioactive waste is buried beneath RAF Newton.

Radium was painted on old aircraft dials and other equipment to make it glow in the dark.

Exposure to it can cause health problems including cancer if it is swallowed, but the MoD told the Post the risk to the public from the material under RAF Newton was negligible.

Officials said it was "buried and securely fenced within an area preventing inadvertent exposure".