The show goes on for Whitemoor Primary School after church steps in to save nativity when roof collapsed

December 18, 2012, 1:06 am

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JOSEPH was ready, Mary was ready, even the shepherds and the sheep were raring to go. But Whitemoor Primary and Nursery School's nativity play was cancelled after part of the hall ceiling collapsed. That is until a nearby church stepped in and saved the play. Staff returned to the school last Monday and found part of the ceiling had fallen in. The nativity play was cancelled but a nearby church came to the rescue and offered to stage the show, which was held yesterday.mon Head teacher Judy O'Leary said: "It was pretty shocking when we arrived back from the weekend and saw a large lump of ceiling on the floor. "We've not been able to use the hall at all and the pupils have to have their lunch in the music room. "So, we sent a message to all the parents letting them know the performance couldn't go ahead, which was quite disappointing for us as we'd spent a long time putting it all together. "But one of the governors, Bryan Jones, is a vicar at the Basford Road Baptist Church nearby and said we could hold the nativity there – it was wonderful news and it meant the performance was saved." Pupils and staff transported the set from the school, in Bracknell Crescent, to the church – a 10 minute walk away. The nativity took place yesterday. Mrs O'Leary said: "It's not that far to walk, but we do have a teacher set to go on maternity leave after the Christmas break, so we wanted to avoid having a real birth at the nativity if we could help it. About 100 pupils from years two and three had worked hard on the play and it was great they were able to put the performance on." Alison Smedley, the teacher who is set to have a baby, said: "It was devastating for the children when we thought the nativity couldn't take place. "It was one of those things that you spend a lot of time working on – we had been putting it together since mid-October. "We were really grateful for the church's help and the children were delighted." Six-year-old Mason Wright, who played stable owner Mr Shameel, said: "It was good when the church said we could do our nativity there. "We had been practicing really hard so it's good we found somewhere else."

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Nottingham Forest: Prepare to be dazzled at City Ground

December 18, 2012, 1:10 am

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NOTTINGHAM Forest fans can expect to be dazzled over the Christmas period when they venture down to the City Ground.

The club is currently in the process of installing two state-of-the-art, giant video screens inside the stadium, as well as LED advertising hoardings which will go around the pitch.

The hope is the work will be completed in time for a grand unveiling during the Boxing Day fixture in the Championship against Leeds United on December 26.

The project is a seven-figure investment and has been instigated by major shareholder Fawaz Al Hasawi, with the intent of raising the club's profile.

This positive news come following a series of potentially embarrassing stories for the Reds.

Last month there was a delay in wages being made to the Forest players, although the Post understands it was late by a matter of hours as opposed to a whole day and occurred because of a glitch with the bacs system.

Furthermore, it also emerged there were still outstanding payments to be made to agents and suppliers, with one national newspaper suggesting the club had been "issued a winding-up order last month for unpaid fees".

However, the firm cited in yesterday's article, Wasserman Media Group, categorically denied this when approached by the Post and issued a statement saying: "We have not and will not be issuing a winding up order regarding this matter."

As reported on thisisnottingham.co.uk yesterday, the Post understands Forest's club credit card was then refused at a hotel in Brighton during their trip to the south coast for their league match – but this was not for financial reasons.

The problem arose when a number was read out wrong when making a payment over the telephone, but the matter was quickly rectified.

Off-field matters were also the centre of attention late on Saturday night when Forest announced chairman Omar Al Hasawi had stepped down from the his position due to "personal reasons".

Fawaz Al Hasawi, who owns 75 per cent of the shares in the club, has taken over as chairman and said he plans to "spend even more time at the club" in the future.

Fawaz's brother Abdulaziz Al Hasawi has 20 per cent ownership in the club, while the duo's cousin Omar Al Hasawi remains a shareholder at the club, with five per cent, despite stepping down.

And the Kuwaiti-based owners have moved quickly to re-assure Forest fans by putting money in place to cover any outstanding debts – including those to agents and suppliers.

David Reid Derby Rugby Club death: Team-mate tells how he tried to save him

December 18, 2012, 1:13 am

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THE team-mate of a rugby player who collapsed and died on a pitch in Long Eaton has told how he tried to resuscitate him. David Reid was playing for Derby Rugby Club at its Darley Abbey ground when he collapsed. Keith Mason-Moore said the 31-year-old appeared to have a fit and then stopped breathing, before he and other players tried to save Mr Reid using heart massage. Mr Reid, of Derby, was taken to the Royal Derby Hospital and later pronounced dead. Mr Mason-Moore, 56, said: "It was about three-quarters of an hour after the ambulance took him to the hospital we heard he hadn't made it. "Everyone had been wondering how he was and asking if he was OK, but, obviously, no-one knew – so the news was taken with great sadness." Club chairman Martyn Murney said his death was a "tragic loss". The home match, at Haslams Lane on Saturday, (15) was between Derby Rugby Club's Veterans and Long Eaton Rugby Club's Second XV.

Hundreds sign up to give blood after Nottingham Post push

December 18, 2012, 1:27 am

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MORE than 200 people signed up to become blood donors in the city last week – almost double the amount for the previous four weeks. The boost came after the Nottingham Post highlighted a drop in the number of young people giving blood. A total of 207 people became new donors in Nottingham City between last Monday(Dec10) and Friday(Dec14). Of those, 178 were on the Monday,(Dec10) when the Post highlighted the decline in young donors. The new donors include 96 people aged 17 to 19 and 75 others aged between 20 and 24. In the county, a further 107 people have also signed up as blood donors in Notts since December 10. Of these 20 were 17 to 19, and 29 were aged 20 to 24. Holly Mason, lead donor relations manager with NHS Blood and Transplant, said: "It is fantastic to see people in Nottingham and the county responding to our appeal for new blood donors. "The majority of them are aged 17 to 24, which is an important age range for us to reach. "We're looking for the lifesavers of the future." The figures are a big increase on the numbers in the city achieved last month.(Nov) Between November 7 and December 2, a total of 116 new donors came forward in the city. The average number of new donors each month from January to September this year was 144. In Notts, there were a total of 209 people became new donors between November 7 and December 2. NHS Blood and Transplant is running a campaign to find 10,000 new donors in the East Midlands, and 100,000 nationally, by February 14. Since launching the campaign last month(Nov), more than 48,000 people have now signed up nationally. It comes after the number of young people registering to become blood donors in Nottingham and Notts has dropped by more than a third in the last two years. More young people getting tattoos and piercings is thought to have contributed to the dip, as anyone who has a tattoo cannot give blood for at least four months after the procedure. NHS Blood and Transplant say the decline needs to be addressed now, to avoid a shortage of supplies of life-saving blood in the years to come. Ms Mason added: "We'd like to say a big thank you to everyone who has registered to become a blood donor. "While the appeal is going well we still need more people to come forward to help us recruit 100,000 new donors in 100 days." Every year 225,000 new donors are needed to replace those who drop out of the system in the UK. People aged 17 and over can donate blood. To find out more or to book an appointment, contact 0300 123 23 23 or visit www.blood.co.uk.

Christmas bonus for staff at Ashfield District Council to be decided tomorrow

December 18, 2012, 1:38 am

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CONTROVERSIAL proposals to spend £52,750 of taxpayers' money on a £250 Christmas bonus for all staff at Ashfield District Council will be discussed tomorrow. The authority has already approved a decision to spend £75,000 on bonuses for lower-paid staff. at a meeting earlier this month. dec The move was criticised by the council's own finance chief, who said it had not been budgeted for and could lead to cuts elsewhere . But the council is also looking at extending the bonus scheme to all 524 workers, regardless of their pay. This could cost an additional £52,750. The council's local joint consultative committee is to consider the plans, put forward by Ashfield GMB and Unison, tomorrowWednesday. In the meeting's agenda, which has been leaked to the Post, Ashfield GMB and Unison wrote: "Indeed the council could afford to pay £250 to all staff in recognition of their hard work to upkeep the level of services during difficult times. "Employees have now suffered three years of no pay rise, and with inflation taken into account during this period, real comparable earnings have decreased by approximately 13 per cent. "Many lower paid employees are likely to be affected by any cuts in working tax credits and other benefit payments that will take place from April, 2013, (on council tax and housing benefit) and universal credit from Oct 2013." The meeting will take place in the council chamber at the civic centre in Urban Road, Kirkby-in-Ashfield.

Changes to bin, rubbish and recycling collections over Christmas and the New Year

December 18, 2012, 1:44 am

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PEOPLE in the city are being reminded of changes to bin collection times over Christmas and New Year. There will be no collections on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day. Next week, areas where bins are collected on Mondays will have a collection this Saturday. dec22 Those whose collection is normally on a Tuesday will have a collection on Sunday, dec23 while those who have a Wednesday collection will have their bin emptied on Monday. dec 24 Collections will be as normal on December 27 and 28. Collections due on December 31 will be carried out on Saturday, December 29, while those due on January 1 will be done on Monday, December 31. Councillor Alex Norris, portfolio holder for area working, cleansing and community safety at Nottingham City Council, said: "The new schedule is designed to make things as simple as possible and to make sure that nobody has to wait too long for their bins to be collected. In fact, where there are changes, bins will be collected earlier than the routine day."

Kinoulton residents speak of shock after fatal crash which left 50-year-old mother of two dead

December 18, 2012, 1:50 am

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PEOPLE in a Notts village have spoken of their shock after a 50-year-old woman died in a car crash. The woman's grey Volkswagen Golf left the road in Swab's Lane in south Notts at around 9am yesterday. She was pronounced dead at the scene. Her children – a seven-year-old boy and four-year-old girl – were also in the car, but were not injured, police say. The road where the smash happened is a country lane between the villages of Kinoulton and Cropwell Bishop, near Bingham. Some villagers spoken to by the Post yesterday were in shock at the news. Mark Smith, 36, who lives in Kinoulton, said: "I was told about the crash this morning by my neighbour. It is really tragic, especially given the time of year. "You cannot begin to think the horror those children have been through and how devastated they and other family must be feeling. It is awful. It's really upsetting." A 65-year-old Kinoulton resident, who didn't want to be named, said: "My heart really goes out to the family. "There is never a good time for something this terrible to happen, but Christmas just seems to make it so much worse. "That family and those children will always be reminded of this at Christmas. "It makes me wonder what could have happened, because the road isn't normally that bad." Kinoulton parish councillor Anne Earl said: "I heard what sounded like police and fire engine sirens as they came through the village and knew something bad must have happened. "It's a real tragedy. It is a road with a lot of sharp bends but normally it isn't too bad." The dead woman's identity has not yet been revealed by police. Officers do not believe any other person or vehicle was involved. They would like to speak to anyone who witnessed the crash and anyone who followed the vehicle prior to the accident. Witnesses or anyone with information should contact Notts Police on 101 .

Boss of mobility firm Virgo Healthcare Limited and Lifestyle is jailed after cheating elderly out of £40,000

December 18, 2012, 1:53 am

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THE boss of two former mobility companies has been jailed after admitting defrauding elderly victims out of £40,000. The companies, called Virgo Healthcare Limited and Lifestyle, were investigated by Derbyshire County Council's trading standards team after a wave of complaints. Both were run from premises on Gainsborough Business Park, Long Eaton, by husband and wife Amarjit Gill, 51, and Ranjit Gill, 45, of Brackenfield Drive, Giltbrook. At Leicester Crown Court yesterday, 17 Dec Amarjit Gill was sentenced to 18 months in prison for what a judge described as "disgraceful activities". At a previous hearing the Gills admitted 25 offences of fraud, worth £42,515. we don't know how many they each admitted - we've always had to phrase it like this in previous stories Ranjit Gill was given a 12-month prison sentence, suspended for two years, and ordered to do 200 hours of unpaid community work. Both Amarjit Gill and Ranjit Gill were banned from being company directors for five years. Staff from Virgo Healthcare and Lifestyle sold mobility aids – including reclining chairs, orthopaedic beds and walk-in showers – costing up to £3,892. They supplied them to elderly buyers through home visits after telesales calls. Some of the offences related to people not being given money back when they tried to cancel contracts during a legal seven day 'cooling off' period. In the worst cases, goods weren't delivered. leaving them significantly out of pocket and without the mobility aids they had paid for. After sentencing, Derbyshire councillor Kevin Parkinson said: "This was one of our biggest investigations and we're pleased justice has been done. "These crimes targeted some of the most vulnerable members of our communities in their own homes. "The judge in this case acknowledged Amarjit Gill's total disregard for a six-month suspended prison sentence made against him in February 2011 after we took action against his previous company, ABM Mobility. "Our trading standards team will always take the strongest possible action in such cases and unscrupulous traders should be aware that we will not tolerate crimes of this nature." David Messom, 27, of Maws Lane, Kimberley, and Samuel Routh, 26, of Wilkinson Close, Chilwell, who were employed by the Gills as managers, were also sentenced. Messom was given 12 months, suspended for two years, and ordered to do 200 hours unpaid community work, after pleading guilty to nine fraud charges. Routh was sentenced to nine months, suspended for two years, and ordered to do 180 hours unpaid community work, after pleading guilty to eight fraud charges. The BBC's consumer protection programme Watchdog featured the trading practices of Virgo Healthcare Limited and Lifestyle. Both companies are no longer trading.

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Czech sham marriage coordinator, from Bilborough, jailed for 18 months

December 18, 2012, 1:57 am

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A MAN who was the "guiding hand" in a sham marriage has been jailed for 18 months. Czech Karel Pospisil, 51, of Bramhall Road, Bilborough, was found guilty of assisting unlawful entry into the UK. He was sentenced at Nottingham Crown Court yesterday, along with two others who took part in sham marriages in a bid to cheat immigration laws and remain in the UK Nigerian Abiodun Akintelu, 41, of Bramcote Street, Radford, was sentenced to ten months after being found guilty of seeking to obtain leave to remain in the UK by deception. Czech Lucie Kristova, 22, was sentenced to nine months, suspended for 12 months, and 90 hours community work She pleaded guilty to assisting unlawful entry into a member state. In October 2009, Kristova wed Shaikat Hussain, 24, a Bangladeshi man, at St Andrew's Church in Mansfield Road. The second sham marriage, between Pospisil and Akintelu, was at St Christopher's Church, Sneinton, in September 2010. In January 2011, in a series of UK Border Agency raids across Nottingham, Kristova and Pospisil were arrested at Port Arthur Road, Sneinton. Akintelu was arrested at Woodborough Road, Mapperley, and Hussain at Osman Close, The Meadows. Akintelu's visa expired in October 2010. Following her sham marriage, she submitted an application to the Home Office to remain in the UK on the basis of marriage to an European Economic Area national. Hussain also submitted an application to remain after his marriage. Both were refused by the Home Office after the suspected sham came to light. Hussain has yet to appear in court as he absconded after being granted bail at an earlier hearing. Emma Smith, of the UK Border Agency, s criminal and financial investigation team in Nottingham, said: "We are pleased our work to crack these two separate sham marriage scams have resulted in custodial sentences." for all four fraudsters. "We will continue to clamp down on sham marriages and other forms of immigration abuse. Anyone attempting to benefit illegally from the privileges of life in the UK faces prison and deportation."

Angry residents hit out at 'waste of money' roundabout in Nuthall

December 18, 2012, 2:03 am

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FURIOUS residents have hit out at Notts County Council after contractors started to build an "unnecessary" mini-roundabout in Nuthall. The roundabout is being built at the site of a T-junction of Roland Avenue and Nottingham Road to make it easier for drivers to avoid a bus plug – a stretch of road which allows buses to avoid congestion at peak times. However residents claim it is being introduced without their support and could make the roads more dangerous. Work began on the mini-roundabout yesterday and is expected to be finished in the first week in January. However, many living nearby are not happy, including Rick Brett, of Roland Avenue. Mr Brett, 54, said: "Adding a mini roundabout will have absolutely no benefits for people living here and might actually make things a lot more difficult – it's just unnecessary. "If I want to get my car out of my drive, I used to back out onto a junction. "Now I'll be backing out onto a mini-roundabout which will have a lot more cars coming down it and the potential for accidents will be increased. "I feel quite bitter about all of this because I don't think our views are being taken into account. It's a gigantic waste of money that could be better spent elsewhere." He added: "The design at the moment means traffic passes by my wall without too much intrusion, but the roundabout will massively change that." Other residents are also angry with the plans. Coleen Clark, of Roland Avenue, said: "It's disgraceful they can do something like this and just turn up and do it – I would have thought they would have to do some sort of consultation. "If they did then people here would have said what they think – it is a bad idea. "This road hasn't seen an accident since around 1990 and there doesn't seem to be the need to change it. It will only make things a lot worse." Dave Wildey, chairman of the Nuthall Tenants' and Residents' Association, said: "I would have thought the council have better things to spend their money on than putting a roundabout here that isn't needed." Dave Walker, the county council's highways manager for Broxtowe, said: "The bus plug, which operates between 4pm and 6.30pm on Monday to Friday, has been in place for many years but has been poorly observed by motorists who use the old Nottingham Road to avoid queuing traffic on the A610 and gain access to Nuthall Island. "The county council is now installing number plate recognition cameras near to the Nuthall Island in a bid to enforce the bus plug. "Warning signs are being installed on the A610 to give drivers plenty of notice. "However, national guidelines recommend that you also allow motorists who may have strayed accidentally into the bus plug the chance to avoid it and turn away safely. The new mini roundabout will allow for this."

Matt Derbyshire wants move away from Nottingham Forest

December 18, 2012, 2:13 am

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MATT Derbyshire says he is keen to secure a permanent move away from the City Ground.

The former Olympiakos and Blackburn striker has just completed a loan spell with League One side Oldham Athletic and is now eager to sort out his future.

The 26-year-old signed for Nottingham Forest in August 2011 but has only made a total of 16 appearances, scoring twice, in his time with the club and was allowed to go out on loan by boss Sean O'Driscoll in September this year.

Despite the forward enjoying his spell with Athletic, and scoring six goals in 20 games, he admits he would prefer a more permanent move at this point in his career.

However, he has not ruled out the possibility of another loan spell with the club should no offer arise in January.

"It's about getting settled as a family and settled at a club," said Derbyshire, whose third child Cillian was born recently.

"If I had two choices, my first would be to move permanently somewhere. But if not, if the door is open here (at Oldham) for a loan, I'll be straight back.

"It has been great at Athletic; I've enjoyed every minute of it. Everyone around the club has been fantastic with me and I've been made to feel really welcome.

"Everywhere I go I just try to do well. If the goals come, they come. But I don't think I'll be playing at Forest. All I can do is keep working hard."

The Reds take on Oldham in the third round of the FA Cup on January 5 and it is thought the League One outfit will try to sign the striker after this fixture has taken place.

Derbyshire's loan period had ended on a personal high as he was named the club's player of the month for November – although in his last match at Boundary Park, he was unable to taste victory as the Latics lost 2-0 at home to Swindon.

Nottingham Forest: Dad Billy Sharp eyes double celebration

December 18, 2012, 2:15 am

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BILLY Sharp hopes to get back among the goals at Watford on Saturday, to celebrate the birth of his new baby – and ensure he holds on to his place in the side. The Nottingham Forest striker became a father on Friday, with partner Jade Fair giving birth to baby Leo. Sharp almost marked the occasion with a goal at Brighton on Saturday as he hit the bar in a 0-0 draw on the south coast. Now the on-loan Southampton man has set his sights on notching his eighth goal of the campaign against the Hornets – to ensure he does not lose his starting place as Simon Cox makes his remarkable return from an ankle injury. Sharp, 26, has netted three goals in his last five appearances, but knows he needs to maintain his form with Dexter Blackstock also fighting to remain in the Reds' front line. "It was a brilliant day on Friday, it was a long one, but it was worth it. I came down on Friday night, ready for the game," said Sharp who, with his partner, set up the Luey Jacob Sharp Foundation in memory of his son who died last year, just two days old. "I thought I was going to get a goal, but it wasn't to be. "Hopefully I can celebrate with a goal in the next game (at Watford). "Simon has made a quick recovery and it is a squad game and I am sure he will be playing soon because he is close to being fit and he is an influential player. "I have to be on my game to make sure I stay in the team, because, as you say, Dex is a really good player and he will want to hang on to his place as well. "Coxy could have been on the bench on Saturday, I know he wanted to be, but the manager decided not to risk him. "I am sure he will train all this week and will be ready to go against Watford." Forest had to ride out a storm of pressure in a first half dominated by Brighton – but Sharp says Sean O'Driscoll's side were still disappointed not to come away with three points. "There were goals in the game, I cannot believe it ended 0-0," said Sharp. "I thought we deserved a point, but we could also have had all three. "They were the better team in the first half but if my effort had gone in, it would have been a different game and I might have had even more to celebrate. "We were a bit open in the first half, we got away with a few things. "But we said that we had to tighten up and we did that after the break. "If my chance had gone in or if Dex had put his chance away after the break, we could have got all three points, because we kept that clean sheet. "Hopefully we can keep things tight again at Watford, but also get a few at the other end."

Notts County's Lee Hughes: I will be back when I'm ready

December 18, 2012, 2:17 am

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LEE Hughes today told the Post: "When I'm better I will be back playing for Notts." The 36-year-old striker also said he has been signed off on 'medical grounds' – but that was it, so it is still unclear what is wrong with him or how long he will be sidelined. Magpies' boss Keith Curle confirmed the Magpies have received a sick note from Hughes' doctor. But he says he has not seen it so does not know how long he will be out for, amid talk he will not be able to play until January. "I think the club has received a medical certificate, yes, but I've not seen it personally," said Curle. "I don't know what one looks like. "I don't need to see a medical certificate. If a player says he's not well and unable to play that's enough for me." When asked if Hughes will be looked at by the club doctor, Curle said: "I think he's got his own independent doctor, I think that is where the medical note has come from, so no, that's it. "There's no mystery, no drama. If somebody is ill, they are ill." Curle was hoping to finally speak to Hughes about it ahead of the Magpies' FA Cup second round replay against Rotherham United at Meadow Lane tonight (7.45pm), after not managing to talk to him over the weekend. "I tried getting hold of Lee on Sunday and left him a couple of messages, then I had a couple of missed calls from him," he said. "I tried speaking to him again yesterday and left a voicemail for him to ring me. "Lee will get back to me so there will probably be more of an update this morning or after tonight's game." It will be a blow to the Magpies, as they chase promotion in League One, if Hughes is out until the new year. But Curle says he won't know if he will be back before then until he speaks to him. "I won't know until I find out exactly how he is," he said. "Lee has been unavailable, but hopefully I will be able to find out when he will be available."

January start for A453 widening work

December 18, 2012, 3:41 am

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THE £150 million road widening scheme for the A453 is to start construction in January, Roads Minister Stephen Hammond announced today. With an estimated completion date of the summer 2015, seven miles of the A453 will be widened by the Highways Agency between M1 Junction 24 and the A52 Nottingham Ring Road. The project is the first of six growth schemes, announced in the Government's 2011 Autumn Statement, to start construction. Roads Minister Stephen Hammond said:"The start of construction in January shows our commitment to deliver much needed improvements to England's infrastructure - helping to unlock growth potential, while cutting congestion. I know the A453 improvements will be a welcome economic boost for road users and businesses in the East Midlands. Councillor Kay Cutts, Leader of Nottinghamshire County Council, welcomed the start of construction: "I am delighted that we are now within weeks of seeing construction work begin on the A453. Nottinghamshire County Council and the local business community campaigned long and hard for its improvement, with the County Council putting £20m into the scheme. "The news that work is set to begin in the new year is fantastic news for everyone in Nottinghamshire. The improvements to this vital route, combined with the planned extension to East Midlands Airport will bring huge benefits to the Nottinghamshire economy and the East Midlands as a whole. The Highways Agency is holding public information exhibitions at Clifton Leisure Centre, Southchurch Drive, Clifton, NG11 8AB, on Friday 11 January from 2pm to 8pm and on Saturday 12 January from 10am to 4pm.  The exhibition will then move to Kegworth Whitehouse Hotel, Packington Hill, Kegworth, DE74 2DF, on Sunday January 13 from 10am to 4.30pm. People will be able to view detailed plans for the scheme, find out more about the roadworks and how they can get journey planning advice during the works. The Highways Agency's project team, contractor Laing O'Rourke and scheme designer White Young Green will be on hand to provide more information and answer questions. The new year will see work start on dualling the rural section of A453, between the new Mill Hill Roundabout on the edge of Clifton and junction 24 of the M1, as well as provision of an additional two traffic lanes through Clifton itself. While much of the early stages of work on the rural section will be carried out away from the existing carriageway, work through Clifton has to be on the carriageway with traffic running close to the works. For the majority of the time one lane will be kept available for traffic in each direction as is currently provided. It is expected that the widened A453 between the M1 and Mill Hill roundabout will be fully open from early summer 2015 following the completion of the section in Clifton a month or two earlier. Traffic management will be put in place during January, including a new temporary 40mph speed limit from M1 Junction 24 to the edge of Clifton and a temporary 30mph speed limit though Clifton itself. Some lane or carriageway closures will be required during construction, and these will be publicised closer to the times required. To keep up to date on the A453 widening scheme, people can register for updates on the scheme's webpage or call the Highways Agency Information Line on 0300 123 5000.

Top 10 things to do this New Year in Nottingham

December 18, 2012, 4:42 am

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Nottingham will be welcoming the new year with a bang, when the annual fireworks show returns to the city's castle. After thrilling crowds for four years in a row, 2011's event was cancelled by the city council as a money-saving measure. But, with a sponsor on board, the free event will return this New Year's Eve. Councillor Dave Trimble, Nottingham City Council's portfolio holder for culture, leisure and communities, said: "Nottingham city skies will light up as fireworks shoot high from Nottingham Castle on New Year's Eve. "The castle is the perfect location to hold a display due to its central position, and it sits high above Nottingham, allowing those celebrating to enjoy the display from many locations across the city. "The best vantage point will be the surrounding area of the castle where people can come together and share in the New Year's celebration." The event will be sponsored by the Purico Group and city businessman Professor Nat Puri said: "Head to the city centre and enjoy the new year celebrations with a fantastic fireworks display at Nottingham Castle." For more information on upcoming events in Nottingham, visit www.nottinghamcity.gov.uk/events. To make sure your New Year's Eve goes with a bang, we've picked out 10 ideas for New Year's Eve celebrations: 1. All that jazz – Browns in Nottingham is offering party-goers the chance to see in 2013 or to mark the first day of the new year with a special brunch. On New Year's Eve itself there's a set menu at £59.95 plus a three-piece jazz band, bubbles and canapés at midnight. Meanwhile if you're after continuing the party into New Year's Day or just want to mark January 1 there's brunch until 4pm or classic Browns roast dinners. Browns Nottingham, 20 Park Row, Nottingham, NG1 6GR T: 0115 958 8183

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2. Gala Dinner – Hart's Restaurant is throwing a gala dinner and dance in Hart's Upstairs for £99 per person. The black-tie celebration starts with Champagne and canapés. The restaurant is next door to Hart's Hotel founded by Tim Hart and his wife, Stefa, who masterminds the interior design of the hotels and restaurant. Hart's Hotel in Nottingham which was built in 2002 on the former ramparts of Nottingham's medieval castle. Back in 1979 the couple converted a Victorian House into a country house hotel – Hambleton Hall in Rutland. Hart's Nottingham, Standard Hill, Park Row, Nottingham, NG1 6GN T: 0115 988 1900

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3. Masquerade Ball or family disco – the Crowne Plaza Nottingham is catering to all tastes with two events on New Year's Eve. The Masquerade Ball starts with a glass of bubbly on arrival, then party-goers can tuck into a four-course dinner before dancing the night away. The drinks reception starts at 7pm. Cost is £57 per person or £99 per person to include overnight accommodation and breakfast. Meanwhile the family disco features a three course dinner, children's entertainer plus the music and costs £32 per person or £16 per child aged three to 12. Crowne Plaza Nottingham, Wollaton Street, Nottingham, NG1 5RH T: 0115 936 9988

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4. Fireworks – say hello to 2013 with a bang as fireworks light up the sky above Nottingham Castle. The Castle Grounds will be closed but visitors can watch the free display from the city centre. The event starts at 11.45pm.Nottingham Castle, Friar Lane, off Maid Marian Way, Nottingham, NG1 6EL T: 0115 915 3700

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5. Great British Street Party – a New Year's Eve event with a street party theme is planned at the Nottingham Gateway Hotel. Featuring Giant Jenga, Connect Four, yoyos, hop scotch and a disco from 10pm to 2am, there are non-resident and resident packages available. Non-residential is £43 per person; £16 10-14-year-olds, £11 seven to nine years and £6 four to six-year-olds with under four's free. Residential is £85 per person, £17 10-14 years, £12 seven to nine years, £7 four to six years and under fours free.The Nottingham Gateway Hotel, Nuthall Road, Nottingham, NG8 6AZ T: 0115 9794949

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6. It's party time – a chance to dance to pop, disco, boogie, Motown and soul with a New Year's Eve Party at the Mansfield Civic Centre. Bop til you drop with the £16-a-head package which includes a buffet. The event starts at 7.30pm, buffet 8.30pm and the bar closes at 1am. The Lindhurst Rooms, Mansfield Civic Centre, Chesterfield Road South, Mansfield, T: 01623 656766.

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7. Black-tie party – head for the Riverbank Bar on New Year's Eve for the Riverbank House Band – The NuSoul Revolution ¬- plus Champagne reception, world tapas finger buffet and fireworks at midnight. Tickets for non-reserved seating are £30 or VIP tickets for reserved seats are £50. Arrivals from 8ppm with the bar closing at 2am.The Riverbank Bar & Kitchen, Trent Bridge, Nottingham, NG2 2GS T: 0115 986 7960.

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8. New Year break – Eastwood Hall, which is set in 26 acres of grounds, has put together a New Year package including overnight accommodation, full English breakfast and New Year's Eve Gala Dinner. The December 31 party features a Champagne and canapés reception, six-course dinner, half bottle of Champagne per person at midnight plus bacon rolls at 1am. Cost is £118.50 per person. Tickets excluding accommodation are £79 per person. Eastwood Hall, Eastwood, Nottingham, NG16 3SS T: 01773 532532

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9. Best of British – Oceana's New Year's Eve party has the Best Of British as a theme. And if it isn't snowing outside, it will be inside as the countdown to 2013 features falling snow and confetti cannons. With six rooms featuring a range of music from dance anthems from 2012 to pop and party tunes, tickets are on sale now priced at £12.Oceana Nottingham, Lower Parliament Street, Nottingham, NG1 3BB T: 08452 932861

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10. Beat the queue – The Forum is offering the chance to queue jump and have a bottle of bubbly for £20 a ticket for its New Year's Eve party. It says: "Expect great party atmosphere, expect great music, expect great drinks prices, expect one big party." One hundred early bird tickets at £10 are available with the standard ticket price £15. Doors open at 10.30pm and the music plays until 3am.The Forum, The Cornerhouse, Burton Street, Nottingham, NG1 4AA T: 0115 9474 761

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A453 widening works: Accidents in 2011 mapped out

December 18, 2012, 6:45 am

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It has been announced that widening work will begin on the A453 in January. We've mapped out where all road accidents recorded by the Home Office took place along the stretch of road in 2011, including how many people were involved and whether the accident was slight, serious or fatal.Do you think the widening works will make the road safer? Let us know.

One Direction's Louis Tomlinson marks 21st birthday in style at Retford's Ye Olde Bell Hotel

December 18, 2012, 7:25 am

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One Direction's Louis Tomlinson spent the day at Retford hotel Ye Olde Bell for his 21st birthday on Friday December 14. The hotel, on Barnby Moor, hosted Louis, his family, and his model girlfriend Eleanor Calder. Other members of the band also arrived during the afternoon - along with their security - and relaxed in the quiet surroundings. Louis had a small pre-dinner drinks party in his suite and was then joined by more than 100 family and close friends who danced the night away at a black tie dinner and dance. Louis' mother Johannah spoke at the dinner about her son's childhood and her pride in his rise to stardom. Louis then cut his birthday cake. The bash took months to plan, hotel staff said, and it had been kept a closely-guarded secret. The band members stayed overnight at the hotel and relaxed until late the next day.

Mansfield Town's capacity to be increased for FA Cup clash with Liverpool

December 18, 2012, 7:49 am

≫ Next: Charlotte Blackman, from Heanor, was '10ft from safety' when she was killed under a rockfall in Dorset, inquest hears

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CAPACITY at Mansfield Town stadium is set to be increased as the club gear up for their biggest game in years against Liverpool.
The One Call Stadium's capacity has now been increased to 7,888 from 7,574.
The decision was reached by council safety officials following a meeting this morning.
The announcement comes in advance of one of the biggest games in the club's history as the Stags play host to Liverpool in the FA Cup Third Round on January 6.  The match is an all ticket affair with allocated seating.
A club spokesman said: "Despite not being granted full capacity, the club has had to implement certain measures as a consequence of the pitch invasion following the team's win against Lincoln City in the last round. "While we understand that our supporters want to celebrate success, encroaching onto the playing area is a criminal offence.  We strongly urge our fans to stay off the pitch at all times, as this will ensure that all supporters can enjoy the match in safety and prevent the club from facing possible disciplinary action."  Tickets for the above match will go on general sale on Thursday.

Charlotte Blackman, from Heanor, was '10ft from safety' when she was killed under a rockfall in Dorset, inquest hears

December 18, 2012, 8:04 am

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A young woman from Heanor who was killed when she became trapped underneath a substantial rockfall at a coastal beauty spot was '10ft from safety', an inquest has heard. Charlotte Blackman, 22, was strolling along Freshwater Beach in Dorset with her family when around 400 tonnes of rock from the Jurassic Coastline cliffs crashed down on top of her, killing her almost instantly. Her boyfriend, Matthew Carnell, was walking alongside Miss Blackman, from Derbyshire, on July 24 when he noticed the start of the landslide. Miss Blackman's father, Kevin, desperately screamed for the group to get to safety but his daughter was crushed. The inquest at Dorchester County Hall today heard that she died accidentally, as the result of an 'act of nature'.

'Fake goods' seized in two raids in Beeston

December 18, 2012, 11:30 pm

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AROUND 200 fake DVD box sets were seized from two Beeston houses during raids to crack down on counterfeit goods.

The raids were carried out by Trading Standards officers from Notts County Council and the seized goods included box sets of TV shows Mrs Brown's Boys, The Walking Dead, Homeland and Smash.

It is believed the counterfeit goods were bought from Hong Kong and were being sold as genuine products on eBay for around £12 to £20 each.

Councillor Mick Murphy, Chairman of Notts County Council's community safety committee, said: "It is likely that the counterfeit goods that were seized were targeting the Christmas market, depriving honest and legal businesses of trade during the most important period for traders.

"Counterfeit products are usually inferior quality and often fund organised crime so we urge local residents to steer clear of such goods.

Trading Standards officers also carried out a similar raid in Worksop last Friday, which resulted in two people being arrested.

Further investigations are taking place on both operations.

A 29-year-old man and 21-year-old woman were arrested in connection with the Beeston raids. A 48-year-old woman and a 21-year-old man were also arrested in connection with the raids in Worksop. All have been bailed pending further inquiries.