DRIVERS faced big delays on their way into work yesterday morning after a collision between two cars and a van on the A52.

Police were called to the scene, between the QMC roundabout and Priory Island, at about 7am.

The incident involved a blue Toyota and a van that was towing an MG sports car.

However, the van had broken down at the time so was not moving – and nobody was in the van or the sports car.

Nobody was injured and police said the ambulance service was not needed.

However, the Mg's rear was completely smashed – and the road was left congested for almost three hours.

It caused jams in both directions, even though the accident took place on the city-bound carriageway.

Drivers that opted to go down Woodside Road towards the West entrance of the University of Nottingham in Beeston, were also met with congested roads.

Yesterday morning, Nottingham City Transport, sent out a message on Twitter that said: "In addition to gridlock in Beeston, we're hearing of an RTC on Derby Road between QMC and Priory roundabout causing more delays to 36 and 35."

Police stayed at the scene until about 9.25am when the van and sports care were recovered. The road was not closed at any point.

It was the second crash on Derby Road this week.

On Monday a man had to be cut free from his car and taken to hospital following the collision, close to St Joseph's School.

It happened at about 1pm and police shut the road while crews from Central Fire Station cut the roof off a Vauxhall Astra.

Two other people in another car were checked over by ambulance crews.

In past centuries

Whales were sought

for their flesh and oil,

The baleen was noted, and bought

to be like ivory,

Made into statues, carved,

To end their days

of herds of whales and elephants,

Carried by some, jawbones

and tusks, desired

by others, caught

in this way of trade,

Not even just halved

As whales are decimated,

So are elephants,

In vast numbers, relevant,

For sale

in countries denied

of real life ,

So proscribe us to cease

Buying baleen and ivory,

It is some mammals' lives, defiled,

When they only want peace,

And be left in the wild.

CRAIG MORRISON

Garfield Close

Stapleford

I remember all my Valentine's

They are deep within my heart

Every one was so special

Until the day we had to part

You see my loved one passed away

After many years together

All the memories of Valentine's Day

To me I will always treasure

Red roses were always given to me

And a candlelit meal for two

Every time Valentine's comes around

My everlasting love I send to you

And on this special day

I place by your picture frame

A bunch of red roses in memory

To ease my heartache and pain.

MALCOLM BRADSHAW

Portland Road

Carlton

There are many things that have changed

Since those days when everyone worked

All their lives to pay for their clothes and food

Rent to be paid to keep a roof over one's head

But in these days one cannot remember many

Of the people who were suffering from obesity

For there were less benefits to allow them to sit

All day wondering what else they wanted to eat

Now many of them wait for their cheque to come

And then complain if it does not arrive on time

So they spend all their time living in comfort

Sitting in idleness and growing ever more fat

Until every move they make causes them pain

Then they want the fitness of their youth again

But the medical people say it is much too late

There are no new bodies after all their neglect.

R HERBERT

Tunstall Crescent

Aspley

I envy the breeze

That ruffles your hair

Softly breathes on your brow

And caresses your skin

Close friends who receive

Your tokens of love

And suitors who strive

Your favours to win

But kisses that are not invited

Romance that is unrequited

A troth that will remain unplighted

Means we'll never be united.

J W WHITE

Beeston

Winter's funeral is a'coming,

spring's in hiding round the corner,

Birds are singing, bee's a'humming,

melting snow man the sole mourner.

Daffodils by far the bravest,

reaching tall to a tepid sun.

Trumpeting petals in defiance,

setting winter on the run.

The iron fist of ice is easing,

'neath timid sun with cloudy lashes,

Birds are courting, dancing brazen,

Building nests on last year's ashes.

Pale green shoots are shyly rising,

the first green flush of season new

Pushing aside the long dead carpet,

glistening now with gentle dew

Now the sun is in a hurry,

warming up and forging on

Buds are swelling – bursting – blooming,

Hallelujah, winter's gone!

JOY JAMES

Colwick Park

I looked at the clock, my life was slowly ebbing away.

I didn't think I would reach 40, what a high price to pay.

I was coming off tranquillisers 15 a day prescribed by my then GP,

But the withdrawal symptoms were so horrendous I could hardly see.

I was constantly being sick night and day,

All I could do was to sit and pray this nightmare would go away.

I couldn't walk properly, my balance had completely gone,

I couldn't pay privately, as money I had none.

I also had agoraphobia, so I couldn't even go out of the door,

This wasn't a life worth living any more.

All I was left with, was to say a prayer,

To ask for a miracle. Lay my soul bare.

A week or so later, a letter in my hand,

An appointment with a new doctor, I could hardly stand.

Over the next year a miracle unfolded, bit by bit.

I didn't even have to walk with my stick.

I started to go out a bit more each day,

Various obstacles got in my way.

But I was determined, I was not going back,

I mapped out a plan to keep myself on track.

I did it, I conquered my agoraphobia, and got off the pills.

I even went to college for the first time to learn new skills.

I went on radio, television, newspapers and magazines all covered my story.

The miracle I prayed for had happened, mine was now the glory.

PAT DRING

Birkin Avenue

Ruddington

ALMOST 6,000 men in Notts have pledged to help end domestic violence as part of the Post's Man Enough campaign. The year-long drive, which was launched on Valentine's Day 2012, has been described as a "springboard" for the future.

(Friday, February 15)

"The sad part of this is that many abused women go back to the abuser time and time again and even refuse to press charges or give evidence. Domestic, or any other form of, violence is to be deplored. It would be interesting to discover how many cases are drink fuelled."

BLawrenson

"Calling it 'a minority' suggests it is negligible. It isn't. Men were the victims in over a quarter of incidents, and since under-reporting by men is likely to be even more extreme than that by women, the real figures could be even worse. It's a shame you perpetuate the stereotype that domestic violence is a gender-specific issue, particularly with your silly slogan. Any domestic violence, whether it is carried out by a man or a woman, and whether it is against a man or a woman, is unacceptable."

FormerlyW

"Agree – but if you looks at any stats you like, they'll show that most domestic violence is man on woman. The reverse is a minority."

kilowatt2

ANDY Reid says Nottingham Forest must find some stability if they are to forge a late push for promotion. The winger remains convinced this season should not yet be a write-off, despite a stormy period of change off the pitch that saw Billy Davies become the club's fourth manager since July. (Friday, February 15)

"Stability is the key. Unfortunately we are getting daily examples of how unstable the club is. Let nobody believe the line that backroom unrest doesn't affect the players. With all the instability and changes how confident are the likes of Darlow/Henderson/Majewski feeling that they will be part of future plans? Take Darlow. He's come up through the Academy and will have had the full backing of Marshall/Pemberton and Barron. Now they've gone, he has no backup, nobody to influence the manager. First time he makes a mistake his confidence will drop, and his place is on the line."

AncientRed

"Andy, if all your team mates had performed up to your standard this season, we would be top of this division. There lies the problem."

HueyTheNoose

I REALLY enjoyed your article on Skills Coaches (Post, February 14). It brought back some memories.

I worked for Skills in the days of the Peters Street garage, in the 60s, when Mr Arthur Skill was about, a real gentleman was he.

He was the boss by sure, but he wouldn't walk by you without speaking to you, and he new most of his drivers.

Quite a few of them were ex-Robin Hood drivers.They knew the country like they knew the way home, and were a good set of guys.

My first job was on the second day working for them, a private hire job to Norfolk. On my work ticket were all the roads I needed to take, so no trouble with that.

All the coaches were maintained very well, I don't think I remember anyone complaining about any of the buses. I'm sure that Skills is the same today as it was them days.

MICK SPENCER

Llanberis Grove

Nottingham

IT is hard to refrain from insults and name-calling where correspondents like Demi Green (Letters, February 14) are concerned.

Does she suppose that people who live in "social housing" choose where they live? By and large they have to take what is offered.

Bedroom tax is just another example of yet another attack on the poor and the absolute unfairness of this Coalition Government.

It would be far more fair and reasonable to go after landlords who take advantage of people on benefits to charge them exorbitant rents for often dangerous and ill-maintained accommodation, knowing that potential whistle-blowers ware likely find themselves on the streets. That does happen.

Right-wing propaganda seeks to blind us as to who the real fiddlers are, the people who have the power to make their fiddles appear legal.

R L COOPER

Harlequin Close

Radcliffe-on-Trent

SO, the EU is going to set up a euro-election "troll patrol" to monitor and trawl eurosceptic debates in the internet.

Up to £2m will be wasted on this – Eurocrats know hostility to their rotten organisation is growing by the sounds of it.

The proposals violate the neutrality of the EU civil service by turning officials into "troll patrols", stalking the internet to make unwanted and provocative political contributions in social media debates.

What a ridiculous and wasteful proposal.

DEREK CLARK

Ukip MEP for the East Midlands

POLICE are looking for two men after a robbery in Long Eaton in which a woman was hit in the face with a crowbar.

It happened at a house in Stafford Street at around 8.20pm on Wednesday. Two men entered the house and demanded money from the 25-year-old woman.

One was carrying a crowbar and hit the woman with it, causing a cut to her face.

He then stole her mobile phone and a laptop.

The victim's dog lunged for the man and he ran out of the room.

The victim then managed to call police.

She was taken to Nottingham Queen's Medical Centre for treatment for the injury to her face.

The man who hit her is white, around 20 to 25 years old, over 6ft, slim and with a gaunt face.

He was wearing a blue waterproof jacket, dark blue tracksuit bottoms and a black woolly beanie hat.

Police said his accomplice was wearing a balaclava and a beanie hat.

Donna Briggs, Erewash borough councillor for Long Eaton Central, was shocked by the attack.

She added: "This is atrocious.

"People need to be absolutely secure in their own homes.

"Long Eaton is normally a lovely place to live in and thankfully incidents like these are rare.

"I hope the woman is OK. I wish her well.

"I have confidence that the police will do everything they can and act swiftly to bring the offenders to justice."

Anyone with any information about the incident or saw anything suspicious in the area is asked to contact Long Eaton CID on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

A TEENAGER robbed a 16-year-old boy of his mobile phone while on a city bus, a court heard.

Kyle Turner, 17, twice punched the boy before stealing his BlackBerry phone while they were both upstairs on the 48 bus between Clifton and Nottingham city centre.

Nottingham Crown Court heard that the attack on January 14 came two months after Turner was released from detention for stealing another BlackBerry on the same route.

Turner, 17, of Bridge North Drive, Clifton, was sentenced to two years' detention yesterday after pleading guilty to robbery.

James Hett, prosecuting, said: "The complainant went on to the bus and upstairs at sat towards the back. He was playing on his BlackBerry mobile phone and using headphones and the defendant was sitting behind him.

"He got up, walked along the aisle and approached the complainant. He tapped him on the shoulder and asked where he was from.

"He then got up and sat next to him, and said 'let me see your phone'. The complainant said no and was punched forcefully in the face. The force caused his lip to bleed and he was put in fear."

Mr Hett told the court that Turner threatened the boy that he was going to attack him when he got off the bus, before punching him a second time in the face and taking his phone.

The victim told the bus driver and police identified Turner on CCTV footage from the bus. They arrested him on January 17.

The court heard that Turner had convictions for four other robberies and two attempted robberies, committed as a youth.

Dean Bower, in mitigation, said Turner suffered from conditions including attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder and autism. He said: "He has not really be able to appreciate the consequences of his actions."

Judge Philip Head told Turner: "You have what can only be called a dreadful record for someone of your age."

He will serve half the sentence before being released on supervision.

PARENTS of young swimmers in Ilkeston have hit out at council plans to stop a club holding lessons in its pools.

Almost 1,500 people have backed a campaign to help Ilkeston Swimming Club, which could be stopped from holding swimming lessons at Victoria Park Leisure Centre, in Manners Road.

Erewash Borough Council, which owns the centre, wants to stop the club from renting its pools for teaching beginners.

It could still use it for teaching competitive swimmers, but those that are yet to reach that stage would be forced to pay for lessons run by the council itself.

Richard Bloore, 38, of Stapleford, has set up Facebook group "Save Ilkeston Swimming Club", which has already attracted 1,488 supporters, including swimmer Ollie Hynd, 18, of Kirkby-in-Ashfield – who won gold, silver and bronze in the 2012 Paralympic Games.

Mr Bloore, who learned how to swim at the club 35 years ago, said: "The council wants to make money by stopping the club from teaching our young children to swim when they can do it to make a profit.

"It shouldn't always be about making a profit at the expense of the children and community volunteers.

"The club has provided this teaching for 40 years.

"The club has been key to keeping Victoria Park swimming baths in Ilkeston open."

Mr Bloore's two sons, seven-year-old Daniel and five-year-old Matthew, are both club members.

Former club head coach Richard Toplis said: "It would be a tragedy if the club had to stop lessons. The club has played a very big part of the community in Ilkeston."

A club spokesman said members paid £15 per month to take part in sessions once a week, £20 for twice a week and £25 for anything beyond. But if the profit from lessons was removed, charges to other club members would go up.

He said: "We would have to turn children away. And this would deprive them of learning how to swim, because Victoria Park Leisure Centre have got a waiting list."

Tim Spencer, head of culture and leisure at the council, said: "This proposal is part of our ongoing partnership work with Ilkeston Swimming Club and the Amateur Swimming Association to develop both the Victoria Park Leisure Centre's learn-to-swim programme and the club's competition framework in Ilkeston. No decision has been made on this proposal. The council remains in discussions with Ilkeston Swimming Club.

"We have always made it clear that it is our intention to work fully with the club's committee to reach an informed decision before any proposed changes are introduced."

An online petition against the plans has been signed by 85 people. For more information, visit www.change.org and search for "Ilkeston Swimming Club".

Prices for swimming lessons run by the leisure centre are £5.20 for adults and £4.60 for juniors and 50p less for leisure card holders.

THE director of the new high-speed rail project has defended his decision to build a new station at Toton.

The plans for the station were unveiled in January as part of the announcement that 250mph trains would be coming to the region.

When the High Speed 2 line is finished in 2032, passengers will be able to hop on one of three trains an hour from Toton Sidings to London and step out in the capital just 51 minutes later.

The plans have been criticised by many people including Derby City Council – which wants the new station for the East Midlands to be built in Derby itself.

But HS2 Ltd director Ian Jordan has defended his decision, and says Toton is still the right place.

"The new station will have fantastic connections to Nottingham and Derby," he said.

"It's not far from the M1, on a main route between Nottingham and Derby, and people will be able to come from nearby to use it.

"It will help both cities – building a station in Derby would see fewer passengers using the service than at Toton."

Mr Jordan also defended plans that the new line was not needed and the money would be better spent elsewhere.

He said: "It's right to invest this money in infrastructure for the future.

"Years ago, we would be questioning the need for motorways, but now we can't imagine getting around without the M1 or M25.

"We have a Victorian railway network and a lot of effort has gone into making it work, but we need to bring it into the 21st century."

Questioned about the impact the high-speed rail line will have on the current services that run between Nottingham and London, Mr Jordan said: "There is planned investment on the Midland mainline and trains will obviously continue to run on it when High Speed 2 is up and running."

The plans for the high-speed rail link to London have proved controversial with some groups in the region.

John Everitt, chief executive of Notts Wildlife Trust, has previously told the Post that "new development, even sustainable transport schemes and the move to a low carbon economy must not be achieved at the expense of the natural environment."

But Mr Jordan said that a key part of the process in drawing up the route of the track did include an assessment of the impact on wildlife.

He said: "Wherever practicable the proposed routes for HS2 have been designed to minimise potential impacts on protected habitats, wildlife, historic sites, waterways and rivers."

The plans for High Speed 2 will be put out to public consultation later this year with a final decision on the route being made some time in 2014, according to Transport Minister Patrick McLoughlin.

A MAN who sexually abused a child over an eight-year period has been jailed for 19 years.

Christopher George, 41, from Sneinton, was handed the sentence at Nottingham Crown Court yesterday.

He pleaded guilty to 17 separate offences, including rape and sexual assault, at an earlier hearing.

George also admitted a further offence against a second child of causing a child to engage in sexual activity.

After the hearing, Detective Sergeant Daniel Bebbington, of Notts Police's Child Abuse Investigation Unit, said: "This sentence reflects the despicable crimes committed by a dangerous sexual offender.

"The victims have been through a living nightmare.

"Hopefully, this result is the start of a new chapter for them."

He added: "Detective Constable Clare Easter has worked tirelessly for the victims and deserves recognition for such a detailed and thorough investigation.

"Despite repeated denials, George was eventually left with little choice but to plead guilty, such was the overwhelming evidence against him.

"In sentencing George, the judge said that the sentence would have been longer still had George not eventually entered into a guilty plea.

"This is testament to the courage shown by the victims and the comprehensive investigation DC Easter tirelessly worked on to ensure justice would be done."

The victims in the case are being supported through by Imara, an organisation which helps children who have been abused.

More information about its work can be found at www.imara.org.uk.

A SURGEON is to take on one of the toughest challenges in the world.

Ben Ollivere, 34, is tackling the 6633 Ultra Challenge – which involves pulling a sled for 350 miles, the equivalent of 13 marathons, over seven days in the sub-zero temperatures of the Arctic Circle.

Only seven people have ever completed the challenge in the frozen northern wilderness of Canada.

Ben, from The Park, a consultant orthopaedic and major trauma surgeon at the Queen's Medical Centre, will be raising money for a charity called Cure International.

His girlfriend, Katie Rollins, 27, a general surgical registrar, also at the Queen's Medical Centre, will accompany Ben on his Arctic expedition, running with him for the first 26 miles as a marathon and then changing roles to become team medic for the remainder of his arduous journey.

Ben, who will begin the challenge on Wednesday March 20, said: "I'm looking forward to attempting the hardest race on the planet – I've always wanted to do something like this.

"I've been training hard and am used to taking part in Ironman contests and triathlons, but this will be very different.

"The cold, in particular, makes it very, very challenging."

The 6633 Ultra challenge has the reputation for being the hardest footrace on the planet. It is named 6633 as it is the latitude of the Arctic Circle – 66 33' degrees north.

Temperatures plummet as low as -40°C, which can feel more like -98°C with wind chill, and Ben will take his route over Wright Pass, the only mountain range in the Arctic.

In preparation for the mammoth task, Ben has been training by running more miles per week than Mo Farrah did in his preparations for the London 2012 Olympics.

He is currently running between 120 and 140 miles each week.

He said: "This is the ultimate challenge – of the 60 competitors that have started it, only seven have finished. More people have walked on the moon than completed the 6633 Ultra Challenge."

Ben decided to raise money for Cure International after working with the charity in Afghanistan in 2011.

The charity transforms the lives of disabled children in the developing world by providing operations and medical care, regardless of ability to pay.

"Through this challenge, I will be able to raise money and publicity for Cure," Ben said.

"They have shown me how much difference just a few people and a few pounds can make."

To find out more about the charity, visit the website www.cureinternational.org.uk. To sponsor Ben, visit www.justgiving.com/crazy-arctic-run

GEDLING Borough Council has voted through its development strategy to be examined by the Planning Inspector in July.

The strategy includes planned housing developments in areas across the borough, including 1,000 homes in Top Wighay Farm, up to 600 on land north of Papplewick Lane, up to 500 homes at Bestwood Village, up to 1,300 homes at Calverton and up to 330 homes at Ravenshead.

More than 14,000 people gave feedback on the plans, including a joint response from 1,240 residents of Linby, Papplewick and Hucknall.

Concerns expressed, included the impact on the infrastructure, problems with flooding and a lack of consultation.

The council says it will have to find room for 7,250 new homes in the borough by 2028 – a figure based on predicted household growth and migration figures.

But Chris Barnfather, leader of the opposition Conservative group on the council, said the figure was "too high".

He added: "We think the spread of the homes is inequitable, it's far too much based in green-field sites"

Councillor Darrell Pulk, portfolio holder for leisure and development on the council, said the authority had considered all comments while developing its strategy.

PEOPLE have been warned against the dangers of using fake electrical goods – after seizures in Nottingham rocketed.

Latest figures reveal trading standards officials in the city confiscated 167 counterfeit electrical items in 2012.

This compares with none at all in the previous two years.

Mobile phones, laptops, cameras and even coffee makers are among the loot officials seized last year.

Because the goods are not regulated, experts say there is a danger of them blowing up when used.

Jane Bailey, head of Community Protection's trading standards department in Nottingham, said: "There has been a shift in what is fashionable.

"Back in 2008, we were seizing a lot of clothes; now, electrical goods seem to be on the rise.

"The way these goods are being sold has also changed. A lot of the electrical items can be sent in the post.

"Whereas car boots and shops were where fake goods would often be seized in the past, we're now seeing more and more sold over the internet on sites such as Facebook and eBay, which is harder to monitor.

"At the end of the day, these goods are not regulated and could easily overheat – or even blow up or spark – if used."

In 2009, the only electrical item seized by trading standards in Nottingham was an iPod USB adapter, and in 2008 the team seized one pair of hair-straighteners.

Ms Bailey said: "I think also we are reaping the benefits of working so closely with the police as part of the community protection service; we can share intelligence systems.

"And we're not just confiscating the counterfeit items but also the personal property of the criminals selling the goods, to find out more about how they work."

Councillor Alex Norris, city council portfolio holder for community safety, said: "This just shows how much of a difference the police and council working together is making. They are talking more, sharing intelligence, and it's making a difference.

"Not only is it doing right by the traders who do play by the rules, but also these goods are dangerous – the people selling them only care about money."

Outside the city boundary, Notts County Council's trading standards team seized just eight fake electrical items in 2012, nine in 2011 and one in 2010.

County council trading standards officer John Maher said: "Pharmaceuticals are the top most-counterfeited industry, and electrics is the second.

"Reputable companies spend millions on making sure their products are safe for use.

Counterfeiters only care about what it looks like and not the damage it could cause for the person."

A spokesman for eBay said: "eBay does not allow the sale of counterfeit goods and we have an established programme in place, working in partnership with brands, to make sure we have the right information to remove items from sale that cause concern."

Anyone caught selling counterfeit products risks a maximum ten-year prison sentence.

CITY councillors have accused Rushcliffe Borough Council of trying to push unwanted housing developments on to its neighbours' land.

At the full city council meeting, Rushcliffe was accused of abandoning its targets for new homes, forcing developers to build in neighbouring Nottingham or the borough of Gedling.

Councils across Notts are currently deciding how many houses should be built in their areas by 2028.

Under the Labour government, all councils were given housing targets but the coalition government has since said that councils can establish their own figures.

Broxtowe and Gedling borough councils have kept their previous targets, alongside the city council – and the three councils are submitting their plans together.

However, Rushcliffe has reduced its target from 15,000 by 2026 to 9,600 – which it has submitted separately.

The Government's planning inspector has already raised serious concerns over Rushcliffe's revised plans.

And now the city council has also hit out.

Councillor Jane Urquhart, the city's portfolio holder for planning and transport, said: "Rushcliffe have started to plough their own furrow.

"Initial feedback indicates the planning inspector may not be entirely happy with their isolationist approach."

Councillor Alan Clark, the city's portfolio holder for energy and sustainability, said: "It seems that they feel the neighbouring authorities should make up the balance – that's unrealistic."

Rushcliffe councillor Dave Bell, portfolio holder for sustainability, described Mr Clark's comments as "ridiculous" and "disappointing".

He said: "Rushcliffe has been working with our neighbouring councils for some considerable time to plan for the housing needs of the conurbation.

"However, our councillors feel we have been put in an impossible position of having a disproportionate housing target (15,000) imposed upon us.

"To date, there appears to have been no willingness from our neighbours to discuss if the conurbation's growing needs could be best met by some other approach.

"Consequently, and reluctantly, we have been forced to look after our communities' interests as best we could while still recognising the need to provide housing growth."

SOLD – that's a word Nottingham estate agents hope to be hearing a lot more in 2013.

And they say the signs are promising.

At the city centre branch of Nottingham Building Society, there were 19 sales and 28 instructions to put homes up for sale in the last quarter of 2012 – up from 16 and 13 respectively in the same period of 2011.

One home even sold on Christmas Eve.

That increase of nearly 20 per cent in sales is reflected across the whole company, which saw a four per cent increase in the whole of 2012 and had a 50 per cent year-on-year rise in January.

City centre branch manager Jayne Shepherdson, said: "Sales certainly picked up in November and December last year. It was unusual we had a sale on Christmas Eve. Overall, 2012 was more successful than 2011. Hopefully that trend will continue this year."

Paul Offley, estate agency operations manager, said: "We believe that these positive signs in the housing market could be due to favourable mortgage rates, realistic house pricing in the area and an increase in public confidence in the market."

The increase comes at a time when reports are regularly suggesting people and businesses are finding it harder making ends meet.

The 2008 financial crisis caused banks and other mortgage lenders to tighten their belts, so money dried up, meaning that first-time buyers struggled to borrow money and vendors had difficultly finding buyers.

But estate agents in Notts said things were now looking up.

Saints Property Services, in Beeston, has regularly been selling two properties a week. Nick Parker, one of the managers, said often last year they were selling two a month.

He said: "We are only a small business but we have found that sales have increased. I think that people are thinking that the market isn't going to get better so they might as well crack on rather than waiting."

At Richard Watkinson and Partners' Newark branch, sales have also been on the up. Eighteen homes were sold last month, compared with 11 in January 2012. Kirsty Keeton, one of the branch's managers, said: "Things are looking better, but it's difficult to say if it's a trend that will continue. There are regularly peaks and troughs in this industry."

Gascoines, in Southwell, has already completed 17 sales this year, compared to 12 in the same period last year. Emma Gascoine said: "We have also had more viewings since the turn of the year. The signs are promising."

AT roughly 2.55pm today, the roof will be lifted off the City Ground.

As Billy Davies returns for a second spell as manager, Nottingham Forest fans will almost certainly give him a noisy reception.

But, while the Scotsman insists it will be a proud moment for him to walk out of the tunnel for a second time as manager of the club, he has given his players a stark message. And that is: Ignore the hype.

While Davies' return is likely to add a more passionate edge to the City Ground crowd, the boss is determined to ensure that does not become a distraction.

And, even though he may have a lump in his throat himself ahead of the Bolton game, he wants his players to remain focused on the task in hand.

"My message to the players will be simple – forget the euphoria in the stands," said Davies. "We need three points, we want three points and we have to go out and get them.

"For me, the euphoria won't matter. Yes, it will be nice. It will be nice if I do get a good welcome.

"But the most important thing is that the players don't get caught up in anything other than their focus on the game."

Davies' stance does not mean that he will not relish making a proud return to the City Ground however.

After steering the club away from the threat of relegation, after arriving in January 2009, Davies twice led the Reds into the play-off places.

And the former Preston and Derby manager admits it will be a special occasion for him.

"I am very proud to be back. I am delighted with the recognition the fans have given us for the job we have done (in the past)," he said.

"This club had one foot in League One and we turned that around.

"The fact that they welcomed us back with open arms speaks volumes about what we did before.

"People say 'never go back' and I agree with that. But I believe I am back in different circumstances.

"And I do have unfinished business."

But can Forest fans expect to see a different Billy Davies this time around, as he embarks on a second spell at the helm?

He said: "If you ask any of the players would they want me to change?

"They would say 'no'. I'm very respectful to the players and staff and they know the kind of personality I am and the demands I have.

"The welcome I had (from the players) was very pleasing. Do they want me to change? I wouldn't think so.

"It's not so much changing, it's understanding the change in the game and the people within it.

"The game is changing and people are changing within it. It's a whole new world and football clubs are viewed differently as is the information that gets to supporters.

"There is media debate and social media and all sorts of different bobs that have changed the game.

"That is a big difference."

Davies admits he enjoyed the relationship he had with the Forest fans in the past and is looking forward to resuming it.

But he also believes that popularity goes hand in hand with success – and knows he will have to work hard to earn their support for a second time.

"Don't forget I was going around in an open top bus at Derby with god knows how many supporters appreciating what I had done. They appreciated it at the time," he said.

"I also had a great relationship with Preston fans.

"I've had great relationships with the clubs I've been at.

"It'll be the same again at Forest. If you win games and do all you can, they will support you.

"But when you get beaten they are quite right to be unhappy. You expect that. That is football."

To Davies, these are familiar surroundings. He will not have to be directed to find his way from the changing rooms to the home dug out.

Nor has he struggled to acclimatise to the surroundings of the Nigel Doughty Academy training ground.

But, while there are also many familiar faces at the club, Davies says there has still been some acclimatising to be done.

"There are five or six people I know, but it does feel like a whole new club," he said. "It really is.

"Even the dressing rooms and the offices are different. There are some familiar faces here, but it is 70% a new squad.

"The club functions differently with new owners and we need to get grips with who does what.

"There have been a lot of changes made. But that is always going to be the case with new owners."

But, when the roof lifts off the stadium just before kick off this afternoon, Davies is sure to feel right at home again.

AS any self-respecting Notts County fan will tell you, February 12 is, and always will be, 'Charlie Palmer Day'.

Almost 20 years on, fans fortunate enough to be in the 18,655 crowd at Meadow Lane that day, still rave about the goal that gave the Magpies an historic win over local rivals Forest.

The other 181 League games full back Palmer played for Notts simply fade into insignificance compared to this one.

The day began well for Notts when that deadly finisher Gary McSwegan, a £400,000 signing from Glasgow Rangers, gave them a shock lead after previously being denied by the woodwork.

In the 58th minute, Michael Johnson played a long ball down the left and the former Scotland hit-man cut inside Steve Chettle, beat Colin Cooper and fired low inside Mark Crossley's right-hand post.

But joy turned to despair when Dave Phillips equalised for the double European champions with 85 minutes gone after a Stuart Pearce shot had been blocked.

Cue Sir Charlie Palmer, who entered Notts' folklore some 60 seconds later.

The drama unfolded like this: Notts won a free-kick on the left which the referee ordered to be re-taken.

Palmer signalled Mark Draper to hit it deep and his cultured right peg found Palmer leaping above Pearce to head in.

Incredibly, it was his first goal for two seasons and his first League strike since 1990.

"I lost it at the point," recalled Palmer, who ran almost the length of pitch in celebration. "I just went wild with emotion."

It just wasn't Forest's day. They were denied a penalty when Colin Foster appeared to handle a Pearce cross and after a 64 minutes, Bohinen missed the ball on the line and Glover's header looked destined for the net until it struck Cooper and went over the bar.

Born in Aylesbury, Palmer started his career as an apprentice at Watford under Graham Taylor.

He played 18 matches for Watford in all competitions from 1981-84, including four in the UEFA Cup.

In July 1984, Derby County manager Arthur Cox signed him on a free transfer.

He was part of the team that won the Second Division title in 1986-87 season. He moved to Hull City for £30,000 and stayed for two years before Neil Warnock took him to Meadow Lane for a bargain £25,000.

The next few years saw journeys to Wembley Stadium for the play-off finals, winning both against Tranmere (2-0, Johnson and Short) and Brighton (3-1, Johnson 2 and Regis).

Then there was the disappointment of the 1-0 defeat in the Anglo-Italian Cup Final against Brescia, who were led by Gheorghe Hagi.

Palmer had six years at Notts before he moved onto Walsall. He finished his career on the local non-league scene.

When he retired from football, the likeable Palmer became a social worker.

He also got into coaching with old Notts colleague Dean Thomas at Hinckley United.

Until recently, Palmer was coaching at top Derby club Mickleover Sports and was caretaker-boss for a while.

For the record the teams on 'Charlie Palmer Day' were:

Notts: Cherry, Palmer, Sherlock (Legg, 45), Turner, Foster, Johnson, Devlin, Draper, Lund, Reid, McSwegan. Not used: Catlin, Dijkstra.

Forest: Crossley, Lyttle, Pearce, Cooper, Chettle, Stone (Bull), Phillips, Gemmill, Bohinen, Glover, Black. Not used: Webb, Bull.

MANSFIELD Town returned to winning ways today as they brushed aside Cambridge United 3-1 at the One Call Stadium.

A run of four straight wins was brought to an end on Tuesday night, when they lost 2-0 at Newport.

But the Stags ensured that was just a blip by collecting three points this afternoon.

Lee Stevenson scored his sixth goal in as many games to put the hosts ahead after just  ten minutes but Liam Hughes equalised from a corner.

Defender Luke Jones put the Stags ahead again six minutes before the break, converting a corner at the back post and in the second half, Colin Daniel made it 3-1 in the 71st minute with a well-taken goal.

YOANN Arquin scored his first league goal in almost four months to save Notts County today.

The French striker came off the subs' bench at half-time and scored from close range just after the hour mark in a 1-1 draw at Walsall in League One.

The Magpies trailed 1-0 at half-time, after Saddlers' striker Will Grigg beat Notts No.1 Bartosz Bialkowski from the penalty spot on 29 minutes.

Notts gave a full debut to on-loan Leicester City striker Jacob Blyth and they were also boosted by the return of Bialkowski and captain Neal Bishop at the Bescot Stadium.

Blyth joined the Magpies' other loan striker John Cofie in attack, while Bishop joined Andre Boucaud, Jeff Hughes, Jamal Campbell-Ryce and Alan Judge in midfield.

Notts named a three-man defence of Gary Liddle, Dean Leacock and Alan Sheehan.

There were two former Magpies' players in Walsall's team – Nottingham lad Craig Westcarr, who won the League Two title at Meadow Lane in 2010, and Febian Brandy.

Westcarr was quickly involved against his old club, threading a pass through the Notts defence for Jamie Paterson to race onto on three minutes, but Liddle got back to block his shot.

Walsall then went close to scoring on six minutes.

Boucaud gave the ball away to Paterson with a sloppy pass close to the halfway line, he raced forward and passed to Grigg, who rounded Bialkowski and stroked a low shot at goal that Judge cleared off the goal-line.

While the home side looked threatening in the opening minutes, Bishop sliced a shot so badly on 11 minutes for Notts from 25 yards that it went out for a throw-in.

Defender Andy Taylor then curled a 20-yard free-kick into a wall of Notts players on 20 minutes.

The Magpies were passing the ball nicely on a terrible pitch to dominate possession, but they lacked a cutting-edge and they went 1-0 behind on 29 minutes as Grigg scored from the penalty spot.

Walsall were awarded the spot-kick after Bialkowski clattered into Paterson inside the box.

There was a short delay before Grigg took it because a flare was thrown onto the pitch close to the away end, but when he did step up he swept the ball into the bottom-right corner of the net, sending Bialkowski diving the wrong way.

Brandy then forced Bialkowski into a good save with a powerful effort from just outside the box on 33 minutes.

He then made a surging run into the penalty area three minutes later and Notts were lucky that he miscued a shot that hit Leacock and then headed the rebound tamely straight at Bialkowski.

There was one minute injury time at the end of the first half and in it Cofie fired a long-range shot wide.

Notts brought on Arquin for Blyth at the start of the second half and then recorded their first shot on target less than a minute after the restart as Campbell-Ryce cut inside from the right wing and drove a shot at goal that Walsall goalkeeper Ian McLoughlin held.

The Magpies then went close to equalising on 54 minutes as Arquin forced McLoughlin into a good save, after seizing onto a slip at the back by defender James Chambers, and Judge fired the rebound wide.

Judge spurned another good chance four minutes later, volleying over the bar from six yards, after Hughes had headed the ball down into his path from a free-kick into the box by Sheehan.

Undeterred, they kept up the pressure on the home side and it told on 65 minutes as Arquin made it 1-1, rifling past McLoughlin from seven yards after Campbell-Ryce's right-wing cross fell to him.

Having equalised, Arquin then sent Judge racing into the box with a headed flick-on two minutes later and he swept a low shot at goal that McLoughlin saved at his near post.

Notts brought on Francois Zoko for Cofie soon after and then continued to pile the pressure on their opponents.

Campbell-Ryce was looking a big threat and he tested McLoughlin with a powerful strike from 20 yards on 81 minutes.

Arquin then headed over the bar from eight yards on 86 minutes and then missed a great chance to net a winner two minutes later, heading wide at the far post from only a couple of yards out.

WALSALL: McLoughlin, J Chambers, Butler, Downing, Taylor, A Chambers, Mantom, Paterson, Brandy, Westcarr (Bowerman, 75), Grigg. Subs: Grof, Holden, Featherstone, Hemmings, Benning, Baxendale.

NOTTS: Bialkowski, Liddle, Leacock, Sheehan, Boucaud, Bishop, Hughes (Mahon, 91), Campbell-Ryce, Judge, Blyth (Arquin, 46), Cofie (Zoko, 78). Subs: Spiess, Kelly, Smith, Bencherif.

ATTENDANCE: 4,416 (613 away).

BILLY Davies was denied a winning return to Nottingham Forest by a goal from Craig Davies, as Bolton clawed their way back from behind to claim a 1-1 draw at the City Ground.

The Reds had produced a promising performance to mark the start of the Scotsman's second spell in charge at the club. But they could not make the most of numerous chances on an afternoon when Bolton keeper Adam Bogdan at times almost single-handedly held them at bay.

Andy Reid looked as though he had done enough to secure three points for Forest when he swept home a trademark finish from the edge of the box in the 59th minute, to put his side ahead.

But substitute Craig Davies popped up to spoil what had otherwise been an encouraging afternoon for the home side, with a simple finish in the 77th minute.

Forest might have taken the lead in the fourth minute, if not for some good work from Bolton keeper Bogdan, who produced an imperious performance between the posts.

Gonzalo Jara fed Henri Lansbury in space in the right-hand channel and the midfielder struck an almost instant shot, across the keeper, which the Bolton man did well to push away and, after the visitors had failed to properly clear the danger, Bogdan had to make another sprawling save, this time to push away a low, driven shot from Radi Majewski.

Forest wanted a penalty when Polish midfielder Majewski let fly with a driven 25-yard shot, which he angrily claimed had been handled amid a melee of players.

Andy Reid twice tried his luck after cutting onto his weaker right foot, but saw one effort charged down and another fly well wide, from the edge of the box.

Forest produced a tremendous interchange that must have involved a dozen passes to feed the ball into Lansbury in the box, but he failed to extend the run of quality as he completely miss-hit an attempted cross.

Sharp tested the reactions of Bogdan with a rising shot, that the keeper held well in his midriff. Reid almost finally beat the Bolton stopper with a powerful 25-yard strike that Bogdan only managed to punch away, in uncomfortable fashion, with the ball swerving wildly in the air.

Bogdan was tested yet again, with Majewski letting fly with a vicious long-range strike that the keeper parried well. Forest were piling on the pressure, with the keeper then forced to make another fine stop, this time to thwart Cox, after he cut into the box from the left and pulled the trigger with his right boot.

The second half began with Bolton carving out the first chance, as Mark Davies lifted a shot over the bar.

But a foul on Majewski gave Forest a free kick in a dangerous position and Reid almost took full advantage, bending a precise shot around the wall – only to be denied by another good save from Bogdan.

While good work from Jara saw him carve out another shooting chance for Lansbury and, after some good footwork from the midfielder, he saw a dipping shot deflected narrowly over the bar.

Karl Darlow had to be alert to make a smart save to deny De Ridder, after the Bolton man flashed a shot across goal.

But it was to be Forest who finally took the lead, through the ever reliable Reid. Lansbury's header carved out a chance to shoot on the edge of the box and the Irishman took full advantage, driving a low shot into the bottom corner of the net, to finally break Bogdan's resolve.

A disastrous back pass from Cohen sent Kevin Davies racing clear on goal, but Darlow saved his blushes superbly, making an outstanding save at the striker's feet as he attempted to carry the ball around him.

Forest were agonisingly close to winning a penalty when Alonso slid in recklessly on Lansbury as he carried the ball into the box, with the foul judged to have taken place on the edge of the box. Reid's resulting free kick was charged down, but the Bolton defender was booked for his trouble.

Guedioura still almost added a spectacular second as he let fly with an improvised volley, which Bogdan saved capably.

But it was to be Bolton who were to strike next, claiming an equaliser on an afternoon when they had rarely threatened the Forest goal.

It was a combination between the visitors' two substitutes that proved vital, as David N'Gog fed Craig Davies, leaving him with a simple side-foot finish to make it 1-1 with 13 minutes to play.

Lansbury kept Bogdan busy with a poked shot that the keeper held well.

Bolton then found themselves down to ten men for the final ten minutes, as Alonso picked up his second booking of the game, this time for a clumsy pull back on Lansbury, as he attempted to progress down the right.

Forest should have gone ahead again when a delicious cross from Cohen picked out substitute Darius Henderson, but the striker flicked his header wide.

Forest: Darlow, Jara, Ward, Halford, Cohen, Lansbury (McGugan 81), Majewski, Guedioura, Reid, Sharp (Blackstock 68), Cox (Henderson 84). Subs: Al Rashidi, Collins, Moussi, Greening.

Bolton: Bogdan, Mears, Knight, Dawson, Alonso, Spearing, Pratley, Mark Davies, Lee (Craig Davies 65), De Ridder (Eagles 58), Kevin Davies (N'Gog 73). Subs: Lonergan, Wheater, Ricketts, Sordell.

Referee: Keith Stroud, Gillingham

Attendance: 24,409 (1,514 away)