. May 2019 - Wilcop Media

May 2019

Nottingham News, Notts What's On

Retford is set to host a second summer of slapstick, songs and silliness as Talegate Theatre are back with three more spellbinding shows as part of Panto in the Park. The hugely popular pantomimes drew hundreds of people into Kings’ Park last year and three more FREE performances are planned for 2019 starting on Tuesday 30th July with The Little Mermaid, followed by Jack and the Beanstalk and the Wizard of Oz in August.
Bassetlaw District Council will be hosting the Pantos at its dedicated open air stage in Retford’s award-winning park, so get ready for colourful costumes, lots of laughs and magical musical moments throughout the school summer holidays.

Cllr Julie Leigh, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods at Bassetlaw District Council, which is responsible for hosing the free Panto in the Park season, said: “Our Panto in the Park festival was a big hit with people of all ages and we’re thrilled to announce that Talegate Theatre will be back for three more shows this summer. They are completely free to attend and visitors can take advantage of all the other attractions that are available in Kings’ Park while they are there.

James Worthington, Artistic Director at TaleGate Theatre said; “We are very excited to be working with Bassetlaw District Council to once again bring the joy of theatre to Kings’ Park. Last year proved a huge success bringing hundreds of families to enjoy the professional pantomimes and all the park has to offer. I am sure everyone will enjoy this year’s productions full of laughter, dancing, singing and summer fun!”

Kicking off with The Little Mermaid on Tuesday 30th July, audiences will be taken ‘under the sea’ for this fast paced, highly entertaining and bubbly pantomime. Follow Lenor, our mermaid princess as she finds her sea legs in search of her happily ever after. Guaranteed to make a splash!
Next up on Thursday 15th August will be a Talegate Theatre classic – Jack and the Beanstalk. Don’t miss this GIANT panto and follow our hero Jack and his Mum, Dame Trott as they climb the beanstalk to rescue Princess Jill and their Faithful cow, Daisy. Will they defeat the giant? Will they find riches and pay the rent!

And finally, on Wednesday 21st August, click your ruby heels together and join us ‘over the rainbow’ for a magical adventure with the Wizard of Oz. Follow Dorothy and her new friends along the yellow brick road as they help the wonderful Wizard of Oz defeat the Wicked Witch of the West. This is a fresh new pantomime take on the tale we all know and love and is suitable for all ages.

All the fun-filled and family-friendly Pantos are completely free to attend, will last approx. 50mins and start at 2pm. Bring chairs, blankets and even a picnic in case you get peckish.

Lancashire News, Lancs Health & Care

Domestic abuse can be happening right under our noses with victims suffering in silence or simply not knowing that they are victims.
In a world where photos are constantly posted on social media, GMP are encouraging friends, family and colleagues to look beyond the lens, the filters and the emojis to find out if the person they love and care for needs help.

Domestic abuse includes coercive and controlling behaviour, financial and emotional abuse as well as violence and can affect anybody, regardless of gender, age, race, sexuality or social background. It is not acceptable in any circumstance. Detective Superintendent Gwyn Dodd from Greater Manchester Police said: ‘We want to encourage victims, friends and family to report domestic abuse and put an end to it. We are here to help and want victims or those with concerns to know they can turn to us. Domestic abuse has potentially devastating consequences and it’s important people are aware of how to spot the signs. Trust your instincts, if something doesn’t feel right it might not be. If you can tell that they are being controlled, are in a violent relationship or are being stopped from meeting friends and family report it. We know that one in three women will be a victim of abuse in their lifetime, as will one in six men. This is a sad statistic which highlights the scale of the problem across Greater Manchester. Always dial 999 where there is a threat to someone’s life or a crime in progress. By encouraging reporting we can reduce the number of incidents of domestic abuse and save lives.’ It’s never easy to come to terms with knowing that someone is suffering. While every domestic abuse case is different, there may be telltale signs that indicate abuse is taking place.

These include:
Injuries: Bruising, cuts or injuries or walking stiffly or appears sore. These injuries may come with explanations that don’t fit with the description.
Excuses: The victim may excuse their injuries by claiming they are clumsy or gives the same explanation each time. Stress: Displays physical symptoms related to stress, other anxiety disorders or depression, such as panic attacks, feelings of isolation and an inability to cope. They may even talk about suicide attempts or self-harming.

Absent from work: Often off work, takes time off without notice or is frequently late. Personality changes: You may notice personality changes when the victim is around their partner, appears to ‘walk on eggshells’, may be jumpy or nervous. Low self-esteem: Low self-esteem or lack of confidence regarding their relationship or life in general and may seem sad, cry or be depressed. Lack of opportunity to communicate independently: Perhaps their partner talks over them, or for them. Their partner may appear controlling or regularly belittle the victim.

Self blame: May take the blame for anything that happens, whether it’s at work, with the kids or with friends. They may blame themselves for the abuse. Lack of money: Never seems to have any money because their partner is withholding money to control them. Stops socialising: Makes excuses for not going out with friends, or suddenly pulls out of social meets at the last minute. Partner displays irrational behavior: Their partner is jealous, irrational or possessive. Their partner may accuse them of having affairs, flirting or may read their emails, check their phone or constantly phone to check up on them.

Unwanted pregnancy/termination: Pregnancy often triggers the start of domestic abuse. A individual may be unhappy at being pregnant, not wish to continue with the pregnancy, or be forced into having a termination.
Substance abuse: May use alcohol or drugs to cope or even prescribed drugs such as tranquillisers or anti-depressants.

Damage to property: There may be damage to the home or even harm to pets. Unwilling to give out personal details – may not give friends and colleagues their address or telephone number and may insist that they contact you, so that you don’t turn up on their doorstep.

Honour Based Abuse (HBA) includes Forced Marriage, Honour Based Violence and Female Genital Mutilation are harmful practices which we know affects not just the most vulnerable people of society but also those who we would ordinarily believe to be empowered enough to come forward and seek help but unfortunately don’t.

The concept of dishonour exists in all walks of minority communities including Asian, African, Middle Eastern and European societies. The victim can be male or female made further vulnerable because they are a child. Other vulnerabilities can be mental health, learning difficulties or physical disabilities that the globe of perpetrators can exploit. A victim may be a UK citizen, a foreign national or a probationary spouse unable to speak English.

Report it: Call us on 101, or, if it’s an emergency, if you think someone’s life is in danger, call 999. You can also call the Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0161 636 75 25.

Nottingham News

A home tattoo parlour has become the latest outlet to achieve a five star hygiene rating after showcasing excellent standards across its studio.
Fuzzy Panda on Dovedale Road in West Bridgford has joined The Hygiene Accreditation Scheme (HAS), a voluntary initiative put in place to improve and maintain standards within premises offering tattooing, semi-permanent make-up and cosmetic body piercing treatments across the county.

Operated in a similar fashion to the National Food Hygiene Rating Scheme, businesses who sign up are visited by Rushcliffe Borough Council’s Environmental Health Officers. A score is then generated on factors such as safety and cleanliness including hand hygiene, cleaning and disinfection of the studio and the correct cleaning and sterilization of instruments.
The six-point system will then rate businesses from zero – urgent improvement required to five – excellent.

Customers can view which businesses have been inspected and rated by checking the window sticker in premises’ windows or by visiting https://bit.ly/2IcacmC. Rushcliffe Borough Council’s Executive Manager for Neighbourhoods Dave Banks presented studio owner Michaela Johnson with the window sticker that highlights their top rating.
He said: “It is great that Fuzzy Panda has achieved a five star rating, being the first home based studio in Rushcliffe to sign up to the scheme.
“Their rating will give customers further confidence and reassurance that the business operates safely and meets high standards of safety and cleanliness.

“It is of paramount importance that businesses operating in the tattoo and body-piercing industry uphold a high level of hygiene, as malpractice can cause severe illness and permanent damage to customers.
“We would like to see more businesses in Rushcliffe that offer similar services to sign up not only to give customers peace of mind but to also give themselves a commercial advantage.” Businesses participating in the scheme are required to follow rules devised using nationally recognised guidance, including the Guidance Toolkit produced by the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health.

Michaela added: “I am utterly thrilled in achieving a five star rating for my home studio. It is so important for me and my clients that my shop works to the highest of standards and it really shows that home studios are nothing to be worried about.

“Not only will this be great for the shop. It really sets a standard to others to work towards and I hope to see more people on the scheme in the near future.” The scheme is being co-ordinated by Environmental Health teams within local authorities across the county who are responsible for the registration of tattoo, body piercing and beauty treatment businesses and is carried out in addition to routine inspections.

Outlets can apply to join the scheme here https://bit.ly/2IcacmC.
An initial inspection and rating that lasts for 12 months is £120 with a re-inspection and re-rating fee of £60 available if a top rating is not secured.

Lancashire News, Lancs Health & Care

The people and organisations in the running for Community Volunteer Awards have been announced. The shortlist includes kind-hearted neighbours who look out for others, individuals who help bring people from diverse communities together, and those who go out of their way to help keep our neighbourhoods clean and smart.

The Community Volunteer Awards are a collaboration between Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council and Community CVS. They bring together the CVS’s Volunteer Awards, and the Council’s Good Neighbour Awards for the first time in 2019. Residents of Blackburn with Darwen were asked to nominate the people who they think make a positive difference to life in their local communities, as well as businesses and organisations that contribute through volunteering too.

Around 300 nominations were received for the Community Volunteer Awards. A diverse judging panel made up of people from right across the borough met to sift through them all in late April. Blackburn MP Kate Hollern joined Council Leader Councillor Mohammed Khan, Executive Councillor Phil Riley and Chief Executive Denise Park. Euro Garages, main sponsor of the Community Volunteer Awards, was represented on the judging panel by Head of Learning & Human Resources Jo Shepherd. Garth Hodgkinson, Chief Executive of Community CVS, took part in shortlisting too, alongside representatives of Blackburn College, Blackburn Rovers FC and Age UK.

In total, over 60 individuals and groups have been shortlisted across 13 categories including the Grass Roots Community Action Award, Health and Wellbeing Award, and Volunteer of the Year. To see who’s shortlisted in all 13 categories visit http://www.communitycvs.org.uk/volunteer/volunteer-awards/. Denise Park, Chief Executive of Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council, was on the shortlisting panel. She said:

“Going through the nominations for the Community Volunteer Awards was such an uplifting experience! It highlighted just how many good souls we have across the Blackburn with Darwen community, and the good work that happens to make our borough one that offers support to those that need it. Volunteering is an incredibly rewarding activity, and it’s right that we recognise those people of all ages who give their time, energy and expertise freely to make our borough a better place.”

The winners of the 2019 Community Volunteer Awards will be revealed at a special awards evening in King George’s Hall on Monday 10 June. All the shortlisted volunteers and organisations have been invited to attend.
Garth Hodgkinson, Chief Executive of Community CVS, added:

“Our Community Volunteer Awards event is always a highlight in our annual calendar, as we bring together volunteers from right across the borough. It’s a true celebration of all that they achieve through their volunteering, from the good neighbours who perhaps don’t see the help they give to others as volunteering, to the Blackburn with Darwen businesses that encourage their staff to give their time to a good cause.”

Lancashire News

A derelict piece of land at the edge of Holt House playing fields in Colne is being transformed into a pocket park. Kieron Roberts, Pendle Council’s Green Spaces Manager said: “We’re one of almost 200 places in the country to win government funding to create a fantastic new green space for our community.”

Pendle Council teamed up with Colne and Nelson Rugby Club to make the successful bid and won £23,500 towards the project. The national initiative aims to create green spaces near to towns for local people to enjoy for relaxation, exercise, play and socialising. Pocket parks are designed to play a part in tackling health issues such as obesity and social isolation by bringing people in the community together to learn new skills and enjoy physical activities.

Pendle Council has invested £5,000 into the project which is called the Holt House Activity Garden. Chris Buck, Chairman of Colne and Nelson Rugby Club said: “We’ve been pleased to get involved in this new park which is next to our rugby pitches. “The rugby club has donated £500 to this worthwhile project which encourages people to get active and enjoy quality time near to home. “We are hoping to install more pieces of trim trail equipment around the larger playing field in the future,” he added.
Pendle’s Environmental Action Group is helping to prepare the site and the pocket park should be finished in July.

Kieron said: “It’s a small site but will have a big impact. “It’s on two levels and we’ve worked with Pendle Leisure Trust to include specialist low mobility fitness equipment for a green gym and fitness trail which will have ten pieces of equipment to suit all ages and levels of ability. “Pendle Leisure Trust will use the new pocket park for some of the fitness sessions they run for those with mobility problems, including GP referrals to help people recovering from injuries or illness,” he explained. Raised beds for growing vegetables and herbs will be an important community aspect to the park, too.

Pendle’s Goodlife Project will teach local people growing skills and will help with ongoing weeding and maintenance. Plans for the pocket park also include a wildflower meadow and colourful flower garden with decorative shrubs and hedging to complete the design.

Some local residents at the new housing development Campion Green next to the site are part of a new volunteer group which will run volunteer days to look after the park. Keith Turbitt for Campion Green Residents group said: “As well as being a space where people can relax and enjoy some quiet time or a chat with their neighbours, we’ll be encouraging people to take an active part in their park. “And I’m sure it will soon be enjoyed by people who use Holt House playing fields and Alkincoats Park too,” he added.

Nottingham News

• The deal will support 3,000 new homes and 100,000 square metres of employment space
• The site in Rushcliffe, Nottinghamshire has a gross development value of £825million
• The deal sees Homes England working as Master Developer alongside CWC
The government’s housing accelerator has today announced a deal unlocking 3,000 homes in Rushcliffe, Nottinghamshire, to support the delivery of much needed new housing in the area. Homes England has acquired 250 acres of the 650 acre site, known as Fairham, and will support all aspects of the delivery to accelerate the creation of a high quality and diverse community.

The acquisition will see Homes England working with other land owners, CWC and local authority Rushcliffe Borough Council, on a project that will deliver 3,000 homes and 100,000 square metres of employment space – equivalent to more than a dozen football pitches – over the next ten years.
The site has been secured through the Government’s £1.3 billion Land Assembly Fund, which is used to acquire land needing work to get it ready for the market, and Homes England will accelerate the delivery of the scheme by providing infrastructure loan funding to CWC. Minister of State for Housing, Kit Malthouse MP, said: “This Government is on an urgent mission to deliver 300,000 new homes a year by the mid-2020s, helping a new generation to realise the dream of home ownership.

“Our £1.3 billion Land Assembly Fund is supporting more than 3,000 new homes in Rushcliffe but it is also about building a community, with new space for culture and commerce – as we create a place the people of Nottinghamshire can be proud of.” Executive Director for Land Stephen Kinsella said: “Homes England is committed to working creatively with local authorities that have clear growth ambitions and we have worked closely with Rushcliffe Borough Council to ensure this site is unlocked to deliver new homes in an area of high affordability. Our acquisition of this land is an example of how Homes England can provide more certainty for the delivery of infrastructure and will accelerate overall development. Homes England and CWC will work jointly as Master Developers to deliver the primary infrastructure to create a high quality sustainable urban extension.”

Rushcliffe Borough Council’s Executive Manager for Communities Dave Mitchell said: ”Rushcliffe has been working hard to deliver its local plan which commits to building 13,150 new homes by 2028. Delivery of the Fairham site is essential to our ability to maintain the momentum required, whilst is it is also a strategically important site locally, regionally and nationally for Nottinghamshire County Council, Nottingham City Council and ourselves.

“We will now look forward and remain committed to working closely with Homes England and CWC to ensure the delivery of a high quality scheme that continues to enhance the attractiveness Rushcliffe as a great place to live and work.”

Robert Hepwood, Land and Planning Director at the CWC Group, said: “Our priorities are first and foremost around delivering an exemplar development that will enhance the region and locality, as well as being of the very highest quality and sustainability. With this new investment from Homes England we can move forward more quickly with infrastructure and preparatory work across the site, readying Fairham for its first homes and commercial buildings in 2020.”

Lancashire News

A focal point for the community in Gorton has been given a new lease of life thanks to a five-figure restoration project. For nearly 40 years the Gorton Community Centre has grown to become a lynchpin for East Manchester Residents.

Supporting pensioners to new mums, the staff of the centre have been able to help generations of Mancunians from the cradle to their twilight years. A community grocer has also been established at the centre, providing cheap and healthy food to residents for a fraction of the retail price. But after four decades the centre had declined into a state of disrepair and ran the risk of no longer being fit for purpose. However, as a result of its partnership work with Manchester City Council and its commitment to corporate social responsibility, construction giant Kier were able to step in to help the community centre.

During April they carried out a full, and completely free refurbishment of the centre which would have ordinarily cost more than £10,000.
On April 12 after a hectic week the keys were handed back over to the centre’s management, who were ready to get back into the busy day-to-day business of running a vibrant community hub.

Councillor Nigel Murphy, Deputy Leader of Manchester City Council said: “Strong communities contribute to a stronger Manchester and places such as the Gorton Community Centre are where life long bonds of friendship and solidarity are made.

“Over the decades Manchester has changed immeasurably but one thing which has remained constant is the spirit of its residents. The work which goes on at the community centre whether it is classes for our older citizens, drop in sessions for new mums, or even somewhere to have a cup of tea and a chat is so important in building a sense of pride in the community.
“It would be fair to say that over the decades the Gorton Community Centre had seen better days. But, thanks to the time, money and effort of Kier the centre is now fit for the 21st century and a place all residents can be proud of.

“Corporate Social Responsibility is something Manchester City Council takes very seriously, and we are pleased that Kier have been an enthusiastic partner throughout this project. As well as covering the costs of this refurbishment, apprentices have also been taken on by Kier to help them develop, and learn core skills needed for future employment.”

Kier’s Regional Director Garry Bowker said: “We’re a Manchester-based company and as a result of that, we like to get involved in community projects. Social value is big on our agenda. We’ve made a commitment to support the local community in Gorton and it’s nice to see everybody here today. It’s clearly a very well used centre and long may it continue.”

Nottingham News

We’re appealing for motorists visiting Rutland Water to park sensibly and considerately ahead of the second May bank holiday weekend. The Council recently started trialling new measures to reduce verge side parking around Rutland Water in response to concerns about road safety and environmental damage. Parking on footways, cycle tracks and verges can cause road safety issues and obstruct emergency access, as well as harming plants and wildlife in environmentally sensitive areas.

As part of a trial developed with the Rutland Water Partnership, parking on footways, cycle paths and verges is now banned within a designated zone around Rutland Water. The zone is signposted at entry and exit points and monitored by civil enforcement officers during busy periods, including weekends and bank holidays.

The trial will be reviewed after a maximum of 18 months to consider its impact and assess whether the new measures have been successful.
“Lots of drivers will have spotted the temporary signs that mark out the designated Rutland Water Area. Our parking officers have also been out talking to motorists about the new measures and why they’ve been introduced. The restrictions we’re trialling have been developed with the Rutland Water Partnership and representatives from local Parish Councils. Together, we want to encourage sensible parking, reduce the number of cars blocking paths and access routes at busy times, and make sure the reservoir remains a safe and enjoyable place to visit, for everyone.”

Lucy Stephenson, Cabinet Member for Highways
The Rutland Water Partnership is a collaborative group comprising agencies, companies and individuals with a particular interest in the Rutland Water environment.

For more information, please see our Parking page https://www.rutland.gov.uk/my-community/parking/ or contact: parkingmanagement@rutland.gov.uk.

Lancashire News

Two local construction companies have been highly commended at the LABC Building Excellence Awards for a building project in Wyre.
The commendations were awarded to K Wood Builders and R English Joinery and Construction Limited, for the best individual new home category. LABC (Local Authority Building Control) represents all local authority building control teams in England and Wales. The awards are open to projects where the building control work has been carried out by a local authority building control team. Both companies used Wyre Council’s Building Control team for a development on Breck Road in Poulton.

Kirk Wood, owner of K Wood Builders comments, “Receiving the Highly Commended award for Best Individual New Home at the LABC Awards came as quite the surprise. In this highly competitive industry, to be recognised was a real thrill and meant a great deal to us.

“We have always found working alongside Wyre Council building control straightforward and extremely beneficial. They’ve always been there to offer help and advice, both over the phone and on site. We very much look forward to working with them on future projects.”

Maria Blundy, Head of Built Environment at Wyre Council comments, “The LABC awards are different to many other awards in the construction industry. They are not all about looks and design, they focus on quality and standards, although many winners including this project in Wyre incorporate both. They look at how well buildings are put together from start to finish and the skills of those who design and construct them. We are very proud of everyone involved – they are paving the way ahead for the industry.”

Wyre Council was pleased to have five shortlisted finalists this year who were carefully selected from the many schemes they have been involved with during the year. The other finalists were:

Best Extension or alteration category – Hewitt Bros Construction, WBD Architects and Clair Higginson for Dovestone Drive Poulton. Best individual new home category Elite Joinery services and Carter-Zub Building Consultancy Ltd for a new dwelling Little Poulton Lane. Best small housing development category- GST Developments for Hillberry close Thornton Cleveleys.

LABC residential construction professional of the year, Chris Johnston, Redrow Homes Lancashire. Wyre Council building control is a publicly accountable and independent service. The team works with builders across the borough to ensure projects meet building regulations standards, providing pre-application advice through to a comprehensive on-site service. To find out more visit www.wyre.gov.uk/buildingcontrol or call 01253 887251.

Nottingham News

A Council tenant has been banned from entering his flat for a period of three months following years of disruptive behaviour and suspected drug dealing. The Council secured a three-month Closure Order at Mansfield Magistrates Court on 10th April 2019, which means that no one can enter the property at 18 Redforde Park Avenue in Retford, including the tenant, Lee Charles.

The 46-year-old is suspected of dealing drugs from the property due to the high number of people that frequently visited the flat, sometimes several times a day and often for just a short period, in addition to drug paraphernalia being found in and around the flat. The Closure Order follows years of anti-social behaviour that included noise and shouting, which disturbed fellow residents of the block of flats and had a detrimental impact upon their health.

The Council obtained a Suspended Possession Order in December 2017 in an attempt to force Mr Charles to comply with the terms of his Tenancy Agreement. However, following a lull in activity between December 2017 and May 2018, activity at the flat increased again and the ASB returned to previous levels. Alan Heppenstall, ASB Team Leader at Bassetlaw District Council, said: “The Council’s ASB Team has worked in partnership with Nottinghamshire Police, our Housing Team and local residents to secure this Closure Order. It means that after a prolonged period of unsettling behaviour, Lee Charles and his associates will not be able to return to the address for a period of at least three months.

“We’d like to thank residents for their patience and assistance while this matter was investigated and brought to a successful conclusion. The evidence and information they provided was invaluable and allowed us to make this successful application.”

Alison Craig, Head of Housing at Bassetlaw District Council, added: “Preventing someone from entering their home is a last resort before taking possession of the property. However, the Council felt that it has exhausted all other ways of forcing Charles to change his behaviour and an application for a Closure Order was the only option left available.
I hope that the residents of Redforde Park Avenue are now able to enjoy a normal and peaceful life.”

PC Nathan Thomas, from Retford Neighbourhood Policing Team, added: “It’s vital that Nottinghamshire Police work in partnership with Bassetlaw Council and local residents to obtain Closure Orders like this one.
There have been long-standing issues regarding this property and its tenant Lee Charles. We’re pleased at the court’s decision to impose the Closure Notice and take action against those who commit anti-social behaviour in Retford.”