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Nottingham News

This month’s aerial photo shows St Mary’s Church in the Lace Market. It is the oldest church in Nottingham. The church is mentioned in the Domesday Book and is believed to go back deep into Saxon times. The main part of the present building dates from 1377. The photo was taken by Robin Macey who is a member of Nottingham & Derby Hot Air Balloon Club. The club is currently looking to expand. Members take turns being on the chase crew as well as flying in the basket. For further details about how to get involved phone 0115-8541028 or visit www.facebook.com/ndhabc.

Lancashire News

A company with properties in Padiham has become the latest to be recognised for its professional approach to looking after its houses and tenants. A representative from Premier Property Management was presented with an accreditation certificate to mark its successful application to Burnley Council’s good landlord and agent scheme (GLAS).
Through property inspections and an audit of its management procedures, Premier, which is based in Barnoldswick, showed it has a professional approach and the necessary skills and knowledge to successfully manage private rented properties.

The accreditation certificate was presented to Vicki Turner from Premier by Councillor Ivor Emo, the council’s executive member for housing and leisure. Vicki said: “As a small family owned and run business I was delighted to gain this accreditation from GLAS. It shows that working with good landlords and trades to maintain and look after properties is key.
“We have found that the properties we manage in the selective licensing areas have benefited from the scheme greatly, with the areas improving all the time.”

The latest presentation brings the total number of managing agents accredited to the new code of practice to 15. The others are:
Belvoir Lettings (Burnley)
RPC (Rehman Property Consultancy)
Sycamore Letting Company Ltd (Accrington)
The Bee Hive
Falcon & Foxglove
Eafield & Maple (Lettings) Ltd
IMC (North West)
Kes Properties Limited
Petty estate agents
Jon Simon estate agents
2Let Burnley
Keenans Letting Agents
Etherington Property Management
Discover Property Management

Coun. Emo said: “I am delighted to see yet another property company become part of our Good Landlord Accreditation Scheme. The council has always been more than happy to work with good landlords and to recognise the hard work they put in.”

Accreditation schemes first started in the 1990s, particularly in the student sector, to recognise good landlords who meet a set code of practice.
The council has been administrating an accreditation scheme in Burnley since 2001, attracting many landlords and managing agents. In 2016 the council launched a new code of practice to reflect changes in both legislation and best practice that are affecting the private rented sector.
The scheme recognises both good landlords and good managing agents and, helps to raise property conditions and property management standards throughout the borough.

The house condition standards within the new code go above and beyond the legal requirements of the current national standard and aim to ensure that tenants live in a safe and comfortable home that is well managed. For those landlords who reach the higher standard within the new code the gold accreditation award will be granted.

Many managing agents are unregulated and some are not members of a professional body. If landlords are selecting a managing agent in the borough we would always encourage them to ensure they are members of GLAS.

As a landlord you can also become accredited. For an application form and copy of the code of practice please email GLAS@burnley.gov.uk.
Amongst some of the benefits are free development days, access to empty homes loans, free property marketing on the council’s website and up to date information on new legislation, initiatives or policies affecting the private rented sector.

Nottingham News, Notts Health & Care

Kirkby in Ashfield’s Ada Lovelace House will be one of over fifty buildings across the UK lit up to mark Blood Cancer Awareness Month. Famous buildings across the UK are set to light up to raise awareness of leukaemia this September. Ada Lovelace House on Urban Road will be turning red to raise awareness of leukaemia as part of the charity’s blood cancer awareness activities.

National blood cancer charity Leukaemia Care have organised the lighting of buildings across the UK to raise awareness of leukaemia, as well as its signs and symptoms, as part of their Spot Leukaemia campaign.
Leukaemia is a form of blood cancer. Blood cancer is the UK’s fifth most common cancer and the third biggest cancer killer.

Blood Cancer Awareness Month (BCAM) takes place each September and is a chance for patients, charities and healthcare professionals to raise awareness and share stories of their experience of blood cancer.
Across the country, over 50 buildings are lighting up in celebration of Leukaemia Care’s 50th anniversary as a charity. As well as shining a spotlight on leukaemia, the charity is encouraging members of the public to take its free leukaemia awareness course which will help to raise awareness of the vague symptoms of this cancer. The charity also have free fridge magnets and symptoms cards available to order.

Councillor Jason Zadrozny, Leader of Ashfield District Council, said: “We’re very proud to be supporting Leukaemia Care, a fantastic charity who do brilliant work for so many people. “I’m looking forward to seeing Ada Lovelace House lit up just outside our Council Offices in Kirkby. If our support of Blood Cancer Awareness Month can raise awareness for just one family in need then it will be worthwhile.”

Director of Patient Advocacy for the charity, Zack Pemberton-Whiteley, said, “We’re delighted that Nottinghamshire is supporting our initiative.
This is part of our ongoing efforts to ensure that people are more aware of the vague symptoms of leukaemia which can often be mistaken for other common illnesses, such as the flu. As well as enjoying the light up, we’d encourage members of the public to take our free online course which will improve their awareness of leukaemia”.

To find out more about the #SpotLeukaemia campaign and to take the free leukaemia awareness course, head to www.spotleukaemia.co.uk

Nottingham News

Rushcliffe Borough Council is seeking views on renewing its PSPO (Public Space Protection Order) which seeks to control street drinking and outdoor sleeping within West Bridgford. The authority introduced the order in 2017 to help combat the small number of incidents in public spaces in the town associated with the issues.

More information on the proposed PSPO is available at www.rushcliffe.gov.uk/pspo and all are invited to email their views to communitysafety@rushcliffe.gov.uk or in person at Rushcliffe Community Contact Centre on Rectory Road in West Bridgford.

Rushcliffe Borough Council’s Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Environment and Safety Cllr Rob Inglis said: “The Public Space Protection Order has been effective in acting as a deterrent to those street drinking or outdoor sleeping in West Bridgford. “This behaviour can be associated with begging, littering and aggressive or intimidating actions.

“Whilst there has been no significant rise in incidents over the last three years, it continues to give our partners and us a valuable tool to give extra protection to the public should incidents occur.

“In the designated area, police, police community support officers and council officers will continue to have powers to help tackle these behaviours which will help to prevent some of the associated issues.
“We continue to signpost those in need to the support services on offer to help them back on their feet, and with partners, tackle the vast majority of anti-social incidents effectively.”

The views will feed into the Council’s Communities Scrutiny Group and if agreed, the new order will be reviewed at a Full Council meeting later this year with the target date for the order being effective from March 1, 2020.

Lancashire News

Several green fingered Accrington Academy students have been visiting Dyke Nook community garden each week, where they’ve been busy collecting litter, weeding, pruning the fruit trees and planting new flowers, as part of their Duke of Edinburgh Awards.

The Council supplied the group with litter pickers, gloves and bags and picked up the litter from a designated spot afterwards. Cllr Paul Cox, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Environmental Services, congratulated the students on their hard work saying; “Dyke Nook Gardens is a lovely spot close to the Academy and we really appreciate the student’s involvement in this local project. They are yet another wonderful example of the fantastic voluntary work that goes on in the Borough by community spirited groups and individuals who give their time and energy to make their neighbourhood better for everyone. Congratulations and thanks to them all.”

Bernadette Knight, Learning support at Accrington Academy said; “The students have really enjoyed looking after a part of their community and are looking forward to continuing in the next academic year.”

Lancashire News, Lancs Sport

The EFL Board met on Tuesday 27th August and, after a long and detailed discussion, determined that Bury FC’s membership of the English Football League be withdrawn after the deadline passed at 5pm without a successful resolution. Despite repeated requests to its owner Mr Dale over a sustained period of time, the necessary evidence in respect of how the Club would meet its financial commitments, has simply not been provided and, as a result, attentions turned to securing new ownership at the Club.

At its meeting on 24 August 2019, the Board agreed a short extension to 5pm Tuesday 27 August to enable Mr Dale and the Club to explore the possibility of a proposed sale with C&N Sporting Risk Limited, with Mr Dale having accepted their offer. Following due diligence, C&N Sporting Risk Limited opted not to pursue its interest. Therefore, having fully considered all available options, including a number of late expressions of interest provided to the EFL, the EFL Board has unanimously determined with enormous regret that Bury’s membership be withdrawn.

The EFL Board had maintained that there could be no further suspensions to the fixture list and that these ongoing concerns and the integrity of the competition were a significant factor in the decision. Recent events have highlighted how decisions taken at Bury FC over the last few seasons have caused the Club and individuals close to it significant financial distress and there are a number of matters which, in our view, will require further investigation.

League One will now comprise of 23 Clubs for the remainder of the campaign and relegation places in the division reduced to three, which will result in a full complement of 24 Clubs in 2020/21. A discussion will take place with EFL Clubs on the consequential impact in League Two when Clubs next meet in September 2019.

Debbie Jevans CBE, EFL Executive Chair, said: “Today is undoubtedly one of the darkest days in the League’s recent history. The EFL has worked determinedly and tirelessly to avoid this outcome and it is with a heavy heart that this situation has been forced upon us.

“The EFL has to place the integrity of our competitions at the heart of every decision we make, and we simply cannot allow this unacceptable situation to continue or countenance the prospect of postponing further fixtures.
“I understand this will be a deeply upsetting and devastating time for Bury’s players, staff, supporters and the wider community.

There is no doubt today’s news will be felt across the entire football family.
“No one wanted to be in this position but following repeated missed deadlines, the suspension of five League fixtures, in addition to not receiving the evidence we required in regard to financial commitments and a possible takeover not materialising; the EFL Board has been forced to take the most difficult of decisions.”

Lancashire News, Lancs Sport

Following the news that the Bolton Wanderers takeover has been completed, the EFL has released the following statement.
Debbie Jevans CBE, Executive Chair, said:

“On behalf of the EFL Board, I am pleased that the administrators appointed in respect of Bolton Wanderers Football Club have today concluded the transfer of assets with Football Ventures to place the Club under new ownership and out of administration.

“Having worked closely with the administrators since their appointment in May, the EFL has been focused on working through this difficult and complex period of uncertainty with all parties. “Following the completion of the sale, the Club is no longer in administration and the notice of withdrawal issued as per the EFL’s insolvency policy has been cancelled.
“These past few months have undoubtedly been challenging and, at times fraught – never more so in the past few days – and I would like to thank all parties for their efforts in achieving the desired outcome.

“I would also like to place on record my grateful appreciation and thanks to the players, former and present management, staff and supporters for their patience and understanding in allowing us to get to this point. “Everyone at the EFL is now looking forward to working with the new ownership during the 2019/20 campaign and beyond.”

Lancashire News

Burnley Council has bought two electric bikes for its parks staff to use as part of its commitment to help protect the environment. The e-bikes will be used to allow staff to travel from site to site as well as being able to access the local parks to carry out their general duties. Councillor Ivor Emo, the council’s executive member housing and leisure, said: “The electric bikes are an ideal way for staff to get about. They’re quiet, so they don’t spoil the peace and tranquility of the parks; they’re practical because they can get to areas bigger vehicles can access; and they help cut down on pollution and help promote a healthier, more environmentally-friendly approach.

“The council is committed to cutting its carbon footprint and these e-bikes make a contribution towards that; they’re definitely the way ahead. “The electric motors make life easier for staff and means they can get around faster and cover a much larger area than if they were on foot. It also means they can easily stop and interact with other park users.” The e-bikes were purchased from local company OnYerBike.

The bikes were officially handed over at Thompson Park which hosts regular cycling events in and around the park organised by Burnley Leisure.

Lancashire News

A group of young people who are taking part in the Youth Ambassador programme have begun to plan their next steps – planning two community events that will support young people at risk of getting involved in crime.
The young people, aged 12 to 16 years, started to shape their plans for the event during a three night residential at Kentmere Residential Centre.
11 young people spent three days away from home, developing their skills in teamwork, communication, decision making and problem solving. They also got the chance to try outdoor activities such as kayaking and orienteering – for the first time for some.

Cole who is taking part in the project said:
The project has helped me build confidence in talking to new people and have a better understanding of other cultures. The residential was great fun and we can’t wait to deliver our social action plan.

Since June the youngsters have been meeting weekly, taking part in Youth Ambassador sessions at Blackburn Youth Zone. Part of the Our Community, Our Future social integration programme, these sessions have brought young people from different parts of the borough together to explore topics around identity and culture and to develop new skills.

Dean Edwards from Blackburn Youth Zone commented:
The residential gave these young people a fantastic opportunity to develop their independence. They were brilliant at supporting one another and did a great job of developing their own rota for roles and responsibilities for the trip and really bonded as a team. It was really encouraging to see them work together on their idea for a social action project – they’ve got bags of enthusiasm! We’ll support them to develop their plan over the next few weeks, involving those Youth Ambassadors who weren’t able to attend the residential too. More young people in the borough have the chance to get involved in the Youth Ambassadors programme – the next two groups start on Thursday 26 September at Blackburn Youth Zone and Saturday 5 October at Blackburn Rovers Community Trust. Open to all 12 to 16 year olds in Blackburn with Darwen, the Youth Ambassador programme aims to provide young people with the opportunity and skills to make a difference in their community by working with others on local projects. To find out more about Youth Ambassadors, email enquiries@blackburnyz.org or call 01254 292000.

Youth Ambassadors is delivered by a broad range of partners from across the borough bringing together a range of skills, knowledge and expertise: Blackburn Youth Zone, Blackburn Rovers Community Trust, BwD Young People’s Services, Healthy Living, IMO, One Voice Blackburn and Child Action North West.

Nottingham News, Notts Sport

Nottingham Forest produced a solid start to the new season under Sabri Lamouchi, prompting a lot of love for the Frenchman from the club’s supporters. When the head coach was officially unveiled, just 19 minutes after the departure of Martin O’Neill, many fans, including myself, uttered the words “who’s he?”

Social media endured its usual meltdown as the ITK’s (In the know) frantically scrambled to google the relatively unknown 47-year-old. His playing career was impressive to say the least, having starred for the likes of Monaco, Inter Milan, Marseille and Parma. However, regarding the coaching side of things, Lamouchi has limited experience.

Since landing the Forest job in late June he’s had a baptism of fire as far as fixtures are concerned. The likes of West Bromwich Albion, Fulham and Leeds United are all well fancied to feature within the Championship’s top six come season’s end. Not only that, the enormity of the squad was enough to boggle the mind of a veteran, never mind a guy that’s only been around for eight weeks.

But Sabri Lamouchi has wasted no time in enforcing his system of choice and his players of preference to facilitate it going forward. His decision play with a solitary holding midfielder as opposed to a pairing, favoured by previous managers at the club, is already paying dividends further up the field of play.

The fact that Forest have scored eight league goals in five matches would suggest that Sabri is not content to negate and stifle the opposition in the pursuit of safety. Fear not, before I get carried away and announce imminent promotion to the Premier League, it’s a good time to remind one’s self that Stuart Pearce had the Reds top of the Championship approaching October of 2014. In my opinion, it’s better to be in the hunt and have something to aim for at such an early juncture in the season. When you’re at the top there’s only one way to go!

Luck has played a part in the achievement of the impressive results thus far it must be said, even the most biased Forest fan will admit that we could and should have been three goals down before snatching a point at Leeds. And Charlton too, at times it looked like a training exercise of defence versus attack. But, to Lamouchi’s credit he addressed the situation in both of those matches by utilising his subs bench and tweaking the formation. The man clearly has a plan B. As for luck, every successful team in history has received it on the route to glory. Cast your minds back to the European Cup semi final of 1979, had Cologne’s Roger Van Gool scored and not hit the post when his side were already two nil to the good at the City Ground, the Forest badge may never have sported a solitary star, let alone two.

Going forward, I’ve seen enough to suggest that the former Rennes coach has enough about him to keep Nottingham Forest in the promotion hunt, and perhaps more importantly, to still be in charge by the end of the season. There is plenty of work to do and his preferred starting eleven is not yet nailed down, but the framework looks good. For the first time in years the team have a bit of midfield muscle in the form of Bostock, Semedo and Samba Sow; finally casting off the tag as Championship lightweights.
Throw into the mix a certain Joao Carvalho and you can certainly see room for improvement. Even the record signing now has competition for his place in the form of Tiago Silva which indicates another facet that has eluded the club in recent years, strength in depth.

All over the park, except for strikers, Nottingham Forest have two decent players fighting for just the one shirt. This will be key to the long season ahead in league and cup competitions.

I’ve often said that winning over the Forest fans is one of the toughest gigs in football, but it seems as though they’ve really taken to Lamouchi. In reference to the idiosyncratic chant of “What is love? Sabri Lamouchi, j’adore,” bellowing from the terraces, it couldn’t be more apt at this moment in time. (written prior to the NFFC v PNE game)