Richard addressing and questioning the Chief Constable of Nottinghamshire about various matters of interest to residents
I am here to help you
As your county councillor and one of your borough councillors, I get involved with lots of meetings and events involving our area, but also deal with resident and constituent queries and case loads. I like to and need to know what people think and want councils to try to do.
I am here to listen and represent your views, so please let me know if you have any queries. You can email or call (0115) 989 2504 or mobile 07799 860179. I have lived in Cotgrave since 1990 and grew up in Rushcliffe. We live in a great part of the county and country - a special mix of rural life but with good access to towns and cities such as West Bridgford, Nottingham, Leicester, Newark and beyond. This is especially so now thanks to the long awaited dualing of the A46, which many of us campaigned for many years. And it is fantastic that the A453 is now a dual carriageway thanks in no small part to a £20m kick start investment from Nottinghamshire County council - a policy that my colleagues and I were responsible for when we ran the council from 2009-2013. I was also proud to oversee the naming of the road to Remembrance Way, responding to a public campaign. I am here to help and advise residents and do my best to ensure that needs and enquiries are dealt with speedily and as well as possible. I regularly attend meetings of the various parish councils, and am easily contactable by email and telephone. Small grants for community groups
Despite the well publicised financial challenges that councils are having to deal with, I still have access to a Councillor Community Support fund. This is used to help groups and societies to carry out their activities. In recent months I have been pleased to help, amongst others: Cotgrave & South Notts Arts Club, Friends of Cotgrave Country Park, Cotgrave & District U3A, Little Kites Playgroup, Cotgrave Colts, Cotgrave Welfare schools pantomime, Cotgrave C of E primary school, Cotgrave Candleby Lane school, Cotgrave youth club, Cotgrave bowls club, Cropwell Bishop primary school, Cropwell Bishop youth club, Cropwell Bishop bridge club, Langar C of E primary school, Robin Hood Cadets and other groups and individuals. In 2009, I became the county council's Cabinet Member for Environment & Sustainability, and from May 2012, when the council returned to the committee system, chairman of the Environmental & Sustainability committee. I had county-wide interest and responsibility for council's policies and procedures in connection with the environment portfolio. This included matters such as household waste disposal, minerals and waste strategies, energy matters, strategic planning and the very popular Local Improvement Scheme (LIS). As someone who is Nottinghamshire born and bred, I feel honoured to carry these roles out.
Unfortunately my party lost control of the council in 2013 so I am now opposition spokesman for Environment & Sustainability. I continue to do my best for my constituents. I am still a governor at Candleby Lane school, having previously been chairman of the old infant school governing body and was very much involved with the plans for CCLS, and work closely with other schools in the patch and our parish councils. Crime advice
Cotgrave and area now see very low levels of reported crime. However, we mustn't and won't become complacent. It is very important that any issues of crime or antisocial behaviour is reported. I know that sometimes, you might think there is little point, but it if crime isn't reported, then it's not officially known about. There are two main ways of reporting non-urgent issues - call 101, or if you wish to remain completely anonymous, use Crime Stoppers website or phone 0800 555111. 11th March 2015
A special start to today where I had the honour of announcing live on BBC Radio Nottingham then on East Midlands Today, Central News and Notts TV that following the recent campaign, the new A453 will also be called Remembrance Way. This follows the suggestion made by families of servicemen who pointed out that 453 armed forces lives were lost in Afghanistan, and that it would be fitting to remember them as we look ahead with the new A453. 
Reading to classes at Candleby Lane School.
All these different councils - what do they do?
People sometimes ask, very understandably, about the differences between the various councils who serve us. It can sometimes get a bit confusing, even for those of us who are involved! Cotgrave has three different councils; Nottinghamshire County Council, which as its name says, is the county council for the whole of Nottinghamshire, also known as "top tier" in local government; Rushcliffe Borough Council, which is a district or "second tier", and Cotgrave Town Council, which is a parish council, or "third tier". Most villages in our area also have parish councils. E.g. Cropwell Bishop, Langar & Barnstone, Cropwell Butler, Colston Bassett They all have different roles and responsibilities. County councils are responsible for services across the whole of a county, including education, transport, planning, public safety, adult health and social care, libraries, waste management, trading standards, country parks. Borough/district councils - rubbish collection, recycling, council tax collections (on behalf of all the councils) housing, planning applications and local plans, environmental health, leisure, dog wardens. Parish/town - allotments, community parks/play areas, grants to help local organisations, consultation on neighbourhood planning, street litter/dog mess clearing. There is also some crossover at times on a local level and, crucially, it is important that all the councils work well together to provide information and service to residents. You can find out more at the national "Gov" website - https://www.gov.uk/understand-how-your-council-works/types-of-council 
Rushcliffe Borough Council is responsible for planning & development control, food safety and environmental health, alcohol & premise /event licensing, taxi licensing, waste and rubbish collection, street sweeping/cleaning
Nottinghamshire County Council is responsible for services including: children & young peoples' services (schools and care and youth clubs), adult health and social care, transport and highways, community safety/trading standards, emergency planning, environmental matters, leisure and tourism including country parks, waste disposal including recycling centres
The roads...
As I write, the sun is shining, the sky is blue and temperature warm. Can't see it lasting! It's only a week or two since we had very heavy rain, and we were all affected one way or another. Prior to that was the snow - something we are not really used to. Also affected were the roads, and it is a constant battle to get repairs/potholes sorted out. The state of the roads is the main complaint and comment that I receive, and I share everyone's thoughts about them. It's a county and indeed country wide issue. Basically over the years, not enough investment has been put into maintaining the roads, especially this part of the county, and now many are literally falling apart. Most local roads here are maintained by or the responsibility of Nottinghamshire County Council, and I am regularly pursuing them for our area. As we all know, money is tight, but fortunately my colleagues and I agreed and approved an extra £20 million pounds for pothole repairs around the county, at this year's Budget. This is on top of the £100 million or so roads budget. It's a shame that the Labour party didn't support this, especially as for the last 38 years or so (apart from a brief four years between 2009-2013) they ran the county council, managed to increase the council tax by over double in just nine years, yet plainly didn't spend wisely enough on roads maintenance. But plans are in place now to try to get on top of the situation. We can all play out part by reporting potholes very quickly on the online system. I do this a lot and would encourage you to report any holes - don't worry if you think they have already been reported - best to report more than once than not at all. Click here to report online. 23rd November 2017
Very good report/article in the Nottingham Post today, all about Cotgrave. (Anyone would think that I had written it!) It describes very well just what we have and will be getting. 
22nd January 2018
I was very pleased to join with other representatives of the organisations who are investing in and taking action to improve Cotgrave Centre with the new multi service building (Rushcliffe Borough Council, Nottinghamshire Police, The Belvoir Health Group and Nottinghamshire County Council) at the site of the new MSC which is now well under construction. The Nottingham Post reported it here. This also links in with the 15 new commercial units that have just been built at Colliers Way - here's an Evening Post report about those. Flytipping - only in this country?
It annoys all decent people... Whether it's an old fridge, mattress, rubble, general household waste etc. But sadly and annoyingly, it looks as if it is increasing. There could be various reasons for this, including the rather bizarre and unhelpful need to have to register your details to use the local tip (West Bridgford) and in the good old days, Langar, until that was closed a year or two ago. But also I'm afraid there are some people who even if there was a tip next door, are still minded to dump waste for someone else to clear up. And who clears it up? Well in our area it's Rushcliffe Borough and their Streetwise service. I've just reported a few cases of tipping via their website which anyone can do. Once Streetwise receive the details, they are usually pretty prompt at clearing the mess up. If you see any flytipping, please report it via the website. Don't worry if you think someone else may already have done so. Or you can always let me know if you prefer, 
3rd July
Interesting article in the Nottingham Post about the new business units above the refurbished shops in Cotgrave. I 
21st March
Another new interactive speed sign Many of my correspondence and residents express concerns about speeding traffic at various points, which is something I also worry about. Over the years I have managed to get interactive speed signs installed. These are useful in that they remind drivers that they should watch their speed - speed limits are there for safety reasons. The latest one has just been installed, this time on Hollygate Lane. I am very pleased that we have got this at last, and I continue to lobby for more in other areas that we are all familiar with. Talking of speeding and bad road behaviour, I have been talking with the Police about how to deal with the small but annoying group of antisocial motorbike riders - usually you can hear them before you see them. They often ride their illegal/unlicensed bikes on the public roads showing no respect for other motorists or people whose peace they disturb. These all need to be reported, to help bring resources in to blitz them. If you see any such bikes/quad bikes being ridden and used in such ways, please report them to 101. It all helps to add to behind the scenes evidence that is being gathered. 
28th May
Look how well the refurbishment and regeneration of the shops is coming along! I took this photo this evening and it shows the new entrance and staircase that will lead to the first floor offices/business units. Next door the new multiservice building - new health centre, new library, new police station and Rushcliffe Borough Council contact point,is rapidly taking shape. This is all happening, all this work and investment, in Cotgrave - now! |
Latest news and information
Community Coronavirus Testing Centre in Cotgrave on Wednesdays and Saturdays
A mobile testing unit will be in Cotgrave next to the Cotgrave Hub, every Wednesday and Saturday from 10am to 5.30pm. This is open to everyone and we are all advised to get tested for Coronavirus. One in three people do not show any symptoms. Rushcliffe Borough Council has arranged for this facility, which is the only one in Rushcliffe. I was pleased to welcome the arrival of the unit, which will be there for all residents of Cotgrave and nearby villages. Please remember that although the vaccine programme is going well, we must all still maintain social distancing and follow the Hands, Face, Space rules. Nottinghamshire Gigabit Gigabit Broadband Voucher Scheme
Nottinghamshire County Council have created a broadband ‘top-up voucher’ in conjunction with the Department for Digital, Media, Culture & Sport (DCMS) to help deliver digital connectivity to the hardest-to-reach areas of the county. This top-up will be delivered through the Government’s Gigabit Broadband Voucher Scheme in the form of a top-up to the existing rural gigabit voucher, and will double the quantities available under the existing scheme. Nottinghamshire small and medium sized businesses will be able to claim up to £3,500 of additional funding and Nottinghamshire residents will be able to claim up to £1,500 of additional funding. This means that rural businesses will have up to £7,000 available and rural premises will have up to £3,000 available to assist in delivering digital connectivity. Find out if you or your business could benefit by visiting the county council website 
We helped love Cotgrave!
My colleagues Leo Healy and Christine Jeffreys joined lots of volunteers along with staff from Rushcliffe Borough Council, Nottinghamshire County Council, Streetwise, Cotgrave Town Council and Metropolitan Trent Valley Housing to litter pick, sweep up, de-weed, re-plant and ensure gardens, verges,street signs and bus stops are up to scratch. This was an excellent job and project - the first time it has been done. If you looked out of your windows you will have seen loads of us all over the place in our reflective jackets. Fortunately the rain held off until just as we were finishing off! 
COTGRAVE'S BRAND NEW PLAYPARK OPEN!
What a fantastic day today (12th October) The weather was good and hundreds of Cotgrave residents - young and old - attended the opening of the brand new state of the art play park. This park has been provided by partnership work between Cotgrave Town Council, Rushcliffe Borough Council, Nottinghamshire County Council and FCC Commmunities Foundation (formerly WREN community project grants) It's all part of Cotgrave's "Lick of paint" regeneration work. Here are a few photos from today. The park is now "owned" by residents and young people in particular - so I hope, and am sure, that everyone will take a pride in it all. Fantastic Sunday Funday took place in Cotgrave on 8th September
What a great few hours at the new Cotgrave Centre today! Loads of people and families visited the various stalls and displays at Rushcliffe Borough Council's Sunday Funday. So many poeple were amazed at how wonderful the new shopping area is coming along - and it's not even finished yet! It was a real bonus that the sun shone down and everything looked fab. Let's hope that this is a sign to come. As I have said before, it's not at all bad for a "lick of paint" (Reference to the other side who really can't accept the good work and investment going on in Cotgrave) Well done everyone! 
26th August
Don't forget to walk or cycle along the Cotgrave to Radcliffe Green Route! This (the old minerals railway line) was opened up as a multi use path earlier this year, and it makes a truly wonderful walk, well away from traffic. You can access it from within the Cotgrave Country Park - which is somewhere else that is just lovely to visit, walk and relax in. I was very pleased to arrange the "recycling" of the old benches from the precinct to installed in the country park. Why not see if you can find them?! 
25th July
Demolition of old shops started Further investment in Cotgrave The much anticipated demolition of the old shops has started. As previously reported this is all part of the multimillion pounds being invested in Cotgrave. They will be replaced by brand new units in the new year. 
New 33 bus service proving popular, but please continue to use it and spread the word.
CT4N is the bus company running it, and they have published the timetable and fares details. This new bus comes into Cotgrave via Hollygate Park, then round Ringleas onto Owthorpe Road (yay!) then off to Tollerton, West Bridgford and Nottingham. 2nd May
Despite it being local election polling day today, I spent some time this afternoon at Ashlea School to watch their wonderful "School of Rock" production. Watching the achievements of these young people is truly inspiring and humbling, and makes you realise that some of the political nonsense that is around at the moment, should be put into perspective. 11th April
Nottingham Post article about the new Green Route. It really is a great place to walk/cycle/horse ride - on our doorstep!! 
9th April
Wonderful attendance and experience at opening of the Cotgrave to Radcliffe Green Route I have just been at the official opening of the wonderful multiuser green route (as detailed below). The Chairman of Nottinghamshire County Council cut the ribbon, along with the Leader of the county council. It was great that lots of users on foot, bicycles and a horse all came too! There will be reports on tonight's local TV news on BBC, Central and Notts TV. This is another great facility for Cotgrave and area. An investment of some £250,000. 20th March
Buses coming back for Owthorpe Road; new service for Hollygate Park and enhanced new "822" turns into the "33".For the last few weeks, since news of the 822’s demise came through, transport planners at Nottinghamshire County Council have been working to find a solution/alternative service. I have been working with my colleague Councillor John Cottee, who chairs the relevant committee at the county council, and we have stressed how important the route is, partly as an alternate choice to the Cotgrave Connection for Cotgrave residents, but also for the village communities along the route. I am pleased to say that we are a major step forward and as well as finding a replacement for the 822, we are using it as a chance to make further much needed improvements for residents. What we now know as the 822 will become the 33. A new provider has come to the table (Nottingham Community Transport) who operate similar services in the county including the QMC Medilink and Park & Ride services. They are going to take on part of the current 822 route and enhance it so that it travels into and out of Nottingham (this is a weakness of most of the current 822 timings). Of particular interest to Cotgrave residents, is that it will also go through Hollygate Park (Colliers Way and Harvest Drive) and on to Owthorpe Road via Ringleas to serve Daleside area (who have been without a viable bus service since the loss of the 822’s predecessor) The route then carries on to Tollerton, Morrisons, West Bridgford, the station and Friar Lane. This new service is separate and in addition to the Trent Barton Cotgrave Connection, I know how concerned a lot of people have been about the buses. As you know, we are very much reliant on business plans and viability requirements of the commercial bus companies. As ever, especially nowadays given budget pressures, we must be very mindful of the “Use it or lose it” comments we often hear. I am genuinely hopeful that this proposed new service will mean that more people will be able and want to use the new 33. 18th March
Encouraging bus news! I have today been briefed and updated by transport planners at Nottinghamshire County Council, that after much discussion, it looks like there is going to be not just a replacement for the 822, but one that actually goes in to town! The new service is also due to serve Owthorpe Road and Hollygate Park - two areas that have suffered recently re bus facilities. Final details are being worked on, but this really is actually good encouraging news. (The current 822 is due to continue until May) 
The Cotgrave to Radcliffe Greenline is open!
In 2012, when I and my Conservative colleagues were the controlling party, Nottinghamshire County Council agreed to take ownership of and invest in the old mineral railway line that runs between Cotgrave and Radcliffe (and goes along to Holme Pierrepont) The idea was to turn it in to a route for pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders, well away from the road and high up to enjoy the views. The council's investment also released some European funding for the project. Between 2013 and 2017, it was all put on the back burner because the new administration (the other lot) at the county council was not interested in pursuing the idea. After we took over the administration in 2017, we again committed to the project. And the great news is that at last, after a few unhelpful local problems, the track is now open. It is already being used by people as intended, and I have received comments such as "It's great, just like the Tissington Trail!" So, why not check it out - have a walk or get the bicycle out like I did! 
Flytipper caught and prosecuted for dumping fridges in Cotgrave
One thing that really annoys me and the vast majority of our residents, is the disgraceful and disgusting fly tipping that some antisocial characters carry out. We all know that there are some spots that "appeal" to these people, one of which was on the old A46. Following numerous complaints from the public to me and to Rushcliffe Borough Council, hidden cameras were installed, and they did their job - caught someone red handed, who was duly dealt with at the Magistrates Court and fined. What's more, this guy was dumping fridges that innocent members of the public had paid him to take away. Unfortunately, he lives in Cotgrave - shows how much he cares for the area. 
Wow! What a fantastic experience with the Tour of Britain coming through our area! The build up, then seeing the support cars and teams coming through, then the riders. OK, so the bikes pass through very quickly, but what a great turnout of people to watch, and how fantastic to see all the bunting, decorations and yellow bikes. Well done to all - Nottinghamshire County Council, Rushcliffe Borough Council, who negotiated and got the route agreed, and our local parish councils who did so much to get the word out and to lead with the decorations. And to residents who decorated their houses and gardens.
9th July
Amazing timelapse film showing the transformation of the Cotgrave shops and creating the business units/offices upstairs. Great! |
Plans for brand new shops in Cotgrave now on display
Further to my previous reports over the months and years about the Cotgrave regeneration work, plans and proposals for the brand new shops to go in place of the old demolished ones are now out. I have arranged for pictures and plans to be on show at the library.
If you would like to see the plans on the computer, go to the Rushcliffe Planning website where you can also leave any comments, should you wish.
Further to my previous reports over the months and years about the Cotgrave regeneration work, plans and proposals for the brand new shops to go in place of the old demolished ones are now out. I have arranged for pictures and plans to be on show at the library.
If you would like to see the plans on the computer, go to the Rushcliffe Planning website where you can also leave any comments, should you wish.
Promoted by Graham N Smith MBE on behalf of Richard Butler, both of Rushcliffe Conservatives, 17/19 Rectory Road, West Bridgford, Nottingham, NG2 6BE.