Woodview road works update
Don't forget that major road works will be taking place on Woodview (they are needed - the surface is awful) from Monday 16th to Saturday 20th October - although if conditions are good, may be over sooner.
I have been lobbying the county council for many months - indeed years - to get the surface sorted out - it is a busy road and lots of people need to use it.
There is bound to be some inconvenience, and I am sure that you will understand. Access to and from homes on Woodview and linked roads and leisure centre, will still be possible.
Please be patient if need be - there will be staff to "manage" access. Local residents should soon receive a letter explaining timings etc, but here is a PDF copy for you to read and download if you need.
Don't forget that major road works will be taking place on Woodview (they are needed - the surface is awful) from Monday 16th to Saturday 20th October - although if conditions are good, may be over sooner.
I have been lobbying the county council for many months - indeed years - to get the surface sorted out - it is a busy road and lots of people need to use it.
There is bound to be some inconvenience, and I am sure that you will understand. Access to and from homes on Woodview and linked roads and leisure centre, will still be possible.
Please be patient if need be - there will be staff to "manage" access. Local residents should soon receive a letter explaining timings etc, but here is a PDF copy for you to read and download if you need.
Olympic and Commonwealth swimmers coming to Cotgrave Leisure Centre!
On the 27th October Cotgrave Leisure Centre will be holding an Oceans of Fun Event which is a FREE event for children aged 7-14 years to attend.
Working in partnership with Zoggs they have three Olympic and Commonwealth swimmers attending the Leisure Centre who will play various games with all participants in the sports hall.
They will then move to the Swimming pool and everyone will have the chance to race one of the athletes and play a few more games!
Spaces are limited and booking up fast so children keen to sign up for this unique event, should contact the Cotgrave Leisure Centre directly on 0115 989 2916 or email cotgrave@parkwood-communityleisure.co.uk.
On the 27th October Cotgrave Leisure Centre will be holding an Oceans of Fun Event which is a FREE event for children aged 7-14 years to attend.
Working in partnership with Zoggs they have three Olympic and Commonwealth swimmers attending the Leisure Centre who will play various games with all participants in the sports hall.
They will then move to the Swimming pool and everyone will have the chance to race one of the athletes and play a few more games!
Spaces are limited and booking up fast so children keen to sign up for this unique event, should contact the Cotgrave Leisure Centre directly on 0115 989 2916 or email cotgrave@parkwood-communityleisure.co.uk.
20th January 2017
The facts and importance about health and social care
It has been known for decades that our health and social care system would not cope forever with a population living longer and requiring ever more diverse means of support and treatment.
In the past 20 years there have been at least four independent reviews (including the Wanless and Dilnot reports), four consultations, and five white and green papers, all recommending how this problem might be tackled.
Sadly, Governments of all political persuasions have failed to act, fearing that their political opponents would cynically exploit any attempt to have a “big” and “difficult” conversation with the public about the measures needed to make health and social care sustainable, which could include more taxation and faster modernisation.
The most recent January meeting of Nottinghamshire County Council offered a small, local illustration of why political progress has been so slow. Labour councillors moved a ‘Corbynite’ motion which blamed the Coalition Government Spending Review of 2010 for the social care funding challenge and demanded that the current Government urgently “make available” £2.3 billion for social care services.
Conservative councillors duly reminded their Labour counterparts that the 2010 Spending Review was a reaction to the financial mess left by the Blair/Brown Governments. Indeed, Richard Humphries, Assistant Director of Policy at The Kings Fund, wrote last November*: ‘The current malaise pre-dates austerity – spending was already falling in real terms by the end of the last decade.’
Conservative councillors also pointed out that a Government doesn’t have any money of its own. The bill for extra funding, be it the Kings Fund’s recommended £2.3 billion or any other figure, ultimately falls upon the public.
Needless to say, a heated debate ensued, and an opportunity was missed to agree what could have been a very constructive motion calling on “all parties at national level to work together to establish a national base for funding social care”.
Labour and Liberal Democrats voted this down, preferring to make political capital, instead of taking the opportunity to come together to support the people of Nottinghamshire.
This is the alternative motion that the Conservative Group put to the full county council, which was voted down by Labour and LibDems:
“This Council profoundly regrets the failure of successive governments of all political persuasions to tackle the adult social care funding challenge adequately, but acknowledges that the Better Care Fund launched in June 2013 is one of the most ambitious programmes across the NHS and local government to date.
The Audit Office and other Independent sources confirm that the funding of social care is under 2% of the Gross Domestic Product.
The integration of health services and local authority social care by 2020 continues to be a key policy driver from government. Such working together should strengthen preventative services in the community and achieve some savings and efficiencies. But there is little evidence to show that greater integration, to date, has realised significant financial savings.
Only adequate and sustainable funding will allow local authorities to be effective partners in such integration plans.
The King’s Fund has stated that the system needs £2.3 billion invested in the life of this parliament to protect statutory social care services.
Therefore, this Council accepts the Government’s social care precept is a short-term measure to support local authorities’ spend on social care and prevent the need to reduce vital social care services, but calls on all political parties in Parliament to work together to establish a more sustainable national base for funding social care.
The Council further agrees to contact all Nottinghamshire Members of Parliament asking them to support Nottinghamshire County Council with this campaign to secure the funding required, both locally and nationally, in order to protect social care services.”
6th March 2016 A well intentioned email/social media campaign has gone "viral" that suggested that the county council will review the decision to close Langar tip. Believe me, I and my colleagues have done and continue to do what we can, but there is no such thing as a "re-vote". Once such a decision has been taken, then that it is it, until the council changes control or policies. But thank you to the many hundreds of you who are asking what can be done etc. To make it clear, the (albeit by a small number) Labour-led county council is responsible for closing Langar tip. My colleagues and I on the Conservative opposition, are the ones who have been trying to save it. We will continue to do our best.28th February. Well, we tried. We really tried... But despite a huge amount of effort from us all, the (and I rarely get too party political on here but I must this time) Labour-"led" Nottinghamshire County Council rejected our (Conservative) fully costed and inspected alternative budget for 2015/16 at this week's full county council meeting. Our budget would have genuinely kept Langar recycling centre open along with some care homes in other parts of Nottinghamshire. The budget debate went on for nearly 11 hours, the Labour chairman of finance criticised me for "always bleating on about Langar tip." Oh, and the final vote on all this was 33 for, 33 against... The chairman had the casting vote (Labour again). The other opposition groups all supported our budget, which we had worked on for months. Sorry, everyone. Oh, and your county council council tax is also going to increase by nearly 2%. Our Budget also included a 0% increase.
4th February. Article in Nottingham Post about the Growth Fund for Cotgrave
2nd February. More news about the Cotgrave Masterplan. This is going to be very good for Cotgrave. It'll be the biggest investment and thing in Cotgrave to happen for generations.
29th January. News coming in that after many years' of work, meetings and negotiation involving Rushcliffe Borough Council, Nottinghamshire County Council, Cotgrave Town Council and other agencies, that the Government is allocating money from its Employment Growth Fund to Cotgrave to improve and redevelop the village centre/shopping precinct. This is good news - huge investment in Cotgrave! More info as and when I receive it.
November 2014
Thank you to the dozens of people who came out to Langar tip to show your displeasure and indeed disbelief at the county council's plans to shut it down. This is such a daft short-sighted idea, completely going against the whole recycling ethos. And everyone is naturally worried about the likely fly tipping that would occur if no viable alternative local solution is found. Please continue to use the facility!
The Nottinghamshire in Focus newspaper will be ran a story about the plans.
And here is a link to the online petition:
www.tinyurl.com/save-langar-tip
Cotgrave has now got Superfast Broadband
Over the last few months, you will have noticed quite a lot of work being carried out by BT Openreach around Cotgrave, such as installing new green roadside cabinets and working on existing ones.
This is all for installing fibre optic cables/systems that bring Superfast broadband here. Cotgrave is one of the first areas in Nottinghamshire to be complete. It follows an agreement that Notts County Council came to with BT back in 2012 to roll out the service as much as possible. Please note that you have to "sign up" with a broadband provider to actually get the Superfast (such as BT, TalkTalk, Plusnet etc) All the companies use the BT Openreach network. More info can be found at the county council's website.
October 2014
Celebrating and recognising Positive Futures
In 2009 my colleagues and I, when in control of Nottinghamshire County Council, agreed to support Trent Bridge Cricket Club to help them be in a position to be able to hold international test matches. Whether you follow cricket or not, everyone realises the amount of good such events bring to the economy from visitors is huge.
Part of this included the "Scoreboard situation", where some political opposition chose to miss a crucial point when they were sounding off about this. For as well as the scoreboard, the agreement also included the support for and of Trent Bridge Cricket's charitable trust, Positive Futures. This is a service that provides educational, social and life skills support to young people who may not have had a great start in life for various reasons. The first group and area of young people to gain from Positive Futures were Cotgrave youngsters. Positive Futures set up an office at the Welfare (it's still there) and for the last few years have done a fantastic job, helping dozens of our young people get onto the right track in terms of life and careers skills. It has been a resounding success and has been recognised locally and nationally. And the young people love it too!
Following the success in Cotgrave, other areas of Nottinghamshire have followed suit, but there is no doubt that Cotgrave led the way. So I was very pleased to join the Cotgrave team recently for a celebration and commemoration event at Trent Bridge. Everyone involved, past and present, should be very pleased and proud. (The food and canapes on the night were all prepared by Cotgrave Futures youngsters, and some of them are now doing Apprenticeships in catering and other trades.) Well done all!
August 2014
Cold calls to do with "Green Deal" - be aware
Many of us are pestered with unsolicited cold calls - even if we have registered with the preference system. There appears to be a trend at the moment from callers offering "deals and services" offering to help you save money on energy and be part of government schemes such as the "Green Deal".
I expect that if you are like me, you politely decline and put the phone down. But it seems that some companies are offering to to put you in touch with the government scheme but charge some sort of referal fee to you. There is no need to do this and there is concern that some people might be convinced to sign up with these cold callers.
If you are pestered by such calls and wish to report them, then please let Trading Standards know.
Secondary level school for Cotgrave?
The Flying High Trust, which is the one that oversees the popular and successful Candleby Lane School and is one of a few specialist "teaching schools" in the country, has announced that it intends to apply to provide secondary age provision in Cotgrave from 2016. It is still early days but this should be welcome news. As far back as I can remember in Cotgrave, residents have often said that they would like secondary education here. More details are awaited, but here is a report in the Nottingham Post.
Most Cotgrave youngsters attend South Notts Academy in Radcliffe or South Wolds in Keyworth. This news should not and does not take anything away from these two schools, who both do very good jobs, but it will simply provide extra choice for parents and families. (And I speak as an ex South Wolds pupil!)
World War One commemorations
Many of our churches and communities are holding services and events to remember the start of World War One. On Sunday 3rd August, young people from Cotgrave and who are members of the Army Cadets proudly marched through Cotgrave to a special service at church. Here is a (shaky phone) video of part of the parade. (I was sort of multi tasking at the time)
July 2014
No access to the A52 from Stragglethorpe Road
You will have noticed that roadworks on Stragglethorpe Road approaching the A52 junction are taking place. Unfortunately it has been decided that due to potential danger of traffic queueing on or so near the A52, that only buses will be allowed through from our area onto the A52. It is frustrating that so far, temporary road signs are either nowwhere to be seen or those that are, are not very helpful or detailed. I'm hoping that this is going to be sorted out soon.
28th February 2014
Nottinghamshire County Counci'ls Budget debate and decisions took place yesterday. As previously reported, the Labour leadership at the county council consulted recently on council tax issues, asking "how much would you be prepared for your county council tax to increase?" The answer options given did not even include a 0% option, which is what we have promised and costed. It's all very well Labour saying that an increase will "only cost a few pence per week" but as we all know, increases in living costs across the board also add up, and pennies soon become Pounds.
The most disappointing result of this budget for us locally is that despite the petitions with more than 2000 signatures on, the council still intends to go ahead with the closure of Langar tip. However there is a bit of a stay of execution and it will remain open this year and is due to close in 2015.
My colleagues and I are still trying and working to find a realistic alternative solution to what will be a real problem for us in our area when this tip does close. In the meantime, PLEASE CONTINUE TO USE LANGAR TIP and spread the word amongst friends too. This will prove that we take recycling seriously in our area and that this facility is needed! Thank you again for your comments and suppport with this campaign.
You can read about our alternative and realistic budget proposals here.
January 2014
Langar recycling centre update
I "presented" the online petition to full council in January that containted over 1600 names, along with the paper petitions that had over 600, therefore meaning that over 2000 people have signed, so thank you for your support. The electric petition is still live until later in February - www.tinyurl.com/save-langar-tip. I and my colleagues have and continue to lobby and reason with the leaders to reconsider, and we are also offering suggestions that would mean less inconvenience to residents and reduce the risk of flytipping. No news yet as to whether we are being listened to or taken notice of
July/August 2013
Discretionary travel scheme to preferred schools - important consultation
The new (Labour) administration at the county council, has announced that it wishes to discontinue a policy that my colleagues and I introduced in 2011 when we controlled the council. We brought this in to help and support parents and families who wish for their children to attend a secondary school of their choice within the county. Initially it was offered to Year 7 pupils, and we planned to roll it out to Year 7 to 11 pupils.
The Labour group was always opposed to this choice and now that they are in control, intend to take this flexibility away. However they have agreed to go to consultation, so if you have any views, please respond to the online consultation.
Be quick though, because we only have until 23rd August (prime holiday time, co-incidentally) to get responses sent in.
Rain and floods
Some parts of Nottinghamshire suffered very severe floods as a result of the torrential and heavy rain. Forunately we were not badly affected in our part of the county. However, should we find ourselves in this sort of position, it is worth keeping an eye on the county council's website where the latest news and advice can be found. (The county council are the main initial contact should flooding occur)
June 2013
Well done to all the organisers of the Cotgrave Festival! Despite the iffy weather, there was a great mix of stalls and activities and it was good to see plenty of people attending. A great deal of work and planning was done by a small group/committee, who should feel pleased with their efforts - even if they are now exhausted.
Cotgrave visioning weekend
This took place at the Welfare on Saturday 8th June. I was pleased to see many residents who came along to look at displays and stands, but also to talk to organisations such as the councils, Barratt and other authorities in connection with the pitsite and village centre plans.
The various organisations will be working together to take on board peoples observations and suggestions, and I am sure that as the next few months go by, we shall receive more information. So thank you to those who were able to attend.
June 2013
IMPORTANT CONSULTATION ON THE FUTURE OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT
Nottinghamshire County Council has been working on its "TITAN" (Towards Integrated Transport Across Nottinghamshire) project for a long time. This is literally planning ahead to future bus and public transport provision.
A series of public consultation road shows have been organised, and I really would encourage you to attend if you can, so that you can have your say in what their findings and proposals are. This is a genuine consultation. You can read more about it on the county council's website
The dates of the consultation for the Cotgrave and Cropwell areas are:
Saturday 8th June 10am-12 noon at Cotgrave Welfare (this is the same time as the plannning and master plan event)
Wednesday 12th June 1.15pm-2.25pm at the Unicorn's Head, Langar and 2.30pm-3.30pm at The Old School, Fern Road, Cropwell Bishop
As ever, if you need help and advice on general council services or have an individual constituent concern, then please contact me via this site. Or phone (0115) 989 2504 or mobile 07799 860179.
May 2013
The county council elections were held on 2nd May and I wish to record my thanks to those of you who voted me back in to be your representative on Nottinghamshire County Council again. I have often said, and still regard it has an honour to have the role and I shall continue to do my best to help and represent all residents in the Cotgrave Division regarding council issues.
Without getting too party political, the overall results around the county meant that my party unfortunately is no longer in control of the council (we took control after 28 years in 2009) so this means that I/we are back in opposition. This is naturally disappointing from my point of view, but I and my colleagues still have an important role to carry out in opposition.
I/we may not now have as much say or influence in what improvements/work/investment takes place in our areas, but you can be assured that we shall do our best. You can read and see the results of the election on the county council website.
27th April - Lovely service today at All Saints Church then at school to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Cotgrave Church of England primary school. Also the Cropwell Bishop Saturday coffee morning was very good, as usual!.
A full round of meetings daily at County Hall but also with the various parish councils in the area. Parish councils may be small but they have an important role to play in the day to day lives of us all. I very much enjoy working with the five in my area and between us, we achieve much to be proud of.
There has also been a lot of work regarding county council services launched and updated in the last few weeks. In early March, I found myself with the well known paint brand's dog (yes, it is the real one who appears in the adverts) visiting the household waste recycling centres where the community repaint scheme has been introduced. This is where you take unused/leftover paint tins where they will be stored ready for redistribution to charities, societies, groups and other deserving causes. It is a great way of getting over the problem of what to do with left over paint.
Then I had the pleasure of speaking to over 300 people at the Local Improvement Scheme awards (LIS). Presentations were given to community representatives from all over the county including Cotgrave area to recognise the great work that is done in our areas to simply make things better. LIS is a very popular and successful scheme which I have had the job to look after for the last 3+ years in my role as Cabinet member for Environment. Many projects, large and small have been provided in and around the Cotgrave area as well as the whole county.
We know and read a lot that crime has reduced significantly locally, and Cotgrave came second in the national "Tilley Awards" earlier this year. On a cold, dull, wet afternoon in March, the Nottinghamshire Police and Crime commissioner visited Cotgrave and joined me and the local Police beat manager on a walk around Cotgrave showing the work that has been carried out between the police and councils in the last few years, which has helped so much.
And finally, some other highlights of the last few weeks in my area.: A lovely bacon cob was most welcome at the monthly Vale Market cafe in Barnstone (highly recommended!) and I was also most impressed by the Candleby Lane School's Year 4 end of half term production.
I was honoured to be asked by the 1st Langar Scouts to cut the ribbon at their refurbished scout hut. This has been improved thanks to help from parents, local businesses and other volunteers. The roof is now watertight and they have a very smart new kitchen.
Oh and I almost forgot - joining the residents of Rawlings Court in Cropwell Bishop, for their table skittles, and the Cropwell Bishop Saturday cafe!
January 2013
So here we are at the start of another new year. I know lots of people say this, but I can't believe where the time goes.
It is the time of year when all councils start preparing for their budget decisions and policies for the new financial year that starts in April. This includes the setting of council tax. The county council has already confirmed that for the third successive year, its portion of the council tax will not increase. After all, many peoples' salaries and income has not increased, and we know how general cost of living is increasing for everyone. You can find out more about the county council's budget process and have a say in the consultation here.
However the county council continues to invest in front line services and our communities. Locally a substantial part of Plumtree Road in Cotgrave has been resurfaced along with Main Road and Hollygate Lane junctions to Stragglethorpe Road. Thanks to our LIS the section of Woodgate Lane between Woodgate Close and Plumtree Road is scheduled for proper resurfacing in February and Church Road Cropwell Bishop will see substantial new surfacing and markings/signage to warn drivers that pedestrians and children often use that road.
Plans are also being finalised to turn the long disused mineral line into a multi-use leisure route that will run from the country park towards Radcliffe. This will be perfect for walkers, horseriders and bicycles, and really enhance the area for residents and tourists.
The new interactive speed sign on Owthorpe Road has been installed and the one planned for Main Road should be arriving shortly. And the latest set of (very popular) village designed road signs have appeared, this time in Cropwell Butler, again thanks to our LIS.
Don't forget too that Cotgrave and surrounding villages now have 7.5tonne weight limits in place. These have been introduced by the county council in response to many comments of complaint and concern from residents that too many HGVs seem to cut through when they really don't need to.
Hopefully you have seen the many new signs on the approaches and entrances to the villages. The county council also has a website where you can report any HGVs that you think are contravening the regulations. It is very easy to use - just visit www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/lorrywatch and you enter the registration number and business name (if shown on the lorry). The county council will then investigate. Obviously there are times when HGVs need to come through when delivering/making collections etc. These regulations are to discourage unnecessary short cuts.
December 2012
Road gritting
The county council is investing more than ever in the provision and storage of road grit and gritters. All main roads and bus routes are treated when appropriate. Also, the number of "severe weather" routes have been increased, meaning that some roads that are not routinely gritted, will be when weather is particularly cold. There is a very useful map available on the county council website, showing which roads are treated. This year, for the first time, Hollygate Lane in Cotgrave is included in the routine gritting routes.
Nativitys and more!
I was delighted to attend and was very impressed, by the Year 1 and 2 pupils at Candleby Lane school's nativity performance, "Hey Ewe!". Everyone did a great job creating many laughs and smiles for the audience. I think it's fair to say that there were a few moist eyes in the audience, too!
Also, I must mention the 1st Cropwell Bishop Scouts. They have had a great year and continue to recruit more local youngsters to the ranks. They held a marvellous Christmas lunch and celebration. Well done all!
As we approach Christmas and the end of the year, I know that times are very challenging for us all one way and another. Despite the recession and reductions, council services continue to be delivered and our aim is to ensure that we provide services that people want and need. Despite the headlines about cutbacks, the fact is that investment in facilities and services is still going on and shall continue to do so.
All good wishes for a Happy and peaceful Christmas and new year.
November 2012
The county council has a new local rate telephone number to use if you need to contact any departments. (Some mobile phones may charge more) The new number is 0300 500 80 80. This is another example of how Nottinghamshire County Council is reducing financial burdens on residents. You can also report faults such as potholes on the website at http://www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/doitonline/
Plumtree Road Cotgrave, is due to be resurfaced between Main Road junction and Rectory Road junction in early December. Due to the amount of equipment and work needed, there will be some inconvenience and diversions at times. Hopefully this will not be too disruptive, and that the end result will be worthwhile.
Are you a member of a local sports club that needs some financial assistance?
If so, please check out the county council's £1 million Olympic Legacy fund. This has been introduced to build on the enthusiasm and success of the 2012 Olympic Games. There are two schemes: The Kick Start scheme is designed to support local sports clubs to retain and grow membership and will focus on supporting them to buy much needed equipment and/or to support small/medium sized capital improvements to facilities. Your project should:
The Game Changer scheme is designed to support local sports clubs to retain and grow membership and will focus on supporting them to buy much needed specialist and large scale equipment and/or to support medium sized capital improvements to facilities.
The Game Changer stream will look favourably on projects where part funding is already committed from other parties. Your project should:
This really is good news for Nottinghamshire and I would encourage your clubs/groups to apply.
October 2012
Cotgrave to get more interactive speed signs
After much work, lobbying and discussions, I am very pleased to announce that the county council has agreed to provide a permanent interactive speed sign on Main Road as you approach from the Stragglethorpe/A52 direction coming into Cotgrave. Speeding traffic has been a concern along this stretch for a long time. This sign will be in addition to the other new sign that will soon be appearing on Owthorpe Road near the Saxon Way junction. The county council is investing more money in interactive speed signs across the county. They are a popular and effective way of reminding drivers of the speed limits.
Lorry weight limits in place
Don't forget that Cotgrave and surrounding villages now have the 7.5tonne weight limits in place. If you see large lorries that perhaps are "cutting through", you can report them at www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/lorrywatch
September 2012.
Are you fed up and frustrated with slow broadband speeds in our area? Please read and click on the Nottinghamshire County Council campaign to get superfast broadband. This is a genuine and realistic attempt to boost business and residential broadband services in Nottinghamshire. Full details are on the link, but time is running out, and we are in competition with other parts of the country - do it now!
Residents and road users of Colston Bassett and Langar will hopefully be seeing some improvements to signs, markings and other work. This follows recent "walkabouts" with representatives of the county council highway's department, the parish councils and myself to identify particular issues and concerns. Cotgrave and Cropwell Bishop are also having similar investigative days leading to action. Don't forget though that if you discover a pothole or other damage, you can report it at www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk and work will be done.
The summer saw incredible success in the world of sport both locally with the Cotgrave Festival of Sport and nationally with the Olympics and Paralympics. Many people will keep their favourite memories of these for a long time.
Unfortunately, June and July in particular were also record holders for a different reason - rain. Record rainfall caused a lot of damage and worry around the country. Locally, Cropwell Butler, suffered severe flooding in July. Many long standing residents say that they had never seen anything like it in the village.
The County Council immediately began investagations in conjunction with Cropwell Butler Parish Council, the Highways Agency and Balfour Beatty (who were the new A46 constructors). Probable causes and crucially solutions have been identified and work is being carried out, led by the county council, to hopefully prevent and minimise any future risk.
A new bus shelter has been installed on Owthorpe Road, following requests from my "senior citizen lady lobbyists"! This complements the recent hand rail from Forest Close.
And coming soon, an interactive speed sign on Owthorpe Road - an area of speeding concern for many people.
Road gritting
The county council is investing more than ever in the provision and storage of road grit and gritters. All main roads and bus routes are treated when appropriate. Also, the number of "severe weather" routes have been increased, meaning that some roads that are not routinely gritted, will be when weather is particularly cold. There is a very useful map available on the county council website, showing which roads are treated. This year, for the first time, Hollygate Lane in Cotgrave is included in the routine gritting routes.
Nativitys and more!
I was delighted to attend and was very impressed, by the Year 1 and 2 pupils at Candleby Lane school's nativity performance, "Hey Ewe!". Everyone did a great job creating many laughs and smiles for the audience. I think it's fair to say that there were a few moist eyes in the audience, too!
Also, I must mention the 1st Cropwell Bishop Scouts. They have had a great year and continue to recruit more local youngsters to the ranks. They held a marvellous Christmas lunch and celebration. Well done all!
As we approach Christmas and the end of the year, I know that times are very challenging for us all one way and another. Despite the recession and reductions, council services continue to be delivered and our aim is to ensure that we provide services that people want and need. Despite the headlines about cutbacks, the fact is that investment in facilities and services is still going on and shall continue to do so.
All good wishes for a Happy and peaceful Christmas and new year.
November 2012
The county council has a new local rate telephone number to use if you need to contact any departments. (Some mobile phones may charge more) The new number is 0300 500 80 80. This is another example of how Nottinghamshire County Council is reducing financial burdens on residents. You can also report faults such as potholes on the website at http://www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/doitonline/
Plumtree Road Cotgrave, is due to be resurfaced between Main Road junction and Rectory Road junction in early December. Due to the amount of equipment and work needed, there will be some inconvenience and diversions at times. Hopefully this will not be too disruptive, and that the end result will be worthwhile.
Are you a member of a local sports club that needs some financial assistance?
If so, please check out the county council's £1 million Olympic Legacy fund. This has been introduced to build on the enthusiasm and success of the 2012 Olympic Games. There are two schemes: The Kick Start scheme is designed to support local sports clubs to retain and grow membership and will focus on supporting them to buy much needed equipment and/or to support small/medium sized capital improvements to facilities. Your project should:
- require funding between £500 and £10,000 and be able to demonstrate how the funding will be used to support increased participation and/or improve the performance of club members
- Take place within the administrative boundaries of Nottinghamshire (this excludes the City of Nottingham).
The Game Changer scheme is designed to support local sports clubs to retain and grow membership and will focus on supporting them to buy much needed specialist and large scale equipment and/or to support medium sized capital improvements to facilities.
The Game Changer stream will look favourably on projects where part funding is already committed from other parties. Your project should:
- require funding between £10,001 and £50,000 and be able to demonstrate how the funding will be used to support increased participation and/or improve the performance of club members
- be able to provide a business case with costings
- take place within the administrative boundaries of Nottinghamshire (this excludes the City of Nottingham).
This really is good news for Nottinghamshire and I would encourage your clubs/groups to apply.
October 2012
Cotgrave to get more interactive speed signs
After much work, lobbying and discussions, I am very pleased to announce that the county council has agreed to provide a permanent interactive speed sign on Main Road as you approach from the Stragglethorpe/A52 direction coming into Cotgrave. Speeding traffic has been a concern along this stretch for a long time. This sign will be in addition to the other new sign that will soon be appearing on Owthorpe Road near the Saxon Way junction. The county council is investing more money in interactive speed signs across the county. They are a popular and effective way of reminding drivers of the speed limits.
Lorry weight limits in place
Don't forget that Cotgrave and surrounding villages now have the 7.5tonne weight limits in place. If you see large lorries that perhaps are "cutting through", you can report them at www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/lorrywatch
September 2012.
Are you fed up and frustrated with slow broadband speeds in our area? Please read and click on the Nottinghamshire County Council campaign to get superfast broadband. This is a genuine and realistic attempt to boost business and residential broadband services in Nottinghamshire. Full details are on the link, but time is running out, and we are in competition with other parts of the country - do it now!
Residents and road users of Colston Bassett and Langar will hopefully be seeing some improvements to signs, markings and other work. This follows recent "walkabouts" with representatives of the county council highway's department, the parish councils and myself to identify particular issues and concerns. Cotgrave and Cropwell Bishop are also having similar investigative days leading to action. Don't forget though that if you discover a pothole or other damage, you can report it at www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk and work will be done.
The summer saw incredible success in the world of sport both locally with the Cotgrave Festival of Sport and nationally with the Olympics and Paralympics. Many people will keep their favourite memories of these for a long time.
Unfortunately, June and July in particular were also record holders for a different reason - rain. Record rainfall caused a lot of damage and worry around the country. Locally, Cropwell Butler, suffered severe flooding in July. Many long standing residents say that they had never seen anything like it in the village.
The County Council immediately began investagations in conjunction with Cropwell Butler Parish Council, the Highways Agency and Balfour Beatty (who were the new A46 constructors). Probable causes and crucially solutions have been identified and work is being carried out, led by the county council, to hopefully prevent and minimise any future risk.
A new bus shelter has been installed on Owthorpe Road, following requests from my "senior citizen lady lobbyists"! This complements the recent hand rail from Forest Close.
And coming soon, an interactive speed sign on Owthorpe Road - an area of speeding concern for many people.