Spring 2012
Welcome to the Spring issue of the Arrow, the City Council’s magazine for residents.
Summer 2011
Autumn 2011
Leader’s Column The Council has been consulting on its draft budget for 2012/13. Over the next few pages you’ll find details of some of the investments in services and also the tough decisions being proposed in order to fill a £20 million gap in our funding. Once again, the Government has significantly reduced the funding it gives to many councils but the size of the reduction varies across the country. In Nottingham, the cuts are around £150 per citizen in the past three years compared to an increase of £1 for some areas in the South. I’ll leaveA stunning you 60 tometre high decide whether you think this is fair or not.swing ride in the Square’s Despite the impact of the cuts, Executive Councillors have made sure the budget proposals protect spending on support for jobs, street cleaning, tackling crime and anti-social behaviour, children and vulnerable adults. I hope you’ll have had the chance to let us know your views before we finally set the budget on 5 March. Councillor Jon Collins Nottingham City Council Leader
...the beach is back!
Bumper Summer of fun activities inside plus Splendour – last chance to buy tickets
December 2011
The 60 metre high ride in the Old Market Square’s
Winter Wonderland
Win!
Marks and Spencer vouchers worth £50
Tickets to Strictly Come Dancing Live at the Capital FM Arena
Arrowonline If you’d rather read the Arrow online, visit www.mynottingham.gov.uk/arrowonline and complete the short form.
We’ll then send you an email with a web link to the next issue when it’s published and arrange for you to stop receiving it by post. Councillor Jon Collins is the Leader of Nottingham City Council. He can be contacted by writing to Loxley House, Station Street, Nottingham NG2 3NG; by telephone on 876 4256 or email jon.collins@nottinghamcity.gov.uk The Chief Executive of Nottingham City Council is Jane Todd. She can be contacted by writing to Loxley House, Station Street, Nottingham NG2 3NG; by telephone on 876 3302 or email chief.executive@nottinghamcity.gov.uk
Nottingham Arrow Communications and Marketing Nottingham City Council Loxley House, Station Street, Nottingham NG2 3NG Arrow enquiries: 876 3313 General Council enquiries: 876 5555 email: communications@nottinghamcity.gov.uk visit: www.mynottingham.gov.uk/arrow
news www.mynottingham.gov.uk/news
Budget 2012
Nottingham arrow | Spring 2012 | 3
Government cuts in funding and other pressures mean Nottingham City Council is set to make £20m of reductions in next year’s budget. Proposals include setting a Council Tax increase of 3.49% and a council workforce reduction of 195. The Council’s budget priorities include supporting jobs and the local economy and protecting services for vulnerable people where it can - although growing numbers of people needing adult care and children in care add further pressure on the Council’s finances. But the above-average cut in Government funding of 7.36% for the City Council, on top of a real-term reduction of £60m last year, means difficult decisions will once again have to be made about some services the Council provides. The cuts also come on top of significant efficiencies and savings the Council has made since 2009/10 to ensure value for money, such as consolidating office space across the city into Loxley House, reducing back office costs, reducing the costs of management, and sharing some services with other councils. This makes it even more difficult to protect frontline services from the latest reductions.
City Council Deputy Leader Councillor Graham Chapman said: “The Government’s cuts are unfair on cities like Nottingham and will result in a higher impact on our citizens than elsewhere. “We have done what we can to protect the most vulnerable and those frontline services which people rely on most, as well as creating opportunities for growth and jobs - but it is incredibly difficult when these cuts come on top of years of our own prudent efficiencies and the Government cuts. “We are proposing a Council Tax increase of 3.49% because the Government’s proposed Council Tax Freeze Grant for next year is a one-off rather than being locked in to future financial settlements. This means that it would cost us and the citizens of Nottingham a lot more in the long run.”
More information on the investments and reductions proposed as part of the Council’s draft budget for 2012/13 can be found over the page.
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4 | Nottingham arrow | Spring 2012
www.mynottingham.gov.uk/news
Budget 2012
Investment
Reductions
The Council is aiming to create or protect local jobs and stimulate growth in the local economy through:
However, to continue investing in services while meeting Government spending cuts, the City Council is proposing service changes and revised charges for some services, including:
Nottingham Jobs Fund - £1.5m over three years; the creation of the Nottingham City Employer Hub and the appointment of a specialist Employment & Skills Team Investing in Nottingham Tram lines 2 and 3 creating jobs for local people Measures to minimise council workforce reduction to 195 in these budget proposals.
The Council is also committed to maintaining services for the most vulnerable in the city as far as it can and has prioritised spending in the budget to include: Adult and Childrens’ Services funding to rise by around £1 million No closures to our network of Children’s Centres Continued subsidy for Adult Care Day Centres Multi-million pound investment in new care homes and day centres such as Albany House, Cherry Trees and new proposals to relocate Bestwood day centre service for adults with learning disabilities Reduction in funding we pass on to the voluntary sector to be no more than the rate of Government reduction in Council spending power of 4.2%. Tackling crime and anti-social behaviour and keeping our neighbourhoods clean emerged once again as among the top priorities for the 1,500 Nottingham citizens who responded to the latest pre-budget consultation.
The transfer of Portland Leisure Centre to a third sector organisation with continued community access Changes to adult social care - putting a financially sustainable adult social care system in place which is able to respond to the significant increase in demand for care services while ensuring that our most vulnerable citizens remain protected Ending the pilot of specialised food waste collection - the closure of the waste disposal plant in Lincolnshire meant the service was no longer viable Closing Marlstones elderly persons care home in Bulwell - the City Council does not have the capital to carry out necessary refurbishment, but there is capacity at nearby homes to accommodate affected residents Reducing the Museum of Nottingham Life at Brewhouse Yard to a group or school visitor attraction, like Newstead Abbey Reducing the funding available to Connexions services across the City and realignment to support young people aged 16-24. The Council is currently looking at a possible overall workforce reduction of around 195 full-time equivalent posts next year. As in previous years, the Council hopes to minimise the number of compulsory redundancies. A review of management arrangements across the Council is also proposed.
Have your say on
the Council’s Budget your city
your services
its budget for next year. Nottingham City Council is setting reductions in the Council’s funding. It’s the second year of major Government 7.36% City Council has been cut by a further Next year’s funding for Nottingham the national average. - a bigger reduction in funding than in funding around £20million to meet the gap In total, the Council will need to find in next year’s budget. in real Council’s funding by around £60million Last year saw a reduction in the terms. support is also under financial pressure to Despite these reductions, the Council in care. needing adult care and children things like growing numbers of people can: are trying to protect, as far as they In next year’s budget, Councillors • Jobs • Children and vulnerable people • Front-line services behaviour • Tackling crime and anti-social • Keeping the City clean
The Council wants to know your What do you think about the Council’s you? What services are important to
views. budget plans?
out or an Executive councillor to find Join City Council Leader Jon Collins (see near you in January and February more and have your say at a venue overleaf for details). ityyourservices Or visit www.mynottingham.gov.uk/yourc
Your views The views of over a 1,000 local residents who responded to a Your City, Your Services survey were taken into account by the Council in drawing up its budget proposals for 2012/13.
The survey asked which Council services people felt were most important with tackling crime and anti-social behaviour; child protection; services for elderly and vulnerable people and refuse collection coming out top. Further consultation will have taken place on the full proposals ahead of the budget being finalised at a Council meeting on 5 March.
What’s On 2012 events! The year ahead offers a fantastic events programme.
As well as highly popular ‘old favourites’ such as the Riverside Festival and Goose Fair, there are also special one-off events for the 2012 Olympics and the Diamond Jubilee Celebrations. The event season kicks off with Light Night on Friday 10 February.
Cut out the handy calendar below and get planning your 2012 diaries now! 10 February Light Night Until 11 March Anish Kapoor: Flashback 17 March St Patrick’s Day 31 March – 16 September Living in Silk 21 – 23 April St George’s Day and Lord Mayor’s Best of Notts showcase 7 May 1940s knees-up 13 May 160th Anniversary of the Arboretum 2 – 4 June Autokarna and Diamond Jubilee Celebrations 21 – 23 June Night of Festivals 28 June Olympic Torch Relay and evening celebration 30 June – 1 July Armed Forces Weekend July – August Outdoor Theatre Season 13 – 15 July Cycle Live 21 July Splendour 28 – 29 July Pride 3 – 5 August Riverside Festival 18 – 19 August Caribbean Carnival 7 – 15 September WEYA (World Event Young Artists) 3 – 7 October Goose Fair 27 – 28 October Robin Hood Pageant 5 November Bonfire Night December Christmas Wonderland
The latest What’s On guide is FREE with this issue of the Arrow. To find out more about what’s going on in Nottingham visit www.mynottingham.gov.uk/whatson or call 08444 775 678
Fun stuff to do this February half term There are lots of exciting FREE and great value things to see and do in Nottingham this half term:
Entertain your kids for £1 a day at our leisure centres. The daily activities include a programme of basketball, football, badminton, dodgeball, crafts and games, team tournaments and more. NEW! Book your child’s place in advance. Children’s activities at our heritage sites – try pizza baking at Green’s Mill or take part in a Tudor trail or mask making at Wollaton Hall. Plus much more! Fun activities in parks and libraries. Lots going on at your local children’s play and youth centres. There is something to suit all ages and the activities are completely FREE.
For full details see the February What’s On Guide, visit www.mynottingham.gov.uk/1pound or call 0115 915 2740
/whatsonnottingham @nottmevents
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Celebrate the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games 7 – 15 September Various venues in Nottingham World Event Young Artists is an exciting finale to the 2012 Cultural Olympiad. It will showcase some of the best creative talent from across the globe, bringing 1,000 artists aged 18 – 30 together in Nottingham. The festival will include live music, dance, theatrical installations, spoken word, film, visual art exhibitions, gastronomic events and more!
www.worldeventyoungartists.com
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Over the coming months, everyone in Nottingham will have the opportunity to get involved with the London 2012 Games. Nottingham will host an official celebration evening in the Old Market Square and is part of the UK Tour of the Olympic Torch Relay on 28 June 2012. Plus we’ve got a variety of sporting and cultural events all in celebration of the Games.
Get involved, be part of it! www.mynottingham.gov.uk/gameon
Nottingham’s Industrial Museum re-opens
See Nottingham shine with Light Night!
The Industrial Museum is to re-open as a volunteer-run site on 17 March thanks to funding from the Skills Funding Agency and Arts Council England.
Located in the stable block at Wollaton Park, the museum offers an insight into Nottingham’s rich industrial heritage. It has been redesigned and refurbished by members of the local community who will continue to operate the museum once it’s open. The museum will open every Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holiday and the popular steaming events will continue on the last Sunday of every month. Nottingham City Council will continue to support the museum and volunteers with an advisory role on the Industrial Museum Board.
We hope you can join us on 17 March to celebrate the re-opening of the museum. For further details visit www. nottinghamindustrialmuseum.co.uk
Take to the streets on Friday 10 February and discover a world of fantastic events, activities and illuminations for people of all ages! Now in its fifth year, the well established Light Night returns to the city from 6pm ‘til late with many FREE activities for everyone to enjoy! Nottingham will shine at night with entertainment, live music, installations, projections and special offers. Music and street performers will transform the city and bring it to life after dark during this very special event in Nottingham’s cultural calendar.
Interested in becoming a volunteer? Call our Volunteer Programmes Co-ordinator on 0115 876 2187
Supported by We Are Nottingham, Light Night sees many unique events taking place across the city centre. Don’t miss your chance to see the city like this, it will be memorable! Experience surreal light installations, street dancing, sword fighting, live music, artist commissions, lanterns and much more! Light Night brings a dynamic feel to the city so why not enjoy the evening’s spectacles and take advantage of Light Night offers including discounted travel, bars and restaurants and FREE activities for children and adults.
For more information, event listings and offers during Light Night call Nottingham Tourism Centre on 08444 77 5678 or visit www.mynottingham.gov.uk/lightnight
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Help at hand for victims of domestic violence
A special 24-hour helpline is available for victims of domestic violence and abuse, supported by Nottingham City Council and Notts County Council. The Nottinghamshire Domestic Violence Helpline also provides support and guidance to families, friends, employers and colleagues of victims. If you’re the victim of domestic violence or know someone that might be, please contact the helpline:
0808 800 0340 You can also report the matter anonymously to Nottinghamshire CRIMESTOPPERS:
Information will be passed on to Police Officers and other officials specially trained to handle these cases carefully and sensitively to maximise the safety and welfare of the victims.
If you don’t help, who will?
Do you know a Council GEM?
Nottingham City Council is to honour those making a difference to citizens through outstanding customer service. The City Council is seeking nominations for its employees through its GEM colleague award scheme for 2012. These can be made for an individual, a team or service who have made a positive difference to you or your local area and have gone the extra mile to provide services for you. Finalists will be chosen by a panel of judges from all the nominations received. All feedback is valued and all nominees will be recognised.
Nominating is easy, simply log on to www.mynottingham.gov.uk/gemawards or call the GEM team on 87 63319. This year’s awards are sponsored by Victoria Centre www.victoriacentre.uk.com
Take up an apprenticeship this year If you’re having difficulty finding work, paid on the job training could be the answer. And this is what an apprenticeship gives you. Find out more by coming along to our Apprenticeship Fair on Saturday 11 February, 10am - 1pm, at the Nottingham Conference Centre (Nottingham Trent University) on Burton Street. Over 20 training providers and employers will be advertising apprenticeships including the Chamber of Commerce, New College Nottingham, Babington Business College , Nottingham City Homes, Nottingham City Council and Jobcentre Plus.
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For more information please visit www.nottinghamjobs.com More jobs and careers advice can be found in a special jobs supplement in this edition of the Arrrow.
Win
a FREE HD Ready LCD TV! For entry details and to find ways to save cash and our environment visit:
www.atlanticorp.co.uk
A good year for reading There have been many highlights during Nottingham’s Year of Reading campaign which has helped promote reading activities across the city to encourage more children and their families to love and enjoy books. Key events included Ambleside Primary’s World Record attempt – where over 400 adults and 500 children read the same book at the same time – story telling workshops for parents and volunteers along with guest appearances from popular children’s authors.
Big book drop = big success Over 8000 books were donated as part of the Big Book Drop Campaign, exceeding the City Council’s 5000 target. Many of these have now been distributed to doctors’ surgeries, children’s centres and leisure centres. Voluntary and statutory groups have also benefited from receiving books to use or give away.
“We had around 50 women attend our Women’s Health Day and the books were extremely popular. Many thanks!” Glen Jarvis - Neighbourhoods, Crime and Justice Team
In 2011* there were:
* * *
12,325 more books issued by city libraries 240 more school visits to libraries 84 more activities outside libraries to promote reading/libraries
*between Jan-Sept 2011 compared to same time in 2010
Schools get involved Education standards improve Schools and the Library and Information Service have worked together to promote this year’s Circus Stars Summer Reading Challenge which saw more children reading six or more books over the school holidays.
Schools have also held their own reading activities throughout the year and many have benefited from the City Council’s Reading Volunteers Scheme which saw over 50 employees visit schools to listen to pupils read during the summer term.
“Even in the small period of time I was there I could see the real benefit of one-on-one time for the children I read with.” Volunteer
The city has seen improvements at Key Stage 2 (11 year olds) with test results increasing faster than or matching the national rate of improvement, including reading. This is very encouraging and it is hoped the Year of Reading will continue to have a positive impact on education standards.
Work with the University of Nottingham and The National Literacy Trust to develop community literacy in the Bilborough area will continue to promote reading and city-wide literacy beyond the end of the campaign. The Year of Reading will draw to a close at Light Night on 10 February with a ‘Little Light Reading’ at locations across the city and a finale event at the Theatre Royal.
A huge thank you to everyone who has supported the campaign to get people reading! For more information visit www.mynottingham.co.uk/ reading 9
Two new tram lines show Nottingham’s ambition Construction of two new tram lines serving the south and south west of the conurbation has begun. The project was given the green light just before Christmas with Tramlink Nottingham being awarded the £570 million contract to build and operate the extended network. Cllr Jane Urquhart, Nottingham City Council’s Portfolio Holder for Planning and Transportation, says: “The level of investment this project brings to the local area can’t be underestimated. World leading engineering and construction companies will create new jobs for local people during the build process. The knock-on effect could see new companies relocating here thanks to Nottingham’s improved public transport. 10
‘Without the Workplace Parking Levy the Council’s contribution towards the tram project would not be possible.’
“This too will result in new jobs for local people. So as a tool for moving out of the current economic downturn, NET Phase Two is an excellent project.” Already, 70 new jobs have been advertised ranging from office staff and assistant surveyors to project managers. New tram jobs are being recruited through the Council’s Employer Hub which matches the needs of recruiters with the skills of local job seekers. Cllr Urquhart continues: “Securing the deal to build two more tram lines in the current economic climate is no mean feat. It’s been a difficult task steering the project through a changing political climate and a turbulent global banking crisis. Nottingham has again demonstrated its resilience and ambition.”
Better integration between tram and train is at the heart of Nottingham’s railway station redevelopment. The project is funded by Nottingham City Council, the Government, and through a combination of tram fare revenue and a Private Finance Initiative (PFI) arrangement over 23 years. The Government provides approximately 66% of the estimated £570m (net present value) cost (through the PFI) arrangement, and the remaining 34% comes from Nottingham City Council, mainly through the Workplace Parking Levy (WPL). Without the WPL the Council’s contribution towards the tram project would not be possible. The WPL is also helping to pay for the current redevelopment of Nottingham’s railway station and providing ongoing support for the subsidised Link Bus network. The tram extensions and the station project still top business wish-lists for infrastructure improvements in the city, along with the A453.
Workplace Parking Levy From 1 April this year, employers inside the Nottingham City Council administrative boundary that provide 11 or more workplace parking places will need to pay the WPL charge. These employers were required to license liable places in October last year. The majority of employers in Nottingham will not pay anything, as they provide 10 or fewer workplace parking places.
For more information about the tram project or to sign up for email alerts about NET construction news please visit www.thetram.net/phasetwo.com or call the hotline on 0115 924 2454 For details about any jobs being recruited to through the Employer Hub please visit www.mynottingham.gov.uk/ employerhub
The focus of attention now is to work with communities affected by the tram construction to ensure citizens and businesses are kept well informed of progress and to help mitigate any concerns about potential disruption.
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Learn how to play a new sport!
Clifton and Victo
proud to present
From just £2 per session
Badminton • Boxing • Jogging for beginners • Netball • Squash • Tennis • Trampolining • Volleyball
January – March 2012 Sessions are suitable for complete beginners, so if you haven’t played sport since school, need a refresher course or just want to try something these are perfect for you!
The City Council’s £32m Leisure Centre Transformation Programme aims to provide fewer, better quality leisure facilities and has delivered improvements at many of the Council’s leisure centres since 2004.
New look Clifton Leisure Centre The transformation of Clifton Leisure Centre is now complete, with state of the art facilities for everyone to enjoy.
The full length of the course can be paid in advance for just £12 in total or each week for £2.50 per session
To book or for more information please call 0115 915 2740.
www.mynottingham.gov.uk/sportscourses
Cash for physical activity, sport, arts and crafts Does your club or group need money to deliver new physical activity, sport, arts or craft sessions in 2012? We can help!
If your sports club or voluntary organisation is looking for financial help to buy equipment, start a new team / session or train individuals to become coaches you may be eligible for a grant. Come along to a FREE funding surgery for practical one-2-one support which includes help with filling in application forms and writing bids.
For a full list of dates and venues and details on how to book a place visit www.mynottingham.gov.uk/ fundingworkshops call 0115 915 2740 or email sportandleisure@nottinghamcity.gov.uk 12
£1 million has been invested in the centre to provide an extended 66 station gym and luxurious health suite featuring new sauna, steam room and spa pool. The centre will also offer a brand new fitness class programme including Aqua Zumba.
For more information call 0115 915 2333 or visit www.mynottingham.gov.uk/cliftonleisurecentre
oria leisure centres transformed Your BRAND NEW Victoria Leisure Centre opens 5th March 2012
Win!
Over £9 million has been invested to transform Victoria Leisure Centre into a state-of-the-art fitness facility which is equipped with:
70 station gym 6 lane 25m swimming pool Children’s fun splash pool Teaching pool Multi-activity studio Sauna and steam rooms
including plunge shower and relaxation suite. The gym features the latest Technogym equipment as used by Team GB - including:
The all new Kinesis One station offering zero-impact exercises for all levels of fitness and ability, improving balance, strength and flexibility. The ARKE, a total body training system based on natural movements with up to 265 exercises to choose from.
Come and look around the new facilities and see for yourself! We’ll be running tours from 28 February.
SwimSchool
Nottingham Swim School is available at the new leisure centre and offers swimming lessons for all ages from 6 months to adults at all ability levels. Whether you’re a complete beginner, looking to develop your technique or just want to swim for fitness, we have classes for you.
Make the most of the new centre. Join Flexible Fitness and get unlimited access to the facilities including: Gym Swimming Fitness classes Sauna and steam rooms Sign up to Flexible Fitness at Victoria Leisure Centre between 27 February and 21 March 2012 and you’ll be entered into our grand opening prize draw! Prizes include a fantastic iPad2, one of 7 iPod Touch’s or one of 25 iPod Shuffle’s. Terms and Conditions Apply.
For more information about Flexible Fitness, Nottingham Swim School, the grand opening or to book your place on a tour call 0115 876 2167 or visit www.mynottingham.gov.uk/victorialc Your new centre is constructed by Nottingham’s award-winning Local Education Partnership (LEP), a public private partnership between Nottingham City Council and inspiredspaces.
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A greener deal Green Deal aims to cut carbon emissions by making houses more energy efficient without charging residents. Nottingham City Council is preparing a business case to become a Green Deal Provider which would see £80m being spent over the next five years to make homes and small business greener.
Nottingham is bidding to be part of a new government scheme which could help cut fuel bills for citizens.
Almost 13,000 homes could benefit from free wall or loft insulation or new boilers under the government scheme. Citizens would save 10% off their energy bills (£13m over the next 20 years) with the rest going to the Council to pay for the work.
Read on to find out more about the help available to become more energy efficient...
Energy Calculator helps save money
Local solutions for global issues
A new online tool has been launched to help you understand more about what you can do to reduce your energy bills.
The city’s new Climate Change Strategy for 2011 – 2020 has been launched.
The Nottingham Energy Calculator offers FREE, impartial advice and information on how to cut energy use and save money. Just key your address or post code into the calculator to find the low carbon, energy saving options available for your home and how much money you could save if these were installed. The options range from loft and wall insulation to the latest solar power technology. The Nottingham Energy Calculator is the first local authority interactive online calculator developed in the UK. It supports the City Council’s Energy Strategy aim to reduce city-wide carbon emissions by 26 per cent by 2020 and the Council’s commitment to help to keep citizens’ fuel bills down.
To use the calculator go to www.mynottingham.gov.uk/energycalculator 14
The strategy complements the Nottingham Energy Strategy 2010 and Carbon-based Waste Strategy, with a focus on how local neighbourhoods will play their part to ensure reductions in the city’s energy use and carbon emissions are sustainable. It also sets out actions to help householders save money on their energy bills, and respond to extreme weather events such as flooding and heat waves. Our ambition is to create a prosperous, low carbon, resilient city which maximises the opportunities for growth and protects local people from the impacts of extreme weather. The plans for Nottingham’s low carbon future include actions to create jobs, protect the local economy, save energy and money, build excellent public transport links, promote the use of locally grown affordable food and make beneficial use of green and open spaces.
Download the Climate Change Strategy at www.mynottingham.gov.uk/climatechange
Other ways you can save money:
1 Check you’re on the best payment option. Paying online or by direct debit tariffs tend to be cheaper ways to pay.
2 Switch suppliers if it saves you money. To help you
decide try out the Nottingham Energy Partnership’s 100% impartial Tariff Switch Tool found at www. nottenergy.com
3 Find out if you qualify for a grant to make your
FREE* insulation saves you cash
home energy efficient. Contact our Energy Team on 0115 876 3537 or email: energyteam.housing@ nottinghamcity.gov.uk
4 Seek advice about debt and welfare benefits. Our advisers will:
With energy bills rising all the time, it has never been more important to manage your bills. The most effective way to do this is by insulating cavity walls and lofts and the good news is that Nottingham Warm Zone are offering FREE* installation – but hurry as this winter special offer ends in less than eight weeks. Cavity wall and loft insulation can save you up to £300 on your energy bills and make your home much warmer. The city’s FREE Nottingham Warm Zone offer is unique in the UK so don’t miss out, the work must be completed by March 31 2012. * The free full loft and cavity wall insulation offer is open to all homeowners, private landlords and private tenants living in the city, regardless of age or benefits. To receive free loft insulation, the current loft insulation depth must be 60 mm or less. Loft insulation is also available if the depth is between 60 mm and 130 mm, prices are subject to survey.
To find out more visit www.nottinghamwarmzone.com or call 0844 499 1920
on gas and spending over £1200 Many people are now still on the and with energy prices electricity each year ially. starting to struggle financ increase, you could be
think you make savings. If you Advice team can help The Council’s Energy goes on energy bills there your household income that more than 10% of e for you. may be more help availabl
I can’t afford to heat my home
My house is cold
I’m always ill
My house is damp
I can’t pay my electricity/ gas bill
I’m about to be disconnected
• Check that you are getting all the benefits you are entitled to. • Help you to set up payment plans for all your priority debts like rent, council tax, gas and electricity. • Help you to set up affordable payment plans with your creditors. • Look to see if you can access any one of a number of charitable trusts for money towards your fuel and water bills.
If you’re struggling to pay your energy bills contact one of our specialist advisers - call 0115 915 1355 Visit: www.mynottingham.gov.uk/welfarerights Email: welfarerights@nottinghamcity.gov.uk
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Work starts on Forest Recreation Ground The bowls pavilion and toilet block on the Forest Recreation Ground on Gregory Boulevard have been demolished ahead of a £5.1 million project which will see the park restored to its former glory. The project, being delivered by Nottingham’s Local Education Partnership, includes restoring the historic entrances and the Grade II listed lodge, refurbishing the pavilion with a new café, toilets and community space as well other improvements to the park’s paths and planted areas. It is hoped that construction work will begin in Spring 2012. The existing changing facilities will also be upgraded but the long term ambition is to regenerate the sports area near the Gregory Boulevard / Mansfield Road junction to create a state-of-the-art Sports Zone which provides top quality facilities for all, including sports clubs, families and young people. Both major green spaces projects are excellent examples of the work being undertaken to revitalise Nottingham’s parks to ensure they continue to attract visitors from the city and beyond.
To find out more, visit www.nottinghamlep.co.uk
Extreme sport Nottingham’s parks and open spaces offer extreme sports opportunities catering for those adrenalin junkies seeking more than a gentle stroll or game of football. Clifton boasts Nottingham’s latest skatepark and BMX track. The 750 metre skatepark features a ‘Broadmarsh Banks’ style wide hip, a 2.5m vert pool and a 30m by 15m BMX track. The £300,000 project was funded by Nottingham City Council following feedback from local residents which identified young people needed an outdoor space of their own. The Clifton skatepark and BMX track builds on the success of similar facilities at Southglade Park in Bestwood, Maple Street in Hyson Green and Valley Road Recreation Ground in Sherwood. Proposals are also in the pipeline to improve the existing BMX track at the Forest Recreation Ground as part of the restoration project and build a new BMX track at Broxtowe Country Park.
Nottingham’s newest climbing wall recently opened to the public. The 40 feet tall High Ropes Challenge includes swing ropes and abseiling facilities. The High Ropes is the latest addition to the Colwick Park Adventure Centre which offers a wide range of other activities, including: Sailing, windsurfing, canoeing, kayaking, power boating, mountain biking, orienteering, team building, nature walks and bird spotting.
For more information please visit www.mynottingham.gov.uk/parks or www.mynottingham.gov.uk/adventure 16
Nottingham’s Markets With a wide range of goods including fresh, local produce, crafts, clothing plus everyday essentials, Nottingham’s Markets offer great value and can be easily reached by public transport. Why not pay them a visit and see for yourself!
Hyson Green Market
Open every Wednesday, 9.00am - 2.30pm and every Saturday, 9.30am - 3.30pm on Radford Road
Bilborough Market
Open every Thursday, 9.00am 1.00pm on Bracebridge Drive
Clifton Market
Open every Friday and Saturday, 9.00am - 4.00pm on Southchurch Drive
Bulwell Market
Open Tuesday, Friday and Saturdays, 9.00am - 4.00pm on Bulwell Market Place. A Flea Market is also held on Wednesday mornings.
St Ann's Market
Open Tuesdays, 9.00am - 2.30pm on Robin Hood Chase For more information visit: www. mynottingham.gov.uk/markets
New Food Hall at Victoria Centre Market
Victoria Centre Market has opened a fantastic new food hall, with stalls offering both fresh produce and ready prepared food. The market has a reputation for its high quality, great value fresh produce. Stalls include African, Caribbean, European and Halal food plus butchers, fishmongers and greengrocers. The refurbishment of the food hall, which cost £496,000, has created an attractive, modern shopping space and increased the area available for food stalls. So why not enjoy a break from your shopping at one of the restaurants and cafes in the market, or pop along and pick some great value ingredients?
Victoria Centre Market is Nottingham’s only indoor market, situated on the upper level opposite John Lewis in the Victoria Shopping Centre. As well as the food hall, the market has over 80 stalls selling a wide range of products including beauty products and treatments, computers, crafts and fabrics, flowers and plants, jewellery and fashion clothing.
Opportunities are available for new traders to join Victoria Centre Market’s food hall, with a 50% discount on pitches for the first six months. Please contact the Markets Office on 0115 915 6970 or email markets.fairs@nottinghamcity.gov.uk for more details.
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Two new Joint Service Centres open in Nottingham Nottingham will get two new Joint Service Centres in 2012, building on the success of the existing Mary Potter Centre in Hyson Green and Clifton Cornerstone. Joint Service Centres provide one stop shops for the local community, giving citizens easy and convenient local access to a number of services all under one roof.
Helping you get in touch A new service has been launched making it easier and cheaper for you to get in touch with the City Council. Now when you visit any of the customer contact points listed below you can make a call to any council service for FREE.
Bulwell Riverside Bulwell Riverside opened its doors to the public in January 2012. The £22 million centre is the city’s largest Joint Service Centre, conveniently located in the heart of Bulwell Town Centre with access to tram, train and bus station. Bulwell Riverside brings together City Council social care, welfare rights and neighbourhood management teams who will work alongside primary and community health care colleagues, GP practices and Nottingham City Homes staff. A new library and community facility takes pride of place in the heart of the building, alongside a café with terrace view across the River Leen and Bulwell Bogs Park. The new play centre includes a natural creative play garden and youth facility with sports hall, recording studio and training kitchen which aim to promote the health and well being of Bulwell’s young people and families.
www.nottinghamcity.gov.uk/bulwellriverside If you’re interested in volunteering at the centre or getting involved in the Friends Group email steve.pepper@nottinghamcity.gov.uk 18
St Ann’s Valley Centre St Ann’s Valley Centre is due to open in Spring 2012. The £15 million centre is located off St Ann’s Well Road, on the newly created Livingstone Road, opposite the existing St Ann’s Health Centre. Like the other three centres, St Ann’s Valley Centre will offer a range of City Council services including an open plan library with youth and family facilities alongside GP practices, health services and housing services from Nottingham City Homes.
www.nottinghamcity.gov.uk/ stannsvalleycentre If you are interested in getting involved in the Friends Group contact the Joint Working Team on 0115 883 4895.
Loxley House Angel Row Mary Potter Centre Clifton Cornerstone Lawrence House Housing Aid (Parliament Street) Denewood Centre Aspley Library Bakersfield Library Basford Library Bilborough Library Clifton Library Hyson Green Library Meadows Library Radford / Lenton Library St Anns Library Sherwood Library Sneinton Library Southglade Park library Strelley Road Library Wollaton Library
We’re transforming services to ensure they are flexible, cost-effective and meet your needs. We’ll be doing more over the coming months to ensure we put you first. To find out more call 915 5555 or visit www. mynottingham.gov.uk
Dr Anant Sachdev
If you notice blood in your pee, even if it’s ‘just the once’, tell your doctor. Blood in your pee could be an early sign of kidney or bladder cancer, even if it only happens once. Chances are it’s nothing serious, but finding it early makes it more treatable. So if it happens, tell your doctor straight away.
nhs.uk/bloodinpee
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