Please remember for all the latest on our services visit rushcliffe.gov.uk
Have your say in our residents’ survey
Please encourage residents in your area of the Borough to complete our latest residents’ survey, inviting all living in Rushcliffe to have their say on Council services and life here in the area.
The survey can be completed online or in Rushcliffe Reports magazine which is delivered to every home in the Borough and arrived through letter boxes last week.
Carried out every three years, the survey asks residents to answer questions about their satisfaction with a range of services that we offer, their feeling of being safe in their community and where they feel the Borough can improve to be a better place to live and work.
Surveys should be completed before the deadline of 5pm on Monday August 2.
Our Leader Cllr Simon Robinson said “Please complete the survey to have your say so you can help shape our services going forward.
“It is essential residents of the Borough have the opportunity to be able to inform their local Council on the items that matter to them.
“We’re aware this is just one snapshot of gauging people’s opinions of our services and life here in the Borough and we encourage residents to continually feedback their thoughts to us at www.rushcliffe.gov.uk
“Given the impact of COVID-19 on us all, we are keen to hear too if you have felt, and continue to feel, informed and connected to the latest advice on the pandemic.”
Vaccination appointments now available for all adults
All those 18 and over can attend a vaccination site by walking in and those who had their first dose 56 days ago (eight weeks) can walk in for their second dose.
Eligible residents can also book their Covid-19 vaccine by calling 119 or visiting the National Booking Website.
For all enquiries on Vaccination appointments please visit Nottingham and Nottinghamshire’s CCG website.
£400,000 boost for pubs, bars and restaurants
Pubs, bars, restaurants and other businesses in the hospitality trade in the Borough are set to receive a boost with nearly £400,000 of COVID-19 support grants being further allocated to the industry.
Eligible businesses will now be contacted directly from later this week by us for further discretionary funding of Additional Restrictions Grants of up £6,000 each, following previous grant payments.
We have decided to attribute the funding to the sector due to the ongoing disruption of current COVID-19 restrictions that see outlets not able to operate at full capacity due to social distancing and other measures.
All of our support for businesses during the pandemic is available on our webpage.
It follows news earlier this month of our Finance and Revenues teams being shortlisted for a national award for reaching out to local businesses quickly and effectively during the pandemic to distribute all grant funding.
We will now be in the running for a CCLA/Room151 Impact Award tomorrow, Thursday July 1, that has seen thousands of the grants administered with speed and accuracy and you can register to view the online ceremony.
Our Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Finance and Customer Access Cllr Gordon Moore said: “We’re very pleased to be able to direct further funding to many businesses in the hospitality sector who are working tirelessly as COVID-19 restrictions continue.
“We recognise businesses need support now and our approach from the moment grants were made available from central government was to waste no time and make payment distribution a priority.
“We know businesses are facing big pressures and we’re committed to helping them wherever we can. We would encourage all business owners to look at what assistance is also available through our business support programmes.
“Our Environmental Health and Licensing teams continue to offer support on trading securely in line with restrictions. Please email for assistance.”
It follows ours and local authorities' calls across Notts to owners and customers to keep following COVID-19 operating rules at hospitality outlets to ensure they keep staff and each other safe.
Sadly, multiple breaches have occurred by outlets in the County in recent weeks that have led to over £15,000 worth of fines as staff and customers were witnessed making major errors that put fellow consumers at risk.
They included taking indoor bookings for large groups, customers queuing in bar areas instead of receiving table service and face masks not being warn at the appropriate times.
Our Environmental Health and Licensing teams are always on hand to answer business owners' queries or offer support by emailing envhealth@rushcliffe.gov.uk or calling 0115 981 9911.
Work on new Rushcliffe Oaks crematorium begins later this summer
Work is due to start on our new crematorium facility and community space later this summer known as Rushcliffe Oaks, reflecting the connection back to nature and wildlife and our commitment to improving the biodiversity of the site.
The modern contemporary building will be located in Stragglethrope near Cotgrave and will provide an environmentally conscious building and memorial gardens that are sensitive to its surroundings with more information available on the Rushcliffe Oaks website.
We are still seeking to be carbon neutral in our operations by 2030 and this is reflected at the heart of the design and thought process for the new facility.
Through the use of innovative technologies and renewable energy sources, there are plans for a greener electric powered cremator rather than the more traditional use of gas, lowering CO2 emissions by around 90 per cent, making Rushcliffe Oaks one of the first in the country to invest in this new technology.
It is anticipated it could open in summer 2022 and will be operated and managed directly by ourselves.
Read more on our website.
Our Customer Service Centre and contact points welcome back residents
Our Customer Service centre and contact points at West Bridgford, Cotgrave, East Leake and Bingham have re-opened and warmly and safely welcomed back customers.
The centres operate with COVID-19 measures in place, in line with the government’s extension of the step 3 roadmap as customers are invited to continue to keep distance, use hand sanitiser on arrival and wear a facemask when visiting any site.
To highlight the re-opening, our Customer Services colleagues took part in a short video for social media, which can be watched on our YouTube channel.
At Fountain Court, an appointment service operates on Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays but customers can arrange an appointment at short notice on arrival at the centre.
Walk-in services for photocopying and self-scan station are available without appointment.
In Cotgrave a walk-in service operates before 1pm on contact point opening days and appointment service from 1pm-5pm.
Opening times are:
- Rushcliffe Customer Service Centre, Fountain Court, West Bridgford
Mondays and Thursdays 8.30am-5pm, Fridays 8.30am-4.30pm – appointment only
Tuesdays 8.30am-1pm walk-in service, 1pm-5pm appointment only
Wednesdays 8.30am-5pm walk-in service
Thursdays 8.30am-5pm walk-in service
Over 70 fly-tipping fines issued in the Borough in just six months
Action on rogue fly-tippers has increased hugely in the Borough since the beginning of 2021 with over 70 fixed penalty notices given to those found blighting local spots with domestic or commercial waste.
It follows on from our partnership with Waste Investigations Support & Enforcement (WISE) that sought to build on its existing tools to find and fine or prosecute those who flout the rules as part of even more focus on tackling the nuisance issue.
Since January their environmental enforcement service now operates across the Borough seven days a week, investigating where the waste has come with the marked increase on fines down to thorough searches on items linked to properties and individuals.
It compares with five fines administered in the previous six months before the partnership.
Our new bins and signage also now instruct motorists to ‘bin it, don’t dump it’ at lay-bys in the area, backing up continued surveillance on trade waste and household items being dumped on roads and verges and monitoring sites to catch those in the act.
We are reminding residents and businesses to check that any company or individual they employ to dispose of their waste holds the relevant Trade Waste Carriers’ licence to avoid their unwanted goods contributing to fly-tips.
This can be completed by them showing the relevant licence in person and checking it with the Environment Agency’s listings of registered businesses.
Our Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Environment and Safety Cllr Rob Inglis said: “The message is clear, we will not tolerate fly-tipping anywhere in Rushcliffe and we will continue to take action against persons who do not dispose of their waste responsibly.
“Fly-tippers are warned that we are taking this very seriously and by our various monitoring means we will take more positive action and prosecute from any evidence gathered and that includes seizing the vehicles involved.
“Residents have a huge part to play too by always checking that anyone they pay to take items away from their home is a registered waste carrier by requesting to view the appropriate Environment Agency licence.
“Please be our extra eyes and ears and report any suspicious activity on our website.”
Explore flavour-filled food stalls at West Bridgford Food and Drink Market
West Bridgford will be the home of a COVID secure Food and Drink market this Saturday, July 3, as residents and visitors alike will have the chance to explore flavour-filled stalls.
Based on the town’s Croquet Lawn on Central Avenue from 9am to 3pm, local growers, makers, cooks and businesses will offer tasty treats for customers to enjoy in line with secure measures for the outdoor based event.
With our Taste of Rushcliffe Food Festival set to return in 2022, this smaller scale bite-sized market is still set to get the tastebuds tingling with some great offers from traders.
Food lovers can explore a range of delicious delights, from locally produced cheese and preserves, to tasty pies and a selection of wines from local vineyards.
Our Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Communities and Climate Change Cllr Abby Brennan said: “We welcome all to what should be a great bitesize event that highlights some of our great local businesses and lifestyle here in Rushcliffe.
“Please be assured COVID secure measures will be in place and we look forward to traders showcasing some of their delicious local treats for all the family to enjoy.”
Proms in the Park set for September slot
Following the government’s COVID-19 roadmap update on June 14, our annual Proms in the Park event is now set to take place later this summer on Saturday September 18.
The annual Bridgford Park music event will be rescheduled from its usual Armed Forces Day slot on the last Saturday of June.
It is hoped this will mean being able to accommodate a greater number of people and safely offer food and drink outlets and fringe stalls and attractions and welcome local Armed Forces representatives, not possible under the current COVID restrictions.
Home Alarms Service given 100% rating for fifth consecutive year
Our Home Alarms Service has been given another remarkable 100 per cent customer satisfaction rating, which is the fifth consecutive year it has achieved this.
Those who use the service fed back they were completely satisfied with our Housing Support administration team when they had the need to use the facility.
The alarms provide security, reassurance and independence for hundreds of people across the Borough and neighbouring areas.
A pendant is worn on a neck cord or wrist with a trigger that can be pressed to call the authority in the instance of a medical or other emergency.
Our Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Communities and Climate Change Cllr Abby Brennan said: “It’s brilliant to see our Home Alarms Service receive this rating for the fifth year running.
“The latest survey highlights that our team upholds an exceptional level of customer service and this is the tenth year we have secured a rating of more than 95 per cent.
“The alarms can provide a lifeline and provide many families with peace of mind, allowing residents to stay independent in their own home knowing that help is no more than a press of a button away.”
Home Alarms are accessible to residents living in the Borough and other areas of the East Midlands with free COVID secure demonstrations available.
Mrs Hopper from Radcliffe on Trent is a one of the services’ satisfied customers. She said: “The alarm is brilliant. If ever I need help, it’s there on my wrist or around my neck and my family are happy as it gives me security too.
“It’s helped me keep my independence, so I’d really recommend anyone to get in touch with the Council if they’re interested.”
To find out more about the service, our Housing Support Team can be contacted on 0115 981 9911 or at www.rushcliffe.gov.uk/homealarms
Scouts learn how to recycle more effectively thanks to our activity book
Members of a scout group based in the Borough are now learning how to recycle even more effectively thanks to an activity book teaching the correct items to place in the correct bins at home and across its communities.
1st Meadow Covert scout group have received over 40 of our recycling activity books.
They are now enabling attendees to learn and engage with methods on how to properly dispose of waste items such as glass disposal and explore other green ways to recycle waste through composting.
The children’s books are available to view on our website where copies can also be downloaded.
They take children through a fun set of resources that include a crossword, dot to dot, sudoku, spot the difference and other advice that helps them relate to the recycling process.
Read more on our website.
Organisers reminded to check COVID-19 secure measures
We are reminding event organisers to stringently check they have all COVID secure measures in place to ensure the safety of those who attend planned community or other gatherings.
Following the government’s roadmap extension of step 3 to July 19, we are aware of the great lengths many organisers are going to ensuring their planned events can still go ahead.
However with some organisers anticipating all restrictions would now have been lifted, we are asking them to contact our Environmental Health and Licensing Teams, should they have any questions or need to clarify legislation.
They can email or call 0115 981 9911.
Our Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Environment and Safety Cllr Rob Inglis said: “We know how important local events are to our communities and we are reminding organisers to ensure you check, and check again, all your obligations are met before proceeding with an event.
“We are here to help guide you through the process and aware of the huge volume of resources, staffing and volunteer efforts that may be required.
“Please remember every aspect of a risk assessment and event management plan must be in place and the measures are necessary to protect your communities and event goers. Email or call us and we will assist wherever we can.”
Views wanted on Veteran Wellbeing Hub
A bid is being put together to help fund a Veteran Wellbeing Hub and people are being asked to give their views on the idea.
Our joint Covenant project with Charnwood and Melton Borough Councils is working with the Loughborough Wellbeing Centre to apply for funding to develop the proposal.
The hub would be based in the town and provide a safe space for veterans as well as advice and support, activities, food and drink, and the opportunity to meet other veterans.
As part of this work, people are being asked to complete a short survey before July 16 to offer their views on the idea and the kind of support they think would be needed at the hub. The feedback will be used to help to shape a funding bid to the Armed Forces Covenant.
Honours list recommendations now open
Councils have been invited by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) to put forward recommendations for the Queen's Birthday 2022 Honours List.
The deadline for nominations is 10am on Wednesday September 1, earlier than usual because the list is set to be announced to coincide with the Platinum Jubilee on June 2 next year.
Some guidance on the process can be accessed on MHCLG website nominations need to be completed on their online form and complete two letters of support to honours@communities.gov.uk.
Further information, including examples and top tips for drafting a citation, is available via this shared google drive folder.
Whilst the Honours celebrate all achievements, MHCLG is especially interested in people who are working or volunteering in their community.
They could be working with the homeless or in housing more widely, supporting community integration and interfaith work, or working in local government over an extended period to achieve the council’s local ambitions.
To give a nominee the best chance of success, the citation should set out their achievements with two or three good and recent (not more than five years old) examples setting out what it is that they have done that makes them stand out.
You should also include information about their personal contribution and what they did that changed things, the impact of their actions and details of the outcomes that they achieved.
Please note that each nomination should be submitted with at least two letters of support.
MHCLG are offering training opportunities to help you get the best from the Honours system. Please book a place at an upcoming honours workshop.
For any queries regarding the honours process please email: honours@communities.gov.uk
Have your say on electoral wards in the Borough
A reminder the Local Government Boundary Commission for England (LGBCE) has launched a public consultation inviting proposals to maintain the current pattern of electoral wards for the Borough.
This includes their recommendation that 44 councillors should be elected to the Council in future instead of our previous proposal to the authority it could increase to 46 in line with our increasing populations.
They are inviting proposals from the council, interested parties and members of the public until Friday, July 19 and you can have your say on the LGBCE website which contains links to guidance and maps of the current wards.
The Commission recently gave a briefing designed to inform a wider group of stakeholders about the current position and gain a better understanding of our communities’ make-up. You can watch the video or if you wish to request a copy of the slides, please email media@rushcliffe.gov.uk.
It included questions on how ward boundaries can be altered and the restrictions around them and also how the names of new wards and parishes need to have a historical link should any be created.
Views on the consultation can also be submitted by email to reviews@lgbce.org.uk.
They plan to publish proposals for new electoral arrangements in October with further consultation planned between then and December and intend to publish final recommendations in March 2022.
Parliamentary constituencies review
The Boundary Commission for England has recently published its initial recommendations for the new parliamentary boundaries to be introduced for the next Parliamentary Election due to take place.
For residents of Rushcliffe there is very little change with Barnstone Parish proposed to move from Rushcliffe Constituency to Newark Constituency which would then make all of Thoroton Ward in Newark Constituency.
Shelford and Newton Parishes are also proposed to move from Rushcliffe Constituency to Newark Constituency which would then make all of East Bridgford ward in Newark Constituency.
Therefore the proposals make perfect sense to realign the boundaries so that 20 full wards would be in Rushcliffe Constituency and five full wards (Bingham East, Bingham West, Cranmer, East Bridgford and Thoroton) would be in Newark constituency. Obviously this is based on the current wards and not on what they may look like by 2023 following the Ward Boundary Review.
View the Rushcliffe map and Newark map will now be a period of consultation on the initial recommendations which closes on August 2.
To respond to the consultation, please visit the BCE website.
The further stages to the process are below:
- Early 2022: Publish responses to initial proposals and conduct six-week ‘secondary consultation’, including between two and five public hearings in each region;
- Late 2022: Publish revised proposals and conduct four-week written consultation;
- June 2023: Submit and publish final report and recommendations.
Please email elections@rushcliffe.gov.uk with any questions.
Awareness of consent in relationships campaign launched
The A-Z of Consent campaign has been launched to raise the awareness of consent in relationships.
Much has changed in the world of dating, relationships, and sexual activity and largely due to COVID-19 there has been an increase in the number of people staying at home and utilising dating apps and messaging platforms.
Now the campaign has been created to embrace the changing world that we live in and to highlight that consent still matters even if the platforms have changed.
It includes related themes such as dating apps, photos, filming, and messaging and also embraces themes such as intersectionality and being supportive of everyone, regardless of their identities.
It will run over an eight-week period and find out more
Free online sessions for businesses from East Midlands Chamber
Please alert business owners that the East Midlands Chamber have put together a series of free to attend online sessions, delivered in partnership with Nottinghamshire County Council, for those who want to improve and expand business development opportunities and to make themselves supply chain fit.
The sessions will provide an understanding of what potential opportunities are available and how to ensure that businesses can comply with the demands of the procurement process either as a direct supplier or in the supply chain.
The final session is below:
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